When it comes to exploring this blossoming art-meets-industrial district adjacent to downtown Wilmington, there are so, so many places to start. The Cargo District is home to more than 50 small businesses that feature everything from tattoo parlors and hair salons to studios and shops for local creatives.
“If there’s something you’re looking for, you can find it here,” said Leslie Smith, the general contractor who is also the man with the vision for how this neighborhood continues to grow and expand.
Now, he's focused on educating people on how much there is to see in the different corners filled with shipping containers. The edges now include the brand new Azalea Station coworking space and the renovation of Delgado Square shopping center.Smith, and collaborator Bobby Zimmerman of the True Blue restaurant group, are bringing in more, including weekly markets with vendors throughout the district, a passport program with prizes, and eventually a food hall.
Building a community:How the Cargo District is revitalizing Wilmington one block at a time
Here’s a look at some of theplaces to eat, drink and shop in the Cargo District.
Shopping
There are a lot of great services and retail shops in the district, many of them operate with a mission for sustainability or social responsibility. If you're looking for just the right thing for your place, or a great gift, check out these spots.
Auggie & Zo: This shipping container shop at 1605 Queen St. offers clothing and home goods, both local and non-local. Look for items like greeting cards, aviator sunglasses and cropped jackets. The shop is also decorated with plants and greenery and has an outdoor seating area.
Bookworm Pottery: Potter and artist Ashley Merklinger sells handmade functional and decorative ceramics at 707 S 16th St, Unit 3. She also hosts workshops in hand-building and wheel techniques.
Bones Pet Boutique: Another shop in the courtyard behind CheeseSmith restaurant is this pet shop at 1605 Queen St. Look for healthy and safe toys, treats, bones and accessories.
Carolina Beach Fossils: This small business at 1605 Queen St. is owned by afamily of commercial divers and specializes in fossils found in local waters.
Crafted Outpost: Also in the courtyard is this shop with a curated selection of goods from more than 20 local makers – the “best and brightest, coolest and weirdest.” Look for events like a Spring Equinox gathering in late March with yoga, tea and candle making.
The Fuzzy Needle: At 716 S. 17th St., this shop sells books, music, and ephemera and is a great source for new recommendations of things to check out.
Half United: This shop of socially conscious goods is inspired by global travels and relief efforts, as well as desire to help others in Wilmington. Look for jewelry, accessories and more at 1607 Queen St.
Hello, Love: This boutique at 347 Hutchinson Lane offers a curated selection of goods for the home that includes blankets, vintage rugs, candles, and even items like syrups for mocktails and coffees.
High Spirits Concrete:Look for unique, fun and functional art at 707 S. 16th St. with items handcrafted through every step of the cement- and concrete-casting process including mixing, tinting, pouring, curing, sanding andsealing.
Last Stop: This shop recently moved into a new, larger space at Delgado Square at 2160 Wrightsville Ave. They offer an eclectic selection of streetwear, sneakers and vintage itemslike fun T-shirts and unique gifts.
Salty Soaps Co.: This shop is from a North Carolina native who learned the soap-making trade from her mother. She makes sustainably and responsibly sourced soaps, soy wax candles, and organic and natural skin care products.
Missio Hair:Lorin and Kyle Van Zandt are using beauty and salon services to help victims of human trafficking. You can buy their stylist-designed luxury hair products at 1608 Queen St.
The Vintage Cellar: You can sell, trade and buy at this curated vintage shop that offers a variety of clothing from T-shirts to jackets. Look for them at 1605 Queen St. in the courtyard behind CheeseSmith.
The Plant Outpost: This shop that sells a variety of decorative and rare plants may be one of the best known in the Cargo District. It’s moved to a larger space in the district at 624 S. 17th St.
More:Plant Outpost among Wilmington's Cargo District businesses ready to grow in 2021
Threads by Sydney: Look for this vintage clothing store filled with “sustainable wears” in the courtyard at 1605 Queen St.
Pina Imports: This owner imports bags and fabrics from her native Guatemala. Look for Hasta La Vista and other brands that offervintage, sustainable, one-of-a-kind bags made from traditional Mayan blouses.
Three of Cups Club: This was designed by friends as a creative space. But they also offer products, workshops and events at 1901 Kent St. Look for pottery, ceramins and artist markets.
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Coffee, food and more
Smith promises that there is much more on the way when it comes to food, from the reopening of Mess Hall to an outpost from Copper Penny in an upcoming food hall in the works.
Blue Cup Roastery: Wilmington’s only shipping container coffee shop can be found at 348 Hutchison Lane. They offer a variety of coffees, coffee drinks, teas and more.
Beat Street: This newest eatery from the True Blue restaurant group is a playful tribute to global street food. The menu at 348 Hutchison Lane features tacos, kabobs, ssam, burgers and snacks.
CheeseSmith: Brendanand Molly Curnyn started this concept with a popular food truck before expanding to this brick-and-mortar location that serves creative twists on the classic grilled cheese. They’re at 624 S. 17th St.
Drinx: In a new, bigger location in Delgado Square at 2162 Wrightsville Ave., this spot serves plant-based lotus energy drinks, açaí bowls, and sandwiches, wraps and snacksfrom The Veggie Wagon, as well as beer and wine.
Salt & Charm: This catering kitchen at 702 S. 17th St. offers food for special occasions, as well as meal orders and personal chef services.
Mess Hall: This burger spot is hoping to reopen soon in a new location at 2136 Wrightsville Ave. with an expanded breakfast and milkshake menu.
Drinking
The Cargo District is quickly becoming known as a spot for interesting places to drink that have popped up around the longstanding Barzarre (formerly known as The Juggling Gypsy). Grab your friends, take a ride share and enjoy these watering holes.
Alcove Beer Garden: Offering much more than a space to enjoy a beer, look for a full bar, a wine menu, and live music at 348 Hutchinson Lane.
Azalea Station: The newest bar addition is in this new coworking building that includes an event space and a full-service bar at 1502 Castle St.
Bottles: This wine bar and bottle shop not only has a great selection of drinks, but has also become a popular spot for live music and open mic nights. They’re at 615 S. 15th St.
More:New concept: Wilmington distillery plans for onsite kitchen, chef-focused restaurant
More:Wilmington bottle shop 'all grown up' with move to Cargo District
Fermental: This popular spot formerly in the Ogden area is now an important part of the Cargo District social scene with a variety of beers and wines available by the glass, can or bottle. The former automotive shop now has an indoor seating area, an outdoor beer garden, live music and food trucks.
EOD Distillery: Look for a wide variety of locally made spirits, a seasonal craft cocktail menu, a cool lounge and a calendar full of events, music and food trucks at 1815 Castle St.
Bull City Ciderworks: This Durham-based cider maker has four taprooms in the state, but this location at 615 S. 17th St.is one of the busiest, Smith said.
Olio Provisions: Along with several shipping container shops, you can find this micro bar in the courtyard behind CheeseSmith. But they’ll soon be expanding to a nearby container, too. Look for a variety of beers, wines, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks and snacks like Goldfish and pistachios.
Ruff Draft: Wilmington’s first dog park/bar is a place where you and your four-legged buddy can go to play and relax in a large indoor/outdoor space with a full bar. They’re at 2144 Wrightsville Ave.
Starling Whiskey & Wine Bar: Chances are you’ve seen this spot with the eye-catching shipping container mural. They serve a selection of cocktailsand host a variety of events and pop-ups with local restaurants at 1612 Queen St.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her ataballard@gannett.com.
