The Cotton Exchange: A Historical Shopping Haven
Experience the charm of The Cotton Exchange, a unique shopping mall steeped in history, located in the heart of Wilmington's Riverfront.
Nestled in the heart of Wilmington, The Cotton Exchange offers a unique blend of history and shopping. This beautifully restored historic site features charming boutiques, artisanal shops, and delightful eateries, making it a must-visit for tourists seeking a taste of local culture and commerce. With its rich heritage as a former cotton trading hub, visitors can explore a variety of shops housed in quaint buildings while enjoying the picturesque Riverfront views.
A brief summary to The Cotton Exchange
- 321 N Front St, Wilmington, Riverfront, North Carolina, 28401, US
- +1910-343-9896
- Visit website
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the weekdays for a quieter shopping experience.
- Check out the local events calendar for special activities and promotions.
- Take your time to explore the unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
- Enjoy a meal at one of the riverfront restaurants for stunning views.
- Don't forget your camera to capture the beautiful architecture and scenery.
Discover more about The Cotton Exchange
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Battleship Park
0.5 km
Immerse yourself in naval history at Battleship Park, home to the USS North Carolina, offering stunning views and engaging exhibits.
Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House
0.6 km
Explore the historic Wilmington Light Infantry Building, a landmark reflecting the military heritage of Wilmington, NC, nestled in the charming Historic District.
Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau
0.8 km
Explore Wilmington, NC's rich history and beautiful beaches at the Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau, your essential tourist information hub.
Latimer House
0.8 km
Explore the captivating past of Wilmington, NC at Latimer House, a charming local history museum steeped in cultural significance.
1898 Memorial Park
1.0 km
Discover the rich history and serene beauty of 1898 Memorial Park in Wilmington, NC, a tribute to resilience and community spirit.
Piney Ridge Nature Preserve
5.3 km
Explore Piney Ridge Nature Preserve in Wilmington, NC, a serene nature sanctuary boasting unique ecosystems and the iconic Venus Flytrap.
Carolina Beach State Park
21.8 km
Discover the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of Carolina Beach State Park, a perfect coastal retreat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Ocean Front Park and Pavilion
27.1 km
Experience the beauty and tranquility of Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, a perfect beachside retreat in Kure Beach, NC, for relaxation and family fun.
North Carolina Military History Museum
28.8 km
Discover the North Carolina Military History Museum: a treasure trove of artifacts and stories honoring the state's military legacy in Kure Beach.
1921 Fort Fisher Monument
30.2 km
Discover the Fort Fisher Monument in Kure Beach, a historical landmark showcasing Civil War history and stunning ocean views.
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
30.6 km
Explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich history of Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers in Kure Beach, NC.
Battery Buchanan
31.1 km
Discover the historical significance and stunning views of Battery Buchanan in Kure Beach, NC, a cherished landmark of American history.
The Rocks at Fort Fisher
31.1 km
Explore The Rocks at Fort Fisher, a historic landmark in Kure Beach, NC, where history meets stunning coastal scenery.
Zeke's Island Reserve
33.7 km
Explore the breathtaking Zeke's Island Reserve in Southport, NC, where coastal beauty and diverse wildlife await nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
Black River Forest Preserve
39.4 km
Explore the historic Black River Forest Preserve in North Carolina, where nature meets history in a beautiful, serene setting.
Unmissable attractions to see
Wilmington Railroad Museum
0.3 km
Discover the captivating history of railroads at the Wilmington Railroad Museum, a family-friendly attraction in North Carolina.
Wilmington Riverwalk
0.5 km
Explore the scenic Wilmington Riverwalk, a perfect blend of history, culture, and waterfront beauty in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant arts scene at the Wilson Center in Wilmington, North Carolina, showcasing top performances and enriching cultural events.
Blue Post Billiards
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Blue Post Billiards in Wilmington, NC, where great drinks, friendly competition, and fun await every visitor.
Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
0.6 km
Discover the historic Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, where Wilmington's rich heritage meets stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Battleship North Carolina
0.6 km
Discover the storied past of the Battleship North Carolina, a floating museum that brings World War II history to life for every visitor.
Cape Fear Riverboats
0.6 km
Discover the beauty of Wilmington's waterways with Cape Fear Riverboats, offering scenic boat tours along the picturesque Cape Fear River.
Bellamy Mansion Museum
0.7 km
Discover the elegance of the Bellamy Mansion Museum, a historic landmark in Wilmington, NC, where architecture meets local history.
Lower Cape Fear Historical Society
0.8 km
Explore the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society in Wilmington, NC, and dive deep into the region's captivating history through engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff.
Museum of the Bizarre
0.8 km
Explore the eccentric and extraordinary at the Museum of the Bizarre in Wilmington, North Carolina, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and unique.
The Children's Museum of Wilmington
0.8 km
Explore, learn, and play at The Children's Museum of Wilmington, where fun meets education for young minds in a vibrant setting.
Basilica of Saint Mary
1.0 km
Explore the breathtaking Basilica of Saint Mary in Wilmington, NC, a historic Catholic church renowned for its stunning architecture and serene ambiance.
Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
1.1 km
Discover Wilmington's rich history and scientific heritage at the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, where past and present come together.
Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden at Piney Ridge Nature Preserve - Wilmington
5.3 km
Explore the captivating Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, a unique gem in Wilmington, NC, showcasing diverse and fascinating plant species in a serene nature preserve.
Cameron Art Museum
6.9 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at the Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington, NC, where culture and creativity come together amidst beautiful surroundings.
Essential places to dine
The Basics
0.0 km
Experience the heart of Southern hospitality at The Basics in Wilmington—where classic recipes meet local flavors.
The German Cafe
0.0 km
Experience the essence of Germany at The German Cafe in Wilmington - where authentic flavors meet warm hospitality.
RUMCOW.
0.1 km
Discover RUMCOW in Wilmington: A New American restaurant offering innovative dishes made with local ingredients for an unforgettable dining experience.
The Copper Penny
0.2 km
Discover The Copper Penny: where vibrant American cuisine meets a lively bar atmosphere in the heart of Wilmington.
manna
0.3 km
Discover Manna: Wilmington's premier fine dining destination offering innovative American cuisine and exquisite cocktails along the scenic Riverfront.
Hell's Kitchen
0.4 km
Discover Hell's Kitchen in Wilmington: where delicious grilled flavors meet vibrant bar culture along the scenic Riverfront.
Steam Restaurant and Bar
0.4 km
Discover Wilmington's culinary gem at Steam Restaurant and Bar—where fresh seafood meets stunning riverfront views.
Circa 1922
0.4 km
Discover exquisite Southern-inspired cuisine at Circa 1922 in Wilmington - where local flavors meet elegant dining.
Savorez
0.5 km
Experience authentic Latin American flavors at Savorez in Wilmington's Historic District - where every meal is a vibrant celebration.
Caprice bistro
0.5 km
Experience the elegance of French cuisine at Caprice Bistro in Wilmington's scenic Riverfront district.
Dixie Grill
0.5 km
Experience authentic Southern flavors at Dixie Grill in Wilmington – your go-to spot for breakfast, brunch, and hearty American classics.
The Fork 'N' Cork
0.5 km
Discover delicious American cuisine at The Fork 'N' Cork, a top-rated grill on Wilmington's scenic Riverfront.
PinPoint Restaurant
0.5 km
Discover Wilmington's culinary treasure with organic New American cuisine at PinPoint Restaurant - where every dish tells a story.
Seabird
0.5 km
Experience exquisite seafood dining at Seabird in Wilmington's Riverfront—where Southern charm meets culinary excellence.
Floriana Wilmington
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Floriana Wilmington, where every dish is crafted with passion and served in a charming riverside setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Cotton Exchange
0.0 km
Discover the charm of The Cotton Exchange in Wilmington, a historic shopping mall blending unique boutiques and local eateries with rich heritage.
By The Boardwalk
0.0 km
Explore By The Boardwalk, Wilmington's charming gift shop filled with local crafts and unique souvenirs that embody the spirit of the coastal city.
Autumn Wind Boutique
0.3 km
Explore Autumn Wind Boutique in Wilmington, NC - a charming destination for unique women's clothing and accessories that embody style and sophistication.
Hallway shops
0.4 km
Discover the unique charm of Wilmington's Hallway Shops, where local boutiques meet scenic riverfront views for an unforgettable shopping experience.
Fuzz Love
0.4 km
Discover unique treasures at Fuzz Love, Wilmington's charming gift shop featuring eclectic items from around the globe.
Krazy Mikez
0.4 km
Discover unique T-shirts and local gifts at Krazy Mikez, a vibrant shop in Wilmington, NC, perfect for tourists seeking memorable souvenirs.
Edge of Urge
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Explore Edge of Urge in Wilmington, NC – Your go-to boutique for unique gifts, fashionable accessories, and local artistry.
The Black Cat Shoppe
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Explore The Black Cat Shoppe in Wilmington, NC, for an unforgettable selection of unique gifts, novelties, and local treasures.
Island Passage Elixir
0.5 km
Explore Island Passage Elixir, a boutique in Wilmington offering unique clothing and accessories that celebrate local artistry and style.
Cape Fear Spice Merchants
0.5 km
Explore a world of flavors at Cape Fear Spice Merchants, Wilmington's premier destination for spices, gourmet groceries, and specialty teas.
edet By Island Passage
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Discover unique women's fashion at Edet By Island Passage, Wilmington's chic boutique offering stylish clothing and accessories in a welcoming atmosphere.
Down Island Traders
0.6 km
Explore the charm of Wilmington at Down Island Traders, your go-to gift shop for unique, locally crafted treasures and memorable souvenirs.
The Carolina Country Store
0.7 km
Explore The Carolina Country Store for unique gifts, local crafts, and delicious treats that embody the spirit of North Carolina.
Cape Fear Market
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Explore Cape Fear Market in Wilmington for unique vintage clothing and accessories that reflect the local culture and style.
East Coast Breeze, LLC
0.8 km
Explore East Coast Breeze, LLC in Wilmington, NC for unique gifts and local treasures that capture the spirit of the Riverfront.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Paddy's Hollow Restaurant & Pub
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Whiskey Tango Foxtrot
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The Underfront Co.
0.1 km
Discover Wilmington's nightlife at The Underfront Co., where unique cocktails and live music create an unforgettable experience on the Riverfront.
Wine Knot Sky Bar and Lounge
0.2 km
Discover breathtaking views and exquisite wines at Wilmington's premier rooftop bar, Wine Knot Sky Bar and Lounge, where every visit is a special occasion.
Pour Taproom Wilmington
0.2 km
Discover the self-serve beer paradise at Pour Taproom Wilmington, where craft brews meet a vibrant social atmosphere in the heart of the Riverfront.
Cape Fear Spirits & Beer
0.3 km
Experience the best of Wilmington's bar scene at Cape Fear Spirits & Beer, where craft beers and cocktails meet riverside charm.
The Eagle's Dare
0.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Eagle's Dare, Wilmington's premier bar and event venue, featuring crafted cocktails and lively entertainment.
Tavern Law 1832
0.3 km
Discover Tavern Law, Wilmington's historic bar that blends great drinks, games, and a vibrant atmosphere along the beautiful Riverfront.
Dirty Dan's uncw
0.4 km
Dive into the lively nightlife of Wilmington at Dirty Dan's UNCW, a vibrant bar offering a diverse drink menu and fun events.
KGB ILM
0.4 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at KGB ILM, Wilmington’s premier cocktail bar for unforgettable evenings.
Fox's Hole in the Wall
0.4 km
Experience Wilmington's vibrant atmosphere at Fox's Hole in the Wall, where delightful cuisine and a cozy bar ambiance await you.
Rooftop Bar @ N Front Theatre
0.4 km
Experience Wilmington's skyline from the Rooftop Bar @ N Front Theatre, the ultimate destination for vibrant nightlife and breathtaking views.
The Blind Elephant
0.4 km
Discover The Blind Elephant, Wilmington's hidden cocktail bar offering a speakeasy vibe and innovative drinks in a charming atmosphere.
Front Street Brewery
0.4 km
Discover Wilmington's Front Street Brewery, where craft beer meets delicious American cuisine in a vibrant riverside setting.
Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar
0.4 km
Experience breathtaking views and delightful cuisine at Wilmington’s premier rooftop bar, Cloud 9 Rooftop Bar.
