Wilmington Through Their Eyes
There is something magical about traveling with grandchildren.
It’s not just about the destination. It’s about watching them discover it.
Every seashell is exciting. Every candy shop deserves “just one more stop.” Every game of mini golf becomes a fierce family competition, and somehow the simplest moments—swinging in a hammock, sharing fries, laughing until your stomach hurts—become the memories you treasure most.
Recently, I packed up three of my four grandchildren—Michelle, Micheal Jr., and Mylah—and headed to Wilmington, North Carolina, for one last summer adventure before school routines returned. We called Three Beaches home for the week, and honestly, I can’t imagine a better place for families.
From the moment we walked through the door, it felt less like an Airbnb and more like someone’s cozy beach home that just happened to have everything kids (and grandparents) could want.
Outside quickly became our favorite gathering place.
The beach volleyball court kept us laughing for hours, badminton tournaments became a daily tradition, and the hammocks? Let’s just say there was usually a waiting list. Somehow everyone managed to find their favorite spot to relax.
Inside, however, there was one clear winner.
The giant bean bag. I don’t know who loved it more—the kids or me—but it was constantly occupied. It was big enough for everyone to pile onto together, and amazingly, there wasn’t even an argument over whose turn it was. That’s a vacation miracle all by itself.
Before we had even finished unpacking for our stay the kids were already asking, “Can we come back to this house?” I had to laugh because I was thinking the exact same thing. Three Beaches wasn’t just where we stayed—it became part of the vacation itself. Cozy, welcoming, and filled with little touches that made it feel like home, it gave us the perfect place to relax, reconnect, and make memories together.
One of our favorite afternoons was spent strolling Wilmington’s beautiful Riverwalk. There’s something timeless about watching boats drift along the Cape Fear River while wandering in and out of locally owned shops filled with treasures you won’t find anywhere else.
Of course, no outing with kids is complete without candy. Actually… several candy stops.
Kilwins quickly became one of our favorite places, and I think we sampled enough sweets to keep the sugar industry thriving for another week. But vacations are made for ice cream, fudge, caramel apples, and chocolate-covered everything, right?
When lunchtime rolled around, we grabbed a table at Anne Bonny’s Bar & Grill, floating right on the water. The setting alone made it memorable, and the kids loved watching the boats while we enjoyed lunch together.
Another hidden gem we explored was Wilmington’s Cargo District.
If you haven’t visited yet, put it on your list.
Built from repurposed shipping containers, it’s filled with creative boutiques, specialty shops, local businesses, and unique finds around every corner. We had as much fun browsing as we did shopping, and it’s one of those places that perfectly captures Wilmington’s creative personality.
No family getaway would be complete without a little friendly competition, so one afternoon we headed to Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park.
Mini golf brought out everyone’s competitive side, complete with plenty of “almost hole-in-ones” and exaggerated victory celebrations. Afterwards, we wandered through the arcade where flashing lights, ticket games, and laughter filled the afternoon.
Of course, the beaches themselves were the stars of the trip.
We spent time enjoying both Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, and Mother Nature couldn’t have cooperated any better. Sunshine, comfortable temperatures, gentle waves, and just enough breeze made for nearly perfect beach days.
Some trips are remembered because of extraordinary experiences. Others are remembered because everything simply comes together. This was one of those trips.
When it came to food, Wilmington definitely didn’t disappoint.
One restaurant I had been looking forward to visiting was The Copper Penny, famous for serving Guy Fieri’s favorite onion rings. They absolutely lived up to the hype. Crispy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating.
The restaurant itself has so much personality, too. I loved the vintage records decorating the walls. The only thing I couldn’t quite get behind was all of the Philadelphia Eagles memorabilia covering the place. As a lifelong New York Giants fan, I considered asking if they had a “Giants section.”
Spoiler alert…They don’t. But I’ll forgive them because those onion rings were worth it.
Another family favorite was Wrightsville Beach Brewery, which offered something for everyone at our table. With two seafood lovers and one grandchild who would happily skip seafood forever, finding a restaurant that pleases everyone isn’t always easy. The menu offered plenty of choices, the atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, and it proved to be a wonderful place for families to gather after a day exploring.
As our trip came to an end, I found myself thinking about something that has become the heart of every Tank Away Getaway.
Travel isn’t measured by miles driven or attractions visited. It’s measured by moments.
It’s measured by conversations during long car rides, spontaneous ice cream stops, inside jokes that only your family understands, and watching the people you love experience a place with fresh eyes.
Seeing Wilmington through Michelle’s, Micheal Jr.’s, and Mylah’s eyes reminded me that adventure doesn’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable.
Sometimes the best vacations are simply the ones where you’re together.
Those are the memories that stay with us long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Those are the moments that warm my heart, fill my soul, and somehow leave me feeling younger than when the trip began.
Until the next Tank Away Getaway…