Tour The Wilmingtonian – Historic Downtown Wilmington, NC

Dram Tree House

Dram Tree House, built in 1904 and fully renovated in 1987 contains 7 one bedroom suites, 4 on the ground floor and 3 on the second floor with balcony and features an attractive ‘Charleston-style’ courtyard with fish pond. Similarly the suites have a rustic southern ambiance.

The name Dram Tree is derived from the days of sail when Wilmington was a bustling port. There was a large tree on the banks of the Cape Fear River that, when in sight of incoming sailing ships, meant that a safe passage had been made through the treacherous shifting sand banks of Frying Pan Shoals. This was the signal to the crew to”splice the mainbrace”, by opening a cask and tippling a dram of rum!

Maritime House

Maritime House was built in the early 1950’s as a convent for the nuns who taught at the St. Thomas Church (circa 1840) located behind the property. St. Thomas, which was the first black Catholic church in North Carolina still stands and is now a beautiful community hall regularly used for parties, wedding receptions and trade shows.

Maritime House was renovated in 1993, and given the nautical theme in keeping with the old port city of Wilmington.

There are 8 one bedroom suites housed on two floors, each with its own unique seagoing style, with balconies and rockers overlooking the gardens and ponds.

Cinema House

Cinema House is named in honor of the many film stars, directors and producers who regularly stay at the Wilmingtonian when on location in Wilmington. Built in 1994, it was specifically designed with the movie industry in mind. Each of the 11 one bedroom suites is themed on a classical movie or star.