Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour

Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour: A Hidden Gateway to Wilmington’s Past

If you’re looking for a way to combine history, local charm, and a little bit of clandestine fun, the Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour might just be your perfect fit. For $30 a person, this roughly 2-hour guided walk takes you through historic Wilmington, North Carolina, with stops at some of the city’s best-kept secret speakeasies. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour reveals stories you won’t find in any guidebook while offering a chance to indulge in craft cocktails at Wilmington’s original speakeasy establishments.

Two aspects of this tour really caught our eye. First, the small group size—just up to 20 travelers—means you’re likely to get a more personalized experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions. Second, the authenticity of the speakeasies—these are real hidden gems, not just tourist traps. The tour also offers an inviting atmosphere to learn about Wilmington’s past while enjoying some of its best bars.

A potential consideration is that alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to budget for drinks separately. Also, since the tour is about 8-10 city blocks, it’s fairly walkable but might be less suitable for those with mobility issues. This experience suits travelers who enjoy history, love discovering local secrets, and want a laid-back way to explore Wilmington’s nightlife scene.

Key Points

• Authentic Speakeasies: Visit real, historic hidden bars with rich stories behind each.
• Balanced Experience: Combines walking, storytelling, and social enjoyment.
• Value for Money: At $30, the tour offers a guided historical insight plus entry to multiple bars.
• Small Group Size: Ensures a personalized and engaging experience.
• Flexible Ending: You can stay at the last stop or head out for dinner.
• Weather Dependent: The experience requires good weather; cancellations due to poor weather are fully refundable.

A Closer Look at the Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour

If you’re curious about Wilmington’s past blended with the thrill of secret nightlife, this tour offers a balanced mix of both. Led by a guide (possibly Amanda Leese, based on the provider info), you’ll explore the city’s streets over about two hours, covering around 8-10 blocks. The tour begins at Banter, a lively spot on South 2nd Street, and winds through local history before arriving at the highlight stops: the Underfront Co. and The Blind Elephant.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The concept of visiting authentic speakeasies is what makes this tour stand out. The Underfront Co., a bar located below street level, is a true hidden gem, giving you a taste of Prohibition-era clandestine drinking. Its underground setting and history make it a memorable stop. The Blind Elephant, Wilmington’s original craft cocktail bar and speakeasy, offers a more lively, bar-like atmosphere but still retains that secret, vintage charm.

One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way they explained how the speakeasies got started and learned about Wilmington’s role in that history,” which underscores how educational and fun the experience can be. The tour’s inclusion of free admission to the Underfront and entry to the Blind Elephant makes it an attractive value, especially for those interested in local history and mixology.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour spans about 8-10 blocks, giving you a gentle walk through historic Wilmington’s streets. Expect to learn about how Wilmington’s speakeasies operated and the stories behind each hotel. The first stop, The Underfront Co., is a true underground experience—imagine stepping into a dimly lit basement, reminiscent of the Prohibition era. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here, soaking in the ambiance and history, with no extra cost for admission.

Next, you’ll move to Blind Elephant, where the focus shifts to enjoying craft cocktails in a bar that has roots in Wilmington’s underground bar scene. The guide will share stories about Wilmington’s nightlife history and how these bars managed to survive while operating secretly. Again, about 30 minutes are spent here, giving you plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps chat with fellow travelers.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

The tour provides a guided history experience and access to these two unique speakeasy venues. However, alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price, so plan on paying for drinks separately. This allows you the flexibility to choose your preferred cocktails or drinks at each stop, and perhaps indulge a little more freely.

The tour ends at The Blind Elephant, giving you the option to stay for more drinks, explore the area, or move on to dinner. Its central location makes it easy to continue your evening enjoying Wilmington’s vibrant food scene.

Considerations for Travelers

Weather can impact the tour—since it’s an outdoor walk through city streets, poor weather might lead to cancellations, but full refunds are provided in such cases. The group size maxes out at 20, which is ideal for a more intimate experience, but if you’re traveling solo or as a small group, you’ll find it easy to connect with others.

While most travelers can participate, those with mobility issues should note the tour involves some walking through city blocks. Also, keep in mind that while the experience is largely focused on history and storytelling, the bar stops are the main attractions, so if your group isn’t interested in drinks, this might not be the best fit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs who enjoy a little nightlife and secret stories. It’s also ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, social atmosphere and are comfortable with light walking. If you enjoy discovering hidden spots and learning about local legends, you’ll find this tour engaging. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate a mix of education and entertainment, without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on history and speakeasies, the tour involves visits to bars and alcohol consumption. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the storytelling and ambiance but should be aware that the main stops are drink-focused.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about 8-10 city blocks. It includes two main stops, each around 30 minutes.

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is necessary to secure a spot, and confirmation is received at the time of booking.

What is the cost and what does it include?
The ticket costs $30 per person and includes the guided history tour plus admission to the two speakeasies. Drinks are not included and are paid for separately.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour weather-dependent?
Yes, good weather is required; if canceled due to rain or storms, a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Final Thoughts

The Wilmington Speakeasy and History Tour offers a delightful blend of storytelling, history, and secret nightlife. It’s a fantastic way to spend a couple of hours if you want to explore Wilmington beyond its typical tourist spots, uncovering hidden bars and local legends in a relaxed, social setting.

If you’re a history lover who enjoys discovering local secrets or someone curious about Wilmington’s underground bar scene, this tour provides authentic insights and some fun, intimate moments. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling in a small group or solo and want a guided experience that feels personal and informative.

While not a pub crawl, it’s a smart way to sample Wilmington’s unique culture and history through its hidden taverns. Just remember to budget for drinks and come prepared to walk a few blocks in the city’s historic district. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this tour offers good value and memorable stories that will stay with you long after the night ends.