THE Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour (4 hr)

If you’re looking for a unique way to get to know Wilmington, North Carolina, this History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour offers a compelling blend of local history, scenic sights, and craft beer. While we haven’t done the tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary point to a fun, informative experience that’s perfect for curious travelers who want to cover a lot of ground without breaking a sweat.

What truly stands out about this tour is its small-group setting, which promises a more personal and flexible adventure—no crowded bus rides here. Plus, the inclusion of e-bikes means you can easily enjoy longer stretches of sightseeing, combined with stops at notable breweries and historic sites. That said, it’s important to note that the tour’s approximately four-hour duration means you’ll want to pace yourself if you’re not used to cycling or craft beer tastings.

This experience is best suited for active travelers, families with older kids, and anyone interested in Wilmington’s stories and brews. Whether you’re a local seeking a new perspective or a visitor eager to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour makes a lively, authentic day out.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of history, sightseeing, and craft beer
• Small group size of 4 for a more intimate experience
• E-bike transportation allows covering more ground with less effort
• Flexible, family-friendly with options for kids and easy riding
• Knowledgeable guides who tell engaging stories about Wilmington
• Multiple stops including breweries and historic sites for real-world exploration

Our understanding of this tour’s appeal begins with its combination of active exploration and culture. For just $75 per person, you get four hours of guided riding through Wilmington’s historic and lively spots, paired with visits to three breweries. The tour is designed to cater to a broad audience—from locals wanting a new way to see their city to visitors eager to understand Wilmington’s character.

The tour’s mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, with most travelers reserving about 17 days in advance. This suggests it’s popular, and indeed, it boasts a perfect 5-star rating from over 100 reviews—a strong indicator of satisfied participants.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price covers helmet, bottled water, poncho, and four hours of e-bike rental, along with free kid rides (for children aged 1-12 on the back of a bike or in a trailer). It’s a family-friendly experience, which adds great value for those traveling with children. The craft beer tastings are not included in the price, typically costing around $6–$7 per beer, and the group usually enjoys about two during the stops. So, you won’t leave drunk but will get a good taste of Wilmington’s brewing scene.

Let’s walk through each stop, seeing what makes them special, and what you can expect.

Stop 1: Waterline Brewing Company

The tour kicks off at Waterline Brewing, a local favorite where you’ll enjoy a sample of their craft beers and get a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery. This spot is perfect for beer lovers eager to understand Wilmington’s brewing culture. The 45-minute stop is enough to sample and learn without feeling rushed. Reviewers mention that it’s a highlight, with one saying, “Eric has an expansive knowledge of local history and people,” making the brewery visit both tasting and storytelling.

Stop 2: Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts

Next, you’ll visit Thalian Hall, famous for its historic performances and architecture. The guide will give a brief presentation, and you’ll have a chance to snap photos of this beautiful building. The stop is only 15 minutes but offers a notable glimpse into Wilmington’s cultural scene. One reviewer enjoyed the storytelling aspect, noting that Eric’s stories brought the city’s history to life.

Stop 3: Wilmington Oakdale Cemetery

A must-see for history buffs, this historic cemetery is the resting place of many notable Wilmington residents. The tour stops outside for 20 minutes, giving enough time to explore some of the monuments. Reviewers feel this stop is a bit brief—”20 minutes will not be enough,” one commented—but it’s enough to get a sense of the area’s past. The cemetery’s atmosphere makes for some compelling photos and reflection.

Stop 4: New Hanover County Courthouse

Across the street from Thalian Hall, the Courthouse offers a quick photo opportunity. This brief 15-minute stop allows you to soak in more of Wilmington’s historic architecture. It’s a good chance to capture some memorable shots or just admire the scale of civic pride.

Stop 5: Wilmington Riverwalk

A favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, the Riverwalk provides scenic views of the Cape Fear River. The guide gives a brief overview, and you’re encouraged to explore on your own. The 10-minute stop is perfect for stretching legs and enjoying the breeze. Many reviews praise the views, with comments like, “You’ll love the views of the river and the relaxed atmosphere.”

Stop 6: Bellamy Mansion

The Bellamy Mansion, known for its architecture and history, is a highlight. The tour stops outside for five minutes, giving you a chance to snap photos and appreciate its grandeur. Though brief, the stop is enough to pique your interest in Wilmington’s antebellum past. Visitors say it’s a nice photo op, and you can always revisit later if you want a deeper look.

Stops 7 & 8: Edward Teach Brewing & Flytrap Brewing

The final two stops are breweries, showcasing Wilmington’s thriving craft beer scene. You’ll sample beers at Edward Teach, a remodeled 1907 firehouse, and Flytrap Brewing, known for its innovative brews. Each stop lasts around 45 minutes, providing ample time to relax, chat, and sample around two beers per stop. Reviewers note that these brewery visits are a definite highlight, with one describing the experience as “enjoyable and relaxed,” and another saying, “The beers are great, and the remodeled venues add a special touch.”

What truly sets this tour apart is the combination of storytelling, active transportation, and local flavor. The knowledgeable guides—especially those like Eric—bring Wilmington’s history alive with engaging stories. Several reviewers praise the guide’s storytelling skills, saying things like “Erik was great and very knowledgeable,” and “Eric did a fantastic job of sharing stories that are unique to Wilmington.”

The e-bikes are a significant perk; they make covering longer distances manageable, even for those who aren’t regular cyclists. The bikes are described as easy to ride, and the efficient motor helps you conquer hills and longer stretches without fatigue. This means you can focus on the sights and stories rather than exertion.

The small group size—limited to just four participants—means you get personalized attention and the chance to ask questions, making it more like a friendly outing than a large tour. Guests have remarked that this creates a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

While the tour includes stops at commercial breweries, the experience is far from a “booze cruise.” Instead, it’s about sampling local craft beers as part of Wilmington’s vibrant scene, all while learning about the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

Value for Money

At $75, the tour offers a lot of value for active travelers interested in history and local brews. The cost covers bike rental, helmets, water, and the guide’s storytelling—the beer tastings are extra but generally affordable. Given the positive reviews and the depth of exploration, it’s clear that many travelers find this tour worth every penny.

This tour is ideal for families with older kids (since riders must be able to handle the e-bike), history enthusiasts, and beer lovers looking to combine their interests. It’s perfect for those who enjoy outdoor activities, storytelling, and sampling local flavors. Because of its small-group setting, it also appeals to travelers who prefer a more personal, less commercial experience.

If you’re someone who enjoys exploring cities on two wheels and wants a blend of culture and casual fun, you’ll find this tour hits the spot. However, if you prefer a more leisurely walk or don’t like cycling, this might not be the best fit.

The Wilmington History, Haunts & Breweries E-Bike Tour offers an engaging way to see Wilmington’s key sites while learning about its past and enjoying local brews. The expert storytelling, combined with easy-to-ride e-bikes and well-chosen stops, makes it a standout experience.

While the stops could be longer at some sites like the Oakdale Cemetery, the overall flow and diversity keep things lively and interesting. The tour’s value, especially considering the small group size and personalized attention, makes it a compelling choice for those looking to combine activity with authentic cultural insights.

This tour is best suited for active, curious travelers who enjoy stories as much as scenery. It’s a perfect way to see Wilmington’s highlights without feeling rushed, all while sampling some of the best craft beers the city has to offer.

What is included in the tour?
The tour price covers helmet, bottled water, poncho, and four hours of e-bike rental. Kids can ride free on the back of a bike or in a trailer.
Are the beer tastings included?
No, the craft beers cost around $6–$7 each, and you typically enjoy about two beers during the stops. The tasting fee is extra.
How long are the stops?
Most stops range from 5 to 45 minutes, depending on the site, giving a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.
Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, kids aged 1-12 can ride for free, making it suitable for families with older children who can handle the e-bikes.
What is the minimum age to ride the e-bike?
Participants must be at least 13-17 years old to ride independently, but younger children can ride with an adult.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How many people are in a group?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
Can I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Waterline Brewing Co. and ends back at the same location, making logistics simple.

Interested? This tour offers a lively, authentic taste of Wilmington—perfect for those who want a mix of history, scenery, and local flavor on two wheels.