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For more than 30 years, Wrightsville Beach, NC, has been an integral part of our family’s identity and traditions. This coastal town has shaped how we approach both life and vacations, teaching us to respect nature, live in the moment, and cherish our time together. Without a doubt, Wrightsville Beach has profoundly influenced how I experience and enjoy life.
Early Days
My wife’s history with Wrightsville Beach dates back to the 1970s, when her older brother began studying at UNC Wilmington. He became a local fixture and is involved in movies and music. Her other brother followed, making a name for himself at the renowned Bridge Tender restaurant.
Our first vacation together was a week at Wrightsville Beach, renting a house with her siblings and their families. Over the past 30+ years, we’ve rented numerous places and brought along many friends and family members. My wife grew up in Delaware but is now a full-on Hoosier—or, as she would say, a Boilermaker. Wrightsville Beach became the perfect spot to meet up with her childhood best friend and family. Despite living half a country apart, our kids have grown up together there. Now, they are starting their own families and continuing the tradition.
Growing up at Wrightsville Beach is what makes it special. God’s creation is awe-inspiring, but you must respect the ocean. Some days are calm, while others bring hurricanes and evacuations. Even those experiences create lifelong stories, like ending up in Blowing Rock, NC, and discovering unplanned sights. It’s about respecting what’s before you and savoring every moment because you never know when things will change. Even on clear days, you must be mindful of the sun’s strength—nothing is worse than a sunburn on the tops of your feet, a lesson you only need to learn once. This has taught me to be present and make the most of what I have, a theme that guides our travels and brings me joy wherever I am.
The Environment
Wrightsville Beach offers a serene and intimate coastal experience, perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the present moment. The island’s development is intentionally limited, with Shell Island Resort—the tallest structure at eight stories—anchoring the north end. There are a few other hotels and condo units, but most accommodations are small-scale, typically four stories or less. The island is dominated by homes that maintain the area’s quaint charm.
This four-mile-long island prioritizes God’s beauty and its historical character over commercial attractions. Visitors won’t find an abundance of restaurants, bars, or typical beach town amusements. Instead, Wrightsville Beach preserves its village-like atmosphere, balancing tourist needs with local heritage.
History
The town’s commitment to its history is evident in the Wrightsville Beach Historic Square on West Salisbury Street. Here, early 20th-century cottages, including the Myers Cottage (1909)—now home to the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History—offer glimpses into the past.
Wrightsville Beach’s appeal lies in its pristine natural assets. Expansive white sand beaches provide ample space for families, while protected waterways and bird sanctuaries, including the Audubon Bird Sanctuary, showcase the area’s rich biodiversity. This careful preservation of both history and nature creates a unique, tranquil environment that encourages visitors to slow down and appreciate the moment.
Homes
Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to experience a diverse array of rental homes in Wrightsville Beach. From spacious houses perfect for large gatherings of friends to cozy retreats ideal for couples, we’ve sampled accommodations that span the spectrum. Some properties offer direct beach access, while others provide a quieter setting on the sound side. We’ve stayed at homes situated at the end of streets and others nestled in the middle.
Despite their differences, one architectural feature unites these varied properties: the ubiquitous covered front porch. This design element, deeply rooted in Southern tradition, offers more than just shelter from the elements. It creates an inviting, sociable space that embodies the community’s welcoming spirit. While I appreciate my Indiana home’s back patio, there’s something special about these front porches that always makes me feel instantly at ease.
Among our many rentals, the Chequers cottage holds a special place in our hearts. Built in 1940, this historic oceanfront property exemplifies the classic beach-house style of Wrightsville Beach. It seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern conveniences, having been meticulously maintained to preserve its historic integrity while offering contemporary comforts.
However, the cottage’s crowning glory is undoubtedly its wrap-around porch. Furnished with an abundance of rocking chairs, this space has become our favorite spot for creating lasting memories. It’s where we share stories, forge new friendships, and indulge in hearty laughter that seems to resonate from deep within. As some might playfully suggest, it’s even the perfect place to “close the deal.”
This emphasis on outdoor living spaces, particularly front porches, reflects the community-oriented, laid-back lifestyle that makes Wrightsville Beach so appealing. It’s a tangible representation of the area’s commitment to fostering connections and savoring life’s simple pleasures.
Family
Thanks to my wife’s brother, Freddy, we have a special connection with the famous Bridge Tender restaurant. Founded in 1976 by Johnny and Estelle Baker and sold in 2003 to John McLatchy, it has continued to thrive under Cathrine McLatchy after John’s passing in 2017. The Bridge Tender was the first to bring fine dining to the Wrightsville Beach area of the Intracoastal Waterway. Located at the base of the Wrightsville Beach Drawbridge, it has maintained its reputation for quality food and service over the decades, becoming a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2016, it remains a beloved dining establishment. Each visit to Wrightsville Beach is incomplete without dinner at the Bridge Tender.
This special place has not only shaped our summers but has profoundly influenced how I approach life.
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