Your Labor Day Weekend Guide: 8 Spots to Hit on the Coast This Weekend

Labor Day weekend is basically the coast’s last big hurrah before things slow down for fall – and if you’re spending it anywhere between Ocean Isle Beach and Wilmington, you’ve got some seriously good options for how to fill your days. I rounded up eight of my favorite local spots – coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, shopping, and more – so you can plan the perfect long weekend without any guesswork. Here’s the rundown.

Lilly Bird’s Creamery – Shallotte

If you haven’t been to Lilly Bird’s yet, consider this your sign. This family-owned creamery opened in Shallotte and was named after the owners’ daughter, Lillian – and that same warmth carries through the whole shop. Think coastal-inspired decor in soft, bright tones, the kind of space that feels like a mini vacation the second you walk in.

Everything is made in small, slow-churned batches and you’ll have your pick of 16 dairy flavors plus 8 non-dairy options (yes, there are vegan waffle cones too). It’s the perfect stop after a day at the beach or a low-key way to end a Labor Day cookout – grab a cone, and enjoy.

LainSnow – Ocean Isle Beach

LainSnow is a must-stop if you need one more suit to squeeze out the last of the summer. Owner Becca Ingle started the brand after struggling to find swimwear that actually worked for her family (her daughter Lainey inspired the name), and it’s since grown into a genuine local-favorite label with a loyal following well beyond the Carolina coast.

Inside the OIB storefront on Causeway Drive, you’ll find women’s one-pieces and two-pieces, mommy-and-me matching sets, and beach essentials – great for picking up a last-minute Labor Day look or a going-away gift for anyone wrapping up their beach week.

The Half – Wilmington

With their original location tucked into Downtown Wilmington, and their second that recently opened in Wrightsville Beach, The Half is the kind of neighborhood sandwich shop you want in your regular rotation. It was opened by three friends who met in the brewing world and features six rotating taps, globally inspired sandwiches, and a genuinely excellent lineup of vegan and vegetarian options alongside the classics.

Expect crowd favorites like the Mixto (roast beef, ham, salami, fresh mozzarella, olive salad) or the Chipped Ham, a Pennsylvania-style sandwich with tangy garlic mustard sauce. Every option is truly perfection.

OIB Surf & Java – Ocean Isle Beach

Part coffee shop, part surf shop, all local charm – OIB Surf & Java has been an Ocean Isle staple since 2011. Walk in for the coffee (their gourmet roasts, lattes, and cold brew have a serious local following) and stay for the boutique surf gear, beachwear, and handmade surfboards lining the shop.

It has a cozy feel, with soft seating, a community bookshelf, and plenty of outlets if you need to get a little work done between beach days. Plus their baked goods are made fresh daily. Great early-morning stop before you head out for a Labor Day sunrise walk on the sand.

Concorde Espresso Bar – Wilmington

Concorde is the rare spot that pulls double duty: a globally inspired coffee shop by day, a stylish cocktail lounge by night, all wrapped in an aviation theme inspired by the Concorde jet. Think espresso and pastries at 7:30 am, then espresso martini flights, seasonal cocktails, and s’mores kits by the fire pits at 7:30 pm. They have two locations: the OG spot in downtown Wilmington with a gorgeous outside patio, and their newer location in Porter’s Neck, where you get the true aviation experience sipping your beverage inside the body of a plane!

If you’re staying in Wilmington for the long weekend, this is a great one to bookend your day with – coffee in the morning, cocktails and a fire pit as the sun goes down. Reservations are recommended for the evening crowd, especially heading into a holiday weekend.

Museum of Coastal Carolina – Ocean Isle Beach

If you need a break from the sun (or you’ve got little ones who need an air-conditioned reset), the Museum of Coastal Carolina is one of the best rainy-day – or midday-heat – options on the island. It’s North Carolina’s only natural history museum on a barrier island, just two blocks from the ocean, and it’s genuinely engaging for all ages.

Highlights include the Ocean Reef gallery with life-sized shark and sea turtle models, a hands-on touch tank where you can hold a sea star or horseshoe crab, the Legacy of the Loggerhead exhibit (filmed right on Ocean Isle Beach), and a shell collection with more than 200 specimens. It’s an easy, walkable add-on if you’re already staying near the pier.

Bookworm Pottery – Wilmington

Bookworm Pottery is Wilmington’s coziest community pottery studio, with two locations to know about: the original in the Cargo District, and their newer spot, The Cozy Bookwyrm, in the South Front District, which doubles as a curated shop of pottery, books, and goods. Between the two, they offer pottery wheel and sculpting classes, paint-your-own pottery sessions, craft nights, and even stained glass classes.

It’s a great low-key activity if you want something a little different from the usual beach-day lineup – perfect for a rainy afternoon, a girls’ outing, or just an excuse to make something with your hands before summer wraps up.

Lilies & Lace – Wilmington

For a little retail therapy, Lilies & Lace is an upscale women’s boutique on Eastwood Road specializing in lingerie, swimwear, resort wear, and loungewear, with a particular focus on undergarment fitting for all sizes. The brand actually got its start in Armonk, New York back in 1989 before opening this Wilmington location in 2011, and it’s since become a go-to for anyone looking for well-made basics or a special-occasion piece.

If you’re rounding out your beach wardrobe or need a properly fitted bra before summer ends, it’s worth carving out time for a visit.

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Whether you’re spending the long weekend soaking up the last bit of summer in Ocean Isle Beach or exploring downtown Wilmington, these eight spots make for an easy, feel-good weekend itinerary. Save this post, share it with whoever you’re beach-weekending with, and don’t forget to tag us in your stops!