5 Things I Love About Dreamers by DW
The LGBTQIA-owned, design forward hotel is a hidden gem in Wilmington.
HAPPY MIDDLE-OF-THE-WEEK-HOW-WAS-IT-JUST-MONDAY-BUT-IT’S-ALSO-ALMOST-FRIDAY! Playing my weekly game of catchup on emails, appointments (mostly for my dog), writing and other general life maintenance things. I’ve promised to bring you weekly updates on cool, new or renovated hotels in cities I enjoy + what I’m eating/drinking and where at any given time. I told myself I’d add some lists about where I’m shopping while traveling and for what, but we will get there eventually so please be patient with me (I have found I especially enjoy shopping in places like Savannah, Los Angeles, Mexico, and any Spanish or Portuguese city).
In June and July, I spent some time exploring North Carolina—namely Raleigh, Asheville and Wilmington. I had never been to Wilmington so it was a treat to have three days there and while it felt like a slower, sleepier town there was no shortage of things to do or good places to eat. I stayed at Dreamers by DW, an LGBTQIA-owned, design forward hotel. They hooked it up with the Romantic Suite, even though it was just me (lol) at their 5-bedroom historic property, a mere five-minutes from the riverfront. I really loved this hotel and documented my stay on social media, and then a friend reached out to tell me she knows the owner’s partner and that he’s a wonderful, amazing stand-up guy and friend she went to school with in Puerto Rico. I love when that happens.
Anyway—last week, I shared some things I love about Atlanta’s Hotel Clermont in a “5 things” format and had a lot of fun with it. Will be doing the same when highlighting some upcoming properties/destinations/locations/hotels including this one. So here we go:
My favorite thing about the first floor suite I stayed in was the plant-filled bathroom in a former greenhouse, complete with a claw foot tub. There’s something so normal feeling about hanging out in the bathroom with your friends (gossiping, getting ready to go out) and this one was perfect for lounging—it’s even got it’s own sofa, fans and a double sink. Nothing screams luxury like a BIG, beautiful bathroom. Also - the former home turned hotel was built in the late 1800s, so even though it’s renovated, it’s maintained the original shape and charm of a 19th century house.
The hospitality group (Dreamers Welcome) that owns Dreamers by DW proudly collaborates with and supports independent artists and designers when sourcing items for their properties (paying special attention to local Puerto Rican artists and vendors because while they just have two properties in NC, they have many in Puerto Rico, all stunning and unique in their own ways). They are eco-friendly and offer a complimentary daily vegan breakfast to guests and the common areas are as gorgeous as the rooms—creating inviting spaces for guests to read, write, work, socialize or just relax and be inspired.
The property is in a prime location in Downtown Wilmington. It’s walking distance to some great spots like Pineapple Studios (where I took an AM yoga class), Seabird (where I sat at the bar for dinner and a glass of wine) and Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods (where I sipped my coffee and worked during the day). It was very hot during my stay and there were many mosquitoes (this is an everywhere-in-the-South summer problem), but I doused myself in no natz and went for lots of long walks.
Jamie Lee Curtis stayed at Dreamers by DW when she was filming Halloween Kills (2019). Prior to checking in, I wasn’t aware Wilmington was a big TV/movie production city, but quite a few films have been made here including Scream (2020), We’re the Millers (2012) and The Secret Life of Bees (2008). Pretty cool.
There is no traffic in this city. Or at least there wasn't when I visited. I took a little drive to Dockside Restaurant & Bar (a recommendation from a friend) and sat by the water, with the sun shining on me, munching on their version of fish & chips—ahi tuna and fries—while watching boats dock and birds fly by, occasionally stopping to beg for leftovers. I can’t stress how fond I am of little towns by the beach.