The Historic Wilmington Foundation is thrilled to present our annual Preservation Crawl! On this cocktail crawl, attendees will drink in the charm—literally!—of the historic Cotton Exchange complex.

THURSDAY, JULY 11 (5-8PM)
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

Our talented slate of mixologists will be serving up the Port City’s finest libations from the historic hallways of the Cotton Exchange! Your ticket is the key to a slew of signature cocktails (6 total!) made by Wilmington’s most brilliant bartenders, including Banter, End of Days Distillery, and Wine Knot Sky Bar & Lounge. We like to throw in a splash of fun and feisty competition, so attendees may vote on their favorite bar, with a winner being called at the night’s afterparty, held at The Exchange Barbershop & Lounge (104 Grace Street).

This event is certain to sell out. Get your tickets today, and drink up knowing that your ticket ($75 each) supports HWF’s mission: to preserve and protect the irreplaceable historic resources of the Lower Cape Fear region.

2024 Annual Sponsors

Brigitte Simone, Intracoastal Realty

1025 N. Lake Park Blvd
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
910.617.7743

Mason, Mason, and Smith, Attorneys at Law

514 Princess Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.444.3505

The Cameron Team

110 Dungannon Blvd Ste 100
Wilmington, NC 28403
910.202.2546

MoMentum Companies

103 South Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.519.3003

Decision Point Wealth Consulting

Rockefeller Capital Management
1838 Sir Tyler Drive, Suite 102
Wilmington, NC 28403
910.834.5723

Patriot Roofing & Exteriors

921 Princess Street, Suite 155
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.218.0600

Greenfield Lake Law

2201 East Lake Shore Drive
Wilmington, NC 28401
919.710.1860

Special Wood Lumber Remanufacturing

3927 Blue Clay Road
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
910.675.1000

Gregg Thomas & Tom Faust

Sylvia & Keith Kochler

Horton & Mendez, Injury Attorneys

6105 Oleander Drive, Suite 102
Wilmington, NC 28403
910.668.4420

Tilia Fiduciary Partners

32 N. Front Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.679.4093

Jan Brewington, Dram Tree Realty

jan@dramtreerealty.com
910.612.6941

Transcend Bookkeeping & Finance

301 Central Blvd
Wilmington, NC, 28401
910.508.1100

Lotide General Contractors

111 Bryan Road
Wilmington, NC 28412
910.448.0466

WWAY

1224 Magnolia Village Way
Leland, NC 28451
910.762.8581

Market Street Pharmacy

1612 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.763.0845

WHQR Public Media

254 N. Front Street, Suite 300
Wilmington, NC 28401
910.343.1640

Preservation Crawl Sponsors

FAQs

I purchased my ticket(s) online. Where do I get my printed ticket(s)?

You will receive your printed ticket when you begin your tour at one of our two check-in stations:

  • Cotton Exchange Parking Lot Entrance: located outside of the parking lot entrance, between The German Cafe and C-Suite Lounge
  • Cotton Exchange Front Street Entrance: located between Occasions… Just Write! and Java Dog
Staff and volunteers will be ready to help you at either of the check-in locations starting at 5:00pm. Please do not arrive earlier than 5 o’clock. Simply have your confirmation email on hand; you may print out a copy, or pull the email up on your mobile device. When you present the registration email to one of our staffers at the start location, you’ll receive a paper ticket. Once you’ve got your ticket in hand, enjoy meandering through the Cotton Exchange for your libations!
 
 

Please note that, regardless of age, ALL participants must show a photo ID when checking in. 

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

You must be at least 21 years of age to attend this event. Don’t forget to bring your driver’s license/photo ID to confirm your age!

I'm confused about the location of the Preservation Crawl. Where is the event located?

For our Preservation Crawl, you will not be visiting any of the bars directly! Rather, participating bars are setting up small “sipping stations” inside shops within the Cotton Exchange (321 N. Front Street)! We invite you to explore the historic complex and its various shops. (Many will be offering special discounts!) All sampling stations may be found within the Cotton Exchange complex, which encompasses one city block.

Where can I park?

Attendees may park in the Cotton Exchange parking lot for free, with a parking validation sticker. Please bring your parking ticket with you to one of our check-in tables, and a staff member will give you further instructions.

If driving to the Preservation Crawl, please plan for your safe route home! If you need help calling an Uber, Lyft, or cab, an HWF staff member or volunteer will be happy to assist you with scheduling a pick-up on your mobile device.

What’s the refund policy?

HWF relies on ticket sales to support the mission of preserving and protecting Wilmington’s historic, irreplaceable resources. As such, we have a no-refund policy for the Preservation Crawl.

Is this a rain-or-shine event?

Yes, this is a rain-or-shine event. Please remember that there is a no-refund policy for the Preservation Crawl.

What do I get for the cost of my ticket?

You’ll receive a map for your self-guided tour. Along your way, you’ll be treated to six sample-size cocktails—smaller than a full-size drink, but heftier than a shot!

Will there be food provided?

Food will not be provided. There are restaurants within the Cotton Exchange that will be open for food orders, including The Basics and The German Cafe.

 

Will the participating venues be open for business during the Preservation Crawl?

Yes—don’t forget to bring your wallet, and feel free to shop while you sip!

May I bring my child with me?

No, children are not permitted. All attendees must be at least 21 years of age.

May I bring my pet with me?

Only service animals are permitted on the tour.

How can I contact the organizer with questions?

Please call HWF at 910.762.2511, or email crawl@historicwilmington.org.