The Badass Women of Old Wilmington: A Historic Walking Tour
Description
On this entertaining and informative walking tour, you'll discover the women who challenged conventions, changed minds, and left an indelible mark on Wilmington's rich history. Their stories are courageous, surprising, inspiring, funny—and 100% true. 30-year-resident Steven S. Little has led more than 500 local tours in just the last 3 years. This tour goes well-beyond the familiar landmarks to uncover remarkable lives too often left out of the history books. Here are just some of the women you'll meet: The Spy and Her Final Voyage — A celebrated socialite risks everything for "the cause," but fate had other plans. The Woman Without a Name — An ordinary woman becomes an unwilling witness to the day Wilmington changed forever. The Two Elizabeths of the Port City — Two women from two different worlds become forever linked by one extraordinary mansion. The Undisputed World Champion - The remarkable woman who shattered barriers, capturing one of the world's most coveted titles.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will meet up along Wilmington's vibrant Riverwalk, the region's must-see destination. As the Cape Fear River flows beside us, you'll experience one of America's most picturesque waterfronts as we begin our discovery of the 100% true tales of these extraordinary women whose lives and stories shaped the city's colorful history.
Meet the fierce, fearless, and legendary women who shaped Wilmington's unique history—from rebels and revolutionaries to champions and legends. Their stories are poignant, funny, inspiring, and 100% true. Experience the sights and sounds of the Riverwalk and Historic District while enjoying professional storytelling that brings the past to life. Explore Historic Wilmington on this engaging 90-minute walking tour. Your guide, Steven S. Little, has led more than 500 historic tours in Downtown Wilmington. - Small group sizes (12 max) ensure a personalized experience. - Led by local resident Steven S. Little, who has lived in Wilmington for more than 30 years. - Small Groups. Big Stories. That's what makes our tours different. We will experience these stories at: 1) Off-the-beaten-path alleyways 2) Saint Thomas Preservation Hall 3) The De Rosset House / City Club 4) The Dram Yard / Eureka Pressing Building 5) The Historic Latimer House 6) The Hannah Block Historic Arts Center
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dog Friendly
Reviews(13)
I’ve lived in Wilmington for a decade, and Steve has taught me so much about the city and the women who have shaped it. I was blown away by all the history around me I had never known! Steve is incredibly passionate and taught me so much! I left feeling excited to learn more about the incredible women in my city. I highly recommend Steve!
I have been on several historic walking tours in Wilmington, NC and Steve Little's is by far the best! I went once for my birthday and loved it so much I took my best friend and her boyfriend when they came to town to visit! We all loved it, and even the man in the group, who was a bit skeptical at first, ended the tour by saying how much he had learned and how much he enjoyed hearing about the Badass Women of Old Wilmington. I will 100% be taking more people on this tour and recommending it to friends looking for something to do in downtown Wilmington!
Steve met us promptly. And I love that he was dressed in period clothes. Steve was extremely knowledgeable of the stories and facts. What made it so special, is Steve loves what he does, is a wonderful storyteller and wants to share.
Gallus, Rose, and Alethea. That's just some of the names that our tour guide Steven shared with us as we learned fascinating stories of Wilmington's past. What made this walking tour special is that you knew from the beginning that the guide loves history and wants to tell tales in a way that bring them alive! I could imagine the saloons of Wilmington's bustling past. I could imagine the heartache that these women experienced and overcame. They became like stories of family members long passed away. Walking away, I had had a special day learning about the past with an absolutely delightful guide. Steven is one that I will look for in future trips to Wilmington to see what else he has up his sleeves. Bravo!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful review. It means a great deal to hear that the stories stayed with you long after the walk ended. My hope has always been to bring these remarkable women to life—not as names in a history book, but as real people who loved, struggled, persevered, and shaped Wilmington into the city it is today. I'm especially grateful that you felt a personal connection to their stories. If you walked away feeling like you had spent time with old friends and family, then I've accomplished exactly what I set out to do. Thank you for spending part of your day with me, and for your kind words. I look forward to welcoming you back someday soon. Indeed, I do have a few more stories up my sleeve!
Steve is a phenomenal story teller. The walking tour is suitable for all ages. Steve is very knowledgeable about the history of Wilmington and the women he talks about. The small group is size is perfect. A very unique tour and I highly recommend it.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I'm thrilled you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the stories of Old Wilmington's "badass" women. I believe history is at its best when it feels personal, so I'm glad the storytelling and small-group format made the experience enjoyable. Thank you for recommending the tour, and I hope you'll join me again the next time you're in Wilmington—there are always more stories waiting to be told!
This was such a fun tour! Steve REALLY knows his stuff! We learned a lot about the history of Wilmington, and the women who made it great! Steve is personable and keeps the tour moving. We highly recommend this!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! I'm delighted you enjoyed the tour and had a "fun" evening exploring Wilmington's history. It means a lot to hear that you found the fun in my stories, because I believe well-told history should be both entertaining and informative. Thank you again for your recommendation, and I hope to see you on another tour someday very soon!
Steven is the best! He is incredibly knowledgeable, passionate, and an excellent storyteller who brings the tour to life. What really sets him apart is that he takes the time to stay after the tour to chat with guests. Whether you have additional questions about the topics covered, want recommendations for great places to eat, or simply enjoy good conversation, he’s more than happy to help. His genuine enthusiasm and kindness made the experience even more memorable. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Savannah! I'm so glad you had fun and enjoyed learning about these remarkable women who shaped Wilmington's colorful history. It means a lot to hear that you found the tour to be passionate—that's always my goal. There are so many incredible stories that deserve to be remembered, and I love sharing them with curious and informed guests like you. Thank you again for the recommendation, and I hope to see all 3 of you again very soon!
We had a wonderful time exploring downtown Wilmington with Steve as we learned about powerful women who had been left out of the history books,
I really appreciate the kind review Jeanne. We had such a great group that night and the weather really cooperated with us. I hope to see you and your friends again someday soon!
We had an incredible time on this tour. Steve was funny, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate in all his stories. We did not know much about the history of Wilmington and came away from it feeling inspired by the badass women who have lived here. Steve also recommended The Fortunate Glass restaurant to us after the tour and we had some of the best food we’ve had in a long time. Highly recommend!
Thank you so very much for this stellar review. Very glad to hear you enjoyed meeting the Badass Women of Old Wilmington. Also pleased that the restaurant rec worked out. They do an especially fine job there. Hope your trip back to CT was easy and I will look forward to seeing both of you again someday soon!
Amazing experience full of rich history. Steven is an extraordinary storyteller. I’ve been to Wilmington many times, this tour gave me new insight into the rich history of Wilmington, and some of the amazing women who have had a huge impact on its’ development. I highly recommend the story!
Thank you very very much for the wonderful review! It means a lot to hear that this tour offered you a fresh perspective, especially since you've visited Wilmington many times. That's one of my favorite compliments—to help people discover stories they never knew were hiding in plain sight. The women on this tour truly shaped Wilmington in remarkable ways, and it's a privilege to share their stories with guests who appreciate their history. I'm so glad you enjoyed the experience, and I hope you'll join me again the next time you're in town. There are always more stories waiting to be told!
