As Blockade Runner Beach Resort in Wrightsville Beach was celebrating its 60th anniversary last year, new owners were planning something completely different for the unique property that includes access to both the ocean and the sound.
In September, they announced that the hotel at 275 Waynick Blvd. would become Trailborn Surf & Sound. Renovations have been taking place since then and an official ribbon cutting was held on Jan. 29.
“We wanted to keep the bones, keep the charm and the character,” said Mike Weiss, co-founder and co-CEO of Trailborn, adding the intention was to make the resort a little more elegant and livelier.
The historic resort property dates to 1964 and was owned by the Baggett family since the early 1970s. Castle Peak Holdings, the development company behind Trailborn, purchased it in 2023.
At the event, the company offered a look at the upgraded lobby and common areas and renovated guestrooms and bathrooms. But more is ahead, including completely the onsite restaurant, before a grand opening event in April.
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“There’s a lot more to come in the next 30 to 45 days,” Weiss said.
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A new look
The Post Company design studio helped develop the new atmosphere for the hotel. It has a modern mid-century design inspired by surf culture and the natural environment.
The renovations included adding white brick accents to the exterior. The lobby has a new retail market and a white-and-wood backdrop with lots of seating areas and French doors leading to the beach and lawn.
Each of the 151 guest rooms includes either a full balcony opening to the ocean or picturesque Juliet balcony providing water views. Look for rattan-accented benches, ceilings with blue detailing, blue-hued tile flooring, local artwork and subtle wave motifs.
Experiential offerings
The brand also includes three other properties -- Trailborn Highlands in Highlands, N.C., Trailborn Rocky Mountains in Estes Park, Colorado, and Trailborn Grand Canyon in Arizona. (Another is opening soon in Mendocino, California.)
According to their website, each is in an iconic outdoor location with a focus on adventure and experiences. At the Surf & Sound location, that will include guided excursions, lessons, and gear rentals for enjoying Wrightsville Beach.
“We want to make all of our properties be places where guests can make memories to last a lifetime,” Weiss said. Here, that could include taking an island cruise, sailing trip, surf lessons, morning yoga on the lawn, as well as paddleboard and other rentals.
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Restaurant coming soon
Trailborn also said that each property offers gathering spaces with restaurants that offer chef-forward cuisines and craft cocktails. The restaurants and bars at Trailborn Surf & Sound are expected to open in late March / early spring.
But there was a look at what’s ahead. La Duna Paradiso will be a coastal Italian and Meditteranean restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Look for fresh seafood and house-made pastas.
A bar area, Bar Duna, has been relocated to the lobby, and will serve cocktails and bites. And the seasonal Blockade Surf Bar will be located poolside serving favorites like burgers, fish tacos, local beers and frozen drinks.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her ataballard@gannett.com.