CAPE FEAR CLUB
Men’s Professional Club with Deep Roots
FOUNDED IN 1866 by former Confederates, Wilmington’s Cape
Fear Club is recognized as the oldest men’s club in continuous exis-tence
in the South. It originally served as a social and networking
club for single gentlemen and provided home-cooked meals, gam-ing,
a bar, and a gathering spot during an era when bachelors and widowers
lived in hotels and had no other access to such amenities.
Located at 201 Chestnut Street, the Cape Fear Club serves as a business and
professional club. Its membership has historically comprised politically influen-tial
individuals. Membership is available by invitation only. The Cape Fear Club
is extremely private and has no website. Only limited information is available.
The City Club of Wilmington is headquartered at the DeRosset House in the
downtown historic district.
THE CITY CLUB OF WILMINGTON
Fine Food & Southern Charm
THE CITY CLUB of Wilmington was founded in 1841 as a local
networking and entertainment hub. It is headquartered in the his-toric
DeRosset House at 23 South Second Street and is considered
Wilmington’s premier fine dining club. It is a go-to site for wedding
receptions, professional meetings, and elegant lodging in its historic setting.
Unlike most private clubs, membership is open and can be secured with
a $1,500 initiation fee for a one-year contract, $700 for a two-year con-tract,
and $450 for a three-year contract. Dues are $85 monthly with a $60
monthly food and beverage minimum. Members enjoy full access to the
historic grounds, an opportunity to network with top local business lead-ers,
monthly wine tastings, and reciprocal relationships with more than 50
exclusive private clubs worldwide.
The City Club hosts the annual “Great Gatsby Gala,” an elegant event
that supports its nonprofit charitable foundation. The foundation, in turn,
supports numerous notable local charities.
More information can be found at www.cityclubofwilmington.com.
COUNTRY CLUBS
No longer simply havens for golf and tennis lovers,
local country clubs are evolving in creative ways
to attract members by offering fitness and social
opportunities, family-friendly events, and structured
dues and fees schedules, making them more attractive
and available than ever.
CAPE FEAR COUNTRY CLUB
Timeless & Evolving
FOUNDED IN 1896, Cape Fear Country Club
is the oldest private country club in North Carolina.
Its hallmark facility is its classic golf course designed
by legendary architect Donald Ross.
Far from being simply a golf club, it has clay tennis
courts and a state-of-the-art 11,000-square-foot fitness
center complete with a fully equipped gym and weight
room. The fitness center offers classes for yoga, boot
camp, and high-intensity interval training, and specialized
classes like CPR and self-defense. Its full-sized pool is per-fect
for lap swimming.
The Country Club provides an elegant experience for
members, hosting special events like weddings, meetings,
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WBM september 2018