I-40 All the Way

First things first. Driving from Raleigh to Wilmington is one of the most boring drives. It causes very heavy eyes and the desire to sleep, so I suggest pumping yourself full of caffeine before you start the drive. Trust me, you will be trying to find things to do to make your drive less painful.

Coming from Capital Boulevard in Raleigh, you will need to take Highway 440 or the Beltline. You will head east on the Beltline towards Rocky Mount. After about 5 miles you will take the exit for I-40 East. The signs direct you towards Wilmington/Benson on I-40. There is currently construction going on on I-40, so be aware of the speed limit through those areas when you first begin driving on 40.

The rest of the drive to Wilmington is a straight shot. If you need to stop to stretch your legs, use the restroom, or just grab a drink, you can always just pull off at any exit, but I recommend the rest stops. The first one you come to is at Exit 325, which follows right after the exit for Greenville and Highway 70. If you think you can hold off for a while, your next best bet is Exit 364. Not only is it the halfway point from Raleigh to Wilmington, but it is also the last rest stop on I-40. If you need to go, go now. Exit 364 also has several options for food and for gas if that is needed, otherwise, just keep on driving.

I-40 officially ends when you reach Wilmington. When I-40 ends and becomes College Rd., the speed limit drops from 70 mph to 55 mph, so be very aware of this, as cops like to pull people in this area. The first major intersection you will come to in Wilmington is the intersection of College Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard. After passing through this intersection you will go through four more stop lights until you reach the intersection of College Road and Randall Parkway. You will want to be in the far left lane, because you will be making a left onto the campus of UNCW.

When you turn onto the campus you will want to drive to the second large parking lot on your right. As a visitor, you will want to try to get one of the metered spots on the far left, rear part of the parking lot, since they are designated for visitors. Otherwise, park in any spot in the lot you can find. Being a visitor, you will not be obligated to pay any parking fines if you are ticketed.

The building directly in front of you when you enter the parking lot is Randall Library. If facing the library, you will want to look to you left and go straight towards that building which is Morton Hall. Upon entering the building, you will walk straight down the hallway and right before reaching the closed double doors, take a right, then an immediate right onto the stairs. Follow the stairs to the top and take a left after passing through the door. You will then go through a set of double doors and when you reach the main hallway, take a right. The classroom will be the first door on your left, room 204.

Hopefully these directions are clear and will help you have an easy trip here to Wilmington.