Wilmington Magazine July/Aug 2023

JULY / AUGUST 2023 

Revitalization 

of the Cotton 

Exchange 

Discover Unique 

Shops, Services 

& Entertainment 

Summer 

Fashion 

Light and Airy 

Styles for a Day 

Out on the Water 

THE COTTON 

EXCHANGE 

NHCE BILLION- 

DOLLAR 

ENDOWMENT 

AT HOME IN 

LANDFALL

2420 Morgans Ridge SE 

Bolivia 

$2,690,000 

One of a kind opportunity 

to own this waterside farm 

on 25 acres 

2208 Ocean Point Drive 

Landfall 

$1,895,000 

Immaculate all brick home 

overlooking the third green 

and fairway 

3009 Sunnybranch Drive 

Demarest Landing 

$1,685,000 

Community clubhouse, pool, 

tennis court, boathouse and 

nature trails 

803 Schloss Street 

Wrightsville Beach 

$1,499,999 

Classic cottage located on 

the desirable South end 

2 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com

Hello, summer. 

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July / August 2023 | 1

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Relax & Enjoy the Flavor 

of Havana’s Restaurant 

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Best Sunday Brunch! 

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INDULGE 

your palate 

& 

your passions 

© 2023 Brightmore of Wilmington 

On any given day, you’ll find a range of options to fuel your passions, 

meet new friends and enjoy a lifestyle rich with interesting and exciting 

educational and engaging programs. Learn more about senior living at 

BrightmoreOfWilmington.com or schedule a visit at 910.507.7384. 

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4 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Senior Living Choices offered by Liberty Senior Living


July/August 2023 

82 

A Landfall 

Landscape 

How one family 

transformed their 

Landfall home into a 

stunning waterfront 

haven 

By Lori Wilson 

90 

Revitalizing a 

Historic Gem 

The Cotton Exchange 

becomes a destination 

of choice for locals 

seeking unique 

shops, services and 

entertainment 

By Jen Reed 

61 

2023 Best of 

Wilmington Awards 

Our readers voted 

for their favorite 

places around the 

Wilmington area 

By Carin Hall and 

Fanny Slater 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 


THANKS FOR VOTING US #1! 

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Departments » July / August 2023 

Buzz 

15 Ceramics in the Cargo 

District Meet Ashley 

Marklinger, Owner of 

Bookworm Pottery & Co 

16 Calendar Our five 

highlights for July– 

August 

15 

18 Events The rundown on 

what to do this summer 

28 Entertainment TV & 

Music 

30 Staff Picks Non-fiction 

books we love 

32 Business Outlook 

Understanding New 

Hanover County’s Billion- 

Dollar Endowment 

36 Newsmaker The success 

story of Wilmington Air 

40 ArtSeen A beloved local 

ceramics shop shares the 

therapeutic art of pottery 

with students of all levels 

49 97 117 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

49 A Day on the Water 

Island hop in the latest 

styles from local boutiques 

50 Boating After 20 

years, faith, family and 

fun continue to anchor 

Anglers Marine NC 

52 Fashion Light and airy 

styles for sunny days 

ahead 

58 Shop Local A guide to 

local farmers markets 

and why it’s important to 

support them 

50 

97 Dining with a View A 

classic Wilmingtonian 

spot gets a new menu 

98 Dining Review 

Revamped Southern 

fare with an Asian twist 

breathes new life into The 

George on the Riverwalk 

100 Libations The Sorrow 

Drowner is an immersive 

tiki-noir bar experience 

you can’t miss 

104 In the Kitchen Cool 

& easy summer recipes 

showcase the colors of the 

season 

110 Restaurant Guide 

Select spots for eating and 

drinking in Wilmington 

100 

117 Travel From 

Michelangelo's bridges 

to culinary delights, 

uncovers some of Rome's 

best-kept secrets courtesy 

of the Sofitel Villa 

Borghese Hotel 

Fundamentals 

12 Reader Services 

14 Editor's Letter 

120 The Last Reflection 

46 Southern Drawl A 

scientist and UNCW 

professor is on a quest 

to protect and spread 

awareness around North 

Carolina’s ecosystems 


Best of Wilmington Awards | The Revitalization of the Cotton Exchange | Summer Styles WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


of the Cotton 

Exchange 




Summer 

Fashion 




NHCE BILLION- 

THE COTTON 

AT HOME IN 

DOLLAR 

EXCHANGE 

LANDFALL 

ENDOWMENT 

ON THE COVER » 

A fashion shoot, featuring a trip 

to Masonboro Island with 

Jeff Brown Yachts 

IMAGE BY DARIA AMATO 



CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

Managing Editor 

Carin Hall 

■ ■ ■ 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Kristina Parolla 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

1331 LANDFALL DRIVE , WILMINGTON • $1,895,000 

Incredible Landfall location…with views of the Intracoastal Waterway from 

the backyard, unobstructed views of Dye #8 across the street, just down the 

street from the neighborhood’s historical Temple Garden and a stone’s throw 

to the Dye Clubhouse. This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home sits on large .91 acre 

corner homesite, and the upstairs Bonus Room boasts views of the waterway 

all the way to the beach. Extensive renovations have been made to include 

brand new gourmet kitchen, new wide plank flooring, new carpeting, 

updated bathrooms, Travertine tile entry stairs, beautiful Mahogany front 

door, new windows, all new light fixtures, and fresh interior and exterior 

paint. This graceful home is like new and is a true gem! 

Contributing Writers 

Demia Avery, Kaitlin Gooding, 

Carin Hall, Kim Henry, Denise K. James, 

Joe Jancsurak, Katie McElveen, Jen Reed, 

Judy Royal, Fanny Slater, Lori Wilson, 

Vera Wilson 

Photographers 

Daria Amato, Allison Eding, 

Kaitlin Gooding, Madeline Gray, 

Carin Hall, G. Frank Hart, Jeff Janowski, 

Bradley Pearce, Dale Shew, Karen Zip 

■ ■ ■ 

Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Corporate Office: 843-856-2532 

1720 Drysdale Dr, Wilmington • 910-256-6111 • landfallrealty.com 

Wilmington Magazine (Vol. 11, No. 2) 

is published 6 times per year by DueSouth 

Publishing, LLC. The entire contents of 

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may not be reproduced, in whole or part, 

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from the editor 


Best of Wilmington Awards | The Revitalization of the Cotton Exchange | Summer Styles WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 



of the Cotton 

Exchange 




Summer 

Fashion 




THE COTTON 

EXCHANGE 

NHCE BILLION- 

DOLLAR 

ENDOWMENT 

AT HOME IN 

LANDFALL 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Subscribe online at 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

or by calling 843-856-2532 

SUMMER FUN IN 

Wilmington has officially 

arrived, and this issue is 

packed with great events, 

restaurants, things to do and 

places to explore. Not to mention, our 

annual Best of Wilmington Awards have 

officially been announced! 

When I moved to the area last fall, I 

consulted Wilmington Magazine’s 2022 

Best of Wilmington awards list for 

everything we needed as we moved into 

our new home, finding top services for 

our four-year-old’s needs, and for things 

to do and places to visit as newbies to the 

area. It did not let us down. Consider this 

your sign to save this issue and bookmark 

the 2023 winners for all your service, 

health, wellness, beauty, dining and 

shopping needs. 

In another feature, we guide 

you through updates at the Cotton 

Exchange, including interviews with 

business owners and General Manager 

Cheryl Bullock, who discusses the rich 

history and present-day community of 

some 30 unique specialty shops and 

restaurants within the eight-building 

complex. Discover a few gems, including 

Momentum Distillery, Urban Goods and 

Gardens, a unique children’s clothing 

store and others. Like our restaurant 

feature on The George on the Riverwalk, 

discover what’s been revitalized in hopes 

to get more locals wanting to come back. 

We’ve also got some important 

information to share, including a guide to 

local farmers markets, all about the billiondollar 

NCHE endowment and a discussion 

around our “natural treasures” from 

scientist/UNCW professor Roger Shew. 

Our featured artist, ceramicist Ashley 

Merklinger at Bookworm Pottery & Co in 

the Cargo District, invites YOU to join her. 

With class offerings for varying interests 

and levels, she’s on a mission to get more 

people to incorporate creativity in their 

lives for their mental health, referring to 

her classes as “pockets of rest.” 

And for the evenings, do yourself a favor 

and check out the Sorrow Drowner, a 

unique tiki-noir experience downtown. To 

my surprise, this is not the most popular 

place in Wilmington… yet. I am so glad 

I found this 

unique spot and 

am determined 

to make it a 

“hidden gem no 

more.” 

Now let’s 

address the 

obvious: peakheat 

days are 

ahead of us. 

To survive the 

season in style, 

consider some bright and airy picks from 

select boutiques—perfect for beach days, 

window-shopping or island-hopping. 

After a day out on the water for this 

shoot with the Jeff Brown Yacht Club, 

I’m starting to see why people fall in love 

with this place. (Currently day-dreaming 

of one day owning the BRABUS Shadow 

500 T-Top➔ p 54-55). 

Speaking of water views, Nest Fine 

Gifts and Interiors owner, Monika 

Williams, gave us a special peek into 

her gorgeously transformed home in 

Landfall, and I’m living vicariously 

through the photos of their space. 

Now get out there and enjoy these 

sunny days while they last! See you on 

the water. 

Carin Hall 

Managing Editor 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

Find us on Facebook and 

Instagram 

@wilmingtonmagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

PHOTO ALLISON EDING OF LIGHTBLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY 

Ceramics in 

the Cargo 

District 

Meet Ashley Marklinger, Owner 

of Bookworm Pottery & Co 

See page 40 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

JULY – AUGUST 

Our five highlights from this issue’s calendar of events. 

Wilmington’s Fourth of July 

Celebration 

July 4 

The City of Wilmington extends an 

invitation to all to visit, shop, and dine in 

the historic downtown area, followed by a 

riverside celebration of Independence Day 

featuring music and more, culminating 

in a magnificent fireworks display. A 

family-friendly program, featuring the 

Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, will 

take place at the Live Oak Bank Pavilion at 

Riverfront Park, with the fireworks visible 

along the nearly two-mile-long Riverwalk. 

For more information, including parking 

and traffic details closer to the event date, 

visit the city's website and social media. 

wilmingtonrecreation.com 

Fireworks by the Sea 

& Boardwalk Blast 

Thursdays July–August 

Pleasure Island summer officially kicks off 

with the weekly fireworks display on the 

Friday before Memorial Day, continuing 

every Thursday evening until the final 

fireworks show on the Friday before Labor 

Day. The beach strand in front of the 

historic Carolina Beach Boardwalk offers 

the best viewing spot for this spectacular 

Thursday show, accompanied by live music 

at the Gazebo stage. Gather the family 

and head to the Boardwalk in Carolina 

Beach. The music typically starts at 

6:30pm, followed by the fireworks at 9pm. 

carolinabeach.org 

Opera Wilmington presents 

Verdi's La Traviata 

July 21, 23, 28, 30 

Experience the tale of a beautiful 

courtesan with a heart of gold and her 

devoted suitor. Performances will take 

place on Friday, July 21 and Friday, July 

28 at 7pm, as well as Sunday, July 23 and 

Sunday, July 30 at 3pm. A reception for 

donors contributing $250 or more will be 

held prior to the July 23 performance. 

An open reception will follow the final 

performance in the Cultural Arts Building 

lobby. operawilmington.org 

Wahine Classic 

Surfing Competition 

August 12–13 

The Wahine Classic, a beloved surfing 

tradition, attracts female surfers of all levels 

and ages. Divisions include Pro Short and 

Longboard, as well as Amateur Short and 

Longboard. The crowd favorite Tiny Wahine 

Division is also part of the event. Check the website and social media for updates, 

registration, and heat schedules. Jo Pickett, a legendary surfing instructor with over 

20 years of experience and the owner of Crystal South Surf Camp, organizes the event. 

Jo's expertise in teaching surfing and her incorporation of yoga for strength and balance 

have made her a popular and successful coach in competitive surfing. Many of her 

students have gone on to become surfing instructors themselves. Jo's instruction covers 

surf etiquette, ocean safety, coastal ecology, and marine life, helping surfers develop 

a comprehensive understanding of the ocean and enjoy surfing for pleasure or at the 

competition level. wahineclassic.com 

Free Summer Concerts 

at Fort Fisher 

August 11, 25 

Enjoy family-friendly, free Friday summer 

lawn concerts at the Fort Fisher Air Force 

Recreation Area. Located near both 

Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, relish 

the outdoors and bring blankets and 

chairs for the whole family. Pack a picnic 

to enjoy dinner accompanied by the lively 

tunes of live music. Some restrictions 

apply. pleasureislandnc.org 

W 


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“For more than twenty 

years, Kevin Pfirman has 

been practicing architecture, 

designing projects of many 

ranges of cost, type and 

scale, mainly in the coastal 

environments of North Carolina 

and South Carolina.” 

Battle for Independence Road Race July 4 

Kickstart Independence Day with a thrilling race! On the morning of July 4th, 

runners can compete in either a 5K or one-mile race along Independence Boulevard 

on Wilmington's scenic Gary Shell Cross City Trail. The course is flat and speedy, 

attracting agile competitors, yet it's also suitable for runners and spectators of 

all ages. Embrace the spirit of Independence Day, honor the birth of our nation, 

and pay tribute to those who served. runsignup.com/Race/NC/Wilmington/ 

BattleforIndependenceRoadRace 

307 Martin Street 

Wilmington, NC 

910.538.2170 

Event Calendar 

Looking to fill your social calendar? We've got the 

rundown on what to do this summer season. 

5018 Oleander Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

shopofseagate.com • 910-791-6622 

OPEN MON-SAT 10AM-5PM 

Live Oak Bank Pavilion 

at Riverfront Park 

livenation.com 

Riley Green, July 13 

Barenaked Ladies: Last Summer On 

Earth 2023, July 14 

Phish, July 18–19 

Darius Rucker: Starting Fires Tour, 


GRIZMAS in July Featuring GRiZ, 

July 28-29 

Slightly SToopid and Sublime with Rome 

wsg Atmosphere, August 6 

Tyler Childers: Send in the Hounds Tour 

with S.G. Goodman, August 18 

Masters of the Mic, August 19 

The Wilson Center at CFCC 

wilsoncentertickets.com 

Stars & Stripes by NC Symphony, July 2 

Kenny G, July 15 

Travis Tritt, July 22 

Masterpiece of the First Order, August 4 

A Riot of the Senses, August 5 

The Greatest Prodigy, August 6 

Flight of Fantasies, August 10 

Enchantments, August 12 

Brit Floyd, August 13 

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex 

brooklynartsnc.com 

Summertime Market, July 15–16 

School of Rock Wilmington Concert, 

August 27 

Butterfly Releases 

at Airlie Gardens 

Tuesdays, 

July 4-Sept 12 

Witness the 

enchantment of 

butterfly releases 

accompanied by an 

educator's insights 

into the butterfly life cycle and the 

diverse species of butterflies present that 

week in the Butterfly House. In the event 

of rain, an educator will be available in 

the classroom, ensuring guests can still 

observe the butterflies. After visiting 

the Butterfly House, take a stroll 

through the nearby Pollinator Garden, 

specially planted with flowers that 

attract pollinators year-round, including 

butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds, 

and more! airliegardens.org 


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Story Time by 

the Sea 

Recurring 

Wednesdays 

through August 

16 

Immerse yourself in a magical experience 

as the Princess and her fairytale 

companions host engaging activities for the 

whole family at Kure Beach's Ocean Front 

Park & Pavilion. Delight in stories, crafts, 

and games suitable for both boys and girls. 

The Princess and her fairytale friends 

will grace the park every Wednesday, so 

don't forget to bring your phone or camera 

to capture these unforgettable moments. 

townofkurebeach.org 

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We are a MULTI-SERVICE BEAUTY STUDIO specializing in eyelash 

extensions, hair, permanent makeup, facial waxing and lash lifts. 

Taylor Keeping 

Smith – Owner, 

Certified eyelash 

extension artist 

and eyelash 

extension trainer. 

326 Nutt Street, Wilmington, NC (Located in The Cotton Exchange) 

910-338-1133 | keepingitglam.com | Open: Mon-Sat 10-5 

East Coast “Got- 

Em-On” King 

Mackerel Classic 

July 7-9 

Prepare your 

fishing gear for 

the Annual East 

Coast Got Em On 

King Mackerel 

Classic! It's time to compete and vie 

for your next significant catch and the 

ultimate bragging rights in this renowned 

fishing tournament. The captains meeting 

will be held on Friday, followed by two 

days of fishing on Saturday and Sunday, 

culminating in an Awards Ceremony to 

celebrate the participants' achievements. 

gotemonliveclassic.com 

Tri-Span 5K & 10K 


Join the celebration of 

the 40th Anniversary 

and participate in the oldest 3-bridge 5K or 

10K Run or Run/Walk on the East Coast! 

The 10K course traverses the Memorial 

Bridge and two additional bridges before 

concluding on Water Street. Additionally, 

there will be a brief loop down Battleship 

Road, where runners will pass in front of the 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, enjoying 

the scenic view of downtown Wilmington 

across the picturesque Cape Fear River. 

The 5K point-to-point course commences 

at the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA and 

finishes riverside in historic downtown. 

Shuttle/transportation to the starting line 

will be provided. All 5K participants will 

experience two of the three bridges from the 


Fine Antiques, Home Decor 

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6213 Market Street 


910-444-8881 

portcitypeddler.com 


AT THE BEACH 

AG Jeans 

Nic & Zoe 

Michael Stars 

Lilla P 

Wilt 

Mod-O-Doc 

Bella Dahl 

KinRoss Cashmere 

1051 Military Cutoff Road 

Suite 103 


910.509.0273 

coolsweatsatthebeach.com 

910-228-6637 

facebook.com/DeBruhls 

225 Pine Grove Dr. 


Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

10K course, as well as the scenic downtown 

Riverwalk. runsignup.com/Race/Info/NC/ 

Wilmington/TriSpan5k10k 

Summer Jazz Series at the Mansion 

July 13, August 10 

Indulge in the captivating melodies of live 

music during the Jazz at the Mansion 

Concert Series, held on the second 

Thursday of each month between May 

and September. Bring the entire family, 

relax on blankets or chairs, and savor your 

favorite snacks while immersing yourself 

in an evening of smooth tunes amidst the 

stunning grounds of the historic Bellamy 

Mansion. For details, exclusions, and the 

latest updates, visit their website and 

social media. In the event of inclement 

weather, the concert will be canceled. 

Musicians will be announced closer to the 

event. bellamymansion.org 

Poplar Grove's 

Full & New 

Moon Ghost 

Tours 

July 17, August 

1, 16, 30 

Embark on an evening tour of the Manor 

House during the full moon or New Moon, 

guided by an expert. Discover the lingering 

presence of deceased members of the Foy 

family in specific rooms of the house and 

hear captivating stories of how they have 

made their presence known over the years. 

As the trees silhouette the night sky, you'll 

also encounter the echoes of former slaves 

and tenant farmers. Receive a Scroll of 

the Dead, which lists the names of family 

members who have passed away in the 

house. poplargrove.org 

Greenfield Lake 

Walking Eco- 

Tour 


Join Cape Fear 

River Watch 

for a leisurely 

Eco-Tour of Greenfield Lake, a cypress 

dome ecosystem nestled in the heart of 

Wilmington. Learn about the flora and 

fauna while your knowledgeable guide 

identifies plants and animals along the 

way, highlighting the best practices for 

preserving the natural beauty of the area. 

Greenfield Lake is a habitat for a diverse 



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range of wildlife, including alligators, 

turtles, glossy anhingas, yellow-bellied 

sliders, and various species of herons 

and egrets. Meet at the Greenfield Lake 

Boathouse, and enjoy the scenic walk 

towards the lake, where the boathouse 

awaits on your right. capefearriverwatch. 

org/eco-tours/ 

World Adventure Trivia Night at the 

Sorrow Drowner 


On every third Thursday, visit the tiki-noir 

lounge for an exciting trivia night. Indulge 

in $9 Mai Tais while competing for fun 

prizes. sorrowdrowner.com 

History Comes 

Alive with Dr. 

Chris Fonvielle 

July 23, 


Immerse yourself 

in a captivating 

two-hour cruise filled with the enthralling 

history of Wilmington. Local historian 

Dr. Chris Fonvielle will be on board, 

delivering an engaging talk that focuses on 

“Wilmington and the Lower Cape Fear,” 

encompassing the Civil War, Revolutionary 

War, pirates, and the shipping industry. 

This cruise will transport you back in 

time, breathing life into history. Relish the 

comfortable seating, the gentle morning 

breeze, and the serene ambiance of Cape 

Fear. wilmingtonwatertours.net 

Monthly Bird 

Walk 



Embark on a guided 

bird walk led by park 

staff at Carolina Beach State Park along 

Snows Cut Trail. No previous experience is 

required. Starting at the Marina, the easy 

two-mile hike will take you through flat 

terrain, lasting approximately two hours. 

Both novice and avid birders will revel 

in the adventure of spotting resident and 

visiting bird species. Remember to bring 

sunscreen, binoculars, drinking water, and 

insect repellent. ncparks.gov/events 

Fourth Friday Gallery Nights 


Immerse yourself in an evening of art and 

culture during the Fourth Friday Gallery 



Nights. Participating galleries and studios 

open their doors after hours for a celebration 

of various artistic genres, including oils, 

acrylics, watercolors, pastels, metals, 

ceramics, music, mixed media, and more. 

Engage in discussions with featured artists 

about their craft. Maps are available at all 

participating locations, including the Arts 

Council of Wilmington. artswilmington. 

org/four-Fridays 

Jamie's Port 

City Outlander 

Adventure 



Embark on a time-traveling journey and 

tread the path of the beloved characters 

from Diana Gabaldon's acclaimed 

Outlander books, immortalized in a 

cinematic series. Experience a meticulously 

designed adventure tailored for Outlander 

history enthusiasts, offering private 

historic house tours, walking tours, ghost 

tours, a private Cape Fear River cruise, as 

well as snacks, lunch, and dinner options. 

Walk in the footsteps of the beloved Fraser 

family in Wilmington's old Port City. 

Advanced registration for ages 13 and 

above is required, and please note that the 

tour involves extensive walking on uneven 

surfaces and stairs. Secure your spot in 

advance, as this limited tour, rain or shine, 

is expected to sell out. ncsassenachtours. 

com/tour/jamies-port-city-adventure 

Whomparama: 

Body Surfing 

Extravaganza 


Join in the slightly 

off-the-wall fun 

near the awardwinning 

Carolina 

Beach Boardwalk 

for the Whomparama body surfing 

extravaganza! Delight in the participation 

and spectating of all ages as body surfers of 

various age divisions, from “Super Grom” 

(for the little ones) to “Old As Dirt,” take 

to the waves. The competition kicks off in 

the morning at Hamlet Avenue, followed 

by the after-party and award ceremony at 

the Carolina Beach Boardwalk Pavilion 

Stage, accompanied by live music. Further 

details and registration information will be 

available closer to the event. 



Reviews: TV & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Kelly Clarkson 

Chemistry 

Kelly Clarkson, by far one of the standout 

talents to emerge from American Idol, 

returns with a collection of soulful pop 

ballads in her latest album, “Chemistry.” 

I eagerly downloaded the aptly titled track 

“me” and was delighted to rediscover 

everything I adore about this artist – the 

lyrical independence she exudes and the 

sheer vocal power she displays in those 

captivating bridges. It brought back fond 

memories of Mariah Carey's classic style, 

in the best possible way. I also highly 

recommend giving “I Hate Love” and 

“Mine” a listen. Bravo, Kelly. We are fully 

invested in this musical journey. 

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel 

Amazon Prime Video 

Starring Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, Alex Borstein 

5 STARS 

Jeff Bezos (or one of his representatives) kindly granted me a complimentary ticket to 

attend the series finale of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” arguably Prime Video's most 

successful original series, at my local cinema. To enhance the experience, popcorn and 

soda were provided free of charge. I settled into my seat just in time for a pre-show trivia 

game. Since I had started watching "Maisel" well before the pandemic disrupted my life, I 

wondered how much I would recall from the earlier seasons. As it turned out, I remembered 

a substantial amount. This show leaves a lasting impression. 

If you've seen even a few episodes of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” - or if you keep up 

with popular culture - you are aware of the exceptional performances by Rachel Brosnahan 

as Miriam, Tony Shalhoub as Abe, and Alex Borstein as Susie in this comedy-drama. 

Beyond showcasing Miriam's comedic career journey (a common experience in creative 

fields, wouldn't you agree?), the series treats us to various other delights: a captivating 

period setting (those dresses!), a glimpse into Jewish culture and family norms, and the 

relatable quest for love and self-discovery. 

For those who discontinued watching “Maisel” before the surge of content driven by 

the pandemic, I sincerely encourage you to give it another chance, regardless of any 

hearsay about the fifth and final season. It is widely acknowledged that series finales are 

challenging, and viewers often disagree on the desired outcome - and I won't claim that 

this is any different. In fact, I had my own criticisms of the ending. The true emotional 

resonance of the episode (and the entire series) lies in the moments leading up to the 

prolonged finale. While I lament that it didn't conclude where I had hoped, I understand 

the reasoning behind this decision. 

In summary, I implore you to watch the series for yourself and form your own opinions 

about the intricately portrayed characters and the unfolding of their lives. It reminds me of 

a book review I once wrote, where I concluded with the line, “You can't know all of anybody's 

story; you can only know your part in it.” Indeed, we can only comprehend the part we, 

as viewers, play in Miriam Maisel's journey to success and self-discovery. However, it is a 

highly rewarding part, deserving of a round of applause. 

Hiss Golden Messenger 

Jump for Joy 

For those unacquainted with Hiss Golden 

Messenger, a North Carolina-based 

band, this summer presents the perfect 

opportunity to acquaint yourself with their 

latest album, “Jump for Joy.” This group 

caters to lovers of folk rock and irresistible 

Southern melodies, striking all the right 

chords with tracks like the infectiously 

vibrant “Nu-Grape,” complemented by 

its charmingly offbeat music video. New 

listeners may also want to add the 2021 

releases “Glory Strums” and “Hardlytown” 

to their playlist to experience the band's 

exceptional songwriting prowess. 



staff picks 

Truth Be Told 

Non-fiction books we love 

A good vacation read is in the eye of the beholder and nonfiction readers need page-turners, too! 

Check out these nonfiction titles that are riveting, thrilling and heartfelt. 

“The Wager: A Tale of 

Shipwreck, Mutiny, and 

Murder” by David Grann 

David Grann is renowned for his 

captivating nonfiction narratives that 

possess the allure of fiction, and his 

latest work is no exception. “The Wager” 

presents a gripping historical account 

of a shipwreck in the 1740s off the 

South American coast, delving into the 

disintegration of the survivors' order 

into chaos and violence. Even prior to the 

calamity, the crew endures afflictions of illness and discord, with 

many sailors having been unwillingly press-ganged into service. 

The vessel constantly battles adverse weather conditions and a 

tempestuous ocean until it ultimately succumbs to destruction. It 

is then that the true turmoil ensues – starvation, internal strife, 

mutinous intentions, and even murder. Do not overlook this 

enthralling true story of survival. –Megan Mathis 

“Breathless: The Scientific 

Race to Defeat a Deadly 

Virus” by David Quammen 

In “Breathless,” a finalist for the 2022 

National Book Award in nonfiction, 

acclaimed science writer Quammen 

forsakes the medical drama of the 

coronavirus pandemic to focus solely on 

the frantic efforts of scientists striving to 

unravel the origins of the outbreak and 

determine the most effective means of 

control. “Breathless” could be considered 

a quasi-sequel to Quammen's 2012 book, “Spillover: Animal 

Infections and the Next Human Pandemic.” In fact, he returns 

to interview many of the same scientists he engaged with for his 

earlier work. Patiently, he delves into the scientific discourse 

surrounding whether the virus originated directly from bats, 

passed through another animal intermediary, or possibly 

emerged due to a laboratory accident. The cast of characters is 

extensive, and Quammen provides a helpful Credits section at 

the end of the text, offering a brief biography of each scientist he 

interviewed. –Bland Lawson 

“Hijab Butch Blues” 

by Lamya H. 

This candid and heartfelt memoir by 

a queer Muslim woman chronicles a 

story of self-discovery through faith, 

while offering an intimate portrayal of 

the immigrant experience. Born in a 

Southeast Asian country and raised in the 

Middle East, Lamya grew up torn between 

the teachings and societal expectations of 

her cherished religion and her undeniable 

identity. As she immigrates to the United 

States to pursue a university education, 

her deep devotion to Islam serves as a guiding light as she 

endeavors to uncover her true self and determine her path. Each 

chapter is named after a significant figure from the Quran, and 

Lamya utilizes their stories to contextualize and comprehend 

various aspects of her own journey. The resulting narrative is an 

inspiring odyssey of seeking and finding authenticity in life and 

establishing genuine community. –Sarah Cameron 

“The Underworld: Journeys to 

the Depths of the Ocean” 

by Susan Casey 

Publication Date: August 1, 2023 

The depths of the ocean have long been 

enigmatic and miscalculated, mostly 

remaining a realm of the unknown. 

Throughout the centuries, humans have 

conjectured about the mysteries lurking at 

the ocean's floor, conjuring up nightmarish 

images of ravenous sea monsters thirsting 

for destruction. We have possessed 

greater knowledge of the farthest reaches 

of space than the profound depths of our oceans. Susan 

Casey accompanies you on her expedition alongside scientists 

endeavoring to delve to the ocean's abyss (pun intended) and 

make groundbreaking discoveries that will revolutionize our 

understanding of our planet. Seamlessly transitioning between 

the history of deep-sea exploration and her captivating encounters 

aboard research vessels, Casey interweaves the urgency of climate 

change action. –Morgan Ryan 

W 


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usiness outlook 

Grant partner organizations 

gather at a public meeting 

where grants were 

announced last year. 

Crafting a Roadmap 

for Change 

Understanding New Hanover County’s Billion-Dollar Endowment 

By VERA WILSON 

WILLIAM BUSTER, THE FIRST CEO 

and President of the New Hanover County 

Endowment (NHCE) sits in his large but 

modestly decorated new digs in the United 

Bank building across from Wilmington’s City 

Hall. In charge of managing the over one billion dollars set aside 

for the endowment from the sale of the county hospital in 2021, he 

has a lot to carry on his broad shoulders. 

But Buster’s not troubled by the challenge; in fact, he embraces it. 

Everything about his work history seems to have prepared 

him for this position. He’s worked for several philanthropic 

organizations, holding positions of increasing responsibility. He 

advised nonprofits as the owner of a consulting firm, served on 

several nonprofit boards, and even worked with the White House 

on the My Brother’s Keeper initiative. 

Most recently, he worked for Asheville-based Dogwood Health 

Trust. The trust is strikingly similar to the NHCE in that it was 

born out of the sale of a local hospital and is dedicated to improving 

the well-being of people in the surrounding communities. 

Buster is a big proponent of such place-based philanthropy which 

is focused on a location rather than a specific program or service. 

“The way I approach place-based grantmaking is you’re thinking 

holistically about the community, not just one nonprofit or one 

segment of the population,” he says. 

And NCHE is one of the largest. 

“There’s nothing like the NCHE anywhere in the country,” says 

Buster, as he explains why he applied for the job. “It’s unique in that 

it’s so big, but such a small area,” referring to New Hanover County. 

When Buster arrived, he was presented with a blank slate of 

sorts. When the endowment was created, the broad intent was to 

improve the community by working with existing nonprofits, but 

the vision needed to be finetuned, and how the board would go 

about accomplishing their mission was largely undecided. 

After hiring a skeleton crew, Buster and the NHCE held over 

100 sessions with nonprofit leaders and community advocates to 

get a lay of the land. The public was also invited to make their 

voices heard at several meetings. 

The results were instrumental in developing the recently 

published strategic plan for 2023-2025 which will provide a sound 

roadmap for the years to come. Goals, detailed objectives and 

desired impacts were articulated for each of the NCHE’s strategic 

areas of focus: education, community development, social and 

health equity, and public safety. 

A community advisory committee, made up of a cross-section 

of volunteers, was formed to support the board in their decisionmaking, 

and a well-regarded investment manager, BlackRock 

Inc., was hired. 

Regardless of how one feels about the sale of the hospital, the 

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usiness outlook 

110 organizations 

received about $9 

million from the 

endowment in 2022, 

needing to meet 

specific benchmarks in 

order to be selected. 

William Buster is the 

first CEO and President 

of the NHCE. 

impact the endowment will have on the 

community will be a game changer. A 

recent distribution of additional funds 

from the sale added $37.5 million to 

the already staggering $1.25 billion 

endowment. 

Per the IRS, the endowment can access 

4 percent of its market value annually, 

which equaled about $50 million during 

its first year. Although 291 nonprofits 

applied during its first grant cycle in 

2022, only around nine million dollars 

was distributed to 110 organizations. 

With so much money in their coffers, it 

might seem that the endowment could 

have easily funded all grant requests, but 

Buster explained why that didn’t happen. 

“We set benchmarks,” he says. “You 

had to be in operation for at least two 

years, and you couldn’t ask for more than 

25 percent of your annual budget. Turns 

out a lot of them didn’t meet those criteria. And the grant request 

had to fall within one of our strategic areas of focus. Many were 

asking for something completely outside of those four pillars.” 

Planned improvements to the upcoming grant cycle may include 

easing the two-year requirement and allowing for multi-year awards. 

“You don’t have to be a 501c3 to apply. If you have an innovative 

idea and you have some level of track record, just help us understand 

what you’ve done in our community,” says Buster. “And we know 

most issues nonprofits face last longer than a year.” 

Although no grants were awarded to public schools or churches 

in the first round, they are invited to apply with certain conditions. 

“When it comes to governmental entities [schools], we can’t 

supplant what they’re already supposed to be getting,” explains 

Buster. “And if churches apply for resources, those resources can’t 

be exclusionary.” 

“You don’t have to be a 501c3 to apply. If you 

have an innovative idea and you have some 

level of track record, just help us understand 

what you’ve done in our community.” 

A key objective for Buster moving forward is making staff 

available to nonprofits before, during and after the grant 

application process. 

“Now we have staff—we call them network leaders—that you’re 

going to be able to talk to and ask questions. I have an expectation 

that if you apply to us, you’re going to get our attention,” he says. 

“We really do want to be partners.” 

Buster and his staff ask for patience from the community. They 

hope to grow their team from the current four to ten by the end of 

the year. 

“Understand this. We are here for the long term,” he states. “But 

the issues facing our community didn’t become issues overnight 

and we are really trying to lean into long-term solutions.” W 


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PARTNER CONTENT 

newsmaker 

Wilmington Air’s 

team consists of over 

50 dedicated, skilled 

tradespeople. 

Redefining the Dream Job 

The success story of Wilmington Air 

By JEN REED » Photos G. FRANK HART 

THE CONCEPT OF A 

"dream job" encompasses 

various definitions, but at its 

core, it involves leveraging 

one's innate abilities and 

talents to make a positive impact on the 

world. If you were to ask Jessica Manuel 

for her take on the matter, she would 

undoubtedly agree, asserting that she has 

found her true calling at Wilmington Air. 

Unbeknownst to many, as the Office 

Manager of Wilmington 

Air, Manuel serves as 

the lifeblood that keeps 

the company thriving. 

However, it is not merely 

the day-to-day tasks she 

performs that make this 

place truly exceptional; 

rather, it is the collective 

vision and unwavering 

attitude shared by 

everyone working for 

the company that turns 

it into the stuff dreams 

Wilmington Air’s office at 

1306 N 23rd St offers 24-hour 

emergency HVAC, plumbing 

and electrical service 

throughout Wilmington. 

are made of. 

“We are like a big family, a cohesive team 

of individuals who complement one another 

and share a common goal: prioritizing our 

customers and delivering the best possible 

service,” Manuel explains. 

Over a decade ago, Manuel joined 

Wilmington Air when it was just a small 

office on Market Street, employing only 

a handful of individuals. Since then, the 

business has experienced exponential 

growth, expanding its team to over 50 

dedicated employees and relocating to a 

much larger space near the Wilmington 

International Airport on 23rd Street. 

Furthermore, the addition of electricians 

and plumbers to the team has allowed 

Wilmington Air to broaden its range 

of services, ensuring a comprehensive 

solution for customers. 

Wilmington Air was established in 2007 

as a business priding itself on its strong 

work ethic. The company 

has actively contributed 

to the community, 

supporting various 

veteran causes such as 

the Wounded Warrior 

Project. Additionally, 

Wilmington Air has 

sponsored teams within 

the Dixie Youth Baseball 

League and volunteered 

with the Wilmington 

Area Rebuilding 

Ministry (WARM), 


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newsmaker 

(top) Despite fierce competition in the HVAC industry, 

Wilmington Air is fully prepared to meet the area’s 

growing demand for air conditioning services. (middle) 

Adding plumbing and electrical services to its roster 

in 2022, the company is thrilled to be able to better 

serve the local community. (bottom) To attract skilled 

tradespeople, Wilmington Air is proactively partnering 

with Cape Fear Community College to identify 

talented individuals who can thrive in an environment 

that prioritizes training and development. 

helping underprivileged families restore 

heating services. 

“There is just something so important about 

being able to give back to the community, whatever 

that means—and it’s something everyone who 

works here appreciates,” Manuel says. 

Undoubtedly, the HVAC industry in the 

Wilmington area is fiercely competitive, owing 

to the region's temperate climate and the 

constant demand for air conditioning installation, 

maintenance, and replacement. 

“People can manage without heat, but they 

absolutely refuse to live without air conditioning,” 

Manuel humorously remarks. 

In Manuel's estimation, the region has ample 

opportunities for growth, and Wilmington Air 

shows no signs of slowing down. That is why 

in 2022 Wilmington Air added both plumbing 

and electrical services to its roster, thus giving 

Wilmington Air the ability to fully service the 

community needs throughout the coast of North 

Carolina! That’s why their motto is “Wilmington 

Air is Everywhere!” 

As they enter their busiest season, extending 

well into the fall months, the company anticipates 

projected growth in southeastern North Carolina 

in the years to come. Although Wilmington 

Air generally does not engage in new building 

construction projects, the surge in construction in 

the region means an increasing number of families 

in need of HVAC services, and Wilmington Air is 

determined to be there for them. 

One of the challenges on the horizon, Manuel 

anticipates, is the scarcity of skilled tradespeople, such 

as service technicians, electricians, and plumbers, 

as fewer individuals seem to be gravitating toward 

these trades. Nevertheless, she has proactively forged 

a partnership with Cape Fear Community College, 

hoping to identify and attract talented individuals 

who can thrive in an environment that prioritizes 

training and development. 

While future challenges lie ahead, for now, the 

team at Wilmington Air remains committed to its 

core strength: delivering unparalleled service to 

its customers. Evidenced by their 4.9-star rating 

from over 1,000 reviews, as Jessica proudly shares, 

the name Wilmington Air speaks for itself. W 


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art seen 

Ashley Merklinger (bottom 

left) brings joy to the Cargo 

District with a variety of 

ceramics class offerings. 

These Are a Few of My 

Favorite Things 

A beloved local ceramics shop shares the therapeutic art of pottery 

with students of all levels 

By KIM HENRY » Photos by ALLISON EDING of LIGHTBLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY 

IF YOU HAD TO PUT A FEW 

of your favorite things into one 

endeavor, what would it look like? 

And perhaps more importantly, what 

would it feel like? For Ashley Merklinger 

the answers to these questions became 

clear in the shape of Bookworm Pottery & 

Co. A lover of clay, cats, coffee and books, 

Merklinger’s logo encapsulates the essence 

of her gorgeous Cargo District ceramic 

studio, where people are encouraged to 

leave their expectations and business at 

the door and enjoy the experience of getting 

their hands on some clay. The creative 

dream of Merklinger, Bookworm Pottery & 

Co is a reflection of this innovative young 

woman’s gentle nature and easy-going 

vibe, and just walking through the door 

makes you want to sit down, turn off your 

phone and get a little messy. 

As an avid lover of books and a writer, 

Merklinger started out as an English 

major at UNCW, until a chance ceramics 

class changed the course of her life. “My 

boyfriend’s sister convinced me to do a 

pottery class with her and I agreed just 

for fun. Then I fell in love with it! It makes 

me happy,” smiles Merklinger, lovingly 

cutting up slabs of clay into workable, light 

grey mounds. 


Merklinger believes 

that making time 

to be creative 

is beneficial for 

overall wellness and 

describes her classes 

as “pockets of rest.” 

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Graduating just as the pandemic hit 

meant that there was little time to get 

a career going and Merklinger felt the 

intense stress negatively impacting 

her mental health. Thankfully, she 

space in Wilmington’s evolving Cargo 

District in the fall of 2021, and it’s been 

unfolding ever since. 

With a wide range of options available 

to suit all levels and a welcoming 

“My classes are like little pockets of rest.” 

gravitated back towards the things 

that made her feel good, and pottery 

was high on that list. Dedicated to her 

passion, despite an empty bank account, 

Merklinger managed to secure a great 

atmosphere, the studio’s success is 

not surprising. From a fun date night 

adventure to family-friendly handson 

clay classes to courses to help you 

get comfortable with a pottery wheel, 

910-547-1980 

@bluewatersurfaces 


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Bookworm has something for everyone, 

regardless of experience with clay or 

limited time to learn something new. 

“One of the many things I love about 

pottery is that you can’t really fail,” says 

Merklinger as the pottery wheels in the 

background gently hum. “You can always 

reuse the clay or keep working it until you 

create something you like.” 

As one of the oldest art forms known to 

humans, ceramics spans many cultures 

and geographical areas, making it a 

timeless and tactile point of connection. 

Merklinger emphasizes that part of her 


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art seen 

THANK YOU for 

voting us “Best 

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2023. It is and will 

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“One of the many things I love about pottery 

is that you can’t really fail.” 

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vision is to link as many people with 

ceramics as possible, firmly believing 

that being creative and trying new 

things is beneficial for overall wellness. 

And in a culture that hypes the need 

to overachieve, ceramics can provide a 

therapeutic outlet. 

“My classes are like little pockets of 

rest,” says Merklinger, surrounded by 

students’ pottery pieces, including some 

beautiful items on display for sale, and 

a comfy sofa complete with cushions in 

the corner. “I kind of wanted the studio to 

feel like you're in someone’s living room.” 

Well, mission accomplished. Bookworm is 

the least intimidating pottery studio I’ve 

ever been in. Merklinger and her fellow 

teaching artists expertly guide students to 

learn ceramic techniques and explore ideas 

but, at the end of the day, the ultimate gift 

is being able to provide a warm, safe space 

for people to play, discover and, perhaps, be 

pleasantly surprised by what they’re able 

to create. 

Between Merklinger and her team, 

Bookworm Pottery & Co has classes and 

workshops almost every day of the week. 

“It’s important to me that as a small, 

local business I can employ other people,” 

Merklinger says. 

A talented ceramicist herself, Merklinger 

credits these words of wisdom as the source 

of her inspiration: “I intentionally make 

my work colorful and inviting to remind 

others that life is beautiful, and its magic 

is endless. And I want to encourage people 

to use a piece made with intention in their 

daily life to remind them to slow down and 

truly enjoy it.” W 


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A tree grows on the back 

side of barrier islands 

behind the dunes on 

Masonboro Island. The 

presence of the tree 

indicates the island is 

migrating landward, which 

is called island rollover, a 

natural process that occurs 

with storm activity and sea 

level rise. 

Sharing the Secrets of 

Our Natural Treasures 

A scientist and UNCW professor is on a quest to protect and 

spread awareness around North Carolina’s ecosystems 

By VERA WILSON 

HOW LUCKY ARE WE NATURE LOVERS WHO 

work and play in Southeastern North Carolina where, 

on any given day, we might leave our footprints in the 

golden sands of Carolina Beach, or observe a heron 

clutching a branch in her beak on her way to building a nest? 

According to Professor Roger Shew, scientist and senior lecturer 

of Geology and Environmental Science at UNC-Wilmington, we 

ain’t seen nothin’ yet. 

Shew is on a mission to share what he calls our area’s natural 

treasures. He believes that most of us who reside or visit the region 

are unaware of the beauty and mystique of the coastal plains 

around us, and he says it’s time to reveal its secrets. 

Shew has done this beautifully through a documentary called 

“Shew’s Natural Treasures.” The hour-long film takes us into the 

nooks and crannies of seven natural ecosystems: Carolina bays, 

longleaf pine savannas, carnivorous plants, the Cape Fear and 

Black River, old-growth cypress trees, salt marshes and barrier 

islands. In the film, we are introduced to native flora like some of 

the oldest living trees in the world and the enigmatic Venus flytrap 

that truly does exist outside of the movie “Little Shop of Horrors.” 

A native of Brunswick County, Shew has spent years educating 

not just UNCW students but local schoolchildren, community 

groups and lawmakers on the wonders of these treasures and how 

vital they are to our local way of life. Wanting to move beyond 

the PowerPoint slides he normally presents—“I wanted something 

that’s more than me just talking”—so he reached out to UNCW ‘s 

Director of Media Production, Jesse Bradley, about making a film. 

Bradley was quickly on board, and he and his production team 

worked for four years documenting the coastal plain with Shew. 

Of the experience, Bradley wrote: “Nature requires a certain 

PHOTO BRADLEY PEARCE, UNC WILMINGTON 


THANK YOU FOR VOTING US # 1 CONSIGNMENT STORE! 

SHOP ONLINE 24/7! HOMEAGAINWILMINGTON.COM 


Roger Shew 

stands next to a 

Bald Cypress on 

the Black River in 

Pender County, 

one of the oldest 

trees east of the 

Rocky Mountains 

and 5th oldest 

tree in world at 

2,629 years old. 

Shew holds a 

tree core from 

one of the pines 

in Longleaf Pine 

Forest in the Green 

Swamp Preserve to 

illustrate the age 

of trees to his class. 

balance. Without our awe of nature, the balance seems uncertain. 

This experience enhanced my awe and connection to life.” 

Which takes us to another reason Shew made the film: to create 

awareness about the serious threats to these natural resources. 

“The film is a way to show people why they should be thinking 

about protecting these treasures,” says Shew. “There are three 

main threats to biodiversity: overexploitation, agriculture and 

urbanization. And we have all three in spades in Southeastern 

North Carolina. With all the development in the area, we are at 

risk of losing some of these wonders.” 

Shew cites dangers such as hazardous substances flowing 

from animal operations into the Cape Fear River, stormwater 

runoff impairing our tidal creeks, deforestation to make way for 

development and silviculture, the practice of controlling forests for 

desired outcomes (mainly for timber production). 

But Shew doesn’t seem like the kind of guy to tie himself 

to a tree to safeguard it. He believes that there are steps that 

environmentalists, developers and the government can take 

together to preserve our natural resources. 

“I understand private ownership, but sometimes it doesn’t make 

sense to do certain things,” he explains. Shew uses the proposal 

for a hotel on Eagle Island as an example, believing development 

there would lead to safety issues. Instead, he would like to discuss 

alternative uses for the land. “For instance, it could become an 

ecotourism destination and be a perfect complement to the 

battleship,” he says. 

He also believes that developers and regulators may sometimes 

have the best of intentions in preserving natural space, but don’t 

quite understand what these ecosystems need to survive. 

“Take, for example, the red-headed woodpecker. One family 

unit needs a habitat of about 180 to 200 acres,” says Shew. “If you 

start fragmenting the land and bisecting it by roads, you’ve lost 

that ability.” 

Committed land management is also important, such as 

controlled burns. 

“One of the things people need to be understanding of is fire,” 

he says. “Fire is also restorative. We need support for places like 

the Nature Conservancy and the Forest Service to make sure it’s 

done correctly.” 

Shew is not all gloom and doom. He’s happy to report 

the successes. 

“Where I grew up in Brunswick County in the ‘60s, you could 

hardly see a black bear and never saw turkey because they were 

hunted out,” he says. “If you went to the beach, you never saw brown 

pelicans due to the DDT, but today they all have healthy populations.” 

Shew weaves storytelling into the film to peak interest, like the 

belief by some that a giant prehistoric fish created the Carolina 

bays as a result of a mating ritual. Native Waccamaw Siouans 

believe a star fell from heaven causing all the surrounding waters 

to flow in the ensuing crater, creating Lake Waccamaw. 

One thing’s for sure, Shew won’t rest until his natural treasures 

are preserved for future generations. 

“With the documentary, I want to make sure that people realize 

what some of these treasures really are and how they look in their 

healthy state,” he says. “And if they see them that way, I think 

they’ll cherish them and try to protect them a little bit more.” 

To find out about future screenings, please visit Shew’s website: 

people.uncw.edu/shewr. W 

BALD CYPRESS PHOTO DALE SHEW; GREEN SWAMP PHOTO JEFF JANOWSKI, UNC WILMINGTON 


oating fashion farmers market 

Models sporting 

the latest styles 

on a day trip to 

Masonboro Island 

from boutiques 

CoolSweats at the 

Beach and Bloke 

Apparel & Supply. 

A Day on 

the Water 

Island hop in the latest 

styles from local boutiques 

See page 52 

PHOTO DARIA AMATO 


PARTNER CONTENT 

boating 

Navigating 

Success 

After 20 Years, Faith, Family and Fun continue 

to anchor Anglers Marine NC 

By JOE JANCSURAK 

tournament fishermen.” 

“When we fish with our customers, 

they get to see how our boats perform 

in tournament conditions,” C.W. says. 

“And we, in turn, can gain a first-hand 

understanding of their needs such as 

state-of-the-art electronics and equipment 

necessary for a successful trip. We also get 

to share in their joy and excitement when 

they land a big fish.” 

Dual Commitment 

The Anglers family and 26-person team 

remain committed to meeting the needs 

of their customers. “We have hundreds of 

boats and the area’s most knowledgeable 

sales staff,” says Carol, who also stresses 

the team’s faith-based commitment, which 

she believes has enabled them to overcome 

business challenges over the years and to 

take risks. 

“With any business, you can’t be afraid 

to take risks, and we’re not,” Carol says. 

“Though we have much to be grateful for, 

we’ve had our share of bumps along the 

way. When we started in 2003, the economy 

and the boating industry were strong. Then 

came the 2008 recession. We were small 

with just five employees and a lot of money 

tied up in inventory. There were times when 

we had to tap our home equity line of credit. 

Through it all, we prayed.” 

Despite supply chain issues during the 

pandemic, sales skyrocketed as people 

turned more to outdoor activities. And, 

perhaps, because God is central to Anglers’ 

way of doing business, “We always depend 

on God to make a way for us,” Carol 

proclaims. “He did 20 years ago, and He 

continues to do so today.” W 

PHOTOS ANGLERS MARINE 

SELLING FAMILY FUN, ONE 

boat at a time, and practicing 

their faith one day at a time has 

proven to be a successful business 

formula for Anglers Marine NC, a 20-year 

family-owned and operated business with 

locations in Supply, Clayton, and its newest 

store in Morehead City. 

Overseeing operations is C.W. Hamilton, 

president; his wife Carol, chief financial 

officer; their son Wes, vice president and 

general manager; and their daughter Dana 

Hobbs, account executive. 

“There’s something very special about 

being on a boat, where you disengage from 

your devices and instead engage with 

family and friends and just have fun,” 

Carol says. C.W. and Carol raised their two 

children out on the water and know what 

valuable memories await other families 

and their friends, who also share a love for 

the water. 

“Wes grew up fishing and winning 

tournaments,” Carol says. “Now with 

families of their own, the tradition is passed 

onto the Hamilton (Wes) and Hobbs (Dana) 

children. “Our customers embrace us as 

a family business that promotes family 

fun, and they appreciate the experience 

that Wes and C.W. bring with them as 



CoolSweats at the Beach 


Purple top by WILT, 

$122; White shorts by 

mododoc, $82. 

A Day 

on the Water 

When in Wilmington, 

especially during its 

hottest months, nothing 

beats a day out on the 

water. Enjoy spectacular 

views of Wrightsville’s 

salt marshes on the way 

to Masonboro Island and 

back with these laidback, 

summer styles that are 

the perfect complement for 

your next island-hopping 

adventure, complete with 

more dressed up options 

for exploring the town 

dockside. 


Bloke Apparel & Supply 

blokeapparel.com 

I-SEA polarized El Morro 

glasses in gold, $32; 

Havana Weekend shirt 

by Mavrans, $99; Havana 

Weekend swim shorts by 

Mavrans, $99. 

Photos: DARIA AMATO 

Models: PAYTON DEITRICK (p 52), FINLAY AUSTIN 

(p 53), KRISTINA DI GIOVANNI (p 56) 

Stylist: DANIELLE HARRIS, The Modified Style 

Location: Day trip to Masonboro Island with 

Jeff Brown Yachts 

A special thank you to Nate Evans for showing us around 

Masonboro Island in-style on a luxurious BRABUS 

Shadow 500 T-Top. Jeff Brown Yachts has recently 

expanded their services from the West Coast to the East 

Coast at Wrightsville Beach; you'll find the office at 

100 Keel Street near Mott's Channel Seafood. If you're 

interested in learning how to expand your adventures 

in an exciting new breed of Axopar or BRABUS marine 

vessel, give Nate a call at 910-612-7651 or email him 

at nate@jeffbrownyachts.com. 




I-SEA polarized Sawy 

glasses in black, $65; 

Short sleeve cotton 

tencel shirt in b&w 

floral, $85; Stretch 

knit jacquard shorts in 

white by postmarc, $89; 

SeaChange white leather 

shoes, $92. 


CoolSweats at the Beach 


Pink dress by STARKx, $198. 


'edet by Island Passage 

edetbyislandpassage.com 

C.C Exclusives straw hat, 

$34; Sweater in cream by By 

Together, $44; Mika tank 

in adobe by Z Supply, $54; 

Georgie short in indigo 

by Steve Madden, $48; 

Vegan belt bag from Urban 

Expressions, $54; Acrylic 

hoop earrings by 'edet, 

$16; Cowry shell necklace 

by 'edet, $12; Knox slide in 

navy by Steve Madden, $58. 


'edet by Island Passage 

edetbyislandpassage.com 

B&W dress by Steve 

Madden, $118; Gene 

raffia shoe by Steve 

Madden, $84. 


farmers market 

The Riverfront Farmers 

Market is Wilmington’s 

longest running 

downtown farmers 

market, celebrating 20 

years this year. 

Know Your Growers 

A guide to local farmers markets and why it’s important to support them 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos CARIN HALL 

YOU KNOW SUMMER IS 

near when the farmers 

markets start popping back 

up. No matter where you 

are in the Wilmington area, 

you won’t have to travel too far to find an 

outdoor gathering place that showcases 

fresh local produce and connects 

consumers directly with those who grow 

the food. 

Farmers markets are more fun than 

your typical trip to the grocery store, 

offering shoppers a unique experience. 

But they also directly support the local 

economy and give access to products that 

have traveled just a few miles from where 

they originated. 

Get to know your growers at the 

following markets this summer and fall: 

Riverfront Farmers Market 

Saturday 

riverfrontfarmersmarket.org 

Celebrating 20 years, the Riverfront 

Farmers Market has been a prime spot 

for locally grown and produced foods in 

downtown Wilmington since 2003. The 

market sets up on Dock Street between 

Second and Water streets Saturdays from 

8am–1pm, April 1–November 18. 

“This was envisioned as an event 

that would enrich the community by 

providing a social gathering and a source 

of healthy foods for the community,” says 

James Christopher of Cool Wilmington, 

who manages the market. “We are the 

longest continuously running farmers 

market in Wilmington, and the market 

has changed quite a bit over the last two 

decades. The Wilmington community 

has really embraced this market. We are 

now probably five times the size of our 

first markets.” 

Farmers markets are an integral part of 

the community, he says. 

“Our members are your neighbors,” 

says Christopher. “When you buy from the 

farmers market, you are buying locally 

grown produce and you are supporting 

your friends and neighbors. Most of the 

food that is purchased at local grocery 

chains has been transported over 1,300 

miles and touched by dozens of people 

before it ends up on your table. That is 

not the case with the Riverfront Farmers 

Market, where the person who is selling 

the product to you is the person who 

planted it, cultivated it and harvested it.” 


The Riverfront Farmers Market, which 

has an average attendance of 2,500 to 

3,000 visitors per week, often acts as an 

incubator for small businesses, he adds. 

“By providing a wealth of marketing 

and outreach to the Wilmington 

community, we provide our members 

with an amazing opportunity to begin a 

small business and connect one on one 

with their clientele,” says Christopher. 

“In many instances, our members have 

decided to take the next step and open 

brick-and-mortar storefronts. I think they 

feel confident in doing this because they 

know they have built a consumer base and 

built their brand through the Riverfront 

Farmers Market.” 

Vegan restaurant Panacea Brewing 

Company, located at 4107 Oleander 

Drive in Wilmington, is an example of a 

local business that launched at Port City 

farmers markets. Owners Artie and Robin 

Hill began selling their locally brewed 

kombucha from a Volkswagen bus in 2016. 

“We started the Riverfront Farmers 

Market, and it was very important for our 

business,” says Robin. “Attending farmers 

markets for a lot of people is very habitual, 

and it became just a very easy way to 

connect with our customers every single 

week. They knew we would be there. They 

knew they could bring their bottles and 

refill them. So, the education piece was 

very important, and it allowed us to meet 

a lot of people when we had zero budget 

for advertising.” 

Setting Anchor 

in Scotts Hill 

9020 Senca Drive 910.320.8224 

carolina-surgery.com 

121060 cofsc scotts hill building ad-wm.indd 1 4/30/21 8:42 AM 

Elevated INTERIORS 

C O M B I N I N G Y O U R I D E A S 

& O U R Y E A R S O F E X P E R I E N C E 

FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN 

Residential | Commercial | By-The-Room Packages 

BIGSKYDESIGNONLINE.COM | 5815 OLEANDER DR | 910-793-3992 | @BIGSKYSHOPANDSTUDIO @BIGSKYDESIGN 

Well-crafted 

cabinetry, 

countertops, 

fixtures 

and accessories. 

Our goal is to 

inspire with 

results! 

12 Northern Blvd 


910-763-9870 

dynamickitchens.com 

Farmers markets 

provide opportunities 

for small farmers and 

businesses to sell their 

products, and they 

help meet the growing 

demand for locally 

produced food. 


iverfront 

The Riverfront Farmers 

Market is managed by 

Cool Wilmington, a local 

event management and 

production company. 

Wrightsville Beach Farmers Market 

Monday 

townofwrightsvillebeach.com 

Located on the Municipal Grounds 

off West Salisbury Street adjacent to 

Town Hall, the Wrightsville Beach 

Farmers Market began in June 2009. 

It takes place Mondays from 8am–1pm, 

May 15–December 4. Free parking in the 

surrounding field is available for patrons. 

ORIENTAL DESIGN RUGS • SISAL • CUSTOM AREA RUGS 

INSTALLED CARPET • STAIR RUNNERS 

3520 South College Rd. | Wilmington, NC | 910.794.8100 | suttonrugs.com 

Childrenswear for Your Beach Babe 

Thank you for voting 

us BEST CHILDREN’S 

CLOTHING STORE! 

High-quality, modern and trendy looks for 

newborn through toddler, including clothing, 

hats, accessories, toys and gifts that appeal 

to the local vibe of our coastal community. 

BinkyBro, Coco Moon, George Hats, 

Lenox James, Little Rad Things, 

Moana & Kai, Orcas Lucille, Rad Tod, 

Shore Baby Co, and more! 

338 Nutt St, Wilmington • 910-228-5351 • littlelocalsclothingco.com 

Poplar Grove Plantation Farmers Market 

Wednesday 

poplargrove.org 

Come to historic Poplar Grove Plantation, 

10200 U.S. Highway 17 in the Scotts Hill 

area of Wilmington, for a farmers market 

every Wednesday from 8am–1pm, April 12– 

September 27. The market strives to promote 

local farmers and the use of local products. 

The Wilmington Farmers Market 

at Tidal Creek 

Saturday 

thewilmingtonfarmersmarket.com 

Just outside Tidal Creek Co-op, 5329 

Oleander Drive in Wilmington, is The 

Wilmington Farmers Market, which 

started in spring 2018 when a group of 

local farmers got together. It happens 

Saturdays from 8am–1pm all year long 

and offers local produce, meats, seafood, 

eggs, bread and other staple food items. 

Carolina Beach Market 

Saturday 

carolinabeach.org 

Although the Carolina Beach Market 

is not designated as a farmers market, 

you can find several local growers set up 

among the vendors. It’s at Lake Park, 

400 S. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina 

Beach every Saturday from 8am–1pm, 

May 20–September 30. W 


Wilmington Magazine's Readers' Choice 

The BEST of the BEST AWARDS… From the CITY to the BEACHES… 

By CARIN HALL and FANNY SLATER 

ONCE AGAIN, YOU CAST YOUR VOTES, AND WE'VE HEEDED YOUR 

feedback regarding the beloved spots in the Wilmington, NC vicinity. Whether you're a longstanding 

coastal resident or a recent arrival, this comprehensive guide is here to assist you 

in navigating shopping, dining, or finding specific services. Are you in search of a wedding 

planner, a veterinary clinic, or a personal trainer? Look no further as we present to you the 

winners of our Best of Wilmington 2023 Awards. Discover up and coming businesses, as 

well as some old favorites, as we unveil this year’s top choices in town! 


Best Service 2023 

APARTMENT COMPLEX 

Bellingham Park 

Apartments 

910-637-6277 

livebellinghampark.com 

Bellingham Park is a vibrant 

residential community, offering 

a perfect blend of comfort and 

convenience, this business 

provides modern apartment 

homes with spacious layouts 

and top-notch amenities. 

Residents can enjoy a resortstyle 

swimming pool, fitness 

center, clubhouse, and lush 

green spaces. With its prime 

location near shopping, dining, 

and entertainment options, 

Bellingham Park is an ideal 

place to call home for those 

seeking a contemporary and 

dynamic living experience 

in Wilmington. 

ARCHITECT 

Kevin Pfirman Architect 

PLLC 

910-538-2170 

pfirman.com 

Kevin Pfirman Architect PLLC 

is a renowned architectural 

firm offering innovative design 

solutions in North Carolina's 

coastal region. With a focus 

on creating functional and 

aesthetically pleasing spaces, 

Kevin Pfirman and his team 

Amanda Mason 

of Mason, 

Mason, and 

Smith, 

Attorneys 

at Law 

bring expertise and creativity to 

every project. From residential 

homes to commercial buildings, 

their designs blend seamlessly 

with the natural surroundings 

while meeting clients' 

unique requirements. With 

a commitment to excellence 

and attention to detail, Kevin 

Pfirman Architect delivers 

architectural designs that 

inspire and elevate the 

built environment. 

ASSISTED LIVING CENTER 

Carolina Bay at 

Autumn Hall 

910-769-7500 

carolinabayatautumnhall.com 

Carolina Bay at Autumn 

Hall is a premier senior 

living community nestled in 

a picturesque coastal setting. 

Offering a luxurious and 

comfortable lifestyle, this 

business provides a range 

of living options including 

independent living, assisted 

living, and memory care. 

With a focus on personalized 

care and a vibrant social 

calendar, residents can enjoy 

a host of amenities such as 

gourmet dining, fitness center, 

beautifully landscaped grounds, 

and engaging activities. 

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall is 

dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing 

and happiness of seniors 

in a welcoming and supportive 

environment. 

ATTORNEY 

Amanda Mason 

910-444-3505 

masonmasonlaw.com 

Amanda Mason, a dedicated 

attorney with over two decades 

of experience, specializes in 

family law and civil litigation, 

serving both individuals and 

businesses. Since graduating 

from the University of Arizona 

School of Law in 2003, she has 

been committed to providing 

comprehensive representation 

in state and federal courts. 

With a particular focus 

on assisting businesses, 

professionals, banks, and 

individuals with their litigation 

needs, Amanda leverages 

her extensive courtroom 

experience to guide clients 

through challenging situations. 

In domestic and family law 

cases, she fiercely advocates 

for her clients' rights during 

separations, divorces, and child 

custody disputes. 

BANK 

South State Bank 

800-277-2175 

southstatebank.com 

South State Bank is a trusted 

financial institution offering a 

range of banking services. With 

a customer-centric approach, 

they provide personalized 

solutions to meet the financial 

needs of individuals and 

businesses. Whether it's 

checking and savings accounts, 

loans, or investment options, 

South State Bank delivers 

professional expertise and 

excellent customer service to 

help customers achieve their 

financial goals. 

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, & WINDOW 

TREATMENTS 

Wilmington Blind, Shutter 

& Closet Co. 

910-799-8101 

wilmingtonblind.com 

Wilmington Blind, Shutter & 

Closet Co specializes in custom 

window treatments and closet 

organization systems. With 

a wide selection of blinds, 

shutters, shades, and innovative 

storage solutions, they enhance 

the functionality and style 

of any space. Their team of 

experts offers personalized 

design consultations and 

professional installations to 

ensure customer satisfaction 

and transform homes or offices 

into beautifully organized 

environments. 

BOAT DEALER 

MarineMax Wrightsville 

Beach 

910-256-8100 

marinemax.com 

Marine Max is a leading boat 

dealer and service provider, 

catering to boating enthusiasts. 

Offering an extensive inventory 

of new and used boats from 

top brands, they provide 

options for every type of water 

adventure. Their knowledgeable 

staff assists customers in 

finding the perfect vessel 

and offers maintenance and 

repair services to keep boats 

in top condition, ensuring a 

seamless and enjoyable boating 

experience. 

CAR DEALERSHIP 

Stevenson-Hendrick Honda 

Wilmington 

910-777-5828 

stevensonhendrickhonda.com 

Stevenson-Hendrick Honda 

Wilmington is a reputable car 

dealership, offering a wide 

selection of new and pre-owned 

vehicles. With a commitment 

to customer satisfaction, their 

knowledgeable sales team 

guides customers through the 

car buying process, providing 

expert advice and competitive 

financing options. With 

quality service and reliable 

vehicles, Hendrick Honda 

strives to make car ownership 

a pleasurable and hassle-free 

experience. 

CREDIT UNION 

Corning Credit Union 

910-392-6688 

corningcu.org 

Corning Credit Union is a 

trusted financial institution, 

serving members with a variety 

of banking services. From 

checking and savings accounts 

to loans and mortgages, they 

provide personalized solutions 

to meet individual and business 

financial needs. With a focus 

on member satisfaction, 

Corning Credit Union offers 


competitive rates, convenient 

digital banking options, and 

exceptional customer service. 

DAYCARE 

Milestones Learning Center 

910-452-3202 

milestonesilm.com 

Milestones Learning Center is 

a nurturing and educational 

childcare center, dedicated 

to the development of young 

minds. Their experienced 

teachers create a stimulating 

and engaging environment, 

fostering early learning through 

age-appropriate activities and 

curriculum. Their philosophy is 

play-based and developmentally 

appropriate for young children. 

Holding a five-star rating, the 

highest rating possible, from 

the N.C. Division of Child 

Development, the center offers 

five-day, three-day, and twoday-a-week 

options. With a focus 

on social and academic growth, 

Milestones Learning Center 

provides a safe and supportive 

space for children to explore, 

learn, and thrive. 

FINANCIAL ADVISOR 

Masonboro Advisors 

910-742-0509 

masonboroadvisors.com 

Masonboro Advisors is a 

trusted financial planning and 

wealth management firm. With 

a client-centered approach, 

their team of professionals 

offers personalized strategies to 

help individuals and businesses 

achieve their financial goals. 

From retirement planning 

to investment management, 

Marine Max has an extensive 

inventory of new and used 

boats from top brands. 

Masonboro Advisors provides 

comprehensive services backed 

by expert knowledge and a 

commitment to building longterm 

relationships with 

their clients. 

FLOORING COMPANY 

Ed Newsome’s 

Hardwood Floors 

910-791-9000 

newsomefloors.com 

Ed Newsome Hardwood Floors 

specializes in the installation, 

repair, and refinishing of 

hardwood flooring. With years 

of experience, their skilled 

craftsmen deliver exceptional 

results, transforming spaces 

with the beauty and durability 

of hardwood. From classic 

to contemporary styles, Ed 

Newsome Hardwood Floors 

provides quality workmanship 

and personalized service to 

create stunning floors that 

enhance any home or business. 

FUNERAL HOME 

Coble Ward-Smith Funeral 

& Cremation Service 

910-791-4444 

dignitymemorial.com 


Service is a compassionate 

funeral home providing 

support and guidance during 

difficult times. With a focus 

on honoring and celebrating 

lives, they offer a range of 

funeral and memorial services 

tailored to individual needs 

and cultural traditions. With 

professionalism and empathy, 


Service assists families in 

Wilmington Blind, Shutter 

& Closet Co offers a 

wide selection of blinds, 

shutters, shades and 

storage solutions. 

creating meaningful tributes 

to their loved ones, offering 

comfort and solace. 

HEATING & AIR 

Wilmington Air 

910-791-1988 

wilmingtonair.com 

Wilmington Air is a trusted 

HVAC company, offering 

reliable heating and cooling 

solutions. Their team of 

experienced technicians 

provides installation, 

maintenance, and repair 

services for residential and 

commercial properties. With 

a commitment to customer 

satisfaction, Wilmington Air 

ensures optimal comfort and 

energy efficiency by delivering 

top-quality HVAC systems 

and exceptional service. 

HOME AUDIO 

Connected Home 

910-317-0876 

connectedhomenc.com 

Connected Home is a 

technology integration 

company specializing in 

smart home solutions. With 

expertise in home automation, 

audiovisual systems, security, 

and more, they enhance the 

functionality and convenience 

of living spaces. Their 

skilled technicians design 

and install custom solutions 

tailored to each client's needs, 

providing seamless control 

and connectivity throughout 

the home. 

HOME BUILDER 

Sligh Homes Phone 

910-465-3997 

slighhomes.com 

Sligh Homes is a reputable 

home builder known for quality 

craftsmanship and attention 

to detail. With a focus on 

customer satisfaction, they 

create custom homes and 

remodel existing properties, 

turning visions into reality. 

Sligh Homes offers personalized 

design consultations, superior 

construction techniques, and 

reliable project management to 

ensure a smooth and successful 

building process. 

HOME CLEANING SERVICE 

Carolina Cleaning Services 

910-790-4589 

carolinacleaning.net 

Carolina Cleaning Services is 

a family-owned professional 

cleaning company providing 

exceptional service throughout 

New Hanover, Brunswick, and 

Pender Counties. Whether 

it's commercial spaces or 

residential properties, their 

dedicated team delivers spotless 

results, tailored to each client's 

needs. Carolina Cleaning 

Services employs a highly 

trained staff and offers flexible 

scheduling to accommodate the 

cleaning requirements of their 

diverse clientele. They are fully 

insured, licensed, bonded and 

have excellent references—they 

guarantee satisfaction with 

each client. 


Best Service 2023 

HOME SECURITY 

Sentinel Security Systems 

910-395-6141 

sentinel-security-systems.com 

Sentinel is a reputable security 

systems company, providing 

comprehensive solutions to 

protect homes and businesses. 

With cutting-edge technology 

and expert knowledge, 

they offer alarm systems, 

surveillance cameras, access 

control, and other security 

features. Sentinel's dedicated 

team designs customized 

security systems, installs and 

maintains them with precision, 

ensuring peace of mind and 

a safe environment for their 

clients. 

INSURANCE PROVIDER 

Don Bullard Insurance 

910-791-5400 

donbullard.com 

Don Bullard Insurance is a 

trusted insurance agency, 

offering a wide range of 

coverage options for individuals 

and businesses. With a focus 

on personalized service, their 

experienced agents help clients 

find the right policies for their 

specific needs. From auto and 

home insurance to commercial 

and life insurance, Don Bullard 

Insurance provides reliable 

protection and peace of mind. 

INTERIOR DESIGNER 

Mickler & Co. Design Studio 

910-431-2018 

micklerco.com 

Mickler & Co. Design Studio is 

a creative agency specializing 

in interior design and home 

staging. With a keen eye for 

aesthetics and functionality, 

their talented team transforms 

spaces into stunning and 

inviting environments. Whether 

it's residential or commercial 

projects, Mickler & Co. Design 

Studio offers personalized 

design solutions that reflect 

clients' unique styles and 

enhance their living or working 

spaces. 

KITCHEN & BATH RENOVATIONS 

Classic Kitchen & Bath 

910-218-0098 

classickitchens.com 

Classic Kitchen & Bath is 

a reputable kitchen and 

bathroom remodeling company, 

known for their expertise 

in creating functional and 

beautiful spaces. With a focus 

on quality craftsmanship, 

they offer custom cabinetry, 

countertops, fixtures, and more, 

Classic Kitchen & Bath 

is well-known for 

creating functional 

and beautiful spaces. 

LowCountry Landscape 

offers landscape design, 

installation, hardscaping 

and maintenance. 

tailored to clients' preferences. 

Classic Kitchen & Bath's 

team of professionals provides 

personalized consultations, 

meticulous installations, and 

exceptional service to bring 

clients' dream spaces to life. 

LANDSCAPER 

LowCountry Landscape 

910-200-1489 

lowcountrylandscaping.com 

LowCountry Landscape is a 

trusted landscaping company, 

dedicated to creating and 

maintaining beautiful outdoor 

spaces. Their skilled team 

offers a range of services, 

including landscape design, 

installation, hardscaping, and 

maintenance. With attention 

to detail and a passion for 

nature, LowCountry Landscape 

transforms yards into stunning 

and functional landscapes that 

enhance the beauty and value 

of properties. 

MORTGAGE COMPANY 

MC Mortgage Group 

910-200-8859 

mcmortgagegroup.com 

MC Mortgage Group is a 

reputable mortgage brokerage, 

assisting individuals and 

families in finding the right 

financing options for their 

homes. With access to a wide 

network of lenders, they 

offer competitive rates and 

personalized advice to help 

clients navigate the mortgage 

process. MC Mortgage Group's 

dedicated team provides 

exceptional customer service 

and strives to make the 

homebuying journey smooth 

and successful. 

PEST CONTROL 

Jay Taylor Exterminating 

910-387-4767 

jaytaylorexterminating.com 

Jay Taylor Exterminating is a 

trusted pest control company, 

specializing in residential and 

commercial pest management. 

With expertise in dealing 

with various pests, they 

offer customized solutions 

to eradicate and prevent 

infestations. Jay Taylor 

Exterminating's licensed 

technicians employ safe and 

effective methods to ensure 

a pest-free environment, 

protecting homes and businesses 

from unwanted intruders. 

PET GROOMER 

The Grooming Center 

910-395-087 

The Grooming Center is a 

professional pet grooming 

salon dedicated to providing 

exceptional care and styling for 

furry friends. Their experienced 

groomers offer a range of 

services, including bathing, 

haircuts, nail trimming, and 

more, tailored to the needs of 

each pet. With a focus on gentle 

handling and a stress-free 

environment, The Grooming 

Center ensures pets look and 

feel their best. 


PLUMBING 

DiMone Plumbing 

910-769-1838 

plumber-wilmington.com 

DiMone Plumbing is a reliable 

plumbing company, offering a 

range of services for residential 

and commercial properties. 

From repairs and installations 

to maintenance and emergency 

services, their skilled plumbers 

deliver efficient and highquality 

solutions. DiMone 

Plumbing's commitment to 

customer satisfaction and their 

expertise in the field make 

them a trusted choice for all 

plumbing needs. 

POOL COMPANY 

A C Pools Inc 

910-620-3995 

A C Pools is a reputable pool 

construction and maintenance 

company, providing 

comprehensive services to 

create and maintain stunning 

swimming pools. With expertise 

in pool design, installation, 

and repairs, they bring dreams 

of backyard oasis to life. A 

C Pools also offers regular 

maintenance and cleaning 

services to ensure pools remain 

in pristine condition, providing 

a refreshing and enjoyable 

experience for their clients. 

PRIVATE SCHOOL 

Wilmington Christian 

Academy 

910-791-4248 

wilmingtonchristian.com 

For over 50 years, Wilmington 

Christian Academy has offered 

the most comprehensive 

Christian education in 

Connected Home specializes 

in home automation, 

audiovisual systems, security 

and more. 

Kevin Pfirman 

create architectural 

designs that inspire 

and elevate the 

built environment. 

Wilmington by serving families 

with children ages PK2 through 

12th grade. Established in 

1969, WCA has an unyielding 

commitment to excellence and 

a mission to produce wellrounded 

students that has 

been valued and appreciated 

by thousands of families 

and multiple generations. As 

the largest private school in 

Southeastern North Carolina, 

WCA is dedicated to educating 

the whole child; spiritually, 

academically, socially and 

physically with a faith-based, 

rigorous academic curriculum, 

while also affording an 

opportunity to participate 

in the arts, athletics, and 

numerous other extracurricular 

activities. 

REAL ESTATE 

Intracoastal Realty 

910-256-4503 

intracoastalrealty.com 

Intracoastal Real Estate is 

a trusted real estate agency, 

specializing in residential 

and commercial properties. 

Their knowledgeable agents 

assist buyers and sellers in 

navigating the real estate 

Under the leadership of 

Aneliese Andrades, Carolina 

Cleaning has been growing 

and serving the Cape Fear 

region for 30 years. 

market, providing expert advice 

and personalized service. With 

a focus on client satisfaction, 

Intracoastal Real Estate 

helps clients find their dream 

homes or make successful 

investments, ensuring a smooth 

and rewarding real estate 

experience. 

TAX PREP 

Adam Shay CPA 

910-256-3456 

wilmingtontaxesandaccounting.com 

Adam Shay CPA is a 

reputable accounting firm, 

providing a range of financial 

services to individuals and 

businesses. With expertise 

in tax planning and 

preparation, bookkeeping, 

and financial consulting, they 

offer personalized solutions 

to help clients achieve their 

financial goals. Adam Shay 

CPA combines professional 

expertise and a clientcentered 

approach to deliver 

accurate and timely financial 

services. 

VETERINARIAN 

Paws & Claws 

910-821-3991 

pawsclawsah.com 

Paws & Claws is a trusted 

pet care service, offering 

pet sitting and grooming 

services. With a love for 

animals and a commitment 

to their well-being, 

their experienced team 

provides personalized care 

and attention to furry 

companions. Paws & Claws 

ensures pets receive the 

exercise, companionship, 

and grooming they need, 

giving pet owners peace of 

mind while they're away. 

WEDDING PLANNER 

Brittanie Raquel Events 

910-619-4615 

brittanieraquelevents.com 

Brittanie Raquel Events is 

a premier event planning 

company, specializing in 

creating extraordinary and 

memorable experiences. From 

weddings to corporate events, 

their skilled team brings 

visions to life, handling every 

detail with precision and 

creativity. Brittanie Raquel 

Events offers personalized 

consultations, flawless 

execution, and exceptional 

customer service to ensure 

each event is a unique 

reflection of their clients' 

style and vision. 


Best Attractions & Destinations 2023 

ART GALLERY 

Eclipse Artisan Boutique 

910-799-9883 

eclipseartisanboutique.com 

Launched in 2013 as an 

extension of Blue Moon Gift 

Shops, Eclipse is an artisan 

boutique showcasing one-ofa-kind 

pieces by local and 

regional artisans. From custom 

furniture to original paintings, 

pottery, jewelry, and more, 

Eclipse surprises visitors with 

its diverse collection. It has 

been recognized as the Best Art 

Gallery multiple times, winning 

the accolade in 2014 and for nine 

consecutive years since 2014. 

With an ever-changing array 

of talented artists and unique 

goods, Eclipse remains a beloved 

destination in Wilmington. 

BOWLING 

Cardinal Lanes 

910-686-4223 

cardinalbeachbowl.com 

Cardinal Lanes is a popular 

bowling alley in Wilmington, 

offering a fun and entertaining 

experience for individuals and 

groups. The location offers 

24 lanes and a snack bar 

with food, drinks and beer. 

Information about hosting a 

birthday party or joining a 

league is readily available. 

GOLF 

Wilmington Municipal 

Golf Course 

910-791-0558 

wilmingtonnc.gov 

Wilmington Municipal Golf 

Course is a picturesque golf 

course, designed by Donald 

Ross in 1926 to provide 

the public with a quality, 

championship 18-hole golf 

course. Enjoy scenic fairways 

and challenging holes that 

await golfers of all skill levels. 

With well-manicured greens 

and beautiful surroundings, 

Wilmington Municipal Golf 

Course offers a serene and 

enjoyable golfing experience for 

enthusiasts looking to tee off in 

a tranquil setting. 

HOTEL 

Blockade Runner 

866-884-5781 

blockade-runner.com 

Blockade Runner is a 

beachfront hotel and resort 

situated in Wrightsville 

Beach, offering luxurious 

accommodations and 

breathtaking ocean views. The 

hotel offers amenities, including 

an ocean-front pool, lawn and 

garden, fitness facilities, and 

onsite dining. They also offer 

onsite activities like surfing 

and kid’s programs that include 

summer day camps and movie 

nights. With direct access to 

the beach and a commitment to 

exceptional service, Blockade 

Runner provides a serene and 

relaxing getaway for guests 

seeking a beachfront escape. 

MALL 

Lumina Station 

910-256-0900 

luminastation.com 

Lumina Station offers a 

delightful shopping experience 

with a coastal flair. Inspired 

by the iconic Wrightsville 

Beach dance pavilion, this 

award-winning destination 

features beautifully landscaped 

surroundings, whimsical 

sculptures, and inviting 

rocking chairs. The curated 

shops, restaurants, and 

lifestyle services provide a 

range of unique offerings, 

from jewelry and art to home 

accents and clothing. With 

local merchants at the helm, 

visitors can support the 

community while enjoying spa 

treatments, dining experiences, 

and shopping—all conveniently 

located within Lumina 

Station's park-like setting. 

Seapath Marina and Yacht Club 

provides first class floating 

docks including 190 slips and 

600 feet of face dock. 

MARINA 

Seapath Marina and 

Yacht Club 

910-256-3747 

seapathyachtclub.com 

Seapath Yacht Club is a top 

destination for transient 

boaters in Southeastern 

North Carolina. Situated 

in Wrightsville Beach, the 

marina offers exceptional 

floating docks with 190 slips 

and 600 feet of face dock. Its 

convenient location near the 

intracoastal waterway and 

the Masonboro inlet ensures 

easy access. Boaters can enjoy 

excellent protection within 

a no-wake zone. Each slip is 

equipped with power, water, 

and wireless internet, providing 

all the necessary amenities for 

a comfortable stay. 

MUSEUM 

Cameron Art Museum 

910-395-5999 

cameronartmuseum.org 

Cameron Art Museum is a 

cultural hub in Wilmington 

that celebrates the visual 

arts through exhibitions and 

educational programs. The 

museum showcases a diverse 

range of artworks from local, 

regional, and international 

artists. With a mission to 

inspire creativity and foster 

appreciation for art, Cameron 

Art Museum provides an 

enriching experience for visitors 

of all ages. 

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD 

Riverlights 

910-405-1234 

riverlightsliving.com 

Riverlights offers a delightful 

experience for people of all ages. 

Whether you prefer lounging 

on a picnic blanket beneath the 

majestic live oaks, dancing to 

lively music at Marina Village, 

engaging in friendly conversations 

around a cozy fire, or taking 

a leisurely stroll with your 

furry friend by the lake, there's 

something for everyone. The 

vibrant heart of the community 

lies in Marina Village, where you 

can explore distinctive shops, 

savor delicious snacks by the river, 

and relish in park concerts. 

WEDDING RECEPTIONS 

Wrightsville Manor 

910-508-7224 

wrightsvillemanor.com 

Wrightsville Manor is an 

elegant indoor/outdoor wedding 

and event venue situated near 

the gateway to Wrightsville 

Beach, in one of Wilmington's 

most charming and historic 

areas. Property amenities 

include a 3,000-square-foot 

main event space, large entrance 

lobby, an 18-foot exposed brick 

and stone fireplace, on-site 

parking, a catering prep room, 

an elegant furnished bridal 

suite, and more. 


ALLERGIST 

Allergy Partners 

910-537-6515 

allergypartners.com 

Allergy Partners is a network 

dedicated to providing 

exceptional care and expertise 

to individuals with allergies, 

asthma, and other allergic 

diseases. With a team 

of 140 top allergists and 

immunologists, they have 

grown from a local practice in 

North Carolina to the largest 

and most reputable allergy 

and asthma practice in the 

United States. Collaborating to 

address complex issues related 

to asthma and allergies, their 

shared knowledge allows them 

to deliver world-class medicine 

and cutting-edge practices to 

communities nationwide. 

CHIROPRACTOR 

Weckel Chiropractic 

910-392-3333 

backsandmore.com 

Weckel Chiropractic is a 

reputable chiropractic clinic 

that focuses on natural and 

holistic approaches to health and 

wellness. For 36 years, they’ve 

been serving Wilmington and 

Carolina Beach, providing pain 

relief, and educating patients 

about solutions for treating 

a range of conditions. Their 

skilled chiropractors offer 

personalized care, including 

spinal adjustments, therapeutic 

exercises, and lifestyle advice, to 

alleviate pain, improve mobility, 

and promote overall well-being. 

DENTIST (FAMILY) 

Family Dental Care 

of Wilmington 

910-795-2602 

tremandental.com 

Treman & Treman Family 

Dental Care is committed to 

providing the highest level 

of care in modern cosmetic 

and family dentistry. Their 

technologically advanced facility 

prioritizes patient comfort, 

safety, and convenience. With a 

focus on mutual respect and a 

team dedicated to compassion, 

communication, quality, 

teamwork, and continuous 

learning, they strive to exceed 

patient expectations. The goal 

is to ensure patients have a 

comfortable dental experience 

and receive exceptional care at 

every step. 

DERMATOLOGIST 

Wilmington Dermatology 

Center 

910-256-4350 

wilmingtondermatologycenter.com 

Wilmington Dermatology 

Center is a premier skincare 

clinic offering advanced 

medical, cosmetic and aesthetic 

treatments. Their boardcertified 

dermatologists provide 

skin cancer screenings, acne 

treatments, Botox, dermal 

fillers, laser therapies, and 

more to help patients achieve 

healthy and radiant skin. 

EYE CARE/VISION CENTER 

Visionworks 

910-392-5522 

visionworks.com 

Visionworks is a leading provider 

of comprehensive eye care 

services and eyewear products. 

With a commitment to enhancing 

and preserving vision, they offer 

a wide selection of eyeglasses, 

sunglasses, and contact lenses for 

all ages and styles. Their team 

of experienced optometrists and 

opticians provide thorough eye 

examinations and personalized 

solutions to meet each individual's 

visual needs. With convenient 

locations and a focus on customer 

satisfaction, Visionworks aims 

to make eye care accessible and 

enjoyable for everyone. 

HEARING SPECIALIST 

Wilmington Hearing 

Specialists 

910-319-4058 

hearinglife.com 

Wilmington Hearing Specialists, 

now a part of HearingLife, 

Best Health & Wellness 2023 

offers comprehensive hearing 

assessments and a wide range of 

hearing aids at their Wilmington, 

NC Hearing Aid Center. 

With a team of highly trained 

professionals, they provide 

personalized solutions to improve 

hearing health and overall 

quality of life. As a destination 

for premium hearing aid 

technology, they offer a variety of 

styles and conduct fittings using 

modern diagnostic equipment. 

Dedicated to exceptional 

customer care, they ensure a 

comfortable and informative 

experience for their clients. 

HOSPITAL 

New Hanover 

Regional Medical 

910-667-7000 

novanthealth.org 

New Hanover Regional 

Medical is a leading healthcare 

institution serving the 

community. As a prominent 

regional medical center, they 

provide emergency care, 

specialized surgeries, maternity 

care, cancer treatment, cardiac 

care, and outpatient services, 

ensuring comprehensive 

healthcare for patients. 

ORTHOPEDICS 

Emerge Ortho 

910-332-3800 

emergeortho.com 

Emerge Ortho is a prominent 

orthopedic practice specializing 

in musculoskeletal care. Their 

team of orthopedic specialists 

offers comprehensive evaluation, 

diagnosis, and treatment for 

various orthopedic conditions 

and injuries, utilizing advanced 

techniques and surgical 

interventions to help patients 

recover and regain mobility. 

ORTHODONTICS 

Phillips Orthodontics 

910-392-5773 

wilmingtonbraces.com 

Phillips Orthodontics is a 

leading orthodontic practice 

dedicated to creating beautiful 

smiles. Their experienced 

orthodontists provide 

personalized treatment 

plans, including braces, clear 

aligners, and other orthodontic 

appliances, to correct 

misalignment and achieve 

optimal dental aesthetics. Led 

by Dr. Warren Phillips—a 

highly qualified orthodontist 

who graduated in the top 5% of 

his class after earning his BS in 

Dentistry, MS in Orthodontics, 

and Doctorate of Dental Surgery 

from UNC Chapel Hill—they 

offer award-winning orthodontic 

treatments to patients 

throughout Wilmington and 

surrounding areas. 

PEDIATRICIAN 

Carolina Pediatrics of 

Wilmington 

910-763-2476 

carolinapedswilm.com 

Established in 1989 by Dr. Mary 

Forehand, alongside co-owners 

Dr. Adams and Dr. Henderson, 

this pediatrician is committed 

to providing personalized care. 

With a Triage Nurse available 

24/7, 365 days a year, they 

offer round-the-clock support 

for established patients. Their 

providers are on-call every night, 

guaranteeing optimal guidance 

for your child's after-hours 

needs. For Spanish-speaking 

families, they also have a 

bilingual Medical Assistant, 

Patricia Salazar, who offers 

interpretation services both inoffice 

and over the phone. 

Dr Mike Treman and 

Dr. Steven Treman provide 

cosmetic and family 

dentistry at Family Dental 

Care of Wilmington. 


Best Shopping 2023 

ANTIQUES 

Port City Peddler 

910-444-8881 

portcitypeddler.com 

Port City Peddler is a vibrant 

boutique in Wilmington, 

offering a carefully curated 

collection of unique and stylish 

clothing, accessories, and gifts. 

With a focus on supporting 

local artisans, their shop 

showcases a diverse range of 

handcrafted jewelry, home 

decor, and other one-of-a-kind 

pieces that reflect the diverse 

charm of the area. 

APPLIANCE STORE 

Atlantic Appliance 

& Hardware 

910-791-2222 

atlanticappliance.net 

Atlantic Appliance is a trusted 

name in Wilmington for all 

your home appliance needs. 

They offer a wide selection of 

top-quality appliances from 

renowned brands. Whether 

you're in the market for a new 

refrigerator, dishwasher, or 

washer/dryer, Atlantic Appliance 

provides excellent customer 

service and competitive prices to 

help you find the perfect fit for 

your home. 

BIKE SHOP 

Two Wheeler Dealer 

910-799-6444 

bikesarefun.com 

Two Wheeler Dealer is a 

premier bicycle shop catering to 

Wilmington's cycling enthusiasts. 

Their location showcases a 

comprehensive range of bikes 

and accessories, and offers 

professional repair services. 

From road bikes to mountain 

bikes and everything in between, 

Two Wheeler Dealer offers expert 

advice and a commitment to 

customer satisfaction for all your 

biking needs. 

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 

Camille’s 

910-471-4212 

camilleswilmington.com 

Camilles is a charming 

boutique that exudes 

Southern elegance. Located 

in Wilmington, their website 

showcases a collection of 

contemporary women's fashion 

and accessories. From chic 

dresses and stylish tops 

to statement jewelry and 

handbags, Camilles offers a 

curated selection of trendy and 

timeless pieces that cater to 

fashion-forward individuals. 

Artéé Fabrics offers home 

fabrics, custom furniture, 

windows, bedding and 

much more. 

the shop also offers dresses, 

accessories, and even tuxedo 

rentals. An appointment, 

especially on weekends, is 

highly recommended but 

not required. 

WEDDING REGISTRY 

Protocol 

910-796-9595 

protocolgifts.com 

Protocol is a reputable business 

specializing in personalized 

and custom gifts for various 

occasions. They offer a 

wide range of high-quality 

products, including corporate 

gifts, promotional items, and 

personalized accessories. With 

a focus on exceptional customer 

service, Protocol Gifts ensures 

a seamless and enjoyable 

shopping experience. Their 

attention to detail, creative 

designs, and commitment to 

Little Locals Clothing Co 

in the Cotton Exchange 

offers uniquely curated 

children’s clothing and 

accessories. 

customer satisfaction make 

them a go-to destination for 

unique and memorable gifts 

that leave a lasting impression. 

Visit their website to explore 

their diverse selection and find 

the perfect gift for any occasion. 

CLOTHING FOR KIDS 

Little Locals Clothing Co. 

910-228-5351 

littlelocalsclothingco.com 

Little Locals Clothing Co is 

a small business, located in 

the Cargo District, dedicated 

to offering exceptional 

customer service and a curated 

selection of high-quality baby 

and children's clothing and 

accessories. They prioritize 

modern and trendy looks that 

align with their local coastal 

community's vibes. Supporting 

fellow small businesses, 

especially those owned by 

moms-of-toddlers, and seeking 

out American-made products 

are at the heart of their values. 

Little Locals Clothing Co takes 

pride in nurturing mutual 

growth between families, 

children, and businesses. 

CLOTHING FOR MEN 


910-679-4137 


Bloke is a sophisticated 

men's clothing store located 

in Wilmington. Their store 

and website showcases a 

carefully curated collection 

of men's fashion, including 

tailored suits, casual wear, 

and accessories. With a focus 

68 | 68 WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

|

Island Passage 

carries coastalinspired 

clothing 

and accessories 

for women. 

on quality craftsmanship and 

contemporary style, Bloke 

provides a refined shopping 

experience for the modern 

gentleman. 

CLOTHING FOR WOMEN 

Island Passage 

910-762-0484 

islandpassageclothing.com 

Island Passage captures the 

essence of coastal living with 

its collection of beach-inspired 

clothing and accessories. With 

several locations, each with 

a unique selection, you can 

always find just what you're 

looking for. Their shops and 

website showcases a range of 

relaxed and stylish fashion 

pieces that reflect the laidback 

lifestyle of the area. Find 

emerging specialty labels, as 

well as an exclusive selection 

of surf lifestyle brands for the 

whole family. 

CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING 

Clothes Mentor 

910-794-6888 

wilmingtonnc.clothesmentor.com 

Clothes Mentor is a popular 

consignment store in 

Wilmington, specializing in 

women's fashion. Their store 

Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors 

provides interior design 

and decorating services as 

well as a unique selection 

of home furnishings. 

offers wide range of gently used 

designer clothing and accessories 

at affordable prices. Whether 

you're looking for a stylish 

handbag, a designer dress, or 

trendy shoes, Clothes Mentor 

provides a budget-friendly option 

to update your wardrobe. You 

can also bring your items into 

Clothes Mentor and sell them for 

cash on-the-spot. 

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE 

Home Again 

910-679-4302 

homeagainwilmington.com 

Home Again is a furniture 

and home decor store in 

Wilmington that offers a wide 

selection of quality pieces for 

every style and budget. Their 

website showcases an array 

of furniture, lighting, rugs, 

and decorative accessories 

to transform any space. 

With an emphasis on unique 

and timeless designs, Home 

Again provides a welcoming 

atmosphere for all your interior 

design needs. Home Again also 

accepts items on consignment 

for 90 days, and consignors 

receive 50 percent of the 

selling price. 

DIVE SHOP 

Reef Runner Dive 

& Spearfishing 

910-239-9581 

reefrunnergear.com 

Reef Runner Gear specializes 

in high-quality outdoor apparel 

and gear for fishing enthusiasts. 

They offer a wide range of 

featured products designed to 

enhance the fishing experience, 

including fishing shirts, hats, 

and accessories. With a focus 

on durability, functionality, 

and style, Reef Runner Gear 

provides fishermen with the 

tools they need to perform 

at their best on the water. 

Whether you're a professional 

angler or a passionate hobbyist, 

Reef Runner Gear has the 

gear to outfit you for your next 

fishing adventure. 



FABRIC STORE 

Artéé Fabrics 

910-686-2950 

arteefabricsandhome.com 

Artee Fabrics is a goto 

destination for fabric 

enthusiasts, showcasing a vast 

selection of high-quality fabrics, 

including upholstery, drapery, 

and quilting materials. With a 

commitment to providing a wide 

range of options for creative 

projects, Artee Fabrics offers 

inspiration and expertise for all 

your fabric needs. To make your 

own pieces, you can also shop 

from thousands of custom home 

fabrics you can use. Shop in 

the store or online and find the 

perfect addition to your home. 

FISH & TACKLE 

Island True Value Tackle 

& Hardware 

910-458-3049 

stores.truevalue.com/nc/ 

carolina-beach 

Island True Value Tackle & 

Hardware, located in Carolina 

Beach, NC, is a locally owned 

hardware store dedicated to 

serving the community. As 

a proud member of the True 

Value family, we offer expert 

advice, a wide range of tools 

and equipment, and quality 

products to support your DIY 

home improvement projects. 

Whether you're an experienced 

professional or a first-time 

DIYer, our friendly team is 

here to provide the assistance 

you need. Visit Island True 

Value Tackle & Hardware 

today and let us help you tackle 

your projects with confidence. 

FLORIST 

Julia’s Florist 

910-395-1868 

juliasflorist.com 

Julia's Florist is a wellestablished 

floral boutique 

in Wilmington, specializing 

in creating stunning floral 

arrangements for every occasion. 

Their website showcases an 

array of beautiful bouquets, 

plants, and gift baskets. With 

a passion for floral design and 

attention to detail, Julia's 

Florist ensures that every 

arrangement is a work of art 

that will delight the recipient. 

FRAME SHOP 

D. Baxter’s 

910-791-8431 

dbaxters.com 

Are you in search of professional 

custom picture framing 

services? Look no further than 

D. Baxter's. They recognize 

the significance of "home" and 

the impact that decor has on 

shaping your environment. With 

over 25 years of experience, they 

have proudly assisted numerous 

customers in achieving the ideal 

framing solutions, including the 

meticulous selection of premium 

materials for showcasing and 

safeguarding cherished wedding 

portraits. Allow them to lend 

their expertise and assist you in 

creating the perfect framing for 

your precious memories. 

FURNITURE STORE 

Custom Home 

Furniture Galleries 

910-799-4010 

shopcustomhome.com 

Custom Home Furniture 

Galleries offers a wide 

selection of high-quality 

furniture for every room, 

including a styles, from classic 

to contemporary, allowing 

customers to find the perfect 

pieces to suit their individual 

tastes. With a commitment to 

exceptional craftsmanship and 

personalized service, Custom 

Home Furniture Galleries 

helps create beautiful and 

comfortable living spaces. And 

you can’t beat the 365-day low 

price guarantee. If you find 

the same furniture or bedding 

at a delivered price for less 

at another store in the state 

with the same level of services, 

Custom Home will refund 

the difference. 

GARDEN CENTER 

Blooms & Branches 

910-350-6772 

bloomsandbranchesgardencenter.com 

As a leading retail garden 

center, Blooms & Branches is 

a locally owned and operated 

establishment in the Greater 

Wilmington area. Founded 

by Ernie in honor of his late 

wife Cathy, with the support 

of their daughter Kary and 

son-in-law Wil, it remains 

a family-owned business. 

Known for our extensive 

selection of locally sourced 

plants, we take pride in 

offering the largest collection 

Port City Peddler 

is a vendor mall in 

Ogden, showcasing 

a diverse range of 

local shops. 


Bloke Apparel & 

Supply offers a 

curated selection 

of men's clothing, 

and a variety of 

accessories and 

gift items.

of native plants and cultivars 

in the region, as well as 

premium retail options. 

Visit us to experience our 

commitment to quality and 

honor Cathy's memory. 

GIFT STORE 

Crabby Chic 

910-799-4216 

Crabby Chic is a fantastic 

boutique offering a curated 

collection of elegant beach 

and coastal-inspired decor, 

as well as a diverse range of 

delightful gifts, furnishings, 

and decorative items. They 

showcase stunning local and 

regional artwork, with sea 

stars as a popular design 

element. The store features 

a wide selection of women's 

clothing, baby items, jewelry, 

cottage furniture, lamps, 

candles, pottery, soaps, shells, 

and numerous other charming 

treasures. The tasteful displays 

create a captivating shopping 

experience, and the friendly 

staff epitomizes the warmth 

and hospitality of the South. 

HOME ACCESSORIES 

Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors 

910-256-6378 

nestfinegifts.com 

Nest is a unique boutique in 

Wilmington, NC, specializing 

in home furnishings. With 

over six years of experience, 

they provide interior design 

and decorating services 

along with an eclectic mix 

of furniture, accessories, 

and gifts for the coastal 

community. Nest offers a cozy 

and welcoming atmosphere, 

dedicated to impeccable 

customer service and fullservice 

interior design 

assistance. They also provide 

shipping services and are 

known for their exceptional 

gift wrapping. Visit Nest 

at the Forum Shopping 

Center in Wilmington for 

a memorable shopping 

experience. 

JEWELER 

Perry’s Emporium 

910-392-6721 

perrysemporium.com 

Perry's Emporium is a familyowned 

and operated jewelry 

store with locations in Charlotte 

and Wilmington, NC. Founded 

by entrepreneur Alan Perry, 

the store is known for its fine 

jewelry, engagement rings, and 

exceptional customer service. 

Starting with the first location 

in Charlotte, the business 

expanded to Wilmington in 

1991 and has since grown 

to become one of the largest 

jewelry stores in North 

Carolina. Perry's Emporium 

offers a wide selection of 

wedding jewelry, diamond 

earrings, jewelry repair, 

appraisal services, watch repair, 

and custom jewelry. 

LIGHTING STORE 

Capital Electric (formerly 

Butler’s Electric Supply) 

910-762-3345 

butlerselectricsupply.com 

Capital Electric is a leading 

electrical distributor serving 

contractors, builders, and endusers 

across multiple states 

in the United States. Their 

upgraded delivery fleet, stateof-the-art 

distribution network, 

and extensive inventory ensure 

prompt and reliable service. 

Capital Electric also provides 

on-site inventory management, 

project management, lighting 

design, wire management, 

and warehousing services. 

Committed to exceptional 

customer service, they 

prioritize creating a positive 

work environment and 

attracting top talent. 

LINGERIE 

Lilies & Lace 

910-679-4754 

liliesandlace.co 

Lilies & Lace is a charming 

boutique in Wilmington that 

offers a carefully curated 

collection of women's clothing, 

Eclipse Artisan Boutique features 

paintings, sculptures, furniture, 

jewelry & more from local & 

regional artisans. 

accessories, sleepwear and 

swimwear. They sell a mix of 

trendy and timeless fashion 

pieces that cater to diverse 

styles. From elegant dresses 

to casual tops and unique 

accessories, Lilies & Lace 

provides a delightful shopping 

experience for fashion-savvy 

individuals. 

MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP 

Carolina Coast Harley- 

Davidson 

910-791-9997 

carolinacoasthd.com 

Carolina Coast Harley- 

Davidson offers a wide 

selection of iconic motorcycles 

and accessories. Their website 

highlights the latest Harley 

Davidson models, as well as 

a range of parts and apparel 

for motorcycle enthusiasts. 

With a passion for the open 

road and a commitment to 

quality craftsmanship, Harley 

Davidson provides a gateway 

to the thrilling world of 

motorcycles. 

OUTDOOR FURNITURE 

Leisure World 

910-392-7748 

leisureworldcasual.com 

For more than three decades, 

this locally-owned company 

has been catering to the 

Wilmington area. They 

pride themselves on using 

high-quality materials and 

expert craftsmanship in their 

products, ensuring their 

durability in the region's 

challenging conditions. 

Collaborating with diverse 

vendors, they offer a wide 

range of furniture made from 

materials like aluminum, 

wicker, wood, and polylumber. 

Whether you desire 

an elegant, contemporary, 

or coastal aesthetic, their 

extensive selection guarantees 

a multitude of options to suit 

your preferences. 



OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS 

Great Outdoor 

Provisions Co. 

910-343-1648 

greatoutdoorprovision.com 

With nine stores throughout 

North Carolina and Virginia, 

Great Outdoor Provision Co. is 

not only abound with a range of 

outdoors gear and equipment, 

but also with the expertise and 

desire to empower people to 

get outside. In the Wilmington 

shop, kayaking and SUPing 

are particularly popular with 

locals. And sure, you can find 

all the trusted brands like 

Hobie, Hurricane, NuCanoe, 

Badfish and Jackson Kayak in 

store—but, just as valuable, 

is the staff’s expert knowledge 

and interest in helping 

customers feel fully prepared 

out in the field. 

PET STORE 

Family Dog Naturals 

910-859-7605 

familydognaturals.com 

Family Dog Naturals, owned 

and operated by Betsy and 

David Head, is dedicated to 

educating pet owners about 

the significance of a healthy 

diet for their furry friends. 

With extensive experience in 

animal wellness, nutrition, 

and customer service, the 

couple strives to guide 

customers toward a natural 

and wholesome lifestyle for 

their four-legged companions. 

Their personal touch and 

commitment to individualized 

service make clients feel like 

part of the family. Visit Family 

Dog Naturals to explore their 

products, receive expert advice, 

and embark on a journey to 

enhance your pet's well-being. 

SHOE STORE 

Monkee’s 

910-256-5886 

monkeeswilmington.com 

Discover an exquisite collection 

of high-end women's fashion 

at this exclusive boutique. 

From renowned designers 

to top brands, they curate 

a range of shoes, clothing, 

and accessories that are sure 

to impress. Explore their 

extensive shoe collection 

featuring an array of styles, 

including sandals, wedges, 

flats, heels, sneakers, booties, 

and boots. Independently 

owned and operated, the 

boutique is a manifestation of 

owner DeeDee Shaw's dream, 

offering unique opportunities 

and fostering community 

excitement. Experience the 

luxury and elegance that define 

this exceptional boutique. 

SURF SHOP 

Aussie Island 

910-256-5454 

aussieisland.com 

For over three decades, Aussie 

Island Surf Shop has been 

a trusted destination for the 

Wilmington and Wrightsville 

Beach communities. With a 

strong focus on exceptional 

customer service, we go above 

and beyond to assist our 

customers. Whether you're a 

beginner or an experienced 

enthusiast, our welcoming 

and friendly atmosphere will 

make you feel like part of the 

family. Visit our 3000 square 

foot retail store in Wilmington, 

conveniently located near 

Target, and explore our diverse 

range of products, including 

clothing, shoes, surfboards, 

skateboards, snowboard gear, 

watches, sunglasses, and snow 

goggles. 

SWIMWEAR 

Très Bleu 

910-679-4725 

tresbleu.com 

Très Bleuis a women’s boutique 

located in the coastal town 

of Wilmington. Its name is 

inspired by its proximity to the 

beach “where the Carolina blue 

sky fades into the deep beauty 

of the ocean.” The store offers a 

thoughtfully curated selections 

of apparel and accessory brands, 

Home Again is a fun 

place to shop for a 

bargain both new 

and consigned home 

furnishings. 

Crabby Chic features a 

variety of curated coastalinspired 

decor, gifts and 

furnishings. 

sourced by shop owners who 

travel extensively throughout 

the country and abroad to find 

the best styles. The clothes are 

meant to fit and feel like artful 

expressions of the town’s laidback 

coastal vibe. 


BARRE 

Pure Barre 

910-679-8171 

purebarre.com/location/ 

wilmington-nc 

Pure Barre is a highly 

acclaimed fitness studio that 

has gained recognition for 

its innovative and resultsdriven 

approach to exercise. 

Their signature barre classes 

combine elements of ballet, 

Pilates, and strength training 

to create a unique and effective 

workout experience. With 

expert instructors, stateof-the-art 

equipment, and a 

supportive community, Pure 

Barre empowers individuals to 

achieve their fitness goals while 

improving strength, flexibility, 

and overall body tone. 

DAY SPA 

Rejuvenate Massage & 

Reflexology 

910-666-0377 

rejuvenates.life 


Reflexology is a haven of 

tranquility and well-being. 

Their highly skilled therapists 

specialize in therapeutic 

massages and reflexology 

treatments, utilizing various 

techniques to promote deep 

relaxation, alleviate muscle 

tension, and enhance overall 

wellness. With a focus on 

holistic healing, personalized 

care, and a serene environment, 


Reflexology offers a rejuvenating 

experience that nurtures the 

body, mind, and spirit. 

EXERCISE FACILITY 

Axis Fitness 

910-634-3023 

axisfitnesstraining.com 

Axis Fitness is an exceptional 

fitness facility committed to 

helping individuals reach 

their fitness goals and lead a 

healthy lifestyle, with locations 

in downtown Wilmington, 

Wrightsville Beach and 

Hampstead. Their expansive 

gym features state-of-theart 

equipment, cutting-edge 

training techniques, and a 

variety of dynamic group classes 

led by experienced instructors. 

With a focus on personalized 

attention, supportive 

guidance, and a vibrant fitness 

community, Axis Fitness 

empowers individuals to achieve 

optimal physical fitness, improve 

strength and endurance, and 

enhance overall well-being. 

PILATES 

Body Aligned Pilates Studio 

910-279-7294 

Body Aligned Pilates Studio is 

a premier destination for those 

seeking a transformative and 

balanced approach to fitness. 

With a team of highly qualified 

instructors and a state-of-theart 

facility, they specialize in 

Pilates, an exercise method that 

strengthens the core, improves 

Dr. Church at 

La Belle Vie 

Plastic Surgery 

is experienced 

in all aspects of 

cosmetic and 

reconstructive 

surgery. 

Best Beauty & Fitness 2023 

flexibility, and enhances posture. 

Through tailored sessions and 

personalized attention, Body 

Aligned Pilates Studio empowers 

individuals to achieve optimal 

physical alignment, increased 

body awareness, and overall 

well-being. 

PLASTIC SURGEON 

La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery 

910-338-5900 

labellevieps.com 

La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery is a 

prestigious and reputable clinic 

offering exceptional cosmetic 

and reconstructive surgical 

procedures led by Dr. Church. 

A highly skilled cosmetic 

and reconstructive surgeon, 

Dr. Church has expertise 

in various areas of plastic 

surgery, including breast and 

body contouring procedures. 

With his patient and composed 

demeanor, Dr. Church excels 

in the operating room. Being 

a self-professed perfectionist, 

he is dedicated to achieving 

outstanding outcomes and 

creating natural-looking results 

that his patients can be proud of. 

SALON/BARBER FOR MEN 

Tads Barbershop 

910-619-6653 

Tads Barbershop is a familyowned 

barbershop where 

men can experience the art of 

grooming. With skilled and 

experienced barbers, they 

provide meticulous haircuts, 

precise grooming services, 

and tailored styling advice. 

Committed to creating a 

welcoming and relaxing 

environment, Tads Barbershop 

offers exceptional services, 

attention to detail, and a sense 

of camaraderie that keeps 

clients coming back for their 

grooming needs. 

SALON FOR WOMEN 

PURE by Gloss 

910-769-6731 

purebyglosssalon.com 

PURE by Gloss is a luxurious 

and indulgent beauty salon 

that provides a comprehensive 

range of top-quality hair and 

brow treatments. Services 

include hair cuts, hair coloring, 

consultations for coloring, 

keratin smoothing treatments, 

blowouts, hair styling, brow 

tinting, and extension. Their 

team of skilled professionals 

creates a serene and pampering 

atmosphere for clients to unwind 

and enhance their natural 

beauty. The salon takes pride in 

recycling programs, ensuring 

that hair, foils, color tubes, 

plastics and chemicals used in 

salon are kept out of landfills 

and water systems. PURE is 

also dedicated to using crutelyfree 

products and takes part in 

TreeEra, a program that plants 

a tree for every color service. 


Best Dining 2023 

APPETIZERS 

RUMCOW. 

910-769-4659 

rumcow.business.site 

Innovative cocktails meet 

adventurous bar snacks 

at Rumcow, and given the 

unanimously enthusiastic 

consensus over the small 

bites—it’s no surprise 

restaurant reigns supreme for 

their apps. Modern and rustic, 

Rumcow offers a fusion of frothy 

drinks and southern-tinged 

global cuisine. Bask in crispy 

pork belly pockets with peach 

chutney and fig goat cheese or 

blackened shrimp and fried 

grit cake tacos with pork belly 

lardons. On the lighter end, the 

lemony kale chips with garlic, 

parmesan, and sweet Thai chili 

sauce are addictively delicious. 

Famous Toastery is a 

dependable breakfast cafe, 

offering fresh ingredients 

and a large menu. 

AUTHENTIC AMERICAN 

Henry’s 

910-793-2929 

henrysrestaurant.com 

By embracing practices such 

as sourcing directly from local 

suppliers, Henry’s surpasses 

the typical American 

restaurant experience. While 

you'll find familiar childhood 

classics, like slow-roasted pot 

roast and gravy-smothered 

meatloaf atop garlic mashed 

potatoes, Henry's elevates 

each dish through creativity 

and a commitment to crateto-plate 

dining. Whether 

it's buttermilk-fried jumbo 

shrimp harvested from nearby 

waters or produce that was 

just picked, there's no doubt 

that this kitchen prioritizes 

freshness above all else. 

Wheelz Pizza, originally 

headquartered on 17th 

Street, also has a fleet of 

food trucks. 

Innovative cocktails 

meet adventurous bar 

snacks at Rumcow. 

AUTHENTIC ASIAN 

Cafe Chinois 

910-769-3193 

cafe-chinois.com 

One of the latest endeavors 

of Solange Thompson, Café 

Chinois has followed in big 

sister Indochine’s footsteps 

while carving its own unique 

identity: a sophisticated eatery 

combining French-inspired 

Asian fare with enticing 

cocktails. The exuberant setting 

showcases vintage Japanese 

dolls and family heirlooms. 

You’ll spot the generouslyportioned 

Pad Thai on almost 

every table, but we suggest a 

signature dish like the hearty 

Vietnamese bouillabaisse with 

fresh seafood and crusty bread. 

AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN 

Ceviche’s 

910-256-3131 

wbceviche.com 

At Ceviche's, authenticity and 

artistry take center stage as 

the kitchen consistently dishes 

out pristine Panamanian 

cuisine. Case and point: the 

Ropa Vieja—a luscious, slowcooked 

mélange of flank steak 

and veggies braised in a rich 

tomatoey broth. On the seafood 

side, you clearly can’t go wrong, 

but top choices include the 

ginger-coconut milk lobster 

ceviche and corvina—mild, 

white Pacific sea bass with loads 

of lime juice and jalapenos. 

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN 

Tarantelli’s 

910-763-3806 

tarantellis.com 

Although we tend to harp on 

Tarantelli’s whiskey-ignited 

Spaghetti al Formaggio 

Parmigiana, this family-owned 

restaurant has a multitude 

of marvels in store. From the 

moment the elegant trattoria 

opened its doors on Second 

Street, it became a go-to for 

Italian cravings. Handmade 

pastas—like wide pappardelle 

noodles tangled with porcini, 

shiitake, and cremini 

mushrooms in a velvety herb 

cream sauce—evoke nostalgic 

Tuscan flavors, while stellar 

drink and dessert specials keep 

things interesting. 

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN 

Tequila Comida & Cantina 

910-399-1643 

tequilacc.com 

Owned by brothers Ramon 

and Miguel Villaseñor, this 

Monkey Junction eatery 

features bona fide Mexican 

fare that’s as real as it comes. 

These are the minds behind 

Wilmington’s esteemed Los 

Portales, after all, so a menu 

filled with fabulous twists 

on familiar favorites was all 

but guaranteed. Expect hot, 

flavorful fajitas, bright ceviche, 

robust moles, flawlessly-made 

tortillas, and so much more. 

Partake in a pretty kiwi 

margarita to wash it all down 

and don’t forget extra queso. 

BAKERY 

Apple Annie’s Bakeshop 

910-799-9023, 910-256-6585 

appleanniesbakeshop.com 

Treasured for manifesting 

the most magnificent baked 

goods in town for over three 

decades, Apple Annie’s is 

fluent in everything from 

sinful red velvet cake to pizza 

dough to heavenly chocolate 

croissants. Lovingly gaze into 

the dessert case for a tempting 

array of coconut macaroons, 

swirl-topped cheesecakes, 

and chocolate-dipped cookies. 

Whether you're in need of 

a gorgeous golden loaf of 


ead (try the slightly sweet 

pumpernickel) or a luscious 

blueberry cobbler to bring to a 

potluck, this bakery is a onestop 

shop. 

BARBEQUE 

Mac’s Speed Shop 

910-947-6100 

macspeedshop.com 

For almost twenty years, Mac's 

Apple Annies bake 

shop has been a 

staple since 1987. 

Tarantelli’s is a family-owned 

restaurant with a multitude 

of marvels in store. 

has been serving award-winning 

barbeque alongside a love for 

beer and bikes. Their dedication 

to stellar smoky treats is evident 

in the expertly cooked ‘cue—as 

well as the homemade sauces, 

dressings, and sides. Mac’s 

spacious design and live music 

make it an optimal setting for 

large crowds clamoring over allthing 

meaty. Spoil yourself with 

polished comfort food such as 

brisket burnt ends, dry-rubbed 

wings, and pork tacos with 

mustard sauce. 

BREAKFAST SPOT 

Famous Toastery 

910-256-7030 

famoustoastery.com 

A dependable breakfast café 

where the exemplary service 

matches the skillful preparation 

of each dish is a rarity, but the 

Carolina-bred Famous Toastery 

franchise runs like a well-oiled 

machine. With fresh ingredients 

and generous portions, the 

massive menu is chockful of 

essential eats, including stuffed 

French toast, benedicts galore, 

and bold items like Huevos 

Rancheros with feta cheese and 

black bean salsa. 

BURGERS 

P.T.'s Olde Fashioned Grille 

ptsgrille.com 

In the realm of burgers, P.T.’s 

is king. With a two-decade 

legacy of serving up charbroiled 

classics and crisp, tangy 

lemonade—P.T.'s has rightfully 

earned the title of Wilmington's 

premier burger joint once 

again. Its widespread locations 

across the region, coupled with 

overflowing baskets of hand-cut 

seasoned fries accompanying 

each made-to-order burger, 

make it an ever-convenient and 

affordable choice. 

CANDY / CHOCOLATE 

Carolina Candy Company 

866-794-9905 

carolinacandy.com 

If the soft buttery crunch of 

toffee brings you joy, run— 

don’t walk—to Carolina Candy 

Company. This family-owned 

sweet shop captivates its clients 

with handmade confectionaries 

like chocolate bark, gourmet 

candy, and small-batch toffee. 

CCC prides itself on using the 

highest quality ingredients and 

never compromising on taste by 

avoiding fillers, preservatives, 

and high-fructose corn syrup. 

The decadent morsels come in 

a gift box or basket form—you 

know, if you’re willing to share 

your dark chocolate Southern 

pecan toffee. 

CATERER 

Middle of the Island 

910-392-3593 

middleoftheisland.com 

You can't miss the festive 

purple and yellow truck, and 

chances are you've swooned 

for Middle of the Island’s 

legendary baked mac and 

cheese at a wedding. MOI is 

not just the biggest catering 

company in town, they're the 

go-to experts for over twohundred 

weddings each year. 

Their mobile kitchens cook up 

massive seafood and southern 

buffets right on-site while the 

drop-off services are ideal 

Cape Fear 

Seafood is a 

regional American 

restaurant known 

for skillfully 

prepared seafood 

across the state. 



Tequila Comida, owned by 

brothers Ramon and Miguel 

Villaseñor, features bona fide 

authentic Mexican fare. 

for church dinners, company 

picnics, corporate functions, and 

fundraisers. 

COFFEEHOUSE 

Cheeky Monkey Coffee 

910- 399-3621 

cheekymonkeycoffee.com 

Nestled at the front of City 

Market Shops, dog-friendly 

Cheeky Monkey is clutch for 

getting your caffeine fix before 

exploring downtown. The 

Blackham family cherishes 

their customers and it shows 

in the rustic, homey vibe and 

small batch-roasted beans. With 

an allegiance to sustainability, 

this Ocean-Friendly 

Establishment provides 

alternative milks, prioritizes 

recyclable cups, and actively 

works towards reducing plastic 

straw usage by employing siplids. 

The cinnamon-infused 

Bananas Foster latte and rich, 

16-hour-steeped cold brew are 

real crowd-pleasers. 

CRAB CAKES 

Cape Fear Seafood Company 

capefearseafoodcompany.com 

This regional American 

restaurant is renowned for its 

lively feel, multiple locations 

across the state, and irresistible 

selection of skillfully prepared 

seafood. At CFSC, the oceanheavy 

cuisine is composed with 

attention to detail, quality 

ingredients, and exciting 

flavors, but the undeniable 

stars of the show are the Bald 

Head Island Crab Cakes. The 

generous patties are packed 

with backfin lump claw meat 

and covered in a lemony white 

wine and butter sauce. 

DESSERTS 

The Peppered Cupcake 

919-399-1088 

thepepperedcupcake.com 

With two Wilmington locations, 

The Peppered Cupcake 

has gained a well-deserved 

reputation for its extraordinary 

take on classic flavors. Owner 

and baker Tabitha Meready 

regularly stuns with her 

everyday offerings like crème 

brulee and caramel macchiato, 

but rotating choices like earthy 

taro or sharp key lime pie are 

worth waiting for. If you’ve got a 

cupcake itch that just won’t quit, 

swing by the vending machine 

at the downtown shop which 

dispenses treats 7 days a week. 

FAMILY RESTAURANT + SALADS 

RuckerJohns 

910-452-1212 

ruckerjohns.com 

The flaky croissants and honey 

butter have their own cult 

following, but that’s just the 

beginning of this story. From 

American classics like fried 

calamari and potato skins to 

gourmet goodies like Cajundusted 

tuna with beurre 

blanc—RuckerJohns’ diverse 

menu caters to all kinds of 

crowds. The neighborhood-style 

chain in coastal North Carolina 

aims to accommodate not only 

families but individuals of all 

ages. With a dedicated staff 

and an emphasis on superior 

ingredients, RuckerJohns always 

delivers. But it’s not all comfort 

food. The restaurant also 

snagged the win for their topnotch 

salads and scratch made 

dressings. The herbaceous Greek 

vinaigrette is light on the palate, 

but the buttermilk ranch is hard 

to beat. 

FINE DINING 

Circa 1922 

910-762-1922 

circa1922.com 

Housed in a lavishly renovated 

bank in the heart of downtown, 

Circa is a trendy mainstay loved 

by both locals and tourists. The 

talented team both in front and 

behind the kitchen curtain— 

Cozy up in a booth with 

skewered baguette cubes 

and melted cheese prepared 

tableside at The Little Dipper. 


not to mention tasty tapas— 

contribute to its esteemed 

reputation. Circa's prix fixe and 

specialty items never disappoint 

when you’re after a luxurious 

dining experience. Premium 

entrées like aromatic seafood 

paella are filling while small 

plates such as charred octopus 

and beef carpaccio with truffle 

aioli are great for the table. 

HAPPY HOUR 

Front Street Brewery 

910-251-1935 

frontstreetbrewery.com 

You already know Front Street 

Brewery for its fantastic lineup 

of craft beer, but if you’re 

unfamiliar with their famous 

happy hour menu—you’re in 

When it comes to exceptional 

steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is 

an undisputed chart-topper. 

for a treat. From 4 to 6 PM 

and after 10 PM, FSB becomes 

home to half-priced appetizers. 

Prepare yourself for a series 

of savory options like handbreaded 

buffalo fried shrimp 

with gorgonzola, low country 

grit cakes with Cajun bacon 

sauce, and the timeless pulled 

chicken nachos featuring slowcooked, 

slightly sweet shredded 

meat and homemade salsa. 

HEALTH FARE 

Kale Me Crazy 

910-679-8188 

kalemecrazy.net/wilmington 

Kale Me Crazy was born 

out of a personal journey by 

Founder and CEO, Roi Shlomo, 

who wanted to transform his 

diet with all-organic food to 

better support his own health. 

Mission accomplished, and he’s 

passed on the love. Using fresh, 

organic, and raw ingredients, 

KMC gives everyone access to 

real food and successfully meets 

the growing demand for quick 

nutritious options. Wash down 

salmon toast with a cold-pressed 

juice or lion’s mane and reishi 

mushroom latte with raw cacao, 

maple syrup, and almond milk. 

ICE CREAM 

Boombalatti's 

boombalattis.com 

Wes and Kristen Bechtel, 

the creative couple behind 

Boombalatti’s have been 

crowned once again for their 

exceptional homemade ice cream 

made exclusively with dairy 

from grass-fed North Carolina 

cows. At their dreamy scoop 

shop, artificial flavors and 

colors are strictly avoided and 

combinations like cinnamon 

oatmeal cookie take are the 

norm. The coconut milk-based 

varieties at Boombalatti's elicit 

pure delight and the abundance 

of vegan selections always leaves 

an impression on first-timers. 

LUNCH SPOT 

Rebellion 

910-399-1162 

rebellionnc.com 

Whether you’re after an artfully 

composed wedge salad with 

seared tuna or a hearty, showy 

handheld like the Phancy 

Filly with shaved ribeye and 

crumbled pork rinds, it’s easy to 

count the reasons Rebellion is 

a downtown hot spot for lunch. 

The consistently prompt service 

even during a midday rush 

doesn’t hurt either. I’ve always 

been a loud advocate for the 

mouthwatering mac-and-cheese 

draped in Gruyère Mornay, but 

other lunch staples include the 

smoke-perfumed wings and 

REB-L-T with crispy pork belly 

confit on sourdough. 

Marina Grill has captured 

the hearts of many, with its 

brunch, lunch and dinnerwith-a-view 

experience. 

NEW RESTAURANT 

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine 

910-492-2893 

kiposwilmington.com 

Wilmington isn’t overflowing 

with Noteworthy Grecian fare, 

so the hype Kipos received when 

it recently landed in Lumina 

Station was expected. This 

intricately adorned, seafoodfocused 

establishment pays 

homage to the culinary traditions 

and cultural heritage of Greece. 

Get in lost in their breezy 

interpretation of a Mediterranean 

courtyard while chowing down 

on classic mezedes like charred 

prawns or calamari. The 

moussaka is a no-brainer, but 

get the grilled whole fish fileted 

tableside for the full experience. 



ORGANIC FOOD 

Tidal Creek 

910-799-2667 

tidalcreek.coop 

Since its inception, Tidal Creek 

has been driven by a mission 

to promote the well-being of 

individuals, communities, and 

the environment. Established 

in 1982 as a consumer-owned 

cooperative natural food store, 

TD has been tirelessly dedicated 

to sourcing sustainable, organic, 

Bluewater, a waterfront 

venue at Wrightsville 

Beach, has been serving 

up exquisite seafood, 

juicy steaks and more for 

over 20 years. 

and fair trade foods, as well 

as environmentally-friendly 

products. Visit the in-store 

café for an excellent smoothie, 

the hot bar for nourishing 

provisions, or grab a wrap from 

the cold case if you’re in a hurry. 

OUTDOOR DINING 

Marina Grill 

910-769-7974 

marinagrillwilmington.com 

Anchor your boat at this 

idyllic riverfront haven and 

treat yourself to a refreshing 

pineapple, coconut, and 

rum-spiked cocktail and a 

breathtaking sunset. Since its 

arrival on the downtown scene, 

Marina Grill has captured 

the hearts of many, with its 

brunch, lunch, and dinnerwith-a-view 

experience. MG 

provides music of its own 

but sits adjacent to Live Oak 

Pavillion where your ears 

can often catch the sounds of 

a major concert for free. The 

patio’s panoramic river views 

and nautical aura will likely 

urge you to indulge in the 

fresh-as-ever fish tacos. 

PIZZA 

Wheelz Pizza 

wheelzpizza.com 

Two words: sourdough crust. 

Wheelz, with its fleet of food 

trucks, original headquarters 

on 17th Street, and dinein 

locations now spanning 

from Wrightsville Beach to 

Charlotte has irrefutably 

become one of Wilmington’s 

pizza champions. The 

eminently worshipped threeday, 

cold-fermented sourdough 

crust is a Neapolitan-Brooklyn 

style hybrid and well worth 

the hype. It’s foldy, chewy, 

and crisp all at once—which 

produces a brilliant landing 

pad for fresh toppings like 

chunky, sweet organic 

tomatoes, ultra-premium 

“cuppy pepperoni,” and freshly 

snipped basil. 

RAW BAR 

Elijah’s 

910-343-1448 

elijahs.com 

Luxuriate in the sights and 

sounds on Elijah's waterfront 

deck and discover why this 

longstanding culinary gem 

relishes in having one of the 

best raw bars in the city. With 

over thirty years of history, 

this river-view restaurant 

has garnered a reputation for 

excellence and it’s not just the 

epic view. Though the chilled 

oysters and clams are hard to 

pass up, we recommend opting 

for the Carolina bucket—a 

low country boil-style feast 

complete with shrimp, crab 

legs, mussels, potatoes, and 

sausage you can enjoy right at 

your table. 

ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE 

The Little Dipper 

910-251-0433 

littledipperfondue.com 

Make your date night dinners 

truly memorable with an 

interactive and fun-filled 

experience at The Little 

Dipper. Cozy up in a booth 

with skewered baguette cubes 

and melted cheese prepared 

tableside for a meal that 

screams romance. Sample the 

delectable artisanal breads for 

dipping or opt for the assorted 

three-course meal featuring 

fresh seafood, juicy steaks, 

and a fruity finale of dark 

chocolate fondue. Enjoy the 

nostalgic charm of wine and 

cheese or check out the roster 

of "fauxtails" if your dining 

companion digs alcohol-free 

drinks. 

SEAFOOD 

The SeaWitch Café 

& Tiki Bar 

910-707-0533 

seawitchtikibar.com 

Located a block from the 

oceanfront, this CB landmark 

has been steadily serving 

up exceptional seafood and 

entertainment since 1995. Beat 

the heat in the dining room 

decked out with beachy décor or 

hit the palm tree-lined tiki bar 

on the dock for ahi tuna nachos 

and a coconut margarita. The 

baked crab dip, laced with an 

ethereal Old Bay cream sauce, 

is great for sharing while the 

jerk mahi with mango salsa and 

cilantro lime shrimp tacos will 

take you to your own private 

paradise. 

78 WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


SEAFOOD MARKET 

Seaview Crab Company 

seaviewcrabcompany.com 

With its widespread presence 

across the state, Seaview Crab 

Company has established itself as 

a true leader in the retail game. 

The owners' humble beginnings 

as retail fishmongers have 

instilled a knack for engaging 

with customers and staying 

ahead in the industry, both 

locally and globally. Nationwide 

shipping is available for retail 

products and fresh seafood, and 

for special ordering needs—just 

ask. The market’s take-home 

stock is top-notch, while SCC 

Kitchen’s MO also boasts hot, 

made-to-order food. Delectable 

creations from Executive Chef 

Brandon Stark include tacos, po' 

boys with pickled peppers, and 

seafood platters. 

SERVICE 

The George on the 

Riverwalk 

910-763-2052 

thegeorgerestaurant.com 

You’ll appreciate al fresco river 

views and southern cuisine 

at The George, but it’s the 

friendly and attentive staff 

that have been instrumental in 

establishing this restaurant as 

a longtime local favorite. Take 

your taste buds on a coastal 

journey with the Cajun-fried 

gator bites served with roasted 

artichoke and zippy romesco 

sauce. The knowledgeable 

servers will never steer you 

wrong and pull out all the stops 

to make sure your meal is as 

special as possible. 

STEAKHOUSE 

Ruth's Chris Steak House 

910-343-1818 

ruthschris.com 

When it comes to exceptional 

steakhouses, Ruth's Chris is an 

undisputed chart-topper. Famed 

for their impeccable service and 

generous portions of buttery, 

top-quality beef, this upscale 

chain guarantees a gratifying 

dining experience every time. 

Located conveniently within 

Wilmington's downtown Hilton 

on the Riverwalk, the locale 

only adds to the attraction. 

While Ruth's Chris is celebrated 

for their champion USDA Prime 

Beef, their menu offers more 

than just steaks for any nonmeat-eaters 

in your party. 

SUNDAY BRUNCH 

Havana's Restaurant 

910-458-2822 

havanasrestaurant.com 

For Carolina Beach’s 

quintessential brunch 

experience, Havana's takes 

the cake once again. Their 

weekly Sunday Funday shindig 

features live music and the 

signature "Snow's Cut Bloody 

Mary" with an Old Bay rim and 

a garnish of steamed shrimp. 

Determined to source as many 

ingredients as possible from 

the nearby sea and land, every 

plate at Havana's is as fresh 

as it gets. Regulars rave about 

the Huevos Rancheros topped 

with crunchy pico and served 

on crispy corn tortillas with 

Havana’s quintessential 

brunch experience includes 

a weekly “Sunday Funday” 

shindig with live music and 

signatures dishes/drinks. 

red bean gravy. Seafood lovers 

rejoice for the oyster catcher 

benedict with poached eggs 

and Tasso ham hollandaise. To 

satisfy your sweet tooth, the 

accompanying coffee cake is 

sublime. 

VEGETARIAN 

The Green House 

910-679-4994 

thegreenrestaurant.com 

As Wilmington’s first upscale 

vegetarian bistro (that, 

BTW, flaunts a zero-proof 

bar program), The Green 

House focuses on wholesome 

ingredients with an emphasis 

on sustainable practices. 

Modern, high-end, vegan 

American eats are the stars 

of this show—like the seared 

eggplant filet with velvety 

parsnip potato puree, red wine 

demi-glace, and crispy roasted 

shallots. Pair the runny, 

housemade Camembert with 

one of the bar’s inventive sips 

like the foam-topped Matcha 

Man made up of a citrusy 

aperitif, herby NA spirit, and 

locally-made fig-cardamom 

shrub. 

WATERVIEW DINING 

Bluewater Grill 

910-256-8500 

bluewaterdining.com 

For over twenty years, 

this waterfront venue at 

Wrightsville Beach has been 

serving up exquisite seafood, 

juicy steaks, and more. While 

you wait for your table, enjoy 

an islandy cocktail at the 

outdoor bar while watching 

sailboats glide along the 

waterway. On Sundays from 

April to October, relax on 

the patio and listen to live 

tunes as part of Bluewater's 

waterfront music series. Musttries 

for newcomers include the 

sumptuous hot crab dip and 

wispy coconut shrimp with 

dark rum marmalade. Plan 

your meal around high tide to 

catch a dolphin sighting or two. 


Best Nightlife 2023 

BAR 

The Ivey in the Alley 

iveyilm.com 

The wallet-friendly craft 

cocktails may have been 

the initial draw to this 

alley-situated spot that’s a 

bottle cap’s throw from Blue 

Post, but the Ivey’s funky 

aesthetic has been equally 

commended. The beauty is in 

the details—a cross between 

contemporary and steampunk 

thanks to a mix of Edison 

bulbs and bikes swinging 

from the ceiling. Tropical 

sips like the Aly Cat with 

rum, Aperol, and pineapple 

are perfect for vacationers— 

but the demographic is a 

jumble of college kids, young 

professionals, and (thanks 

to a marvelously intentional 

mocktail list) even the sobercurious 

crowd. 

CLUB 

Reggie’s 42nd Street Tavern 

910-799-6465 

facebook.com/reggiesnc 

Beer, booze, and live bands 

are the winning trifecta at 

this beloved hole-in-the-wall. 

Reggie’s is a community-centric 

hangout whose blend of dive 

bar vibes and entertainment 

venue appeal has kept its 

electric spirit alive and well 

for years. The staff and 

regulars may have a laidback 

vibe, but they’re serious about 

supporting local, independent 

music. Reggie’s clean, fun 

atmosphere is a fusion of 

arcade games, pool tables, and 

karaoke—but it’s catching your 

favorite bands up close and 

personal that’s the real bait. 

COCKTAIL 

Blind Elephant 

910-833-7175 

blindelephantspeakeasy.com 

Follow the mysterious 

elephant sign just off Front 

Street to step into a world of 


burlesque charm. You’ll savor 

simply righteous handcrafted 

cocktails at the speakeasythemed 

Blind Elephant where 

blue backlighting, grand 

brick walls, and bartenders in 

prohibition-era attire add to 

the allure. While the drinks 

may take a little extra time to 

curate due to their complexity, 

the service is consistently 

prompt. Peep the monthly 

cocktails, but don’t overlook 

the perpetually popular on-tap 

mules, masterfully mixed with 

house made ginger beer. 

CRAFT BREWER 

Flytrap Brewing 

910-769-2881 

flytrapbrewing.com 

Flytrap goes above and beyond 

your typical neighborhood 

brewery, standing out as one 

of the Brooklyn Arts District’s 

warmest and most communitydriven 

destinations. Select a 

flight and start in the taproom 

to buzz around the latest local 

art exhibit then hit the lively 

beer garden—which welcomes 

both families and four-legged 

companions—for live music 

and food trucks. Owner Mike 

Barlas takes immense pride in 

crafting beautifully balanced 

American and Belgian ales, 

but there’s plenty to appreciate 

on the seasonal and special 

release menus. 

Yosake offers elaborate 

sushi creations from 

10pm to midnight on 

Fridays and Saturdays. 

LATE NIGHT MENU + SUSHI 

Yosake 

910-763-3172 

yosake.com 

One of downtown’s most 

revered Pan-Asian eateries 

snagged a dual victory on our 

list this year for both their 

elaborate sushi creations and 

the (exclusively dine-in) late 

night "happy hour.” Craving 

crab rangoons late-night? 

From 10pm to midnight on 

Fridays and Saturdays, Yosake 

has got you covered. Come 

for the island-inspired Maui 

Wowie at dinner—yellowtail 

and pineapple wrapped in 

avocado and topped with ahi 

tuna poke—then pop back in 

after a night of bar-hopping for 

stupid-fresh sashimi under 

10 bucks. 

PUB TAVERN 

Tavern 14 

910-769-2225 

tavern14.business.site 

It's impossible not to adore 

a bar whose welcome cry is 

an enthusiastic "Hell yeah!" 

instead of a dull "Hello." 

At this lively sports pub 

on Market Street, you'll be 

impressed by the abundance 

of nearly twenty flat-screen 

TVs, a plethora of pool tables, 

and generous portions. Satisfy 

your Sunday desire for a 

Bloody Mary and a variety of 

delectable fried delights on the 

expansive wrap-around porch. 

Tavern 14 produces all the 

usual suspects like wings and 

burgers, but nothing screams 

Saturday night like the 

signature “zillas”—which they 

define as tipsy quesadillas who 

got frisky with pizza. 

SPECIALTY DRINKS 

The Underfront Co. 

910-660-4994 

theunderfrontcompany.com 

Boutique cocktails are the 

name of the game at this 

downtown lounge that takes 

mixology to another level. Sip 

a blend of St. Germain and 

pineapple with flamed absinthe 

mist in the grand, yet intimate 

atmosphere marked by 

century-old beams and rafters. 

The menu is thoughtfully 

broken up into flavor profiles 

(from fresh and fruity to bold 

and smoky) and even the nonalcoholic 

choices are an artful 

meld of gastriques, delicate 

foams and creams, raw sugar 

syrups, house-made bitters, 

and tinctures. 

WINE LIST 

Second Glass 

910-399-7486 

secondglasswinebar.com 

South Front District's urban 

eatery, Second Glass, is not 

only a sophisticated mecca 

of southern flavors, but also 

a wine bar that truly wows. 

Owner Celeste Glass’s ability 

to ornately shape a space, 

select a wide-ranging and 

extensive collection of wines, 

and employ an extraordinary 

staff is unmatched. If you’re 

easily overwhelmed, share 

your palate preferences with 

your server and let them lead 

you toward something new. 

Small and large plates are also 

always listed with a suggested 

pairing. Save room for the 

vegan chocolate brownie. 

WINE STORE 

The Wine Sampler 

910-796-9463 

thewinesampler.com 

Kerr Avenue strip mall’s 

unassuming Wine Sampler 

takes wine tasting to new 

heights. Sip and shop in-store 

while you explore a world 

of 700+ wines that range in 

all price points. Mull over 

the impressive international 

wines as you decide which 

varietal to sample from one 

of the 28 selections “on tap” 

in the WineStation ® . Whether 

you’re a sommelier or someone 

who’s just getting curious, a 

knowledgeable staff member is 

always there to chaperon your 

journey to the perfect bottle.

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A Landfall Landscape 

How one family transformed their Landfall home 

into a stunning waterfront haven 

By LORI WILSON » Photos KAREN ZIP (Cape Fear Real Estate Directory) 


As the owner of Nest 

Fine Gifts and Interiors, 

Monika Williams 

knows design—almost 

everything in the 

house, from window 

treatments to rugs and 

home furnishings, is 

from her store. 

MOST WILMINGTON 

locals can tell you that 

Landfall, the 2,200-acre 

gated community and 

country club, is home 

to some of the city’s most impressive 

homes and sought-after lots. The team 

at Landfall Realty, of course, represents 

many of the transactions, both for sellers 

and buyers, within the premiere grounds. 

One, in particular, with its spectacular 

design and the dreamiest of dreamy water 

views, ranks among one of the best projects 

the Landfall Realty team has seen. 

Landfall Realty represented buyers Rich 

and Monika Williams, long-time residents 

of the neighborhood who trusted the 

agency. While they were just living down 

the street from their current residence, the 

Williams moved in on the opportunity for 

change after falling in love with the land, 

specifically its marsh and Intracoastal 

Waterway views. 

They knew the home–the structure 

itself–didn’t suit their family of six, but 

the landscape could not be beaten. After 

grappling with the previous footprint for 

almost a year, the couple finally called 

it—a rebuild was in order. 

Team members at Landfall Realty 

predict that, as time goes on, the 

community will likely see more of these 

reconstruction approaches as the value of 

land continues to blossom astronomically. 

The neighborhood includes homes built 

in the 1980s or 1990s that are no longer 

conducive to the size or amenities that 

buyers desire. In some cases, the land 

value outweighs the physical structure. 

While a new build project comes with its 

obstacles, Rich and Monika Williams were 

up to the challenge. As the owner of Nest 

Fine Gifts and Interiors, Monika Williams 

has all the knowledge, skills, resources 

and product to take on a blank canvas. 

Building a New Footprint 

First, the Williamses met with residential 

designer Scott Sullivan of Sullivan Design 

Company to map out the exterior. 

“We really wanted something European,” 

says Monika Williams. “But we weren’t 

sure exactly how that would manifest.” 


Residential designer Scott 

Sullivan of Sullivan Design 

Company mapped out the 

exterior, incorporating 

a romantic brick, slatepitched 

roof and Spanish 

colonial themes in the iron 

railings and arched details 

over the windows. 

Perhaps closest to European designs, the 

home features a luxurious yet effortless 

styling with its romantic brick exterior, 

slate-pitched roof and stately chimney. 

Spanish colonial themes also ring in with 

elegant wrought iron railings and arched 

details over windows at the front and 

garage doors. 

“It’s funny–we had picked out a nice 

brick, but we were going to do a whitewash 

look,” says Williams. “But when 

we saw it finished, we thought, ‘We can’t 

paint that.’” 

The Williams looked for symmetry by 

adding two-car garages on each wing of 

the home, framing their overall structure 

(another nod to a European look). 

Besides, a four-car garage wasn’t a 

bad idea for this family of six, with four 

now-adult daughters. When they built 

the home almost seven years ago, they 

were thinking long-term. A rebuild was 

especially needed to make room for 

family, including Monika’s mother, who 

has moved in with the Williams. 

“The best thing about the structure we 

built was that we really took our time to 

plan out how we live,” says Williams. “My 

mother has her own wing, like a little 

mini apartment within the house. She has 

a really pretty view on her side, too.” 

The beautiful 

banisters were 

designed and 

fashioned by local 

artisan Ben Kastner 

of Intracoastal 

Iron Works. 

It all comes back to the view. Nearly 

every room in the house features a scene 

of the water, as the floor plan was built to 

maximize the horizon of the lot. 

“We could have built a little teepee on this 

property and it’d still be great,” she says. 

The Williams entertain often (having 

even hosted a wedding!), so an open floor 

plan was also a must. While the couple’s 

offices and mother-in-law suite can be 

found on the right wing of the house, the 

left wing is meant for entertaining. 


(above) Nearly every room in the house 

features a scene of the water, as the floor plan 

was built to maximize the horizon of the lot. 

(left) The dining room incorporates a mix of 

gold accents, antiques and new pieces. 

Designing for a Designer 

Toward the end of the building process, it 

was time to bring in Williams’ Nest team. 

“Almost everything in the house from 

window treatments to rugs to home 

furnishings–everything–is from Nest,” says 

Williams. “All designs came from myself or 

someone on the Nest team at the time.” 

Upon opening the front door, guests 

are immediately greeted by striking, 

yet cohesive, features. A herringbone 

patterned rug, made of cowhide, quite 

literally lures you in, pointing in the 

direction of more to see. The warm browns 

of the brick exterior flow smoothly with 

the inside final product. 

“I’m kind of a neutral person,” says 

Williams, “so the house is pretty neutral. 

While I love a lot of color for a beach house 


Williams put great value 

on the little details of 

the kitchen, such as the 

limestone hood with the 

copper overhang, creamcolored 

cabinetry with 

brown trim details and 

marble countertops. 

or maybe a second house, for our main 

home I like neutral. That’s just me.” 

But let’s not mistake neutral for average 

or plain. Past the statement rug, a wonder 

of textures and patterns awaits. On 

paper, the lay audience may not have been 

convinced that the mixture of surfaces 

blends, but Williams knows how to pull it 

off—and with gusto. 

While the common areas of the home 

feature mostly browns and beiges, 

Williams’ office, which she dubs her 

library, pays homage to the neutral grays, 

with stunning wallpaper, a rug with 

metallic accents and a mirrored chest of 

drawers that ties it all together. 

The spaces flow openly, but each room 

has its specialties—from the gold accents 

of the dining room to the kitchen’s marble 

countertop and oven range backsplash 

tile to the den's stone fireplace and rustic 

overhead beams—all with a warm, 

neutral theme. 

“Everyone says that for the size of 

the house, it’s very warm and cozy,” 

explains Williams. 

The Williamses took 

their time to plan the 

design of the home 

around how their 

family of six lives. 


With a love for cooking, Williams put 

great value on the little details of the 

kitchen, such as the limestone hood 

with the copper overhang. The cabinetry 

isn’t just a neutral cream color–upon 

closer look, brown trim details give them 

much depth. 

When the cooking is done, of course, it’s 

time to entertain. Nestled between the 

foyer and dining room is their built-in bar, 

perfect for transitioning folks between 

spaces, all with large windows and French 

doors lining the waterway scene. 

For cozier evenings by the fireplace, the 

den is the warmest of the home’s areas, 

with many rustic elements. 

“I do have a little rustic side to me. One 

of our designers that used to work with us 

said ‘I’m in touch with my inner lodge,’” 

says Williams with a laugh. 

In fact, despite owning a home interiors 

store with many items available for order, 

Williams still loves to mix antiques with 

new pieces. Much of the art in the home, 

for example, is from years of collecting. 

In the den sits one of her favorite small 

details, an antique English farm trough, 

which Williams currently uses to display 

plants by the fireplace. 

The upstairs master bedroom also 

includes a fireplace, this time with a 

more elegant tone. To maximize the best 

view of the house, the master features a 

tall A-frame ceiling and an arched fourwindow 

wall. 

Williams notes one of her favorite 

features of this room: the draperies were 

built into the wall, behind the trim work, 

instead of needing a specialty curtain rod 

(top left) Williams’ office incorporates neutral grays, with stunning wallpaper, a rug with metallic accents and a mirrored chest of drawers. 

(top right) The den is the warmest of the home’s areas, incorporating many rustic elements. (bottom) The rec room speaks to the rustic, warm 

themes of the home, but easily acts as both a man cave or an ultimate party space. 


To maximize the best 

view of the house, 

the master bedroom 

features a tall A-frame 

ceiling and an arched 

four-window wall. 

While the majority of 

the house incorporates a 

neutral palette, Williams 

blends surfaces and 

textures to make each 

room interesting. 

that would take away from the sights of 

the marsh and Intracoastal. 

Outside the master, among the upstairs 

bedrooms’ hallway and sitting room, 

family members can take a peek into 

the foyer below, continuing the open-air 

design. The beautiful banisters were 

designed and fashioned by local artisan 

Ben Kastner of Intracoastal Iron Works, 

to whom Williams has since referred 

several Nest clients. 

Maximizing Entertainment 

Down the hall from Williams’ mother’s 

wing is a staircase that leads to the rec 

room. This space speaks to the rustic, 

warm themes of the home, but easily acts 

as both a man cave or an ultimate party 

space, complete with a pool table, darts, 

full bar, PacMan and popcorn machine. 

The brown brick design of the exterior 

carries into the rec room, as well as on the 

floors leading to two separate staircases. 


Just past the upstairs 

bar, French doors open 

to a completely covered 

exterior room, or 

loggia, adjacent to the 

pool, with water that 

almost looks eye-level 

to the Intracoastal. 

On the loggia, the 

Williams family has 

shared many coffees, 

dinners and even 

Azalea Garden Party 

pre-gatherings. 

It’s all fun, but also functions, with the 

intent and design of the Williams home. 

For nice weather days, let’s now consider 

the outside space. Just past the upstairs 

bar, French doors open to a completely 

covered exterior room, or loggia, adjacent 

to the pool, with water that almost looks 

eye-level to the Intracoastal. Guests can 

enjoy many comfortable resting places to 

take in the views. Perhaps they may even 

take a walk to tour Williams’ rose garden 

out front. 

On the loggia, the Williams family has 

shared many coffees, dinners and even 

Azalea Garden Party pre-gatherings. In 

fact, this last April, their outdoor space 

was privy to an important proposal, 

the engagement of one of the Williams 

daughters. 

While exterior style, water scenes and 

interior details undeniably impress, it’s 

clear that the Williams were always 

building with family in mind. W 


The Cotton Exchange 

building downtown was 

originally home to a thriving 

cotton export business and 

has been repurposed to 

accommodate over 30 shops 

and restaurants. 

Revitalizing a Historic Gem 

The Cotton Exchange becomes a destination of choice for locals 

seeking unique shops, services and entertainment 

By JEN REED » Photos MADELINE GRAY 

IT’S A CLOUDY SATURDAY AFTERNOON IN THE 

Lower Cape Fear as Alana Ricci, with daughter Stephanie 

in tow, makes her way through the shops of the Cotton 

Exchange. She ends up at Paddy’s Hollow, one of several 

full-service casual eateries located in the collection of 

historic buildings on Wilmington’s Front Street in the heart of 

the downtown area. 

Ricci, who hails from Asheville, confesses she visits the Cotton 

Exchange every time she visits her in-laws in Wilmington. She 

says there is something exciting yet serene about browsing 

through the multitude of eclectic shops. 

“I just love this place so much,” she says, between bites of 

her favorite fried green tomatoes. “I always find something 

interesting; this place [The Cotton Exchange] is never the same 

place twice. There is always something new to discover.” 

Many tourists to the Wilmington area have passed through 

the Cotton Exchange, just like Alana and Stephanie do every 

few months when they come to town. The collection of shops and 

restaurants has long relied on tourism for its livelihood, and, 

according to General Manager Cheryl Bullock, that will never 


(clockwise from above) Unique home decor items are for sale at 

Urban Goods and Garden; Kids summer clothing on display at Little 

Locals Clothing Co.; Sunglasses for kids sit on the shelves at Little 

Locals Clothing Co.; Melody Maffei (left) and Peggy White (right) shop 

for kids clothes with the help of Jamie Shepard (center), owner of 

Little Locals Clothing Co. 

change. But what they are trying to change is how the Cotton 

Exchange is viewed by Wilmingtonians. 

“While it’s true we rely on tourism, what we really want is to 

become a destination for those who live here,” says Bullock. “It’s 

important that they find us and that we are able to satisfy their 

needs, especially those living in and around the downtown area. 

We want to give them a reason not to have to get into their car 

and drive elsewhere.” 

The Cotton Exchange is home to some 30 unique specialty 

shops and restaurants housed within an eight-building complex. 

The buildings are connected by brick walkways and open-air 

courtyards and have been painstakingly restored to reflect the 

charm and style of 19th-century Wilmington when the port was 

a bustling center for trade around the world. 

Constructed years before the Civil War, the formerly known 

“Sprunt Building” was home to the Cape Fear Flour and Pearl 

Hominy Mill in 1884. In 1919, the building would be repurposed 

to make room for another industry giant, Alexander Sprunt & 

Sons. Sprunt & Sons had massive success in the cotton export 

industry, becoming the biggest cotton company in the world. 


(top left) The Cotton Exchange’s central courtyard as seen from 

the balcony of Paddy’s Hollow Restaurant and Pub. (top right) 

Jewelry is on display at Down to Earth Aromatics. (right) More 

unique home decor from Urban Goods and Garden. 

Delivering cotton to ports in Europe, England, and America, 

it’s Sprunt’s thriving shipping endeavors that earned “The 

Cotton Exchange” its name. 

The Cotton Exchange building was purchased by Cheryl’s 

parents, John and Jean Bullock, in 1990, and the family has 

run the destination business ever since. Cheryl’s sister Nancy 

led the organization until her retirement five years ago, before 

Cheryl took the helm. 

The future of the Cotton Exchange is very much a personal 

endeavor for the Bullock family. In the continued effort to attract 

more local business, Cheryl says the Cotton Exchange is evolving 

from strictly retail and restaurants to businesses that are more 

service-oriented, including a barbershop, health and beauty salon, 

and a tattoo studio, among others. And in addition to services 

provided, live music and educational programming are being added, 

not only to delight tourists but to give residents a reason to come out, 

enjoy a cocktail and the local performances, and perhaps learn about 

the history of the community they call home. 


Another look inside Urban 

Goods and Garden. 

As a result of this goal, the biggest push is the shift in the 

organization’s advertising strategy. While they have traditionally 

focused on the tourism market, they are now working with their 

advertising agency to shift toward the local market. 

The shift in marketing focus is also personal to each business 

owner under the Cotton Exchange roofs. As Cheryl puts it, these 

are not simply people going to work each day; they are individuals 

who have made running these businesses their life’s work, and 

they depend on the success of the new strategy. 

Each business owner is a member of the Cotton Exchange 

Merchants Association, whose Board of Directors meets monthly 

to brainstorm and plan ways to bring more visitors to the location. 

There are several events in the early stages, and while Cheryl is 

not quite ready to share the details, she promises some “exciting 

things are ahead.” 

Earlier this year, the Cotton Exchange held its first annual 

Pirate Festival, a weekend-long educational event held in March 

that included costumed enactors, weapons display, and an 

exploration of the history of the Cape Fear River and Region. 

“There is so much to learn and know about this area, especially 

during the 1800s,” she explains. “It’s one of the reasons we want 

people to come visit us.” 

Many stories are told throughout the building, with displays 

Paula Smith, co-owner of 

Urban Goods and Garden, 

stands inside her shop. 


Taylor Smith applies 

eyelash extensions for 

a client at her beauty 

studio, Keeping It Glam. 

chronicling the evolution of Wilmington through the years. She 

says they are hoping to expand on that. And while guided tours 

are not regularly offered through the Cotton Exchange, Cheryl 

says they are considering ways to incorporate video screens with 

informative content that can be played for visitors to view as they 

explore the building. The Wilmington Walk of Fame is also located 

in the Cotton Exchange, a display casting light on residents of the 

city who have become celebrities in sports and the arts. 

The Christmas season usually attracts many tourists, 

with lights and decorations displayed throughout the 

complex. That’s actually how Taylor Keeping Smith 

ended up locating her business, Keeping It Glam, a 

beauty salon specializing in lash extensions, waxing, 

and skincare in the Cotton Exchange. 

Originally from Clayton, NC, Taylor says she has 

always been drawn to the beach and often spent vacations in the 

Wilmington area. In fact, she and her now-husband Julian had 

their first date at Wrightsville Beach, so the area has always held 

a special place for the couple. After graduating and becoming a 

licensed aesthetician in 2019, Taylor and Julian took the leap of 

faith and moved to Wilmington, and it wasn’t long before plans 

to open the business were in the works. 

“We knew we wanted to be in downtown Wilmington,” she 

explains. “But we just couldn’t seem to find the perfect location.” 

Admittedly frustrated by the process, the couple visited the 


Cotton Exchange during the 2021 holiday season. Given her 

love of Christmas, Taylor fell in love with the location, and the 

business officially opened its doors in January 2022. 

“I wanted to give visitors a reason to stop in,” she says, 

acknowledging the service aspect of the core business. “It’s been 

really nice. We’ve gotten to meet people we wouldn’t normally meet. 

This location is just awesome, and we are so grateful to be here.” 

Business owner Jamie Shepard, who runs Little Locals 

Clothing Co., a clothing shop that caters to children, is doing 

dual duty as a member of the executive team of the Merchants 

Association. Running a niche business as she does, she relies on 

awareness to draw traffic through the door. And while she has 

had a good amount of repeat business from tourists, she thinks 

the business could benefit greatly from a mix of locals as well. 

She offers clothing, toys, books, and other items that can’t 

(left) Some of the offerings from Momentum Distillery sit on the 

mantel inside the shop. (below) Hunter Ford, owner of Momentum 

Distillery, talks with customers inside the shop and distillery. 


simply be found anywhere, making her shop unique. Her goal is 

to continue offering top-quality items that children will love, and 

parents will want for their kids. 

“If I wouldn’t want my kids wearing it, it won’t be in this store,” 

she explains. 

It’s that commitment to quality and customer service Jaime 

says she hopes will resonate with locals. 

For the first time in its history, the Cotton Exchange now boasts 

a distillery among the roster of businesses. Momentum Distillery, 

known for spirits in a 

unique bottle shaped 

like the state of North 

Carolina, has called 

the destination home 

for slightly more than 

a year. 

The Momentum 

brand was founded by Hunter and Misti Ford, who started 

a surf shop business in the Outer Banks years ago. They 

eventually found their way to Wilmington and established 

Burnt Mill Creek Billiards and Wine Bar, which was a 

mainstay for high-end entertainment for years. Landing at 

the Cotton Exchange and running the distillery represents the 

natural progression of what they have done with their journey, 

says Hunter. 

Momentum Distillery is open seven days per week and sells 

its small-batch vodka, gin, limoncello, and orangecello, among 

other spirits. This eliminates the need for residents to visit the 

ABC Store, making it a convenient offering. 

Business owners Josie Whitmore and Paula Smith, founders 

of Urban Goods and Gardens, represent an amalgam of service 

and retail. Josie and Paula are interior designers and run 

their business out 

of a retail shop that 

includes funky and 

“There is so much to learn and know about this 

area, especially during the 1800s. It’s one of the 

reasons we want people to come visit us.” 

eclectic decorations 

for the home and is 

an official retailer 

of the Farmhouse 

Paint brand. 

A full list of businesses can be found by visiting the website 

shopcottonexchange.com. The next time you find yourself with 

a few moments, it’s worth the trip downtown – where there 

is plenty of parking available – or a walk down the street 

to discover what so many tourists know makes downtown 

Wilmington special. W 

Cheryl Bullock, whose 

family bought the Cotton 

Exchange in 1990, stands 

inside the building’s 

historic walkway. 


dining review libations in the kitchen restaurant guide 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 

Dining with 

a View 

A classic Wilmingtonian spot 

gets a new menu 


The George 

on the Riverwalk 

A revamped Southern fare menu with an Asian twist 

breathes new life into The George 

128 S Water Street 


910.763.2052 

thegeorgerestaurant.com 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

EDSON MUNEKATA CAN’T 

seem to get away from the 

restaurant business, no matter how 

hard he tries. 

Take The George on the Riverwalk, 

for instance. When the original owners 

of this longtime downtown Wilmington 

eatery decided to sell in 2021, Munekata 

was mostly interested in the real estate 

value of the prime location. In fact, he 

was strongly considering retirement. 

His business partner Freddy Lee, 

however, had a lifelong dream of having 

a waterfront restaurant. 

“Freddy owns other concepts with casual 

upscale menus,” says Munekata. “He 

brought his dishes from the other locations 

and adapted, leaning a little more toward 

seafood. We felt like a little change of pace 

would help with new ownership, although 

we decided to keep the same name.” 

Munekata and Lee took over in early 

2022, and their efforts quickly paid off. 

“We went from doing close to nothing 

in January, and then by March we were 

probably doing five times what we did in the 

beginning,” says Munekata. “It was kind of 

incredible to see. I think the season has a 

lot to do with the increase in business, but 

our goal was basically to try to cater more 

toward the locals because we knew the 

tourists were a given, but if we didn’t please 

the locals we’re going to struggle through 

the winter months. I think it worked. Even 

comparing this January to January of last 

year, we did so much better this year, and 

we’re very thankful for the local support 

that we have.” 

The George is open for lunch and dinner 

The Black Bass entrée 

comes with coconut rice, 

spinach, red curry and 

pineapple relish. 

Tuesday through Saturday and brunch 

on Sunday. Head Chef Aaron Rinere, who 

has worked his way up at the restaurant 

over the past seven years, describes the 

revamped menu as “Southern American 

Asian cuisine.” He and Lee, who is based 

in Winston-Salem, collaborated to create 

something fresh and new that would 

appeal to Port City patrons. The result is 

a new spin on classic fare, including the 

Seared Rare Ahi Tuna appetizer with 

pickled vegetables, bok choy, sesame soba 

noodles and wasabi. There is also a Black 

Bass entrée with coconut rice, spinach, red 

curry and pineapple relish. Those who like 

to stick with the staples can enjoy favorites 

Choose from 

a variety of 

drinks, including 

a refreshing 

Delgado 

Margarita. 


Indoor dining 

features 

a more 

sophisticated, 

airconditioned 

experience. 

Patio seating 

overlooks the 

Cape Fear River. 

Fried Oysters 

“Rockefeller” is a 

local favorite. 

Head Chef Aaron Rinere 

and General Manager 

Kerra Rinere revamped 

the menu as “Southern 

American Asian cuisine.” 

such as Fried Oysters “Rockefeller,” 

Shrimp & Grits, Blackened Angus Ribeye 

and Surf & Turf. The lunch lineup includes 

a Smoked Bacon & Pimento Cheeseburger, 

Crab Cake Sandwich, Blackened Chicken 

Caesar Wrap and Crumb Fried Catfish, 

and among the brunch offerings are Crab 

Benedict, Fried Pickled Chicken & Waffles 

and several omelets. 

“It’s a whole new beast,” says Rinere, 

who is married to General Manager Kerra 

Rinere. “Give it a try if you haven’t been 

here in a while. It may have the same name, 

but it is a completely different restaurant 

than it was two years ago. We’ve gotten a 

lot of positive feedback.” 

He credits teamwork for the 

recent success. 

“I’m one person,” says Rinere. “It’s all the 

other chefs that work the line. They’re the 

ones cooking the dish. I’m just making sure 

it comes out right.” 

Munekata, who lives in Ocean Isle Beach 

and also owns multiple locations of Cowboy 

Brazilian Steakhouse, agrees that a 

restaurant is only as good as the staff that 

handles day-to-day operations. 

“You can’t micromanage everything 

because you’re gonna get paranoid, so 

you just hope and pray that you hire good 

people and they’re doing their fair share,” 

he says. “It’s 100 percent who is elbow to 

elbow with you. If you don’t have a good 

staff, you can’t do it all by yourself.” 

A luxury among downtown businesses, 

The George offers free parking for its 

patrons in the lot directly across the street, 

which can be accessed via Market House 

Alley off Front Street. Customers must ask 

for validation when they arrive. There’s a 

dock if you want to come by boat, and the 

large outdoor patio overlooking the Cape 

Fear River is dog-friendly. Reservations 

may be made on the restaurant’s website or 

via Open Table. 

Munekata says while much of the recent 

focus at The George has been on the food, 

customer service is always a top priority. 

“It’s a destination type of place, and 

we’re very thankful for that,” he adds. “But 

we can’t take it for granted and not take 

care of the guests, so we try to do our best. 

Hopefully, we’re doing our best to please 

the customer. I don’t want them to pay for 

something they’re unhappy with. I’m a 

customer as well, so I just want to be as 

fair as possible to my clientele.” W 


libations 

The Sorrow Drowner 

features vaudeville-style 

acts on select evenings, 

including the occasional 

burlesque review (ticketed). 

A Hidden Gem 

No More 

The Sorrow Drowner is an immersive tiki-noir bar 

experience you can’t miss 

I 

FINALLY GOT THE CHANCE 

to visit a place that’s been on my 

bucket list since moving here last 

fall, and it did not disappoint. 

Since that night, I’ve asked nearly 

everyone I come across if they’ve been, yet 

received nothing but comments like “Come 

again?” or “Where is this place?” I posted 

a video to social media and received a few 


By CARIN HALL » Photos G. FRANK HART 

comments that read something like, “How 

have I lived here this long and not known 

about this place?” Believe me when I say 

I’m very disappointed to have to refer to it 

as “a hidden gem.” 

Perhaps the fact that it’s on the corner of 

10th and Dock Street, slightly off the overly 

trodden path of the downtown bar scene, 

has something to do with it. It’s also faced 

PHOTO DACIA ZIMMER @ZIMMER_TRAVELER INSTAGRAM

A view of the lower level 

from the stage. 

The Red Bird, on the 

summer special menu, 

is made with Empress 

gin, Bigallet China-China 

liqueur, lime juice and 

falernum in an absinthewashed 

glass. 

some unique challenges since opening in 

2019, from inconsistent crowds to difficulty 

finding suitable acts as performers for its 

stage shows and, of course, the pandemic. 

“That’s been unusual and challenging, but 

everyone who comes in loves it and leaves 

happy,” says owner Alfred Brian Wheatley. 

“And that’s made me very proud of it.” 

Even though tiki bars usually do well in 

other parts of the country, the Wilmington 

market has been harder to predict. 

Wheatley originally considered opening in 

another location, but ultimately decided to 

do it where he and his brother, Brandon, 

grew up—“somewhere that we love.” 

The inspiration behind it all stemmed 

from the brothers’ desire to create a space 

that captured the spirit of adventure and 

enchantment. A nod to places like the 

Adventurers Club at Walt Disney World Resort 

and the Jekyll and Hyde Club in New York, they 

embarked on an ambitious endeavor to bring 

their concept to life. With the help of a generous 

offer from a family friend and designed by 

former Disney Imagineer Brandon Kleyla (aka 

Trader Brandon), they were able to realize 

their dream. 

We’d like to thank the readers 

who chose us and the creativity 

of our culinary experts, led by 

Head Chef Brittany Williams, 

for winning best appetizers. 

Rumcow is an exquisite masterpiece 

of fine cocktails and appetizers, made 

for the perfect venture in Wilmington. 

Main dishes exasperate the experience 

even more delightful than a typical 

dinner night that the town can offer. 

The expansive global flair options 

comfort all foodies to make Rumcow a 

mandated favorite! 

121 Grace Street, Wilmington 

910-769-4659 


libations 

Grab a seat at 

the bar to order 

one of the many 

signature, Tikithemed 

cocktails. 

The Painkiller is made with 

Pusser’s rum, pineapple and 

orange juice, coconut and 

smoldering-cinnamon garnish. 

The Mai-Tai is 

made with aged 

Jamaican and 

Agricole rums, dry 

curacao, orgeat 

and lime juice. 

(above) Photos from a burlesque show put on by Charlotte’s Flamingo Review, taken by NC 

travel/lifestyle influencer Daria Zimmer. 

Upon entry, patrons are invited to get 

lost in the story, and walk the two levels to 

discover old paintings, books and artifacts 

(including a shrunken head or two). Expect 

some quirky musings from the wait staff, 

acting out the tale of a secretive history 

of their explorers’ club, The Lemurian 

Institute. Drowning their sorrows while 

the directors are out adventuring, these 

folks keep the Institute running. (This 

is all fictional for those who needed the 

clarification, including my husband who I 

pleaded with not to ask our server if the 

shrunken heads were real). 

As if the ambiance isn’t enough, the 

menu is surprisingly exceptional, including 

some shareable plates and pupu platters. 

Wheatly prioritized the quality of food 

from the start, bringing on Chef Al DeVane 

from Carolina Son BBQ who, according to 

Wheatly, has been a “godsend.” The drinks 

were also meticulously crafted mostly by 

Wheatley and his wife, Bunny, who spent 

years perfecting the recipes. 

On select evenings, the stage comes alive 

with a vaudeville-style revue featuring 

a variety of acts as well as an interactive 

cast of wandering comedic characters. The 

burlesque shows are particularly popular 

and always sell out. 

Considering the ups and downs over the 

years, including a temporary 10-week shut 

down due to a refrigeration mechanical issue, 

Wheatley has spent a lot of time contemplating 

exactly what’s working for the location and 

what’s not. The good news is they’re now in 

a position of needing to bring on new staff 

and are always on the lookout for talent 

(who don’t also mind serving and interacting 

with guests). 

“I’m moving a lot of our talent in-house 

to ensure more reliable entertainment for 

patrons,” says Wheatley. That includes 

a comedian and burlesque performer as 

part of the wait staff, and a house band, 

VibeXotica, playing every Friday and 

Saturday night. 

They’ve also added movie and trivia 

nights that—with 13+ hours (before 8 pm) 

and 18+ evenings—offer a younger crowd 

and families more options for things to do 

in the downtown area. 

But honestly, the whole place is a vibe 

just on its own and is well worth a visit 

regardless of featured acts or events. The 

food and drinks are spot on, and it’s a great 

place to roam and talk amongst friends 

or to enjoy a date night. It’s certainly one 

of the most memorable spots I’ve found in 

Wilmington. But for the perfectionist that 

Wheatley is, it will probably always keep 

evolving and improving. 

“This place has been my entire life for 

the last four years,” he says. “No place will 

ever be perfect or complete to me, but this 

comes pretty close.” W 

PERFORMACE PHOTOS DACIA ZIMMER @ZIMMER_TRAVELER INSTAGRAM 


WE’LL SEE YOU AT 

HAPPY HOUR 

*SUNDAY - FRIDAY, 4 PM -7 PM 

244 N. WATER STREET, WILMINGTON | 919.343.1818 


BEST SUSHI IN WILMINGTON! 

Come experience the best sushi 

and a full pan-Asian menu, amid 

modern Tokyo vogue décor in 

downtown. Enjoy craft cocktails, 

wine, beer and sake. 

33 N. Front St, Wilmington 

910-763-3172 

yosake.com 


Pop of Color 

Cool & easy summer recipes showcase the colors of the season 

Recipes and photos by KAITLIN GOODING 


SUMMERTIME IS KNOWN FOR ITS VIBRANT PRODUCE AND THESE FRESH RECIPES 

showcase all of the colors of the season. Enjoy coastal flavors by adding fresh shrimp to this pasta salad 

dressed in a honey-lime vinaigrette. Perfect for date night! Take these creamy coconut lime bars to a 

summer gathering or the basil-pistachio feta crostinis topped with baked local strawberries. Let's face 

it, a meal without bread is unthinkable. Savor every bite of these crispy potatoes with hints of thyme 

and bits of salt flakes. Quench your thirst with our summer sipper, perfectly enjoyed on the porch or 

poolside. You can't escape that Southern heat, but you won’t break a sweat creating these easy recipes. 

Basil - Pistachio Feta Crostini & Baked Strawberries 

Servings: 2 cups of feta spread 

Pistachio Feta Crostini Ingredients: 

1 baguette, cut into one-inch slices 

1/2 cup basil 

1 tbsp lemon juice 

2 tbsp honey 

1/2 cup Greek yogurt 

14 oz block of feta cheese 

3/4 cup roasted pistachios 

3 tbsp olive oil, extra for baguette 

Baked Strawberries Ingredients: 

1 lb strawberries, stems removed & halved 

2 tbsp honey 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

2. Add parchment paper to a baking sheet and add baguette slices. Coat one side 

with olive oil. Place in the oven and cook 5-10 minutes or until lightly toasted. 

Remove from the oven and set aside. 

3. Add strawberries to a bowl and coat in honey. Add the strawberries to a baking 

sheet on parchment paper and cook for 15-20 minutes. 

4. While the strawberries are cooking, add all the ingredients for the feta, except 

the baguettes, into a high-powered blender. Blend until smooth. 

5. Spread the feta on top of the crostinis and top it off with the baked 

strawberries. Add basil leaves as a garnish if you want a pop of color. Enjoy! 

Summer Sipper 

Servings: 1 

Ingredients: 

2 oz coconut milk 

1 oz lime juice 

2 oz tequila 

2 oz grapefruit juice 

1 oz simple syrup 

Shredded coconut for the rim 

Honey to rim the glass 

Directions: 

1. To make the coconut rim, lightly dip 

the top of your glass in honey. On 

a separate plate, add the shredded 

coconut and roll the honey part of 

the glass through the coconut to 

create the rim. Set the prepared 

glass aside. 

2. Combine the coconut milk, lime 

juice, tequila, grapefruit juice, and 

simple syrup into a cocktail shaker. 

Fill with ice and shake until well 

combined. 

3. Pour into your prepared glass and 

top it off with lime to garnish. Drink 

and enjoy! 



Shrimp Pasta with 

Honey-lime Dressing 

Servings: 4 - 5 

Ingredients: 

16 oz uncooked farfalle pasta, cook according to package 

directions for al dente 

2 mangoes (peeled & diced) 

2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined 

1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion 

2 cups baby arugula 

1/2 cup shaved Parmesan 

Kosher salt/ pepper 

1/4 cup olive oil 

Honey-Lime Dressing (see recipe below) 

Directions: 

1. Salt and pepper the shrimp. Add olive oil to a sauté pan and 

cook the shrimp on medium heat. Cook about 1-2 minutes per 

side, or until pink, and remove from heat. 

2. In a large bowl add the cooked shrimp, cooked pasta, 

arugula, Parmesan, mango and red onion. Add the honeylime 

dressing and toss together. Plate your dish and season 

to your liking with salt and pepper. This dish can be served 

hot or cold. 

Honey - Lime 

Vinaigrette 

Ingredients: 

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 

1 tsp Dijon mustard 

1 tbsp lime zest 

Pinch of salt 

2 tsp honey 

2 tbsp champagne vinegar 

Juice of 1/2 lime 

Directions: 

1. Add all ingredients together into 

a high-powered blender and mix 

until well blended. 

2. Store in a sealed glass container 

in the fridge. 


Thyme Potatoes 

Servings: 3-4, as a side 

Ingredients: 

1.5lb golden potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces 

6-8 thyme sprigs 

Kosher salt & pepper, as desired 

1/2 tsp garlic powder 

2 tbsp butter 

Optional: sea salt flakes 

Directions: 

1. Add cut potatoes into a pot of boiling salted water. Allow the potatoes to boil for 

10-12 minutes. Remove from the water and place on a paper towel to dry. 

2. Warm a skillet to medium heat with two tablespoons of butter. Add the potatoes 

and sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme sprigs and garlic powder. 

3. Cook in the skillet for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Stir the 

potatoes occasionally to cook all sides. 

4. Remove the potatoes from the skillet and pick out the thyme sprigs. Season 

with flaky sea salt or kosher salt as desired. 


Lime Coconut Bars 

Servings: 6-7 people for dessert 

Ingredients: 

Crust: 

1.5 cups graham crackers 

6 tbsp butter, melted 

Pinch of salt 

1/4 cup of sugar 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1 tbsp honey 

Filling: 

4 eggs 

1/2 cup lime juice 

3/4 cup canned coconut milk, using the cream at 

the top first 

1 tsp lime zest 

2 spoonfuls of all-purpose flour 

1/4 tsp vanilla extract 

1/2 cup sugar 

Lime, thinly sliced on a mandolin for garnish 

Shredded non-sweetened coconut for garnish 

Directions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. 

2. To make the crust, add the graham crackers to a food processor or 

high-powered blender and mix until it turns to crumbs. Add the graham 

cracker into a bowl and mix in the butter, sugar, cinnamon, salt and 

honey. Continue to mix until it holds together. 

3. Spray a nine-inch square tart pan with coconut oil. Press the graham 

cracker dough into the pan and cook in the oven for 8 minutes. Remove 

the pan once it has cooked and allow the crust to cool. 

4. In a separate bowl, begin making the filling by adding four, eggs and 

sugar. Use an electric mixer to cream it together. Add the flour, zest, 

lime juice, coconut milk and extract. Blend until smooth. 

5. Place the crust in the tart pan into a large baking pan or baking sheet. 

Pour the filling into the crust. Place the pan into the oven and cook for 

20-25 minutes or until the filling is set. 

6. Once the tart has finished cooking remove from the oven and allow it to 

cool. Remove the tart from the pan and cut it into squares or rectangles. 

7. Add the thin slices of lime on top and sprinkle coconut on top 

to garnish. 

8. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. 


- Modern American Cuisine - 

BLUESURFRESTAURANTS.COM 

The George on the 

Riverwalk offers Southern 

American Asian cuisine 

including the Seared 

Rare Ahi Tuna appetizer 

with pickled vegetables, 

bok choy, sesame soba 

noodles and wasabi. 

910-406-5050 

414 Arboretum Drive - Suite #130 


Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Wilmington. 

AMERICAN 

3315 Cut & Pour 3315 Masonboro 

Loop Rd, 399-3969. A steakhouse and 

wine bar with an outdoor patio and 

live music. An American menu, from 

burgers to prime rib. 

Blue Surf Café 250 Racine Dr., 

523-5362. Serving breakfast, lunch and 

dinner while striving to use as many 

locally sourced ingredients as possible, 

plus a dog-friendly patio. 

Bluewater Grill 4 Marina St., 

256-8500. Offers panoramic views of 

the Intracoastal Waterway. Dinner 

options include fresh seafood, baby back 

ribs, char-grilled steaks and homemade 

desserts. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Butts-n-Such 802 Lake Park Blvd. 

S., 458-2667. Made-to-order breakfast 

you can enjoy inside, and a window that 

makes it easy to pick up their menu of 

house-made barbecue, fried shrimp, 

burgers and more. 

CheeseSmith 624 S 17th St., 399-3253. 

Sandwiches that ooze with distinction 

depending on what cheesy combo is 

featured. Don’t miss one of their French 

fry specialties either. 

Copper Penny 109 Chestnut St., 

762-1373. More than a sports bar, 

offering an eclectic mix of appetizers, 

salads and sandwiches along with an 

array of mixed drinks and beers. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

Dixie Grill 116 Market St., 762-7280. 

A casual dinette known for great 

breakfasts and brunch in the heart of 

downtown Wilmington. Breakfast and 

lunch daily. 

Famous Toastery 6722 Wrightsville 

Ave, 256-7030. Breakfast and lunch 

served all day. Try one of their 

Benedicts! 

Front Street Brewery 9 N. Front St., 

251-1935. Offering great food and micro 

brews including gourmet sandwiches, 

burgers and entrees like their famous 

Scottish Ale Brew-B-Q Ribs. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Henry’s 2508 Independence Blvd., 

793-2929. Locally sourced classic 

American fare in an inviting and casual 



Fresh | Local | Relax | Enjoy 

Three of Wilmington’s favorite places... 

Monkey Junction 

5226 S. College Road • 910-799-7077 

Porters Neck 

140 Hays Lane, Unit 140 • 910-681-1140 

Waterford 

143 Poole Road • 910-399-6739 

CapeFearSeafoodCompany.com 


BEST DESSERTS AGAIN! 

Come experience a fun, unique 

evening with fondue! 

138 S Front St, Wilmington 

910-251-0433 

littledipperfondue.com 


environment with outdoor dining 

available. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Hops Supply Co. 5400 Oleander Dr., 

833-8867. From brunch to shareables to 

burgers and sandwiches, Hops features 

comfort fare with all the sips to wash it 

down with. 

Midtown Deli & Grill 2316 S 17th 

St. #100, 791-4630. Quick service 

fresh sandwiches, salads and wraps. 

Midtown Wilmington's Boar's Head 

Based fresh deli. 

Molly Pitcher's American Grill 4001 

Wrightsville Ave, 769-1070. From 

bacon-wrapped meatloaf to a fried 

green tomato BLT sandwich, Molly 

Pitcher’s serves classic American food 

with a twist. 

Pink Baking Co. 4545 Fountain Dr, 

Wilmington, NC 28403, 343-4727. 

Breakfast, lunch and dessert. 

Platypus & Gnome 9 S Front St, 

769-9300. Bi-level restaurant featuring 

homey-chic digs lined with art & an 

imaginative New American menu with 

something for everyone. 

PT's Olde Fashioned Grille 4544 

Fountain Dr.; 2420 S 17th St A; and 

1437 Military Cutoff Rd. Local chain 

dishing up burgers, sandwiches and 

fresh-cut fries in a laid-back setting. 

Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits 7220 

Wrightsville Ave., 256-8847. Fine 

dining in a casual bistro atmosphere 

with an ever-changing, creative menu. 

Jester’s Café 607 Castle St., 

763-6555. Breakfast, lunch and Sat/ 

Sun brunch in a casual, fun downtown 

location. Quiches, salads, soups, 

sandwiches and more. 

Oceanic 703 S. Lumina Ave., 

256-5551. Situated on the beach 

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy 

fresh seafood, exciting land lover’s 

dishes and breathtaking views. Outdoor 

seating is available. 

Rooster & The Crow 225 S Water 

St. in Chandler’s Wharf, 399-4780. 

Easygoing restaurant, serving hearty 

Southern staples in an industrial 

brick building. 

RuckerJohns 5564 Carolina Beach 

Rd., 452-1212. High-quality food served 

up in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. 

Burgers, steak, chicken and salads. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

Salt Works (The Original) 6301 

Oleander Dr., 350-0018. Comfort food 

cooked to order. Breakfast and lunch. 

Savor Southern Kitchen 3704 

Carolina Beach Rd, 769-8112. Serving 

up a taste of Southern hospitality, with 

fan-favorites like chicken and waffles, 

omelets, benedicts, burgers, fried 

chicken and more. Breakfast and lunch. 

Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + 

Cocktails 1706 N Lumina Ave., 344- 

6802. Located inside the Holiday Inn 

Resort, serving crab cakes to beef and 

vegan burgers to shrimp and grits, with 

craft cocktails to tempt the palate, too. 

Sweet & Savory Café 1611 Pavilion 

Pl., 256-0115. A full menu breakfast, 

lunch and dinner restaurant with 

dishes made from scratch. 

Tavern on 17th 1611 Dusty Miller 

Ln. #305, 765-1157. This neighborhood 

restaurant and bar has a little 

something for everyone. Enjoy their 

wide-open air patio, complete with an 

outdoor fire pit and heaters. 

The Basics 319 N. Front St., 343-1050. 

Traditional Southern fare with a twist, 

including fried green tomatoes, smoked 

pork BBQ, grilled pimento cheese and a 

fried chicken BLT. Breakfast, lunch and 

dinner daily, as well as Sunday brunch. 

The Pilot House 2 Ann St., 343-0200 

Overlooking the Cape Fear River with 

a large outside deck, this longtime 

favorite serves traditional Southern 

fare with a contemporary twist. 

True Blue Butcher and Barrel 1125 

Military Cutoff Rd., 679-4473 and 110 

Greenfield St. Suite 114, 769-7010. 

From hearty dinner salads to an array 

of snacks, shareables and entrees, 

dine on the open patio as you pick up 

tomorrow’s meal in their butcher shop. 

White Front Breakfast House 1518 

Market St., 762-5672. Historic 

downtown diner—a local favorite. 

Biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, 

smoked sausage and eggs any way 

you like. 

ASIAN 

Bento Box Sushi 1121 Military Cutoff 

Rd., 509-0774. Asian street food with 

a combination of Japanese, Korean,

Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Sushi bar. 

Big Thai 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., 

256-6588. Famous for authentic Thai 

cuisine. Don’t miss the coconut cake as a 

sweet and savory finale. 

Blue Asia 341 S. College Rd., 799-0002. 

An Asian bistro offering a wide range of 

authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai 

cuisines, using the freshest seafood, meats 

and vegetables. 

Café Chinois 3710 College Rd. #123, 

769-3193. One of Wilmington's favorite 

Asian-Fusion restaurants, featuring Thai 

food and dishes from Vietnam, Korea and 

China, served in a stylish setting. 

Double Happiness 4403 Wrightsville 

Ave., 313-1088. A great mix of traditional 

Chinese dishes, including a dim sum 

menu, served amid traditional décor with 

a formal touch. 

Indochine 7 Wayne Dr., 251-9229. Enjoy 

the finest Thai-Vietnamese cuisine in a 

beautifully decorated environment. Voted 

best Asian restaurant 10 years in a row. 

Szechuan 132 419 S. College Rd., 

799-1426. For over 30 years, the 

longstanding restaurant has been serving 

fine contemporary Chinese dining in a 

relaxed atmosphere. 

Tokyo 101 880 Town Center Dr., 399- 

3101. Traditional Japanese with fresh 

sushi, diverse noodle dishes, combination 

plates, and appetizers. 

Umaii Thai Restaurant 8209 Market 

St, Porters Neck, 821-8474. A menu rich 

with traditional Thai entrees, seasonal 

specials, fresh sushi, diverse noodle dishes, 

combination plates and appetizers. Sushi 

bar and outdoor dining. 

Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge 33 S. 

Front St., 763-3172. Lacquered walls and 

unique art surround guests as they dine 

on sushi and Pan/Asian fare. 

Authentic Italian Fine Dining 

in Historic Downtown Wilmington 

910.763.3806 

102 South Second St., Wilmington 

tarantellis.com 

Thank you for voting us 

BEST ITALIAN 

RESTAUR ANT 

7 years in a row! 

CAJUN 

Bourbon Street 35 N. Front St., 

762-4050. Experience authentic Cajun 

cuisine in a uniquely decorated setting 

that has the appeal of being in New 

Orleans. Try the famous charbroiled 

oysters. 

FINE DINING 

Circa 1922 8 N. Front St., 762-1922. An 

ever-changing seasonal menu with locally 


THANKS to all of you that 

voted us Best Cocktails 

in Wilmington! 

We’re so glad that the readers 

recognize the quality, care and skill 

that we put into every beverage. We 

promise to continue to deliver the 

most unique delicious cocktails in 

Wilmington. Cheers! 

21 N Front Street, Wilmington 

910-833-7175 

blindelephantspeakeasy.com 


sourced seafood and produce and housemade 

pasta. Craft cocktails and an 

extensive wine list. 

East Oceanfront Dining 275 Waynick 

Blvd., 344-2513. Award-winning cuisine 

accompanied by the sounds of breaking 

surf and a soothing coastal breeze. 

Enjoy fresh local seafood or grass-fed 

beef while you dine under a canopied, 

oceanfront deck or inside. 

Manna 123 Princess St., 763-5252. 

Serving New American cuisine with 

European flare, with an emphasis on 

the freshest ingredients from local 

farmers. 

Origins 102 Autumn Hall Dr. #120, 

769-0041. Featuring an uptown menu 

and atmosphere including a raw bar, 

local seafood, pasta and beef classics 

from steak frites to a bone-in ribeye. 

Patio seating available. 

Port Land Grille 1908 Eastwood 

Rd., 256-6056. Progressive American 

regional cuisine served in a casual yet 

elegant coastal setting. 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 244 N 

Water St., 343-1818. The upmarket 

steakhouse is located in River Place 

steps away from Thalian Hall and the 

Riverwalk, offering river views and 

outdoor seating. 

FRENCH 

Brasserie Du Soleil 1908 Eastwood 

Rd., 256-2226. French café with both 

patio and inside dining. Pick your own 

salad ingredients from a wide selection 

of items. 

Caprice Bistro 10 Market St., 815- 

0810. Authentic French bistro. Elegant 

dining downstairs with sofa bar 

upstairs and a great martini selection. 

Our Crepes & More 3810 Oleander 

Dr., 395-0077. Family-owned French 

creperie. Authentic homemade cuisine. 

The Little Dipper 138 S. Front St., 

251-0433. Unique, fun fondue menu 

includes premium meats, seafood, 

vegetables, appetizers, desserts and 

homemade dipping sauces. 

GERMAN 

The German Café 316 Nutt St. (at the 

Cotton Exchange), 763-5523. Familyowned, 

incorporating many recipes 

from their native Germany. Wursts, 

schnitzels, sauerbraten and more. 

ITALIAN 

Artisano Pizza & Gelato Grand 

View, 7205 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 100, 

239-9495. From Turin in keeping with 

the Venesia family recipe, enjoy their 

16” ultra-thin pizzas with a crust so 

light and delicate it’s perfect for one 

person to enjoy. Miniature car seating 

for kids makes this a great family spot. 

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub 131 N. Front 

St., 343-8881. Great family-friendly 

restaurant. Offers fantastic views of the 

Cape Fear River. A mix of Italian and 

American fare and a full bar, including 

25 beers on tap. 

Floriana 2 Market St., 504-0160. 

Floriana’s fluently Italian cuisine 

features handmade pastas, decadent 

cheeses and authentic dishes. Enjoy 

dining on a private balcony overlooking 

the Riverwalk. 

Freddie’s Restaurant 105 K Ave, 458- 

5979. Quaint, red-checkered tablecloth 

Italian bar and grill with American 

chop and steak dishes. 

Italian Bistro 8211 Market St., 686- 

7774. A local favorite in the Porter's 

Neck / Ogden area, offering a variety of 

homemade dishes and pizza. 

Jay's Incredible Pizza 3600 College 

Rd A, 791-7080. Versatile pizza styles 

including deep-dish Chicago made by a 

seasoned “pie” chef. 

Kornerstone Bistro 8262 Market St., 

686-2296. Traditional Mediterranean 

fare and wood-fired pizzas. 

Nicola’s 5704 Oleander Dr., 798-2205. 

An Italian eatery with daily homemade 

pasta, sausage, baked breads and more. 

Osteria Cicchetti 1125 Military 

Cutoff Rd., 256-7476. Serving a variety 

of pasta dishes, pizza, salads and 

antipasti. 

Pizzeria Il Forno 1474 Barclay Pointe 

Blvd., Suite 201, 765.1226. Classic 

Neapolitan pizza in a wood-fired oven 

and pasta dishes served in an inviting 

atmosphere. 

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria 1144 E. Cutler 

Crossing (Leland), 371-6001. 

Hottest spot for pizza by the slice,

offering dozens of pizza choices with a 

New York flair. 

Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine 

Bar 107 N 2nd St., 395-6120. An uptown 

family-owned Italian restaurant serving 

exquisite authentic dishes. 

Roko Italian Cuisine 6801-105 Parker 

Farm Dr., 679-4783. Features authentic 

northern Italian cuisine. Reservations 

are often necessary at this intimate spot 

in Mayfaire. 

Tarantelli’s Ristorante 102 S. 2nd St., 

763-3806. Charming old-world atmosphere 

serving dishes passed down from the 

Tarantelli family for three generations 

with a large selection of Italian wines. 

MEDITERRANEAN 

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine Lumina 

Station, 1900 Eastwood Rd, 492-2893. 

An extension of Giorgios Bakatsias' wildly 

popular Kipos brand, enjoy an authentic 

Greek menu – including Greek wines, as 

well as a convivial, bright white and airy 

Mediterranean setting. 

Olympia Restaurant 5629 Oleander 

Dr #116, 796-9636. Known for using 

a wide variety of fresh vegetables and 

seafood with a Mediterranean flair in a 

comfortable atmosphere. 

MEXICAN 

Nollie’s Taco Joint 3 Pelican Ln, 

707-0455. Casual Mexian eatery serving 

tacos, nachos and beer in a funky space 

with skateboards on the wall. 

Taco Baby 125 Grace St, 399-5629. 

Funky, hip spot downtown, serving an 

array of unique tacos, appetizers and 

delicious margaritas. 

Tequila Comida & Cantina 5607 

Carolina Beach Rd. #130, 399-1643. 

A unique Mexican experience, serving 

new and authentic dishes alongside a 

Tex-Mex section. 

Zocalo Street Food 1474 Barclay Pointe 

Blvd., 833-5142. Modern Mexican food in 

a stylish, airy space with outdoor seating. 

ORGANIC 

Epic Food Co. 1113 Military Cutoff Rd., 

679-4216. Sandwiches, salads, noodle 

and rice bowls, and other organic and allnatural 

selections. 

Thank you for voting us 

Wilmington’s Best Bakery 

again! 

From the everyday to the extraordinary, 

make memories with Apple Annie’s Bake Shop! 

Thanks for voting us 

BEST PIZZA! 

Baked fresh daily, on site. 

Our sourdough crust is 

the secret sauce… 

Two Locations: 

2323 S. 17th St, Wilmington 

7037 Wrightsville Ave, Wrightsville Beach 

wheelzpizza.com 


Lovey’s Market & Café 1319 Military 

Cutoff Rd., 509-0331. A health food 

store and café with fresh, delicious, 

healthy organic food and baked goods. 

Tidal Creek Co-op 5329 Oleander Dr., 

799-2667. An organic grocery store with 

an inside café offering organic and veganfriendly 

options for casual dine-in or 

take-out. 

SEAFOOD 

Black Sea Grill 118 S. Front St., 254- 

9990. Mediterranean-style eatery in a 

quaint downtown location. Lamb chops, 

seafood and vegetarian options. 

Bridge Tender 1414 Airlie Rd., 256- 

4519. Fresh seafood and certified Angus 

beef steaks. Dine on the outdoor patio 

overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Cape Fear Seafood Company 5226 S. 

College Rd., 799-7077; 140 Hays Lane, 

681-1140; 143 Poole Rd., 399-6739. 

Regional American cuisine featuring 

seafood, hand-cut fish, steaks and 

chicken served in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Catch 6623 Market St., 799-3847. 

Wild-caught and sustainably raised 

seafood, with a modern approach to 

coastal cuisine with an acclaimed 

wine list. 

Ceviche’s 7210 Wrightsville Ave, 

256-3131. A Panamanian cafe offering 

Latin-inspired fare and tropical drinks 

in a relaxed, vibrant setting. 

Dockside 1308 Airlie Rd., 256-2752. 

Casual marina spot with an eclectic, 

seafood-heavy menu and full bar. Boat 

docking available. 

Elijah’s 2 Ann St., 343-1448. Casual 

American grill and oyster bar 

overlooking the Cape Fear River. 

Seafood, steaks, chicken and salads. 

Fish House Grill 1410 Airlie Rd., 

256-3693. A landmark seafood 

restaurant for decades, enjoy waterfront 

casual dining overlooking the 

Intracoastal Waterway. 

Hieronymus 5035 Market St., 

392-6313. Come enjoy locally sourced 

seafood and fresh vegetables in a casual 

atmosphere - a local favorite for more 

than 30 years. 

Savorez 402 Chestnut St. #4026, 

833-8894. Come enjoy a unique dining 

experience drawing from traditional 

Latin American inspired cuisine. Fresh 

seafood, chicken and grilled pork, tacos, 

salsas and dessert. 

Seabird 1 S Front St., 769-5996. 

Seafood restaurant serving oysters, 

fish, a yummy breakfast and cocktails 

amid a retro, white-tiled interior. 

Seaview Crab Company 

Kitchen 1515 Marstellar St, 769-1554. 

Fresh seafood over salads in tacos and 

in made-to-order po’boys, plus prepared 

foods to go. 

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar 127 N. 

Front St., 833-8622; 6A N. Lake Park 

Blvd., 458-7380. Come watch your 

favorite sports team while enjoying 

oysters, shrimp, crab cakes, po’ boys and 

fresh salads. Casual, family-friendly 

atmosphere. 

The George 128 S. Water St., 763- 

2052. Waterfront dining with a diverse 

selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh 

seafood. Dock your boat at the only 

dock ‘n dine restaurant downtown. 

TAPAS 

Mariposa Tapas Bar 1502 S 3rd St, 

769-0763. Authentic Spanish tapas in 

an intimate atmosphere featuring an 

international wine list. 

The Fortunate Glass 29 S. Front 

St., 399-4292. A wine bar at heart, 

the focus is on wines from all regions, 

with 50 wines by the glass and 30+ 

craft beers. Serving a small menu of 

fine cheeses, Italian cured meats, and 

decadent desserts. 

VEGAN 

The Green House 1427 Military 

Cutoff Rd., 679-4994. A vegan fine 

dining experience serving intentionally 

sourced fare. 

Panacea Brewing Co. 4107 Oleander 

Dr., 769-5591. Laid-back eatery 

serving plant-based Southern fare, 

plus kombucha, local beers and Sunday 

brunch. 

Sealevel City Vegan Diner 1015 S 

Kerr Ave., 833-7196. Low-key, locally 

owned restaurant offering a global 

menu with lots of vegetarian/vegan 

options. 


Early risers can combine 

a history tour of the city 

and their morning jog 

with ArcheoRunning. 

PHOTOS SOFITEL ROME VILLA BORGHESE 

Unveiling Rome's 

Hidden Treasures 

From Michelangelo's bridges to culinary delights, 

uncover some of Rome's best-kept secrets courtesy of 

the Sofitel Villa Borghese Hotel 

AS THE HEAD CONCIERGE 

at Rome's Sofitel Villa Borghese 

Hotel and the president of Les 

Clefs d'Or, Rome, Agostino 

Sità spends most of his days helping 

guests fall in love with his home city. And 

while he loves when guests report back 

how taken they were with the Colosseum, 

the Sistine Chapel or Trevi Fountain, 

his real joy comes from sharing some of 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

Rome's lesser-known experiences: the tiny 

restaurants, decades-old shops and hidden 

artworks that only locals know about. 

Sità's suggestions go beyond a map. 

As repeat guests requested his help 

building a less touristy itinerary, 

Sità asked his contacts across the 

city to come up with ways for guests 

to gain an insider's look at the city. 

“Curating a program of unforgettable 

experiences at Sofitel Rome Villa 

Borghese is a passion of mine, as I 

believe true luxury lies not only in 

lavish amenities but in revealing Rome's 

hidden beauty to our discerning guests,” 

he explains. “Through my work, I have 

had the privilege of getting to know 

exceptional experts in various fields from 

culinary to art, fashion and more, all of 

whom hold the keys to the city's bestkept 

secrets. Their profound knowledge 

and genuine love for Rome have allowed 

me to trust their expertise implicitly, 

enabling me to create a collection of 

local experiences that showcase the soul 

and essence of this remarkable city.” 

One of those experiences is with 

ArcheoRunning, which combines owner 

Isabella Calidonna's two passions: 

running and art history. Today, she's led 

me to Via Giula, a lovely but quiet and 

seemingly unremarkable street a few 

blocks from the bustling Campo de' Fiori. 

On one side of the street, beautifully 

dressed locals stand outside a coffee bar 


(clockwise from above) Roman pizza starts 

with a crispy crust; Trapizzinos combine the 

portability of pizza with traditional Italian 

dishes such as chicken cacciatore; At Settima, 

the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, cacio e pepe— 

Rome’s sublime version of pasta and cheese— 

comes with a view of the city. 

sipping their morning espresso from tiny 

porcelain cups; on the other, Isabella is 

directing our attention toward a bridge 

arching across the roadway, connecting 

two buildings. “Michelangelo designed 

that bridge,” she explains. “The Farnese 

family wanted to be able to travel 

more easily between their two villas.” 

That was just the beginning. As we 

wove our way through the labyrinth 

that is Rome, Isabella, who is an art 

historian, certified Rome guide and 

running coach with the Italian Olympic 

Committee, pointed out places where 

Michelangelo had lived and worked. 

Along the way, she pointed out tiny bits 

of art that I never would have noticed 

had I been on my own. The hotel offers 

a tour that immerses guests into the 

brief, intense life of the 17th-century 

painter Caravaggio; for those who prefer 

a more modern era, the hotel works 

with an art historian who specializes 

in 19th-century art and architecture. 

Not all of the hotel's experiences are 

history based. There are also shopping 

experiences at some of the city's most elegant 

tailors, shoemakers and ateliers with 

fashion influencers, yoga classes within 

private gardens and villas, horseback 

riding, a guided photo tour and more. 

Of course, this being Italy, Sità 

included several food-based experiences, 

including a blind wine tasting, a gelato 

tour, market visits and a street food 

tour with local influencer Lauren 

Caramico, who owns Davvero Rome. 

Our marathon of food began at Roscioli, 

where we crunched into square, airy slabs 

of Roman pizza heaped with ham and 

dribbles of cheese as Lauren explained 

the difference between Roman pizza and 

pizza from Naples. Next, we skipped 

the line outside Dar Filettaro a Santa 

Barbara, which serves golden fingers of 

fried bacala, or salted cod, to guests sitting 

at mismatched wooden tables drinking 

dry white wine out of juice glasses. 

Hot, steaming and shatteringly crisp, 

the bacala was difficult to stop eating. 

Before long, we were deep in Trastevere, 

the former working-class neighborhood 

where centuries-old churches and 

markets share the streets with hip 

restaurants and bars. Our destination 

was Il Trapizzino, where owners Stefano 

Callegari and Paul Pansera have created 

the Trapizzino, a cone-shaped pizza filled 

with traditional Italian dishes such as 


Roman pizza comes with a 

huge variety of toppings. 

Some of the best gelato 

shops in Rome are located 

near the Pantheon. 

Hotel suites have expansive 

outdoor terraces. 

Located within the Sofitel Rome 

Villa Borghese Hotel, Settimo 

looks out over the city. 

chicken cacciatore, meatballs and sauce 

and even eggplant parmesan. Easy 

to eat on the go, the Trapizzinos were 

creamy and satisfying, full of flavor but 

not greasy or wet. Even better, the wine 

list, which is studded with unexpected 

varietals and flavors, transformed course 

number three of our traveling dinner into 

a full-on culinary experience. Throughout 

it all, Lauren, whose relationships with 

owners and servers at every stop meant 

no waiting for tables and the chance 

to taste a multitude of dishes, shared 

neighborhood lore, offered ideas for future 

meals and, at the end of the evening, took 

us to a lively bar for after-dinner spritzes. 

Though it's located just a few blocks 

from some of Rome's most popular sites, 

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Hotel itself 

is a quiet oasis where it was easy to 

recharge. Rooms are breezy and bright 

and have windows that look out over 

Villa Borghese's 100 acres of gardens, 

meadows and pathways; each morning I 

enjoyed my morning coffee (which arrived 

with a few lovely cookies) at a small table 

positioned to catch the lemon-scented 

breeze. The hotel's restaurant, Settimo, 

has an elegant rooftop lounge that offers 

views of St. Peter's. The 78-room hotel is 

situated within a 19th-century palazzo; it 

was fully renovated in 2019 by renowned 

French architect Jean-Philipe Nuel. 

All in all, the specially curated experience 

was a collection of unforgettable, 

hidden gems that revealed the true soul 

and essence of this remarkable city. 


the last reflection 

Smith Creek Park 

Watchu’ Doin’ Wilmington? 

When you love a city so much, you create a podcast 

highlighting its charm and community 

By DEMIA AVERY 

LOOKING BACK, FROM THE DAY THAT 

my relative invited me to visit her from Delaware, I 

knew instantly that Wilmington would be my new 

place of residence. It just felt like home. I have been 

searching for a place that combines everything that 

I love in a city. If I want to enjoy an evening out, I can take a 

stroll on Front Street to grab a drink or some food. If I want 

the stillness of living in the country, I can visit some nearby 

farmlands and open fields to take in the fresh air. If I’m in the 

mood for shopping, there is no better place to be, from the Cotton 

Exchange to charming shops downtown, on Castle Street or in 

the Cargo District. And if I’m looking for peace and spiritual 

wellness, I turn to the several water views and riverfront 

walkways to choose from. For me, Wilmington truly has it all. Not 

to mention the people, culture and general sense of community. 

That admiration quickly manifested into a podcast called 

Whatchu’ Doin’ Wilmington, which highlights the positive 

people, places and aspects of our city. For almost two years and 

counting, it has given me the opportunity to learn even more 

about this place I adore. I’ve visited, reported on, reviewed 

and interviewed some of Wilmington’s most notable people, 

places and events. I’ve interviewed Chef Keith Rhodes of Catch 

Restaurant, Rhonda Bellamy of The Arts Council of Wilmington, 

Margaret Stargell of the Willie Stargell Foundation, Jim and 

Betsy Knowles of ArtWorks and Brandon “Bigg B” Hickman of 

Coast 97.3 just to name a few. I’ve also covered events including 

the Cameron Art Museum’s Lantern Ceremony, the WILMA 

Show, The Azalea Festival, and others. 

In all that time, I’ve been immensely impressed by the dedicated 

individuals I’ve encountered who contribute tirelessly to the city’s 

growth. I also appreciate the rise in recognizing minority-owned 

businesses and their valuable contributions to the city. 

I’m so happy I’ve planted my feet on this ground… 

er, sand…and I’m here to 

stay. This isn’t my “last 

reflection,” since I still have 

so much to discover, and 

my story here has only just 

begun. Rather, I’d like to 

think of the podcast—my 

ode to Wilmington—as an 

ongoing reflection of the light 

and joy I see here every day. 

And I think that positivity 

is contagious, so I hope you 

enjoy listening because there 

is so much more to come. 

Tune-in to Watchu’ Doin’ 

Wilmington on Apple 

Demia Avery 

Podcasts or Spotify. W 

SMITH CREEK PARK PHOTO CARIN HALL 



Bring Extraordinary Home 


Did you know we are Wilmington’s only More Space Place showroom 

and Hunter Douglas Gallery? It’s time for a closet upgrade and we’re here 

to help. MENTION THIS AD FOR 15% OFF YOUR MORE SPACE PLACE 

PROJECT. We look forward to introducing you to the beauty and quality of 

More Space Place with countless finishes and custom configurations. 

Local Owned and Serving Our Community For 25 Years 

Call our Showroom Today to Schedule your Complimentary Design Consultation 

6617 Market Street • Wilmington, NC • 910-799-8101 

morespaceplace.com/wilmington • wilmingtonblind.com

Wilmington Magazine July/Aug 2023

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