Wilmington Magazine July-Aug 2022

JULY / AUGUST 2022 

Surfing for 

Solutions 

Partnering to Rid 

Oceans of Plastic 

Fashion 

Takes Flight 

A Runway of Edgy, 

Elegant Looks 

DESIGNING 

WITH STONE 

DAILY 

YOGA 

DINING 

REVIEWS

Sunrise? Sunset? We’ve got you covered! 

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2 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

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July /August 2022 | 1

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2 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com

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- Additional documentation will be 

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► 1099 Statements may be considered with 

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INVESTOR CASH FLOW 

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cash-out refinances 

► 1-4 unit property types 

► Maximum loan amount $1M 

► No personal income used to qualify 

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► Traditional and Portfolio options 

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► Purchases and cash-out or rate-term 

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for primary residence 

With over 25 licensed mortgage advisors in Wilmington NC, 

Your Path To Homeownership Starts Here! 

(910) 839-0100 Apply Online 

5815 Oleander Drive, Suite 260, Wilmington, NC 28405 | Angel Oak Home Loans LLC NMLS 685842, For licensing information, go to: (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), Licensed in AL #21485, AZ #0927070, Licensed by the Department of 

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the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance, NM, NC #L-153288, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WI. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. The program, rates, terms, and 

conditions are subject to change at any time without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all products and options are available in all states. 


July / August 2022 

96 

Surfing for Solutions 

An inventive global 

packaging company and 

the surfing community 

are partnering to rid the 

ocean of plastic pollution 

By Judy Royal 

74 

2022 Best of 

Wilmington 

Awards 

Our readers voted 

for their favorite 

places around the 

Wilmington area 

and its beaches 

By Ray Linville 

Ben Bourgeois, a 

Wrightsville Beach 

surfer of international 

fame, walks with Wes 

Carter, president of 

Atlantic Packaging, 

both working on a 

strategic collaboration 

between surfing/ 

outdoor enthusiast 

communities and the 

global packaging 

supply chain. 

102 

Beyond the Gates 

A new home set in a 

perfect family locale 

expands a longtime 

realty’s reach 

By Lori Wilson 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 


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Departments » July / August 2022 

Buzz 

21 

21 Fundraising for 

Quality of Life 

LifeCare’s Last Chance 

for White Pants Gala 

Returns 

22 Events Your guide to 

planning summer fun 

38 Entertainment Movies 

& music 

40 Staff Picks Mysteries & 

intrigue 

42 Social Scene The Cape 

Fear Heart Ball 

44 Wellness Daily yoga can 

improve posture 

48 ArtSeen The healing 

power of paint 

52 Newsmaker A 28- 

year cleaning business 

run with a family-first 

philosophy 

54 Southern Drawl 

Center Stage: LifeCare’s 

hospice & palliative care 

across nine counties 

57 111 133 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

57 The Creative Use of 

Stone New technologies 

are inspiring new design 

concepts 

58 Garden The mystique of 

blue bottle trees 

59 Home A “home”front for 

casual coastal elegance 

62 Design Expanding 

the use of stone for 

homeowners 

64 Fashion At ILM edgy 

and elegant looks take 

flight 

111 A Modern Twist 

on Locally Caught 

Seafood Soundside 

Seafood & Raw Bar’s 

transformed location is a 

new local fav 

112 Dining Review An 

enticing menu and 

transformed location at 

Soundside 

114 Dining Review YoSake 

has earned its status 

as a superior sushi 

destination 

118 In the Kitchen Simply 

yummy summer recipes 

124 Libations Rosé, 

summer’s go-to vino 

125 Restaurant Guide The 

best spots for eating and 

drinking in Wilmington 

133 The Bodensee of 

Germany Around 

Lake Constance, revel 

in gardens, explore 

medieval towns, shop 

posh boutiques, and dine 

in three countries 

Fundamentals 

16 Reader Services 

18 Editor's Letter 

136 The Last Reflection 

July/August 2022 

118 

52 


59 64 

Best of Wilmington • Fashion: A runway of edgy, elegant looks • Rosé All Day WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Surfing for 

Solutions 



Fashion 

Takes Flight 


Elegant Looks 

DESIGNING 

WITH STONE 

DAILY 

YOGA 

DINING 

REVIEWS 

ON THE COVER » 

Ground control fashion shoot 

at Modern Aviation. 

PHOTO MIRA ADWELL

THANKS FOR VOTING US #1! 

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL | MOVE IN/OUT | REAL ESTATE | EVENTS | CONSTRUCTION CLEAN UP 

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Family owned, professional 

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Offering custom residential 

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outstanding quality and a 

personal touch. 

Licensed, bonded and insured 


CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

■ ■ ■ 

Managing Editor 

Elizabeth Norfleet Sugg 

■ ■ ■ 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Kristina Parolla 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Representing Buyers & Sellers Beyond 

Landfall throughout Wilmington 

UNDER CONTRACT 


Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Contributing Writers 

Lewis Bowling, Kaitlin Gooding, 

Christine Hall, Kim Henry, 

Denise K. James, Ray Linville, 

Tom Pinkston, Judy Royal, Katie Schmidt, 

Fanny Slater, Elizabeth Sugg, 

Ann Marie Thornton, Lori Wilson, 

Vera Wilson 

KINGS GRANT 

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Photographers 

Mira Adwell, Daria Amato, 

Kaitlin Gooding, Christine Hall, 

G. Frank Hart, Achim Mende, 

Melissa Souto, Abigail Whitehurst, 

Erin Whittle, Brandon Williams 

■ ■ ■ 


Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Corporate Office: 843-856-2532 

LANDFALL 

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Landfall Realty can help you with ALL 

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Wilmington Magazine (Vol. 10, No.2) is 

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SHOP WWW.PAYSAGE.COM 


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5815 Oleander Drive 

Wilmington, NC 

info@masonboroadvisors.com 

2516 Independence Blvd, Suite 101 


910.622.7157 

sprucedwilmington.com 

WILMINGTON’S 

MOST EXPERIENCED 

INVESTMENT TEAM 

With over 100 years combined experience, 

the team at Masonboro Advisors is ready 

to help you with all of your investment and 

financial planning needs. 

Voted BEST Financial 

Advisors 2022 

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from the editor 

July/August 2022 

Best of Wilmington • Fashion: A runway of edgy, elegant looks • Rosé All Day WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


Surfing for 

Solutions 



Fashion 

Takes Flight 


Elegant Looks 

DESIGNING 

WITH STONE 

DAILY 

YOGA 

DINING 

REVIEWS 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Just fill out the postcard in 

this issue, call 843.856.2532 

or go to 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Nature’s Lure 

to Where We 

Call Home 

There’s a cross section 

of community and 

culture throughout 

Wilmington and its 

beaches that’s laced 

with a love of nature. It’s a mix that lures 

people to come to live here, and makes 

many long timers want to stay. Since 

taking over the editorship last October I 

have been struck by the vast stewardship 

of many people of the Lower Cape Fear, 

and in this issue the leadership story 

captured is of Wes Carter, president of 

Atlantic Packaging, and his innovative 

partnership with the surfing community 

to help rid the oceans and waterways of 

plastic pollution. At the helm of one of 

the largest packaging suppliers in North 

America, Carter recognized his company’s 

products, particularly single-use plastic for 

shipping, as being a leading contributor to 

the trash and microplastics that blow and 

toss their way out of trash cans into our 

environment, and he decided to draw his 

line in the sand and think anew to save 

the oceans for tomorrow. Atlantic has been 

around since his grandfather founded the 

company in 1946, and the coastal waters 

that have been an important part of his 

life can no longer be taken for granted. 

On August 27th is the return of a 

fun end-of-summer fundraiser with its 

tongue-in-cheek name – Last Chance 

for White Pants Gala – for Lower Cape 

Fear LifeCare, serving nine (yes, nine!) 

counties in our southeastern neck of the 

woods with hospice and palliative care. 

This year’s event highlights the work 

the National Hospice and Palliative Care 

Organization is doing with veterans 

across the country, and LifeCare is hard at 

work enhancing their regional outreach. 

Contribute, participate and find a way to 

support this important organization in 

our community. 

This is a chock-full issue. Our Best of 

Wilmington 2022 readers’ choice winners’ 

section is over 11,000 words long about 

local businesses. Read through it just to 

take in the depth of the talent and options 

we are fortunate to have in our coastal 

area of North Carolina. ArtSeen visits 

Emily Blankenship Jones, an artist in 

Wallace; Dining Out takes you to YoSake 

downtown and Soundside Seafood & Raw 

Bar at Wrightsville Beach; Design shows 

off the fabulous stone installations in an 

interior designer’s home; and Style visits 

a source for casual coastal elegance in 

home furnishings. Our Home story is 

a new build on a lot in the Windemere 

neighborhood sold by Landfall Realty 

which has now expanded “beyond the 

gates”. Nothing stands still in our vibrant 

community, and I hope you spend a large 

part of your summer getting out in the 

wonderful mix that makes our area so 

fulfilling to be engaged in. 

Elizabeth Norfleet Sugg 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

We welcome your comments. Please 

send us your feedback to “Letters to 

the Editor,” Wilmington Magazine, 

3853 Colonel Vanderhorst Circle, 

Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 or you can email 

us at editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

Find us on Facebook and Instagram 

@wilmingtonmagazine 



Fine Antiques, Home Decor 

AnD VintAge 

6213 Market St. ● Wilmington, NC ● 910-444-8881 ● www.portcitypeddler.com 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

Center Stage 

for Hospice & 

Palliative Care 

Fundraising for quality of life 

for those living with 

serious illness 

See page 54 


Ashley McGee, the Chair 

of the Lower Cape Fear 

LifeCare’s Last Chance for 

White Pants Gala being 

held August 27th at ILM’s 

Modern Aviation. 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

JULY – AUGUST 

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

Airlie Gardens Summer 

Concert Series 

July 1, 15 & August 5, 19 

An open-lawn early evening casual 

concert series allows dining and dancing 

surrounded by Airlie Gardens' majestic 

beauty. This family-friendly event 

usually offers food and beverage for 

sale or permits you to bring your own. 

Advance online tickets only: adults are 

$10, children (4-12) are $3, and children 

under 4 are free. Gates open at 5pm. 

airliegardens.org 

July 1, 6-8pm No Regretz 

July 15, 6-8pm Bibis Ellison 

August 5, 6-8pm The Feebs 

August 19, 6-8pm Machine Gun 

Poplar Grove's Full & 

New Moon Ghost Tours 


On the evening of the full moon 

or New Moon, join a guided tour 

through the Manor House seeking 

possible paranormal activities. Deceased 

members of the Foy family still make 

their presence known in particular rooms 

of the house, and there are lots of stories 

to share of how they have introduced 

themselves over the years. The former 

slaves and tenant farmers are no less 

evident than the trees silhouetting the 

night sky. Cameras, cell phones, Ipads, 

and paranormal activity equipment are 

welcome. Tours fill up quickly. Tickets: 

$20 and each tour begins at 8pm. 

poplargrove.org 

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare’s 

White Pants Gala 

August 27 

LifeCare’s largest fundraiser, Last 

Chance for White Pants Gala, will be 

from 7-11pm, at The Hangar at ILM, a 

popular end-of-summer celebration so 

don’t linger trying to get tickets! Highenergy 

party band Sleeping Booty will 

once again be taking the stage to keep 

everyone dancing the night away. This 

year, a portion of the proceeds will go to 

support a We Honor Veterans program 

that seeks to meet the special needs of 

local veterans living with a life-limiting 

illness. For tickets, whitepants.org. 

Pleasure Island Pirate Cruise 

Weekly on Tuesday/ 

Thursdays through August 25 

Discover a family-friendly pirate voyage 

with Island Cruises. Begin the boat trip 

with narration on the true history of 

pirates in the Cape Fear region as you 

leave the Carolina Beach Marina and 

become part of a mission to find a presentday 

pirate that has stolen your treasure. Once the pirate has been spotted, prepare to 

take back your bounty! In true pirate fashion, the recovered treasure will be divided 

among the kids to take home with them. Adult Pirate Adventure: $28 | Children 

(Age 2-12): $18 | Infant under 2: Free | Drinks and light snacks available for purchase 

onboard. Event times: 3-4:30pm. islandcruises.ticketsocket.com 

Lumina Daze 


Dance the night away to live music from 

different bands in the Blockade Runner’s 

elegant ballroom and its pool-side setting. 

Enjoy a cash bar and live music from the 

Wilmington Big Band in the Ballroom 

as well as The Catalinas beach music on 

the deck by the pool. Make sure to “seas 

the daze” and stop by this wonderful 

annual event in the heart of Wrightsville 

Beach. From 6-9pm, tickets are $40 with 

food and drink available for purchase. 

wbmuseumofhistory.com 


THANK YOU 

WILMINGTON FOR 

31 YEARS OF BUSINESS 

& VOTING US 

BEST JEWELER! 

OVER 1,000 5-STAR REVIEWS! 


2520 Independence Blvd. 

910.392.6721 

Shallotte 

225 Smith Ave. 

910.754.6600 

perrysemporium.com 


Free Summer Concerts 

at Fort Fisher 


Enjoy family-friendly free Friday Summer 

Lawn Concerts at the Fort Fisher Air Force 

Recreation Area. Close-by to Carolina Beach 

and Kure Beach, enjoy the outdoors, and bring 

blankets and chairs for the whole family. Pack 

your picnic to enjoy dinner with the grooves 

of live music. Some restrictions apply. No 

pets. Free with food and drink available for 

purchase. pleasureislandnc.org 

Event Calendar 

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

rundown on what to do this summer season. 

THANKS FOR VOTING US 

BEST CHILD CARE! 

Locally owned, full-day 

child care serving infants 

through pre-kindergarten. 

5-Star Rating with the 

NC Division of Child 

Development! 

4915 Oriole Dr, • Wilmington 

910-452-3202 

milestonesilm.com 


RECURRING EVENTS 

Boogie in the Park Concert Series 

1st & 3rd Sundays through October 

Bring your beach chair or blanket 

and enjoy free, live music by the 

sea! No concert July 4th or Labor 

Day weekends. From 5-7pm. 

townofkurebeach.org 

Weekly Fireworks 

at Carolina Beach 

Every Thursday July 7 to August 25 

The best place to view this Thursday 

spectacular show is on the beach strand 

located in front of the historic Carolina 

Beach Boardwalk, where live music 

plays at the Gazebo stage. So 'pack up' 

the family and head to the Boardwalk 

in Carolina Beach. From 6:30pm with 

fireworks at 9pm. carolinabeach.org 

Oak Island 

Summer 

Concert Series 

Every Friday 

July 1 to 


Bring your 

friends and family to Middleton Park 

on Oak Island from 6:30-8:30pm every 

Friday evening to hear everything from 

bluegrass to beach music this summer. 

oakislandnc.gov 

Saturday 

Sunset Series 

at Marina Grill 

July 2, 9, 16, 23, 

30 & August 6, 

13, 20, 27 

Concerts at this open-air downtown 

Wilmington venue are from 6-9pm 

on Saturday nights at the boatyard 

at Marina Grill, 18 Harnett St. Free 

admission, food and beverages available 

for purchase. 

Free Summer 

Movies at the 

Lake 

July 3 to 


Grab your kids, blankets and beach 

chairs and head to Carolina Beach 

Lake Park to enjoy a free Outdoor 

movie on a 'gigantic' screen. Movies 

start at dusk. Bring your chairs and 

find a spot on the lawn where the whole 

family can enjoy this true summertime 

treat for adults and kids alike. 

carolinabeach.org

Customization available! 


7 for All Mankind 

Julie Brown 

Sail to Sable 

Dolce Vita Shoes 

Anna Cate Collection 

Dolce Vita 

DIFF Eyewear 

Emily McCarthy 

LaRoque 

Minkpink 

Saltwater Luxe 

Karlie 

& More 

Located in The Forum 

1113-A Military Cutoff Road 

@shopziaboutique www.shopZIAboutique.com 910.679.4101 

(910) 228-6637 

facebook.com/DeBruhls 

SHABBY CHIC FURNITURE • ANTIQUES • FINE DECOR • GIFTS 

The Butterfly 

House Releases 

at Airlie Gardens 

Weekly on 

Tuesdays, July 5 

to September 6 

Surround yourself 

in serenity by 

visiting Airlie’s 

Butterfly House, open daily, with butterfly 

releases on Tuesdays weekly. The flittering 

butterflies, all native to North Carolina, 

are inside this open-air structure. Find 

species like: Monarch, Gulf Fritillary, 

Common Buckeye, Black Swallowtail, 

Tiger Swallowtail (NC State Butterfly) 

and many more. airliegardens.org 

Turtle Talks 

at Wrightsville 

Beach 

Weekly on 

Tuesdays, July 

5 to August 30 

Learn about 

sea turtle 

nesting from the Wrightsville Beach Sea 

Turtle Project. Find out details about 

the threatened and endangered sea 

turtles nesting and hatching season on 

Wrightsville Beach (May until October) 

and what to do in the case of a turtle 

sighting. These weekly talks are inside 

the air-conditioned Fred and Alice 

Stanback Coastal Education Center. Free, 

7-8pm. wbstp.org 

Sunset Beach Sound 

Waves Concert Series 

July 6, 13, 20, 27 

& August 3, 10, 17, 

24, 31 

Concerts from classic 

rock to Motown to 

country are held 6-8pm. Wednesdays 

at the Village Park gazebo, 1791 Queen 

Anne St., Sunset Beach. Free. 

225 Pine Grove Dr. • Wilmington, NC (across from Long Leaf Park) 

Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

WECT Sounds 

of Summer 

July 7, 14, 21, 28 

From classic rock 

to R & B to music 

from the ‘50s to 



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 

present, this concert series runs 6:30- 

8pm Thursdays at Wrightsville Beach 

Park. Bring a picnic, lawn chairs and/or 

blankets. Coolers are allowed, but alcohol 

is not permitted in the park. Free. 

Southport Summer Concert Series 

Every Thursday July 7 to August 25 

Toe-tapping fun on Thursday evening in 

Franklin Square Park in Southport from 

6-8pm from rock, country, bluegrass and 

beach music. cityofsouthport.com 

Turtle Talk 

Mondays, July 11 

to August 29 

Sit in on an 

engaging educational 

discussion 

about local nesting sea turtles hosted 

by the Pleasure Island Sea Turtle 

Project. From 7-8pm. townofkurebeach.org 

HDWM 

Artisan 

Market 

Sundays 

through 

October 

Spend your 

Sunday leisurely strolling through the 

Historic Downtown Wilmington Artisan 

Market where you'll find handcrafted 

creations by the area's local artisans. At 

Front & Dock Streets, 10am-3pm. 

* Wilmington 250 Racine Drive 

* New Bern 236 Middle Street 

W W W . L U L A B A L O U . C O M 

Fourth 

Wednesday 

Bird Walk 

Monthly 

on the 4th 

Wednesday 

Explore 

Carolina 

Beach State Park on a guided bird walk 

lead by park staff along Snows Cut Trail. 

No previous experience is necessary. 

Beginning at the Marina, the easy hike 

will be approximately two miles long 

over flat terrain lasting approximately 

two hours. Be sure to bring your own 

sunscreen, binoculars, drinking water, 

and insect repellent. Free, from 8-10am. 

ncparks.gov 



History Comes 

Alive with Dr. 

Chris Fonvielle 

Monthly on the 

3rd Sunday 

through 

October 16 

Enjoy a fantastic two-hour cruise full 

of the Wilmington's fascinating history. 

Local historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle, 

will be on board with an interesting 

talk that concentrates on “Wilmington 

and the Lower Cape Fear including 

Civil War, Revolutionary War, pirates 

and the shipping industry." Adults are 

$40; Children $20, Aged 0-3 are free. 

wilmingtonwatertours.net 

CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING 

LAMPS & LAMPSHADES 

910.791.8431 | 4113-D Oleander Drive | Wilmington, NC 

Thank You for 

voting me 

Best 

Attorney 

again! 

Assertive, effective representation in the areas of criminal defense, 

family law, and civil litigation. 

910-444-3505 • 514 Princess St, Wilmington • masonmasonlaw.com 

Cape Fear Museum: 

H2O Today & Fire! 

Exhibition 

Recurring daily until 

September 25 

Two special exhibitions on H2O Today and 

Fire!, the science and history of historic 

fires, are must-sees. Changing special 

exhibits add to the permanent collection 

including a scale model of the 1863 

Wilmington waterfront. The Museum is 

also a Smithsonian Affiliate - a national 

outreach program to facilitate the loan 

of Smithsonian artifacts and traveling 

exhibitions, as well as develop innovative 

educational collaborations locally and 

nationally. capefearmuseum.com 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Carolina Beach 

Independence 

Day Fireworks 

July 1 

Celebrate 

Independence 

Day early with a special display of free 

fireworks by the sea. Be sure to arrive 

early to grab your spot on the beach 

to enjoy spectacular fireworks. Pack 

a picnic or get takeout from one of the 

many local restaurants. Free, music 

begins at 6:30pm and fireworks at 9pm. 

carolinabeach.org 



Globally 

Sourced 

Style 

Lumina Station 

1900 Eastwood Rd., Ste. 9 


910-352-6338 

ziabird.com 

@ziabird 

@ZiabirdatLumina 

Southport NC 4th 

of July Festival 

and Fireworks 

July 1 to July 4 

For over 220 years, 

Southport has 

celebrated our nation's Independence 

in a big way, and they invite you to join 

the celebration! Southport's celebration 

of our nation's independence was first 

recorded in a newspaper in 1795 and has 

continued for two centuries. Incorporated 

as the N.C. 4th of July Festival in 1972, 

the festival remembers the sacrifices, 

celebrates freedom, and promotes family 

fun. The N.C. 4th of July Festival is 

held annually in Southport and has now 

expanded to include much of Oak Island. 

Four days of patriotic fun! nc4thofjuly.com 

Friday Night Live! 

July 1, 8, 29 & August 5, 12, 19 

Tribute concerts include Zac Brown, 

Coldplay, the Grateful Dead and the 

Beatles, from 7pm at the Pier at Port 

City Marina, 10 Harnett St. in downtown 

Wilmington. Free admission, concessions 

available. wilmingtonandbeaches.com 

Stars & 

Stripes: NC 

Symphony 


Beat the 

summer 

heat and join in a good old-fashioned 

salute to the red, white, and blue. The 

NC Symphony honors the birthday of the 

U.S.A. with high-spirited classics and 

patriotic favorites. wilsoncentertickets.com 

City of Wilmington 

4th of July Fireworks 


Stroll along nearly two-miles of scenic 

walkway alongside the historic Cape Fear 

River. Stretching from Nunn Street to 

the Isabella Holmes Bridge, lined with an 

assortment of markets, unique boutiques 

and art galleries, the Riverwalk is home 

to outdoor cafes and narrated tours, and 

overhead will be a fabulous fireworks 

display. wilmingtonnc.gov 


Thanks for voting us 

BEST WOMEN’S 

CLOTHING STORE 

three years in a row! 

Edet by Island Passage 

302 N Front St 

Elixir Downtown 

4 Market St 


1900 Eastwood Rd 

Bald Head Island 

14 Maritime Way 

THE BEST JUST GOT BETTER 

The same wisdom, judgement and experience. Now with the depth, access 

and leverage of the #1 independent advisory firm in the U.S.* 

Fountain Financial Associates is now CAPTRUST Wilmington 

1209 Culbreth Drive, Suite 100 | Wilmington, NC 28405 | 910.256.8882 

captrust.com/wilmington 

*Source: FA Magazine’s 2016–2020 RIA Survey and Ranking in the category $1 billion+ in assets under advisement 

AD20_007 


“Hoppy 

Time” 

Rabbits 

in Airlie 

Garden 

Opening 


Join Airlie 

Gardens as 

they host 

a special 10th Annual Art in the Garden 

Exhibit with larger-than-life Rabbits 

displayed throughout the garden. This 

year’s exhibit, Hoppy Times, features 

fancifully decorated giant Rabbits placed 

throughout the grounds for you to enjoy 

as part of your garden experience. Come 

enjoy the colorful work of some of the 

many talented artists in Wilmington. 

airliegardens.org 

TEAM UP WITH A 

WINNING 

TEAM 

For the sixth year in a row, 

Wilmington Magazine readers have voted 

EmergeOrtho Best Orthopedic Practice. 

EmergeOrtho offers a full range of advanced 

orthopedic and spine services, specialties and 

technologies, including: 

• Pain management care 

• AccessOrtho walk-in orthopedic urgent care 

• Expanded physical and occupational therapy 

• Advanced MRI imaging services 

With locations throughout the area, we are here to 

help you emerge stronger, 

healthier and better able 

to lead an active life. 

910.332.3800 | EmergeOrtho.com 

Emerge Stronger. Healthier. Better. 

© EmergeOrtho 2022 

2022 Summer On 

The Square 

July 8 & 30 

Head out to the 

Pender County 

Courthouse Square 

for the Summer on 

the Square Concert 

Series. Concerts are 

free! Food trucks will 

be on site. Alcohol is 

not allowed, and pets are not permitted 

for their safety. For details go to facebook. 

com/PenderCounty. 

Hampstead Alive After Five 


Head out to Hampstead Kiwanis Park for 

the Alive After 5 Concert Series. Concerts 

are free! Food trucks will be on site. 

Alcohol is not allowed, and pets are not 

permitted for their safety. For details go 

to facebook.com/PenderCounty. 

Summer Jazz 

Series at the 

Mansion 

July 14 & 


Thrill to the 

sound of live 

music during the Jazz at the Mansion 

122103 emergeortho best of ad-wm.indd 1 6/7/22 5:00 PM 


us to discover unique 

Visit 

furniture, pillows, 

outdoor 

fabrics, and 

performance 

for a stylish outdoor 

more 

Concert Series from 6:30-8pm. Bring 

the whole family, relax on blankets or 

chairs, and enjoy your favorite snacks 

while you settle in for a night of smooth 

tunes on the beautiful grounds of the 

historic Bellamy Mansion. Tickets from 

$10 to $20. Wine and beer available for 

purchase. bellamymansion.org 

Alfresco 

DESIGN AN 

LIFESTYLE 

living experience! 

5 O L E A N D E R D R I V E , S T E 1 4 0 | 9 1 0 . 7 9 3 . 3 9 9 5 | W W W . B I G S K Y S H O P O N L I N E . C O M 

1 8 5 

Burgaw's Summer on 

the Square Concerts 


Classic rock and 

country, the concerts 

are from 6:30-8pm 

Thursdays on the Pender 

County Courthouse 

Square. Food vendors on site. Free. 

Topsail Sounds 

Summer Concert 

Series 

July 26 & August 23 

Bring your beach 

chairs & relax to the 

sounds of summer 

in one of our favorite 

places, the Town 

Center of Topsail Beach. For details go to 

Pender County’s Facebook page. 

Davis Canal 

& ICW 

Backwater 

Kayak 

Tours 

August 18, 

September 13, 

October 11 

Don't miss these great opportunities to 

take a kayak tour of the Davis Canal 

and the backwaters of the Intracoastal 

Waterway. Individuals who are 18 

and older are eligible for these twohour 

kayak tours led by experienced 

guides from the Oak Island Recreation 

Department. The tour includes a 

kayak rental, paddle, and a pfd. Paddle 

difficulty is easy. From 10am-12pm, to 

register go to ncbrunswick.com. 

914 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, NC 

910.791.2222 • atlanticappliance.net 

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm & Sat 10am-2pm 


Thank You for Voting 

us Best Bridal 

Boutique! 

BRIDAL 

BRIDESMAID 

PROM/PAGEANT 

EVENINGWEAR 

TUXEDO 

FARMERS MARKETS 

The Wilmington Farmers Market at 

Tidal Creek 

Saturdays from 8am to 1pm 

7134 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 

910.471.4212 

camilleswilmington.com 

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 

Poplar Grove Farmers' Market 

Wednesdays from 8am to 1pm 

Riverfront Farmers' Market (Dock & 

Front St) 

Saturdays from 8am to 1pm 

Our office focuses on 

a wonderful patient 

experience. We strive to 

provide excellent care 

and outcomes. Our goal 

is to enhance, restore, 

and rejuvenate in order 

to increase self-esteem 

and empower our patients 

in their journey. We offer 

both surgical and nonsurgical 

options to help 

patients achieve their 

goals (Surgical options, 

Morpheus8, Forma-V, 

Juvederm products, Botox, 

skincare products). 

LIVE CONCERTS 

& THEATER VENUES 

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater 

The City of Wilmington owns the Hugh 

Morton Amphitheater at Greenfield 

Lake but it is managed by Live 

Nation. livenation.com/greenfield-lakeamphitheater-events 

Historic Thalian Hall 

Tune in to Grease and Newsies for live 

theater this summer, laugh with Port City 

Comedy Jam, enjoy the Cinematique Film 

Series and more, all in the restored 19th 

century theater venue. thalianhall.org 

Live Oak Bank Pavilion 

at Riverfront Park 

Live Oak Bank Pavilion hosts concerts 

for a wide range of genres from touring 

artists. concerts.livenation.com 

Consultations are complimentary. Call to schedule yours today! 

1122 MEDICAL CENTER DRIVE • WILMINGTON, NC 

910-338-5900 • LABELLEVIEPS.COM 

Wilson Center at CFCC 

From the Blue Man Group to Amy Grant, 

Weird Al Yankovic to Trombone Shorty 

& Orleans Avenue, enjoy their summer 

lineup. wilsoncentertickets.com 


YOU DESERVE A HAPPY AND CONFIDENT SMILE! 

Family Dental Care of Wilmington provides 

complete dental services to give you a healthy 

and beautiful smile in a caring environment. 

General Family Dental Care 

Same Day Crowns - CEREC ® 

Orthodontics • Dental Implants 

Root Canal Therapy • Cosmetic Dentistry 

Crowns and Bridges 

Teeth Whitening • Porcelain Veneers 

THANK YOU to 

all of our patients 

who voted us 

BEST DENTIST! 

Making Dreams Come True… 

One Smile at a Time 

1801 S. 16 th Street • Wilmington, NC 

910-762-4867 • tremandental.com 

Michael Treman, DDS & Steven Treman, DDS 

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US 

BEST GIFT SHOP AGAIN! 

Sea-Inspired Gifts & Home Decor 

910-799-4216 • 5815 OLEANDER DR, SUITE 120 • WILMINGTON 


Reviews: Movies & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

George Carlin’s American Dream 

★★★★ 

HBO MAX • With Appearances by Paul Reiser, Jerry Seinfield, Steve Martin, 

Chris Rock…. 

An ex-boyfriend who was way more culturally savvy than me is the one I credit for introducing 

me to George Carlin. My former beau insisted Carlin was the greatest comedian to ever live, 

an accolade I took with a grain of salt at the time but later examined more seriously. It’s a 

well-known fact among my friends that my sense of humor is hard to please; most “comedy” 

movies are dumb in my humble opinion, and most famous comedians (I’m looking at you, 

Amy Schumer) are too low-brow for me to really respect. I mean, who still thinks that sex is 

funny after college? 

Fast-forward a decade to me spending a weekend absorbing “George Carlin’s American 

Dream,” a documentary-style two-part movie from HBO about the comedian’s life and work 

and ethos. While there were plenty of laugh-out-loud moments — Carlin’s humor, if you 

happen to be unfamiliar, is scathingly truthful, just the way I prefer — the bulk of this welldone 

doc is about what it means to be an artist: where does the drive come from, how is it 

maintained and, especially before the internet, how does it find a platform? 

The latter is the topic that fascinated me most. As a “Xennial” who came of age on the 

cusp of analog and digital, I find I have much more respect for any writer, musician, visual 

artist or comedian who had to somehow locate their audience without the likes of Instagram, 

TikTok, Facebook or even MySpace. No spoilers, but I loved watching Carlin work his way 

from being a kid with a dream in New York City to a renowned comic by literally elbowing 

into popular media. I also appreciated his insistence that being a comedian requires the 

same dedication as any art form, since it’s actually great writing that makes great comedy. 

As you likely surmised from the title, much of Carlin’s comedy navigated his feelings about 

politics, and I was startled to see how little has changed. Yes, we’ve been told by our elders 

that people have been complaining about the same stuff for decades, but hearing Carlin 

gripe about 2022 issues, from health care to reproductive rights to homelessness, really shed 

new light — and made me say out loud, sheesh, we haven’t solved this already?! 

My advice is to watch it. Not only will you laugh, you might also feel motivated to crack 

down harder on the societal issues that plagued ol’ George and continue to vex us. And Kudos 

to HBO for this timeless content — whether you watch now or in a few months, great humor, 

like great ideas, never gets old. 

Drive-By Truckers 

Welcome to Club XIII 

Southern rock enthusiasts (and aren’t we 

all around here?) have almost definitely 

swayed their hips a season or two to the 

Drive-by Truckers, and now it’s summer 

2022’s turn. The Athens-based band’s 

newest release, “Welcome to Club XIII” 

is full of the humorous yet dark lyrics 

the Truckers are known and loved for, 

including the hilarious foot-stomping title 

track and “The Driver,” a rocking tune 

perfect for hitting the highway on your 

next road trip. As a bonus, these narrative 

lyrics are worth a listening repeat. The 

group will be playing at Greenfield Lake 

Amphitheater on Sunday, July 31. 

Jack Johnson 

Meet the Moonlight 

I discovered Jack Johnson 20 years ago 

when my good friend, who goes by “G,” 

made me a copy of his first album. I was 

immediately captivated by his feel-good 

tunes and meaningful (but not overly 

esoteric) lyrics. Now, I’m thrilled that 

Johnson’s latest, Meet the Moonlight, is 

more of what I love. Check out the title 

track for a mystical and dreamy ballad, or 

download “One Step Ahead” for something 

with a bit more pop. With song titles like 

“Windblown Eyes” and “I Tend to Digress,” 

we can be assured Johnson continues to 

blend folksy jams with thoughtful ideas. 


SEAPATH YACHT CLUB is proud to have 

been voted Wilmington’s Favorite 

Marina & Yacht Club again for 2022! 

IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO SEE US YET, BE WARNED—IT IS EASY TO GET LOST AT SEA…PATH. 

330 Causeway Dr., Wrightsville Beach • 910-256-3747 • seapathyachtclub.com 

Thank you, Wilmington, 

for your continued support 

and local love! We look 

forward to seeing you at 

the shop soon. 

216 Princess Street • 910.679.4137 

blokeapparel.com 

@bloke_nc 


Mysteries & Intrigue 

Diverse reads for Summer’s bookshelf 

By LEWIS BOWLING 

Red Sky Burning 

by Tom Young 

Tom Young knows how to write military 

novels. His latest book, Red Sky 

Burning, based on actual events, is about 

Operation Halyard, a daring mission to 

rescue Allied airmen who had been shot 

down over Yugoslavia during World War 

II. Red Sky Burning is about the brave 

efforts of airmen flying through dangerous 

skies, controlled by Germans. These 

planes landed on crude airstrips carved 

out of forests. It was such a dangerous 

mission that airmen rescuers were all given an L-pill, which when 

swallowed would kill them. This would save the captured crew 

from being caught and tortured to death by the enemy, and also 

to keep them from revealing important and sensitive information. 

Red Sky Burning covers an operation in World War II that is not 

so well known, until now. 

Young is a decorated air combat veteran who flew over 5,000 

hours in places such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Along with that 

combat experience, Young today is an airplane pilot based out of 

Reagan National Airport in Washington D.C. With all this flying to 

his credit, both in combat and peacetime, the author takes readers 

right into the cockpit with the airmen of Red Sky Burning. This 

is appropriate, because as a young boy growing up in Granville 

County, N.C., Young would often go to the library in Oxford where 

he found books written by the French aviator Antoine de Saint- 

Exupery, inspiring young Tom to be a pilot. 

We are proud here in North Carolina to be known as “The 

Writingest State,” as coined by Doris Betts. Absolutely, Tom 

Young belongs to our long list of authors who continue to make 

our state deserve that moniker. We are losing our World War II 

veterans, yet books such as Red Sky Burning will make readers 

more fully appreciate the service of these good men and women 

who did extraordinary things to protect our freedoms. 

Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life 

by Ruth Franklin 

Shirley Jackson was a chain smoker, drank too much, was very 

obese, and had a husband who berated her and openly had affairs. 

Her mother wrote derogatory letters to her, often criticizing the way 

she looked. Along with all of this, and surely in part due to this, 

Jackson suffered from agoraphobia, a condition that makes people 

afraid to go out in public. Despite all these hardships, Jackson 

became one of the leading writers of horror in the 1900s. To make 

it even more difficult, Jackson was a married woman, expected to 

raise children and “keep house,” during the 

times in which she became a successful writer, 

the 1940s, ‘50s, and early ‘60s. 

But succeed as a writer Shirley Jackson 

did, turning out such classics as The Lottery 

and The Haunting of Hill House. And not 

only did Jackson write these books dealing 

with ghosts and the supernatural, but 

she did this while raising a family of four 

children. She used her experiences of being 

a wife and mother to write a bestselling, 

hilarious nonfiction book about her family, 

Life Among the Savages. Jackson became 

adept at writing when she had snippets of time from raising young 

children, such as when the kids were napping, when at school, late 

at night when they slept. Jackson had another barrier to success, 

she died at the age of 48. 

Ruth Franklin does a superb job of writing this definitive 

biography of Shirley Jackson. Not only does Franklin write about 

Jackson’s life in a detailed, but entertaining way, Franklin blends in 

the times of the 1930s through the mid-1960s, lending context to the 

struggles and ultimate triumphs of Jackson. 

Blood on the Bayou 

by Douglas J. Wood 

If you want to write a murder mystery in the 

vein of 20/20 or 48 Hours, you might want a 

setting like New Orleans with its dark alleys, 

sultry setting, partying tourists, and of 

course a murder, or maybe a serial killer. You 

might include good cops/bad cops, voodoo, the 

KKK and race issues, FBI involvement, and 

romance. Douglas J. Wood’s new book, Blood 

on the Bayou, has all of this and more. 

Wood lives in N.C. and has written other wellreceived 

books. In this one just released in April, you will meet 

Captain Raleigh Broussard, who assigns the murders to Rebecca 

Simone and her team. Every bit of evidence collected sends the 

team off in a different direction. And the murders keep happening. 

As soon as you think you may know who the murderer is, the 

evidence doesn’t support your guess. This book is fascinating, and 

it becomes a page turner until the finish. Wood knows the legal 

system from his over 45 years as a lawyer. His characters in Blood 

on the Bayou are well thought out and getting to know them is a 

delightful byproduct of the storyline. Is the suspect apprehended 

at the end? I won’t tell as I want to save the surprising end for your 

own pleasure. W 


Check out our NEW LOCATION 

opening in July! 

UPTOWN AT MIDTOWN 

4620 Oleander Dr. 

8086 Market Street | 910-686-0930 | Monday - Saturday 10-6 & Sunday 12-7 


social scene 

The Cape Fear Heart Ball 

THE EVENT WAS HELD SATURDAY, FEB. 26, AT THE 

Wilmington Convention Center. This year’s event, themed “Super 

Heroes with Heart”, raised critical funds for heart disease and 

stroke research and prevention programs. With the leadership of 

2022 Heart Ball Chair Rick Goldbach of TowneBank Mortgage, 

the in-person event included silent and live auctions, engaging 

programs, dancing and more. Over $200,000 was raised for the 

work of the American Heart Association to help our community 

live free of heart disease and stroke. 

Photos by ASHLEY MILLER and DANA FISHER 

Juanita Johnson, Sybil Stokes, 

Robert & Emily Sweeney 

Anne Miller, Bill & Ashley Hawkins 

Alison & Gene Long, Elizabeth 

& Michael Faircloth 

Dr. Matt & Chris Janik 

Joe & Melanie Welsh 

Al & Khalilah O 

Alan & Sonya Perry, 

Matthew Shephard 

Willian Vaughn, Mark Vernon, 

Dave Starling, Shawn Vaughn Rick & Darlene Powell Mary Beth & Lelon Winstead 

Tee Dean & Tiffany Sheets 

Jackie & Devin Jackson 

Alison Long 

Bo Dean & Ashley Miller 

Kevin & Michelle Bradley 


VOTED BEST 

CREDIT UNION 

We Couldn’t Have Done it 

Without You, Wilmington! 

We are extremely proud to have been selected by YOU as Best Credit Union in Wilmington, 

for the fourth consecutive year. Thank you for your support and membership! 

www.corningcu.org • 800-677-8506 

FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA. Membership eligibility required. 

PRIMARY & 

URGENT CARE 

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WILMINGTON, NC 

910-387-3788 

DAWSON-MED.COM 


wellness 

Tadasana, or 

standing mountain 

pose, is a gamechanging 

yoga 

foundation. 

The Domino Effect 

of Good Posture 

Building your body’s foundation from the ground up 

By ASHTON GRAHAM 

WHEN I BEGAN PRACTICING IYENGAR YOGA OVER 20 YEARS AGO, I WOULD BECOME 

frustrated by how much time the teacher would spend on tadasana, aka “standing mountain pose.” Her 

endless instructions on how to stand drove me crazy at the time. But face it, foundations are important in 

all aspects of life, from building a house to the way we stand. 

The perfect start to achieve fitness is 

creating and cultivating good posture. 

It’s a domino effect: Your faulty posture 

causes insufficient use of your body and 

makes your entire system work harder, 

causing muscles to get strained and 

inflamed which leads to discomfort and 

pain. Chronic tension in your neck and 

shoulders or headaches could be a prime 

example of “forward head posture,” 

meaning that your head is not balanced 

properly on your cervical spine. Perhaps 

you have back pain because of your 

reducing your natural lumbar curve which 

may cause a bulging or herniated disc. A 

collapsed chest may lead to shortness of 

breath and digestive issues. So why not 

try a few simple steps to align your body? 

While standing mountain pose may 

seem like a simple pose, it is not without 

its complexities. Becoming aware of each 

part of your body and the role that each 

play in stacking your bones and keeping 

your spine long is important. 

Mentally, tadasana tests your focus, 

concentration and body awareness, and on 

a physical level it improves your posture, 

strengthens your thighs, knees, ankles, 

firms your abdomen, buttocks, opens 

your chest and improves your balance. 

Emotionally, it can even boost your 

self-esteem. 

PRACTICING TADASANA 

Standing barefoot with your feet either 

hip distance apart or together, feel your 


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On a physical level 

standing mountain pose 

improves your posture, 

opens your chest, 

improves your balance 

and much more. 

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BEST OUTDOOR DINING! 

Southern hospitality, delicious food and an 

unbeatable view of the Cape Fear River. 

18 Harnett Street | Wilmington 

910-769-7974 

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OPEN DAILY AT 11AM 

SUNDAY BRUNCH 10:30AM-3PM 

feet and calves root down to the ground. 

Are you evenly balanced on your feet? Is 

there more weight on the front of your 

foot or the back of your foot? Try lifting 

all 10 toes off the floor, then lightly place 

them back on the ground. 

Engage your quadriceps (the muscles 

on the front of your thighs) lifting your 

kneecaps but not locking your knees. 

Your legs should be like pillars of steel 

rooting into the ground. Then think 

of your pelvis as a bowl. Is it tipped 

forward or backward? Think of taking 

your tailbone down and into your body. 

Draw your abdomen toward your spine, 

lifting the pit of your abdomen, create 

space between your ribs and your hips, 

and widen your collarbone to open your 

chest. Pull your shoulder blades back 

toward your spine and down your back. 

Are your shoulders stacked over your 

pelvis? Your chin is neither tucked nor 

lifted. Your ears should be directly over 

your shoulders, your gaze should be 

straight ahead. Your arms are hanging 

by your body with your palms facing 

your hips about six inches from your 

body. Your palms should feel that they 

are pressing toward your body with your 

fingers stretching toward the ground. 

Once you’ve checked your alignment 

from the bottom of your feet to the 

crown of your head, take 10 breaths 

while you focus on standing tall. While 

everyone’s body is different, striving for 

proper alignment can make a world of 

difference for your entire body from your 

toes to your head. Standing mountain 

pose acts as the foundation, and the 

basic alignment carries you through 

many other postures in yoga. 

You can practice tadasana anywhere, 

even while you are standing in line at the 

grocery store or waiting to buy stamps 

at the post office. Good posture isn’t just 

for beauty contestants; everyone needs 

to build a proper foundation. You’ll make 

an appointment to get the front end of 

your car aligned, but you’ll ignore your 

posture. Shouldn’t you love yourself 

more? Considering your own alignment 

helps you operate at your best. 

Rejuvenate your mind, body, and 

spirit. Tadasana is a game-changing 

yoga pose. As a bonus, don’t be surprised 

if standing in tadasana boosts your 

mood. No appointment necessary. 

Ashton Graham is an educator, book 

publisher, photographer, cowgirl and 

yoga teacher. ashtoncannon.com W 


Thank you for voting us 

BEST PEST CONTROL! 

THANK YOU for 

voting us “Best 

of Wilmington” 

2022. It is and will 

always be our 

privilege to serve 

the great people 

of this beautiful 

city! Please stop 

by and see our 

new location. 

PROTECTING HOMES & FAMILIES 

FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS! 

910-791-6836 | 1482 N. Kerr Ave., Wilmington 

jaytaylorexterminating.com 

Coble Funeral and Cremation 

Service at Greenlawn 

Memorial Park 

1155 Shipyard Blvd. 


910-791-4444 


art seen 

Wallace-based artist 

Emily Blankenship Jones, 

who at the tender age of 

25, is in the midst of her 

creative muse evolving 

from grief to joy. 

The Healing Power 

of Paint 

A Wallace artists’ creative muse is a balm to a pivotal life 

By KIM HENRY » Photos by ABIGAIL WHITEHURST 


w o m e n ' s s h o e s , c l o t h i n g a n d a c c e s s o r i e s 

a 

o u t i q u e f e a t u r i n g a u n i q u e c o l l e c t i o n f o r a l l 

b 

c u r a t e d b l e n d o f s t y l e s , p r i c e 

a 

o i n t s a n d m e r c h a n d i s e t o f i t 

p 

1 1 2 5 M I L I T A R Y C U T O F F R D , S U I T E I 

T H E F O R U M S H O P P I N G C E N T E R 

HUMANS HAVE BEEN 

using art to express 

different aspects of their 

lives since the beginning 

of time. The love, the 

loss, the grief all pours onto the canvas 

to be transformed, processed, shared, 

and in this way, art can truly facilitate 

a healing journey. Such is the case for 

Wallace-based artist, Emily Blankenship 

Jones, who at the tender age of 25, is in 

the midst of her creative muse evolving 

from grief to joy. 

Jones had a pivotal life moment when 

her closest friend died in a car accident 

when they were just 19. “To add to the 

trauma, Riley was driving to Wilmington 

to visit me later that day,” shares Jones. 

The free-spirited nature of her friend 

had already had an impact on her life, 

as he was the one who had encouraged 

her to overcome the fear surrounding 

the notion of being a ‘starving artist’ and 

instead, to honor her true calling. “After 

the accident, I realized how fragile and 

precious life is and that I need to pursue 

my dreams no matter what.” 

The arts have always been an 

important part of Jones’ life. Surrounded 

by creative family members, being 

artistic wasn’t too out of the box but Jones 

found herself wanting to maintain her 

art as a more personal experience during 

her high school years. “My art always 

helped me through the tough times and 

so when it began to be analyzed, I felt 

like it was being taken away from me. 

Now as an adult, I’ve fully claimed my 

own style and I can use it to support my 

wellbeing both mentally and financially, 

but it was a process for sure.” 

Transforming her work into a deeply 

healing process is a triumph for this 

prolific young artist, who was the 

victim of sexual violence by someone 

she trusted. Channeling this trauma 

into her art while she was at UNCW 

was an empowering and effective way 

to stimulate important conversations 

and facilitate her own healing. Her 

instillation which consisted of clothes 

painted with facts and statistics about 

violence against women, was not only 

displayed but was also photographed 

and hung in the Women’s Studies 

department. This opened the door to 

other women talking about their own 

stories and to a zero-tolerance stand 

being reinforced within the department. 

“My art has originated from pain 

and suffering but it is now coming 

into a place of confidence, security and 

happiness,” Jones smiles softly, with 

her young daughter playing in the 

background. So how did she find her 

way to the uplifting, moving portraits 

that dominate her work now? During 

the isolation of Covid, Jones decided 

o f y o u r e v e r y d a y a n d s p e c i a l e v e n t n e e d s 

y o u r i n d i v i d u a l s t y l e 

9 1 0 . 6 7 9 . 4 4 6 0 | w w w . s h o p b l e n d e d . c o m 

r e l a p p a d n a s e o h s d e d n e l b @ d e d n e l b . p o h s @ 

An advocate that LGBTQ+ 

rights are human rights, 

this painting is inspired 

by Pride Month. 

5018 Oleander Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

shopofseagate.com • 910-791-6622 

OPEN MON-SAT 10AM-5PM 


(clockwise from above) During the isolation 

of Covid, Jones put a post on Facebook 

asking people to send her photos that she 

could use as a subject, and people began 

buying the portraits that she’d made of 

them; The pen and ink captures the interior 

complexity of being a woman; Empowering 

women is a definite theme, especially with 

the larger pieces that explore different 

aspects of what it is to be a woman. 

to practice painting faces and put a post 

on Facebook asking people to send her 

photos that she could use as a subject. One 

thing led to another, and people started 

buying the portraits that she’d made 

of them. 

This unfolded to her painting memorial 

pieces of those who had passed on, wedding 

photos, family gatherings — pictures full 

of love, precious memories, and connection. 

The whole experience brought so much 

joy and comfort to both the artist and her 

clients, that it was truly transformative 

on both a practical and emotional 

level. As a full-time artist, Jones also 

receives commissions to blend photos of 

grandparents with grandchildren they will 

not meet because they have passed on, and 

these are particularly close to the artist’s 

big heart. “I think Covid reinforced how 

important family and community really 

are,” shares Jones, who currently lives 

in Wallace with her husband and one-yearold 

daughter. 

“The biggest piece of advice I would give 

to any aspiring artist is to follow your 

dreams no matter what and do what makes 

you feel good!” Jones’s quiet determination 

to do just this is palpable, as she stands in 

her home studio surrounded by her acrylic 

on canvas work. Bold brush strokes and 


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Setting Anchor 

in Scotts Hill 

(top) Tools of the painter. (bottom) The pen 

and ink captures the interior complexity of 

being a woman. 

an exploration of color are indicative of the 

strong energy behind her self-expression. 

Empowering women is a definite theme, 

especially with the larger pieces that 

explore different aspects of what it is to be 

a woman. “I love doing big pieces of women. 

I like how they dominate a room, how they 

take up the space that women deserve.” 

Finding the balance between being 

a mother and an artist, painting from 

pain and joy, honoring her authentic self 

and paying the bills is no small feat but 

Jones is dancing that dance, challenges 

and all. And the Wilmington art scene is 

all the richer for it. facebook.com/Emily- 

Blankenship-Art W 

9020 Senca Drive 910.320.8224 

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

Well-crafted 

cabinetry, 

countertops, 

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and accessories. 

Our goal is to 

inspire with 

results! 

12 Northern Blvd 


910-763-9870 

dynamickitchens.com 


newsmaker 

A Deep-cleaning 

Service Whose 

Polish is Kindness 

A 28-year residential and commercial cleaning business 

run with a family-first philosophy 

By KATIE SCHMIDT » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

Carolina Cleaning Service 

tailors their residential 

work to what the 

customer needs. 

IN THIS SOMETIMES 

tumultuous life, more often 

than not it is the simple 

pleasures that bring about 

the most joy. A tidy home, a 

kind soul, a reminder to not take life for 

granted. Aneliese Bard Andrades and 

her company Carolina Cleaning Services 

delivers all of these things in spades. 

Founded in 1994, the company is run 

by Aneliese and her husband, Luiz. The 

two were fresh residents of Wilmington 

(and America, for that matter, having just 

moved here from Brazil), when Aneliese 

began the business out of the trunk of her 

car, serving just a handful of residential 

clients. Now, 28 years later, the company 

has evolved and expanded its services, 

staffing, and impact on the community. A 

huge piece of that effort is the company’s 

partnership since 2017 with Cleaning for 

a Reason, a non-profit that provides free 

home cleaning to patients battling cancer. 

“It is in my heart to do good works every 

chance I get,” Aneliese says. “It always has 

been. I was raised in the Catholic church, 

so I would go with the nuns when I was 

a little girl to seniors’ houses and sing to 

them or bring toys and meals for kids in 

need. It is in my blood to care.” 

Aneliese exudes the importance of giving 

back and credits a traumatic childhood 

event with instilling in her a true sense of 

purpose. At three-years-old, Aneliese was 

kidnapped one morning from her family. 

Luckily authorities were able to locate 

Aneliese later that evening, but there is 

of course a deep sense of, “What if?” after 

such an occurrence. One positive lingering 

effect of the ordeal is the emphasis that 

Aneliese places on ensuring she runs her 

company with a family-first mindset. 

“Everybody knows that Carolina 

Cleaning doesn’t work on Sundays,” 

Aneliese says. “That is the time for 

family, for church. It is too much to work 

always. I want my team to take care of 

themselves, to be with the people they 

love, and to be restored.” 

Another critical tone that has been 

set by Aneliese is the empowerment 

of Carolina Cleaning Services’ female 

cleaning technicians. She works hard to 

not only provide her team with fair pay, 

but to ensure that they are being properly 


Aneliese and Luiz Andrades stand 

with Carolina Cleaning Services staff. 

Each room is 

fully dusted 

and vacuumed. 

Aneliese Bard 

Andrades began the 

successful business in 

1994, voted Best of 

Wilmington in 2022. 

Service with a smile 

– and gloves! 

trained and mentored for what may be 

next in their life. 

“I believe in the importance of 

leadership,” she says. “I believe that we 

should teach responsibility, integrity, 

community. I want for them to know 

when they leave here, they can do 

anything. I have a good eye for talent 

and don’t want to hold anybody back. I 

think every experience that you have 

adds to whatever you will do and be 

next. It is all training.” 

For Aneliese that training can come 

in the form of the good and the bad. 

The company has faced setbacks during 

the more obvious times of tumult 

the world has faced — recessions, 

September 11th, and more recently the 

COVID-19 pandemic. Carolina Cleaning 

Services has adapted and risen above 

circumstances in all of these seasons. 

Aneliese also has the added distinction 

of being both bilingual and a female 

small-business owner. 

“I think in a lot of ways women still 

face discrimination, but it is much better 

than in the nineties when I first started,” 

Aneliese says. “But Wilmington has 

always embraced me, my family, the 

business. That has always been true.” 

The best testament to this fact? 

After 28 years, Carolina Cleaning 

Services is still retaining some of its 

original customers. Aneliese and her 

team receive hand-written cards of 

appreciation, emphatic online reviews, 

and the glowing recommendations of 

satisfied clients. With an emphasis on 

fair prices and consistency in quality, 

it’s really no wonder that the team is an 

established and well-loved part of their 

customers’ lives. 

“I don’t think it should be a luxury 

to have your house cleaned,” Aneliese 

says. “What we do is we create free 

time for people so they can enjoy their 

life and be with the people they love.” 

carolinacleaning.net W 

EMPOWERED 

TO SUCCEED 

Small class sizes, individual attention, 

and a rich array of opportunities allow 

students to develop unique gifts and instill 

the desire to reach their highest potential. 

3900 South College Road | Wilmington, NC 28412 

910.791.0287 | CapeFearAcademy.org 


The Continuum Tribute Wall, 

located in the Heritage Garden 

on the Wilmington campus, was 

designed by Toby Keeton and 

Michael Kersting at Kersting 

Architecture, and is meant 

to reflect how the individual 

journeys of our lives leave an 

indelible mark on the world. 

Quality of Life is Always 

Center Stage 

LifeCare’s Last Chance for White Pants Gala honors the needs of veterans 

By VERA WILSON » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

AFTER A HOUSE-PARTY 

version in 2020 and outand-out 

cancellation in 2021 

due to COVID, the Lower 

Cape Fear LifeCare’s Last 

Chance for White Pants Gala will return 

in all its glory on August 27, 2022. But this 

year, it might just be okay to wear camo 

instead of white because a substantial 

portion of the proceeds will be going to 

support the organization’s We Honor 

Veterans program. 

“We Honor Veterans (WHV) is a national 

program that the National Hospice and 

Palliative Care Organization and the 

Department of Veterans Affairs created to 

serve our veterans at end-of-life,” explains 

Jason Clamme, LifeCare’s Director of 

Community Engagement, an organization 

whose mission is to help facilitate the 

highest quality of life for those living with 

a serious illness. LifeCare serves over 6300 

families with their hospice and palliative 

care each year. 

With the goal of supporting the people 

who devoted their lives to our country, 

LifeCare is seeking to become a Level 5 

partner, the highest ranking currently 

available to hospice organizations. 

Achieving Level 5 will ensure that 

partners place a greater emphasis on staff 

education and caring for Vietnam-era and 

combat veterans, according to the WHV 

website. Additionally, it states that Level 

5 partners will be taking on the role of 

regional mentor to other WHV partners 

working to enhance their programs. 

“It’s a yearlong process to get to Level 5,” 

says Clamme. “It’s much more intense than 

what the other levels have been, but we 

want to be the most respected and capable 

and prepared hospice organization that we 

can be to serve our veterans.” 

A key component to achieving a Level 

5 rank is to gain an understanding of the 

unique health care needs, both physical 

and emotional, of veterans who served in 

the Vietnam War and in turn, equip staff 

and volunteers with the right tools to assist 

them in their end-of-life journey. 

“Not only was their experience different 

— different type of warfare, different 

experiences on the battlefield — but also 

a different homecoming experience in 


(clockwise from above) Cindy Cheatham, 

the Senior Fundraising Executive for New 

Hanover County, Katie Tate, the Director of 

LifeCare’s Foundation, and Ashley McGee, 

the Chair for the Last Chance for White 

Pants Gala, the organization’s important 

annual fundraiser; The Butterfly Gazebo, 

part of the Children’s Memorial Garden at 

LifeCare’s Wilmington campus, features 

a chrysalis sculpture and a multitude of 

butterflies made by local artist Dumay 

Gorham, reminding visitors of the everchanging 

stages of life; Jason Clamme, 

Director of Community Engagement is 

hard at work getting LifeCare to the Level 

5 status, the highest ranking available to 

hospice organizations. 

how the nation saw them as veterans. The 

World War II vets were heroes; many of 

the Vietnam veterans had a completely 

different experience and have all the way 

since. Many of them don’t even want to talk 

about their time in the military, so we have 

to adapt to that and be able to better meet 

those needs,” explains Clamme. 

Currently operating at Level 4, LifeCare 

already has several programs already in 

place to support veterans. 

“We have what we call a vet-to-vet 

volunteer program. Our goal is that 

any patient of ours who is a veteran, we 

place them with a volunteer who is also a 

veteran, so they have a connection,” says 

Clamme. “We also have special recognition 

pinning ceremonies.” 

“We do a lot of education internally with 

our own staff so they are aware of PTSD 

and moral injury and things that might be 


Discussing logistics for the 

upcoming gala in between 

other LifeCare duties. 

resurfacing, especially at this time, and 

how we deal with that,” Clamme says. 

LifeCare also plays an active role in 

veteran-centric activities and events 

in the community, such as the annual 

Veterans Stand Down, an event that 

provides outreach to homeless veterans, 

and the Honor Flight program. They also 

have a seat at the table of local Veterans 

Council meetings. 

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare cares for 

patients and families in Bladen, Brunswick, 

Columbus, New Hanover, Onslow and 

centers throughout the community with onsite 

staff and state-of-the-art equipment. A 

new Memory Partners Program for people 

dealing with dementia or Alzheimer’s’ 

disease, and their caregivers, has 

been introduced. 

They also have an extensive grief program 

featuring counseling and workshops. And 

they go beyond serving families in their 

immediate care by working with children 

in schools and supporting people who 

live in their service area but who may 

have a loved one in hospice or palliative 

nonprofits, LifeCare is supported, to some 

extent, by fundraising events and the 

generosity of others. It’s estimated that 

they provided over $400,000 in benevolent 

care last year. 

“Fundraisers like Last Chance for White 

Pants support our mission to provide our 

services to everyone in our community,” 

says Tate. 

Ashley McGee is the Chair of this year’s 

gala which will take place in the hangar at 

ILM airport’s Modern Aviation, providing 

much-needed space for everyone who 

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare cares for patients and families in Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, 

New Hanover, Onslow and Pender counties in North Carolina, and Horry, Georgetown and 

Marion counties in South Carolina. 

Pender counties in North Carolina, and 

Horry, Georgetown and Marion counties 

in South Carolina. The recent expansion of 

LifeCare into parts of South Carolina means 

these veterans’ programs will eventually be 

available across nine Southeastern counties. 

LifeCare’s spectrum of support goes well 

beyond veterans. Hospice and palliative care 

are available to all who need it, supported 

by an interdisciplinary team that includes 

on-staff physicians and nurses, counselors, 

chaplains and volunteers. 

Although care is often provided at the 

home, LifeCare currently has three care 

care in another locale. Their Begin the 

Conversation program guides adults to 

communicate and document their end-oflife 

wishes, a subject many are reluctant to 

broach without some encouragement. 

These services are provided regardless 

of ability to pay, according to Katie Tate, 

LifeCare’s Director of Foundation. 

“One of our founding principles is that 

everyone deserves hospice and palliative 

care. So since day one, we’ve never turned 

anyone away,” Tate explains. 

Although partially funded by insurance 

or other reimbursement sources, like most 

wants to attend the always sold-out event. 

Cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres catered 

by Middle of the Island will be served, and 

the ever-popular Sleeping Booty will be the 

night’s entertainment. 

A silent auction which includes luxury 

items like trips and jewelry, as well as a 

raffle, will add to the fun of the evening. 

If you miss your chance to snag a ticket, 

mobile bidding will be available this year, 

starting about a week before the event. 

For further information about the gala 

or to learn about LifeCare, its services and 

volunteer opportunities, visit lifecare.org. W 


garden home design fashion 

Bluewater Surfaces owner 

Dustin Braudway, a thirdgeneration 

stone fabricator, 

recently helped with the 

natural stone selections 

to highlight the kitchen, 

fireplace, bathrooms, and 

laundry room when a local 

interior designer was making 

changes to her home. 


Stone-sourcing 

Design & 

Inspiration 

The creative use of carefully 

curated stone 

See page 62 


garden 

Folk Art for 

the Garden 

The legend and mystique of blue bottle trees 

Story and photos by CHRISTINE HALL 

Dating back to ninth 

century Congo, the 

belief is that the 

hanging blue bottles 

would capture evil 

spirits passing by. 

a tie to the Old Testament belief that trees 

represented freedom. 

Blue, specifically cobalt blue, became the 

most popular color for bottle trees. The belief 

was that this hue held healing powers. In 

fact, the blue color was sometimes referred 

to as “haint blue” — a Southern variation 

of the word "haunt" — referring to spirits 

or ghosts. Blue also represented water, and 

it was thought that spirits could not travel 

through water, thus keeping them at bay. 

Today, blue is one of the most common 

colors for bottle trees, although when 

travelling you may come upon trees of 

varying colors. 

Like a rite of passage, Harriet and I 

pulled up the wrought iron tree and placed 

each blue bottle safely in my car. I took 

it home and “planted” it near our small 

fishpond out back where our family could 

enjoy its reflecting color from the porch. 

While you may not be concerned with 

warding off evil spirits, you can still enjoy 

the peace, serenity and playfulness of a 

bottle tree in your own yard. Premade 

bottle trees made of rebar or other metals 

are readily available for purchase, yet if you 

are looking for a crafty summer project, try 

tackling this creation yourself. 

I 

WAS WORKING IN A 

friend’s backyard in Pinehurst on a 

hot Sandhills day helping to plant 

clusters of new accent shrubs and 

perennials. We were in the final 

stages of our project, when she pointed over 

to her side yard and said, “How do you feel 

about that, there?” 

“The wine bottles tree?” I asked, as I 

squinted toward cobalt-colored bottles 

perched atop wrought iron branches. “I like 

it,” I replied curiously. As an aficionado of 

art and a dash of whimsy, I told her I felt it 

added unique beauty to the landscape with 

its blue glass bottles reflecting the sun’s rays. 

“I think I’m ready for something new,” 

she said. “Would you like it?” 

My jaw dropped as sweat ran down 

my brow. “Sure, I would,” I said, holding 

excitement under my breath. “But are 

you sure?” 

As I examined the blue bottles, each 

unique in shape and texture, my friend 

Harriet shared the backstory of her bottle 

tree. It was a purchase made with a friend 

of hers many years ago while on a trip to 

South Carolina. The tree had stood proudly 

in her garden for over a decade, and now 

she was ready to share it with a new owner. 

As we packed up for the day and sunset 

neared, she asked if I knew the real history 

of bottle trees and how they came about. 

“You know, there is much more to this tree 

than its beauty,” she shared. 

“African peoples developed the practice of 

setting blue bottles in trees to capture evil 

spirits passing by,” she explained. “When 

the wind blew, glass bottles were known to 

emit a humming noise —signifying spirits 

had been captured overnight. The next day 

at sunrise, the rays of light would banish the 

spirits, leaving the residing peoples safe.” 

I soon learned that this folklore 

superstition dated back to ninth century 

Congo and was then passed on through 

generations. The tradition came to the 

U.S. through the slave trade in the 17th 

century, and bottle trees eventually 

appeared most often in crepe myrtles as 

well as other trees throughout the South, 

Creating Your Own Bottle Tree 

◗ Define a base for your tree, whether 

that be a wood post or metal rebar. 

Alternatively, you can look for dead or 

dying trees on your property and use 

those for your base. 

◗ Collect regular-sized wine or spirits 

bottles in colors to your liking. 

◗ If blue is your hue, blue spirit bottles, 

like that of Skyy Vodka or Bombay 

Sapphire Gin, go nicely with common 

green glassed bottles. 

◗ Remove all labels by soaking in vinegar 

and water. 

◗ Dig a hole in your yard and pour a 

concrete base, if needed, according to how 

compact your soil is. Insert your post into 

the ground and allow it to dry. 

◗ Drill holes around each side of the tree 

in alternating spaces. Use a downward 

angle and extend each hole about 2 to 

3 inches. 

◗ Insert metal rods and vary from 6 to 18 

inches to mimic branches. 

◗ Top with bottles of choice. 

◗ For an added touch, train vines to grow 

up the center section of your tree. W 


home 

Note the two different style 

window treatments, the mirrors 

and artwork, the farm table, 

chests and assorted chairs and 

light fixtures in the main living 

room of Shop of Seagate. 

A “Home” Front 

of Casual Coastal 

Elegance 

Sharing a love of design, a rotating inventory and 

meet-the-artist sessions with the Wilmington community 

By ELIZABETH SUGG » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

FOR 15 YEARS SHOP OF 

Seagate has been a hub of 

friendly design wisdom from 

its business that’s always 

been housed in a home. As 

owner Carol Patterson asserts, a house 

is the best way to show off the furnishings 

the versatile store can help homeowners 

source. From window treatments to 

furniture, lighting to mirrors, original 

artwork to home accessories, not to 

mention the jewelry and gifts on display 

on top of tables, bureaus and chests, the 

assortment is a one-stop-shop to easily 

furnish a house or to simply update 

elements in a room that may be showing 

some wear. And you are welcome to just 

come in and stay awhile as their longtime 

customers do. 

Begun in 2007 by Jayne Keels, Shop 

Carol Patterson, left, 

with Jayne Keels, who 

founded the business 

in 2007. 

of Seagate for its first 10 years was in 

a house a few blocks away before being 

torn down to make way for where Bradley 

Creek Station is now. Patterson and Keels 

knew each other through vestry at church, 

and Patterson had become a partner in 

2015 when she retired as a manager from 


(clockwise from above) Artist Michael 

Petronaci enjoys painting wildlife and 

water scenes; A dining table and chairs with 

pillows, plates and more; The friendly faces 

of Shop of Seagate (left to right): Kim Miller, 

owner Carol Patterson, interior designer 

Christian Harang, and artist Lisa Lightfoot. 

Brunswick Nuclear Plant. A storefront 

was never an option for the two partners’ 

vision, so when a house a hop, skip and 

a jump from its original location became 

available, Patterson bought it. With 

Keels phasing out of the business and 

Patterson trying to lure her interior 

designer daughter Christian Harang and 

her family to move to Wilmington, Shop of 

Seagate entered a new phase in 2018. 

Having an interior designer on staff has 

been a game-changing benefit to everyone 

who is a part of Shop of Seagate. That 

four-year degree means that Harang can 

consult in historic districts, an important 

distinction in the Wilmington area. It 

also means having the credentials to work 

on renovations that may require walls 

being moved, etc., which means taking on 

consultations that have more range and 

furnishing needs, a boon for this smartly 

run business. 

“Christian has taken us from ‘coastal 

chic’ to more her style, what we are 

calling ‘casual coastal elegance,’ explains 

Patterson. Harang worked as an interior 

designer in Naples, Florida, before moving 

back to her coastal North Carolina roots, 

and both experiences inform her desire to 

help people find their style, a blended look 

with a mix of the old and the new. That 

blend is what creates the warmth Shop of 

Seagate wants to channel into the homes 


A bedroom in the store 

shows off a chest of 

drawers, a child’s desk and 

bedside table in addition 

to an array of artwork. 

of their customers. 

“Our biggest claim to fame is that we 

are very friendly. We encourage people to 

take things out and try them, and we are 

willing to give people design tips,” says 

Patterson. She describes her inner interior 

decorator as having a “knack”, something 

Kim Miller who works regularly at the 

store after a busy day as a preschool 

teacher, also shares. 

Miller, who has a fashion merchandising 

background, describes the store’s approach 

as “a little old-fashioned in a business 

sense,” as she talks about customer service 

in general not being what it used to be. “I 

miss seeing it in the world, and I love that 

this place still has it.” 

When walking through the attractive 

rooms full of furnishings and ideas, 

artwork is everywhere, much of it original 

from a pool of artists who Shop of Seagate 

can organize commissions with. Two such 

artists are Lisa Lightfoot and Michael 

Petronaci, both with distinctive painting 

styles yet capturing the colors and 

landscapes that beckon people to want 

to settle in the Lower Cape Fear. The 

turnaround for such custom artwork is 

surprisingly reasonable, sometimes just a 

matter of weeks. 

Inspired by the natural beauty of coastal 

scenery and waterscapes, Petronaci 

captures such scenes with his paint 

brush. Lightfoot uses texture, soft hues 

of color, and layers of washes to create 

impressionist coastal vibes. Both artists 

have developed quite a following. 

Need a farm table, bedside tables or a 

coffee table that fits your room’s special 

dimensions? Shop of Seagate can assist in 

sourcing custom furniture through their 

artisans and carpenters, and this is an 

area where turnaround doesn’t get hung 

up with supply chain issues because it’s 

locally crafted. What does? Patterson says 

it’s often fabrics for special-order sofas or 

chairs that are coming from oversees but 

their team tries to help their customers 

navigate around varying timetables. 

“People want a plan,” says Miller. “Some 

people can’t visualize so they need help 

with paint colors, mirrors, tile, etc., and 

we are here to help them.” 

Seagate is the historic name of the area of 

Wilmington along Oleander Drive just past 

College Road as you drive to Wrightsville 

Beach. It once had a trolley line station 

that went to the beach, so named referring 

to the “gates to the sea.” This nugget is just 

the type of information you might pick up 

on a visit to Shop of Seagate, a store with a 

personal touch so rare to discover. You will 

feel right at home. 

Shop of Seagate is located at 5018 

Oleander Drive, 910-791-6622. Visit their 

Facebook page for more information. W 


design 

Much of the stone chosen 

is Brazilian quartzite, 

a stone that Braudway 

travels to South American 

to handpick that has the 

look of marble without 

the upkeep. 

The Creative Use of Stone 

New technologies expand the design and inspiration of stone for homeowners 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

WHEN A LOCAL 

interior designer 

was making changes 

to her own home, 

Bluewater Surfaces 

was the choice for natural stone selections 

to highlight the kitchen, fireplace, 

bathrooms and laundry room. 

Interior Designer Bridgett Mazer 

worked with Bluewater Surfaces Owner 

Dustin Braudway, a third-generation stone 

fabricator, and his team as she renovated her 

Landfall home from a traditional into more 

of a modern look. Much of the space features 

Brazilian quartzite, a stone that Braudway 

travels to South American to handpick. 

“Quartzite is metamorphic sandstone,” 

Braudway said. “You get the look of 

natural marble without the maintenance 

of marble.” 

The project took about four weeks to 

complete and was finished last fall, he says. 

Braudway explains how he loves the 

challenge of complex, artistic projects that 

require a lot of attention to detail, such 

as custom sinks. He particularly enjoys 

going directly to the source to find new 

stones that will wow his clients. 

“I’m known for the more unique stones 

in Southeastern North Carolina because 

I go and pick them out and import them 

myself,” Braudway says. “I travel to 

Stone countertops with 

undermount sinks and new 

fixtures give each bathroom a 

modern uplift. 


(clockwise from above) A stone backsplash 

with a helpful ledge for the active cook; A 

custom sink area in the master bath with 

gold fixtures, sconces and mirror is stunning; 

The clean lines of the custom stone mantle 

and hearth. 

places like Brazil, Italy, Turkey, India 

and China about three to four times per 

year. It is a passion to get to visit the 

places it comes from.” 

Braudway is always on the lookout 

for stones with coastal color palettes 

because he works on a lot of vacation 

homes in Wrightsville Beach and Figure 

Eight Island. 

In addition to stone varieties and colors, 

advances in how stones are being used 

offer many unique options for homeowners 

looking to do something stunning and 

creative, Braudway says. 

“I’m excited about how we’re 

implementing technology into the 

countertops and wall features and 

fireplaces,” he says, and elaborates, “We’re 

starting to do a lot of translucent natural 

stones that we apply lights to and transmit 

light through them. You can tell Alexa to 

turn on the wall.” 

Another recent trend Braudway 

has noticed is induction cooktops that 

eliminate the need for a traditional stove. 

Not everyone is an interior designer, so 

it can be overwhelming when embarking 

on your own remodel project. Braudway 

says it’s important to do your homework 

first.“I always tell people to work with local 

designers and get as many inspiration 

pictures as they can so that the designer 

can put together a working project board 

to achieve the look desired,” he says. 

Bluewater Surfaces is located 

at 4022 Market St., Wilmington: 

bluewatersurfaces.com or 910-547-1980. W 


Island Passage 

Lumina Passage 

islandpassageclothing.com 

Geometric Print jumpsuit 

from Veronica M, $118; 

Platform sandal from Dolce 

Vita, $140; Leather Tote from 

Hobo, $288; I-Sea Polarized 

Sunglasses, $36; Necklaces 

from Bracha Butterfly, $64; 

Pink channel, $52. 

Fashion 

Takes 

Flight 

Bloke 


Khaki Henley, $48; Denim, 

$188; Suede Boot, $185. 

These edgy and elegant 

looks will have you ready 

for take off at a moment’s notice. 

Our local retailers have the 

eye and selection to create an 

ensemble for whatever summer 

adventure you have in store. 

The combinations may stir up 

so much fabulous attention that 

some ground level air traffic 

control is needed. Wherever 

the runway takes you, 

enjoy creating your 

own fashion blitz. 

Photography - MIRA ADWELL 

Styling - KELLY HILLEGASS 

Models - JESSI AND JAY BYARS 

Special Thanks to MODERN AVIATION 


Lula Balou 

lulabalou.com 

Silver Earring, $24; 

Silver Cuffs, $30; 

Garden Dress, $74; 

Premiere Heel, $84; 

Hubbard Tote, $88. 


Coolsweats 

coolsweatsatthebeach.com 

The Prima Ankle Jeans, $188; 

Poof Sleeve Top, $172. 


Ziabird 

ziabird.com 

Beaded Necklace with 

Pendant and Tassel, $358; 

Beached Necklace with 

Tassel, $390; Kenda Kist 

Triangle Hoop, $100; 

Tunica Bacca, $395; Faye 

Slip, $148; Jackie Italian 

Printed Velvet Purse, 

$725; Cuff, $220. 


Monkee's of Wilmington 

monkeeswilmington.com 

Madeline Earring, $225; 

Ankara Blush Dress, $205; 

Ever Dior Gold Sunglasses, 

$530; Metallic Napa Leather 

Platino, $242. 

68 | | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com

Blended Shoes & Apparel 

shopblended.com 

Mykonos II Sunglasses, $195; 

Lauryn Knit Top, $180; Billie 

Pant, $270; Lolita Bandana 

Tote, $119; Davia heel, $130. 

July May /August /June 2022 | | 69

Bloke 


Embroider Bomber, $298; 

Supima Cotton Tee, $42; 

Stretch Chino, $88. 


Zia Boutique 

shopziaboutique.com 

Alid Square Hoop, $70; 

Andreina Knit Dress, $118; 

Leven Dress Slide, $170. 


Aidyrose 

(located inside Blue Moon 

Gift Shops) 

aidyrose.com 

Boater Hat, $45; Rose 

Pendant, $18; Chain T-bar 

Necklace, $20; Rectangle 

Bracelet, $20; Trista Maxi 

Dress, $84; Ivory beaded 

basket, $48. 


Camille's of Wilmington 


Black Gown, $399; Tear 

Drop Earring, $49; Silver 

Necklace, $99. 

Burgundy Tuxedo Jacket, 

$199; Ultra Slim Pants, $80; 

Bowtie, $16. 


BEST 

2022 

of 


The High Tide 

Terrace at 

downtown’s 

Ruth’s Chris 

Steak House. 

Wilmington Magazine's Readers Choice 

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

For another year, you voted and we listened when it comes to your favorite places around the 

Wilmington area. Whether a coastal native or new to region, use this guide to help you shop, 

dine or locate a specific service — do you need a wedding planner, vet clinic, or personal trainer? 

Read on to find who to call and where to go — it’s our Reader’s Choice! 


By RAY LINVILLE

APARTMENT COMPLEX 

Pier 33 Apartments 

910-505-9094 

pier33apartments.com 

Nestled along the northern 

Cape Fear River at the New 

Port City Marina, Pier 33 is 

area’s finest luxury waterfront 

community. Located steps from 

downtown and the Riverwalk, 

it features lavish design and 

offers the finest in luxury 

amenities, all with waterfront 

views of the Cape Fear River 

and the charming coastal 

landscape of Wilmington’s 

River District. Pier 33 was 

designed for relaxing and 

savoring the good things 

in life. 

ARCHITECT 

John Stirewalt Architect 

910-686-3131 

johnstirewaltarchitect.com 

This firm maintains a high 

level of architectural design 

while meeting each client’s 

expectations, visions, and 

budgets. It prides itself in 

creating stylish and awardwinning 

designs. In addition 

to designing over 110 new 

homes on Figure Eight 

Island and renovating an 

additional 60 there, the firm 

has designed other prestigious 

homes in Wrightsville Beach, 

Wilmington, Landfall, River 

Landing, Topsail Beach 

and along the Intracoastal 

Waterway. 

easy-going lifestyle as well 

as a continuum of healthcare 

services in the same connected 

building for unparalleled access 

and convenience. 

ATTORNEY 

Amanda Mason 

910-444-3505 

masonmasonlaw.com 

Amanda Mason provides 

services in family law and 

civil litigation for individuals 

and businesses. When 

clients are facing separation, 

divorce, or child custody 

issues, she aggressively 

protects and pursues their 

rights. For domestic and 

family law matters, she uses 

her extensive courtroom 

experience to help clients 

navigate through the toughest 

of times. She has assisted 

businesses, professionals, 

banks, and individuals with a 

broad range of litigation needs, 

both in and out of court. 

BANK 

South State Bank 

800-277-2175 

southstatebank.com 

A regional bank that opened in 

Sharing construction 

of a science project at 

Cape Fear Academy. 

1934 and is located throughout 

the Southeast, SouthState 

Bank can offer solutions from 

a personal financial plan to 

corporate financing. As it 

serves more communities than 

ever before, it has more than 

275 convenient branches and 

ATMs in North Carolina and 

five neighboring states. The 

SouthState mobile app lets you 

securely pay bills, send money, 

and manage your accounts 

anytime, anywhere. For years, 

it’s been helping customers find 

their success. 

BLINDS, SHUTTERS, 

& WINDOW TREATMENTS 

Wilmington Blind Shutter 

& Closet Co. 

910-799-8101 

wilmingtonblind.com 

Do you know how well-designed 

window fashions do more than 

simply cover a window? They are 

beautiful to live with, provide 

variable light control, insulate 

rooms against heat and cold 

while saving energy, protect 

furnishings from damaging UV 

BEST Service 

rays, and even absorb sound, 

improving the acoustics in a 

room. This company sells topquality 

window treatments from 

Hunter Douglas, a name you can 

trust. Bring your furry friends 

to help you choose the perfect 

window treatments for your 

home. The showroom is 

dog-friendly. 

BOAT DEALER 

MarineMax 

910-256-8100 

marinemax.com 

Let MarineMax help you create 

family memories centered 

on the water and explore the 

unknown, which sometimes is 

a place but, more frequently 

and importantly, is a state of 

mind that’s unlocked only by 

water. Boating opens doors 

that connect you with family, 

friends, and places. MarineMax 

is more than a dealer. Its 

customers get access to a 

wealth of experience that can 

match them with the perfect 

boat from an unparalleled 

diversity of brands and models. 

ASSISTED LIVING CENTER 

Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall 

910-769-7500 

carolinabayatautumnhall.com 

A continuing care retirement 

community, Carolina Bay is the 

home for active residents who 

want to live their lives to the 

fullest and on their own terms. 

With several options for floor 

plans and styles, a large array 

of activities and amenities, 

and customizable services and 

onsite health care services, 

Carolina Bay offers a charming, 


BEST Service 

CAR DEALERSHIP 

Bob King Automall 

910-782-2982 

bobking.com 

Female-owned and operated, 

Bob King Automall has been 

serving the Carolinas since 

1972. They treat the needs of 

each customer with paramount 

concern. They know that you 

have high expectations, and 

as a car dealer they enjoy 

the challenge of meeting and 

exceeding those standards. 

The experienced sales staff is 

eager to share their knowledge 

and enthusiasm with you, and 

they encourage you to browse 

the online inventory, schedule 

a test drive, and investigate 

financing options. 

CREDIT UNION 

Corning Credit Union 

910-392-6688 

corningcu.org 

CCU is people helping people. 

A member-owned, not-forprofit, 

independent financial 

organization, they are dedicated 

to delivering quality, convenient, 

and knowledgeable service to 

each of their members. For over 

a quarter of a century, CCU 

has experienced strong, safe, 

and continued growth with a 

total commitment to serving 

its members. The integrity of 

its time-tested, conservative 

business practices has led them 

to a position of strength and will 

continue to provide a foundation 

for future growth. 

DAYCARE 

Milestone Learning Center 

910-452-3202 

milestonesilm.com 

This locally owned and operated 

full-day childcare center 

serves infants through prekindergartners. 

They believe 

children learn and thrive in a 

hands-on learning environment 

with caring and nurturing 

caregivers. 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 two-daya-week 

options. 

FINANCIAL ADVISOR 

Masonboro Advisors 

910-742-0509 

masonboroadvisors.com 

This team of financial planners 

works hard to understand your 

personal needs, goals, and risk 

tolerance to design a financial 

plan that works for you. They 

not only take into consideration 

your financial goals, but they 

also include stage of life, risk 

assessment, and future cash 

flow requirements. Their goal 

is to prepare you for today, 

tomorrow, and whatever life 

brings. They are 100 percent 

committed to helping people just 

like you create solutions for their 

retirement assets. 

FLOORING COMPANY 

Ed Newsome’s 

Hardwood Floors 

910-791-9000 

newsomefloors.com 

Established in 1985, Ed 

Newsome’s has become one of 

the most recognized hardwood 

installation and finishing 

companies in the area. With 

locations in Wilmington 

and Southport, the company 

is known for its excellent 

craftsmanship and service. It 

provides a variety of products 

and services such as unfinished 

and pre-finished hardwood 

flooring, inlaid medallions, shoe 

molding, stair treads, banisters, 

and hardwood floor sanding 

and finishing. 

FUNERAL HOME 

Coble Ward-Smith Funeral 

& Cremation Service 

910-791-4444 

dignitymemorial.com 

For more than 80 years, this 

service has cared for area 

families by creating personal 

and thoughtful tributes 

to honor loved ones. The 

experienced and compassionate 

staff consistently goes above 

and beyond to ensure families 

receive excellent service and 

personal care. They will help 

you create a service that 

speaks to the unique life 

of your loved one, whether 

it’s a traditional religious 

funeral or a contemporary and 

upbeat celebration of life. 

HEATING & AIR 

Wilmington Air 

910-791-1988 

wilmingtonair.com 

Wilmington Air with locations 

in Wilmington, Topsail, and 

Carolina Beach is a residential 

and commercial HVAC service 

and installation company that 

is dedicated to providing a high 

standard of service. Founded 

10 years ago, the company has 

been built on the traditional 

values of trust, hard work, 

and genuine care for their 

customers. When you need 

service, you can rely on their 

speedy team to be out quickly 

and recommend the best 

solution for your home 

and budget. 

HOME AUDIO 

Connected Home 

910-317-0876 

connectedhomenc.com 

From start to finish, Connected 

Home is completely dedicated 

to fulfilling the audio/video 

dreams of their customers. They 

specialize in home theater, audio 

and video, home automation, 

and home security installation 

and support. They specialize 

in the latest home control 

technologies for smart homes 

that keep you well connected, 

even when you are away from 

your home. Let them show you 

how convenient and easy to use 

your connected home can be. 

HOME BUILDER 

Stevens Fine Homes 

910-794-8699 

stevensfinehomes.com 

This award-winning, thirdgeneration 

family business 

has built over 3,000 homes in 

more than 60 communities. 

As they serve customers, they 

listen and consistently strive to 

be leaders in innovation. You 

can find a design style among 

their expertly designed home 

packages or create your home 

with their online tool. Whether 

you are the value-driven buyer 

looking for more square footage 

or the luxury-minded buyer 

looking for high-end features, 

their design packages have 

something for everyone. 

It’s time to take your 

pet to the Best Of 2022 

groomer and vet. 


HOME CLEANING SERVICE 

Carolina Cleaning Services 

910-790-4589 

carolinacleaning.net 

A local, family-owned company 

that has been providing 

professional cleaning services 

since 1994, Carolina Cleaning 

offers custom residential and 

commercial cleaning with 

affordable rates, outstanding 

quality, and a personal touch. 

Their services are available on 

a weekly, biweekly, or monthly 

basis or as a one-time cleaning. 

Their move-in/move-out 

package is a smart solution for 

landlords, renters, Realtors, and 

homeowners. They also work with 

property management companies 

and clean short- and long-term 

rental units year around. 

Voted Best Of 2022 

Landscaper, let Low 

Country Landscape help 

you find a peaceful view 

wherever you live. 

He focuses on treating everyone 

with respect and kindness while 

providing professional service. 

State Farm is the largest auto 

insurance provider in the U.S., 

and you can even save more by 

combining the purchase of auto 

and home policies. 

Let MarineMax help 

with your boat selection. 

HOME SECURITY 

Holmes Security Systems 

910-793-4181 

holmeselectricsecurity.com 

Holmes Security Systems is a 

leader in the residential and 

commercial security industry. 

The company provides its clients 

with up-to-date technology 

and service and uses the latest 

advances in custom-designed 

security systems, commercial 

fire alarm systems, camera 

systems, and more. With 

hometown people serving 

hometown customers with high 

standards, Holmes stands apart 

from national chain companies. 

They pride themselves on being 

local and providing state-ofthe-art 

equipment and superior 

customer service. 

INSURANCE PROVIDER 

State Farm, 

Jonathan Calhoun 

910-632-2397 

yourwilmingtonagent.com 

A home-grown Wilmington local, 

Jonathan Calhoun is ready to 

assist the coastal community 

with auto and home insurance. 

In addition to auto and home 

insurance, he also protects what 

matters most with life insurance. 

INTERIOR DESIGNER 

Gathered, Lindsey Cheek 

910-769-7318 

gatheredgroup.com 

The design studio and curated 

boutique at Gathered have been 

bringing the best together since 

2015. They specialize in new 

construction and whole-home 

renovation. The homes they 

create are flawlessly 

fresh, comfortable, and designed 

to withstand kids, pets, red 

wine, and all of life’s messy 

best. Their process is creative, 

cohesive, and ready to support 

you at every step. Lindsey 

Cheek, owner and principal 

designer, has superpowers 

to design for both beauty 

and function as she creates 

something unique for each client. 

KITCHEN & BATH RENOVATIONS 

Redline Construction 

910-808-1496 

redlinecarolina.com 

A remodeling project can 

add value and improve the 

functionality of your house now 

and also make it more attractive 

when you decide to sell. Whether 

you’re looking to remodel your 

home, repair a problem, or finish 

a project you’ve been putting off, 

let Redline Construction help 

you bring your vision to life. 

It is a local residential 

construction company that 

specializes in renovations, 

restorations, and additions and 

exceeds customer expectations 

with their quality service. 

LANDSCAPER 

Low Country Landscape 

910-200-1489 

lowcountrylandscaping.com 

Low Country Landscape is 

proud to provide landscape 

design and build services for 

discriminating homeowners. 

With over 25 years of 

experience, it provides 

exceptional, customer-oriented 

landscaping, outdoor living 

spaces, and lawn and landscape 

maintenance services. With 

extensive landscape experience, 

it is able to offer very forwardthinking 

designs and 

craftsmanship. It works closely 

with customers to design and 

implement the perfect plan that 

blends their landscaping dreams 

and the characteristics of their 

homes and lawns. 

MORTGAGE COMPANY 

Angel Oak Home Loans 

910-839-0100 

angeloakhomeloans.com 

A full-service lender, Angel 

Oak Home Loans focuses on 

providing innovative mortgage 

loan products to its borrowers. 

Its lending options include 

traditional financing along with 

a portfolio suite of products for 

borrowers who fall outside strict 

conventional guidelines. With 

its efficient loan process, it can 

achieve a quick close and help 

homebuyers achieve their dream 

of owning a home. Because 

Angel Oak understands each 

client’s mortgage needs, it can 

guide them through the loan 

process effectively. 


BEST Service 

PEST CONTROL 

Jay Taylor Exterminating 

910-387-4767 

jaytaylorexterminating.com 

Jay Taylor Exterminating has 

a long history of success, and 

it all starts with the family’s 

genuine interest in the business. 

Founded in 1941 and run by 

four generations of Taylors since 

then, this company provides 

quality extermination, pest 

control, termite control, and 

other services. Known for its 

superior customer service, the 

firm responds quickly, fulfills 

each customer’s expectations 

completely, sends only highly 

trained technicians, and offers 

complete flea, termite, bedbug, 

and other pest control services. 

PET GROOMER 

Bark Avenue Pet Salon 

& Grooming 

910-795-8782 

facebook.com/Barkavenue. 

wilmington 

At this locally owned, fullservice 

grooming salon, the 

professional team and friendly 

staff love all pets and treat 

them as if they were their own. 

Need a wedding 

planner? Our Best 

Of 2022 winner is 

Belle Âme Events. 

All pets are in great care while 

they visit the salon, which 

covers the spectrum of a pet's 

grooming needs. You can feel 

secure knowing that your pet is 

in a responsible, loving, gentle 

environment. They provide 

special, gentle care to aging dogs 

and cats as well as pets that 

require special treatment. 

PLUMBING 

Paxton Plumbing Services 

910-620-5637 

paxtonplumber.com 

A family-owned and operated 

business, Paxton has over 25 

years of hands-on experience 

with many plumbing challenges. 

They can fix any plumbing 

problem, big or small. From 

the kitchen to the bathroom, 

from clogged pipes to faucet 

repairs, they are ready to 

help. They can fix sewer lines, 

water lines, faucets, toilets, 

water heaters, and much 

more. Because they have the 

knowledge and work ethic to 

complete every job to your 

satisfaction, they are the local 

plumbing contractors that you 

can trust. 

PRIVATE SCHOOL 

Cape Fear Academy 

910-218-7190 

capefearacademy.org 

Cape Fear Academy is a 

learning community committed 

to developing individual 

potential and preparing each 

student for success in college 

and life. The strong studentteacher 

relationships foster 

accountability and instill a 

desire to excel. CFA delivers 

measurable results, such as 

100 percent of its graduates are 

accepted for college. In addition, 

81 percent are accepted to 

the school of their first choice. 

These results are not surprising 

because CFA has a student-toteacher 

ratio of nine to one. 

REAL ESTATE 

Intracoastal Realty 

910-256-4503 

intracoastalrealty.com 

Intracoastal Realty has spent 

over 45 years building its 

business and reputation, one 

handshake at a time. It is a fullservice 

real estate brokerage 

specializing in residential real 

estate, property management 

(long-term and vacation), and 

project development. More than 

half of its annual business 

is derived from referrals by 

former or current clients and 

close contacts. Its clients have 

witnessed the results of a 

commitment to exceptional 

marketing, world-class client 

service, and continuous followup 

after a sale. 

TAX PREP 

J. Thomas Accounting 

910-523-5589 

capefeartaxilm.com 

Joelle Thomas loves helping 

clients navigate the everchanging 

tax landscape and 

focuses on providing tax 

and accounting services to 

small businesses and their 

owners. She is experienced 

in corporate, partnership, 

individual, and non-profit 

tax preparation. She is an 

Enrolled Agent admitted 

to practice before the IRS, 

holds the Accredited Tax 

Preparer credential from 

the Accreditation Council for 

Accountancy and Taxation, and 

is a member of the National 

Society of Accountants and 

the National Association of 

Tax Preparers. 

VETERINARIAN 

Coastal Carolina 

Animal Hospital 

910-792-9600 

coastalcarolinaanimalhospital.com 

Established in 1998, Coastal 

Carolina Animal Hospital is 

owned by Dr. Peter Dugan, 

a licensed and highly skilled 

veterinarian with over 25 

years of experience. He 

understands that your furry 

friend is an important member 

of your family. This is why the 

hospital provides the absolute 

best healthcare for your pet’s 

well-being. Whether your pet 

requires a routine vaccination, 

a nutrition plan or surgery, 

count on Dr. Dugan and his 

amazing team members 

who are highly skilled and 

compassionate. 

WEDDING PLANNER 

Belle Âme Events, 

Jennifer Wilson 

910-620-2140 

belleameweddings.com 

Belle Âme Events is a fullservice 

event design, planning, 

and coordination company 

that specializes in weddings, 

social gatherings, and private 

events. The company is inspired 

by Jennifer Wilson’s love for 

wedding design and event 

planning. Whether you are 

looking for a wedding planner to 

guide you through the complete 

planning and design process, 

assist with only some of the 

details, or simply orchestrate the 

day of your wedding, she is here 

to make your day as stress-free 

as possible. 


BARRE 

E-Motion 

910-679-8849 

emotionfitnessandstudio.com 

E-motion is a mission-driven 

facility that combines movement, 

community, and specialized 

training to support individuals 

on a personal journey of both 

inner and outer transformation. 

A team of exceptionally trained 

individuals is passionate about 

helping you set and achieve your 

goals. The objective is to live in 

a world where everyone is able 

to move well, feel well, and live 

well in order to heal, connect, 

and inspire each other through 

unconditional love. 

DAY SPA 

Glo MedSpa 

910-256-2690 

glomedspa.com 

This spa offers treatments 

in a beautiful, friendly, and 

relaxed boutique setting with 

experienced, licensed esthetic 

and medical professionals. Its 

job is to listen to your concerns 

and develop a plan to help you 

feel younger and more confident. 

It believes wholeheartedly in 

the importance of professional, 

scientifically-based treatments. 

Whether you are seeking a 

consultation for injectables, 

skincare regimens, anti-aging 

treatments, fat reduction, or 

acne treatments, the team at Glo 

MedSpa can help. 

Play your next round of 

golf at Beau Rivage. 

EXERCISE FACILITY 

Planet Fitness 

910-772-1331 

planetfitness.com 

All members enjoy unlimited 

access to a home club and 

the support of a friendly, 

knowledgeable staff anytime 

they need it. If you are looking 

for extra guidance or inspiration 

to meet your fitness goals, as a 

member, you can take advantage 

of free fitness training. Planet 

Fitness provides a clean, safe, 

welcoming environment for 

anyone who walks through the 

door and all the equipment, 

amenities, and support you need 

when you’re there. 

GOLF COURSE 

Beau Rivage 

800-628-7080 

beaurivagegolf.com 

Make your escape from the flat 

terrain of the coastal region 

and enjoy a refreshingly unique 

golf experience. Amid gently 

rolling hills, willowy pines, 

and aesthetically designed 

lakes, the 18-hole course is 

dramatically landscaped with 

elevation changes up to 75 

feet and lots of bunkers. The 

elevated and contoured greens 

are planted with an ultra-dwarf 

bermudagrass that thrives near 

the coast. 

PILATES 

Studio Wilmington Pilates 

919-440-0401 

studiopilates.com 

Get ready to discover your 

new fitness obsession with 

high energy, inspiring 

classes, uplifting music and a 

luxurious workout space. Fastpaced, 

intense classes deliver 

incredible total body sculpting 

workouts to challenge you 

mentally and physically. With 

innovative video technology 

and world-class instructors, 

you can focus on perfecting 

your technique. The science of 

sequencing and ever-changing 

workouts keep your body 

BEST Beauty & Fitness 

For a skilled haircut 

and beard trim, head to 

Tad’s Barber Shop. 

guessing and give you the 

results you want. 

PLASTIC SURGEON 

La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery 

910-338-5900 

labellevieps.com 

La Belle Vie Plastic Surgery is 

a surgical and medical office 

with state-of-the-art equipment 

as well as beautiful decor and 

surroundings. They enhance, 

restore, and rejuvenate the face 

and body to increase self-esteem 

and empower their patients. 

Dr. Jeff Church is experienced 

in all aspects of cosmetic and 

reconstructive surgery and has 

special interests in breast and 

body contouring. Whether it is 

body sculpting or anti-aging 

treatments, their goal is a 

fresher, more youthful look with 

extraordinary patient care and 

satisfaction. 

SALON/BARBER FOR MEN 

Tad’s Barber Shop 

910-619-6653 

facebook.com/tadsbarbershop1 

If you’ve ever had a less than 

pleasing experience at a barber 

shop, you will appreciate even 

more the great service and 

exceptional people skills at this 

local family-owned barber shop 

in Wilmington established by 

Tad Thomas. At this classy 

barbershop with a touch of 

modern, you can expect a 

superior haircut and a great 

beard trim every time you 

visit. The barbers are skilled 

at quickly making connections 

with clients and using 

communication to enhance the 

quality of their work. 

SALON FOR WOMEN 

Delphine & James Salon 

901-399-3518 

delphineandjames.com 

At Delphine & James, they 

love hair. This full-service hair 

salon in downtown Wilmington 

is known for exceptional 

quality haircuts, color services, 

styling, and treatments. They 

are dedicated to high-quality 

services as well as continual 

education and training for the 

staff. Located in a renovated 

historical building that dates to 

the early 1940s, the salon has 

retained many of the original 

fixtures and details. Expect 

beautiful art deco inspired 

details, a jungle of plants, 

friendly faces, and a relaxing 

environment for your services. 


BEST Attractions & Destinations 

ART GALLERY 

Eclipse Artisan Boutique 

910-799-9883 

eclipseartisanboutique.com 

A winner in this category 

each year since 2014, Eclipse 

is definitely your favorite art 

gallery. Because it has such 

loyal customers and a neverending 

array of artisans and 

goods, this trend likely will 

continue indefinitely. Launched 

in November 2013, it has 

continually captured the element 

of surprise with made-to-order 

pieces from their many talented 

artists. Collections include 

original paintings, custom 

furniture, sculpture, pottery, 

glass, jewelry, photography, 

and textiles. 

BOWLING 

Ten Pin Alley 

910-452-5455 

tenpinalleybowling.com 

Bowling is an easy sport to 

learn and a challenging sport 

to master. For the little ones, 

bumpers are added so they 

enjoy a fun game. For the 

enthusiast, they are the only 

center in Wilmington to offer 

synthetic lanes. Ten Pin is the 

perfect destination for your next 

corporate event, private birthday 

party, or a casual get-together 

with friends. Check out the 24 

synthetic bowling lanes, two 

full-service bars, game rooms, 

and the area’s largest pool hall. 

HOTEL 

Blockade Runner 

877-684-8009 

blockade-runner.com 

At Blockade Runner, the culture 

centers around hospitality — 

it’s just part of the vibe. You’re 

their guest, but you’re also part 

of their community. They’ve 

fostered that concept since 

the beginning, and that’s why 

generations of families have 

enjoyed coming back since 1964. 

Time spent here with family 

and friends is cherished and 

remembered, particularly with 

unique opportunities like an 

American Sailing Association 

certified sailing school, ecopaddle 

tours, harbor cruises, 

surfing, and many other special 

programs to create new and 

lasting memories. 

MALL 


910-256-0900 

luminastation.com 

At Lumina Station, the shopping 

village by the beach, you will 

discover a charming collection 

of locally owned boutiques, 

distinctive restaurants, and 

lifestyle services that can’t be 

found anywhere else in the 

Wilmington area. The beautiful 

landscaping, whimsical 

sculptures, storybook bridges, 

and other welcoming features 

make for a truly special 

shopping experience. Whether 

you come to shop, dine, or relax, 

you will enjoy a one-of-a-kind 

atmosphere where good times 

are a tradition. 

The WWII Battleship USS 

North Carolina is a National 

Historic Landmark. 

MARINA 

Seapath Marina and 

Yacht Club 

910-256-3747 

seapathyachtclub.com 

Adjacent to both the 

Intracoastal Waterway and 

the Masonboro Inlet from 

the Atlantic Ocean, Seapath 

provides great protection and 

is located in a no-wake zone in 

Wrightsville Beach. All slips are 

equipped with power, water, and 

wireless internet. It is a premier 

transient stop and provides 

first-class floating docks, 

including 190 slips and 600 feet 

of face dock. The friendly staff 

members are eager to assist in 

any way possible. 

MUSEUM 

Battleship USS 

North Carolina 

910-399-9100 

battleshipnc.com 

Preserved as a museum ship 

in its namesake state, the 

USS North Carolina is an 

authentically restored World 

War II battleship and a 

National Historic Landmark. 

It is also a memorial honoring 

the 11,000 North Carolinians 

of all branches of service who 

gave their lives in World War 

II. Visitors are encouraged to 

explore nine levels of the ship. 

Because it receives no funding 

from any governmental source, 

the Friends of the Battleship 

was formed as a non-profit to 

support the ship and 

restoration efforts. 

NEW NEIGHBORHOOD 

Riverlights 

910-405-1234 

riverlightsliving.com 

Riverlights is the perfect place 

for the young and the youngat-heart. 

Your day can just as 

easily be spent stretched out on 

a picnic blanket under the live 

oaks, dancing at a concert in 

Marina Village, chatting with 

neighbors around a crackling 

fire, or walking your dog 

around the lake. The hub of the 

community is Marina Village 

where you can browse through 

unique shops, enjoy a riverfront 

snack, or listen to a concert in 

the park. 

WEDDING RECEPTIONS 

Shell Island Resort 

910-344-0888 

shellisland.com 

If you've always dreamed of 

being barefoot in the sand when 

you say "I do," look no further 

than Shell Island Resort for all 

of your wedding and reception 

needs. Wedding parties adore 

the beachside ceremony access, 

oceanview ballroom with floorto-ceiling 

windows overlooking 

the Atlantic, and soundview 

ballroom with pocket windows 

looking out at the Intracoastal 

Waterway. The premier resort 

hotel at Wrightsville Beach 

with all oceanfront suites is a 

wonderful place to celebrate 

while enjoying the sound of 

the waves. 


ALLERGIST 

Allergy Partners 

910-239-9584 

allergypartners.com 

The only board-certified 

allergists in the southeastern 

N.C. area, Allergy Partners and 

its physicians always provide 

personalized and direct care 

during office visits. They offer 

allergy testing and allergy 

shots, which is one of the most 

effective ways of managing 

asthma and allergies, as 

well as the newest therapies 

available for treating asthma 

and allergies. Get tested, 

get treated, and get better at 

Allergy Partners. 

AUDIOLOGIST 

Wilmington Hearing 

Specialists 

910-427-0541 

hearinghealthcare.net 

Good hearing allows us to live 

our everyday lives without 

limitations. Hearing empowers 

and enriches our lives so that we 

can communicate, socialize, work, 

drive and relax. Each hearing loss 

is unique in its own way. Because 

patients have unique lifestyles, 

each one is provided with tailored 

hearing solutions that fit their 

lifestyle and budgetary needs. 

Modern technology is combined 

with compassionate care so that 

each patient is treated as 

an individual. 

Wilmington’s Best Of 2022 

include an adult/family 

dentist and a pediatric 

dental practice as well. 

CHIROPRACTOR 

Atlantic Coast Chiropractic 

910-798-0101 

atlanticcoastchiro.com 

Atlantic Coast Chiropractic 

emphasizes improving your 

health in an effort to reduce 

the risk of pain and illness. 

Patients are recognizing the 

benefit of seeking an alternative 

to traditional medicine — one 

that helps them to achieve and 

maintain optimal health. To 

fully understand the nature of 

your health, they recommend 

that you join their free website 

membership program. They 

offer many cutting-edge 

services, including whole body 

cryotherapy, that allow them to 

treat a wide variety of conditions. 

DENTIST (ADULT) 

Family Dental Care 

of Wilmington 

910-795-2602 

tremandental.com 

Voted best dentists for a fifth 

year in a row, this family dental 

practice accepts patients of all 

ages. The doctors are devoted to 

providing the kind of gentle care 

that will give patients the beautiful 

smiles they want and need. They 

take pride in offering exceptional 

dental care at a price you can 

afford. From teeth whitening to 

veneers, they can help you feel 

great about your smile. 

DENTIST (PEDIATRIC) 

Parkhurst & Belisle, DDS 

910-392-1905 

parkhurstbelisle.com 

Highly regarded for its pediatric 

dental practice, this team 

of caring and experienced 

professionals is dedicated to 

providing personalized, gentle 

dental care. They also take great 

satisfaction in providing quality 

dental care for the entire family. 

The practice has been serving 

southeastern North Carolina for 

more than 30 years, and they 

strive to develop long-lasting, 

trusting relationships with all 

patients. Enjoy exclusive benefits 

and discounts on cleanings, 

BEST Health & Wellness 

exams, and more with their 

dental membership plans. 

DERMATOLOGY 

Wilmington Dermatology 

Center 

910-256-4350 

wilmingtondermatologycenter.com 

This practice was founded on 

these principles: to stay current 

with advances in cosmetic 

and skin care treatments and 

to provide Wilmington with 

access to the same cuttingedge 

treatments accessible in 

places like New York and Los 

Angeles. Recognized in the 

top one percent of cosmetic 

practices nationally, the center 

has provided our community 

with high-quality medical 

and cosmetic dermatology 

treatments as well as access to 

clinical trials for over a decade. 

EYE CARE/VISION CENTER 

Ochsner Eye 

910-343-0022 

ochsnereye.net 

Ochsner Eye brings to the 

community a unique skill set and 

focus because Dr. Ochsner is the 

area’s only experienced cataract 

surgeon who is fellowship-trained 

in glaucoma. He takes great 

pride in providing compassionate 

and ethical medical care and 

will formulate an individualized 

treatment strategy that can often 

be implemented by your primary 

eye care provider locally. Once 

you are stable after surgery, 

your care can continue with your 

primary eye care provider. 

HOSPITAL 

New Hanover Regional 

Medical Center 

910-667-7000 

nhrmc.org 

When you need medical care, 

you can turn to New Hanover 

Regional Medical Center for 

every stage of life. Its hospitals, 

outpatient centers, emergency 

services, and physicians work 

together to help you get the care 

you need, wherever you are in 

southeastern North Carolina. Still 

committed to offering high-quality 

care that is both affordable 

and close to home, the center is 

now part of Novant Health, a 

four-state integrated network 

of physician clinics, outpatient 

facilities, and hospitals. 

ORTHOPEDICS 

EmergeOrtho 

910-332-3800 

emergeortho.com 

No matter what type of injury 

or condition you have, the 

physicians at EmergeOrtho 

strive to provide personalized, 

integrative orthopedic treatment. 

Their board-certified and 

research-driven doctors 

are dedicated to practicing the 

latest approaches in orthopedic 

care. When possible, they 

attempt to treat orthopedic 

conditions conservatively. If an 

injury or problem does require 

surgical intervention, patients 

benefit from receiving innovative, 

minimally-invasive procedures. 

EmergeOrtho is North 

Carolina’s premier provider of 

comprehensive orthopedic care. 

PEDIATRICIAN 

Carolina Pediatrics 


910-763-2476 

carolinapedswilm.com 

This privately owned 

pediatric practice is known 

for their gentle, engaged, and 

professional pediatric care. 

The providers and staff strive 

to give you and your child the 

friendly and individualized care 

you deserve. Providers are on 

call each night to provide the 

best possible guidance for your 

child after hours. They invite 

new expecting parents to come 

see the office, meet one of the 

doctors, and ask questions about 

bringing their new little one for 

their healthcare needs. 


BEST Shopping 

ANTIQUES 

Uptown Market Antiques 

910-686-0930 

Uptown Market is a fun, 

big store full with a variety 

of vintage furnishings, 

particularly imaginative items 

for a coastal home. They also 

carry clothing, artisan jewelry, 

accessories, gifts, and more. 

Let Great Outdoor 

Provisions Co. help 

supply your next 

kayaking adventure. 

Everything is organized and 

displayed beautifully. It’s 

one of those places you need 

more than an hour to explore, 

and it’s a great place to pick 

up decorating ideas. It’s the 

perfect place to go when you 

need a day out of the sun in 

the summer or out of the cold 

in the winter. 

APPLIANCE STORE 

Atlantic Appliance 

910-763-8479 

atlanticappliance.net 

A store deeply rooted in 

the community, Atlantic 

Appliance and Hardware has 

been serving this area as a 

family-owned business since 

1948. With competitive prices 

and knowledgeable in-store 

professionals, they can help you 

every step of the way, whether 

you want to replace an old 

appliance or need an entire 

kitchen full of new brand-name 

products for a remodeling 

project. Let them help you find 

a product that fits your needs, 

budget and lifestyle. 

BIKE SHOP 

Shore Break Bikes 

910-880-1013 

shorebreakbikes.com 

A local female-owned, fullservice 

bicycle shop established 

in 2013, Shore Break Bikes 

sells new bicycles, accessories, 

and stock parts It services all 

makes and models of bikes. 

No appointment is needed for 

service. Just bring your bike 

anytime during business hours. 

You can also get a tube or tire 

changed while you wait. When 

you visit, say hello to Kemper, 

the shop dog who is very friendly. 

BRIDAL BOUTIQUE 

Camille’s 

910-471-4212 


Excellent customer service and 

beautiful gowns are the focus of 

Camille’s, but the shop also offers 

dresses, accessories, and even 

tuxedo rentals. It features four 

bridal designers, six bridesmaids 

lines, and an array of formal 

wear collections from more than 

six vendors. An appointment, 

especially on weekends, is highly 

recommended. Although an 

appointment is not required, 

requesting one ensures that 

you receive a consultant and a 

dressing room. 

BRIDAL REGISTRY 

The Fisherman’s Wife 

910-256-5505 

fishermanswife.bridgecatalog.com 

For your bridal registry, the 

Whatever your style 

and budget, Atlantic 

Appliance has been 

serving Wilmington 

with new appliances 

since 1948. 


Bloke won Best Of 2022 

for clothing for men. 

For swaths of 

fabulous material, 

head to Best of 2022 

winner Artéé Fabrics. 

knowledgeable and friendly 

staff at The Fisherman’s Wife 

on historic Airlie Road can 

help you communicate your gift 

preferences to your wedding 

guests. Their system helps 

prevent the receipt of duplicate 

or unwanted gifts, saving time 

for both the giver and recipient. 

The shop has a wonderful 

assembly of fine china and 

table accessories, personalized 

stationery and invitations, and 

creative gifts. 

CLOTHING FOR KIDS 

Peanut Butter & Jelly 

910-256-4554 

facebook.com/PBJBabyStore 

Although this store permanently 

closed in May, it remains a fond 

memory for its loyal customers 

who shopped there for over 30 

years because its customer 

service was so exceptional. It was 

an upscale children store located 

in the Forum at Landfall and 

catered to the needs of parents 

and parents-to-be. It sold nursery 

furniture, toys, and classic 

children’s clothes. Its services 

included a baby shower registry 

and the delivery and setup of 

cribs, gliders, and rockers. 

CLOTHING FOR MEN 

Bloke 

910-679-4137 


Downtown Wilmington’s 

premier men’s apparel store, 

Bloke has been become one 

of the area’s leading men’s 

shopping destinations since it 

opened in 2010. A casual men's 

shop with a focus on curating 

high-quality goods and clothing 

for the modern guy, it offers an 

amazing selection of products 

in a welcoming and comfortable 

atmosphere. Its high attention 

to detail and personalized 

customer service helps every 

customer to find the right 

clothes and accessories. 

CLOTHING FOR WOMEN 

Island Passage 

910-762-0484 

islandpassageclothing.com 

For over 25 years, Island 

Passage has been providing 

Wilmington and the 

surrounding areas with 

fashionable clothing, shoes, and 

accessories. You will find many 

lines to choose from to suit your 

budget and be kind to your 

wallet. With several locations, 

each with a unique selection, 

you can always find just what 

you're looking for. Visit one for 

stylish clothing and accessories 

to make you look polished at 

work, spectacular at dinner, and 

lovely on weekend outings. 

CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING 

Clothes Mentor 

910-794-6888 

wilmingtonnc.clothesmentor.com 

Clothes Mentor sells gently 

used name-brand and designer 

clothing, shoes, and accessories 

for up to 70 percent off their 

original retail prices. It stocks 

only pieces that are in great 

condition and are on-trend 

or classic and timeless. The 

inventory comes from customers 

that have beautiful designer 

and name brand pieces in their 

closet that just don’t get worn. 

You can also bring your items 

into Clothes Mentor and sell 

them for cash on-the-spot. If you 

are not wearing something, get 

cash for it. 


BEST Shopping 

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE 

Home Again 

910-679-4302 

homeagainwilmington.com 

Home Again is the fun place 

to shop for new and consigned 

home furnishings. Browse 

through an amazing collection 

of new and like-new home 

furnishings and decor at 

remarkable prices. Because 

new items arrive daily, check on 

social media or visit the store 

online to see the latest arrivals. 

Interested in being a consignor? 

Home Again accepts items on 

consignment for 90 days, and 

consignors receive 50 percent of 

the selling price. 

DIVE SHOP 

Aquatic Safaris 

910-392-4386 

aquaticsafaris.com 

Aquatic Safaris has specialized 

in scuba-diving charters, 

instruction, gear sales, repair, 

and travel in Wilmington since 

1988. It offers a wide selection 

of scuba-diving courses — 

all taught by experienced 

instructors. It also operates daily 

scuba-diving charters to wrecks 

and ledges off Wrightsville 

Beach. Check the website for 

current events, class schedules, 

and charters. It’s time to start 

your new adventure. 

FABRIC STORE 

Artéé Fabrics 

910-686-2950 

arteefabricsandhome.com 

Choose from thousands of 

soft, colorful fabrics to make 

a custom piece for your home. 

Artéé Fabrics can provide all 

of the fabrics and furnishings 

you need to make your house 

feel like home. Make any 

room a masterpiece with a 

collection of window treatments 

and bedding/pillows already 

finished and ready for your 

home. 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. 

For home accessories, 

Readers Choice went to 

Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors. 

FISH & TACKLE 

Intracoastal Angler 

910-392-3500 

intracoastalangler.com 

Catch great deals at 

Intercoastal Angler, a familyowned 

business for the last 15 

years that provides more than 

just supplies that you need 

for a fishing trip. From local 

neighborhood ponds to the 

deepest corners of the ocean, 

it is ready to arm you with the 

gear for any battle. Consider 

its mate services. Its trusted 

local mates have an extensive 

knowledge of the area and 

expertise to help you target any 

fish in the ocean. 

FLORIST 

Fiore Design House 

910-791-6770 

fioredesignhouse.com 

Founded in 2008, Fiore is 

the leader in high-quality, 

artistic, and upscale floral 

design. Cultivating a creaive 

environment for designers 

and customers alike, the shop 

offers fresh blooms by the stem, 

custom arrangements, boutique 

gifts, and floral supplies for 

the do-it-yourselfer. Fiore 

has designed thousands of 

breath-taking and memorable 

weddings and events. Their 

high standard of quality, talent, 

and customer service make 

them a flower powerhouse. 

FRAME SHOP 

D. Baxter’s 

910-791-8431 

dbaxters.com 

Do you need help with custom 

picture framing? D. Baxter's 

is the place to go. They 

understand the importance of 

“home” as well as the important 

role that decor plays in the 

environment you are creating. 

For 25 years they have had 

the privilege of working 

with customers to complete 

the perfect framing, such as 

selecting the finest materials to 

display and preserve a wedding 

portrait. Let them help you. 

FURNITURE STORE 

Custom Home 

Furniture Galleries 

910-799-4010 

shopcustomhome.com 

Custom Home Furniture 

Galleries has 50,000 square 

feet of furniture that offers 

coastal to traditional looks 

with price points to meet every 

budget. The selections include 

furniture for the living room, 

dining room, bedroom, office, 

and outdoors. 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. 

For vintage 

furnishings and 

antiques, readers 

chose Uptown 

Market Antiques. 


Best Of 2022 florist 

went to the eyecatching 

floral 

creations of Fiore 

Design House. 

GARDEN CENTER 

Pender Pines Garden Center 

910-270-2706 

penderpines.com 

Pender Pines brings to life the 

dream of the Schwarz family 

to supply the greater coastal 

area with a full-service garden 

center. The one-stop shop for 

all your gardening needs has 

continued to grow and expand 

since its opening in 1996 with 

only one building and a twohoop 

greenhouse. The area’s 

premier garden center offers 

the highest quality of plant 

material, superior products, and 

outstanding customer service. 

GIFT STORE 

Crabby Chic 

910-799-4216 

facebook.com/Crabby- 

Chic-275988208508 

Crabby Chic is a great shop that 

specializes in upscale beach and 

coastal living decor and has a 

vast array of wonderful gifts, 

coastal home furnishings, and 

exquisite decorative accessories. 

Sea stars are a decorating staple, 

and you will love their local and 

regional art. They carry women’s 

clothing, baby items, jewelry, 

cottage furniture, lamps, 

candles, pottery, soaps, shells, 

and so much more. Everything 

is very tastefully displayed, and 

the staff represents the best of 

Southern hospitality. 

HOME ACCESSORIES 

Nest Fine Gifts & Interiors 

910-256-6378 

nestfinegifts.com 

In the Forum Shopping Center, 

Nest has been a premier 

provider of interior design and 

decorating services for over six 

years. It offers an eclectic mix 

of furniture, accessories, and 

gifts for the coastal community 

and surrounding areas. The 

store has a cozy, home-like 

atmosphere that makes it a 

desired shopping destination. 

Its commitment to impeccable 

service for its customers and 

clients is unsurpassed. 

JEWELER 

Perry’s Emporium 

910-392-6721 

perrysemporium.com 

In its beautiful Barclay 

Commons location, this store 

has expanded to become one 

of the largest jewelry stores 

in North Carolina. It has 

also become a favorite place 

for couples to find the perfect 

wedding jewelry, such as 

engagement rings, wedding 

rings, and wedding bands. 

Customers also shop here for 

diamond earrings, jewelry 

repair and appraisal, watch 

repair, and custom jewelry. 

This family-owned business is 

known for its fine jewelry and 

engagement rings. 

LIGHTING STORE 

Butler’s Electric Supply 


910-762-3345 

butlerselectricsupply.com 

Since 1969, this local store has 

been in the same site but has 

expanded four times. The once 

modest-sized building now has 

the largest lighting showroom 

and most impressive inventory 

in the area. At its Castle Street 

location, it has more than 2,000 

fixtures on display and a fleet 

of six trucks ready to make 

deliveries. The knowledgeable 

and friendly staff with over 100 

years of experience can help you 

with all of your electrical needs. 

LINGERIE 

Lilies & Lace 

910-679-4754 

liliesandlace.co 

This upscale women’s boutique 

features lingerie, swimwear, 

Island Passage won 

Best Of 2022 Clothing 

for Women. 

Let your dog “woof” 

down Woof Gang 

Bakery’s treats. 

resort wear, loungewear, and 

much more. Its hand-picked, 

unique collection of lingerie and 

resort wear is curated with the 

modern woman in mind. They 

find the best quality of fabrics 

and styles around the world, as 

well as made in America, and 

source ethically and organically 

made garments when possible. 

The store wants all women to 

feel great about what they are 

wearing and how they feel from 

the inside out. 


BEST Shopping 

MOTORCYCLE & POWERSPORTS 

Wilmington Powersports 

910-251-3733 

wilmingtonpowersports.com 

Wilmington Powersports is 

the area’s leading dealer for 

powersports, such as utility 

vehicles, off-road vehicles, and 

personal watercraft. They also 

have a huge selection of helmets, 

gloves, life jackets, and other 

off-road accessories. The parts 

and service departments have 

years of experience in handling 

everything from an oil change 

to engine rebuilding. They keep 

many parts and accessories for 

all brands of machines in stock. 

OUTDOOR FURNITURE 

Leisure World 

910-392-7748 

leisureworldcasual.com 

This family-owned business 

has been serving the 

Wilmington region for over 

35 years. Their products are 

constructed with superior 

craftsmanship and materials 

that are designed to survive 

the harsh local environment. 

Many of their vendors work 

with a variety of materials, 

such as aluminum, wicker, 

wood, and poly-lumber that 

provide the design, comfort, 

and function that you are 

looking for. Whether you want 

something elegant, modern, 

or simply with a coastal living 

look, they have an endless 

array of options for you. 

OUTDOOR OUTFITTERS 

Great Outdoor 

Provisions Co. 

910-343-1648 

greatoutdoorprovision.com 

Want to know everything that 

the great outdoors can offer? 

Visit this store to learn about 

the best areas to hike, camp, 

and more. Each employee is an 

expert in their own right. From 

rock climbing to kayaking — 

and every adventure in between 

— they are passionate about 

the outdoors and eager to share 

their expertise. Every product 

in the store is thoroughly tested. 

They don’t sell anything that 

they wouldn’t use themselves. 

PET STORE 

Woof Gang Bakery 

& Grooming 

910-256-5557 

woofgangbakeryandgrooming.com 

Think of all the joy and 

happiness your four-legged 

Our readers voted 

Crabby Chic as the 

best gift store. 

friend brings to your life. As a 

thank-you for all those cuddles, 

tail wags, and perfect purrs, 

doesn’t your pet deserve the 

best? When you’re needing pet 

supplies, food, or grooming, 

come into this locally-owned 

franchise of the greater Woof 

Gang family. By shopping 

here, you get the best of two 

worlds: attentive service from a 

dedicated staff and the savings 

and selection from shopping at 

a larger store. 

Go visit Custom Home 

Furniture Galleries’ 50,000 

square feet of furnishing 

ideas, our Readers Choice 

for 2022. 


Readers chose Leisure 

World for their 

selections of outdoor 

furniture in 2022. 

Whatever the occasion, 

our readers chose 

Perry’s Emporium as 

their go-to jeweler. 

boutique-style après surf 

threads. Located in downtown 

Wrightsville Beach, recognized 

as one of the top-10 U.S. surf 

towns by Surfer Magazine, the 

shop is only a block from the 

best surf break in town. Want a 

current surf report? Check the 

store’s website. 

SHOE STORE 

Monkee’s 

910-256-5886 

monkeeswilmington.com 

This upscale women's boutique 

offers a curated selection of top 

designers and brands to provide 

the best shoes, clothing, and 

accessories. The shoe selection 

is amazing and includes 

sandals, wedges, flats, heels, 

sneakers, booties, and boots. 

Owner DeeDee Shaw loves her 

store, which is independently 

owned and operated, and 

benefits from the corporate 

team that finds new lines for 

her. Her dream of having her 

own business and creating 

opportunities for others and 

excitement for a community has 

come true. 

SURF SHOP 

Sweetwater Surf Shop 

910-256-3821 

sweetwatersurfshop.com 

Sweetwater Surf Shop has 

one of the largest surfboard 

and wetsuit selections on the 

East Coast. Established in 

1976 and still run by a family 

of long-time locals, the store 

also offers board rentals and 

SWIMWEAR 

Aussie Island Surf Shop 

910-256-5454 

aussieisland.com 

Aussie Island Surf Shop has 

served the Wilmington area 

with top quality surf, snow, 

beach, and skate items for over 

30 years. They carry a wide 

variety of brands ranging from 

skate gear, shoes, eyewear, 

snow gear, clothing, surf gear, 

and much more. With two 

locations, the business prides 

itself on its excellent customer 

service and does anything it 

can to help customers. You will 

feel at home and be treated 

like family in the relaxed and 

friendly atmosphere. 


BEST Dining 

APPETIZERS 

Hops Supply 

910-833-8867 

hopssupplyco.com 

Everyone knows Hops Supply 

for crafty drinks, but you also 

need to know about crafty eats 

too! Just drool over the appetizer 

menu where local seasonal 

ingredients are the soul of the 

culinary-inspired American 

fare. The BBQ-braised short 

rib nachos with jalapeños, sour 

cream, mixed cheese, burnt 

salsa, and pico de gallo are 

delectable. Think Grandma 

could make cornbread? Wait 

until you try the cast-iron 

cornbread with chipotle butter. 

Pork rinds, crispy Brussels 

sprouts, big A$$ bacon, Kung 

Pao calamari, sundried-tomato 

hummus, chicken wings, and 

baby spinach artichoke dip are 

equally tempting. 

AUTHENTIC AMERICAN 

Rooster & The Crow 

910-399-4780 

roosterandthecrow.com 

Can you believe Rooster and 

Crow are nicknames of the 

owners, Zach Harmon and Allen 

Carpenter? Ask them about how 

the names relate to childhood 

and NASCAR racing experiences. 

When you visit, holler one of their 

names and they’ll come over and 

say hey. Both have always had 

a passion for eating great food 

and trying new flavors that has 

been apparent since they opened 

their doors in May 2019. Dine 

inside the picturesque Chandler’s 

Wharf shops, check out the Fowl 

Play Barcade, relax in the roomy 

outdoor beer garden, or choose a 

dog-friendly outdoor seating with 

gorgeous Riverwalk sunset views. 

AUTHENTIC ASIAN 

Indochine 

910-251-9229 

indochinewilmington.com 

Truly one of a kind, Indochine 

is Wilmington’s most acclaimed 

Thai and Vietnamese restaurant 

with a menu full of Asianinspired 

dishes you're sure to 

love including appetizers, soups, 

curries, noodles, rice, stir-fry, 

and desserts. Visit the lotus 

pond, enjoy company in one of 

the Thai huts, or simply have 

a quiet dinner in the exquisite 

dining room that is beautifully 

decorated. For a bit of Indochine 

in Southport, stop by Indochine 

Express on N. Atlantic Ave. and 

keep your eyes open for another 

Express location soon in Leland. 

AUTHENTIC CARIBBEAN 

Ceviche’s 

910-256-3131 

wbceviche.com 

Since opening in 2014 as a quiet 

spot where everyone can come 

as they are, feel welcome, and 

nourish their body and soul, 

Ceviche’s brings the Latininspired 

dishes of owner Hunter 

Tiblier’s childhood to the area. 

He wants to share his heritage 

of growing up in Panama, 

fishing with his father in both 

the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, 

picking fresh mangos at a bus 

stop, and taking epic surfing 

trips. For ropa vieja, Chef Tiblier 

prepares braised flank steak in a 

tomato peppery broth and serves 

it over coconut rice with sweet 

plantains, salsa fresca, citrus 

cabbage slaw, and avocado. 

AUTHENTIC ITALIAN 

Tarantelli’s 

910-763-3806 

tarantellis.com 

This family-owned Italian 

restaurant where the pasta is 

handmade and the wine list 

is long is a repeat winner in 

this contest. Located in the 

historic district of downtown 

Wilmington, Tarantelli’s is a 

warm and comfortable place 

where diners feel at home every 

time they walk through the 

door. Many meals that it serves 

contain the finest ingredients 

from various regions in Italy 

and are paired with the most 

celebrated Italian wines. Your 

experience at Tarantelli’s stays 

with you long after your table 

has been cleared. 

AUTHENTIC MEXICAN 

Tequila Comida & Cantina 

910-399-1643 

tequilacc.com 

Chef Ramón Villaseñor brings 

rich culture and Mexican flavors 

to every dish. All ingredients 

For Authentic Asian 

cuisine, readers 

chose Indochine. 

are locally sourced; the corn and 

flour tortillas are homemade as 

are also the sauces, which are 

prepared daily. One surprise 

that amazes guests is a crispy 

French-style baguette served 

as a complimentary appetizer, 

accompanied by special sauces 

and a fusion of olive oil and 

rosemary. Tequila Comida & 

Cantina has a full bar with 

exotic drinks, delicious mixes, 

exquisite margaritas, and 

countless options of premium 

tequilas in honor of Jalisco, 

Mexico, homeplace of the agave. 

Fresh chips and 

homemade salsa 

at Tequila Comida 

and Cantina. 


BAKERY 

Apple Annie's Bake Shop 

910-799-9023 

appleanniesbakeshop.com 

For more than 36 years, Apple 

Annie’s Bake Shop hasn’t just 

harbored an insatiable sweet 

tooth and love of freshly baked 

goods, it’s also been cultivating 

a passion for top-notch customer 

service and loyal dedication to 

the community. Step inside, and 

let the welcoming staff at Apple 

Annie’s make you feel right at 

home. Their pastries, breads, 

and cakes have been a part 

of many family traditions for 

decades. From artisan wedding 

cakes to birthday treats, Apple 

Annie’s turns custom creations 

into mouthwatering memories 

every day. 

BARBEQUE 

Casey’s Buffet 

910-798-2913 

caseysbuffet.com 

Barbecue and soul food at a price 

y’all love are served Wednesday 

through Sunday at Casey’s 

Buffet. Established in 2005, the 

restaurant is run by owner Larry 

Casey and his entire family— 

daughter, sons, wife, and friends. 

Their commitment to traditional 

food and family togetherness 

attracts local customers and outof-town 

visitors who want a real 

Southern food experience. When 

you want to chew the fat and 

spend quality time with friends 

and family who are craving 

Southern comfort food without 

the hassle of cooking, Casey’s is 

the place to go. Miss your mama’s 

cookin? Come home to Casey’s. 

BREAKFAST SPOT 

Famous Toastery 

910-256-7030 

famoustoasteryofwilmington.com 

Famous Toastery believes that 

food should be both decadent and 

nutritious, uncompromisingly 

fresh, and delivered quickly with 

service that’s as satisfying as 

the menu. Although that’s a tall 

order, this restaurant succeeds 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 

won our readers over 

for its Fine Dining. 

in all aspects. They tantalize 

your tastebuds with the highest 

quality ingredients in a friendly 

atmosphere that brings great 

food and great people together. 

Everything served is made 

fresh daily. With fresh, flavorful 

brunch food options from 

7am. until 2pm, any breakfast 

craving you are having will be 

more than satisfied. 

BURGERS 

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille 

910-231-8303 

ptsgrille.com 

Since opening its first location 

in 1990, P.T.’s Olde Fashioned 

Grille has served a simple 

menu of freshly prepared 

burgers, sandwiches, freshcut 

french fries, and freshsqueezed 

lemonade in a 

family-oriented environment. 

Its focus on service, quality, 

and cleanliness since then 

has resulted in satisfied and 

loyal customers. Now with six 

locations in the Wilmington area 

— and two more in Goldsboro 

and Greenville — P.T.’s hasn’t 

changed its atmosphere of 

warm smiles, good cheer, and 

welcoming greetings where 

guests can enjoy good food, 

drink, and company. 

For Sunday Brunch readers 

chose Havana’s where you 

can enjoy their version of 

shrimp and grits. 


BEST Dining 

CANDY CHOCOLATE 

Kilwins 

910-772-1298 

kilwins.com 

From the moment you walk 

in the door, your senses are 

enticed with the sweet aromas 

of chocolate, fudge, and freshlymade 

waffle cones. Kilwins 

handcrafts a wide variety of 

confections in its kitchen, and 

you can watch as they are 

produced right before your 

eyes. See creamy Mackinac 

Island Fudge being paddled 

the traditional way on marble 

tables, and watch as fresh 

apples are dipped in the original 

caramel recipe, developed by 

founder Don Kilwin himself, for 

a perfect caramel apple. 

CATERER 

Middle of the Island 

910-256-4273 

middleoftheisland.com 

Wilmington’s largest catering 

company specializes in 

seafood and southern buffets 

cooked on-site in their mobile 

kitchens. The area’s leader in 

weddings since 1959, Middle 

of the Island caters over 500 

weddings each year. From 

church dinners, company 

picnics, corporate functions 

and fundraisers to large events 

for thousands of people, it has 

the staff and equipment to 

handle every function. It travels 

within a 150-mile radius and 

can accommodate an event of 

any size. It also has a backyard 

burger shack division that is 

perfect for backyard cookouts. 

on classic coffee-based drinks. 

By cold-brewing to extract the 

bitterness, Lucky Joe produces 

a very rich, deep, and almost 

sweet coffee. It is brewed and 

served at espresso strength, 

house strength, decaf, and 

seasonal brews. Lucky Joe also 

provides coffee on tap to many 

businesses in the Wilmington 

area. Experience slow-brewed 

coffee the right way with 

Lucky Joe. 

CRAB CAKES 

Cape Fear Seafood Co. 

910-799–7077 

capefearseafoodcompany.com 

Bald Head Island Crab Cakes 

are pan-seared and served with 

a lemon beurre blanc sauce, 

rice pilaf, and asparagus. For 

smaller appetites, the lump crab 

cake sliders are perfect; two 

sliders with lettuce, tomato, and 

bistro sauce are served with 

french fries. For an appetizer, 

try the crab dip, which is a rich 

mixture of crab, horseradish, 

cheese, and spices served 

with pita points. Every dish 

is prepared with attention to 

detail, quality ingredients, and 

excellent flavors. Specializing 

in regional American seafood, 

Cape Fear has three locations in 

the Wilmington area — and two 

more in Raleigh. 

DESSERTS 

The Little Dipper 

910-251-0433 

littledipperfondue.com 

The Little Dipper offers an 

experience you can't find at any 

other restaurant in Wilmington 

Fresh blueberry 

cobbler from Apple 

Annie’s Bakeshop. 

— unique, nostalgic and fun... 

fondue! The dessert fondues with 

homemade sauces for dipping 

are delightful. Choosing your 

dippers among the classic, 

fruit, and supreme options is 

difficult. Strawberries dipped in 

milk chocolate or bananas with 

a dark chocolate and peanut 

butter blend are amazing. 

Whether you're with a large 

group celebration or out for an 

intimate dinner for two, fondue 

is special and different. 

COFFEEHOUSE 

Lucky Joe Craft Coffee 

910-742-0053 

luckyjoecraftcoffee.com 

Lucky Joe is Wilmington’s 

original cold-brew coffee shop. 

More than just a superior cup of 

great cold coffee, Lucky Joe is 

also steam-heated for a new take 

Readers voted The 

George on the 

Riverwalk as having 

the best service. 


FAMILY RESTAURANT 

Molly Pitcher’s 

American Grill 

910-769-1070 

mollypitchersamericangrill.com 

Molly Pitcher is a composite 

image inspired by women 

who fought in the American 

Revolutionary War and 

represents women’s bravery 

and perseverance in the face of 

opposition. As the restaurant 

celebrates the sacrifices and 

bravery of women through 

many generations, it also 

nourishes our hunger for good 

food and thirst for good drink. 

Traditional plates include pot 

roast, bacon-wrapped meatloaf, 

and country fried steak. Salads 

and sandwiches are creative. 

Don’t miss the Betsy Ross, a 

BLT with fried green tomatoes 

and pecan pimiento cheese. 

FINE DINING 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 

910-343-1818 

ruthschris.com 

The new location of Ruth’s Chris 

Steak House on Water Street, 

which opened in January, has the 

most scenic waterfront view in 

the area and is again your choice 

for fine dining. Ruth’s Chris 

orders only the highest quality 

USDA Prime beef from its 

selected premium suppliers. The 

best of the best, these cuts are 

well-marbled and hand-selected 

for thickness and tenderness. 

Ruth’s Chris is the preferred 

place to celebrate life’s special 

moments, such as a romantic 

steak dinner, an important 

business meeting, or a private 

party. Complimentary valet 

parking makes every arrival 

easy regardless of the time. 

HAPPY HOUR 

True Blue Butcher and Table 

910-679-4473 

wearetrueblue.com 

Your favorite happy hour spot 

takes its name “True Blue” from 

a slang term dating to 16th 

century Coventry England when 

For Best Of 2022 

raw bar, head to 

Shuckin’ Shack. 

a dye company developed a new 

process to make blue dye stay. 

True blue came to mean not only 

garments that don’t fade but 

people who are the real deal or 

trustworthy. At True Blue, you’ll 

find curated liquors, beer, and 

wines served in an upbeat and 

elegant setting. Leave work early 

to enjoy your favorite bar snacks 

and sip your favorite drinks. 

HEALTHY FARE 

Chopt Creative Salad Co. 

910-239-9263, choptsalad.com 

At Chopt, salad isn’t the start 

of the meal; it’s the whole meal. 

Classics include apple almond 

crunch, Mexican Caesar, Santa 

Fe, classic cobb, and crispy 

chicken ranch salads — all 

amazingly healthy. Even lighter 

favorites such as kale Caesar, 

Palm Beach, and Mexicali 

vegan salads pack a lot of flavor 

and nutrition with even fewer 

calories. Because Chopt forms 

long-term partnerships with 

local food artisans, farmers, 

and producers, it can source the 

freshest produce available and 

create the most flavorful salads 

and bowls around with better 

food practices. 

ICE CREAM 

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream 

910-794-1222 

brusters.com 

Bruster’s ice cream is made 

the old-fashioned way with 

slow kettle processing. They 

blend the ice cream with only 

quality cookies, candies, and 

other sweet treats, so you get a 

loaded scoop of creamy, decadent 

goodness. Bruster’s also serves 

artisan desserts made to order, 

including crunchy handmade 

waffle cones and bowls, 

customized sundaes, candy-filled 

blasts, ice-cold freezes, and 

thick milkshakes. Because every 

generous scoop is made in-house, 

it always tastes thick, creamy, 

and fresh. It’s a process that 

simply makes Bruster’s a scoop 

above the rest. 

LUNCH SPOT 

Midtown Deli & Grill 

910-791-4630 

midtownwilmington.com 

Midtown has been the lunch 

spot of choice since it opened 

in 2007. All nine salads are 

made fresh daily from the 

finest ingredients and served 

with oven-baked honey wheat 

Come hungry for 

delicious breakfast eats 

at Famous Toastery. 

bread; six are only $9.50. The 

menu also includes 13 creative 

sandwiches, such as the 

Intracoastal. Made with fresh 

slices of turkey breast, muenster 

cheese, avocado slices, lettuce, 

tomato, and a sweet-and-sour 

vinaigrette, it is served on 

grilled ciabatta. Wraps and 

sandwiches are made with 

Boar’s Head products. 


BEST Dining 

NEW RESTAURANT 

Seabird Restaurant 

910-769-5996 

seabirdnc.com 

Set in a historic building in 

downtown Wilmington, Seabird 

celebrates the seasonality of 

seafood and ingredients found in 

North Carolina and its storied 

coast. The food is creative, 

seasonal, fresh, and uniquely 

Wilmington. The restaurant 

draws on chef Dean Neff’s 

passion for fishing along the 

East Coast as he grew up in 

Savannah, which heightened 

his fascination with seafood and 

the ocean. Seabird showcases 

the seafood and purveyors of the 

Wilmington area and beyond, 

and its partnerships with 

local farmers and small-scale 

fishermen exemplify its efforts to 

be good stewards of 

the environment. 

ORGANIC FOOD 

Biggers Market 

910-409-2041 

facebook.com/BiggersMarket 

The family of Biggers Market 

believes it is important to 

provide fresh, local fruits and 

vegetables to its customers and 

community, not only to promote 

clean, healthy living but also 

to encourage agricultural 

growth in the Carolinas. A farm 

market with a friendly staff 

that concentrates on carrying 

locally grown and produced 

goods, it has been providing a 

fun atmosphere for Wilmington 

to find locally farmed produce 

and more since 2010 at its two 

locations — one on Market 

Street and the other on Carolina 

Beach Road. 

PIZZA 

Jay’s Incredible Pizza 

910-791-7080 

jaysincredible.com 

Build your own pizza at Jay’s 

or choose one of the specialty 

pizzas, such as Chicago-style 

pie, classic cheese, or classic 

pepperoni. Another amazing 

choice is the That’s Incredible 

Pizza, which is a marinara 

base loaded with pepperoni, 

Genoa salami, Canadian 

bacon, crumbled Italian 

sausage, ground beef, fresh 

sliced mushrooms, sliced red 

and white onions, fresh sliced 

green and red peppers, fresh 

chopped garlic, and fresh diced 

tomatoes and then topped with 

shredded mozzarella. Don’t 

forget the salads, chicken wings, 

breadsticks, stuffed poppers, 

and incredible rolls. 

RAW BAR 

Shuckin’ Shack 

910-833-8622 

theshuckinshack.com 

Eating seafood is an experience 

at Shuckin’ Shack. Every time 

they serve their oysters, other 

seafood, and a wide variety of 

other types of delicious food, 

they offer you sustainablysourced 

domestic seafood without 

spending every cent of your 

paycheck. Shuckin’ Shack gives 

you a seafood-eating experience 

that’s a happy medium between 

the fancy, jacket-and-tie 

establishments and greasy fastseafood 

joints. An ocean-friendly 

establishment, they bring quality 

seafood to a fun, casual, and 

unbeatable dining experience. 

ROMANTIC ATMOSPHERE 

Circa 1922 

910-762-1922 

circa1922.com 

Because the atmosphere is 

everything, plan your next 

romantic engagement at Circa 

1922, which takes traditional 

dishes and elevates them to a 

modern experience with tapasstyle 

dining. A regionallythemed 

platter allows you to 

share several tapa offerings 

with your special someone. The 

ever-changing seasonal menu 

features the freshest ingredients 

to create delectable flavors that 

can be savored as you enjoy your 

evening. The resident sommelier 

can recommend the perfect wine 

to pair with your meal to make 

it extra special. 

SALADS 

RuckerJohns 

910-452-1212 

ruckerjohns.com 

You can always expect fresh, 

delicious food made in-house 

daily at RuckerJohns, where 

you will find high-quality food 

and exceptional service in a 

fun and relaxing atmosphere. 

They prepare their own salad 

greens, and the dressings 

are homemade. Serving the 

homemade-crouton-sprinkled 

house salad in a frozen bowl 

has made many customers very 

loyal. The chef salad with crisp 

salad greens topped with grated 

cheddar and Monterey Jack 

cheese, all-natural ham and 

turkey, tomatoes, bacon, and 

homemade croutons 

is exceptional. 

SEAFOOD 

The Bridge Tender 

910-256-4519 

thebridgetender.com 

Since it was founded in 1976, 

The Bridge Tender has been a 

favorite seafood restaurant for 

both lunch and dinner. Located 

at the foot of the Wrightsville 

Beach drawbridge, it is a 

popular destination for locals 

and visitors. Large bay windows 

complement the charming 

scenery of the Intracoastal 

Waterway. The indoor seating 

takes advantage of the 

spectacular waterfront views, 

and the outdoor patio beckons 

during the warm weather and 

summer days. In addition to 

fresh seafood, its menu also 

features delicious appetizers and 

mouth-watering desserts. 

SEAFOOD MARKET 

Seaview Crab Company 

910-769-1554 

seaviewcrabcompany.com 

Created in 2006, the company 

has since created a supply 

chain that reaches up and down 

the coast of North Carolina 

and beyond. Its service area 

has expanded to several N.C. 

locations and virtually across 

Chicken salad and 

their famous roll 

with honey butter 

at RuckerJohns 

Calamari at 

Tarantelli's 

Ristorante. 


Our readers chose 

to do a deep dive 

into fondue for Best 

Of 2022 dessert at 

The Little Dipper. 

YoSake and its Pan-Asian 

menu won for Best Of 

2022 sushi. 

America via its drop-shipping 

program. It now serves over 50 

local restaurants and recently 

opened its own seafood takeout 

kitchen. Even as it grows, it has 

stayed grounded in its values 

that promote the rich history of 

N.C. fisheries and fishermen. 

SERVICE 

The George on the 

Riverwalk 

910-763-2052 

thegeorgerestaurant.com 

Impeccable service is the 

hallmark of The George, where 

the staff is friendly, available, 

attentive, and quick to take 

care of every customer’s needs. 

Only people who love to serve 

are hired at The George, and 

that commitment is obvious and 

the reason that the restaurant 

has such a loyal following of 

local customers and repeat 

out-of-town guests. Every staff 

member takes a genuine interest 

in their customers, helps them 

make their food choices, and 

provides service with a smile. 

STEAKHOUSE 

3315 Cut & Pour 

910-399-3969 

3315cutandpour.com 

An innovative concept in 

dining opened a year ago at the 

Courtyard at Masonboro with 

a new southern steakhouse 

and wine bar that features fine 

casual dining. The product is 

high-end, but the environment 

is more casual. The focus of Cut 

& Pour is on a wide variety of 

cuts of beef — choice, prime, 

and Angus — as well as various 

cuts of pork, chicken, and fish. 

Its wine program has around 30 

wines by the glass and 200 by 

the bottle with price points for 

every budget. 

SUNDAY BRUNCH 

Havana’s 

910-458-2822 

havanasrestaurant.com 

Havana’s serves its amazing 

“Big Sunday Brunch” from 10 

a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunrise omelets 

and eggs Benedict are the 

perfect way to start the brunch. 

Try the blue crab Benedict that 

is topped with poached eggs, 

crab cake, and hollandaise 

sauce; it is served with Havana 

hash, fried plantains, and coffee 

cake. To finish in style, the hot 

rum Bananas Foster for two will 

make you appreciate that you 

can share it. Have a Sunday funday 

with a Snow’s Cut Bloody 

Mary or a mimosa party. 

SUSHI 

YoSake 

910-763-3172 

yosake.com 

YoSake features the best sushi 

along with a full pan-Asian 

menu served amid modern 

Tokyo vogue decor. Its featured 

menu items change weekly. 

Located on the second floor of 

the historic Roudabush building 

in downtown Wilmington, 

YoSake supports local 

Wilmington organic sustainable 

agriculture and features local 

farms in specials on the menu. 

The bar has an extensive 

collection of wine, sake, beer, 

and specialty cocktails. With a 

new street-level shaded patio 

recently added, you can also 

enjoy outdoor dining. 

VEGETARIAN 

Platypus and Gnome 

910-769-9300 

platypusandgnome.com 

Located in Wilmington’s historic 

downtown, Platypus & Gnome 

has been a local fixture since 

2016. Although it is an eclectic 

kitchen known for exotic game 

meats, the vegetarian who is 

dining with carnivores will be 

satisfied with several appealing 

menu choices, such as the Asian 

eggplant sandwich and cashew 

curry. Salads include Kale of 

the Wild, which consists of 

lettuce and kale with cashews, 

carrots, radishes, dried 

apricots, cucumber, thinly sliced 

jalapeños, topped with scallions 

and candied ginger, with a 

citrus-fennel vinaigrette. 

WATERVIEW DINING 

Oceanic 

910-256-5551 

oceanicrestaurant.com 

Being situated right on the 

Atlantic Ocean with access to 

a multitude of local fisheries 

means Oceanic can provide 

its guests with the freshest 

and most flavorful catches. 

Its passion for locally sourced 

seafood is demonstrated in the 

dishes it serves. Tuna, shrimp, 

Little Neck clams, oysters, 

flounder, and mahi-mahi are 

just a sampling of what the 

Atlantic waters provide for its 

chef. The natural beauty of the 

coast and access to many local 

area attractions makes Oceanic 

a stunning oceanfront location to 

host events such as a destination 

wedding or corporate retreat. 


BEST Nightlife 

BAR 

Seven Mile Post Pub 

910-821-0036 

sevenmilepost.com 

Located seven miles from the 

heart of Wilmington, just 

outside the municipal limits, 

a new pub (in the former home 

of a longtime watering hole) 

has been welcoming neighbors 

for a drink since it opened in 

2019. The bartenders are super 

friendly. Bring a dollar the 

first time you visit to pay the 

member fee (a small courtesy 

that helps them operate within 

the local ordinance guidelines). 

Drinks are cheaper here than 

in many bars in the area, so 

you get a good deal. Definitely 

packed on the weekend, it 

offers more than a lively scene. 

It’s your favorite bar. 

Our readers chose 

Waterline Brewing Co. as 

Best Of 2022 craft brewer. 

CLUB 

Pour Taproom 

910-769 1980 

pourtaproomilm.com 

A fun and exciting beer garden 

with 70 rotating taps and 

good food for less than $10, 

Pour Taproom is a downtown 

Wilmington watering hole 

where you pay by the ounce. 

You can try a few ounces and 

then switch it up if you want 

a different sip. No regrets, no 

risk, just a new way to enjoy a 

variety of beer and wine while 

supporting local and regional 

innovative craft brewing. The 

mastermind behind all the 

signature cocktails and monthly 

drink specials is bar manager 

Charles Auten, who has been 

with Pour Taproom since the 

very beginning in 2017. 

COCKTAIL 

The Blind Elephant 

910-833-7175 

blindelephantspeakeasy.com 

The Blind Elephant is a 

Prohibition era-style speakeasy 

that operates right in the middle 

of downtown Wilmington and 

serves 1920s spirits, bourbons, 

moonshine, and cocktails. It has 

a large selection of bourbons, 

and its creations rotate every 

two months. Enter the Smith 

Alley off Front Street, walk 

a few steps, and knock on the 

door with a sliding window — 

no password is needed. Live 

music is featured regularly with 

no cover. The Blind Elephant 

hosts monthly whiskey tastings, 

an annual Great Gatsby Bash, 

and an Oscar party. 

CRAFT BREWER 

Waterline Brewing Co. 

910-777-5599 

waterlinebrewing.com 

Operating in a rehabilitated 

section of the old Jacobi 

Hardware warehouse on 

Surry Street just under the 

Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, 

Waterline Brewing Co. features 

a beautiful taproom, outdoor 

beer garden, and plenty of 

parking. Join tours where the 

staff explains the brewing 

process and describes the 

history and details of the 

historic structure built in 

the 1930s and 1940s with 

concrete block, cinder block, 

and rough-cut heart-pine 

timbers. Live music is featured 

outside when temperature and 

weather allow. For the latest 

on live music, food trucks, 

beer releases, and special 

events, check its Facebook or 

Instagram pages. 

LATE NIGHT MENU 

Block Taco 

910-399-2796 

facebook.com/BlockTaco 

Block Taco is a neighborhood 

taco stand featuring a la carte 

tacos with a saucy flair that 

even your mother would be 

proud of. After you order at the 

window, find a seat nearby so 

you hear your name when your 

order is ready. You can put 

extra toppings like cilantro, 

pickled onions, radishes, and 

jalapeños on your food at the 

fresh condiment bar. The bar 

next door makes it easy to 

grab a beer. Block Taco is one 

of those hidden gems that only 

the cool kids know, so be cool 

and check it out. 

PUB/TAVERN 

Tavern 14 

910-769-2225 

facebook.com/tavern14 

Hell yeah! Tavern 14 is a 

repeat winner. It’s the bar 

whose welcome chant is “Hell 

yeah!” not “Hello.” With more 

than 20 flatscreen TVs and 

multiple pool tables, you’ll 

be more than entertained 

as you enjoy superior food 

and beverages. The 14 taps 

(coincidentally matching the 

tavern’s name) and more than 

Music is abundant in 

Wilmington’s nightlife. 


100 beer and liquor choices 

make you want to linger for a 

few extra moments after you 

have eaten your food. Open 

daily for lunch and serving a 

late-night menu too, Tavern 14 

is just the casual home away 

from home that you’ve been 

looking for. 

SPECIALTY DRINKS 

Elijah’s 

910-343-1448 

elijahs.com 

The specialty drinks at 

Elijah’s are as legendary as 

the downtown Riverwalk 

where this casual American 

grill and oyster bar is located. 

While you enjoy the superb 

outdoor seating and incredible 

scenery of the riverfront, let the 

Cape Fear Squall, one of the 

specialty drinks, help you tell a 

story or two. Another one, the 

Shark Bite, can be enjoyed with 

no fear or pain unlike if you 

were in the surf. You know that 

you are at Elijah’s when you 

can order a Dark and Storm 

and contemplate what the next 

gale will bring to the coast. 

WINE LIST 

The Second Glass 

910-399-7486 

secondglasswinebar.com 

The second glass is better 

than the last, especially at 

The Second Glass, a wine 

bar where culinary creations, 

great conversations, and 

memorable experiences bring 

out the nuances of each 

glass. Get ready to step into 

a different kind of evening. 

This seasonally driven, 

wine-focused restaurant 

with southern and French 

influences and an eclectic wine 

list always has a fresh, local 

seafood special. The cheese and 

charcuterie board is another 

popular favorite. The Second 

also loves good gnocchi and 

crafts the perfect pasta to pair 

superbly with the season’s 

freshest flavors. 

Hell Yeah! 

Tavern 14 won 

as best pub 

and tavern. 

WINE STORE 

Bridgewater Wines + Dines 

910-408-1900 

bridgewaterwines.com 

Every bottle of wine has a 

story to tell. Imagine what 

you can learn from Doug 

and Susan Zucker, owners of 

Bridgewater Wines + Dines 

with locations in Leland and 

Porters Neck. Take advantage 

of the relationships he 

formed with many wineries 

around the world while 

working in the New York 

area at the wine mecca Stew 

Leonard’s. Her background 

in culinary education has 

been instrumental in crafting 

a menu that not only pairs 

with but enhances the 

wines. Browse the wines 

in an inviting, comfortable 

environment or relax at the 

wine bar with a glass of wine 

and a selection of appetizers. 

W 

Go to Elijah’s for 

their raw bar and 

seafood as well as 

their Readers Choice 

specialty drinks. 


A New Earth Project began as a 

conversation between surfers on the 

North Shore of Oahu where they 

experience plastic pollution caught in 

the big waves, and has grown into a 

movement which Wilmington-based 

Atlantic Packaging is spearheading 

to raise awareness and to rid the 

waterways of plastic pollution. 


Surfing for 

Solutions 

An ambitious partnership between an inventive 

global packaging company and the surfing 

community to rid the ocean of plastic pollution 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 


AWILMINGTON-BASED COMPANY’S 

efforts to protect the environment are going 

beyond its customers and into the local surfing 

community with the goal of promoting actions 

that reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. 

Atlantic Packaging officially launched A 

New Earth Project, a strategic collaboration between surfing/ 

outdoor enthusiast communities and the global packaging supply 

chain, on April 22, Earth Day. The business, the largest privately 

held industrial packaging company in North America, is taking 

this initiative to the next level by making A New Earth Project 

the official sustainability partner of the Wrightsville Beach 

Board Riders Club, with plans to add more Carolinas surfing 

groups in the near future. 

“It feels like a lot of these beach communities just need 

something to rally around,” said Wes Carter, president of 

Atlantic Packaging, which was founded by his grandfather in 

1946. “We had this epiphany that surfers are ambassadors of the 

ocean, and surfing has an appeal to young people and a branding 

firepower already. Our hope is that the entire surfing industry 

embraces sustainable packaging and inspires the entire outdoor 

industry and greater supply chain to do the same.” 

Examples of ways the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Club 

and other surfing groups can participate in the A New Earth 

Project partnership include adopting a policy of no plastic bottles 

of any kind, offering water for refilling bottles, holding a beach 

cleanup at every event, and encouraging brands that sponsor the 

club to adopt New Earth Approved packaging. 

“It’s such a good platform to share just all these different ideas 

of sustainability,” said Ben Bourgeois, a local surfer and part of 

the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Club. “This is a huge step.” 

Partnering with surfing groups not only helps shape individual 

sustainability programs, but it’s also a great vehicle for raising 

awareness and educating young people, A New Earth Project 

Director Don Meek said. 

“It’s really about being a part of the fabric of the local surf 

community where you live,” he said. “We hope that through all of 

these organizations that we can begin to share the vision for this. 

Our tagline is, ‘We do this together. We do this now.’” 

A New Earth Project is the evolution of a larger movement 

that began about four years ago when Carter, whose surfing and 

fishing hobbies have led him to travel around the world, became 

increasingly aware of plastic pollution. 

“I came to realize that Atlantic Packaging was part of the 

supply chain that was creating a lot of these packaging problems,” 

he said. “I equated it to a spiritual awakening. We began to take 

a harder look at the actual products we are selling and look at 

materials much more strategically. Direct-to-consumer plastic 

packaging is a problem.” 

Atlantic Packaging responded by opening a Packaging Solution 

Center in Charlotte five years ago and now offers New Earth 

Approved packaging, a catalog of sustainable products designed 

Examples of ways the 

Wrightsville Beach Board 

Riders Club and other surfing 

groups can participate in 

the A New Earth Project 

partnership include holding 

a beach cleanup. 


(above) Atlantic Packaging now offers New Earth Approved 

packaging, a catalog of sustainable products designed to replace the 

traditional single-use plastics used in direct-to-consumer shipping. 

(left) Shipping a surfboard requires a massive amount of packaging. 

to replace the traditional single-use plastics used in direct-toconsumer 

shipping. The collection is available to brands of all 

sizes that want to do their part to prevent plastic pollution. 

As these efforts continued and evolved, A New Earth Project 

began to take shape in late 2020 when Darren Doane, a filmmaker 

and friend of an Atlantic Packaging salesperson, connected 

Carter with surf personality and photographer Peter King of 

Oahu, Hawaii. The two joined forces to discover ways to “make 

sustainable packaging super cool” and create a documentary 

series to “tell beautiful stories along the way,” Carter said. 

“The idea that we’ve got here is we’re helping to fuel solutions 

that have a direct impact, and we’re going to tell those stories,” 

Meek said. 

The surfing industry was a natural fit for this collaboration, 

not only because surfers have a vested interest in protecting 

the environment but also because of the packaging problems 

associated with its products, Carter said. 

“Packaging and shipping a surfboard is the most 

environmentally horrific thing you’ve ever seen,” Meek added, 

citing the large amount of plastic and Styrofoam that largely 


A New Earth Project uses 

all materials that can go in 

curbside recycling. 

“That’s one of the things I love about 

sustainability. It forces us to be creative. Our 

ability to create global awareness of how 

bad this problem is has never been greater, 

so that’s been a real catalyst.” – Wes Carter, 

President of Atlantic Packaging 

Wes Carter, president 

of Atlantic Packaging, 

which was founded by his 

grandfather in 1946. 

winds up in the regular trash bin. 

As a result, A New Earth Project has filmed the packaging of a 

surfboard in California and its unboxing at Wrightsville Beach’s 

Sweetwater Surf Shop, Bourgeois’ family’s business, using all 

materials that can go in curbside recycling. 

“The goal is that over time we will eliminate single-use plastic 

packaging for retail shops and direct-to-consumer shipping,” 

Carter said. “New Earth Approved packaging is a catalog of fiberbased 

solutions because almost every municipality in America 

can recycle paper, and if it ends up in the environment it will 


(above) Carter with Ben Bourgeois, a local surfer with international 

fame and part of the Wrightsville Beach Board Riders Club. 

(left) Bourgeois is one of the top surfers in the world, and has long 

called Wrightsville Beach home. 

break down in weeks and close the loop.” 

Paper solutions have challenges, such as being more expensive 

and not performing well when wet, but Atlantic Packaging will 

remain committed to the cause, Carter said. 

“It requires a level of creativity and innovation that we 

actually embrace,” he said. “That’s one of the things I love about 

sustainability. It forces us to be creative. Our ability to create 

global awareness of how bad this problem has never been greater, 

so that’s been a real catalyst.” 

Atlantic Packaging strives to be as analytical as possible while 

realizing that plastic is not all bad but that single use is the most 

problematic application of the material, Carter added. 

“At Atlantic, we don’t have a war on plastic,” he said. “We want 

to look at the supply chain and see where plastic makes sense 

and where it doesn’t.” 

For more information about A New Earth Project, visit 

anewearthproject.com. W 


BEYOND 

THE GATES 

A new home set in a perfect family locale expands 

Landfall Realty’s reach 

By LORI WILSON » Photos by G. FRANK HART 


FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, 

Landfall Realty sold exclusively within 

the distinguished gated community, 

however recently their team amplified their 

original vision by representing buyers and 

sellers throughout the entire Wilmington 

region. Since expanding, agents have 

sold and listed homes throughout the 

Port City and beyond, including Porters 

Neck, Brunswick Forest, Forest Hills, and 

Downtown Wilmington. 

The blueprint allowed 

for an open living area 

with the kitchen, living 

room, dining area, 

office, and screened-in 

porch all within sight of 

each other. 

PERHAPS YOU’VE HEARD 

the common realtor’s mantra 

– “location, location, location.” 

Well, for one realtor and her 

family, this refrain rings true, 

as evidenced by the beloved locale of their 

new home. 

Kelli Lazzaro has worked for Landfall 

Realty as a sales agent and broker for 

five years. Before joining the real estate 

industry, she was already spending 

workdays at the gated community a 

skip away from Wrightsville Beach that 

spans 2,200 acres along the Intracoastal 

Waterway and Howe's Creek as a 

marketing and membership director for 

the Country Club of Landfall. 

Yet this story isn’t about a sale she 

sealed for Landfall residents. Rather, this 

is an account of her family’s new build 

beyond the gates. The lot of the Lazzaro’s 

four-bedroom, 3,587-square-foot home, 

though a quick 10-minute drive from the 

country club community, was, in fact, a 

listing represented by Landfall Realty, 

which recently began taking clients 

outside the neighborhood to extend the 

reach of their expertise. 

A ‘Lot’ to Love 

The Lazzaro’s home is on one of 13 new lots 

in the Windemere subdivision, an area of 

mature homes (many first built in the 

1970s) located within walking and biking 

distance of Mayfaire shopping center and 

Wrightsville Beach. 

Lazzaro truly believes in what she 

sells: a dream-come-true lifestyle of 

homeownership in Wilmington. She 

and her husband are both transplants 


(above) The creamy gray back wall cabinets with the porcelain backsplash acts as a perfect 

landscape for the foreground’s main feature coated in gold – two stunning cage lantern 

chandeliers above the island. (left) Glass-front upper cabinets invite the eye over to the coffee 

and bar area of the open kitchen. 

from Massachusetts, and they have 

remained in Wilmington for the smalltown 

vibes and warm weather with 

city amenities, of which this particular 

location provides many. 

“We ride bikes to Mayfaire all the 

time,” Lazzaro explains. “My 14-year-old 

daughter can take her bike to the gym and 

then ride right back.” 

The family strongly considered building 

in Landfall, but as Landfall Realty evolved 

to selling and listing outside the gates, 

they chose to look beyond the community. 

The company sold three of the 13 lots in 

the new sub-community of Windermere. 

As a result, some of Lazarro’s Landfall 

clients have become neighbors and friends. 

In many ways, the location and the home 

design were chosen with family in mind. 

Lazzaro’s daughter attends Noble Middle 

School, whose soccer field can practically 

be reached with a good kick of a ball from 

their backyard. 

Her husband Andy’s family lives only 

four houses down. Even the family dog, 

Maui, was taken into careful consideration 

when selecting a home base. The Lazzaros 

sit on a 0.8-acre, end-of-the-street lot with 

a large fenced-in space for their pup and 

a beautifully landscaped and manicured 

lawn (of which Andy proudly maintains) 

for the humans to enjoy. 

A Collaborative Build 

Before bike rides and dog runs could begin, 

the Lazzaros worked with Marty Vahue 

of Vahue Custom Homes on construction 

of their new home. Serving as a nod to 


The comfortably 

handsome dining area 

has a full view of the 

family’s backyard, and 

is enhanced by the twin 

pendants overhead. 

Lazzaro’s connection, the blueprint for 

the build replicates a home within the 

Landfall community gates that the couple 

admired. They purchased the home design 

from John Croom with Cornerstone 

Residential Designs, and, with his help, 

added customizations that best suited 

their family. Vahue executed the build. 

“We built the home based on the design 

and tried to add some of our touches 

and recommendations based on what 

they asked,” Vahue says. “It was a great 

working experience. Kelli was extremely 

on-point with her designs.” 

Vahue describes the Lazzaro house as a 

“great family home.” While their clientele 

is often made up of empty nesters, Vahue 

says, in this case, “he could tell all that 

they were doing about family.” 

For example, the blueprint allowed for an 

open living area, in which family members 

can enjoy company from five choices of 

rooms; the kitchen, living room, dining 

area, office, and screened-in porch are all 

Note the mantel 

sourced from an old 

tobacco farm and the 

cane webbing chosen 

to cover the lower 

custom cabinets. 


(above) Landfall Realty sold three of the 13 lots in the new sub-community of Windermere. 

The Lazzaros worked with Marty Vahue of Vahue Custom Homes on construction and bought 

the home design from John Croom with Cornerstone Residential Designs. (left) By the front 

door, two gas lanterns from Charleston welcome guests – the flame, Andy Lazzaro notes, 

almost looks like it’s waving. 

within sight of each other. The bedrooms 

are on the same level, except for that of 

their teenage daughter, whose quarters 

fittingly share walls with a theater-style 

room above the two-car garage. 

Outside, classic rocking chairs 

immediately set the tone for this familyoriented 

space. By the front door, two 

gas lanterns from Charleston welcome 

guests – the flame, Andy Lazzaro notes, 

almost looks like it’s waving. Architectural 

details of the L-shaped exterior reflect 

the timeless design choices that continue 

inside the home. 

Before becoming a builder, Vahue 

worked as an interior trim subcontractor 

for 30 years. The quality of the home’s 

trim work and custom cabinetry work is, 

he explains, what gives homes like the 

Lazzaro’s their expected level of quality. 

A Designer Daughter 

When guests compliment the finishes 

of the Lazzaro’s home, Kelli has the 

delightful treat of replying with, “thank 

you, my daughter chose it.” 

Daughter Lauren Lazzaro Miller works 

as an interior designer in Raleigh.. 

“It’s exciting that I still get to use the 

space I designed for,” Miller says. “I’ll 

get to be at the dining room table for 

Christmas or Thanksgiving and know 

that I designed that space . . . It’s kind of 

different when you have the inside view of 

how people use the home.” 

Miller credits her mom for the reason 

she became interested in interior design, 

as she always gave Miller the freedom to 

decorate her room growing up. 

“She always had a smart sense of style,” 

she says of mom. 

Miller grew up at the family’s previous 

home near Bradley Creek. Having the 

serenity of the creek and wildlife around 

them, the Lazzaro home was often 

designed in neutral colors accentuated 

by greens and blues. The mother-anddaughter 

design duo aimed to keep a 

similar palette for the new home. 

“One thing my mom wanted was 

something that could be transitional,” 

Miller explains. “She likes to stay up to 

date with the styles but doesn't want to go 

too far every time.” 

Miller selected finishes that could blend 

with the times, such as the porcelain 

kitchen countertops that feature both 

gray and brown themes that could pick 

up on new tones and styles throughout 

the decades. 

In fact, Miller cites the kitchen as her 

favorite feature of the home, based on 

the color combination of the creamy gray 

back wall cabinets with the porcelain 

backsplash that acts as a perfect landscape 

for the foreground’s main feature coated 


The master bath is roomy 

and restful continuing 

with Lazzaro’s soothing 

color choices of grays, 

creams and golds. 


(above) Natural light spills into the spacious and well-appointed master bedroom. (left) The 

artwork in the Lazzaro entryway captures the home’s color palette of grays, creams and golds 

with a pop of blue to achieve the serene energy of living at the coast. 

in gold – two stunning cage lantern 

chandeliers above the island. 

“When she brought those in at first I 

thought, ‘are you sure?’” Lazzaro admits. 

“But as soon as I saw them hung up I knew 

she was right.” 

While the kitchen cabinet hardware 

mostly features gold, Miller made a point 

to execute mixed-use finishes through the 

home to maintain the transitional goal, in 

hopes of staying on trend as new styles arise. 

Though, the home is not without other 

interesting calculated risks, such as the 

kitchen lighting. In the living area, below 

the custom-build cabinets framing the 

television, Miller and Lazzaro choose 

a cane webbing to cover the cabinets. 

Originally, Miller planned to have the 

cane painted the same color of the cabinets 

but, this time, it was Lazzarro who pushed 

to keep it natural. And, to put it simply, it 

seriously paid off. 

This area with the built-in cabinets 

provides opportunities to switch out decor 

with the seasons – something, Miller 

explains, her mom enjoys. Right now, the 

space stars a plethora of grays, creams, 

golds, blue glass, and a little natural green 

– again, to achieve that serene energy. 

Between the custom-built shelving, the 

living area features a floor-to-ceiling shiplap 

wall and brick fireplace, whose mantel hails 

from a front porch of an old tobacco farm, 

for a cozy, charming touch. In contrast, the 

outdoor porch fireplace, covered in oyster 

tabby stucco, came directly out of our very 

own Cape Fear River, sourced from Old 

Growth River Wood. 

Other subtle coastal themes pay tribute to 

their love of Wilmington while maintaining 


The gracious lines 

of the backyard 

view of the home. 

The outdoor porch fireplace, 

covered in oyster tabby 

stucco, came directly out 

of our very own Cape Fear 

River, sourced from Old 

Growth River Wood. 

a classic, modern look: the glass coffee table 

with a driftwood-esque base, the gallerylit 

wave-like artwork in the entryway hall, 

and the use of deep blue and seafoam accent 

pillows in the master bedroom. 

As a family-oriented homeowner, many 

of their other designer choices were 

practical decisions that fit their lifestyle. 

Andy Lazzaro specifically requested the 

large, eight-bladed fan in the center of the 

living room ceiling, as well as the cognacleather 

swivel chairs ideal for catching 

football or hockey games. 

The gorgeous A-frame-style ceilings 

of the common areas dramatize the 

open-concept style that allows for family 

and friend gatherings at the Lazzaro 

residence. And, of course, the elongated 

windows in the master bedroom allow for 

clear views of their pup at play in the yard. 

Home beckons in this new locale, a gem 

found in conjunction with a new direction 

for Landfall Realty beyond the gates. 

landfallrealty.com W 


SPEND A YEAR 

ON THE COAST 

of Wilmington, North Carolina 

September/October 2021 

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 

MARCH / APRIL 2020 

May/June 2021 

MAY / JUNE 2021 

Best of Wilmington • Summer Day Trips • Contractor’s Dream Home WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

All You Need to 

Know for the 

Anticipated Season 

Dining 

Al Fresco 

Top Spots for 

Decked Out Dining 

in the Port City 

LANDING 

IN 

LANDFALL 

NATURAL 

SUPPLEMENT 

PIONEERS 

ONCE A MARINE, 

ALWAYS A 

MARINE 

Easter 

Entertaining 

Elegance Made Easy 

AT HOME IN 

AUTUMN HALL 

NC AZALEA 

FESTIVAL 

Outdoor 

Oasis 

Latest Trends and 

SPRING 

FASHION 

Styles to Inspire 

Your Outdoor 

Living Space 

The Tastes of Summer • Best in Business • Mom & Dad Dining Guide WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

The Tastes 

of Summer 

MOM & DAD 

DINING 

GUIDE 

Palette Worthy Provisions 

for the Season 

AT HOME IN 

ST. JAMES 

Best in 

Business 2021 

Wilmington’s Elite 

Entrepreneurs and 

Professionals 

THE LATEST 

TRENDS IN 

SKINCARE 

January/February 2021 

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021 

November/ December 2020 

January/February 2022 

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 

Spoonful of Romance • Home is Where the Heart Is • Valentine’s Day Gift Guide WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Spoonful of 

Romance 

14 

Home is Where 

the Heart Is 

Special Redesign 

in Autumn Hall 

Top Eateries to 

Wine & Dine 

Your Valentine 

WINTER 

HIDEAWAYS 

LIFESTYLE 

RESET 

PROGRAM 

VALENTINE’S DAY 

GIFT GUIDE 

Winter on 

the Coast 

celebrating the most 

Wonderful time of the year 

Holiday 

GiFt 

Guide 

Festive 

tablescapes 

FarmHouse 

cHic in 

landFall 

‘tis the 

tasty 

season 

top picks for 

Holiday noshing 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Timeless Classicism 

A Stylish Custom Build 

on the Intracoastal 

Feathered Friends 

The Birds of NC’s Winter 

FRENCH- 

INSPIRED 

ASIAN CUISINE 

The Allure & 

Aromas of 

Romantic 

Dining 

SALTY 

GEMS & 

AIR 

JEWELS 

WELLNESS 

Subscribe Today! 

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE COAST. 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com/subscribe or 843-856-2532 


dining review in the kitchen libations restaurant guide 

A Modern 

Twist on 

Locally Caught 

Seafood 

Soundside Seafood & Raw Bar’s 

transformed location is a 

new local fav 


Cioppino, with Soundside’s 

Chef Eric Prange’s twist of 

serving the light seafood stew 

over linguine, features shrimp, 

clams, mussels, crab, and local 

fish prepared in a white wine 

and tomato broth. 


Soundside Seafood 

& Raw Bar 

2025 Eastwood Road 


910-256-1887 

soundsidewilmington.com 

Enticing menu and transformed location create new local favorite 

By RAY LINVILLE » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

THE NEW FAVORITE FOR 

fresh, local seafood and 

Sunday brunch has roots to 

an old favorite. A year ago, 

the popular restaurant Boca 

Bay was rebranded as Soundside Seafood 

& Raw Bar by Urban Food Group, which 

relied extensively on feedback from local 

customers in shaping the new menu. 

After learning what they liked about 

Boca as well as what they had always hoped 

it would offer, the change to Soundside was 

ready after the space of Boca had been 

transformed and revamped, including 

the addition of a new outdoor patio with a 

firepit, rocking chairs, and fountain. The 

rebranding with its casual flair has been 

met with the full approval of the region’s 

seafood seeking diners. 

Inspiring the seasonal menus and 

leading the culinary crew is executive chef 

Eric Prange. “He is very dedicated to his 

craft,” says Brian Smith, general manager 

of Soundside. 

Offering a modern twist on locally caught 

seafood, Soundside has something for 

everyone who is looking for fresh catches 

and more. 

The most impressive and tempting item 

on the dinner menu is the seafood tower. It 

comes with eight oysters, eight shrimp, and 

a half-pound each of mussels and crab with 

melted butter, cocktail sauce, and lemon. 

The seafood bar has everything you 

want: oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, 

East Coast peel-and-eat shrimp, crab legs, 

roasted oysters, fried oysters, and local 

oysters. In addition, the Calabash platter 

has a choice of shrimp, oyster, or flounder, 

or all three, and is served with house-made 

The most impressive and tempting 

item on the dinner menu is 

the seafood tower, definitely 

shareable. Don’t miss the East 

Coast Peel-n-Eat Shrimp. 

coleslaw, hushpuppies, and fries. 

Of course, you should ask your server 

about the local catch before you begin 

perusing the enticing menu. 

The choices of large or small plates are 

very extensive and varied. Among the 

rotating seasonal menu large plates, seared 

scallops served with roasted butternut 

squash risotto and brussels sprouts hit the 

right note of deliciousness while not being 

too heavy for a warm night. 

Equally tempting is Cioppino, with Chef 

Prange’s twist of serving the light seafood 

stew over linguine, featuring shrimp, clams, 

mussels, crab, and local fish prepared in a 

white wine and tomato broth. The “local 

catch” is where Prange’s daily fish specials 

shine. The night I dined featured blackened 

bluefin tuna seared perfectly. 

Owen Dunne, the regional district 

manager for Urban Food Group in 

Wilmington, says he likes that Soundside 

mainly “offers fresh, local seafood from 

down the road,” and adds, “We are a little 

bit more casual yet providing great service.” 

The small plates are also appealing 

for any seafood lover. Calamari with red 

onion, banana pepper, sesame seeds, 


Feast outside 

with friends on 

the patio that 

seats 75. 

Pan-seared mahi is served 

over risotto, and is cooked to 

just the right temperature. 

Time to enjoy some crab legs. 

marinara, and garlic aioli tops the list for 

my daughter. Mussels prepared in white 

wine, shallots, garlic, butter, and thyme 

are another favorite. 

The fried fish sandwich, jerk chicken 

sandwich, and black Angus burger are 

other small plates deserving consideration. 

Among the soups and salads on the 

menu, the best etouffee east of New 

Orleans is served with crawfish, shrimp, 

or chicken-and-andouille sausage over 

rice. And don’t confuse the thicker, gravylike 

etouffee, a Cajun stew, with gumbo, 

which is also one of the soup options. 

Gumbo is thinner and is made with a 

soupy, stew broth. Both are excellent 

depending on the consistency you prefer. 

For steak lovers, the 12-ounce New York 

strip anchors a prominent spot among the 

large plate choices. Served with asparagus, 

the steak has an intense flavor with 

bold, beefy notes. The Surf & Turf choice 

combines this succulent steak with six 

blackened shrimp. 

Owned by Stacey and Kevin Jennings, 

Urban Food Group expanded into the 

Wilmington area about three years ago 

when they also bought Brasserie du Soleil 

and Osteria Cicchetti, which remain local 

favorites. They also have operations in 

Raleigh, Charlotte, and Denver. Kevin 

spends a good amount of his time sourcing 

for the couple’s restaurant group. 

He recently returned from a tasting 

trip to find the best tasting beef for 

their restaurants with an eye towards 

responsible stewardship of the cattle, 

something he learned about from his 

father-in-law who raised a herd for decades 

on their family farm in West Virginia. 

The goal for Soundside, Jennings 

describes, is to have a seasonal menu 

“dictated by what is coming out of the 

ocean,” and adds, “My hope is to build the 

seafood in a focused, fresh local theme.” 

One of the best ways to sample this desire 

is Soundside’s local oyster offering for $1.25 

a piece Monday through Saturday from 4 to 

6 pm at the bar. As a participant in the N.C. 

Oyster Trail that features restaurants that 

serve N.C. oysters on the menu, tasting 

these saltwater delights also promotes 

discovery of the important role that oysters 

play in coastal communities and how they 

improve water quality and create habitat 

for other animals. 

There will always be exceptions on 

the menu, of course, one of which is the 

ever-popular salmon served with grilled 

portabella mushrooms and asparagus. The 

shrimp scampi and a bacon-infused shrimp 

& grits will also be mainstays with shrimp 

coming from regional waters. 

Popular brunch choices include a crispy 

mile-high quiche as well as Florentine 

Eggs Benedict with sauteed garlic spinach. 

Seafood lovers will likely be lured by 

Soundside Eggs Benedict with crabcake, 

the seafood crepe with shrimp and fish, or 

blackened shrimp and creamy grits. 

Soundside opens at 4pm. On Sunday, 

brunch is served from 10am to 3pm with 

music beginning at noon. Special dining 

options include the East Room that can 

accommodate parties of 30 to 40 however 

Dunne points out the large patio that seats 75 

as “having great energy out there,” and says 

he hopes people coming to the beach “sees the 

patio upfront and lit” and just pull in. 

Whether you’re seeking the unique flavor 

of oysters that makes them such a desirable 

dish or other locally caught seafood, 

Soundside has become the destination to 

enjoy the best of our region as the restaurant 

supports the state’s aquaculture industry 

and the livelihoods of local watermen. 

soundsidewilmington.com W 


A beautiful plate of fresh 

tuna nigiri, a Kungfu- 

Tomaki and Philly roll 

featuring the best sushi 

rice in Wilmington. 

Restaurant Roll Model 

How YoSake has maintained their status as 

a superior sushi destination 

33 S Front St, 


910.763.3172 

yosake.com 

By FANNY SLATER » Photos by DARIA AMATO 

THE BUZZING INTERSECTION 

of Market and Front Street may 

be considered the epicenter of 

downtown Wilmington, but those 

who hang out a block south would beg 

to differ. 

Smack dab on the corner of Front 

and Dock sits Wilmington’s renowned 

Roudabush Building — which many would 

regard as the real mecca for all the action. 

But before you get cozy on the ground level 

crushing Tropical Lightnings and cheese 

curds at the Husk, hike up the stairs to the 

second floor. Hang a quick right and you’ve 

reached YoSake Downtown Sushi Lounge 

— the oldest sibling of the restaurant group 

housed in the historic property since 2006. 

And if you know anything about 

downtown Wilmington’s culinary scene, 

you know that the fixtures who have kept 

their doors open for extended periods of 

time are few and far between. But from 

YoSake’s whimsical, Tokyo-inspired wall 

art to the expansive menu of skillfully 

prepared Pan-Asian cuisine, what’s not 

to love? 

I guess being voted “Best Sushi in 

Wilmington” certainly doesn’t hurt their 

status as a top-tier hot spot either. 

Despite their prime location and everlively 

dining room, the hardworking 

staff behind the scenes doesn’t take any 

shortcuts. YoSake proudly supports local, 

organic, sustainable agriculture and 

harbors the secret of the best sushi rice 

in town. To say they graciously grind to 

create that exceptional experience that’s a 

notch above others in their category would 

be an understatement. 


Sushi chefs Dan Habib (left), Scott 

Felton (right) and Megan Laabe 

(background) are at work making 

YoSake’s sushi creations. 

Dan Habib preps 

an abundance of 

fresh tuna. 

The very neat 

sequencing of 

making sushi. 

Salmon nigiri in 

the foreground. 

Executive Chef Erin Wiley. 

The careful 

placement of 

components on 

pieces of Nori. 

I chatted with Kyra Tebo Faina, partner 

of the Roudabush restaurant group and 

General Manager to Yosake, to get the 

inside scoop on how the Asian eatery has 

maintained its success even amidst a global 

pandemic. It turns out the sushi lounge 

extended its seating to upstairs Dram + 

Morsel during the pandemic, so plenty 

of patrons could still get their fix. With 

hungry folks now regularly out and about 

once again, I was curious how fast the chefs 

were flying through that famous rice. 

“People are ordering more food than ever!” 

Tebo Faina exclaimed. She praises the loyal 

customers for their patience since Covid. 

“The sushi wait times are occasionally 

longer, which may seem odd since you’re 

waiting for raw food, but this is an art.” 

One peek into the daily prep of a YoSake 

sushi chef and you’ll see what she means. 

From breaking down the fresh-out-of-thewater 

fish deliveries from Motts Channel 

Seafood to delicately planting a pinch of 

locally-sourced Terra Vita microgreens on 

top of an exquisitely plated specialty roll — 

it’s undeniable that these guys truly love 

what they do. They’re on-display (and on 

their game) at all times right along with 

the rest of the front-of-the-house, whereas 

in a more traditional kitchen — chefs 

are expertly executing a show that’s only 

visible in the back. 

Dan Habib and Scott Felton are two of the 

sushi rollers mastering the magic behind 

— and in front of — YoSake’s curtain and 

I got to briefly pick their brain on what it 

takes to run a thriving sushi hub. Felton, 

a North Carolina native and father of 

two with a fine dining background, has 

been with the restaurant for nearly a 

decade. He gets his inspiration from peers 

and master sushi chefs, but also other 

cuisines — which became clear when I 

asked the wildest creation he’s ever come 

up with for the Chef’s Choice “This is How 

we Roll” special. 

“I once made a roll with wasabi mashed 

potatoes instead of rice, grilled marinated 

steak and asparagus and miso butter,” 

Felton responds. 

When Habib, YoSake champion of five 

years, is at the helm, he’s a fanatic for the 

“fusion of bringing regional favorites with 

a sushi twist.” No surprise there, as he 


The open kitchen is the center of the 

action at the Pan-Asian restaurant 

with sushi chefs Habib, Laabe and 

Felton keeping pace with demand. 

Dinner with friends 

can include not only 

sushi but delicious 

curry, noodle bowls 

and ribs, all an 

aromatic feast for 

the senses. 

General Manager 

and co-owner 

Kyra Tebo Faina 

in her festive 

sushi blazer. 

once fashioned a sweet potato, lump crab, 

blueberry, and jalapeno roll that you’d be 

hard pressed to label as anything other 

than “southern coastal”. 

“Blueberries are underused,” Habib 

says. “They’re sweet and tart which lends 

to a whole variety of uses!” 

If his style sounds like your cup of sweet 

tea, you’ll dig YoSake’s signature Southern 

Chicken Sushi Roll that showcases 

tempura fried chicken, coleslaw, and 

pickles wrapped in soy paper and topped 

with sticky Korean BBQ sauce and bacon. 

As for the most overlooked ingredient 

on Felton’s sushi bar that deserves a little 

more love, he responded, “The Kizami 

Wasabi is a soy sauce-pickled young wasabi 

root. It’s amazing on everything.” 

Both chefs credit the rice as the heart of 

the process. 

If raw fish isn’t your jam, no worries. 

YoSake’s menu spans from spicy Thai 

curries to noodle bowls filled high enough 

to feed a small family. If you’re mostly 

drinking your dinner, the hand-crafted 

cocktails are highly revered. As for the 

vegetarian sushi offerings — like the 

Buddha Roll with local pickled veggies, 

avocado, and pickled mustard seeds — 

the humble assortment is inspired and 

thoughtfully presented. 

Though, is it any surprise that’s how 

they roll? W 


BEST WATERVIEW DINING! 

Situated on the Atlantic Ocean, Oceanic offers panoramic 

beach views, whether dining indoors or alfresco on the 

historic Crystal Pier. Enjoy beachside cocktails and coastalinspired 

dishes during Lunch, Dinner, and Sunday Brunch. 

OceanicRestaurant.com 

Photo: Matt Ray 

Photography 

BEST APPETIZERS! 

Baby Spinach Artichoke Dip 

with tomato jam and housemade 

tortilla chips 

Your local gastropub, serving up the best craft beers and 

culinary-inspired American fare. Enjoy a craft cocktail, 

local brew, or glass of wine in our spacious pub & 

restaurant or our outdoor Beer Garden. Awardwinning 

Saturday and Sunday Brunch with live 

music and epic liquid brunch options. 

HopsSupplyCo.com 

Order Online 

for take-out 

or delivery! 

Photo: Edge Koladish 


Simply 

Yummy 

Fresh Eats 

Recipes and Photos by KAITLIN GOODING 


NOW IS THE TIME TO GET INTO THE 

kitchen and create delicious recipes with an abundance 

of fresh produce to make for your family this summer. 

Take these berry-licious hand pies on your next picnic. 

Trying to figure out what to do with that pile of carrots 

from the garden? Try out this carrot hummus that 

pairs perfectly with crackers or toast for a snack by 

the pool. When the kids come in from playing out in 

the hot sun, these chocolate peppermint popsicles will 

be a refreshing treat! You’ll be the favorite parent if 

you make these cinnamon-sugar French toast sticks 

for breakfast. From fruity raspberry-basil gazpacho 

to savory prosciutto focaccia, you’ll be ready to host a 

dinner party, or just to keep the kids full and happy 

this summer. 

Apple- Prosciutto Focaccia 

3-4 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

2 tsp instant yeast 

4 cups all-purpose flour 

2 tsp salt 

2 tsp honey, divided 

5 tbsp olive oil, divided 

8 slices of prosciutto, cut into small pieces 

1 apple, thinly sliced 

1/4 cup goat cheese crumbles 

Sea salt & pepper (desired amount for topping) 

Butter for greasing pan 

Arugula for garnish 

9. Cook for 20 minutes or until golden brown. 

10. Once finished cooking and ready to serve, slice into squares 

for easy eating. 

11. Drizzle with the remaining honey, and arugula on top (can 

substitute any greens) for a garnish. This recipe is best 

enjoyed the day you bake it! 

Raspberry-Basil Gazpacho 

3-4 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

3 tomatoes 

1/2 cucumber peeled, roughly chopped 

2 cups raspberries 

1/4 cup basil leaves 

1 lime, juiced 

1 garlic clove 

1.5 tbsp honey 

1/2 tsp salt 

Herbs & fresh ground pepper for garnish 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Add all the ingredients into a high powered blender and mix 

until smooth. 

2. Pour the liquid through a mesh strainer to remove the seeds. 

3. Pour the gazpacho into small bowls, cover, and place in the 

fridge until chilled. 

4. Garnish with pepper, and herbs of choice. 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Begin by whisking together the yeast and 2 1/4 cup of warm 

water. Once the yeast is blended allow it to sit for about 

five minutes. 

2. Add the flour, 1 tsp honey, and 2 tsp salt and mix until the 

dough is formed. 

3. Add 3 tbsp of olive oil into a separate bowl and transfer the 

dough into the oil, turning the dough over until well coated 

in oil. 

4. Cover the bowl and add to the refrigerator to sit and 

rise overnight. 

5. Grease a 9x13 size pan, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil on the bottom 

and place the dough in the middle. Stretch the dough to fit 

the pan. 

6. Allow the dough to rise for another two hours in a warm location. 

7. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Create depressions into the 

focaccia with olive-oiled fingers throughout the dough and 

drizzle one tbsp olive oil over top. 

8. Scatter the prosciutto, apples, and goat cheese evenly on top 

of the focaccia. Sprinkle the bread with sea salt and pepper. 


Carrot Hummus 

side dish, approximately 6 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 pound carrots, peeled, chopped 

1 can, 15-ounce chickpeas, drained 

1 garlic clove, chopped 

1 tbsp lemon juice 

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp honey 

2 tbsp tahini 

5 tbsp olive oil 

Salt/pepper for seasoning 

DIRECTIONS 

1. In a large pan add the carrots and drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over top with salt 

and pepper. Cook the carrots for five minutes until they are softened. Add your 

chickpeas and garlic and cook for another five minutes, occasionally stirring. 

2. Add your carrots and chickpeas into a high powered blender. Add the lemon juice, 

1 tsp salt, tahini, honey, 4 tbsp olive oil (you can add more if needed) and blend 

until smooth. 

3. Pour into a bowl, top with salt & pepper, and serve with crackers or veggies to dip! 


French Toast Sticks 

2-3 servings 

INGREDIENTS 

6 slices of thick cut bread, cut into thirds 

(I used a loaf of egg bread to cut it to my desired thickness) 

3 eggs 

1/2 cup whole milk 

1 tsp brown sugar 

1/4 tsp vanilla extract 

1 tbsp maple syrup 

1/4 tsp cinnamon 

Cinnamon Sugar Topping 

1/4 cup sugar 

1 tbsp cinnamon 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Using the 6 slices of bread, cut each slice into three sticks 

per slice. 

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

3. Combine the eggs, milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp 

cinnamon, and maple syrup into a bowl. 

4. Roll the sticks through the egg mixture and let the excess 

run off back into the bowl. 

5. Place the egg-dipped sticks onto parchment paper on a 

baking sheet. 

6. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes and then flip them and cook 

for another 10 minutes. 

7. While the sticks are cooking, add your sugar and cinnamon 

in a bowl and mix until well combined. 

8. Once the sticks are finished cooking, plate them while they’re 

still hot. Pour the maple syrup over top and sprinkle the 

cinnamon sugar over them. 

Peppermint Chocolate Chip 

Popsicles 

6-7 popsicles 

INGREDIENTS 

2 cups plain & full fat yogurt 

1/2 cup milk 

1/4 tsp peppermint extract 

2 tbsp maple syrup 

1/4 tsp vanilla extract 

3/4 cup mini chocolate chips 

3 tsp matcha powder (for natural green coloring) or green 

food coloring 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Whisk together the milk, yogurt, peppermint extract, maple 

syrup, and vanilla extract. 

2. Add in the matcha powder (you can add more if you’d like 

more of a green color) or use the food coloring to get the 

desired color. 

3. Add in the chocolate chips and stir until well combined. 

4. Pour your mix into silicone popsicle molds and insert 

the sticks. 

5. Place your popsicles into the freezer up to 6 hours. 

6. To remove the popsicle, run the silicone molds under warm 

water till it becomes loose enough to detach the popsicle. 


Blueberry- Lemon Hand Pies 

10-12 mini pies 

INGREDIENTS 

Dough 

2 cups flour 

Dash of salt 

2/3 cup unsalted butter 

2 large eggs 

5-6 tbsp water 

Filling 

1.5 cups blueberries 

1/2 lemon, juiced 

Zest of 1 lemon 

1/4 cup sugar (extra for sprinkling over top) 

1 tbsp flour 

Whipped cream cheese 

1 tbsp unsalted butter 

DIRECTIONS 

1. In a medium-sized bowl add the flour and salt and cut the butter into the flour. 

Once the butter has become small bits add the eggs and mix well. Add 5-6 

tbsp of water till it’s not too dry and can form dough into two balls that will hold 

together. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. 

2. Add the blueberries to a bowl and zest/juice the lemon over top. Add sugar and 

flour and mix well. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

3. Generously flour a work surface. Using your first ball of dough, slowly roll the 

dough out to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a biscuit cutter (mine was 3.5 inches) 

to cut an even number of small circles out of the dough. Place the circles on 

parchment paper on a baking sheet. Do the same with the other half of your 

dough, making the same amount of circles. 

4. Spread a small layer of whipped cream cheese as a base layer on each circle from the 

first dough. Use a spoon to dish out about 1 tbsp of filling on top of the cream cheese. 

5. Fill a bowl with water. Wet your finger and spread the water around the edge of 

the circles. Place the top half of the crust (circles from the second dough) on the 

pie and seal the edges with a fork, lightly pressing the dough. 

6. Melt a tbsp of butter and lightly brush the tops of the pies. Sprinkle with extra 

sugar if desired. Cut small slits for the pies to vent. 

7. Add the pies to the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden 

brown. Allow the pies to cool before serving. W 


WE’LL SEE YOU AT 

HAPPY HOUR 

THIS SUMMER 

244 N. WATER STREET, WILMINGTON | 919.343.1818 

*SUNDAY - FRIDAY, 4 PM -7 PM 


libations 

Rosé – Summer’s 

Go-to Vino 

Light, crisp and versatile, rosé is riding a new wave of popularity 

By ANN MARIE THORNTON 

SUMMER IS HERE AND FOR SOME FOLKS THAT 

means it’s time for “Rosé all day!” And, no wonder, light, 

crisp and versatile, rosé fits the summertime mood of fun 

in the sun and the lighter fare of the warmer season. 

Rosé wines are created when crushed grapes or fresh-pressed 

juice spends a short time in contact with red grape skins, a process 

that lends aromas, tannins, and of course, color to wine. While 

rosé wines are riding a new wave of popularity, this is an ancient 

process that dates back to the Greeks and Romans and has 

traditions in most every wine-growing region. In France, rosés are 

typically found in the Provence region and feature blends of Syrah 

with Grenache, Mouvedre, Cinsault and other local grapes. In 

Spain, rosado is crafted from Tempranillo and Garnacha, whereas 

in Italy rosato features Sangiovese, Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Nero 

d’Avola and other native grapes. In California and the US, rosés 

of Pinot Noir are very popular, but as elsewhere, winemakers 

experiment with what is grown locally for a full range of styles. 

Pale, tea-rose-pink rosé from Provence is iconic. A classic 2019 

Cote des Roses rosé from Gérard Bertrand in the Languedoc 

appellation blends Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Dry with some 

tannins, the bouquet is flowery with notes of tart, red cherries, 

raspberries, and ruby-red grapefruit. The taste is fresh with 

light berry tones and lingers delicately. This wine makes a lovely 

aperitif and could accompany grilled shellfish or lightly spiced fare. 

Rosé has the flexibility to pair with brunch, lunch and dinner, part 

of its “all day” appeal, and this rosé would complement an eggs 

Benedict with salmon and counterpoint the creamy hollandaise in 

a delightful fashion. 

A wine with a deeper salmon hue, the Rosa di Elena, a rosato 

from Collestefano in the Marche region of eastern central Italy 

offers tantalizing notes of pomegranate and raspberry. The 

2020 is 80 percent Sangiovese blended with 10 percent Cabernet 

Sauvignon and other grapes and had just six hours of skin 

contact. This organic wine is imported by Bacco Selections, run 

by Paulo and Sassy Pellizzari of Southern Pines, who focus on 

high quality, family-owned wines. Light and fruity with an ABV 

of just 12 percent, this is a welcoming wine and can be a go-to 

rosé all summer long. Sip this on summer afternoons with pesto, 

artichokes, charcuterie, or grilled chicken and savor the moment. 

The deep fuchsia of Martinelli’s 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir from 

the Sonoma Coast hints that this wine has had a bit more skin 

contact. Indeed, Martinelli uses the saignée (san-yay) method to 

make this rosé, bleeding off about 10 percent of the volume from 

the earliest stages of their classic Pinot Noir and fermenting it 

separately, bottling it quickly and creating both a big, fruity rosé 

and an opulent, concentrated Pinot Noir. This Rosé of Pinot Noir 

has luscious, fruity notes of fleshy, red plum and pomegranate, 

plus a whiff of earthiness that reminds me of digging in the 

garden. Balance this rich rosé with rare tuna, crab cakes and a 

roasted corn salsa, or even a butterflied lamb on the grill and enjoy 

its fresh, fruity character. 

Rosé, with its myriad of grapes and production styles, offers 

tremendous versatility, even if its signature style is primarily 

fun, fruity and festive. Experiment with some rosé this summer. 

Explore the varied grapes, styles and pairings, and you may find 

its spirited mantra calling to you, too. “Rosé all day!” 

Ann Marie Thornton is a master sommelier, and co-owner of 

James Creek Cider House with her husband David. W 


Fresh | Local | Relax | Enjoy 

Salmon nigiri from 

YoSake, the readers 

choice for best sushi 

in 2022. 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Wilmington. 

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 

AMERICAN 

3315 Cut & Pour 3315 Masonboro Loop 

Rd, 399-3969. A newly opened steak 

house and wine bar with an outdoor patio 

with live music. From burgers to prime 

rib, an American menu. Closed Sundays. 

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. Open Mon-Sat. 

Bluewater Waterfront Grill 4 Marina 

St., 256-8500. Offers panoramic views 

of the Intracoastal Waterway. Dinner 

mainstays include fresh seafood, baby 

back ribs, char-grilled steaks, and 

delicious homemade desserts. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Butts-n-Such 802 Lake Park Blvd S 

(Car. Beach), 458-2667. This new local 

spot has a made-to-order breakfast you 

can enjoy inside, and a window that 

makes it easy to pick up their menu of 

housemade barbecue, fried shrimp, 

burgers and more. Open Tues-Sunday, 

7am to 9pm. 

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. Open 11am to 8pm, 

closed Mondays. 

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. 

The 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! 

Open daily from 8am to 2pm. 

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 environment with outdoor dining 

available. Lunch and dinner daily. 


BEST DESSERTS AGAIN! 

Come experience a fun, unique 

evening with fondue! 

138 S Front St, Wilmington 

910-251-0433 

littledipperfondue.com 


Authentic Italian Fine Dining 

in Historic Downtown Wilmington 

910.763.3806 

102 South Second St., Wilmington 

tarantellis.com 

Italian Fennel Sausage, Roasted 

Garlic and Seared Jumbo Shrimp 

served with fresh roasted red 

peppers and capers in a homemade 

plum tomato pomadoro sauce, with 

house-made pappardelle pasta. 

Thank you for voting us 

BEST ITALIAN 

RESTAURANT 

6 years in a row! 

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. Open daily. 

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. Open 11am to 3pm, closed Sundays. 

Molly Pitcher's American Grill 4001 

Wrightsville Ave, 769-1070. From baconwrapped 

meatloaf to fried green tomato 

BLT sandwich, Molly Pitcher’s serves 

classic American food with a twist. 

Open daily. 

Pink Baking Co. 5543 Carolina Beach 

Rd., Suite 140; 799-9119. Breakfast, 

lunch, and dessert. Light fare available 

Mon-Sat 11am to 9pm. 

Platypus & Gnome 9 S Front St, 

769-9300. Bilevel restaurant featuring 

homey-chic digs lined with art & an 

imaginative New American menu with 

something for everyone. Closed Mon 

and Tues. 

P T's Olde Fashioned Grille 4544 

Fountain Dr; 2420 S 17th St A; and 1437 

Military Cutoff Rd. Local chain dishing 

up burgers, sandwiches & fresh-cut fries 

in a laid-back setting. Open daily lunch 

and dinner. 

Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits 7220 

Wrightsville Ave., 256-8847. Fine dining 

in a casual bistro atmosphere with an 

ever-changing, creative menu. Open 

nightly Tuesday-Sunday. 

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. Closed Mondays. 

Mess Hall ILM (at the Outpost) 348 

Hutchison Ln, 604-4927. Craft burgers 

in the Cargo district where meat, chicken 

and vegan offerings make every palate 

happy. Open Mon-Sat from 11am to 9pm. 

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. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Oceans 1706 N. Lumina Ave., 256-2231. 

Located inside the Holiday Inn Resort, 

Oceans is the perfect locale for fresh 


Playa Bowls 

Chipotle 

Red Robin 

GRAND OPENING 


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Military Cutoff Road 

Wilmington, NC 28405 

UNBEATABLE PRICES 

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Never Compromising Fresh 

Ingredients or Amazing Service 

Voted Best Breakfast! 

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & BRUNCH 

SERVED ALL DAY, EVERY DAY 


6722 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington 

910-256-7030 

Open Daily 7am – 3pm 

910-256-4273 

middleoftheisland.com 

seafood and steaks alongside magnificent 

views of the ocean. Breakfast, lunch, 

dinner daily. 

Rooster & The Crow 225 S Water St 

in Chandler’s Wharf, 399-4780. Serving 

hearty Southern staples in the evenings 

Wed-Sat, and from 11am Saturday and 

Sunday. Closed Mon-Tues. 

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. 

Open daily. 

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, 8am to 

2pm, closed on Tue. 

Sweet & Savory Café 1611 Pavilion Pl., 

256-0115. A full menu breakfast, lunch, 

and dinner restaurant with dishes made 

from scratch. Open daily 7am-9pm. 

Tavern on 17th 1611 Dusty Miller Ln. 

#305, 910-765-1157. 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. Open 11:30am-11pm every day. 

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, 

dinner daily, 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. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

True Blue Butcher and Barrel 1125 

Military Cutoff Rd and 110 Greenfield 

Street, 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. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 

White Front Breakfast House 1518 

Market St., 762-5672. Historic downtown 


RELAX & 

ENJOY THE 

FLAVOR OF 

HAVANA’S 

RESTAURANT 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Sunday Brunch! 

1 N. Lake Park Boulevard 

Carolina Beach 

910-458-2822 

havanasrestaurant.com 

Relax & Enjoy the Flavor of Havana’s 


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 


diner—a local favorite. Biscuits and gravy, 

corned beef hash, smoked sausage, eggs any 

way you like. Open daily 6am to 2pm. 

ASIAN 

Bento Box 1121 Military Cutoff Rd., 

509-0774. Asian street food with a 

combination of Japanese, Korean, 

Vietnamese, and Thai dishes. Sushi bar. 

Lunch Mon-Fri, Dinner Mon-Sat. 

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. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

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. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Café Chinois 3710 College Rd Unit #123, 

769-3193. Wilmington's newest Asian- 

Fusion restaurant featuring Thai food and 

dishes from Vietnam, Korea, and China 

served in a stylish setting. Open daily. 

Double Happiness 4403 Wrightsville 

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

Chinese dishes and modern twists on 

favorites. Prepared fresh daily. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

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. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

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. Open for lunch and 

dinner/closed Tuesdays. 

Tokyo 101 880 Town Center Dr., 

399-3101. Traditional Japanese with fresh 

sushi, diverse noodle dishes, combination 

plates, and appetizers. Lunch and dinner daily. 

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. Dinner nightly 

at 5pm. 

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. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

FINE DINING 

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

ever-changing seasonal menu with locally 

sourced seafood and produce and housemade 

pasta. Craft cocktails and an extensive wine 

list. Dinner nightly at 5pm. 

East Oceanfront Dining 275 Waynick 

Blvd., 256-2251. 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. Dinner nightly, Sunday brunch. 

Manna 123 Princess St., 763-5252. 

Serving New American cuisine with 

European flare, they emphasize the 

freshest ingredients from local farmers. 

Dinner Tue-Sun. 

Port Land Grille 1908 Eastwood Rd., 

256-6056. Progressive American regional 

cuisine served in a casual yet elegant 

coastal setting. Dinner Tue-Sat. 

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. 

Dinner nightly. 

Rx Restaurant & Bar 421 Castle St., 

399-3080. Local foods prepared with a 

uniquely Southern twist including yummy 

fried chicken. Lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. 

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. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

Caprice Bistro 10 Market St., 

815-0810. Authentic French bistro. 

Elegant dining downstairs with sofa bar 

upstairs and a great martini selection. 

Dinner nightly. 

Our Crepes & More 3810 Oleander Dr., 

395-0077. Family-owned French creperie. 

Authentic homemade cuisine. Open Tue- 

Sunday for breakfast and lunch. 

The Little Dipper 138 S. Front St., 

251-0433. Unique, fun fondue menu 

includes premium meats, seafood, 

vegetables, appetizers, desserts, and 

homemade dipping sauces. Dinner nightly 

Memorial Day-Labor Day. 

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. Lunch and dinner. 

Closed Sundays. 

ITALIAN 

Boardwalk Pizza & Subs 6756 Gordon 

Rd. #190, 910-660-8179. Pizza is their 

specialty yet the menu is full of other 

Jersey favorites like pepperoni roll ups, 

Philly Cheesesteak, and more. Tues-Fri for 

lunch and dinner. 

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub 131 N. Front St., 

343-8881; and 250 Racine Dr., 452-9000. 

Great family-friendly restaurant. Front St. 

location offers fantastic views of the Cape 

Fear River. A mix of Italian and American 

fare and a full bar, including 25 beers on 

tap. Lunch and dinner daily. 

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. Open 

Wed-Mondays for lunch and dinner. 

Giorgio’s 5226 S. College Rd., 790-9954. 

From Old World-style dishes to modern day 

creations, Giorgio’s menu showcases pasta, 

seafood, steaks, pork chops, soups, and 

salads. Dinner Mondays, lunch and dinner 

Tue-Sun. 

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. Open daily for 

lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 

Jay's Incredible Pizza 3600 College 

Rd A, 791-7080. Versatile pizza styles 

including deep-dish Chicago made by a 

seasoned “pie” chef. Open daily lunch and 

dinner. 

Kornerstone Bistro 8262 Market St., 

686-2296. Traditional Mediterranean 

fare and wood-fired pizzas. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

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

Italian eatery with daily homemade pasta, 

sausage, baked breads, and more. Dinner 

Tue-Sun. 

Osteria Cicchetti 1125 Military Cutoff 

Rd., 256-7476. 5104 S. College Rd., 


392-3490. Serving a variety of pasta 

dishes, pizza, salads, and antipasti. 

Lunch Mon-Fri. Dinner nightly. 

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria 4107 Oleander Dr., 

799-4300; and 1144 E. Cutler Crossing 

(Leland), 371-6001. Hottest spot for 

pizza by the slice, offering dozens of pizza 

choices with a New York flair. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & 

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

uptown family-owned Italian restaurant 

serving exquisite authentic dishes. Open 

Mon-Sat from 2-9pm. 

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. Dinner nightly. 

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. Open nightly Tue-Sun. 

Thanks for voting 

us #1 in 2022! 

MEXICAN 

Tequila Comida & Cantina 5607 

Carolina Beach Rd., #130, 399-1643. 

A unique Mexican experience, serving 

new and authentic dishes alongside a 

Tex Mex section for people who want the 

familiar flavors. Open daily for lunch 

and dinner. 

Zocalo Street Food 1474 Barclay 

Pointe Blvd., 833-5142. Modern Mexican 

food in a stylish, airy space with outdoor 

seating. Open daily. 

ORGANIC 

Epic Food Co. 1113 Military Cutoff Rd., 

679-4216. Sandwiches, salads, noodle 

and rice bowls, and other organic and 

all-natural selections. Lunch and dinner, 

Mon-Sat. 

Lovey’s Market & Café 1319 Military 

Cutoff, 509-0331. A health food store and 

café with fresh, delicious, healthy organic 

food and baked goods. The café is open 

daily 11am-6pm. 

Tidal Creek Co-op 5329 Oleander 

Dr., 799-2667. An organic grocery store 

with an inside café offering organic and 

vegan-friendly options for casual dine-in 

or take-out. Café open 11am-6pm daily. 


Drink.Dine.Stay.Discover. 

Visit our new 

TIPSY TOAD GALLERY 

for 

Unique Gifts, Art, Cape Fear Spirits and Wines 

Experience our friendly, relaxing 

atmosphere with a focus 

on farm-to-table dining, fabulous wines, 

hand-crafted spirits, 

extraordinary events and 

charming lakeside accommodations.... 

And now our new 

The Vines Day Spa 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Authentic 

Mexican! 

195 Vineyard Drive 

Elizabethtown NC 

(910)645-4291 

CapeFearWinery.com 

CapeFearDistillery.com 

Committed to bringing 

you a dining experience 

full of flavor! 

5607 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington 

910-399-1643 • tequilacc.com 

SEAFOOD 

Black Sea Grill 118 S. Front St., 

254-9990. Mediterranean-style eatery in 

a quaint downtown location. Lamb chops, 

seafood, vegetarian options. Lunch and 

dinner Tue-Sat. 

Bridge Tender 1414 Airlie Rd., 

256-4519. Fresh seafood and certified 

Angus beef steaks, dine on the outdoor 

patio overlooking the Intracoastal 

Waterway. Lunch Mon-Fri., dinner nightly. 

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 comfortable, relaxed 

atmosphere. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Catch 6623 Market St., 799-3847. Wildcaught 

and sustainably raised seafood, a 

modern approach to coastal cuisine with 

an acclaimed wine list. Dinner Mon-Sat. 

Ceviche’s 7210 Wrightsville Ave, 

256-3131. A Panamanian cafe offering 

Latin-inspired fare & tropical drinks in a 

relaxed, vibrant setting. Closed Sundays. 

Dockside 1308 Airlie Rd., 256-2752. 

The place to be for seafood fare on the 

Intracoastal Waterway. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Dock Street Oyster Bar 12 Dock 

St., 762-2827. Voted best oyster bar 

13 years in a row. Come enjoy some 

great Caribbean-style fare in a chic 


Elijah’s 2 Ann St., 343-1448. Casual 

American grill and oyster bar overlooking 

the Cape Fear River. Seafood, steaks, 

chicken, salads. Lunch and dinner daily, 

Sunday brunch. 

Fish House Grill 1410 Airlie Rd., 

256-3693. A landmark seafood restaurant 

for decades, enjoy waterfront casual 

dining overlooking the Intracoastal 

Waterway. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Hieronymus 5035 Market St., 

392-6313. Come enjoy locally sourced 

seafood and fresh vegetables in a casual 

atmosphere, a locals’ favorite for more 

than 30 years. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Savorez 402 Chestnut St., 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. Open daily for lunch and dinner, 

and Sunday brunch. 

Seabird 1 S Front St., 769-5996. 

Seafood restaurant serving oysters, 

fish, a yummy breakfast and cocktails 

amid a retro, white-tiled interior. Open 

Thursday to Monday for breakfast, lunch 

and dinner. Closed Tue and Wed. 

Seaview Crab Company Kitchen 

1515 Marstellar St, 769-1554. Fresh 

seafood over salads, in tacos and in madeto-order 

po’boys, plus prepared foods to 

go. Open daily from 11am-6:30pm, and 

Sundays from10am-3pm. 

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 


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. Lunch 

and dinner Tue-Sat., Sunday brunch. 

TAPAS 

Mariposa Tapas Bar 1502 S 3rd St, 

769-0763. Authentic Spanish tapas in 

an intimate atmosphere featuring an 

international wine list. Open brunch, 

lunch and dinner daily. 

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 served. Dinner Tue-Sun. 

VEGAN 

The Green House 1427 Military Cutoff 

Road, 679-4994. A vegan fine dining 

experience serving intentionally sourced 

fare. Open Wed-Sun for lunch and dinner. 

Panacea Brewing Co. 4107 Oleander 

Dr., 769-5591. Laid-back eatery serving 

plant-based Southern fare, plus kombucha, 

local beers and Sunday brunch. Open 

Wed-Sun for lunch and dinner. 

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. 

Open Tues-Sat for lunch and dinner. 


The castle and chapel of 

Mainau, an island in Lake 

Constance known for its 

flowers and gardens. 

The Bodensee of Germany 

Around Lake Constance, known as Bodensee in German, 

you can revel in gardens, explore medieval towns, shop 

posh boutiques, and dine in three countries. 

By KATIE MCELVEEN » Photos by ACHIM MENDE 

ON A SPARKLING SATURDAY 

morning in Konstanz, Germany 

on a waterfront promenade 

filled with walkers, joggers, sun 

bathers, picnickers and casual cyclists like 

me, I’m wondering why more Americans 

haven’t discovered this surprisingly 

diverse destination. Lake Constance is not 

only one of the largest lakes in Europe, but 

one of the most accessible: land in Zurich, 

hop onto a train at the airport and you can 

be sipping a spritz within the hour. Even 

better, since the lake’s 125-mile shoreline 

also touches Switzerland and Austria, you 

can have breakfast in one country, lunch in 

another and dinner in a third. It’s a value, 

too: prices for meals and hotel rooms are 

less than in many other parts of Europe. 

Set on a peninsula that marks the point 

where the Rhine expands into the lake 

before continuing its journey to the North 

Sea, Konstanz is the largest city on the 

lake. It’s beautiful, and, thanks to a sneaky 

microclimate, temperate all year long. 

I’d started my visit in Salem, which might 

have been an unremarkable town were it not 

for a group of Cistercian monks who settled 

there in 1134 and built, as was required 

by their order, an austere cathedral. Over 

the next 700 years, Gothic, Baroque and 

Rococo enhancements transformed the once 

simple church, cloister and other buildings 

into a remarkable castle complex complete 

with perfectly manicured gardens, richly 

decorated rooms and an 18th-century stable 

house adorned with hand-painted murals 

of horses and carved wood partitions. All 

that grandeur, though, is tempered by the 

fact that the castle is also the site of the 


The dramatic Italian 

garden at Mainau. 

Schule Schloss Salem boarding school, an 

academic institution that boasts Prince 

Philip, Duke of Edinburg as a graduate. 

Far from marring my visit, the evidence 

of teens – soccer balls, sneakers and castoff 

jackets showed up in the most random 

spots – gave the compound a wonderfully 

lived-in quality. 

My next stop was Meersburg, an 

atmospheric medieval village set on a 

terraced bluff that’s been occupied since 

5,000 BC. Our guide explained that if 

we looked closely, we could find symbols 


hidden within the beam placement of the 

town’s wealth of half-timbered houses. 

Those crossed like an X commemorate 

Saint Andrew, who was nailed to a slanted 

cross; when set over a diamond, that same 

sign signified wealth. Mirror images of a 

capital K symbolized the mythic Wild Man, 

who roamed the forest and were a sign of 

physical strength. Wine has been produced 

here for so long that there’s a museum 

devoted to it; appropriately, there are lots 

of places to taste the local varieties. 

Lake Constance appears almost like 

Lake Constance is on the 

Rhine at the northern 

foot of the Alps. 

magic in Meersburg: one moment I was 

wandering through the town’s warren 

of pretty cobbled streets; the next, I was 

standing on a terrace gazing at the lake 

and, in the distance, the Swiss Alps. From 

there, it was a quick ferry ride across 

the lake to Konstanz, which is so close 

to Switzerland that the Allies avoided 

bombing it during World War II. As a 

result, Konstanz’s old town, with its 11thcentury 

Romanesque Cathedral and 14thcentury 

Council House (which was the 

site of the Council of Constance, which 

elected Pope Martin V in 1417), is one of 

the best-preserved in Germany. Today, 

the Council House is home to a restaurant 

with a sunny outdoor café overlooking the 

harbor. Ironically, the chamber that held 

the conclave is now available for rentals, 

making it the only place in the world where 

you can throw a party in a room where a 

pope was elected. 

But there’s more to Konstanz than 

ancient history. As I poked along ancient 

streets and alleys, I came across outdoor 

cafes, designer boutiques and public art 

ranging from 16th-century murals to 

contemporary sculptures. 

Then there’s Mainau Island, which

has a fascinating origin story that spans 

centuries and involves a cast of characters 

that includes Teutonic Knights, Hungarian 

royalty and a count who gave up his 

Swedish title for love. The draw, though, is 

not history (even if there is a castle on the 

property) but the staggering beauty of the 

island’s 96 acres of gardens, some of which 

date back to the 19th century. 

Throughout the island, walking paths 

wind through drifts of fragrant peonies, 

lilacs and roses, into deep cedar forests 

across and meadows buzzing with bees. 

Though there is clearly an educational 

element here – exhibits abound – broad 

expanses of shady green grass dotted with 

chaise lounges give Mainau a relaxing vibe 

that’s more park than botanical garden. 

Mainau wasn’t the only pleasant surprise 

I discovered in Konstanz. Another was the 

food, which leaned more toward jewel-toned 

salads, hand-rolled pastas like spaetzel 

and citrusy lake perch than the heavy 

traditional dishes I’d expected. But that’s 

not to say that schnitzel lovers were out of 

luck. The plate-sized disks were works of 

art, pounded to an almost surreal evenness 

and fried to a golden crunch. We delved 

into local specialties as well, including 

meat-filled dumplings called maultaschen; 

flammkuchen, a bacon and cheese-topped 

flatbread and, of course, apple strudel, 

which is made with razor-thin layers of 

dough that stretch rather than shatter, 

binding the sweet filling in an almost 

creamy layer of sweetness. Light and easy 

to drink, local wines – mostly white Muller 

Thurgau and pinot noir and pinot noir rose 

– were perfect accompaniments. 

On our last morning in Konstanz I 

was up so early that I would have to miss 

breakfast. As I joined a friend at the empty 

bar at our hotel, 47 Degrees, to wait for our 

ride, a passing employee silently took note 

of us and returned a moment later with 

croissants fresh from the oven and cups of 

piping hot coffee. Another surprise, and one 

for which we were particularly grateful. W 

The castle Schule 

Schloss Salem is now a 

boarding school that 

boasts the late Prince 

Philip as a graduate. 

A view of Mainau from 

the air in full fall color. 

The old castle and vineyards 

in Meersburg overlooking 

Lake Constance. 

Another view of the 

schloss (a German castle) 

on Mainau Island. 

W 


the last reflection 

Summer 

Fishin’ 

By TOM PINKSTON 

Fish the canal and get nothing 

bait a wire basket and pull out eel 

that’s eatin’ 

fish the pond by the stop sign 

catch a few little brim 

string up the brim and drop ‘em back in and wait 

run from the cotton mouth like your life depends on it because 

way out here it does 

go back and pull up the alligator snapper 

wrassle that angry dinosaur into a burlap sack and peddle for 

town 

sell it by weight for cash 

go to the drugstore 

buy some comics 

and have a patty melt at the counter 

wake up before dawn with your cousins 

get in the jon boat and go pull on the trot line 

big catfish 

load ‘em in the cooler and skin ‘em after breakfast 

it’s Sunday morning, and there’s a fish fry after church 

and if you’re frying the fish 

rule is 

you don’t have go to the service 

wade chest deep threading through cypress roots in the Sound 

rig and a baseball bat 

not catch a thing 

ten miles out on the Sound 

boat drifting with the tides 

long lines in the water 

wait 

sunburn 

windburn 

then the stripers hit 

scales everywhere 

bright guts 

bright fillets sizzle in brown butter 

right on the boat 

on the pier 

watch the man cast his net for mullet 

offer to pay and be given a handful right in your pail 

use the mullet to catch blues out just the other side of the breakers 

take the blue down the far end of the pier’s jut 

give it to the grizzled old man king fishing, he’ll wink 

wait 

he’ll reel in the biggest fish you ever saw and cut you two steaks 

kingfish sizzles in brown butter back at the motel 

clamming 

step lightly 

fried clam po’boy 

crabbing off the dock in the waterway with raw chicken wings on 

strings 

crab po’boy 

boats come in and weigh their haul 

shrimp po’boy 

never caught the whiting 

got those at the Salty Bucket 

batter fried and two sides, baby.

Wilmington Magazine July-Aug 2022

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