Wilmington Magazine Jan-Feb 2023

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023 

HGTV 

Smart Home 

Wilmington 

Takes the 

Honor to Build 

in Castle Hayne 

The Cargo 

District 

Exploring Small 

Businesses 

in Shipping 

Containers 

VALENTINE’S 

GIFT GUIDE 

A SANCTUARY 

FOR MENTAL & 

PHYSICAL HEALTH 

WINTER 

FASHION

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January /February 2023 | 1

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January / February 2023 

68 

We’re Shipping the 

Cargo District 

What started small has 

grown into a sprawling 

neighborhood where small 

businesses can shine 

By Emory Rakestraw 

54 

An Idyllic Sanctuary 

for Mental and 

Physical Healing 

One of Wilmington’s historic 

houses of worship becomes a 

beautiful backdrop for yogis 

By Katie Schmidt 

60 

Wilmington’s Own 

HGTV Smart Home 

In exciting local news, 

Charter Building Group’s 

latest project gets the 

attention of America’s top 

home & garden channel 

By Lori Wilson 


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Departments » January / February 2023 

Buzz 

13 

13 Pioneering Local 

Nonprofits Highlighting 

the great work of Theater 

for All and Pender 

Alliance for Total Health 

14 Calendar Our five 

highlights from this 

issue’s calendar of events 

16 Events Our guide to 

Wilmington’s social 

events from January to 

February 

24 Entertainment 

Reviews of new shows 

and music 

26 Staff Picks Start 2023 

with these motivating 

must-reads 

28 ArtSeen Wilmington’s 

Theater for All provides 

an artistic outlet for all 

34 Southern Drawl A 

local nonprofit pioneers 

accessible health care 

in schools 

39 75 

93 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

39 Cozy and Stylish Shop 

local this season 

40 Garden Mircrogreens— 

more than just a pretty 

garnish 

42 Design Bluewater 

Surfaces stuns with the 

perfect interior materials 

44 Beauty A beauty studio 

in The Cotton Exchange 

becomes a local favorite 

46 Valentine’s Day 

Gift Guide 

50 Fashion Stay warm 

this winter with local 

boutique favorites 

75 A Foodie Favorite 

Innovative menu and 

drink concoctions from 

Flying Machine 

76 Dining Review Flying 

Machine’s innovative 

menu and recent 

expansion 

78 Libations Savoring 

sweet wines this 

wintertime 

80 In the Kitchen Warm, 

cozy dishes for winter 

86 Restaurant Guide The 

best spots for eating and 

drinking in Wilmington 

93 Viking’s Newest Cruise 

A trip around the Great 

Lakes proves to be 

“unexpectedly amazing” 

80 

Fundamentals 

10 Reader Services 

12 Editor's Letter 

96 The Last Reflection 

January/February 2023 

34 


40 

Valentine's Gift Guide • A Sanctuary for Mental & Physical Health • Winter Fashion WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

HGTV 

Smart Home 


Takes the 



VALENTINE’S 

GIFT GUIDE 

A SANCTUARY 

FOR MENTAL & 


The Cargo 

District 


Businesses 

in Shipping 

Containers 

WINTER 

FASHION 

ON THE COVER » 

On location in the Historic District 

PHOTO ABIGAIL WHITEHURST


CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

■ ■ ■ 

Managing Editor 

Carin Hall 

■ ■ ■ 

Best Wishes for a Wonderful New Year! 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Kristina Parolla 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

PENDING 

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DOWNTOWN 

240 N Water Street • $575,000 

DOWNTOWN 

Contributing Writers 

Kim Henry, Denise K. James, 

Katie McElveen, Anne Wolfe Postic, 

Emory Rakestraw, Judy Royal, 

Katie Schmidt, Fanny Slater, 

Ann Marie Thornton, Heather Wilson, , 

, Lori Wilson, Vera Wilson 

Photographers 

Joe Choi, G. Frank Hart, 

Abigail Whitehurst, 

■ ■ ■ 

Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Corporate Office: 843-856-2532 

837 Gull Point Road • $1,225,000 

LANDFALL 

7206 Prince Albert Court • $1,290,000 

LANDFALL 

Specializing in Landfall and Beyond the Gates 

to Neighboring Areas 

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

Wilmington Magazine (Vol. 10, No. 4) 

is published 6 times per year by DueSouth 

Publishing, LLC. The entire contents of 

this publication are fully protected and 

may not be reproduced, in whole or part, 

without written permission. We are not 

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LOVE the affordability and value 

Call 910.507.7384 to schedule a tour and see why 

residents don’t just live here, they LOVE IT HERE. 

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2324 41 ST Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 | BrightmoreofWilmington.com 

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January © 2022 Brightmore /February of Wilmington 2023 | 9

Reader Services 

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from the editor 

January/February 2023 

Valentine's Gift Guide • A Sanctuary for Mental & Physical Health • Winter Fashion WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


HGTV 

Smart Home 


Takes the 



VALENTINE’S 

GIFT GUIDE 

A SANCTUARY 

FOR MENTAL & 


The Cargo 

District 


Businesses 

in Shipping 

Containers 

WINTER 

FASHION 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Subscribe online at 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

or by calling 843-856-2532 

A Fresh Start 

After assisting Elizabeth Sugg wrap up 

the last issue of 2022 before returning to 

her farm venue in Sandhills, I am pleased 

to be joining the team and starting 2023 

as the new Managing Editor. Although 

I've worked for many magazines over the 

years—from digital to print and from 

startups to large publishers—there's 

something special I'm drawn to about a 

local publication. And there's certainly 

something special about Wilmington. 

Having bounced back and forth a lot from 

the East Coast to San Diego over the years, 

I must say this “small” but quickly evolving 

and expanding town has a lot of character. 

It's hard not to notice how much this 

area has boomed, even in spite of the 

COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes beauty 

blossoms out of hardship, and I certainly 

see that in the small businesses, creatives 

and nonprofits all around us. I was a bit 

a surprised by the traffic-heavy streets I 

thought I left behind in California, but 

I think it's a good sign. Wilmington is 

resilient, bustling and full of heart. 

In an attempt to catch up on the local 

scene, I've been attending as many events 

as my social calendar can take, driving 

all over to take in the sights and eating/ 

drinking out at every chance. I've also loved 

chatting with local makers, artists and our 

very own contributing writers, some new 

and some who have been with the magazine 

for several months or even years. This issue, 

I really wanted to focus on them. 

Kim Henry, a longtime staff writer here, 

is also the Executive Director at a local 

nonprofit, Theater for All, that provides 

a platform for people with development or 

physical disabilities to express themselves. 

Meanwhile, other longtime contributor Vera 

Wilson works as an accountant primarily 

for nonprofits and loves talking about 

some of the great work one of her clients 

in particular, Pender Alliance for Total 

Health, is doing to make basic physical 

and mental health services more accessible 

for students. After hearing them speak 

passionately about these organizations, 

I instantly knew I wanted them both to 

share these stories. What struck me as not 

only impressive about these groups, but is 

how they're similarly pioneering services 

that could and should be adopted all over 

the country—what an example. 

We also have some newer contributors 

with a finger on the 

pulse, who you may 

have noticed often 

write for other local 

publications as well. 

Emily Rakestraw 

and Katie Schmidt 

each share a feature 

this issue about some 

trendy, burgeoning spots: The Cargo 

District and a unique yogi sanctuary 

on Castle Street. These areas are prime 

examples of the changing business climate 

in Wilmington, and the small gems that 

have been created in the process. As for 

the bigger finds? Check out Lori Wilson’s 

feature on the breathtaking smart home, 

just minutes away from downtown, that 

was recently featured on HGTV! 

We've also got you covered on the essential 

new year's topics, from a list of motivating 

books to read to beauty and fashion finds, 

and an article about a small, new way to 

jam-pack your diet with nutrients. Hello, 

microgreens! Plus, we've got some great 

recipes from our in-house food expert, 

Fanny Slater (you should Google her), to 

get you through the winter months ahead. 

And don't forget to eat and shop local for 

Valentine's Day gifts this season: Check 

out our dining and gift guides to get you 

started. Finally, consider treating yourself 

after a long year: Our Travel Director, Katie 

McElveen, shares about a nontraditional 

cruise experience exploring the Great 

Lakes that's “unexpectedly amazing.” 

I can't wait to bring you more great 

content this year! 

Carin Hall 

Managing Editor 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

Find us on Facebook and Instagram 

@wilmingtonmagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

Artistic 

Expression 

Made 

Available 

for All 

Wilmington’s Theater for 

All gives a stage to people 

with development or 

physical disabilities 

See page 28 

A Songwriter 

Finds Her Voice 

From Nashville to the Cape 

Fear, following her love of 

music and the shore 

See page 44 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

JANUARY – FEBRUARY 

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

Dr. Martin Luther 

King Jr. Day Parade & 

Commemoration, 

Downtown Wilmington 

January 16 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has special 

resonance to Wilmingtonians. You may 

be surprised to find out that Dr. King 

was scheduled to travel to Wilmington 

for a speaking engagement on the day 

he was assassinated. Wilmington honors 

his memory with a week of events 

dedicated to him and his work ending 

with Monday's commemorative parade. 

Additional programs include assorted 

venues with food and entertainment, a 

gospel concert, banquets and speeches. 

mlkjrcelebration-senc10.com 

Johnnie Mercers Pier 

Annual Dogfish 

February 4 

Join in the fun with the annual 

Johnnie Mercers Pier Annual Dogfish 

Tournament, loved by both dedicated 

and new fishermen with many families 

returning every year. Cash prizes will be 

distributed to the top three anglers that 

weigh in the three biggest dogfish, and 

raffle prizes will also be given. Please 

note that all fish entered must be released 

alive to be considered for prizes. Join the 

family-friendly fishing catch-and-release 

fun outside followed by a celebration inside 

after the fishing ends to congratulate the 

winners. johnniemercersfishingpier.com 

NC Jazz Festival 

February 2-4 

Enjoy one of the largest traditional jazz 

festivals in the Southeast. Wilmington 

gives a warm welcome to all of the jazz 

lovers attending our 43rd North Carolina 

Jazz Festival! This historic city located on 

the bank of the Cape Fear River has many 

interesting shops, art galleries, museums 

and restaurants, as well as a movie studio, nearby beaches, plus Revolutionary and 

Civil War sites to explore during your days here. We will fill your evenings with exciting 

performances by some of the greatest traditional jazz musicians from around the globe! 

All evening concerts begin at 7:30pm and held at Hotel Ballast. ncjazzfestival.org 

Wrightsville Beach Valentine 

Run: 5K, 10K, 15K 


What better way to start your Valentine’s 

Day than with a heart-themed race. Bring 

along your Valentine and your festive 

gear for a morning of fun and take your 

pick between the 5K, 10K or 15K around 

beautiful Wrightsville Beach. They even 

have a Valentine's Costume Contest for 

the runners! You'll have spectacular 

Wrightsville Beach waterway views along 

both courses, so put on your red, white 

and pink and bring your Valentine or 

Galentine for a fun run. runsignup.com 

Special Olympics 

Polar Plunge 


Show your strength at the annual Polar 

Plunge and 5K Run-N-Plunge or one-mile 

fun walk for all abilities. This flat course 

is stroller, wheelchair and dog friendly. 

Be one of the brave and participate as 

plungers conquer cold conditions while 

diving into the chilly Atlantic Ocean. 

Contestants are encouraged to dress up. 

You can even take the Plunge with your 

pooch! No matter which option you choose, 

the day is sure to leave you smiling with 

music, vendors, games and food trucks. 

runsignup.com/Race/NC/KureBeach/ 

PolarPlungeNC 


Fine Antiques, Home Decor 

AnD VintAge 

6213 Market Street 


910-444-8881 

portcitypeddler.com 


Novant Health 

Wilmington NC 

Marathon 


Experience marathon 

running like never before 

from pier to port. Drawing 

a variety of runners from 

all over the country, this 

exciting event has the added 

bonus of being a Boston Marathon qualifier and an USATF certified qualifier. 

The course for the full marathon starts Saturday morning at Johnnie Mercers 

Pier in Wrightsville Beach and runs through Wilmington, ending in historic 

downtown Wilmington at Riverfront Park. wilmingtonncmarathon.com 

Event Calendar 

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

rundown on what to do this winter season. 

910-547-1980 

@bluewatersurfaces 

5018 Oleander Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

shopofseagate.com • 910-791-6622 

OPEN MON-SAT 10AM-5PM 


The Wilson Center at CFCC 

January 12–February 26 

wilsoncentertickets.com 

Rachmaninoff Symphonic Dances, 


Blue Man Group, January 17-18 

Benny Hill Quartet Scholarship Concert, 


Wanda Sykes, January 27 

Annie, January 28-29 

Riverdance, January 31-Feburary 1 

Gullah-Geechee Heritage, February 4 

The Book of Mormon, February 7-9 

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, 


Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery, February 26 

Historic Thalian Hall 

January 28–March 5 

thalianhall.org 

Rumours-A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, 


The Tortoise & The Hare, January 29 

Airness, February 9-19 

The Philadelphia Story, February 10-19 

Shades of Buble, February 16 

Ring of Fire, February 23-March 5 

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex 

January 14–February 19 

brooklynartsnc.com 

Charlie Starr + Benji Shanks of 

Blackberry Smoke, January 14 

School of Rock, January 15 

American Aquarium with special guest 

HC Mcentire, February 1 

PAWS Place presents Raise the 

Ruff 2023, February 10 

Made in NC Event, February 18-19 

Bourgie Nights Concerts 

Throughout January-February 

Enjoy an evening like no other at Bourgie 

Nights as they host an inspired lineup of 

traveling singers, songwriters and local 

musicians in an intimate listening room. 

Their mixologists create uncommon 

classic cocktails and carefully curated 

concoctions, as well as serve craft beer, 

“blue collar beverages” and wine. Entry 

starts at $10-$15. mannaavenue.com/ 

bourgie-nights 

Jazz at the Cameron Music Series 


The Jazz at the Cameron Music Series 

continues with the Latin jazz inspired 

Magroove founded by percussionist/ 

singer Manny Santos, whose illustrious 

career has spanned three decades with 

his first professional performance when 

he was only 15 years old. Of Cape Verdean 

decent, he has been schooled at the New 

England Conservatory and Berklee 

Colleges of Music, where he excelled as 

a conga drum player. His Wilmington 

project, Mangroove, is filled with talented, 

seasoned musicians including several 

UNCW School of Music faculty members. 

cameronartmuseum.org

Anniversary of 

the Battle of 

Fort Fisher 


Join the Anniversary 

of the Battle of 

Fort Fisher, a family-friendly day that 

usually features reenactors and includes 

living history demonstrations, musket 

demonstrations, artillery firings, displays 

and lectures. historicsites.nc.gov 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 

Ghost Hunt USA 


Spend a thrilling evening investigating 

paranormal activities aboard the majestic 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, listed as 

one of the most haunted battleships. This 

location even pushes the most seasoned 

ghost hunter to their limits. You will have 

exclusive overnight access to areas that are 

normally off-limits to all tours as well as 

access to the most reportedly haunted areas. 

$129 per person (ages 16+). battleshipnc.com 

TreeFest 2023 

January 20-21 

TreeFest is back for its 25th year! The 

giveaway will be held from 11am–4pm, or 

Hidden Battleship 

Tour, Battleship 

North Carolina 


Join us for a unique, 

behind-the-scenes tour of unrestored 

areas of the Battleship. The four-hour 

tour consists of small groups with guides. 

Guests explore the bow (officers' country, 

boatswain locker and descend to the bottom 

of the ship); third deck (Radio II, brig, after 

gyro, storage rooms, ammunition handling 

Engineer's office); Engine room #1; 

superstructure (Captain’s cabin, armored 

conning tower amd maintenance shops), 

reefer; aft diesel; and climb inside the fire 

control tower to the top of the ship. The 

Azalea Coast Radio Club will be in Radio 

II to explain their work on the ship's radio 

transmitters. It’s the tour that brings out 

the “Indiana Jones” in all of us, without the 

snakes! $60 per person. battleshipnc.com 

Kids@CAM 

“I Have a 

Dream” Peace 

Flag Weekend 


Cameron Art 

Museum honors 

the life and work of civil rights activist 

Martin Luther King with the “I Have a 

Dream” Peace Flag Project. We invite 

the community to take inspiration from 

King’s iconic speech from 1963 and think 

deeply about our own hopes and dreams 

for ourselves, our city, our nation and 

the world. These dreams will be written 

on squares of cloth, emblematic of the 

peace prayer flags created for centuries 

in Tibet. Your peace flag will be included 

in a community installation that will be 

displayed around the CAM pond. Together, 

these flags represent our collective desire 

for racial unity, community healing and 

peace. cameronartmuseum.org 

Thank you for voting us 

Best of Wilmington! 

914 S. Kerr Ave., Wilmington, NC 

910.791.2222 

atlanticappliance.net 

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


while supplies last, at Independence Mall. 

Customers can receive up to 5 free seedlings 

or plugs per household (a $5 donation is 

suggested). Over 4,600 individual plants 

will be available and are available both days 

on a first come, first served basis. Experts 

will be there to help with tree selection and 

provide care instructions. TreeFest began 

in 1997 after hurricanes Bertha and Fran 

destroyed trees in the area. Trees and 

grasses are grown in Goldsboro, NC at the 

NC Forest Service Nursery. 

Hi-Wire Brewing Celebrates 

2nd Anniversary 


The party will be an all-day event. Hi-Wire 

is working hard to make sure it's bigger 

and better than its first! This free, familyfriendly 

event, will feature live music by 

Massive Grass and The Phantom Playboys. 

Plus, they’re lining up vendors and plenty 

of fun, so stay tuned for more details! 

hiwirebrewing.com 

Yin + iRest Yoga Nidra 


This pop-up class is a balance for our busy, 

always moving, active lifestyles by focusing 

on yoga poses and meditation that are more 

about being still, pausing, noticing, resting 

and relaxing. This class will consist of 

moving through a yin yoga sequence that 

targets our connective tissue and joints 

and then settling into final resting form for 

a restful guided iREST meditation. This 

class is open to all participants, no prior 

yin or meditation experience necessary. 

terrasolsanctuary.com 

East Coast 

Shag Classic 


Spend a special 

beach music 

weekend with 

several live bands performing at Carolina 

Beach. Along with these great concerts, 

there are lots of events, social hour mixers, 

complimentary shag and line dance 

lessons and more. All events are held at 

the Courtyard Marriott Carolina Beach 

Oceanfront. hopeabounds.org 

Jazz at the CAM: La Fiesta Jazz Quintet 


The smooth sounds of the Jazz at the 

Cameron Series continue with a Latin Jazz 

beat with La Fiesta Latin Jazz Quintet, a fan- 



910-228-6637 • facebook.com/DeBruhls 

225 Pine Grove Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

SHABBY CHIC FURNITURE • ANTIQUES • FINE DECOR • GIFTS 

Passionate About Making You Feel Confident! 

We are a MULTI-SERVICE BEAUTY STUDIO specializing in eyelash 

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

Taylor Keeping 

Smith – Owner, 

Certified eyelash 

extension artist 

and eyelash 

extension trainer. 

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

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

favorite for over a decade. The repertoire of 

this high energy group consists of authentic 

Latin Jazz made famous by such famous 

Latin jazz musicians as Tito Puente, Mongo 

Santamaria, Buena Vista Social Club and 

Dizzy Gillespie plus original tunes by group 

members Greg Gelb, Steve Anderson and 

Andy Kleindienst. cameronartmuseum.org 

Oyster Farm Tour 

& Tasting 


Join Epic Excursions 

and Middle Sound 

Mariculture for a 

visit to a local oyster farm, and then sample 

freshly shucked oysters that were just 

harvested surrounded by the natural beauty 

of Masonboro Island. Your tour starts with 

a guided boat ride to the Middle Sound 

Mariculture Farm where you will learn how 

these delicious oysters are raised from seed 

to harvest. Then cruise over to Masonboro 

Island to toss back the oysters and enjoy the 

natural beauty around you. The tour includes 

a sampling of raw and steamed oysters with 

a complimentary wine selection, but feel free 

to bring along any other beverage of choice. 

epicexcursionsnc.com 

CFCC Tournees French Film Festival 


Immerse yourself in some of the premier 

French films and culture with the carefully 

curated CFCC Tournees French Film 

Festival. The festival, held in partnership 

with the Cultural Services of the French 

Embassy, will feature acclaimed French 

movies with English subtitles. Free and 

open to the public. cfcc.edu 

The Velvet Queen, February 13, 12pm 

Aline, February 14, 12:30pm 

Gagarine, February 15, 12pm 

Last Year at Marienbad, February 15, 6pm 

Gallantes Indies, February 16, 12:30pm 

Lost Illusions, February16, 6pm 

3rd Annual Circle the Wagens 

Car Show 


Come circle up for our 3rd annual VW car 

show – Circle the Wagens! All proceeds are 

going to DREAMS of Wilmington. Hosted 

by Waterline Brewing, there will be live 

music, vendors and, of course, Classic VWs! 

This event is free to the public. Space is 

limited, so register your vehicle and save 

your spot today! tickettailor.com/events/ 

waterlinebrewingco/805974# 


BEST OF 

WILMINGTON 

2023 

CAST YOUR VOTE TODAY for the Cape Fear’s Best Businesses! 

Fill out the online ballot form at WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Voting ends April 10, 2023. 


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 

Port City Taste Restaurant Week 

February 20-March 6 

Celebrate Wilmington’s vibrant culinary 

scene with Port City Taste Restaurant Week. 

Each participating restaurant will prepare 

unique selections showcasing their particular 

specialties. Menus will be announced closer 

to the event dates. portcitydaily.com 

Anniversary of the Battle of Moores 

Creek Bridge 


Celebrate the Anniversary of the Battle 

of Moores Creek Bridge with a weekend 

filled with festivities. The location of the 

first patriot victory prior the Declaration 

of Independence, Halifax Accord and war 

for Independence, this Park is steeped in 

history. Activities will include musket and 

cannon demonstrations throughout both 

days, as well as demonstrations of colonial 

trades such as blacksmithing, candle 

dipping, spinning, cooking, gardening, 

powder horn making, colonial toys and 

games, live music and much more. nps.gov 

RECURRING EVENTS 

Art of 

Illumination 

Ongoing through 


Returning for its 

eighth year, the 

highly popular illumination show and exhibit 

draws inspiration from traditional lantern 

festivals: marking the transition of season’s 

change and year’s end, reflecting on the 

past while garnering energy for the future. 

This year, artists from across America are 

asked to examine their own metaphorical 

concept of light, since luminescence often 

symbolizes transformation, enlightenment 

or an epiphany. The resulting juried-show 

exhibits lanterns with illumination in 

unusual ways—with silk and other fabrics, 

handmade paper, recycled plastics, glass, 

clay or metal—with the unifying quality of 

light. cameronartmuseum.org 

“Late Bloomer” Exhibition at 

The Burgwin-Wright House 

Through January 21 

The Burgwin-Wright House is pleased 

to welcome Daisy Faith for her solo show 

“Late Bloomer: A Collection of Colorful, 

Happy Floral Paintings.” Admission is 

free. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday 

10am–4pm. burgwinwrighthouse.com 



Reviews: Movies & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Spoon 

Lucifer on the Sofa 

Yet another happy reviewing surprise—I 

now love this band, y’all. I never say no to 

a guitar, and Spoon’s sound is reminiscent 

of my younger years, when I’d joyfully play 

the air version in our driveway. The band’s 

recent releases, Lucifer on the Sofa, and its 

remix counterpart, Lucifer on the Moon, 

are perfect for shaking off the winter blues 

with a riff or two. Download “Astral Jacket” 

for a shoegaze-y ballad or “Held” and “The 

Hardest Cut” for powerful rock. 

The White Lotus (Season 2, HBO Max) 

Starring Jennifer Coolidge, Meghann Fahy, Theo James, Aubrey Plaza, 

Haley Lu Richardson, Will Sharpe 

★★★★ 

If anyone asks me what I look for in a great TV show, y’all probably know (especially if 

you’ve been reading this column a while) what I’m going to say: character development. 

And while I did enjoy the first season of Mike White’s HBO show, The White Lotus, I felt 

that too much was overshadowed by shock value and classism—which White recently 

admitted on the NPR Fresh Air podcast was his intended theme. The theme of season 

two, meanwhile, is sexuality, one of everyone’s favorite topics—but it’s executed in a 

wonderfully subtle manner. 

What is it about human sexuality that lends itself to better character development? 

Perhaps it’s the fact that these characters are working toward what they actually want and 

away from what they “should” want. Whether it’s the idealized marriage of the Sullivans 

(played with believable chemistry by Meghann Fahy and Theo James), the airtight 

marriage of the Spillers, the uptight disposition of manager Valentina or the adventurous 

encounters between Portia and Jack, things are not what they seem at this Italian iteration 

of the White Lotus resort. And while you don’t have to tell most people twice to watch a 

show focused on sex, I encourage you to look a little deeper—there are messages here. 

Rather than inserting a bunch of pointless, distracting love scenes throughout, The 

White Lotus’ second season highlights the emotions of the characters, which pivot 

between the intrigue that comes with a seductive encounter and the negative emotions 

that can follow—jealousy, disgust, uncertainty, shame. These emotional pivots are far 

more compelling than the outrageous plot twists of season one, and, despite whiners on 

social media insisting this season is not as exciting, my argument is that the subtleties 

allow us to place ourselves into the shoes of the characters and take an honest look at our 

own desires. We can see, then, that desire might not line up with what it should — we can 

hope they do, but how will we handle it if they don’t? 

For other questions pertaining to the mystery of love—and a few exercises in empathy—I 

suggest viewing season two, regardless of how you felt about the first season. Your own 

priorities might become more clear—and even if they don’t, you’ll be inspired to do some 

soul searching. Perhaps in Italy. 

Pink 

Trustfall 

For some gritty, female-led rock, look 

no further than Pink’s newest album, 

Trustfall. With songs like “Dreamer” and 

“Love Me Forever,” this is the album Pink 

fans have been waiting for—and perhaps 

one the artist herself has been waiting 

for herself, judging from her remarks in 

the media that it’s “the most fun she’s 

ever had.” 


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staff picks 

New Beginnings 

Four fascinating reads that just may teach you something you never imagined. 

It’s a new year. How will you be better, stronger, wiser and happier when it ends? 

Born to Run 2: The Ultimate 

Training Guide 

by Christopher McDougall 

and Eric Orton 

Ten years ago, McDougall’s 

bestseller about the methods 

indigenous Rarámuri runners use 

to win long distance races wearing 

simple sandals made from tires 

sparked controversy in the 

running world and popularized 

minimalist and barefoot running 

in America. This follow-up presents a comprehensive 

training plan to run faster and longer at any age without injury 

or pain using simple exercises and intuitive drills. Experienced 

runners and beginners alike will find this a persuasive and 

accessible approach to running for exercise, enjoyment, and 

competition. — Sara McBride 

The Light We Give: How Sikh 

Wisdom Can Transform Your 

Life by Simran Jeet Singh 

In The Light We Give, Dr. Simran 

Jeet Singh shares the journey of 

living out his faith and offers practical 

wisdom from the Sikh tradition that 

can help readers live happier and 

more loving lives. Born and raised 

in San Antonio, Texas, Singh faced 

regular racial hatred as a South Asian 

American, especially as a turbanwearing 

teen coming of age in the wake 

of the 9/11 attacks. Rather than give in to self-pity and anger, 

Singh chose to use Sikh teachings to build more compassion 

and connection in his community through acts of loving service. 

His approachable and good-humored delivery of his experiences 

offers his audience simple, concrete ways to incorporate these 

principles into their own lives and work towards positive change. 

This hopeful spiritual memoir illuminates a path away from 

fear and doubt to a life driven by loving action in the world. 

— Sarah Cameron 

Why Has Nobody Told Me This 

Before? by Dr. Julie Smith 

Dr. Julie Smith is known for her 

popular series of short videos on 

Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube 

dealing with a variety of mental 

health conditions. Like her videos, 

this book offers a toolkit for life issues 

ranging from everyday emotions to 

grief. Why Has Nobody Told Me This 

Before? includes interactive exercises 

that will help you manage your 

emotions by listening to your body, 

both physically and mentally. Dr. Smith 

also debunks commonly held beliefs about high self-esteem and 

positive affirmation. The book is divided into short, digestible 

chapters with journal prompts and activities including breathing 

techniques and visualizations to get to know yourself, deal with 

your feelings, and accept them. — Megan Mathis 

Chase Greatness: Enlightened 

Leadership for the Next 

Generation of Disruption 

by Rajeev Kapur 

“When everything changes, leadership 

must too.” CEO Rajeev Kapur discusses 

the changing environment of business 

and how expectations of workers were 

modified due to COVID-19 and societal 

upheavals. Chasing greatness in this 

new environment is still possible, but 

leaders and managers must think of new 

ways to approach workers on their way to 

success. Emphasis is placed on the diversity of staff as a powerful 

profit driver. With a growing workforce of Millennials and Gen-Z 

employees, a proactive culture will keep them engaged with a 

company. “Enlightened leader thought exercises” at the end of 

each chapter and “enlightened leadership in action” examples of 

people that exemplify many of the traits that Kapur sees as useful 

for leaders will guide you through the evolving work landscape as 

we move into 2023. — Mahogany Skillings W 


2023 CAPE FEAR HEART BALL 

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art seen 

Saquoia Goodwin performs 

an original rendition of 

Respect Me in the latest TFA 

show at the Hannah Block 

Community Arts Theatre. 

Artistic Expression Made 

Available for All 

PHOTO ERIC VITHALANI 

Wilmington’s Theater for All for provides a much-needed artistic outlet 

for people with development or physical disabilities 

By KIM HENRY 

WE ALL HAVE OUR 

favorite singer, actor, 

writer. We feel their 

passion bursting forth 

from the mic, stage or 

book and we are so glad that they have 

found their calling. The alignment of 

the artist and their art is a part of why 

creativity touches the human soul so 

deeply, for both the artist and the viewer. 

Yet, in a world designed by and built for 

neurotypical, able-bodied people, accessing 

the arts is yet another challenge that 

people with developmental and physical 

differences face. This is where Theatre 

for All (TFA) comes in, a theatre company 

that empowers adults with disabilities to 

discover, grow and express their artistic 

selves. It’s a nonprofit that enables this 

diverse community to experience self 

expression through a wide range of 

artistic mediums and to be validated for 

all that they are. In doing so TFA is also 

reframing disability and overturning 

outdated stereotypes that many in the 

audience might not have realized they 

even had. 


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(top) Allon Nir and Tyler Smith in rehearsal. 

(bottom) Kim Henry with a TFA member in a 

summer camp. 

TFA’s pioneering project includes 

four official performance companies, an 

outreach program that accesses around 

80 students with disabilities a week in 

schools across New Hanover County (at 

no cost) and a leadership program that 

provides training and employment within 

the arts for the graduates. It’s a program 

that hopes to see more efforts in this area 

across America. Why? Because everyone 

deserves access to the arts. 

It began back in 2015 when yours 

truly (yes, I am a co-founder) and Gina 

Gambony went into Laney high school 

to do a semester of theatre workshops 

with two classes of exceptional students. 

It was no surprise that everyone had an 

amazing time. Many students surpassed 

the expectations of their teachers, and 

even themselves. Nonverbal students 

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art seen 

TFA Dance Company 

perform 'Shadow' - original 

choreography by Kim Henry. 

made entire classrooms cry with laughter, 

poets were born and singing voices 

unleashed what had never before had a 

space to shine. Tears were shed, amazed 

heads were shaken and, at the end of the 

semester, around half of the students 

expressed to us that this was it. They 

had found their “thing” and they wanted 

to join a theatre company. “Great,” I said, 

“this is a thriving theatre town, let’s see 

which company you can join.” We looked 

around. Crickets. 

Long story short: TFA was established as 

an ongoing theatre company for people with 

disabilities. Seven years later, and with the 

dedication of a handful of incredible people, 

it is now an independent nonprofit that is 

steadily changing the world—or at least 

for everyone involved, whether they’re a 

performer, board member, volunteer, family 

member, teacher or audience participant…. 

and we all know how the ripple effect 

works. TFA is more than just a theatre 

company. It’s a family—a theatre family 

united by a love of play, music, movement, 

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(left) Anna DeSanctis and Adeline Hines in rehearsal. (right) Jeremy Vest, Alexis Wilkins, Bailey Smith, Saquoia Goodwin, and Tim Manley in 

rehearsal for 'Past and Presents'. 

connection, communication, stories, tears 

and laughter. 

All of these elements combine to create 

two completely unique performances a 

year, currently held at the Hannah Block 

Community Arts Center. TFA’s dance 

company and choir open the plays. It also 

has a showcase performed by the Academy 

company that trains with local and 

national artists for a season, exploring 

new performance tools and skills. Then the 

Performance company presents the main 

play, which is always an amalgamation of 

the actors’ and directors’ ideas, interests 

and characters. Dylan Patterson (also a 

co-founder, President of the Board and 

volunteer since day one) explains how 

members switch companies throughout a 

one-year period so that everyone benefits 

from being in both companies. 

But let’s meet some of the members and 

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art seen 

Kim Henry and the 

Academy Company 

perform in June 2022. 

Nina Pinkly 

DeVon Mosley 

performs in It was 

the First Day of 

Spring in June 2022. 

TFA members in rehearsal. 

see what they have to say. 

“During Covid, I lost my job and many 

services and would have been more isolated 

than ever if it wasn’t for my Theatre for All 

family,” shares Saquoia Goodwin with her 

enigmatic smile. Saquoia has a voice that 

silences auditoriums and would rarely be 

heard if it wasn’t for TFA. “Theatre for All 

gives me an opportunity to express myself 

as a writer and an actor. It’s literally 

changed my life,” says Joseph Sisk, who 

has been in a wheelchair all of his life 

due to cerebral palsy. I’ve personally been 

out with Sisk and experienced a waiter 

automatically turning to me to ask what 

he wants to order. Little did they know 

that Sisk is a published author, has 

performed dance routines, writes his own 

poetry and memorizes the lines of his own 

characters. It’s not the waiter’s fault that 

this is all too often a misguided default 

setting when interacting with a person in 

a wheelchair, but it’s seriously time for it 

to change. 

Coming to a TFA show (which holds 

the highest integrity in terms of the 

quality of content and production) allows 

the audience to experience people with 

disabilities in a new way—as the whole, 

interesting, talented, funny, unique 

individuals that they are, with ideas, 

fears and passions just like everyone 

else. And TFA is more than just a place 

for them—it’s also a platform that gives 

all of us access to experience their 

incredible talent. 

To attend a performance, donate or 

get involved, visit theaterforall.org for 

more information. W 


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Breaking Down 

the Barriers to 

Health Care 

An organization opens access to health care 

and mental health services on site — a godsend 

to parents and students alike. 

By VERA WILSON 

IT’S WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, 

and you’re at your desk preparing 

for a meeting. The phone rings— 

it’s your son’s school calling to let 

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you need to pick him up. You call his 

pediatrician, hoping they can squeeze him 

in for a visit… on Friday. Your kid is sick 

and you’re not sure what to do during the 

hectic work week. What’s a parent to do? 

If you live in Pender County, Pender 

Alliance for Total Health (PATH) just 

might save the day. PATH is a nonprofit 

that provides access to high-quality health 

care in the school setting, where your 

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Students can face many barriers to 

high-quality health care, such as living 

at or below the poverty level, lack of 

transportation or a shortage of providers, 

particularly in rural areas. 

“Our goal is to take away those barriers 

by providing affordable, integrative health 

care at school,” explains PATH’s Executive 

Director Sandy Rowe. 

So how does PATH accomplish this 

ambitious goal? 

With funding from the Affordable Care 

Act, PATH was able to provide two schoolbased 

health centers (SBHC), one on the 

campus of Cape Fear Elementary and 

Cape Fear Middle School in Rocky Point 

and the other at Pender High School in 

Burgaw. The school nurses and a PATH 

medical assistant handle sick visits and 

administer tests for common childhood 

illnesses. They also can assist and monitor 

students with management of chronic 

conditions such as diabetes. Wellness 

checks, sports physicals, immunizations, 

and hearing and vision screenings are 

available as well. As long as the parents 

give permission through a simple 

enrollment process, all these services are 

conducted right on school campus. 

PATH complements and supplements 

the traditional role of school nurses, 

family physicians and even mental health 

professionals. Follow-up with the student’s 

established healthcare providers is always 

a priority. 

“We’re certainly not trying to take 

over the role of a primary care provider, 

although we do serve as a medical home 

for students who don’t have one,” says 

Rowe. “PATH is like the hub of what we 

call the Community Health Network. The 

spokes are the primary care providers, the 

mental health providers and school staff.” 

Founded in 2010, PATH has been on 

the cutting edge of providing access to the 

health care that Pender County students 

need. Unable to build a center on every 

school campus, Rowe turned to telehealth 

as an answer to providing care at each 

of the county’s 19 schools. With a major 

investment in equipment and licensing 

(thanks in large part to funding from 

Pender County Schools), PATH has been 

offering telehealth visits well before 

they became commonplace under the 

COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with 

the North Carolina-based Center for Rural 


Health Innovation, a student can remotely 

“visit” with a licensed nurse practitioner 

who is qualified to treat certain medical 

conditions and prescribe medicine without 

the direct supervision of a doctor. Parents 

can join in from work or home. 

“We’re here to offer efficiency and 

convenience. The earlier we can get a 

diagnosis, the easier it is to treat, and the 

sooner the student can return to school 

and learning,” explains Rowe. 

At PATH, no teacher is left behind. Any 

Pender County School employee can use 

PATH’s services. 

“Last year, we served about 1,500 students 

and 200 teachers/staff,” says Rowe. 

In recent years, Rowe has turned 

her attention to mental health care. 

Although PATH has, since its early days, 

offered mental health services through a 

partnership with Coastal Horizons, the 

results of a survey PATH sent to students 

in 2019 exposed some disturbing statistics. 

“Thirty percent of our nine to eighteenyear-olds 

were flagged positively for 

depression,” says Rowe. “Seven to nine 

percent flagged positively for suicidal 

ideation. And this was pre-pandemic.” 

Armed with this information, PATH 

staff, school counselors and Coastal 

Horizons therapists were on hand to treat 


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students deemed at risk and referred those 

in immediate need to the appropriate 

mental health care provider. 

“We quickly realized that the need for 

mental health services was so great and 

the number of therapists so small, we 

added teletherapy visits for students with 

mild to moderate needs,” says Rowe. 

For those receiving in-school mental 

health support, the telehealth system 

already in place proved invaluable when 

COVID-19 prompted schools to close. 

“When COVID hit and schools were 

shut down, we were able to quickly convert 

students who were receiving in-school 

therapy sessions to teletherapy,” says 

Rowe. “They only went about two weeks 

without their therapy.” 

PATH has embraced the adage that an 

ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

“We’ve become laser focused on the 

prevention side,” says Rowe. “Yes, we will 

always be here to treat young people with 

illnesses, but now we can turn our sights on 

providing prevention tools and techniques.” 

“One of the most exciting things is the 

mindfulness program currently offered 

at the kindergarten, second and sixthgrade 

levels,” shares Rowe. “By teaching 

the children how to stop and take a 

breath, they can actually regulate their 

emotions. It’s something they don’t forget. 

They can use it anytime, anywhere and 

it costs nothing. And studies have shown 

that students who perform mindfulness 

exercises before a test, score better.” 

Due to the success of the mindfulness 

program, PATH has recently applied for 

federal grant money in order to expand 

their preventive technique training. Some 

of the funds will be used to sponsor the 

Youth Advisory Council at Topsail High 

School that has chosen mental health as 

their focus. 

PATH is funded primarily through 

grants such as ones awarded by the 

Cape Fear Memorial Foundation, United 

Way and the NC Department of Health 

and Human Services. Donations from 

individuals and businesses also keep 

PATH humming. 

PATH is currently in the midst of their 

annual fund drive. If you’d like to donate, 

please visit pathhealth.org. W 


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garden 

Small Size, 

Big Benefit 

Wholesome Greens proves that microgreens and edible 

flowers are so much more than a pretty garnish 

By EMORY RAKESTRAW » Photos by JOE CHOI 

DID YOU KNOW JUST 

one serving of microgreens 

packs 40x more vitamins 

and antioxidants than their 

adult counterparts? Add in 

the retained benefits of a fresh harvest, 

high yields requiring less grow space and 

their aesthetic touch to any dish, and you 

have a solid argument for why microgreens 

should be on your next to-grow list. 

As seedlings of vegetables and herbs, 

common types of microgreens include 

amaranth, beets, basil, cabbage, celery 

and chard. They’re harvested just after 

development of the cotyledon leaves or, 

in layman’s terms, the seed leaf. For Joe 

Choi and Nicholl Gleason, growing and 

selling microgreens is a key component of 

their half-acre suburban homestead. The 

two founded Wholesome Greens, LLC in 

2015 and have since expanded into edible 

flowers, herbs and mushrooms. 

“Microgreens are not only a superfood 

but they’re a very beautiful garnish. They 

have high nutritional value and are easily 

digestible,” says Choi. “For example, a 

broccoli plant will only have as much as 

that compound or benefit that’s in the 

seed, so one seed may have one unit, and 

when it grows it dilutes. When you eat 

microgreens, you’re basically eating 40-50 

broccoli plants.” 

It wasn’t only the health benefits 

that attracted Choi and Gleason to 

microgreens, but also the convenience 

and ease of growing and harvesting them. 


Most microgreens are grown indoors, 

which is Choi’s preference considering 

Wilmington’s harsh heat and humidity. 

To grow, they only require a tray or glass 

container (with a lid), sprouting seeds, soil 

mix or a grow mat, water and a window 

with sunlight. 

Microgreens grow year round with a 

growing period of five to seven days for 

warmer climates and two weeks for cooler 

climates. You’ll know it’s time to harvest 

when the first set of real leaves appear 

and are around one and a half to three 

inches tall. Cut just above the soil line and 

serve immediately for potent flavor. 

“In the beginning, Nicholl and I wanted 

a homestead business growing a lot of 

things in the yard. Microgreens were 

a good fit in that you don’t need a big 

property and they’re a quick turnaround,” 

says Choi. “I already had relationships 

with chefs in town and started small. 

Over the years we have grown and now 

supply about 20 different restaurants as 

well as a few restaurants we work with for 

edible flowers.” 

Those restaurants include PinPoint, 

Seabird, EAST Oceanfront Dining at 

the Blockade Runner, True Blue and 

The Green House. Microgreens not only 

add visual interest to a dish but pack 

plenty of flavor. A small garnish of basil 

microgreens proves the concentrated 

equivalent to its leafy, adult version with 

the ability to marry multiple flavors, 

highlight spices and lighten up umami. 

For Choi, his favorite microgreen 

combination is an unexpected one: “I’d 

have to say my favorite would be pairing a 

purple or pink radish with a grilled cheese 

sandwich. It’s amazing, just put a handful 

of it on there with bread and grill like you 

would any other grilled cheese.” 

Aside from microgreens, Wholesome 

Greens also grows and sells culinary 

herbs and edible flowers. When it comes 

to edible flowers, they’re not just there to 

pretty up a dish. Varieties like alliums 

provide the same flavor as chives or leeks, 

while nasturtiums add a peppery flair and 

are comparable to watercress. Choi grows 

marigolds in the summer and viola, borage, 

pansies and more in the cool season. 

“The edible flowers came about in a 

lot of the things we were growing. We 

experimented… and towards the end 

of harvest, they’d start flowering,” says 

Choi. “Dean Neff with Seabird always 

expressed interest in having unique 

garnish for dishes and he helped steer us 

in that direction with edible flowers and 

culinary herbs.” 

Choi is a big proponent of herbs (micro 

or adult) and sees them as an easy grow 

for novice gardeners. He suggests starting 

with culinary herbs you can pick daily 

and utilize to make a meaningful impact 

in a dish. If you’re looking for an easy, lowmaintenance 

solution, go with perennial 

herbs like oregano or parsley. “It’s the lazy 

man’s way of having herbs continuously 

instead of planting season after season. 

If you keep your beds tidy, weed eat and 

water properly through the summer, 

they’re very easy to tend to,” he says. 

Recently, Choi and Gleason expanded 

their business and launched Wholesome 

Green’s sister company, Wholesome 

Farms, which focuses on gourmet, edible 

mushrooms. Choi grows and sells a variety 

of mushrooms including oyster, lion’s mane, 

chestnut, shitake and golden enoki. 

It’s safe to say mushrooms are having 

a moment. The global mushroom market 

is expected to grow to $18.78 billion by 

2025. On a local scale, they’re gaining 

popularity too. Lion’s Mane mushrooms 

recently took center stage as an entree at 

The Green House while Hen of the Woods 

mushrooms were used in Pinpoint’s risotto 

alongside Carolina gold rice, seared 

greens, parmesan cheese and roasted 

turnips. On Facebook, the Wilmington 

Mushroom Club boasts nearly 250 

members, connecting both farmers and 

hobby mycologists. 

You can find Wholesome Greens and 

Wholesome Farms every Saturday at the 

Wilmington Farmers Market. Wholesome 

Farms mushrooms are also (often) available 

at Tidal Creek and Homegrown Market. W 


PARTNER CONTENT 

design 

Romancing 

the Stone 

Sourcing the perfect materials for interior design 

By JUDY ROYAL 

DUSTIN BRAUDWAY OPENED BLUEWATER SURFACES IN 2009, AND 

since then it has been his mission to find the perfect materials for local home and 

office interiors. 

“We are a natural stone and mixed 

hardscapes company that specializes in 

unique natural stones as well as sintered 

stone and engineered concretes from 

around the world,” he said. “We travel 

extensively around the world each year 

sourcing and selecting the finest natural 

stones to import into our area. With these 

materials, we produce beautiful kitchens 

and bathrooms as well as fireplace and 

furniture fixtures.” 

Braudway, who grew up in Wilmington 

and is a third-generation stone fabricator/ 

setter, located his business in the 

Switchyard, a commercial building that 

houses a mix of like-minded craftsmen 

companies. He mainly works with 

architects, designers and builders, while 

offering retail services as well. 

“I am a very hands-on owner,” says 

Braudway. “I have an amazing staff of 


highly skilled craftsmen, from hand 

fabricators to machine programmers 

and office/showroom sales. My favorite 

part of owning the business is seeing my 

employees bring the design and artistic 

approach to fulfilling the client’s dream.” 

Bluewater Surfaces strives to keep up 

with the latest trends so it can bring the 

latest and greatest offerings to its clients. 

Braudway said he is seeing a lot of new 

stones such as quartzites, one of the 

hardest stones on Earth, being produced 

by quarries all over the world. 

“The technology to mine these stones 

is just catching up in the last five years,” 

he says. “Although the stones are billions 

of years old, the technology to not only 

get them out of the ground but to be able 

to fabricate them is relatively new and 

always changing.” 

In addition, new sealers for natural 

stones are emerging. “We are one of few 

places in the state that is certified to 

provide new sealers that make marble 

acid-proof,” he explains. “It is a new 

technology out of Italy that is very 

exciting, especially for a marble addict 

such as myself.” 

Braudway says Bluewater Surfaces 

stands apart because of their attention 

to detail and design as well as their 

selection of materials. 

“There are a lot of other great stone 

shops in our area,” he says. “Most clients 

come to us for specialties in either unique 

materials or complexity of the work to be 

done. We do take pride in accomplishing 

more of the difficult projects that are on 

the cutting edge of design.” 

More About Bluewater Surfaces 

Owner: Dustin Braudway 

Services: Natural stone and mixed 

hardscapes 

Location: 4022 Market St., Wilmington, NC 

Phone: 910.547.1980 

Website: bluewatersurfaces.com 

Instagram: @bluewatersurfaces W 


PARTNER CONTENT 

beauty 

A New Day Spa 

Finds Quick 

Success 

A beauty studio in the heart of The Cotton Exchange 

quickly becomes a local favorite 

TAYLOR KEEPING SMITH 

planned to open a beauty 

business in Raleigh after 

graduating as a licensed 

esthetician from the Aveda 

Institute Chapel Hill in 2019, but the 

Triangle’s competitive housing market 

interfered with that vision. With a bit 

of fate, some good luck and hard work, 

however, her Plan B ended up working out 

better than she ever dreamed. 

By JUDY ROYAL 

Smith owns Keeping It Glam, a 

beauty studio that specializes in eyelash 

extensions, hair, permanent makeup, 

facial waxing and lash lifts. Located 

in The Cotton Exchange in downtown 

Wilmington, Keeping It Glam opened in 

March after an extensive search for the 

perfect location. 

When Smith and her husband Julian 

were unable to buy a house in Raleigh, an 

old friend suggested they consider moving to 

Wilmington instead. As beach lovers, they 

took his advice and arrived in August 2021. 

“We took a pretty big leap of faith and 

thought it was the right move for us,” says 

Smith. “We had our first date here, so it 

holds a special place in our heart. It kind of 

just all worked out where we knew we were 

prompted to be here.” 

It took some time to find the right 

space, and Smith admits there were some 

discouraging moments as they searched 

the area, but as soon as she saw the listing, 

she knew it was the one. 

“It was on that day that Keeping It Glam 

became a reality and not something of my 

pure imagination,” says Smith. “We were 

very open to ‘wherever we’re supposed to 

be we’ll end up,’ so we really just got lucky 

with the space.” 

The studio underwent a major renovation 

that involved Smith and her husband doing 

much of the work themselves, sometimes 

painting until 4am. 

“We got to do the project together, which 

was really special,” says Smith. “We wanted 

to make it look special and inviting. The 

way it looks in here is a big part of what 

really pulls people in.” 

Once Keeping It Glam opened its doors, 


the clients started coming at a rate that 

even Smith herself didn’t expect. 

“The most surprising thing since 

opening was how fast we grew,” she says. 

“Within two months of being open, we were 

nominated and won the WWAY Viewers’ 

Choice Award for Best Day Spa, and after 

a friend of ours posted us on her TikTok 

page, the flood gates opened and people 

never stopped showing up, and for that we 

feel truly blessed.” 

Smith, who is a twice-certified lash artist 

and certified lash trainer, also attributes 

the rapid growth to good timing. Women 

were in quarantine due to the COVID-19 

pandemic for so long without beauty 

services that they are now craving being 

pampered and feeling like themselves 

again, she explains. 

“It’s so nice to be in a community with other 

women, especially after a long pandemic 

where we were all isolated from one another,” 

says Smith. “Our clients are all great people 

who love their high-quality services.” 

Keeping It Glam strives to offer a unique 

experience for its clients, who span all ages 

and walks of life. 

“What sets our business apart from 

others in the same industry is our attention 

to detail, building relationships with our 

clients and the ultimate client experience,” 

she says. “Your service takes place in 

a uniquely designed private room with 

ocean sounds under the beds while you lay 

under a mystical trellis. We have designed 

Keeping It Glam with the soul intent to 

have a feel-good vibe from the moment you 

walk in, and not just mimic what every 

other studio is doing.” 

The studio offers a 10 percent student 

discount because “being a girl is expensive, 

especially while in school,” Smith says. 

Smith, who at 24 is a young business 

owner, says she never thought she would 

be an entrepreneur but is grateful for 

the opportunity. 

“My favorite thing about owning the 

business is the creative freedom to do 

things differently,” she says. “I am put into 

a position where I am able to give women a 

boost of confidence while giving them a safe 

space to talk freely and encourage them, 

walk alongside them and uplift them. I have 

the opportunity to play a very different role 

in the beauty community that advocates for 

giving kindness to yourself and others.” 

Another plus, Smith adds, is being able 

to bring her long-hair Chihuahua Coopie, 

who is an emotional support animal, into 

work every day. 

“He loves our clients as much as they love 

him,” she says. 

More About Keeping It Glam 

Owner: Taylor Keeping Smith 

Services: Eyelash extensions, hair, 

permanent makeup, facial waxing and 

lash lifts 

Location: 326 Nutt St., Wilmington, NC 

Phone: 910.338.1133 

Website: keepingitglam.com 

Facebook: facebook.com/keepingitglamm 

Instagram: @keepingitglam W 


Valentine's Day Gift Guide 

Aqua Venetian 

Glass Bee 

Intaglio with 

Hand-Set 

Freshwater 

Pearls on 

Hand-Cast Gold 

Chain, $105. 

Crabby Chic, 

910-799-4216. 

Madeline Earring from Mignonne Gavigon, $250. Monkee’s of 

Wilmington, monkeeswilmington.com. 

Plaza Ring By Dean Davidson with Natural 

Labradorite, $226. Island Passage, 

islandpassageclothing.com. 

Bandol Fluted 

Martini Glass, $15 

each. Also available 

in champagne 

and wine glasses. 

Sugarwood 

Interiors, 

sugarwoodnc.com. 


Susan Shaw Necklace, $80. Port City 

Peddler, portcitypeddler.com. 

Golden Double Heart Picture Frame, $25. 

Paysage, paysage.com. 

Ergo Candles $28; Diffuser, 

$45; and Refill Oil, $25. 

CoolSweats at the Beach, 

coolsweatsatthebeach.com. 

Sterling Silver "Mesh" Ring with Trillion 

Garnet, Rectangular Pink Tourmaline and 

Three Round Manmade Diamonds by Jewelry 

Designer Roberto Vengoechea, $980. 

Art in Bloom Gallery, aibgallery.com. 


CAREN Heart-Shaped 

Soap in a Sponge, $14.95. 

niche. Décor & Gifts, 

nichebycustomhome.com 

14oz Gift Boxes of Assorted Chocolates, 

$24.95 each. Blue Moon Gift Shops, 

bluemoongiftshops.com. 

Hand Forged Sterling Silver Men’s & Women’s Jewelry, Cuffs 

Start at $210 each. Eclipse, eclipseartisanboutique.com. 


SPEND A YEAR 

ON THE COAST 

of Wilmington, North Carolina 

September/October 2021 

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 

July/August 2022 

JULY / AUGUST 2022 

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 

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

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 

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 

March/April 2022 

MARCH / APRIL 2022 

May/June 2022 

MAY / JUNE 2022 

January/February 2021 

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021 

Design Solutions with a Water View • Aquaculture in the Port City • The 75th Year of Azalea Allure WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Outdoor 

Living 

Design Solutions 

with a Water View 

PRIVATE 

SCHOOLS 

THE 75 TH YEAR 

OF AZALEA 

ALLURE 

Aquaculture 

Conservation 

of our Coral 

Reef Habitats 

EXPLORING 

VEGAN 

An Irish Manor • New Locale for Legendary Steaks • Creating a Backyard Pond WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

The 

Interior 

Design 

Issue 

SPA-CATION 

WITH SPIRITS 

LUNCH LIKE 

A LOCAL 

Waterfront View 

A New Locale for 

Legendary Steaks 

Irish Roots 

A Custom Manor with 

Gothic Style 

SPRING 

FASHION 

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 

Subscribe Today! 

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE COAST. 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com/subscribe or 843-856-2532 


Look HOT 

This Winter 

Dressing for colder weather doesn’t have to be boring— 

Wilmington’s local fashion boutiques have you covered. 

Photography: ABIGAIL WHITEHURST 

Model: RAQUEL MORETTY 

Location: In the center of the Historic District, the 

beautiful DREAMERS BY DW in downtown Wilmington 

(dreamerswelcome.com) offers travelers uniquely designed 

and luxurious rooms with high ceilings, crown molding 

and large original windows. 


Island Passage 

Islandpassageclothing.com 

Island Passage Earrings, $14; 

Tart Collections Leigh Sweater 

in Twilight Mauve, $148; Spanx 

Ruby Pants in Faux Patent 

Leather, $128; Matisse Bruna 

Boot in Oat Suede, $278. 


CoolSweats at the Beach 

Coolsweatsatthebeach.com 

AG Prima Ankle Jeans, $198; 

Dylan "Jackson Vest" in Birch, 

$216; Bella Dahl Brea A-Line 

Sweater, $194; Dylan Satin 

Camisole, $84; Streets Ahead 

Chocolate Brown Belt, $170. 


Monkee’s of Wilmington 

Monkeeswilmington.com 

dh New York Rue Shrug & Tank 

Combo, $228; PAIGE Stella 

Vegan Leather Pant, $229; 

Mignonne Gavigan Camellia 

Pearl Earring, $325; Large 

Woven Chain Bag in Burgundy, 

$60; Cecelia New York Jayne 

Bootie, $245. 


FROM EARL NIGHTINGALE’S “WHAT 

happens inside always appears outside” to Elle 

Woods’ famous words, “Endorphins make you happy. 

Happy people just don’t kill their husbands,” it is welldocumented 

by great thinkers alike that mind wellness 

and physical wellness work in tandem. That is certainly 

the case at terra sol sanctuary. 

The small, wooden building on the corner of Castle Street and S 

Fifth Avenue appears, from the outside, like a church. The big red 

doors, white paint and stained glass all conjure the image of an old, 

southern house of worship. And for its first 100 or so years (this is 

Wilmington after all), that’s exactly what it was. In 1877, when 507 

Castle St. first opened, it was called Primitive Baptist Church. In 

1992, it became St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church, which 

ministered to the LGBTQ+ community (and still does at its new 

home on 26th Street). The building spent a handful of years as an 

antique shop before becoming its current iteration of a yoga studio 

in August of 2016. 

As co-founder and owner of terra sol sanctuary, Alexis Abbate 

shares that her and her fellow tera sol founders changed nothing 

about the building besides adding cubbies and new fans. Because of 

this, there really is a natural reverence upon entering tera sol that 

you’d be hard pressed to find in other yoga studios. The building’s 

original intent was to be a community gathering place, and its 

structural elements help to re-establish that to this day. 

“It’s a place of connection with each other and with ourselves,” 

Abbate says. “I think when we have these types of places that we can 

go and unwind, reconnect or whatever it is that somebody is looking 

for — that really helps the whole macrocosm of a community. The 

more healing we can do on an individual level, the more healing this 

city is going to reap the benefits of.” 

With 30 different class offerings every week, terra sol provides 

its students with plenty of opportunities to heal on an individual 

level, which then reverberates throughout the city. At the end of a 

class shortly after Thanksgiving, three women can be overheard 

recounting volunteering to serve the homeless over the holiday, 

while another student comes to his Wednesday class straight from a 

full day at the Good Shepherd. 

The studio offers an array of different types of classes, some with 

more well-known distinctions like “Flow” and “Beginners” and some 

with less common descriptors like “Yogalicious.” “That’s Georgia’s 

class,” Abbate says, laughing. “She wanted to call it ‘yogalicious’ so 

she can do whatever the hell she wants!” 

Georgia Routsis Savas, who is an instructor at terra sol, refers 

to herself as “on the old side of town” at age 64. She’s been teaching 

yoga for about eight years now and says one of her strengths is that 

she doesn’t look like “your normal yogi.” 

“A lot of people imagine — you know, they see Yoga Journal 


An Idyllic Sanctuary for 

Mental and Physical Healing 

One of Wilmington’s historic houses of worship becomes a beautiful backdrop for yogis 

By KATIE SCHMIDT 


Magazine or whatever and it’s this young, lean person who’s wearing 

the yoga outfit and is a supermodel, blah, blah,” she says. “And I 

think part of my strength as a teacher is people see me and are like, 

‘Oh, if she could do that, then I can do that.’” 

Abbate prefers for terra sol to be appealing to a diverse set of 

interested yoga students; she even took an inclusivity workshop to 

ensure she was building a space all felt welcome in. “I strive for any 

teacher at terra sol to be able to teach anyone who walks in the room, 

regardless of their level,” Abbate says. 

This was certainly the case for Jim Elms when he and his wife, 

Laura, started attending terra sol classes a little over a year ago as 

new residents in Wilmington. While yoga was a big part of Laura’s 

life at that point, Jim had only dabbled in the occasional at-home 

yoga VHS tape and had “no real level of commitment” before terra 

sol. Now, he consistently attends at least one class a day, sometimes 

joining virtually as he travels often for work. He even mentioned that 

he’s shuffled travel plans before to make it back in time to physically 

attend his favorite Thursday class. 

“The teachers are so unbelievably kind and have such positive 

energy that you feel the minute you walk in the building,” he says. 

“That is such a boost and alone is enough to make me want to come 

back. But also, all the different styles of yoga taught have helped my 

curiosity. You’re not just trying to get buff, it’s so much more.” 

Of course, yoga is still a form of exercise, so physical changes 

are locked in step with the mental benefits of the practice. Elms 

describes, “feeling looser and lighter and having more strength” 

due to his consistency at terra sol. Another instructor at the studio, 

Jackie Lew, enjoyed that yoga allowed him to “feel calm and strong 



at the same time” when he was first starting out. 

“It was hard and I sweat a lot,” Lew says, describing his first foray 

into yoga. “But it was different than what I’d done before. It was 

quiet. I was also boxing at the time and the fact that I could get a 

workout in and not leave with a bloody nose? It was a sustainable 

practice.” 

The fact that the studio offers such a wide breadth of styles, 

approaches, and accessibility options is a point of pride for Abbate, 

who also hosts several different workshops at terra sol. Several of the 

workshops allow for those who are not as interested in the physical 

practice of yoga to still engage with the mental benefits. 

Abbate herself shares that she first got into yoga while seeking 

a way to handle her own depression, anxiety and life stressors. “I 

played sports growing up, so I always moved my body, but I did 

not understand the mind-body connection,” she says. “I was in 

talk therapy, too, but I was just coping.” Her aunt took her to her 

first yoga class and she had an inkling there was something to the 

practice. “I wanted to learn, just, what is this? Why do I feel so good? 

Why do I feel like I can handle this existence with more ease when 

this practice is part of my life?” 

Savas describes the sensation as, “that yoga buzz”. Elms refers to, 

“a kind of space warp”. Lew shares a story about a student crying 

throughout the entirety of a class and the ability to facilitate mental 

healing through the physical practice. 

“It’s all connected,” Abbate says. “We are whole and when there 

is emphasis on one more than the other, it can bring us a little bit 

out of balance. So literally when we remember that we are in union 

— and that’s yoga, union, connection — when our mind and body are 

in sync, things just seem a little bit easier.” W 




Wilmington’s Own 

HGTV 

Smart Home 

In exciting local news, Charter Building Group’s 

latest project gets the attention 

of America’s top home & garden channel 

By LORI WILSON 

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, 

you probably enjoy, or at least 

appreciate, the world of home 

design. You probably enjoy seeing 

the latest trends and knowing 

about the new projects of the area’s 

finest builders, architects and interior 

specialists. Perhaps you love home 

design shows, and on lazy Saturday 

mornings you can be found sitting on 

the sofa with a fresh cup of coffee and 

several episodes of HGTV. But, did you 

know that our local Wilmington made 

it on screen to the coveted home and 

garden television empire? 

It’s true. The HGTV Smart Home 

2022 was designed, built and filmed in 

Castle Hayne, NC, just minutes away 

from downtown Wilmington. For many 

months, the folks at Charter Building 

Group worked closely with the HGTV as 

production and filming took place in River 

Bluffs, a gated community where the 

building company often works. 

“They reached out based on our website,” 

says Holly Overton, vice president of 

Charter Building Group. “It was a quick 

turnaround. Within a couple days, they 

put the deal together.” 

Wilmington caught the attention of 

HGTV thanks to its vibrant coastal 

history and outdoor lifestyle that are 

both reflected in the house design. For 

Charter Building Group to be chosen for 

the HGTV Smart Home 2022 build was a 

huge honor—a decision the home design 

network made after only one meeting in 

May 2021. The family-owned company 

has been in business in the area for more 

than 25 years. Overton’s father, Rich 

Donaldson, founded the building group. 

“It was much faster than your typical 

design process,” Overton says. “They 

quickly put faith in our building ability, and 

we had to put faith in their experience in 

tv production and timelines. Within a few 

days, we had a design and lot picked out.” 

To move quickly into construction, they 

picked a pre-designed home plan by Scott 

Sullivan, of Sullivan Design Company. 

Clients of Charter Building Group often 

choose to customize one of Sullivan’s predesigned 

plans to expedite the design 

process. Clients can also choose from one 

of Charter Building Group’s 40 company 


portfolio plans (or, of course, modify any of 

those pre-designed). 

“We worked closely with HGTV to 

incorporate the latest design trends into 

the home. They made sure every square 

inch was utilized,” Overton says. “Scott was 

able to really help us turn the plan design 

around quickly.” The plan template, dubbed 

“Oak Hill,” is one designed with an open 

living concept and an exterior that “tips 

its hat” to the modern farmhouse trend, 

Sullivan explains. But the modified HGTV 

Smart Home 2022 comes with unexpected 

surprises such as a main level owner’s 

suite with access to a private rear deck 

built with high performance, sustainably 

made composite decking materials and 

LED lighting, adjacent to an outdoor pool. 

The privilege of working with HGTV 

on a smart home design was not just the 

television exposure, Overton explains, 

but the opportunity to expand their range 

with smart-living features under the 

guise of HGTV professionals, which they 

now pass along to their clients. 

“It’s not just tech features,” she says. 

“They incorporate ways to live smart, 

which is less about tech now and more 

about lifestyle and well-being.” 

Sullivan explains the adjustments to 

the floor plan. 

“There are unexpected surprises such 

as the hidden pantry accessed through 

full height cabinet doors, a laundry chute 

from the owner’s closet to the laundry 

area, a drop zone for package delivery 

and a large second floor recreation room 

that extends to a second-floor porch,” 

Sullivan explains. 

Other notable features include a 

dedicated pet space underneath the stairs, 

as well as a wet-space combo in the master 

bathroom (a soaking tub inside the walkin 

shower, so the homeowners can enjoy 

the body sprays of the shower one step 

away from their bath). And, if this ensuite 

spa didn’t already seem idyllic, the digital 

Showering System includes built-in 

speakers and lighting customizations for 

a multi-sensory experience. 

The house also incorporates modern 

technological resources, such as many 

voice-enabled devices and a wireless 

security system throughout the home. The 

Skylights can be operated from a tablet 

to bring in light and fresh air throughout 

the day (and they have rain sensors to 

close as needed, which come in handy for 

Wilmington summer surprise showers). 

For the interior design of the home, 

HGTV design star Tiffany Brooks, of 

Tiffany Brooks Interiors, took the lead. 

Sean Lewis, Construction 

Manager, and Holly 

Overton, Vice President, of 

Charter Building Group 



While many of Charter Building Group’s 

clients opt for a more coastal vibe, their 

HGTV partners on this project brought in 

a more national perspective. 

“They’re not tied to coastal decor,” 

Overton says. “They wanted to do 

incorporate different finishes and textures 

that we do not see in our market every 

day. It was nice to sit out of the box with 

this one with murals, bold wall colors and 

black interior trim. Tiffany brings such 

a unique look which is what made this 

project a lot of fun.” 

The pops of color throughout the home 

make a statement yet blend seamlessly. 

From the moss green floor-to-ceiling 

cabinets to the burnt orange accents in 

the rug runner to the chestnut leather 

bar stools, the kitchen provides an earthy 

compliment to the background of pine 


trees in River Bluffs and the stunning 

landscape design by Carmen Johnston, 

of Carmen Johnston Garden, an on-air 

HGTV talent out of Georgia. 

A quick 180-degree turn to the living 

room reveals a more romantic, cozy scene 

with deep blues that contrast with the 

bright white fireplace and cream-colored 

furnishings. 

The bold hues continue into the upstairs 

bedrooms and the vaulted recreation 

area, which—no joke—boasts a real, live 

indoor-tree that was installed within the 

floor, creating a soothing transition to the 

second-floor porch. 

Brooks came from Chicago to select 

finishes and plan for details with the 

Charter Building Group team. 

“One thing about working with HGTV 

that might surprise people,” Overton says, 

“is that they let us take the lead on who 

would install the products and finishes for 

the home. We were able to use our local 

partners and vendors whose trust and 

knowledge allowed us to maintain some 


quality control. Great exposure for them 

as well.” 

But the process was not unlike the 

Charter Building Group’s usual process. 

They work closely with their in-house 

designer from start to finish. 

“From the beginning, we identify finishes 

that are appropriate for [our client’s] 

budget and neighborhood style,” Overton 

explains. “We don’t want our homeowners 

to feel they have run away with the budget, 

which has become even more important in 

this inflationary market.” 

In this case, the client was HGTV, but 

who’s the homeowner? 

The HGTV Smart Home 2022 was 

offered as part of a network sweepstakes, 

with a grand prize package of more 

than 1.2 million dollars. The winner, 

out of Columbia, South Carolina, was 

announced in August. She had the option 

to take the home package or a cash prize, 

and she chose the latter (perhaps due to 


her location). 

As a result, HGTV asked Overton to 

list the home locally so it could find its 

perfect buyer. While the home was suited 

for a tech-savvy buyer, the Oak Hill floor 

plan design appeals to a broad market, 

Sullivan explains. 

“The home office follows the remote 

work trend,” he says. “The main level 

owner’s suite makes it a great plan for 

retirees. The large second-floor bedrooms 

and recreation room make the plan a great 

fit for young families as well.” 

The home received its permanent 

owners in October of 2022 

“The new owners are a wonderful fit 

for the home,” Overton says. “It sold fully 

furnished, so it took the right buyer to fall 

in love with everything turn-key. The new 

owners are enjoying a piece of HGTV and 

Wilmington history.” 

With the HGTV Smart Home 2022 

chapter closed, Charter Building Group 

looks ahead, incorporating more smart 

design and tech features to new homes. 

You can find more of their decorated 

models in River Bluffs, as well as the 

River Lights neighborhood. 

“It was a big project to tackle,” Overton 

says. “Our whole team works together. 

It’s not just one person. The experienced 

team we have is the reason we were able 

to deliver and build as quickly as we did.” 

Patrick Kelly, the group’s new home 

specialist, can be contacted for general 

inquiries. 

If you haven’t already watched the 

episode featuring the HGTV Smart Home 

2022, Overton says it can be found on 

any HGTV streaming service. The show 

follows the build process from start to 

finish and highlights many Wilmington 

landmarks and local craftsmen. 

Resources: Charter Building Group, 

910-769-2440, charterbuildinggroup.com W 



We’re Shipping 

the Cargo District 

What started small has grown into a sprawling neighborhood 

where small businesses can shine 

By EMORY RAKESTRAW » Photos by ABIGAIL WHITEHURST 

THE CARGO DISTRICT STARTED WITH A SIMPLE IDEA: BUSINESSES 

located in shipping containers. Eco-friendly, highly versatile, and equipped with an industrialgrade 

steel exterior, shipping containers are a low-cost investment for small business owners 

wanting to test their vision before the construction or commitment of a traditional brick-andmortar. 

Located just a stone’s throw from downtown, between Castle St. and Wooster St., 

spanning S 16th and S. 17th street, this small idea has grown to an entire neighborhood 

with its own atmosphere and vibe. 


There are businesses here to accommodate one’s needs from 

morning to night, while highlighting one of Wilmington’s great 

qualities—an abundance of entrepreneurs. To date, the Cargo 

District is home to over 50 businesses ranging from hair salons 

to bottle shops, jewelers, photography studios, a coworking space, 

clothing stores and more. 

A Place to Start and 

A Space to Grow 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, Sarah Mertz 

was working on a passion project that involved sourcing plants and 

selling them via Instagram with no-contact drop-off. Its popularity 

made her believe she was onto something and it’s safe to say she 

was. Today her business, The Plant Outpost, has seemingly grown 

alongside the Cargo District. Mertz is now in her third location, the 

largest to date, but has continued to stay loyal to the neighborhood 

when it came time to move shop. 

“When I first started The Plant Outpost, I only intended to do 

pop-ups and weekly deliveries. I had a friend who was involved in 

the early stages of The Cargo District development, who had been 

a big motivator in pushing my plant business. He told me I should 

open a shop and I just kind of laughed. One day I met him over in 

the District to see what this place was and jokingly said, ‘What if I 

had a plant shop in a shipping container?’” 

In 2020, Mertz opened The Plant Outpost in a 20-foot shipping 

container. Her location beside Queen Street Tattoo, and across 

from Mess Hall restaurant and Alcove Beer Garden, lent plenty of 

foot traffic. Yet in just two years, plenty has changed. 

Mess Hall recently moved to a brick-and-mortar on Wrightsville 

Ave. with True Blue brand, Beat Street, taking its place in the 

shared space with Alcove. Cheesesmith traded their food truck for 

four walls, opening their brick-and-mortar in July of 2021. Owners 

Molly and Brendan Curnyn recently announced their expansion 

into soft serve with plans to utilize their vacant space between 

Cheesesmith and The Plant Outpost for Molly’s Soft Serve, which 

is opening this spring. Across the street, Raleigh-based Bull City 

Cider Works opened in the fall of 2022. 

“I have seen so many changes,” says Mertz. “From actual 

parking lots and sidewalks being put in, buildings changing, lots 

of new businesses, markets and more. There are just a lot more 

opportunities for small business owners and it’s a unique area that 

tends to draw people in. I think the Cargo District will continue to 

get bigger and have more to offer the community.” 

When Steve and Kristen Gibbs were forced to relocate their 

Ogden bottleshop, Fermental Beer & Wine, the Cargo District 

came as a beacon of hope after an exhaustive search. 


“After searching continuously for over a year, we found this 

little corner in the Cargo District to be the perfect space for our 

relocation. Other options in our region were limited to shopping 

plazas, large land purchases or locations that simply didn't feel 

right to us,” says Steve Gibbs. “This old service station seemed 

to have just the right amount of interior space and a spacious 

outdoor area that is becoming increasingly difficult to find in our 

quickly growing town. The option to be beside several fellow small 

businesses that all seem to share a creative energy was a final 

decision-making point in our search.” 

A Day in the District 

If you’re new to the Wilmington area or haven’t had a chance to 

venture to the Cargo District yet, it’s easy to spend a whole day here. 

Start off with coffee from Blue Cup Roastery then head to Crafted 

Outpost, which features a curated selection of jewelry, apothecary, 

wellness goods and home décor from over 20 Wilmington makers. 


Bookworm Poetry boasts handcrafted ceramics (that make 

fabulous gifts) while Auggie & Zo is a great spot for affordable yet 

stylish clothing. Your four-legged friend can have an afternoon 

playdate at Ruff Draft dog bar or get a new toy to take home from 

Bones pet store. Of course, a browse through The Plant Outpost is 

a must. 

Featured on Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” 

the Buffalo Baby (with a side of beer cheese fries) is a longtime 

favorite at Cheesesmith. To walk it off, head down Castle St. to 

Wilmington’s first distillery, End of Days. A rotating cocktail menu 

features their signature Port of Entry vodka, gin, or rum, as well 

as their Survivor’s Cut Series bourbon. Craft cocktails like the End 

of Days Elixir make for a refreshing afternoon sipper. 


The perfect evening spot, Fermental, hosts live music and 

food trucks throughout the weekend. Their ample beer garden is 

outfitted with fire pits and picnic tables, or patrons can cozy up 

at the inside bar while attempting to envision how this decidedly 

modern, yet eclectic space was once an auto service and gas station. 

The luxe Starling Whiskey and Wine Bar makes for a cozy nightcap 

where whiskey enthusiasts can get their hands on rare selections 

like the 1979 Jim Beam “Owl.” 

What’s Next for the 

Cargo District? 

Long-term Wilmington locals remember the early days of the 

Cargo District. Mess Hall was the perfect spot to grab a burger 

while washing it down with a beer from Alcove. The first 

businesses here, including The Plant Outpost, facilitated the 

blueprint for what was possible. 

Creativity had no limits besides the walls of a shipping container. 

Business owners were able to leave a relatively low-cost mark 

imprinting their subjective vision through the scale, shape and 

ambiance of their container. Alcove showed what was possible 

when calling on a bit of imagination, stacking containers as stairs 

and seating, and structuring separate containers to provide small 

spaces for other businesses within the larger whole. For Gibbs, the 

Cargo District’s growth was a key selling point. 


“The Cargo District is a growing community of its own; outside 

of downtown and with its own unique footprint of businesses and 

residences and with many more on the way. It reminds me of the 

early days of the NoDa district in Charlotte, which has a similar 

history and is now a flourishing neighborhood for art, food, drink 

and more,” says Gibbs. “Repurposing and preserving existing 

buildings and welcoming small businesses is what we need more of 

in Wilmington and that is what the Cargo District offers: A diverse 

and welcoming place to live, eat, drink and shop.” W 


dining review libations in the kitchen restaurant guide 

A Foodie 

Favorite 

Innovative menu and 

drink concoctions from 

Flying Machine 

Inland Steak: Denver 

Steak, coffee demi 

glace, sweet potato, 

coffee bitter 


Off to a Flying Start! 

One of Wilmington’s largest breweries has expanded 

its machine — and is loving every second 

By KIM HENRY » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

Flight: 

Dreamy Eyes 

Moon Nectar 

Festbier 

Roswell Porter 

FLYING MACHINE BREWING 

may be churning out fine beverages 

like a well-oiled production line 

but there is nothing standardized 

about their innovative creations. In fact, 

the dynamic duo behind the machine were 

so inspired by their original brewery on 

Randall Parkway that they couldn’t resist 

when an ideal spot became available close 

to Wrightsville Beach, leading to the 

second location opening in the fall of 2021, 

complete with a mouthwatering menu of 

food, beers and cocktails. 

Grant Steadman and David Swegart, 

old friends from their college days at UNC, 

left their respective lawyer and investment 

banking careers, to follow their dream. A 

mere few years later, COVID-19 pandemic 

and all, the pioneering owners are excited 

about the recent expansion. “It was a little 

tough to take the leap, but we are stoked 

to be doing something we are passionate 

about,” shares Steadman, from the stylish 

comfort of the Taproom and Kitchen. 

Renovating the old sports bar to align with 

their signature relaxed, yet bespoke brand 

has manifested a spacious, light venue 

with a seating capacity of around 120, two 

separate bars and an events room. A large 

front deck accommodates outdoor dining 

when the weather permits, and one of the 

Taprooms many perks is easy, ample, and 

free parking. 

Steadman is the first to credit the entire 

Flying Machine team for the ever-growing 

success of its new venture. His awardwinning 

Executive Chef, Ryan Jankowski, 

found himself in the kitchen at a young 

age and has never looked back. “I consider 

myself a global cuisine chef. I am French 

trained with a background in many 

different cuisines. I try not to let any of 

them define me but to center them with 

a Southern touch,” enthuses Jankowski, 

whose love of coastal cuisine combined 

with his own personal flare drives the 

interesting Flying Machine menu. 

Alongside more traditional pub food of 

loaded fries and burgers, there’s a myriad 

of eclectic flavors, with an emphasis on 

seafood, providing something for a wide 

range of contemporary culinary needs. 

Accompanied by a choice of house-made 

fries, BBQ chips, salad or simple greens, 

you can opt for one of the distinctive 

handheld burgers, including a Southerninspired 

cornmeal fried oyster burger 

in a brioche bun. Vegetarian, vegan or 

gluten free? The Flying Machine has got 

Buzz Bait: honeycomb - 

washed Montana Whiskey 

Co., lemon ginger, black 

tea, smoked bitters 


Flying Machine: 

Smashburger, onion 

ring, beer cheese, 

candied bacon 

Magic Deviled Eggs: 

Korean red pepper 

paste, pickled shitake, 

crispy onions 

(left to right) Ryan Jankowski, 

Executive Chef; Brian Pratt, 

Beverage Director; Mason 

Godwin, Lead Bartender; Molly 

Brodbeck, General Manager 

you covered with options such as a madefrom-scratch 

cauliflower patty with pickled 

beets and mushrooms, slavered in a tahini 

and miso sauce. If one of your party is 

hankering for something a little different, 

the additional entree choices include duck 

breast, 6oz Denver steak, and a housemade 

shrimp and oyster pot pie, one of 

Steadman’s personal favorites. 

Celebrating the best of coastal living, 

the Flying Machine team sources fresh, 

sustainable local ingredients as much as 

possible and make a point of appreciating 

their cliental. “Our love for this area is a 

big inspiration for us, from the intracoastal 

waterway and beaches to the businesses 

and people surrounding us. We love to give 

back to our community whether as an oyster 

roast, hosting dinners for organizations 

like Surfers Healing or just talking to a 

guest coming in for a beer and loaded fries,” 

shares Jankowski. 

Nurturing a welcoming sense of 

community seems to be as much a priority 

as delivering a delicious culinary experience 

for all. In addition to the events space and 

a few TVs for sports lovers, the Taproom 

hosts trivia nights on Wednesday and live 

music and brunch on Sundays, complete 

with special menus. 

But let’s get back to the roots of the 

Miso Baked: Baked local 

oysters, miso honey 

butter, pork fat biscuit 

crumbles, parmesan 

machine—its innovative beverages! In 

addition to around 20 different housebrewed 

beers and a selection of ciders, the 

Taproom is also gaining a well-deserved 

reputation for delicious cocktails. NCnative 

Brian Pratt is the force behind 

the liquid temptations which range from 

classic margaritas and daiquiris to his 

very own originals. With nearly 20 years 

of experience behind the bar, the Beverage 

Director’s combinations include a maple fig 

bitter with bone marrow, washed bourbon 

or prosecco, and chai and tequila to cite a 

few of his tantalizing blends. 

The menus change on a seasonal basis, 

with the whole crew firmly dedicated to 

keeping their ocean-to-table themed dining 

and innovative drinking experience fresh 

and new for everyone involved. Committed 

to a fair price point, even in this challenging 

climate, the Flying Machine Taproom and 

Kitchen has certainly risen the bar in more 

ways than one. flyingmachinewb.com or 

flyingmachine.beer W 


libations 

Red wine grapes for 

ice wine in winter 

conditions and snow. 

Sip Something 

with a Story 

Savor sweet dessert wines in wintertime 

EVERY NOW AND THEN, 

especially in the chill of 

winter, a rich, sweet wine is 

such an indulgence in flavor 

and texture. The thought of 

its opulent mouthfeel prompts reveries of 

what I might serve alongside it, perhaps a 

creamy blue cheese, maybe poached pears 

and crème anglaise, or bread pudding. 

Dessert wine is an experience, a mood 

that just has to be savored. Gathering with 

By ANN MARIE THORNTON 

loved ones at the holidays and stretching 

the evening out is just a natural time to 

sip a sweet wine and revel in the moment. 

Moscato d’Asti, a semi-sparkling, sweet 

wine from the Piedmont of Italy known for 

its captivating aromas of pear and peach, 

is typically low in alcohol, just about 

5.5%, whereas most wines are 12-15%, 

making Moscato d’Asti a perfect aperitif 

or dessert wine. Muscat Blanc is one of 

the oldest grape varietals and planted 

the world over, and it achieves such grace 

and versatility in this DOCG region, the 

most elite classification in Italy. Wellknown 

Asti Spumante is drier with more 

vigorous effervescence, whereas Moscato 

is sweeter and just gently effervescent. 

The 2021 Gianni Moscato d’Asti from 

Giovine in Canelli, a town in the heart of 

Asti, is pale, almost clear, and delightfully 

petillant with bubbles embracing the 

sides and gently rising from the glass. 

With a cascade of pear and honeysuckle 

aromas to make one swoon and a residual 

sweetness of about 95 grams per liter, 

this is a delicious way to open or close a 

celebratory evening with a bit of asiago or 

an almond cookie. 

Mosacato d’Asti achieves its sweetness 

from controlled fermentation in chilled, 

pressurized tanks, notably, the Asti 

method, also used for Prosecco. The 

carbonation released naturally through 

fermentation remains in the wine and 

when it reaches an alcohol level of about 

five percent and still has much of its 


Moscato is a 

refreshing semisparkling 

sweet 

wine that can add 

a new dimension to 

your entertaining. 

sweetness, the wine is filtered for stability 

and bottled. 

The Noble Late Harvest 2018 from 

Rickety Bridge Winery in Franschhoek, 

South Africa, also uses Muscat Blanc 

grapes, ones that are hand-picked late 

in the season after their flavors have 

concentrated and intensified. These 

raisinated grapes lend sweetness and 

full mouthfeel and a deep, rich, golden 

hue. The wine, with a residual sugar of 

56 grams per liter, has intense apricot, 

peach skins, tropical fruit, plus a whiff 

A bunch of ripe 

grapes being cut at a 

vineyard in Bordeaux 

with late season 

Botrytis infection, 

hailed as “noble rot” 

since it contributes to 

the distinctive flavor 

profile of Sauternes. 

of petrol and a distinctive spiritous note 

that reminds me of fortified wines, even 

though this is a middle-of-the-road ABV 

of 13.5%. Very satistfying, one might pair 

with smoked salmon or aged cheeses for 

pure contentment. 

Sauternes are a dessert wine from 

Bordeaux that uses even more intensely 

raisinated grapes. Vinters wait to harvest 

the grapes, Sémillon, sauvignon blanc 

and muscadelle, in the hopes they develop 

a late season Botrytis infection, hailed as 

“noble rot” since the fungus enables the 

distinctive, concentrated flavor profile of 

Sauternes. With its maritime climate, the 

terroir of the Sauternes region frequently 

experiences fog and mist in late autumn, 

and this dampness contributes to the 

ability of the fungus to take hold and 

infect the grapes. The 2015 from Chateau 

Saint-Vincent is light gold with honeyed 

ginger, intensely ripe cantelope melon, 

apricot compote, marmadale and candied 

pineapple, just a torrent of intense, 

unctuous syrupy fruitiness. Powerful 

enough to sip on its own, and a tour de 

force with blue cheese, fois gras or even 

apple tart-tatin. At under $25 a bottle, this 

Bordeaux is next level, and a testament to 

terroir and ingenuity. 

The vintners of ice wine also embrace 

their terroir, often harvesting so late in 

the season that the fruit is already frozen 

on the vine, uber concentrating the sugars 

and flavors. While traditional eiswien is 

associated with Reisling and Vidal Blanc 

from Germany and Austria, in the past 

few decades, producers of wine and cider 

in Canada and New England have gotten 

creative about capturing these intensified 

flavors. Some producers use frozen 

apples, but others, such as Eleanor and 

Albert Leger, founders of Eden Ciders in 

Newport, Vermont, use naturally frozen 

apple juice. They embrace the terrior of 

their long cold winters and freeze apple 

juice out-of-doors in large containers 

and then ferment the super-concentrated 

must. Eden’s highly-acclaimed heirloom 

blend Vermont ice cider is a powerhouse 

coupling cryo-concentration with the 

intensity of bittersweet and heirloom 

apple varieties. 

The complexity of the 2015 yields heady 

aromas of intense butterscotch, golden 

raisins, ripe figs and stewed apples. With 

150 grams per liter of residual sugar, its 

layered tannic richness lingers dreamily. 

Its heft stands on its own yet vanilla 

ice cream, bread pudding or blue cheese 

would all vault up a notch alongside it. 

What a delightful gift extracted from the 

ice and snow! As autumn dwindles into 

wintertime, sip something with a story 

and reflect on the journey of this fruit 

through the seasons and into your glass. 

Soak in your surroundings, revel in the 

extraordinary flavors, and share with 

those you hold dear. W 


Winter 

Warmers 

Cozy culinary treats to conjure 

up this season 

Recipes and photos by FANNY SLATER 


IF COMFORT FOOD IS LIKE A BIG HUG, THE 

below lineup of lush, winter-inspired recipes will give you 

all the feels. For those who often ask, “where’s the beef?” 

the answer is: thinly sliced on a crusty baguette with earthy 

mushrooms and tangy Italian cheese. Next, grab your deepest 

bowls for classic beef and barley soup, then get out your favorite 

fruity red for a rich, meaty ragu that clings to wide ribbons of 

pappardelle pasta like a pro. 

Even if you’re not an early riser, these brown sugar and 

spice carrot muffins will transform you into a morning person. 

Tart green apple shreds are the secret to keeping things 

expertly moist. Next up, my foolproof basil pesto—an allpurpose, 

perfect all-year-round spread I guarantee you’ll find 

a dozen ways to cozy up to this season. For the showstopper, a 

Provençal staple that will change your life. But don’t let that 

intimidate you. Bouillabaisse originated as a “poor man's fish 

stew” so it’s more bashful than meets the eye. It’s also hearty, 

satisfying and easy to scale back since the seafood selection is 

chef’s choice. 

Psst. That’s you. Now pack your knives and go…to the kitchen. 

Provençal Seafood Stew 

Yield: 4-6 servings 

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

3/4 cup chopped leeks, white and light green parts only 

1/4 cup sliced fennel (about 1 small head), fronds reserved and 

chopped for garnish 

1/2 cup chopped carrots 

1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped 

3 large cloves garlic, minced 

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads crumbled 

3 2-inch-wide strips of orange peel 

2 dried bay leaves 

4 sprigs fresh thyme, plus more for garnish 

2 tablespoons tomato paste 

4 cups seafood stock (storebought or homemade) 

2 cups chopped tomatoes 

2 pounds boneless white fish filets, chopped into 2-inch pieces 

1/2 pound jumbo shrimp (21/25 count) in shells 

1 pound clams and mussels, scrubbed (mussel beards removed) 

Velvety All-Purpose Pesto 

Yield: 1 1/2 cups 

1/3 cup pine nuts 

3 large cloves garlic 

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more to taste 

4 cups packed fresh basil leaves 

1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (about 3 ounces) 

Juice of 1/2 lemon 

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed 

1. Place a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pine 

nuts and stir occasionally until golden brown and toasted, about 

3 minutes. Immediately transfer the nuts to the food processor. 

2. Add the garlic and salt to the food processor and pulse until 

you have a chunky paste. Add the basil, parmesan and lemon 

juice and pulse until finely minced. 

3. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the oil until the pesto 

is smooth and velvety, adding 1-2 tablespoons more as needed if 

it is too thick. Season to taste with additional salt if necessary. 

1. Place a Dutch oven over medium-heat and add the oil. Add 

the onion, leeks, fennel, carrot and potatoes. Sauté, stirring 

occasionally until the veggies begin to soften, about 3-5 

minutes, and then season with the salt and pepper. 

2. Add the garlic, saffron, orange peel, bay leaf and thyme, and cook 

for an additional minute. Stir in the tomato paste, coating some 

of the veggies, and cook for 1 more minute. Deglaze the pan, 

scraping the bottom as you pour, with the stock and tomatoes. 

3. Bring the liquid to a boil and cook until it’s slightly thickened 

and the potatoes are almost tender, about 8-10 minutes. 

Reduce the heat to simmer. 

4. Stir in the thickest pieces of fish, the clams and the shrimp, 

and cover the pot. Simmer for 2 minutes, uncover, and then 

stir in the mussels and remaining smaller pieces of fish. Cover 

and simmer until the mussels open, about 5 minutes. Season 

the broth to taste with additional salt if necessary and remove 

the bay leaves, orange peel and thyme sprigs. 

5. Divide the bouillabaisse among bowls and garnish with the 

reserved fennel fronds and thyme. Serve with croutons for a 

crunch or crusty French bread for dipping. For an even more 

traditional garnish, dollop each bowl with a spoonful of rouille 

(peppery garlic mayonnaise). 


Wild Mushroom Crostini with Steak & Taleggio 

Yield: 24 crostini 

1 baguette (18 inches long), cut crosswise into 24 equal slices 

3 tablespoons olive oil 

1 3/4 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 

1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola) 

1 1/2 pounds steak about 2 inches thick (such as ribeye or sirloin) 

1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 

2 tablespoons unsalted butter 

2 cups sliced wild mushrooms (such as shiitakes or oyster mushrooms) 

1 small shallot, minced 

1/4 cup dry white wine or beef stock 

8 ounces Taleggio cheese, softened 

Finely chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 

2. Spread out the baguette slices on a baking sheet. Drizzle all over with the 

olive oil, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and toss to 

coat. Bake until lightly golden brown, flipping once halfway through, about 

8-10 minutes. 

3. Heat the neutral oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium to medium- 

high heat. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels 

and then season with the rosemary, 1 teaspoon 

salt and remaining pepper. Sear on the first 

side, without touching them, until they have a 

deep golden brown crust, about 6-8 minutes. Flip 

and cook until they’re done to your liking (about 

6 minutes on the second side for medium rare). 

Allow the steaks to rest for several minutes and 

then thinly slice against the grain. 

4. Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium-low and add 

the butter. Add the mushrooms and shallots. 

Season with the remaining salt and sauté for 3 

minutes. Deglaze the pan with the wine or stock 

and then simmer until the liquid has evaporated. 

5. To assemble the crostini, evenly spread each 

toasted baguette slice with a small amount of 

Taleggio and arrange on a platter. Distribute 

the mushrooms over the cheese, top with slices 

of steak and garnish the platter with the 

chopped parsley. 


Pappardelle with Ragu & Pecorino 

Yield: 4 servings 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

1 small shallot, minced 

1 celery stalk, finely chopped 

1 carrot, finely chopped 

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes 

1 teaspoon coarse salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1 pound ground beef 

1 teaspoon dried oregano 

1 large clove garlic, minced 

1 tablespoon tomato paste 

1/4 cup fruit-forward red wine such as Merlot or Chianti 

1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes 

1 pound pappardelle pasta 

1/2 cup ricotta cheese 

1/2 cup pecorino cheese, shaved or grated 

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley 

1. In a large deep skillet or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the 

shallots, celery, carrot, red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 

teaspoon pepper. Cook until the veggies have softened, about 3 to 5 

minutes. 

2. Turn the heat to medium-high, and add the ground beef. Season with 

the oregano and remaining salt and pepper and sauté until browned. 

Add the garlic and tomato paste and stir until thoroughly combined. 

3. Add the wine, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. 

Simmer for 5 minutes and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Add 

the crushed tomatoes and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. 

4. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions 

(reserving a bit of the starchy cooking water before draining). 

5. Add the cooked pappardelle to the ragu and toss with the ricotta and 

half of the pecorino, using the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce 

if it’s too thick. Season to taste with additional salt, divide among 

plates and garnish with the remaining pecorino and parsley. 


Brown Sugar & Spice 

Carrot Muffins 

Yield: 12 muffins 

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 

plus more if needed 

Pinch salt 

1 teaspoon baking soda 

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/4 cup vegetable oil 

1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 

2 large eggs, room temperature 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

2 cups grated carrot (about 3-4 medium) 

3/4 cup peeled grated Granny Smith 

apple (about 1 medium) 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 

standard 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick 

cooking spray (or line with paper 

baking cups). 

2. Whisk together the flour, salt, baking 

soda, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg in 

a large bowl. Set aside. 

3. In a medium mixing bowl, use a whisk 

to cream the butter and brown sugar 

together until soft and fluffy. You can 

also use a stand mixer or hand mixer. 

Beat in the oil. One at a time, beat 

in the eggs, and then add the vanilla 

until light and airy. Fold in the grated 

carrots and apples. 

4. Fold the dry mixture into the wet a little 

at a time, mixing until just combined. 

5. Spoon even amounts of the batter 

into the muffin cups. Bake until the 

muffins are golden brown on top and 

a knife or toothpick inserted into the 

center comes out clean with a few wet 

crumbs sticking to it, about 25-30 

minutes. Cool the muffins in the pan 

for 5 minutes and then transfer to a 

wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm 

with butter. 


Classic Beef & Barley Soup 

Yield: Serves 4 

3/4 pound boneless beef chuck roast, cut into 

1-inch cubes 

3/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt, divided 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 

divided 

1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or 

canola), divided 

1 cup chopped sweet onion 

1/2 cup chopped carrots 

1/2 cup diced celery 

1 cup chopped cremini or white button 

mushrooms 

1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme, plus more 

for garnish 

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary 

2 large cloves garlic, minced 

1 tablespoon tomato paste 

1 bay leaf 

1/2 cup dry red wine 

3 cups low-sodium beef stock 

1/3 cup pearled barley 

1. Pat the beef dry and season with 1/2 teaspoon 

salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. In a large Dutch 

oven over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon 

of the oil. Add the beef to the pan and sear 

until golden-brown on all sides, about 3-5 

minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the 

beef pieces and set them aside on a plate. 

2. Reduce the heat to medium and add the 

remaining oil. Add the onions, carrots, celery, 

mushrooms, remaining salt and pepper, 

thyme and rosemary. Sauté until the onions 

have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the 

garlic, tomato paste, and bay leaf and cook 

for 1 more minute. Add the beef and its juices 

back to the pot. 

3. Deglaze the pan with the wine, scraping to 

release any brown bits from the bottom, and 

then simmer until the liquid is reduced by 

half. Add the beef stock, bring the mixture to 

a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. 

Cover the pot and cook until the beef is tender, 

about 45 minutes. 

4. Uncover the pot, stir in the barley and bring 

the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, 

cover, and simmer again, stirring occasionally 

until the barley is cooked through, about 25- 

30 minutes. Season to taste with additional 

salt and pepper, and remove the bay leaf. 

5. Divide the soup among bowls, garnish with 

the thyme and serve with crusty bread. W 


A delightful addition 

to your favorite 

cocktails, a cup of 

coffee or just over 

ice. Have a blast! 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Wilmington. 

Never Compromising Fresh 

Ingredients or Amazing Service 

Voted Best Breakfast! 

BREAKFAST, LUNCH & BRUNCH 

SERVED ALL DAY, EVERY DAY 

of Wilmington 

6722 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington 

910-256-7030 

Open Daily 7am – 3pm 

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 

options include fresh seafood, baby back 

ribs, char-grilled steaks, and homemade 

desserts. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Butts-n-Such 802 Lake Park Blvd. S., 

458-2667. This new local spot has a madeto-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. 

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. 


Polished Casual Beach Dinning 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Sunday Brunch! 

LUNCH | DINNER | SUNDAY BRUNCH 

1 N. Lake Park Boulevard • Carolina Beach • 910-458-2822 • havanasrestaurant.com 

VALENTINE’S 

RESERVATIONS 

NOW OPEN 

FEATURING 

A SPECIAL MENU 

RUTH’S 

CLASSICS 

RUTH’S 

CLASSICS 

ENJOY A THREE COURSE MEAL 

FEATURING MENU FAVORITES 

STARTING AT $49.95 

WILMINGTON - RIVER PLACE 

244 N. WATER STREET 

910-343-1818 ruthschris.com 


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. 

#140; 799-9119. Breakfast, lunch, and dessert. 

Light fare available Mon-Sat 11am–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-Tues. 

PT'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 everchanging, 

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. 

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. 

ORIENTAL DESIGN RUGS • SISAL • CUSTOM AREA RUGS 

INSTALLED CARPET • STAIR RUNNERS 

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

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. 

Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + 

Cocktails 1706 N Lumina Ave. A newly 

opened restaurant concept located inside 

the Holiday Inn Resort, from crab cakes 

to beef, vegan burgers to shrimp and grits, 

with craft cocktails to tempt the palate, too. 

Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

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 St., 

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 

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. #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. 

Umaii Thai Restaurant 8209 Market 

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

with traditional Thai entrees, seasonal 

specials, fresh sushi, diverse noodle dishes, 

combination plates, and appetizers. Sushi 

bar and outdoor dining. Closed Sundays. 

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 daily 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 

Authentic Italian Fine Dining 

in Historic Downtown Wilmington 

910.763.3806 

102 South Second St., Wilmington 

tarantellis.com 

Thank you for voting us 

BEST ITALIAN 

RESTAUR ANT 

6 years in a row! 


Come experience 

our newest location, 

serving up great 

food indoors or 

outside under the 

covered patio with 

large fireplace. 

Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 9pm 

Friday 11am – 10pm 

Saturday 9am – 10pm & Sunday 9am – 9pm 

414 Arboretum Drive #130, Wilmington 

910-406-5050 

bluesurfrestaurants.com 

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. 

Origins 102 Autumn Hall Dr. #120, 

769-0041. A new restaurant creating a 

stir with its uptown menu and atmosphere 

including a raw bar, local seafood, pasta 

and beef classics from steak frites to a 

bone-in ribeye. Patio seating available. 

Open daily for dinner. 

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 

Artisano Pizza & Gelato Grand View, 

7205 Wrightsville Ave, W.B., 239-9495. 

From Turin in keeping with the Venesia 

family recipe, enjoy their 16” ultra-thin 

pizzas with a crust so light and delicate it’s 

perfect for one person to enjoy. Miniature 

car seating for kids makes this a great 

family spot. Closed Wed. 

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. 

Pizzeria Il Forno 1474 Barclay Pointe 

Blvd., Suite 201, 765.1226. Classic 

Neapolitan pizza in a wood-fired oven 

and pasta dishes served in a inviting 

atmosphere. Open daily for dinner. 

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- 

Thur 4-9pm, Fri-Sat 4-10pm. 

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. 

MEDITERRANEAN 

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine Lumina Station, 

1900 Eastwood Rd, 492-2893. The newest 

extension of Giorgios Bakatsias' wildly 

popular Kipos brand, enjoy an authentic 

Greek menu – including Greek wines, as 

well as a convivial, bright, white and airy 

Mediterranean setting. Dinner Tue-Sun. 

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 Rd., 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., 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Authentic 

Mexican! 

Committed to bringing 

you a dining experience 

full of flavor! 

5607 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington 

910-399-1643 • tequilacc.com 


Fresh | Local | Relax | Enjoy 

Three of Wilmington’s favorite places... 

Monkey Junction 

5226 S. College Road • 910-799-7077 

Porters Neck 

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

Waterford 

143 Poole Road • 910-399-6739 

CapeFearSeafoodCompany.com 

THANKS FOR VOTING US 

BEST DESSERTS AGAIN! 

Come experience a fun, unique 

evening with fondue! 

138 S Front St, Wilmington 

910-251-0433 

littledipperfondue.com 

799-2667. An organic grocery store with 

an inside café offering organic and veganfriendly 

options for casual dine-in or takeout. 

Café open 11am-6pm daily. 

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 Monday through 

Friday, 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 Caribbeanstyle 

fare in a chic atmosphere. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

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 made-to-order 

po’boys, plus prepared foods to go. Open 

daily from 11am-6:30pm, and Sundays 

from 10am-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 atmosphere. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

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 

Rd., 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. 


Octantis waterfront 

pool and spa area. 

PHOTOS VIKING CRUISE 

Unexpectedly Amazing 

Views, surroundings, opportunities. In a departure from most cruises, 

Viking’s new vessel is so well appointed and entertaining you forget 

how much you’re learning along the way. 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

WHEN I TAKE A CRUISE, ONE OF MY 

favorite pre-trip diversions is sitting down 

with my itinerary and figuring out my plan 

for each port. Will I participate in an official 

excursion or tour the city on my own? If I’m 

on my own, will my focus be food, nature or culture? What 

neighborhoods might be fun to explore? 

As I looked over the day-by-day schedule for my upcoming 

cruise through the Great Lakes aboard Viking’s new Octantis 

vessel, I have to admit that I was stumped. After embarking in 

Milwaukee, where I wished I’d made time to take in the culture 

(and maybe a little frozen custard), we’d anchor in broad bays 

dotted with islands and small settlements. The more I Googled, 

the more curious I became. The scenery was stunning – but 

would there be enough to do? 

I shouldn’t have worried. Beyond outdoor excursions that 

allowed us to delve deeply into a landscape that was at once 

familiar and strikingly unique as well as a series of lectures 

and workshops, the ship itself, which is Viking’s first expeditionclass, 

was fascinating to explore. 

At a time when technology allows cruise ships to carry nearly 

9,000 passengers, Viking has gone the other direction: Octantis 

carries just 378 passengers in 189 staterooms. Instead of casinos, 

designer boutiques and water slides, the ship is outfitted with 


(clockwise from top left) Octantis performance stage; Underwater 

sub; Kayaking Copper Harbor; Parry Sound lighthouse. 

a science lab so advanced that the ship is considered a research 

vessel. Passengers are encouraged to tour the lab and, when 

possible, participate in research programs. Data gathered will 

contribute to research in partnership with institutions like the 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Scott 

Polar Research Institute at Cambridge University and Cornell 

University’s Ornithology Lab. A key attribute of the venture is 

the continuous, simultaneous collection of these Great Lakes vital 

signs along the repetitive ship routes, which allows scientists to 

monitor changes on scales of season, years, and even decades. 

Just beyond the science lab is another Viking first: a massive 

hangar where guests can hop aboard a wide variety of exploratory 

vessels that include kayaks, rigid inflatable Zodiacs and special 

op boats designed for the Norwegian Navy that zoom across 

the lake’s surface at thrilling speeds. There are also two bright 

yellow submarines – they’re named John and Paul – that allow 

for climate-controlled exploration far below the surface of the lake. 

The spacious landing on the second level has been transformed 

into a mini natural history museum where I discovered everything 

from a varied collection of maps of the region to a remarkably 

lifelike collection regional birds – Bald eagles, herons, warblers – 

constructed from felt. 

The ship is also strikingly beautiful. Art, much of it devoted 

to exploration, (particularly Norwegian journeys, since Viking’s 

owner is Norwegian) fills every nook and cranny. It’s wildly 

varied, ranging from ancient tools to dramatic photographs of 

some of the sled dogs that allowed early Norwegians to explore 

the Polar ice cap. Exploration in one form or another also binds 

the 4,000 volumes that comprise the ship’s library, which took 

two years to curate. 

Cabins are spacious, soothing and come with little extras like 

heated bathroom floors, binoculars and a desk with a lighted 

cubby that kept my makeup corralled and out of sight. Even if 

you choose not to partake of a massage or facial, there are plenty 

of opportunities for free pampering at the spa, particularly the 

indoor-outdoor hot tub that looks out over the water. Octantis 


Suite living area 

on Octantis. 

FOREST PHOTO KATIE MCELVEEN 

also has a full fitness center, something not always available on 

smaller ships. 

Dining on Octantis resembles a treasure hunt: most of the ship’s 

top deck is devoted to the World Café, which stretches nearly 

from bow to stern and is filled with food stations ranging from 

a grill that serves beef dry-aged in house to a sushi bar and a 

bread area that turns out fresh loaves, pizzas and focaccia. Once 

you’ve loaded your plate and found a seat – most look out over the 

water – waiters deliver cocktails, wine and other beverages. Two 

sit-down restaurants offer dining in a more intimate setting; all 

are included in the fare. 

Surrounded by Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, Indiana 

and Illinois, the Great Lakes are far more interesting than they 

might seem. Lakes Erie, Huron and Michigan were likely formed by 

a series of giant ice sheets that gouged the landscape; the presence 

of basalt leads researchers to believe that volcanos had a role in 

creating Superior and Ontario. For visitors, all that pushing and 

melting of rock means that the landscape is filled with gigantic 

natural potholes, arches, sea caves, sea stacks and other dramatic 

geological features. The region is so remote that sightings of bear, 

wolves and moose are common. 

Viking makes it easy to take it all in. Sporty types can hike 

deep into thick forests that often end abruptly at the edge of 

tall sandstone cliffs that look out over water you’d swear was an 

ocean; amblers can walk the wide, even trails that loop through 

local parks. 

The kayaks, zodiacs, submarines and special op boats were loads 

of fun, too. Regardless of how I explored, I was taken by knowledge 

of the expedition team, who, day after day, impressed me with 

their knowledge of everything from how fresh the moose tracks 

were that we passed (very!) to how the black and white striped 

rocks were formed. They did double duty, too, leading not only 

explorations but the onboard discussion programs as well. 

Best of all, I finished every day physically tired, intellectually 

sated and ready to settle into my seat at the bar to listen to live 

music and share stories of the day with my fellow passengers. W 


the last reflection 

Getting Back to Reading 

(Actual Books) 

By ANNE WOLFE POSTIC 

LET’S BE HONEST: MOST PEOPLE DON’T 

read for pleasure these days. Even those of us who use 

to sink into a good (or even mediocre) book like it was 

quicksand are powerless over our phones and infinite 

streaming options. During the lockdown portion of 

the pandemic? I could have read a hundred books, but instead I 

watched all 15 seasons of the original “Dallas.” 

On our nightly walks, I regaled my husband with tales of the 

Ewings and their many dalliances, both personal and business, 

and all my feelings about them. At one point, my husband politely 

recommended that I might enjoy writing a thesis about the show 

and getting a doctorate in…I don’t know what. But I do think the 

world might enjoy learning all about “The Evolution of Race and 

Gender on ‘Dallas’.” To be fair, I highly recommend watching the 

entire show, if only so you’ll enjoy reading my eventual thesis, but 

I digress. 

Books! I used to read all the time. When I was a kid, I used to 

put a book in a plastic zippered bag so I could read in the shower. 

When I went to college in a big city, public transportation thrilled 

me, because I could read on the way to wherever. The longer the 

trip the better. And magazines. There were so many magazines, 

and I looked forward to the end of the month, when new issues 

arrived in my mailbox or on the newsstand. Those printed words 

have been replaced by screens. But I’m trying to do better. 

Reading a magazine online just isn’t the same. First of all, most 

of them are updated daily, so reading the latest doesn’t require any 

kind of commitment. Drop in and out, no need to settle into the 

bath or a comfy chair and consume the whole thing at once. And 

the ads are often embedded into the content, or worse, they move, 

which is distracting. Digital books are a little bit better. I usually 

have one going on my phone, which is probably why I let you go in 

front of me in the grocery store line the other day. Had to finish 

that chapter! 

Phones, of course, have their own issues – text messages that pop 

up and remind you your prescription is ready, your friend wants to 

have dinner on Thursday, your dog needs a couple shots at the vet, 

and on and on. Or you get sucked into those video reels on Facebook. 

Why? I don’t know! The first one is mildly entertaining, maybe the 

fourth one, but ten minutes later? I actually feel stupider. 

So, during this season of resolutions, I’m going to read. Actual 

books, on actual paper. When I read about a new novel on one 

of those websites I browse out of habit, I’m going to reserve it 

immediately on my library app, or order it if it seems like a keeper. 

For 15 minutes a day, I’ll drop everything and read. I suspect, it’ll 

feel like one of those assignments for school that turns out to be 

really interesting. You mean to do the bare minimum, but end up 

diving in. Pretty sure that 15 minutes will turn into a half hour 

or more. 

The trick may be to always have a book ready. Have you ever gone 

on vacation somewhere relaxing for a week and plowed through a 

few books because the wi-fi was spotty? But then you get home to 

your glorious high-speed connection. Before you know it, you’ve 

made it through two seasons of some show you won’t remember in 

a month. The problem with digital media is it’s always there. The 

good, the bad, the ugly – it’s just so easy. 

This year, I’m going to make reading easy. I’ll keep a novel in 

the car. I’ll put away the books on my bedside table I’ve already 

read and replace them with new ones. There will be a book in the 

living room to read during commercials. And, yes, I’m bringing 

back the stack of bathroom magazines. I mean, sometimes you get 

bored in there. Please wish me the willpower to leave my phone 

out of reach. 

So, what’s the last thing you read? It doesn’t have to be the 

greatest thing ever. Was it interesting? Did you actually finish it? I 

need plenty of recommendations because, goshdarnit, I’m doing this. 

Join me? We don’t even have to talk, just sit quietly and read. W 


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Wilmington Magazine Jan-Feb 2023

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