Wilmington Magazine May-June 2023

MAY / JUNE 2023 

Spectacular 

Water Views 

A Home Designed for 

Style and Function 

Cape Fear’s 

Craft Beer Scene 

Touring Local 

Microbreweries in a 

Vintage VW Bus 

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DISCOVER 

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May/June 2023 

66 

Staying Connected, 

Blending Styles 

A home as beautiful as 

it is functional for the 

whole family 

By Lori Wilson 

56 

For the Love 

of Learning 

The highly anticipated, 

diverse lifelong 

learning programs 

at UNCW excite and 

inspire 

By Vera Wilson 

60 

A Tour of Cape 

Fear’s Craft 

Beer Scene 

Where patrons find a 

sense of community 

and microbreweries 

find collaboration 

over competition 

By Carin Hall 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 




Departments » May / June 2023 

Buzz 

13 

13 Solstice Artworks 

Nicole Band creates 

beach-inspired and 

geometric-framed wooden 

pieces 

14 Calendar Our five 

highlights for May–June 

16 Events The rundown on 

what to do this spring/ 

early summer 

26 Entertainment Film & 

music 

28 Staff Picks Celebrate 

Mother’s Day with 

enchanting reads 

featuring strong female 

leads 

30 Senior Living 

Brightmore has it all, and 

then some, for seniors 

32 Cleaning Spotlight 

on Carolina Cleaning 

Services 

33 Newsmaker 

Communities in Schools 

prepares for 7th Annual 

Fashion Show 

36 Local Chatter Amanda 

Mason finds her calling 

and home in Wilmington 

38 ArtSeen A look at the 

artistic creations of two 

self-taught woodworkers 

40 Southern Drawl A 

vision becomes reality at 

Girls Leadership Academy 

of Wilmington 

42 Vintage Spotlight on Port 

City Peddler 

43 75 

93 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

43 Ready for Spring Early 

summer attire for moms 

and little ones 

44 Garden Expert advice 

on creating a beautiful, 

happy environment 

46 Design Design NC 

Keynoter Corey Damen 

Jenkins shares his keys to 

success 

48 Shopping A carefully 

curated shop of trendy 

clothing for littles 

50 Health Students rave 

about the fun they have at 

a local fitness program 

52 Fashion Dresses for her 

& Wilmington tees for the 

kids 

36 

75 A Salty Idea Local 

seafood with a Cajun- 

Creole twist 

76 Dining Review 

Tidewater Oyster Bar 

78 In the Kitchen Your 

foolproof guide to hosting 

a heavenly Hawaiian feast 

84 Libations What to pour 

with lamb 

86 Restaurant Guide The 

best spots for eating and 

drinking in Wilmington 

46 

93 Travel The perfect 

weekend in Nashville 

Fundamentals 

10 Reader Services 

12 Editor's Letter 

96 The Last Reflection 


Craft Beer Scene • Garden Party Fashion • Throw a Luau WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Spectacular 

Water Views 



UNCW’S 

OLLI 

PROGRAM 

GARDEN 

PARTY 

FASHION 

Cape Fear’s 


Touring Local 



THROW 

A LUAU 

76 

ON THE COVER » 

A Landfall home with a view. 

PHOTO BY G. FRANK HART 



CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

Managing Editor 

Carin Hall 

■ ■ ■ 

Landfall Realty For ALL Your Real Estate Needs 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

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Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Kristina Parolla 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Contributing Writers 

James Carter, Carin Hall, Kim Henry, 

Denise K. James, Joe Jancsurak, 

Katie McElveen, Kendall McGee, Jen Reed, 

Judy Royal, Fanny Slater, 

Ann Marie Thornton, Lori Wilson, 

Vera Wilson 

Photographers 

Daria Amato, Jessica Andrades, 

Nicole Band, Brian Bieder, William Davis, 

Michael Escobar, Andrew Frasz, 

Carin Hall, G. Frank Hart, Doug Hawk, 

David Hillegas, Whitehurst Photo, 

Jenny Ryder, Nathan Schroeder, 

Becky Stayner 

■ ■ ■ 

Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

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from the editor 


Craft Beer Scene • Garden Party Fashion • Throw a Luau WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


Spectacular 

Water Views 



UNCW’S 

OLLI 

PROGRAM 

GARDEN 

PARTY 

FASHION 

Cape Fear’s 


Touring Local 



THROW 

A LUAU 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Subscribe online at 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

or by calling 843-856-2532 

COMMUNITY. I’m especially 

pleased this presented itself as 

the central theme of this issue, 

as it’s been an elusive concept to me in 

recent years. Already an introvert, I 

also married someone who moves a lot 

for work, endured the lockdowns of the 

pandemic during early motherhood, and 

live far from my closest friends who I see 

less in person as I age. Loneliness and 

isolation I know well. But I also know 

that is a common American experience; 

statistically, we’ve never been lonelier. 

You can practice all the wellness 

routines—journaling, meditating, 

exercising, eating healthy, getting 

sunlight—and, sure, they certainly help. 

But there is absolutely no replacement for 

social connection. 

Earlier this year, Yale made its most 

popular course available online for free, 

The Science of Well-Being, making the 

concepts of what actually makes us 

happy accessible to millions of people. Of 

course, I took it. In a nutshell, I learned 

that our brains are terrible at predicting 

what will make us truly satisfied with 

life. It has nothing to do with money, 

having a “perfect body,” or a long list of 

accolades to boast about. And you can do 

all the well-being routines in the world— 

in which entire industries thrive on 

making you think they have the fix—but 

nothing at the end of the day comes close 

to the importance of regularly connecting 

with others. 

I must admit, I was disappointed— 

because it would require something more 

of me—but not surprised. So, considering 

our theme, I pushed myself out there 

a bit more than I normally would. I 

attended Craft Beer Week events and 

shared toasts; I met as many people as 

I could in person that I interviewed; and 

I went to a Luau dinner party hosted by 

our outgoing food writer, Fanny Slater, 

where I met some great people amongst a 

delicious spread (p. 80). 

Cultivating more community doesn’t 

have to be intimidating. According to 

Santos, it can come in the form of merely 

interacting with passing strangers more, 

showing kindness at any opportunity, 

or seeking out a 

“third place”—a 

concept we 

explore a bit in 

our feature on 

craft breweries 

(p.60). 

In the pages 

that follow, you’ll 

find that sense 

of community 

in collaborationover-competition 

amongst microbrewers; rich connections 

developed through lifelong learning 

programs at UNCW; nonprofits building 

on community support; and the stories of 

so many small businesses committed to 

giving back. 

Before I forget, my daughter Aubrey 

(pictured) and I want to wish all the 

moms a Happy Mother’s Day and all 

the dads a Happy Father’s Day. With 

sunny days and early summer holidays 

abound, it’s a good excuse to get together, 

reconnect, celebrate or host a gathering. 

And just remember, it’s the best thing 

you can do for your overall happiness and 

well-being. Happy socializing! 

Carin Hall 

Managing Editor 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

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Find us on Facebook and 

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@wilmingtonmagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

PHOTOS NICOLE BAND 

Solstice 

Artworks 

Nicole Band creates beachinspired 

and geometric-framed 

wooden pieces 

See page 38 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

MAY – JUNE 

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

Island Arts Festival 

May 5–6 

CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK–The 

Island Arts Festival will expand to a twoday 

celebration of visual, culinary and 

performing arts by the sea. The event will 

kick off Friday, May 5 with an evening 

indoor group of exhibits at the Community 

Life Center on 300 Harper Avenue 

featuring arts, fine crafts and specialty 

culinary arts. On Saturday, May 6, artist 

vendors will display their fine arts and 

crafts, demonstrate creative processes, 

provide an interactive art area for kids, 

and perform. The event will take place 

outside at Carolina Beach Lake Park. 

islandartscouncil.net 

Orange Street 

ArtsFest 


HANNAH BLOCK HISTORIC USO– 

Join the fun when Wilmington's largest 

downtown arts festival returns with 

works of more than 90 artists from North 

Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and 

Tennessee. Participants will exhibit oil 

and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, 

wood, glass, and paper creations. The 

event is both relaxing and exhilarating 

with live entertainment, old-fashioned 

fair food, and a wine and beer tent. 

wilmingtoncommunityarts.org 

10th Annual Stoked to Go Out 

Pier-to-Pier Swim 

May 20 

CRYSTAL PIER TO JOHNNIE MERCERS 

PIER–The open ocean swim will cover a 

distance of just under two miles between 

Johnnie Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier, 

with a beach start and finish. The race 

direction will be determined on race day 

and announced at check-in. Participants 

will receive race swim caps and timing 

chips. Awards will be given to the overall 

male and female winners, as well as the overall masters (40+) male and female, and the 

top three finishers in several age categories. stokedtogoout.com 

50th Annual Cape Fear 

Blue Marlin Tournament 

May 31–June 3 

SEAPATH YACHT CLUB–Welcoming 

fishermen, participants, and spectators 

for a weekend of fishing fun as well as 

an opportunity to promote conservation 

of valuable marine resources, the catch 

and release tournament recognizes 

and awards the best tournament boats 

and anglers. Details and registration 

available closer to the event. 

capefearbluemarlin.com 

Carolina Beach 

Music Festival 

June 2–3 

CAROLINA BEACH BOARDWALK– 

Here is your chance to dance barefoot on the 

sand or just sway to the Beach Music Beat 

while standing in the surf. Hosted by the 

Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce, 

the event is billed as "the biggest and only 

beach music festival actually held on the 

beach on the North Carolina coast" and 

one of the longest-running beach music 

festivals in the US. The fun starts Friday 

with a live Kick-Off Show at the SeaWitch 

Cafe & Tiki Bar starring The Tams and 

The 14Kt. Gold Band. On Saturday swing 

in the sand to the sounds of Band of Oz, 

Cat 5 Band, and Jim Quick & Coastline. 

Sunday brings a Shag Dance Contest at 

the Lazy Pirate. Come out and enjoy a 

full day of live entertainment with the 

hottest beach music bands in the South! 

CarolinaBeach.org 

W 


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Childrenswear for Your Beach Babe 

High-quality, modern and trendy looks for 

newborn through toddler, including clothing, 

hats, accessories, toys and gifts that appeal to 

the local vibe of our coastal community. 

BinkyBro, Little Rad Things, Orcas Lucille, Lenox 

James, George Hats, Moana & Kai and more! 

Fireworks by 

the Sea & 

Boardwalk Blast 

Every Thursday 

May 26–Sept 1 

CAROLINA BEACH 

BOARDWALK – 

Summer officially begins 

on Pleasure Island with 

the weekly fireworks 

display the Friday 

before Memorial Day 

and then continue every 

Thursday evening until 

the final fireworks show 

the Friday before Labor 

Day. The best place to 

view this Thursday 

spectacular show is on the beach strand located in front of the historic Carolina 

Beach Boardwalk, where live music plays at the Gazebo stage. CarolinaBeach.org 

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Event Calendar 

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

rundown on what to do this spring season. 

Live Oak Bank Pavilion at 

Riverfront Park 

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, May 10 

Incubus, May 23 

Boyz II Men, May 26 

Dave Matthews Band, May 30–31 

Parker McCollum, June 3 

boygenius, June 14 

Rebelution: Good Vibes Summer Tour, 

June 16 

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and 

Ziggy Marley, June 22 

One Tree Hill: TRIC Tours 

Gavin DeGraw, May 27 

When the Stars Go Blue ft Tyler Hilton 

& Joy Lenz, May 28 

The Wilson Center at CFCC 

Wilsoncentertickets.com 

My Fair Lady, May 6–7 

Kebra-Seyoun Charles, May 13 

Romeo & Juliet, May 20 

America’s Favorite Songs, May 21 

Birds of Paradise, May 24–24 

Sleeping Beauty, May 27 

Americana, June 10–11 

Amy Grant, June 23 

Clint Black, June 25 

Historic Thalian Hall 

thalianhall.org 

The Drifters, May 6 

Space Oddity: The Ultimate David Bowie 

Experience, May 12 

The Wedding Singer, May 19–21, 26–28 

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex 

brooklynartsnc.com 

Roger Tatum Workshop, May 2–4 

School of Rock, May 14 

Jazz at the 

Mansion 

Concert Series 


BELLAMY 

MANSION– 

The Jazz at 

the Mansion Concert Series will be held 

the second Thursday of every month 

between May and September, beginning 

May 11. The concert series will feature 

live jazz music, and attendees can bring 

blankets or chairs and enjoy snacks while 

relaxing on the beautiful grounds of the 

historic Bellamy Mansion. Musicians 

will be announced closer to events. 

bellamymansion.org 



Family-Friendly 

Spring Eco-Tour 

of Greenfield 

Lake 


CAPE FEAR 

RIVER WATCH– 

The leisurely tour of the cypress dome 

ecosystem in the heart of Wilmington will 

educate attendees on the flora and fauna 

and the best ways to preserve the natural 

beauty. Participants will walk towards 

the lake after parking, and the boathouse 

will be on their right. Greenfield Lake 

is home to various wildlife, including 

alligators, turtles, yellow-bellied sliders, 

and several varieties of herons and egrets. 

capefearriverwatch.org 

NC Black Film 

Festival 


Independent motion 

pictures by Black 

filmmakers will be 

showcased at the 

annual invitational, 

which will include 

shorts, animation, documentary films, and 

student films. The event will be held in 

Wilmington, formerly known as Hollywood 

East. The festival prides itself on Carolina 

Hospitality and previous honorees and 

winners, including Anthony Hemingway, 

Ava DuVernay, Giancarlo Esposito, the 

late Dwayne McDuffie, Scott Sanders, 

and more. The venues and films will 

be announced closer to the event date. 

filmfreeway.com/NCBlackFilmFestival 

@monkees_wilmington 

18 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

1900 Eastwood Road, Suite 22 


910-256-5886 

MONKEESWILMINGTON.COM 

CLOTHING • SHOES • ACCESSORIES 

OPEN: Mon-Sat 10am-6pm 

& Sun 12-5pm 

Wilmington 

Greek Festival 


ST. NICHOLAS 

GREEK 

ORTHODOX 

CHURCH–The 

festival will 

celebrate the Greek 

community’s culture, faith, heritage, and 

delicious food. The three-day festival will 

feature authentic Greek food prepared with 

time-honored family recipes, traditional 

music and dancing, a lively marketplace, 

and cooking demonstrations. Images from 

past festivals are available on the festival’s 

website. Attendees can either attend or 

use the drive-through service.Parking 

directions are available online.


Loop Through 

History Tour 

May 21, June 

17–18 

WRIGHTSVILLE 

BEACH–The 

tour covers 2.45 miles of the Wrightsville 

Beach sidewalk fitness trail, featuring 25 

unique signs with vintage photographs, 

informative history tidbits, and trivia 

describing the importance of the area. This 

is a great way to get exercise and learn 

something new. wbmuseumofhistory.com 

Oakdale 

Cemetery 

History 

Walking 

Tour 

NEED DATE 

OAKDALE CEMETERY–Local 

Historian Hunter Ingram will lead a 

fascinating historical walking tour of 

North Carolina’s oldest rural cemetery. 

Ingram, who recently created the popular 

Burgwin-Wright Presents and started 

the Cape Fear Unearthed Podcasts, 

will delight participants with tales of 

those who are interred in the cemetery. 

oakdalecemetery.org 

USA Beach Wrestling Nationals 


BEACH STRAND–The exciting event 

will return to the Beach Strand between 

Hampton Inn & Courtyard by Marriott. 

Combining elements of all wrestling styles, 

including sumo, sand wrestling is an 

exciting sport to watch. Athletes of all ages 

from across the US, including members 

of the All Marine Team, will battle for 

beach supremacy and national titles. 

USAwrestlingevents.com 


Sharks Baseball 

Season 

May 25–July 29 

LEGION 

STADIUM–The 


Sharks, former Coastal Plain East League 

Champions, are back this season and ready 

to compete for their next Championship 

title. Bring the whole family to Legion 

Stadium and watch The Sharks battle topnotch 

college players from all areas of the 

United States. Visit wilmingtonsharks.com 

for their complete schedule. 



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 

Free Summer Movies at the Lake 

Every Sunday May 28–Sept 3 

CAROLINA BEACH LAKE PARK–Enjoy 

a series of free outdoor movies through 

September 3, 2023. Grab your kids, 

blankets, and beach chairs and enjoy a 

free outdoor movie on a gigantic screen! 

Moviegoers can purchase cotton candy, 

popcorn, candy, soft drinks, and much 

more. You can also bring your own food 

and beverages. Movies start at dusk. 

Movies announced closer to the event date. 

CarolinaBeach.org 

Independence Day Fireworks by the 

Sea & Boardwalk 


CAROLINA BEACH BOARDWALK– 

Celebrate Independence Day early with 

a special display of free fireworks by the 

sea. Be sure to arrive early to grab your 

spot on the beach to enjoy spectacular 

fireworks. Pack a picnic or get takeout 

from one of the many local restaurants. 

Music usually starts at the Gazebo Stage 

at 6:30 PM. This is weather permitting 

and schedule is subject to change without 

notice. CarolinaBeach.org 

Butterfly Releases 

Tuesdays 

June–September 

AIRLIE 

GARDENS–An 

educator will 

discuss the life cycle of a butterfly and the 

different types of butterflies. Butterflies 

will then be released into the Butterfly 

House at Airlie Gardens. Event begins 

at 10am. In case of rain, guests can still 

observe butterflies inside a classroom with 

an educator. airliegardens.org 

Summer Concert 

Series 

June 2–September 1 

AIRLIE GARDENS– 

Guests are encouraged 

to bring chairs and 

enjoy live music while surrounded by 

the beauty of Airlie Gardens. Tickets for 

the family-friendly concerts are limited. 

airliegardens.org 

Port City Highland Games 


N.C. IRS BUILDING–The event will 

provide traditional Scottish entertainment. 

Titans will clash in traditional 


THANK YOU FOR VOTING US 

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225 Pine Grove Dr. 


Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

heavyweight events such as flipping 

telephone poles in the "Turning the Caber" 

and throwing hay over a 20-foot bar for the 

"Tossing the Sheaf" contest. Attendees can 

witness feats of strength, marvel at heavy 

athletics, thrill to the music of pipe bands, 

and enjoy watching traditional dancing. 

The 23rd Annual Cape Fear British Car 

Show, Port City Pipes & Drums, kids 

games, and face painting will also be 

featured. Flying Machine Brewery will 

release an exclusive limited edition Port 

City Highland Games Beer for the first 

time. portcityhighlandgames.com 

15th Annual Port City Music Festival 


WILMINGTON–The week-long classical 

concert series is committed to making 

the experience of great music accessible 

to everyone. Various locations around 

Wilmington will host nationally and 

internationally known guest artists joining 

local musicians to perform some of the bestloved 

classical works. Some events require 

online registration. portcitymusicfestival.org 

Cape Fear 

Blues Festival 


RUSTY NAIL 

SALOON–Enjoy 

a weekend where 

blues fans can 

satisfy their cravings for soulful tunes. 

Savor three days filled with international, 

national, and local blues acts at the Rusty 

Nail's indoor stage, outdoor tent and beer 

garden, and more. This popular festival, 

launched in 1997 by local blues enthusiasts 

who also back the Cape Fear Blues Jam, 

is one of the longest-running blues jams in 

the Carolinas. capefearblues.org 

Assertive, effective representation in the areas of criminal defense, 

family law, and civil litigation. 

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Cape Fear 

7’s Rugby 

Tournament 


OGDEN 

PARK–Join the 

excitement when 

one of the nation's largest Summer 7's 

tournaments returns. Featuring one of 

the most competitive premiere divisions 

and hosting several hundred players from 

teams from across the country and around 

the world, this is one of the area's most 

exciting sporting events. Details available 

closer to the event date. fearrugby.com 


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Reviews: TV & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Fruit Bats 

A River Running to Your Heart 

I recently crossed paths with the Fruit 

Bats, an indie rock trio that recently 

came out with their tenth album of soulsearching 

tunes. These guys are active on 

the tour and the festival circuit, and their 

easy, heartfelt melodies such as “We Used 

to Live Here” and “It All Comes Back” 

bring to mind early summer days, boat 

trips, open car windows and other simple 

pleasures. Download the entire album; it’s 

one of those where you won’t skip a track. 

Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields (Hulu) 

Starring Brooke Shields, Teri Shields * 4 STARS 

In the early 1980s, I already had an idea of who Brooke Shields was. Even though I was 

a little girl at the time—not much younger than Shields herself—I’d heard of the film 

“Blue Lagoon”; I just wasn’t allowed to watch it. Despite the fact that I still haven’t to this 

day, I found myself intrigued when Hulu’s documentary “Pretty Baby” hit the streaming 

platform. Somehow, this dark-haired beauty left an impression on little Denise, just as she 

had with so many others. 

Split into two parts running about an hour each, the docuseries recounts Shields’ 

experience with showbusiness, which started in her babyhood. Unlike yours truly, Shields 

never had an ugly phase, not even during middle school; she was beautiful at birth and 

remained so throughout her life. It’s not only interesting to witness the price she paid for 

her beauty—the public constantly scrutinized her and her mother more than a bit exploited 

her—but also the fact that back then it was possible to become a beauty icon at all. 

The internet has made it almost impossible for someone to gain the level of notoriety 

Shields earned through her traditional commercials, films and modeling gigs. And it was 

still possible to shock people in the days before social media. When 16-year-old Brooke 

posed provocatively for Calvin Klein Jeans, adults were outraged and concerned. Can you 

imagine letting that happen in 2023? Me either. 

But noticing how far human society has spiraled downward since 1985 isn’t the point of 

the documentary, nor is it why I eagerly plowed through the entire thing. Instead, “Pretty 

Baby” shows us the startlingly deep rift between who we think celebrities are and who they 

actually are. Shields was portrayed in her movies and ads as a promiscuous young woman; 

in reality, she was innocent. Her fans and critics assumed that she had men wrapped 

around her little finger; in reality, she was taken advantage of by many people. 

It both saddened and amazed me, watching it all unfold on the TV screen. To my surprise, 

I found myself relating a great deal to this young woman and her quest for authenticity. 

While beauty and fame will always be coveted in our society, it’s worth noting that they can 

make it hard to see a person clearly–or even for a celebrity to see herself clearly. Like the 

old adage “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” this series offers us a lesson in perspective. 

Dave Matthews Band 

Walk Around the Moon 

I remember talking about Dave in my 

eighth grade P.E. class—his unforgettable 

voice and crescendo-ing guitar thrilled my 

14-year-old soul. Now, I’m almost as excited 

about the band’s 10th studio album, “Walk 

Around the Moon.” Dave regularly visits 

the Lowcountry, and his tunes are ideal for 

our hot summer nights and fun-filled days. 

Download the nostalgic self-titled track or 

try “Singing From the Windows” when the 

full album is released on May 19th. The 

whole album is good stuff for longtime fans 

and new ones alike. Welcome back, Dave. 


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staff picks 

Fierce Females 

Celebrate Mother’s Day with enchanting reads featuring strong female leads 

“The First Bright Thing” 

by J.R. Dawson 

Step back in time starting in the 

1920s with a traveling, magical 

circus under the big top as the 

Sparks share their magic to 

entertain audiences far and wide. 

Rin, the ringleader, is an aging 

queer Jewish woman who can 

time travel and is married to the 

beautiful, forever-young acrobat 

Odette. Together, along with 

friend Mauve, they are essentially 

attempting to stop WWII from 

happening, all while fending off 

the evil circus king. Threads are literally woven throughout time 

as we meet Edward on the front lines of WWI and his wife Ruth, 

who have special abilities of their own. Intrigue, action, magic, 

strong character development, and a few fun, yet slightly dark, 

twists keep the reader engaged throughout for an enjoyable read. 

Dawson’s dramatic writing style makes her an author to watch. 

For fans of “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” and “The Night 

Circus.” –Morgan Ryan 

“Identity” 

by Nora Roberts 

Morgan Albright had never really 

had a chance to belong since she 

grew up as an Army brat and as 

her mother, after a divorce, couldn’t 

seem to settle anywhere. Deciding 

that she wants to plant roots, she 

settles in a friendly neighborhood 

near Baltimore while working two 

jobs in order to achieve her goals 

including owning her own bar. 

However, when tragedy strikes and 

Morgan’s life is threatened, she is 

forced to move home to Vermont 

to build back her life, strengthen 

her relationship with her mother and grandmother, and fall 

in love and dig those roots deep into the Vermont soil. As always, 

Nora Roberts delivers a whopper of a romantic suspenseful read 

with which to fill those lazy days away. –Chantal Wilson 

“The Love Con” 

by Serissia Glass 

Looking for a cute vacation read? 

Look no further. When Kenya 

(Keke) Davenport makes it to 

the final round of “Cosplay or No 

Way,” a competition reality show, 

she has to enlist her best guy 

friend Cameron Lassiter to be her 

cosplay partner, which wouldn’t 

be such an issue if she hadn’t 

already told most of America 

that the two were much more 

than friends. How is she going to 

make it up to Cameron for forcing 

him to pretend to be her boyfriend 

for all the world to see? Especially when she kind of likes 

the sudden change in their dynamic. What’s more, is that 

Cameron’s got some secret feelings of his own. Can these 

two come together for the win and much more? Fans of all 

things nerdy will love this lighthearted, slightly spicy read. 

– Savannah Green 

“Now You See Us” 

by Balli Kaur Jaswal 

Corazon was forced to flee the 

Philippines and return to Singapore 

carrying with her a terrible secret. 

Donita is new to Singapore and 

works for the fussiest and meanest 

employer. Angel, a caregiver 

for an elderly gentleman, is 

nursing a broken heart. When 

one of Donita's friends, a fellow 

domestic worker, is accused 

of murder, the unlikely trio 

comes together to try to clear 

her name. This entertaining 

and heartbreaking tale is an 

enlightening look at Filipina 

domestic workers in Singapore and a 

dramatic whodunit. Sure to please lovers of “The Bandit Queens.” 

–Megan Mathis 

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senior living 

Where Every Day 

is a New Adventure 

Brightmore of Wilmington has it all, and then some, for seniors 

SOME SENIORS APPROACH 

their retirement as an endless coffee 

break, void of meaningful pursuits. 

Not so for the 135 residents of Brightmore 

of Wilmington, a complete retirement 

community for individuals 65 and older. On 

its 3-acre campus are 140 independent-living 

apartments; 99 assisted-living apartments; 

and 99 memory-care suites. A complete 

renovation of the living spaces and common 

areas, and an enthusiastic staff, provide a 

welcoming "small-town" vibe. 

"Visitors often say, 'this feels like home,'" 

says Executive Director Lisa Sherrill. "We 

strive to provide a well-rounded quality of 

life for our residents." 

Managed by Liberty Senior Living, a 

division of Liberty Healthcare Management 

(an almost 150-year-old family-owned 

healthcare business), Brightmore provides 

residents myriad amenities that include a 

saltwater pool, fitness center, three cardio 

rooms, billiards room, game room, two 

libraries, a chapel and a full-service dining 

room serving lunch and dinner. The outdoor 

courtyard includes a fire pit, bocce, putting 

green, shuffleboard, and a walking trail. 

By JOE JANCSURAK 

And for those who enjoy friendly competition, 

bocce, croquet, putting, and shuffleboard 

tournaments are held regularly. 

"Further, Brightmore's body-health-mind 

approach is seen in its INSPIRE (Inclusive, 

Nutritional, Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, 

Recreational, Engaging) program, which 

focuses on wellness and life-enrichment 

opportunities," says Sherrill. 

INSPIRE provides individually tailored 

fitness programs for residents, with Wellness 

Director Madeline Woodward, an eightyear 

veteran, overseeing the assessments. A 

popular component in the wellness program is 

Ageless Grace, a class that combines physical 

exercise with brain stimulation. Other 

wellness activities include arthritis aquatics, 

water aerobics, aquatic tai chi, land-based tai 

chi, balance, yoga, and strength training. 

Then there's the Life Enrichment program, 

which includes art classes, book clubs, 

movies, men's and women's groups, outside 

speakers including local historians, mixers, 

and organized game groups featuring bingo, 

bridge, Canasta, mahjong, and Scrabble. 

And because Brightmore sponsors several 

cultural events in Wilmington, residents are 

afforded opportunities to enjoy a plethora of 

local happenings, including performances at 

Thalian Hall and Opera House Theatre, the 

North Carolina Jazz Festival, Wilmington 

Jewish Film Festival, and Wilmington 

Symphony. Other outings include day trips 

to Southport, Myrtle Beach, and Raleigh, as 

well as local shopping and dining excursions. 

Sherrill adds that several residents serve 

as front-desk volunteers at the Novant 

Health New Hanover Regional Medical 

Center, volunteer ushers at The Wilson 

Center, and by knitting baby caps, shawls, 

and blankets for the hospital, hospice 

programs, and local churches. 

The Brightmore of Wilmington campus 

not only offers independent living residences, 

but The Kempton and The Commons at 

Brightmore also offer residences for assisted 

living and memory care. Each level of care 

offers an abundance of amenities and 

programming, updated facilities, and a 

caring and tenured staff to support residents. 

For these reasons, it's not surprising that The 

Kempton and The Commons at Brightmore 

regularly receive four-star ratings from the 

North Carolina Department of Health and 

Human Services, Division of Health Services 

Regulation for being a preferred assisted 

living community in Wilmington. 

"We want your readers to know," Sherrill 

says, "that here at Brightmore, we really do 

care about our residents, and we want them 

to thrive here for many years to come." 

Brightmore of Wilmington 

910-507-7384 

brightmoreofwilmington.com W 

PHOTOS BRIGHTMORE OF WILMINGTON 


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cleaning 

Spotlight: Aneliese Bard Andrades, 

Carolina Cleaning Services 

Amazing things can happen when a lot of grit and passion for the community fuel a business 

By CARIN HALL 

ANELIESE ANDRADES IS AN 

entrepreneurial force to be reckoned with. 

Originally from Brazil, Andrades was the first 

woman to become an account manager at one of the 

country's most prestigious car rental companies. 

In the 90s, she moved to Wilmington to raise her two young sons, 

where she had to think quickly 

about her next move. 

“When I left my career Aneliese Bard Andrades 

behind in Brazil, I essentially 

had to reinvent myself in the 

States,” she explains. “I asked 

myself, ‘What could I do that 

would allow me the flexibility 

needed to raise my children 

simultaneously?’” 

She started a residential 

cleaning service out of the 

back of her car. Flash forward 

nearly 30 years, and Andrades’ 

Carolina Cleaning Services 

is a household name that has 

satisfied thousands of clients 

in the region. Her team now 

employs 14 full-time cleaning 

techs and many additional 

part-time employees. With 

their help, she plans to expand 

beyond the Cape Fear region, 

showcasing the company’s 

cleaning services, including 

commercial, real estate, parties 

and events. 

What is the secret to her 

success? 

“My business has heart,” 

says Andrades. “My exchanges 

with customers are more than 

just transactional—we have 

been fortunate to create wellestablished 

relationships with 

the people we meet and take pride in giving back to our community.” 

As a Cleaning for a Reason partner since 2017, Andrades and 

her team provide free cleaning services to cancer patients, as well 

as for others dealing with other circumstances. 

“It’s about giving people back the most important thing they 

have—time,” she explains. “Whether that’s creating more time for 

you to spend with those you love 

or doing more of what you love to 

do with free time. A clean home 

should not be a luxury.” 

That’s why her team takes 

Sundays off—it’s a time for rest, 

relaxation, and spending time 

with loved ones. Andrades also 

empowers her all-female staff by 

providing fair pay, training, and 

mentoring. She believes in the 

importance of leadership and 

wants her team to know that they 

can do anything they set their 

minds to. 

While the company has faced 

its fair share of challenges over 

the years, from recessions to a 

pandemic, Andrades and her 

team have always adapted and 

come out on top. It's no wonder 

they have loyal customers who 

have been with them for decades. 

Andrades and her team receive 

countless notes of appreciation, 

glowing online reviews, 

and referrals from satisfied 

clients. She knows that client 

appreciation will keep coming 

as long as her staff continues 

to offer the best cleaning 

service in town. The people 

of Carolina Cleaning Services 

are happy to get behind that. 

carolinacleaning.net 

PHOTO JESSICA ANDRADES (ZEN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY) 


newsmaker 

Education Never 

Goes Out of Style 

Communities In Schools prepares for 

7th Annual Fashion Show 

By KENDALL MCGEE ENGLEHART » Photos by JENNY RYDER 

IT HAPPENS EACH YEAR 

about the time the azaleas are in 

full bloom. The clink of champagne 

flutes settle into the background 

as music builds and the first model 

ascends the stairs to the runway. The 

moment the model’s foot hits the stage, 

the room erupts into cheers and whistles. 

What was a quiet ladies’ luncheon moments 

before is transformed into a room full of 

excitement, empowerment, and support. 

Fashion shows typically serve as an 

opportunity for a designer to channel 

their creative focus. However, this show 

channels a greater purpose: ensuring the 

next generation has the tools they need to 

CIS Student Alaijah Brunson strutting the 

runway in a pink Lula Balu dress. 

find success in the classroom and in life. 

Communities In Schools (CIS) of the 

Cape Fear has been hosting its annual 

Fashion Show at the Country Club at 

Landfall for years. The upcoming show on 

May 23, 2023, will mark the nonprofit’s 

7th annual Fashion Show fundraiser. 

In addition to the display on the runway, 

guests enjoy a plated lunch, a mimosa bar, 

and a vibrant silent auction. The show is an 

opportunity for local boutiques to spotlight 

their latest summer fashion picks, and 

every dollar raised inches a local student 

toward a brighter future. 

Each day, countless students face 

challenges that make it difficult for them 

to focus on academics and can hold them 

back from reaching their full potential. 


newsmaker 

More than 20,000 children live in poverty 

in New Hanover and Pender counties and 

may experience daily struggles with food 

insecurity, inadequate physical and mental 

healthcare, exposure to violence, or a lack 

of stable housing. 

Last year, CIS reached more than 15,000 

families in need, providing everything 

from free school supplies, attendance 

support, behavioral interventions, tutoring 

and mental health resources to the region’s 

most vulnerable students. 

CIS has staff members in 27 public 

schools across Pender and New Hanover 

counties. The programs are evidence-based 

and have striking results. Last year, 99 

percent of CIS case-managed students 

stayed in school, and 95 percent of CIS 

case-managed students graduated from 

high school. 

“This Fashion Show matters because 

the work that Communities In Schools is 

doing matters,” says planning committee 

member Denise Lopatka. “The impact 

of the event is far-reaching. The money 

is used to reach more kids and keep 

those kids in school and heading toward 

graduation. The fashion show itself is a 

unique opportunity for a larger network 

of our community to support CIS in a 

meaningful and tangible way.” 

“Last year, CIS reached 

more than 15,000 families in 

need, providing everything 

from free school supplies, 

attendance support, 

behavioral interventions, 

tutoring and mental health 

resources to the region’s most 

vulnerable students.” 

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in Scotts Hill 

The models for the annual Fashion Show 

are pulled from all corners of the region, 

ranging from movers and shakers in 

media, real estate moguls, longtime CIS 

donors and several students served by the 

organization firsthand. 

New Hanover High School student 

Alaijah Brunson has been familiar with 

CIS since birth. Her mother joined a CIS 

program for young parents when she 

learned she was pregnant. As Brunson 

grew up, she was eventually paired with 

her own student support specialist to help 

her at school. 

The high school sophomore walked in the 

2022 Fashion Show at The Country Club 

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

The event’s silent auction 

features items from countless 

local boutiques and businesses.

Wilmington’s students what they need to 

thrive at school now is a direct investment 

in the future of our area’s economy and 

ability to compete in a global workforce. 

“The future of Wilmington benefits 

greatly from CIS,” says Lopatka. “The 

staff at CIS are in our local schools daily 

supporting kids in any manner they need. 

This fashion show is a chance for members 

of our community to come alongside this 

organization and its students to show our 

support now, as well as in the future.” 

If you’d like to reserve a seat at the 2023 

CIS Fashion Show at The Country Club at 

Landfall at 11am on May 23, 2023, please 

visit CISCapeFear.org W 

(top) Models from last year’s annual CIS 

Fashion Show enjoy themselves backstage. 

(bottom) A table of guests enjoys lunch 

ahead of the main event at the Country Club 

at Landfall. 

at Landfall and says strutting the runway 

in a hot pink dress from Lula Balu was an 

incredible boost to her self-esteem. 

“I couldn’t tell them no and let them down; 

they have done way too much for me,” says 

Brunson. “I would describe my experience 

of walking in the CIS Fashion Show as 

amazing. I couldn’t ask for anything more; 

everyone was very kind and supportive.” 

The impact made by the fashion show 

doesn’t stop at the few students lucky 

enough to grace the runway; The support the 

event garners for CIS improves the region’s 

dropout rate and ultimately safeguards the 

future success of our coastal community. 

Research shows improving student 

outcomes makes the next generation 

more likely to be a contributing member 

of society, decreasing the chances of 

incarceration, chronic unemployment and 

reliance on government assistance. Giving 

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local chatter 

Amanda Mason, 

Attorney at Mason, 

Mason & Smith 

A Natural Born 

Attorney 

Amanda Mason finds her calling and home in Wilmington 

at a law practice specializing in criminal defense, 

civil litigation and family law 

By JEN REED » Photos WHITEHURST PHOTO 

WHEN AMANDA MASON 

took the Law School 

Admission Test (LSAT) for 

the first time, it wasn't out 

of necessity but curiosity. After realizing 

she had aced the exam, she decided to 

see if she could get into law school. That 

moment led to a fulfilling career that 

culminated in the founding of Mason, 

Mason, and Smith, a Wilmington-based 

law practice run with her husband, Bruce 

Mason. However, the road to Wilmington 

was far from direct. 

Born in Washington, DC, and raised in 

Maryland by political consultant parents, 

Amanda's mother was a great influence on 

her life. "I would see her going to work in 

her high heels and her briefcase, and there 

was never any question that I was going to 

have a career," she says. What that career 

would be remained uncertain. Amanda 

attended the University of Maryland 

before transferring to Southern Methodist 

University in Texas, where she met her 

first husband. 

After graduation, she worked in market 

research before relocating with her 

husband to Tucson, Arizona. While she 

liked her job, Amanda wanted to make 

a difference. "If I was going to do that, 

I knew I would need to get a graduate 

degree," she says, leading her to take the 

LSAT. By then, Amanda was pregnant 

with her first child. She realized that if 

she was going to pursue further education, 

that was the time to do it. She officially 

took her LSAT and passed again. Soon 

after, she welcomed her daughter into the 

world. 

Living in Tucson, Amanda decided to 

look at the University of Arizona Law 

School. It would be her child that cemented 

her decision to attend. "I went to meet 

with the Dean, and when I got there, she 

had laid out a blanket and some toys. She 

thought I was going to bring my daughter 

and wanted her to be comfortable," she 

recalls. Amanda has fond memories of 

her time at law school, which she says 

was amplified by the amazing people who 

worked there and the friendships she 

made. She welcomed her second child, 

a son, during the first semester of her 

second year of school. 


Amanda praises the 

hard work of the 

paralegals on her team. 

More than a year later, she accepted 

her degree with both children by her side, 

literally. She walked across the stage 

with her son on her hip and her daughter 

holding her hand. Still in Tucson, Amanda 

knew she wanted to return to the East 

Coast and, with an uncle and cousins in 

Chapel Hill, decided North Carolina was 

the place. While still out West, she studied 

for and passed the bar exam in North 

Carolina in 2003. 

Amanda then moved to the Raleigh 

area and took a job at a law firm before 

returning to Wilmington to work at the 

New Hanover County Courthouse. It was 

there that the now-single mother of two 

would meet her future husband purely by 

happenstance. In fact, the day they met 

neither one of them were supposed to be 

in the courtroom; Amanda was doing a 

favor for her law firm and Bruce needed to 

get some paperwork signed. After she left, 

Bruce inquired with a bailiff about her— 

and the rest is history. 

Life in Wilmington has presented 

Amanda with opportunities to get involved 

in the community. She serves on the board 

of the Historic Wilmington Foundation 

and the Bellamy Mansion. But it's her 

work in family law that is fueling her 

true passion: mentoring young lawyers 

entering family law practice. She says 

providing guidance and equipping the 

next generation of lawyers with the tools 

they need to run a successful practice is 

critical. "There needs to be more quality 

family law attorneys," she says. "We are 

often the lifeline for people who are going 

through something terrible through no 

fault of their own. We need to show them 

empathy and kindness." 

She is proud of the steady growth 

of her law firm, which recently named 

attorney Gray Smith as a partner. The 

firm specializes in criminal defense, 

civil litigation and family law. She is also 

quick to point out that they could not 

have become successful alone, praising 

the hard work of everyone, especially the 

paralegals who support the practice. 

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As she reflects on a career that is going 

strong, Amanda views the milestones as 

something she had anticipated, although 

she didn’t know the form they would 

take. But she did know that she wanted 

a career, children and to live someplace 

beyond Maryland. 

“Filling in the details—that’s where life 

adds the zest,” she says, with a smile. W 

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art seen 

Nicole Band, Founder 

of Solstice Woodwork 

Solstice 

Woodwork 

The Natural 

Beauty of Wood 

A look at the artistic creations of two self-taught woodworkers 

MANY OF US HAVE OUR 

favorite kind of wood. The hue 

of cherry, the grain of oak, the 

character of an old hardwood 

floor and the beauty of handmade pieces of 

wooden furniture. Wood is solid, natural, 

warm and timeless. It’s no wonder it 

catches the imagination of artists, who 

then work their magic to transform this 

raw material into amazing pieces of art. 

Enter Nicole Band and William Davis, both 

gifted Wilmington locals, who have not 

only developed their own unique woodwork 

style but are both self-taught. 

By KIM HENRY 

Band graduated from UNCW in 2015 

with a degree in Environmental Science 

and although she always enjoyed art, 

she never imagined it would become her 

full-time gig. She began to take notice 

of geometric wood art online and, in 

2017, made her first piece after following 

YouTube videos and utilizing her access to 

reclaimed wood, as well as her familiarity 

with carpentry tools. 

“At first it was just a side hustle, but the 

more I did it, I realized it was the first art 

form that my brain enjoyed and then it 

just took off,” smiles Band from her home 

studio where she is surrounded by a whole 

lot of saws—table saws, jig saws, circular 

saws, you get the idea. 

Gathering wood from salvage stores 

and offcuts from her husband’s roofing 

company, Band appreciates the fact that 

her materials are reclaimed and that her 

art form is keeping wood out of the landfill. 

After preparing the wood, sometimes using 

environmental stain or color, Band begins 

in the middle of her design and works her 

way out, piecing her precise cuts together 

like a puzzle. 

“It doesn’t involve as much math as 

people may think,” laughs Band, which 

seems incredible when looking at the 

seemingly complex and perfect geometry 

of her stunning work. Setting the different 

grains and wood colors side by side on a 

sheet of ply, primarily using 45-degree 

angles, Band builds her beach-inspired 

and geometric-framed sculptures. The 

process not only produces unique results, 

but is also very therapeutic for the artist, 

who founded Solstice Woodwork. Accepting 

commissions, her business sells on Etsy 

and exhibits locally in the Cargo District, 

PHOTOS NICOLE BAND 


Harlequin ForestWorks 

PHOTOS WILLIAM DAVIS 

William Davis 

at The George on the Riverwalk and at The 

Veggie Wagon. 

The three-dimensional capacity of wood 

art sculptures is taken to a whole new level 

by our other featured woodwork artist, 

William Davis. Born in Jacksonville, NC, 

Davis grew up in Emerald Isle with surfing, 

music and a firm foundation in carpentry, 

before settling on Wilmington’s sandy 

shores in 1997. Davis ran a successful 

construction company for over 20 years 

but turned his skilled hands towards a 

more artistic tract just a few years ago. 

Leaning into his lifelong love of the grain, 

patterns and colors of different kinds of 

wood, Davis began exploring layered wood 

sculpture creations during the isolation of 

the pandemic, and has not looked back. 

This journey led him to acquiring a 

computerized laser cutter, allowing him to 

carve out a wide range of intricate designs. 

Composing combinations of shades, colors 

and textures, he then sets the different 

layers on top of each other to create 

mesmerizing pieces of 3D work. 

“I love being in my shop, getting in the 

zone and letting the ideas flow,” he says. 

“I’m looking for subtleties in different 

kinds of wood, something that catches 

my eye and just explodes when it’s all 

polished up.” 

Having established Harlequin 

ForestWorks as the artistic branch 

(enjoy the pun) of his woodworking 

company, Davis is constantly developing 

more designs and techniques, including 

combining wood and epoxy, etching 

handmade boxes and integrating 3D 

layering within his original furniture 

designs. His chopping boards are a 

celebration of the natural beauty of 

different grains and hues of wood. 

Resonating with the sacred geometry 

aspect of the mandalas he often depicts, 

Davis is also inspired by nature, 

particularly the ocean with seahorses, 

mermaids, turtles and whales often 

featured in his work. In addition to 

accepting commission, his creations can 

be found in local stores, galleries and on 

Etsy (HarlequinForestWorks). 

The work of Band and Davis is as 

inspiring as it is beautiful to look at. 

May their dedication and ability to 

learn new skills, fueled by the passion 

to follow the artistic outlets that bring 

them joy, be a lesson for us all. W 

910-547-1980 

@bluewatersurfaces 

Well-crafted 

cabinetry, 

countertops, 

fixtures 

and accessories. 

Our goal is to 

inspire with 

results! 

12 Northern Blvd 


910-763-9870 

dynamickitchens.com 


She WILL… Graduate, Go to 

College and Succeed in Life 

A vision becomes reality at Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW) 

By VERA WILSON 

IN JANUARY, THE GIRLS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY 

of Wilmington (GLOW) announced their first graduating 

class received an impressive $1.7 million in merit 

scholarships. Even more remarkable, that number has 

since risen to $2.8 million. 

So what’s the charter school’s Director of College Access Jahleese 

Hadley’s reaction to this momentous achievement? 

“I’m not surprised,” Hadley says, who is also one of the founding 

staff members. “What’s helped us get these results is we don’t 

counsel students in a formulaic way. We build relationships with 

the students. It’s more individualized and intentional.” 

“Statistics show that girls who are a product of a singlesex 

education are more likely to attend college and pursue 

nontraditional educational paths and careers,” she continues. 

Graduates of all-girl schools report feeling more confident than 

their coed counterparts. 

Without the pressure to conform to age-old and oppressive 

stereotypes, “they’re allowed to build an identity that is separate 


from their sex and their gender,” Hadley says. “At GLOW, if a 

student is a loudmouth, they’re just a loudmouth. They’re not a 

‘bossy’ girl.” 

But all-girl schools are not without their challenges. 

“This is not a utopia,” says Hadley with a laugh. “The difference 

is when we have a ‘mean girl’ problem, it’s addressed, but also, why 

is that person being mean? It’s about both girls.” 

Director of College 

Access Jahleese Hadley 

and Principal Kate 

Tayloe at a senior 

breakfast event. 

PHOTOS GLOW

The school emphasizes helping the “whole girl” so the emotional, 

physical and social personas that impact a student’s academic 

path are addressed, and part of that is understanding what’s 

happening in their lives outside of the school walls. To that end, 

there’s a mental health therapist, social worker and nurse on staff. 

Jen Wilson-Mathis, a parent of two girls who attend the school, 

and who, in 2022, joined the GLOW staff as their Admissions 

Director, believes students thrive in a small school environment. 

“Everybody knows everybody here, and it’s fantastic,” she says. 

Wilson-Mathis speaks with excitement when she talks about her 

children’s experiences at GLOW. 

“Where I grew up is very diverse,” she says, “and you could 

throw stones at any number of all-girl schools, so the idea was not 

necessarily foreign to me. But I didn’t realize all the opportunities 

they’d have at GLOW.” 

Those opportunities include frequent field trips such as the one 

recently taken to local television station WECT for a sneak peek 

inside that industry. It dovetailed nicely into the school’s new 

multimedia digital arts curriculum, funded by Sony Pictures and 

the Sony Global Social Justice Fund. 

Hadley knows it takes a village, and the community has notably 

stepped up for the school. 

“It’s really impactful the number of volunteers and professionals 

we bring on campus to interact with the kids,” Hadley says. 

Businesses like nCino and Live Oak Bank, where two girls from 

GLOW currently intern, are integral partners as well. Visits to 

college campuses near and far are often funded by generous donors 

who realize visiting a college may be financially out of reach for 

some students. 

Nonprofit foundation Beacon Education often spearheads 

fundraising for GLOW. Their secret weapon is annual visits from 

celebrity chefs like Rachel Ray, Guy Fieri and Emeril Lagasse 

who attract many donors eager to mingle with the stars. This 

year, in conjunction with the annual chef event, a new campus 

culinary lab was inaugurated, thanks to a grant from the Emeril 

Lagasse Foundation. 

GLOW’s mantra—She WILL…Graduate, Go to College, Succeed 

in Life— is working. More than ninety percent of the graduating 

class has been accepted to at least one college. GLOW is patterned 

after a network of Young Women Leadership schools whose 

mission, according to their website, is to provide girls growing up 

in underserved communities with a high-quality education based 

on the finest private school models. 

College preparation is very deliberate and begins in sixth grade. 

“I think one of the things that sets GLOW apart is the leadership 

advisory portion of each student’s day,” Wilson-Mathis says. These 

classes are led by a mentor who encourages the students to think 

critically, creatively, and collaboratively, all skills needed to 

succeed in college. 

The school acknowledges that students can find the college 

application process overwhelming, and even terrifying, especially 

for first-generation students. 

“We try and break it down into small pieces”, Hadley explains. 

“We walk through the process step-by-step and make sure they’re 

doing it correctly and thoroughly. We have a senior boot camp. We 

create the mental space so eleventh graders can research colleges 

and work on their essays. We encourage them to put a lot of time 

and energy into making their essays reflect who they are.” 

GLOW isn’t quite ready to kick the students out of the nest, 

though. With more than 70 percent of the graduates being the first 

in their families to attend college, they will remain in close contact 

with their students for their first year, offering support, guidance 

and encouragement. 

To learn more about enrolling at GLOW, volunteering or making 

a donation, please visit glowacademy.net. W 



vintage 

Spotlight: Kaye Hamm, 

Port City Peddler 

The charm and community of an expanding multi-vendor shop 

Story and photos by CARIN HALL 

MEET KAYE HAMM, 

owner of Port City 

Peddler, a multi-vendor 

mall and antique shop. 

Since 2017, Hamm has 

since expanded from another location to 

the Ogden area, with plans of opening 

another space next door. 

“I had always wanted to own a vendor 

mall,” says Hamm, “and we’ve been 

fortunate enough to be able to expand a few 

times and continue to grow.” 

With so many antique shops in the 

Cape Fear region, there are quite a few 

characteristics that set Hamm’s store 

apart. Here, you’ll find a broad range of 

high-end and English antiques to budgetfriendly 

finds and newer, local art. 

“We’ve got a little bit of everything,” 

Hamm says. “From upscale pieces to the 

rusty, dusty antiques, farm tables and so 

much more from our many great vendors, 

some of which came to us from other shops 

in other parts of town over the years.” 

The store is also equipped with a custom 

design center in the back of the store, 

where Hamm and her team can help you 

with your next project—from refinishing 

and painting furniture to custom built 

items. The shop is also the only store in 

Wilmington to obtain elite Dixie Belle 

Paint status, meaning you’ll find every 

shade of the line in the shop. 

And soon, classes will return, offering 

participants an opportunity to learn how 

to paint/refinish furniture on their own, 

create fairy gardens (a local favorite), roll 

sushi, and more. 

In an environment where small businesses 

and unique sellers have found it challenging 

to establish a customer base or maintain a 

brick-and-mortar store, Hamm’s location 

has been a haven for their exposure where 

designers, tourists, locals, and even folks 

from the film industry visit for inspiration. 

You’ll also find Hamm getting involved 

with the local community. In March, the 

store participated in the UpScale ReSale 

Design Challenge to benefit Cape Fear 

Habitat for Humanity, Wilmington’s most 

creative interior design competition. At the 

end of the day, it’s all about community, 

Hamm explains. She gives huge credit to 

her staff, such as Darren Poe, owner of 

Barn Bird, who provides custom furniture 

and refinishing services and Trish 

Sandola, owner of Whimsy Chick Designs, 

who provides custom furniture painting. 

Not to mention the customers. 

“It’s always fun to meet new people 

visiting the store and reconnect with repeat 

customers,” she says. “We look forward to 

restarting our workshops, as we’ve seen 

an increased interest in people wanting to 

pick up new schools, preserve or revamp 

furniture, or just have something fun to do.” 

Stop by the store or visit the website for 

more information on upcoming workshops 

at portcitypeddler.com. W 


garden 

design shopping health fashion 

Ready for 

Spring 

Early summer attire for 

moms and little ones 

See page 52 

PHOTO WHITEHURST PHOTO 


garden 

A Lifelong Pursuit 

of Beauty 

Editor of Flower Magazine shares her advice on 

creating a beautiful, happy environment 

By CARIN HALL 

DID YOU KNOW THAT 

the way we feel about 

our homes is one of the 

biggest factors in our 

overall happiness? In 2019, 

Kingfisher and the Happiness Institute 

published the “Good Homes Repor,” and 

discovered that our homes have a bigger 

impact on our happiness than our physical 

health, income and employment—let that 

sink in. 

Spending time and energy on a home 

that’s beautiful to you—that makes 

you feel calm, rested and safe—is not 

a frivolous pursuit. And it doesn’t have 

to be expensive. The point is: caring 

for our homes is essential for our 

overall wellbeing. 

With that in mind, I spoke to Margot 

Shaw, Editor-in-Chief of Flower Magazine 

and one of Design NC’s keynote speakers 

this May. With a desire to let others 

know that design, style and even flower 

arranging is not reserved for the elite, she 

describes her journey, inspiration and tips 

for how to build your own unique style. 

“The concept of ‘flower’ as the title 

of the magazine is meant as a verb,” 

she explains. “It’s about a flourishing, 

flowering lifestyle that encompasses a 

more botanical, natural world profile. 

And who doesn’t respond to infusing more 

natural beauty into everyday life?” 

The Seed 

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Shaw 

describes her childhood as privileged to 

beauty, born to sophisticated parents who 

spent several years with her in Europe 

and New York. 

“They took me everywhere with them,” 

she says. “I remember museums, chateaus, 

gardens and cathedrals; fine dining at age 

six; and visiting the Louvre at age seven. 

That began my journey of my appreciation 

for beauty.” 

Later, at boarding school, Shaw 

gravitated towards art history, which 

she also studied at Hollins University in 

Virginia, followed by interior design at the 

University of Texas. At Hollins, she spent a 

month at Winterthur Museum, Garden and 

Library, established by Henry Francis du 

Pont (in the other Wilmington in Delaware). 

PHOTO BECKY STAYNER 


“Du Pont was a great collector of 

art, antiques, textiles, tapestries— 

just everything,” she says. “That was 

one of the most exciting months of my 

entire education.” 

TABLE PHOTO DAVID HILLEGAS 

The Roots 

Flash forward to planning her eldest 

daughter’s wedding, Shaw found herself 

inspired by collaborating with Sybil 

Sylvester, a well-respected florist in the 

Birmingham area, which some might 

even describe as the floral capital of 

the US. 

“After about six months of working with 

Sybil, things were really stirring in me,” 

says Shaw. “I started seeing flowers as an 

intricate art form and loved the idea of 

working with natural elements.” 

The entertaining 

space at Brierfield 

PHOTOS BECKY STAYNER 

The Sprout and Bloom 

That’s when it clicked. Shaw apprenticed 

under Sybil and fell in love. After a 

few years, she felt a calling to create a 

publication that “trumpeted a botanical 

lifestyle.” Although it felt somewhat 

outlandish of an idea, she pushed on. 

“Once it happened, every door opened 

like it was meant to be,” she says. It also 

helps that Birmingham is a big publishing 

town—home to the likes of Southern 

Progress, Coastal Living, Cooking Light 

and many others—which she describes as 

a great environment for seeking advice as 

she built her brand from scratch. 

“If you look at our masthead, you’ll 

see a lot of former employees from some 

of the great titles that are no longer in 

publication,” she says. “Karen Caroll, for 

example, is our editor-at-large and has 

been one of the greatest influences in 

helping me build the magazine.” 

Now in its 16th year, Flower Magazine 

continues to blossom in the hands of 

audiences who truly appreciate beauty, 

whether in the form of topics on florals, 

gardens, interior design, entertaining, 

art or travel. At Design NC, Shaw will 

discuss her book “Living Floral,” which 

serves as a microcosm of her career. 

The book contains chapters profiling 

various individuals, including a chef, 

an architect, a florist and an interior 

designer, among others. 

How to Curate Your Own Style 

While beauty is subjective, Shaw places 

great importance on incorporating 

elements into your home that resonate 

personally. That may include items with 

a history, restoring family heirlooms to fit 

your style, collecting pieces over decades 

and, of course, including natural elements 

whenever possible. 

“Make your space authentically yours,” 

she explains. “It should reflect your 

personality.” 

Magazines and social media are a 

good jumping off point for inspiration, 

she explains, but building personal style 

is more of a lifelong process that should 

bring joy and allow for expansion and 

evolution over time. 

Tips for Hosting 

Work with what you have. Shaw says, 

more than anything, people just want 

to feel comfortable and get to know you. 

That means showing up as your true self, 

cutting flowers from your own garden (if 

you can) and not hiding elements that 

showcase your personality (books, art, 

photos, or even pets if well behaved). 

“I think we're at a point in society where 

we really need to just be who we are,” 

she says. “Do what you want, show up 

as your authentic self and have plenty of 

everything to go around.” W 

Margot Shaw, 

Editor-in-Chief of 

Flower Magazine 


design 

WHEN ACCLAIMED 

interior designer Corey 

Damen Jenkins addresses 

aspiring designers as part 

of the Cameron Art Museum’s Design 

NC event on May 4-5, his message will 

likely surprise, inspire and challenge his 

audience of Glow Academy and Cape Fear 

Community College students. 

As founder and principal of the New 

York City firm bearing his name, Jenkins’ 

work includes luxury residences, historic 

homes and deluxe office spaces nationwide. 

His accomplishments have been featured 

in myriad publications, including House 

Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, Elle 

Décor, USA Today and the Detroit News 

and Free Press. Winner of HGTV’s reality 

TV series “Showhouse Showdown,” Jenkins’ 

work can be found on HGTV.com’s Designer 

Portfolio and at coreydamenjenkins.com. 

The Detroit native recently took time at 

the end of a busy workday to share with 

Wilmington Magazine his thoughts on 

Design NC, today’s design field and his 

professional journey. 

The Road 

Less Traveled 

Design NC Keynoter Corey Damen Jenkins 

shares his keys to success 

By JOE JANCSURAK 

A secret speakeasy 

designed by Jenkins for 

the Atlanta Showhouse 

Wilmington Magazine: Why are events 

such as Design NC important? 

Corey Damen Jenkins: Events such as 

Design NC help create a point of inspiration 

for designers. As we emerge from the 

pandemic and look forward to advancing 

our lives, all of us are looking for fresh 

inspiration. Events like this provide that. 

WM: What topics will you address in 

your keynote? 

CDJ: I’ll discuss my approach to interior 

design, which calls for the mixing of 

patterns, colors and textures in ways 

that are both timeless and modern. 

There are benefits to mixing modernity 

with antiquity. A lot of young people are 

recipients of generational wealth in the 

form of special items that once belonged 

to their grandparents and parents, and 

they don’t know what to do with them. I’ll 

address that, along with discussing my 

life story as a designer and my unusual 

career path. 

WM: What drew you to interior design as 

a career? 

PHOTO BRIAN BIEDER PHOTOGRAPHY 


Corey’s executive 

office suite in New 

York City, NY 

Hancock & Moore 

furniture collection 

by Corey Damen 

Jenkins from a 

2022 launch 

DINING PHOTO NATHAN SCHRODER PHOTOGRAPHY; COREY PHOTO DOUG HAWK; OFFICE PHOTO ANDREW FRASZ PHOTOGRAPHY 

CDJ: I began sketching and designing 

floor plans when I was six years old, 

having been inspired by my grandfather, 

an engineer for Detroit Edison who had 

a deep affinity for architecture. Growing 

up, my family was always renovating 

and redecorating, and my mother often 

asked my opinion on colors and materials. 

That did a lot for my self-esteem. As a 

teenager, though, my parents encouraged 

me to pursue a more traditional business 

career. So, I did, working as a purchasing 

agent at Chrysler for 10 years. After I was 

downsized in late 2007 during the onset of 

The Great Recession, and after applying 

for several jobs for which I was rejected, I 

decided to launch my own design firm. 

WM: Was it a smooth transition? 

CDJ: Not really. It was difficult at first. 

I launched my design firm in 2008 with 

a website campaign that emphasized a 

fresh approach to interior design with the 

tagline, “Coming soon to a home near you.” 

I thought the phone would start ringing, 

but it didn’t. So I started knocking on 

doors—779 residences and small business 

to be exact—before I found my first clients 

in Michigan, a doctor and his wife. It 

was a complete renovation, which was 

professionally photographed and posted on 

my website. Those first couple of years of 

being in business for myself were rough. 

Then in 2011, HGTV contacted me for its 

“Showhouse Showdown” reality series, 

which I won. Our business grew from 

there, and in 2018 we opened our New York 

City office. During COVID 19, we closed 

the Michigan office and moved everything 

to the city, where we’ve since expanded our 

operations. 

WM: Your website describes your projects 

as “classic, livable and without expiration 

date.” What does that mean? 

CDJ: A big part of what I do begins 

with understanding client preferences 

concerning the style and functionality of 

their space. Then we shop unique venues, 

including estate sales and auctions, taking 

great care to match the client’s taste and 

budget. There’s something special about 

mixing classic pieces with a livable modern 

décor to achieve a timeless aesthetic. 

WM: Please discuss the importance of 

your community-based work with the Kips 

Bay Boys & Girls Club in The Bronx and 

the New York School of Interior Design’s 

mentorship program? 

CDJ: Our endeavors and the millions of 

dollars we’ve raised for these organizations 

are about advancing and opening doors for 

young people. I believe that it’s important 

to encourage young people everywhere to 

reach high. 

WM: What do you want aspiring designers 

to know about the field? 

CDJ: Aspiring designers need to know that 

this is a tough career that requires of them 

exemplary people skills, the ability to serve 

Kips Bay Showhouse 

dining room in 

Dallas, Texas 

as an effective fiduciary and drive. Many 

young people today figure they’ll go to 

school, get a design degree, graduate with 

distinction and that their career will just 

happen. That’s not the case. If you want to 

make a splash in this field, you must hustle 

to make it happen. Design schools need to 

prepare students for this reality. 

WM: Is there anything else you care 

to add? 

CDJ: Yes. Long live print journalism! 

W 



shopping 

Not Your Typical 

Kids Clothing Store 

Take a break from online shopping to peruse a carefully 

curated shop of trendy clothing for littles 

REMEMBER MEG RYAN’S 

character, Kathleen Kelly, in 

the late 90’s movie “You’ve 

Got Mail”? Kelly owned a 

quaint bookshop that represented her late 

mother’s legacy, her close connection with 

the community and the importance of 

maintaining the brick-and-mortar small 

businesses that account for the charm of 

a city. After I interviewed Jamie Shepard, 

owner of Little Locals Clothing Co in the 

Cotton Exchange, I couldn’t stop thinking 

about how her store is its own version of 

The Shop Around the Corner—only, this 

story has a better ending. 

By CARIN HALL 

In the movie, Kelly and her mother are 

both beloved characters, trusted by the 

community to curate and recommend the 

best books while providing a personalized 

and memorable customer experience. It’s not 

like the “big bad chain stores.” It’s homey; 

it’s welcoming. 

Similarly, Shepard’s mother, Debbie 

Hammond, played a big role in her desire 

to own a shop of her own. And just like The 

Shop Around the Corner, her intentional 

curation of products and dedication to her 

customers’ experience is what sets Little 

Locals Clothing Co apart. 

Growing up, she remembers the joy it 

Sheppard with her 

husband, Dustin, and 

their two sons, Levi 

and Ryder. 

Jamie Sheppard, owner 

of Little Locals Clothing, 

(on the right) with 

her mother, Debbie 

Hammond (left). 

brought her mother to run her own gift shop. 

“I loved getting to be a part of that with 

her,” Shepard says. “I went to the market 

and helped her create displays in the store, 

and now she helps me here. I love having 

something we can do together again.” 

PHOTO LITTLE LOCALS CLOTHING CO. PHOTO CARIN HAL 


TOP PHOTOS CARIN HALL; BOTTOM PHOTO LITTLE LOCALS CLOTHING CO. 

BACKGROUND 

After years of retail experience, earning a 

degree in Fashion and Textile Management 

from NC State University, teaching in an 

elementary school, and then having two 

sons of her own, Shepard knew she was 

ready for something different. During the 

pandemic, she spent a lot of time shopping 

online for her kids from unique small 

businesses. Like most of us, the isolation 

from the pandemic left her burnt out and 

missing in-person shopping and longing to 

interact with her local community. 

“That’s when I found this great location 

and decided to go for it,” she says. “I 

thought it was a great opportunity to bring 

all those brands into a store.” 

Little Locals Clothing Co is essentially 

a small business that supports other small 

businesses, where you’ll find coastalcasual, 

trendy children’s clothing and 

accessories (newborn to 5/6 toddler, as 

well as a few sweatshirts/t-shirts and 

accessories for mom). The store offers a 

chance to experience unique brands inperson 

that may have otherwise been 

harder to find, prioritizing high-quality, 

budget-friendly finds and products made in 

the US whenever possible (a personal goal 

of Shepard’s to source more of). The palette 

is generally neutral and has an indie feel 

compared to the typical dinosaur print 

and bright colors found in most children’s 

clothing stores. 

“Many of the brands also come from 

small, women-owned businesses who 

started their lines for the same reasons 

I wanted to open the store: to find trendy 

clothes for my kids that I’d want to wear 

myself,” says Shepard. “And I love learning 

about the background of each brand I carry, 

what their products are made of, what their 

missions/goals are, what kind of reputation 

they have, whether or not they’re ethically 

sourced and safe, etc.” 

If you plan on stopping by with your 

littles in tow, they might just get a little 

surprise/distraction like a rubber a ducky 

to take home. “I know firsthand the 

struggle of bringing toddlers anywhere,” 

she explains. “And it’s my priority to make 

sure customers love the experience they 

have in our store as much as the items we 

have to sell.” That’s so Kathleen Kelly. 

BUILDING ON COMMUNITY 

Shepard is also the secretary on the 

Board of the Cotton Exchange, which she 

describes as a great community of other 

small businesses supporting each other. 

They’re working together to not only attract 

more tourism but also remind locals about 

Ryder and Levi 

show off early 

summer looks. 

all the Cotton Exchange has to offer. 

There’s also something about the coastal 

hominess of Wilmington that makes it an 

idyllic place for small businesses to set up 

shop—a place where larger chain retailers 

and restaurants don’t make up most of its 

downtown. And it’s up to us to keep that 

community spirit alive and well. So, stop 

by to get to know some of the shops that 

make up this corner (and so much of the 

personality) of our unique town. W 

Little Locals Clothing Co 

910-228-5351 

littlelocalsclothingco.com 

Instagram: @littlelocals_clothingco 

Cotton Exchange 

321 N Front St 

shopcottonexchange.com 

(3 hours free validated parking available) 



health 

Fitness for Fun at Any Age 

Students rave about the fun they have in exercise classes 

from a local mobile fitness business 

By JEN REED » Photos by WHITEHURST PHOTO 

FOR THE BETTER PART OF THE PAST YEAR, TAMMY AGNELLI HAS BROKEN A SWEAT 

about five times a week at a fitness class. Her preferred instructor is Heather Wilson, a fitness enthusiast, 

teacher, and visionary and founder of Going Fit, a mobile fitness program in Wilmington that brings 

classes to its students. Wilson, with her infectious enthusiasm, and her team of instructors are fixtures at 

such places as the New Hanover County Senior Resource Center, where Agnelli attends her classes. 

“There are only good days or great days 

when we come to class,” says Agnelli. “I 

really consider this my happy place. I just 

love it.” 

Wilson founded Going Fit in January of 

2012 while still living in Philadelphia. She 

had been a long-time advocate for fitness, 

taking her first classes as a teenager and 

becoming an instructor herself by the age 

of 30. Her goal was not to spend her time 

in a gym or studio teaching classes, but 

to meet the needs of the participants by 

coming to them. 

“I really saw a need for mobile group 

fitness classes,” explains Wilson. “Fitness 

isn’t all about being a certain fitness level 

or size. It’s about quality of life.” 

Classes are tailored to the needs of the 

participants and their communities. She 

said the level of intensity is determined 

by the physical abilities of those in 

attendance. The classes include Zumba, 

yoga, stretching, Tai Chi and so much 

more. And best of all, no classes are 

ever cancelled. 

“It’s important that students know that 

if they are going to show up, we are going 

to be there,” says Wilson, who stresses 

that consistency is the key to living a 

healthy lifestyle. “If you want to improve, 

we try to eliminate any obstacles that may 

be there. That is so important.” 

When she made the decision to relocate 

to Wilmington, Wilson did not leave 

Going Fit behind. With the help of her 

operations manager in Philadelphia, she 

expanded her footprint to North Carolina, 

maintaining both simultaneously. She 

started gaining new clients, mainly in 

New Hanover and Brunswick Counties 

from senior living communities like Del 

Webb, Carolina Bay and New Hanover 

County Senior Resource Center to name 

a few. And although she said she does not 

limit her services to senior citizens, she 

does refer to them as the “heartbeat of the 

company” and is committed to making life 

better for all who attend the classes. 

Going Fit is hardly showing any signs 

of slowing down as they continue to 

bring on new instructors, add classes to 


Heather Wilson, 

Founder of Going 

Fit, teaching a 

Zumba class 

the schedule and bring on new clients of 

all fitness levels. In fact, it has become 

somewhat of a family affair as Wilson’s 

daughter Haley Flores joined as an 

instructor and operations manager in 

2018. The office staff works behind the 

scenes to give their contracts an entire 

fitness center experience, including 

marketing, human resources, scheduling 

and client communication. 

“So many people attend classes to get 

in shape but, more importantly, it’s about 

socializing and being with people who 

share their interests,” says Flores. 

And that is exactly what Agnelli and 

others attending a Zumba class at the New 

Hanover County Senior Resource Center 

love about Going Fit classes – spending 

time with friends and feeling good about 

the workout in the end. 

For Sue Whitmore, coming to class 

nearly every day is a priority. She said she 

loves the camaraderie among her fellow 

classmates. And even though they all have 

varying levels of fitness and ability, the 

mutual support and the laughs are worth 

the effort. 

“In all these classes, you do you,” 

says Whitmore. 

According to Wilson, all students are 

encouraged to listen to their bodies during 

a class and to not push themselves more 

than necessary. They are also encouraged 

to sit during class at any point they might 

need to rest. 

“It really is all in good fun,” says student 

Jerry Reddy. “We’re able to do it and keep 

doing it. But it’s really the positivity in 

each class that keeps us coming back 

again and again.” 

Classes aren’t limited to the senior 

communities. Wilson works extensively 

with the city of Wilmington. Going Fit 

is now 70 instructors strong and, as long 

as there are folks who want to exercise, 

Wilson and her team will be there to get 

the job done. 

“We have this amazing opportunity to 

help people feel better – what’s better than 

that?” she says. W 


Garden 

Monkee’s of Wilmington 

MonkeesWilmington.com 

Long, Della, Sky Jonquill 

Dess, $410; Pheasant 

Fan Earring, $60; Jeffrey 

Campbell Fluxx Pump, $132. 

Party 

Ready 

Celebrate spring and 

early summer outings 

with color, sophistication 

and comfort 

Photography: WHITEHURST PHOTO 

Model: OLIVIA CLOSSICK 

Stylist: DANIELLE HARRIS, The Modified Style 

Makeup Artist: COURTNEY REESE, Ginger 

Snaps Beauty 

Location: In celebration of the Cape Fear Garden 

Club’s efforts around azalea season, we had the 

honor of shooting on location of one of the club’s 

13 featured gardens on this year’s Azalea Tour. 

Special thanks to Israel and Dalia Nir for letting 

us use their garden on Forest Hills Drive as a 

backdrop. This 1930’s Tudor style brick home has 

evolved over the years to include a gazebo, outdoor 

fire pit, multiple patios and secret pathways. 


Island Passage 

IslandPassageClothing.com 

Blaise Sundress from Mink 

Pink in a yellow/orange 

paisley, $148; Cami Huarache 

Wrap Sandal from Free 

People in gold metallic, 

$98; Herringbone/paperclip 

layered gold choker from 

Brenda Grande, $58; Rattan 

earrings in yellow from 

Island Passage, $18; Alexis 

straw hat with blush ribbon 

from Scala, $48. 


CoolSweats at the Beach 

CoolSweatsAtTheBeach.com 

Kinross Scarf, $168;; Elliott 

Lauren top, $134; Luna Luz 

Skirt, $100; Piano Chord 

necklace, $62. Shoes from 

Island Passage: the Orion 

Clog from Free People in 

natural, $198. 

Location: Photo taken on 

Forest Hills across from the 

Nirs’ home. 


Little Locals Clothing Co. 

LittleLocalsClothingCo.com 

Boys: Short Sleeve Denim 

Shirts in blue and light 

wash by Lenox James, $32; 

"Someone in Wilmington 

Loves Me” and "There's No 

Place Like Wilmington” Tees 

by Morado Designs, $28; 

Distressed Jeans in black by 

Lenox James, $32. 

Girls: Keely Exaggerated Bell 

Bottoms in black by Bailey's 

Blossoms, $25; “Wilmington 

is My Happy Place” Tee by 

Morado Designs, $28. 

Models: (left to right) Ryder 

Shepard, Aubrey Hall, Levi 

Shepard 


For the Love of Learning 

The highly anticipated, diverse lifelong learning programs at UNCW excite and inspire 

By VERA WILSON 

THE ACT OF LEARNING IS ONGOING THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES. THERE’S FORMAL 

education, followed, perhaps, by some on-the-job training. Everyday tasks such as preparing a recipe or 

watching a video on how to perfect your backhand are both illustrations of learning. Some are essential; 

some are simply a means to an end. Then there’s learning for its own sake, solely for the joy it brings as you 

expand your universe and explore what was previously a mystery. 

This love of learning is what the Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute (OLLI) at UNCW is all about. The tiny nondescript 

building across from campus opens new worlds via a dizzying 

array of class offerings, special events, presentations 

and discussions. 

Taking a peek inside their most recent catalog, you’ll find 

classes and presentations as varied as Tai Chi, Basic Drawing, 

Artificial Intelligence: A Transformative Technology, and the 

thought-provoking Can the Common Good Be Bad? For more 

practical applications, there’s the Free Tools from Google class or 

PHOTOS BY OLLI 


(above) Members partake in a birdwatching tour at North Carolina 

Coastal Reserve. (right) Amy Keith, Director of Osher Lifelong Learning 

Institute (OLLI) at UNC 

the presentation Online Security: Protecting Your Assets from 

Scammers. Always popular are the wine-tasting programs such 

as next month’s Everything’s Coming up Rosés. 

“I think when I see our catalogs, it looks like it doesn’t have a 

theme, and that’s intentional,” says Amy Keith, OLLI’s Director 

since August 2022. “We want people to feel that the catalog is 

always fresh.” 

Geared toward the over-50 crowd, classes are carefully chosen 

by a group of volunteers and OLLI staff. They brainstorm topics, 

or oftentimes, there’s someone out there—a professor, OLLI 

member or self-described expert—willing, even eager, to teach 

a class. 

Recently, a retired biochemist volunteered to give a talk on 

Eleanor Roosevelt. 

“A person may have an interest and is willing to do the research 

and put together a presentation,” says Keith. “They just need the 

passion and a desire to teach. It’s really the deepest learning that 

you do—preparing to teach someone.” 

Although the classes will change, some things will stay 

the same. 

“Our membership is very diverse,” explains Keith, “but there’s 


OLLI member 

Lindsay Smith with 

her home host in 

Zimbabwe 

OLLI member Lani Lawrence 

on safari in Botswana. 

OLLI member Jane 

Birnbach is moved to tears 

by her first encounter of 

an elephant in the wild. 

OLLI member Jane 

Birnbach at Victoria Falls 

in southern Africa. 

OLLI members 

Anne Isibel and Pam 

Sender on a boat on 

the Zambezi River. 

always going to be programs that focus on the academics for those 

people that have that intellectual spark. Maybe it’s something 

that they didn’t have time to study in their life, like philosophy 

or art history.” 

Current offerings that fit the academics bill are an international 

affairs class on Brexit or Contemporary Art from 1980 to Today, 

as well as a discussion on Politics and the Supreme Court. 

History is always very popular, according to Keith, especially a 

four-session class on the history of Wilmington. 

“A lot of our members are new to the area and really want to 

learn about Wilmington,” she says. 

OLLI members, especially newcomers, also benefit from 

presentations made by local organizations such as Cape Fear 

Literacy Council or Cape Fear River Watch, who want to spread 

the word about what they do. 

“We also want to accommodate people who are looking for the 

kind of learning that happens outside—something physical,” 

says Keith. 

In fact, a full seven pages of the current catalog is devoted to 

active and outdoor opportunities such as kayaking, yoga, walking 

tours and pickleball. 

One of the pandemic’s lasting impacts is the option to take 

some classes online. 

“We offer some online classes to increase the accessibility for 

people who might be traveling or caregiving or just aren’t able to 

come into the classroom,” says Keith. 

She’s quick to point out that isn’t their main focus, though. 

“We think that people are also looking to make friends and 

expand their social network,” she says. 

She believes that OLLI can give members a sense of connection, 


OLLI members at the top 

of Table Top Mountain in 

South Africa, March 2023. 

OLLI member David 

Corley volunteering in the 

CHHS Nursing School as a 

standardized patient. 

“When someone is newly retired or newly widowed and needs things to do every day, they come 

here and get the enrichment and social connection.” 

whether it’s participating in a one-time discussion or taking a 

class over several weeks. 

“People have shared with me the impact that this has had in 

their life,” she explains. “When someone is newly retired or newly 

widowed and needs things to do every day, they come here and 

get the enrichment and social connection.” 

The health benefits of lifelong learning are indisputable. As 

people age, keeping those brain cells active improves memory 

and delays symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Social interaction reduces 

loneliness, a too-often predicament for the elderly, and stress. 

OLLI periodically offers its members the opportunity to travel 

internationally. Keith describes these fully guided tours as “a 

very intense learning experience.” Their most recent trip was to 

South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. 

“They had an incredible, incredible experience,” says Keith. 

“They saw all the animals they had goals to see.” 

One thing Keith would like to see is an OLLI membership list 

that more reflects the population of Wilmington. 

“I want everyone to feel comfortable coming here and taking 

classes here, so that it’s sort of an expanded version of who we 

are,” she says. “But I believe if we continue to focus strongly on 

the quality of the programming, that’s our best path to get there.” 

OLLI’s much-anticipated catalogs come out every January and 

August. Please visit uncw.edu/olli to view the catalogs, register 

for a class (scholarships are available), learn about volunteer 

opportunities or to donate. W 


A Tour of Cape Fear’s 

CRAFT BEER SCENE 

Where patrons find a sense of community and microbreweries 

find collaboration over competition 

By CARIN HALL 



“THIRD PLACES,” A TERM COINED BY 

sociologist Ray Oldenburg, refers to places people 

spend time outside of the home (“first” place) and 

work (“second” place). These places can take various 

forms (cafés, churches, clubs, bookshops, parks); 

are designed for leisure and socializing; and play a 

crucial role in strengthening our sense of community. 

Think Central Perk in Friends, Arnold’s Drive-In in 

Happy Days, or Cheers in…Cheers. But, in areas 

where everything is less accessible by foot, coupled 

with the rise of our time spent in virtual spaces, 

PHOTO FRONT STREET BREWERY 

these spaces seem increasingly sparse. 

Microbreweries, I would argue, are quickly becoming the new 

quintessentially American third places. Popping up as local hot 

spots and as an attraction to tourists, their casual yet trendy 

atmosphere is generally welcoming to all ages and families (even 

the dog). They’re places that invite you to stay, to play a game, to 

talk to others, and where you’ll find regularly occurring events 

like market popups, ping pong tournaments, trivia nights, goat 

yoga, and so on. And with around 20 diverse microbreweries 

around Wilmington, there’s something for everyone. 

Particularly unique about the industry, and in the Cape Fear 

region, is the strong interconnectivity among fellow brewers. 

Through the Cape Fear Craft Beer Alliance (CFCBA), breweries, 

bottle shops and other craft beer businesses work together to build 

a stronger beer community. And they do that through advocacy, 

education and promotion. 

“That’s very unique to our 

industry as a whole,” says Ellie 

Craig, President of CFCBA 

and Sales/PR Manager of 

Front Street Brewing. “The 

craft beer community does not 

have the attitude that ‘my beer 

is better than your beer.’ It’s 

more about working together 

to make truly good beer. We’re 

always excited to have more people to collaborate with, and to get 

more visitors and locals alike excited about craft beer because we 

really do have some phenomenal breweries in our region.” 

As proof of its commitments, the CFCBW recently continued 

its annual Craft Beer Week tradition, an impressive 10-day 

celebration (March 24–April 2) that included an Ultimate 

Brewing Championship competition; a Craft & Cuisine event 

featuring 19 food and beer pairings from local chefs and brewers; 

and a limited-edition collaboration brew, Future Fuel, from which 

net proceeds were donated to 

NourishNC. 

“It’s exciting to see how 

“Breweries are increasingly 

embedded in the community 

becoming places people gather we’ve become,” says Craig. 

“Breweries are increasingly 

regularly, celebrate life events and becoming places people gather 

get involved with local initiatives.” regularly, celebrate life events 

and get involved with local 

initiatives,” which Craig notes 

has included the Alliance’s 

ability to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local 

nonprofits throughout its tenure. 

Now, for the fun part 

For the sake of exploring Wilmington’s beer scene myself (and 

responsibly), I decided to ride in style on a vintage VW tour 


us with a local brewery tour company owned and operated by 

Rachel O’Holla. Although she offers a variety of customizable 

experiences, brewery tours are a local and personal favorite. 

“My tour groups are always a blast, and we have a great time 

getting to know each other while exploring,” says O’Halla. “The 

majority of my groups are locals who have friends or family 

visiting from out of town. It’s the best way to show off what local 

brews Wilmington has to offer.” 

Although there are so many great locations to visit, we’ll 

explore just a few to illustrate the diversity and broad reach craft 

breweries have in the Cape Fear region. 

FRONT STREET BREWERY 

Starting with the "OG," Front Street Brewery (FSB) is 

Wilmington's longest-operating brewery, celebrating its 28th 

anniversary this June. Located in the heart of downtown, FSB 

became the 7th brewery in the state to produce craft beer in 1995. 

Today, FSB is not only known for its award-winning craft beer 

and full menu but is also recognized as one of the top bourbon 

bars in America by the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review. 

According to Craig, "Our Brewmaster, Christopher McGarvey, 

has an exceptional palate. He has created a unique drinking 

experience for our guests by pairing our beers with whiskeys, 

resulting in a third flavor." 

Under new ownership in 2004, one of FSB's primary goals 

is to foster a sense of community and collaborate closely with 

BOTTOM PHOTOS FRONT STREET BREWERY PHOTO G. FRANK HART 


other businesses in downtown Wilmington, which often entails 

sharing ingredients or assisting each other in sourcing products 

within their network. 

“That sort of set the tone for who we are as a company,” says 

Craig. “We care about our community and their successes because 

we believe ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’” 

PHOTO MICHAEL ESCOBAR PHOTO DARIA AMATO 

PANACEA BREWING COMPANY 

For something different, Panacea is a must-stop, featuring a full 

vegan menu, elderberry syrup, and both non-alcoholic and hard 

kombucha brews in addition to craft beer. In 2016, husband and 

wife Artie and Robin Hill began selling kombucha at farmers 

markets out of a custom tap system built on the side of their 1975 

Volkswagen Westfalia (aka “Boochbus”). As of 2020, they also 

have a beautiful space of their own on Oleander Drive, where the 

face of Boochbus has become part of its unique indie décor. 

As the first restaurant in Wilmington to offer a solely vegan 

menu, Robin says she’s seen demand from locals truly invested in 

their alternative offerings. And, as you can guess, the name was 

inspired by their mission. 

“We see food as medicine and we wanted to create an 

environment where everyone can feel good, whether it’s through 

a gut-health beverage like kombucha, our elderberry syrup to 

combat a cold, vegan comfort food or just having a place to relax 


while sipping a beer,” says Robin. 

Keep in mind, Panacea’s canned non-alcoholic kombuchas 

also serve as a perfectly refreshing and legal option to bring 

to the beach. They also happen to feature designs from a local, 

renowned artist, Matt Ebbing, Founder of Creature Theory. 

WILMINGTON BREWING COMPANY 

Less than a couple miles away is Wilmington Brewing’s new tap 

room, The Venue, which aptly lives up to its name as an ideal 

location to host private and community events such as weekly 

live music and food trucks, as well as a monthly book swap 

supporting the Cape Fear Literacy Council. 

“Community is a big part of our business so if we get to help 

others celebrate each other while enjoying some beers, then we 

think we have succeeded as a company,” says Michelle Savard 

who owns and operates the brewery with her husband, John. 

Together, the couple learned a lot about beer after living in 

Asheville but ultimately decided to open shop in their hometown. 

“We’re proud to be a part of CFCBA and love being able to 

collaborate, and work with other breweries in the area,” says 

Michelle. “Everyone is so talented and has such great ideas. It's 

an amazing thing to see local businesses working together to 

have a positive impact on the brewing industry.” 

OUTER DUNES BREWING COMPANY 

Now for some ambiance. Somewhere between Ogden and Porters 

Neck sits a picturesque venue owned and operated by husband 

and wife, Phil and Ellie Mabe. Its outdoor beer garden space is 

full of ancient oaks and a variety of native flowering shrubs and 

trees, including a loquat tree that produces fruit they plan to 

harvest for a microbrew. 

“Outer Dunes is an oasis located on the outskirts of Wilmington,” 

says Ellie. The outside venue is a great space to accommodate 

TOP LEFT PHOTO DARIA AMATO; BOTTOM TWO PHOTOS WILMINGTON BREWING CO PHOTO G. FRANK HART 


“Wilmington truly is a craft 

beer destination.” 

up to 200 people, in addition to their smaller venue, the Beach 

House, which seats up to 50. 

Like the others I spoke to on this tour, Ellie describes the value 

of being part of a strong network like CFCBA. 

“With so many breweries in town, it’s a great way for us all to 

collaborate and work together,” she says. “Wilmington truly is a 

craft beer destination, and we’re excited to be a part of it.” 

That seems to be the common theme. As Wilmington’s 

microbrewery landscape expands, so, too, does the camaraderie 

among its small businesses as well as residents seeking a third 

place—cue the intro song to Cheers—“where everybody knows 

your name.” W 

PHOTOS CARIN HALL 


Aerial view of the 

Landfall property 

66 | | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com

STAYING CONNECTED, 

BLENDING STYLES 

A home as beautiful as it is functional 

for the whole family 

By LORI WILSON » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

May / June 2023 | | 67

Despite the orientation of 

the home, the Hammers 

worked with a design team to 

capitalize on the unique water 

views of the property. 

They say the number one rule in real 

estate is location, location, location. 

Homeowners often place great value on 

where they move, as much as the design 

of the house they choose. Just one mile 

down east can make all the difference. In 

fact, for one family, the perfect lot for their 

custom build wasn’t far from their first 

North Carolina home at all. It was right 

next door. 

Chris and Heather Hammer moved 

to Wilmington with their two children 

almost nine years ago. They quickly grew 

to love their Landfall neighborhood and 

invested in renovations on their new home. 

“But it never seemed quite done,” says 

Heather. “So, when the opportunity came 

to buy the lot next door, we jumped on it.” 

And with views of Landfall Lake and 

the Intracoastal Waterway, who can blame 

them? Together they worked with Bell 

Custom Homes, Ocean 3 Design and Hooper 

Patterson Interior Designs to capitalize on 

the sights around them and to create the 

perfect space for their family of four. 

(left) Bell Custom Homes, Ocean 3 Design and Hooper and Patterson Interior Designs collaborated 

on the overall design elements. (right) A built-in outdoor shower complements the pool. 


(above) The Hammers worked with their 

design team to create a space that flowed 

from the inside-out seamlessly. (right) From 

the living area, the family enjoys great water 

views of the Landfall Lake and Intracoastal 

Waterway. 

Getting Started 

When the Hammers purchased the 

Landfall lot, they didn't know if they'd 

be living on this side of the country much 

longer. At the time, they prepared for a 

potential work-related move to California. 

But they loved Wilmington, and especially 

their neighborhood, enough to pursue the 

lot anyway. 

“We knew we’d either be building if we 

didn’t have to move or it’d be an investment 

and a reason to come back,” says Heather. 

Then, the pandemic struck, and many 

companies normalized remote workforces, 

so they stayed. But, in a way, California 

was still on their minds. The design for 

their outdoor entertaining space reflects 

their friend’s home in the wine country. 


The open design of the 

kitchen and dining areas 

provides an easy flow for 

entertaining. 

Each of the main 

floor areas has access 

to water views. 

The kitchen includes 

many hideable or 

paneled features, 

such as beverage 

drawers and a water 

filter drawer, as well 

as a scullery pantry. 

“The inspiration for our home was this 

indoor/outdoor feeling of his home,” says 

Heather. “This house was incredible. You 

could flow in and out so easily.” 

They shared a photo with Scott 

Lechtrecker, the plan designer, and 

owner of Ocean 3 Design, referred to the 

Hammers by their builder, Cress Bell of 

Bell Custom Homes. 

“I sit and sketch the house with the 

clients at the very first meeting,” says 

Lechtrecker. “A lot of architects will talk 

in general form, but I’ll roll out a paper 

and start drawing the entire floor plan.” 

Lechtrecker and Bell worked on their 

first project together more than ten 

years ago. It’s the mission of Bell Custom 

Homes to create the best version of their 

client’s vision. Lechtrecker’s hands-on and 

team-oriented approach helps maintain 

that vision. 

“This lot is a strange orientation,” says 

Heather. “We wanted to maximize water 

views as much as possible.” 

Lechtrecker’s sketch immediately 

focused on getting that waterway visual 

at the home’s front door entry, leading 

into the main living area, placed in the 

center of the extra wide lot. Together, they 

developed a plan that allowed for water 

views in all the living spaces, in three 

of four bedrooms, and even in both their 

home offices. 

“That’s one of the most important 

elements we provide for our clients,” 

explains Bell, “that expertise, that 

spatial orientation.” 


Fitting the Family Needs 

In addition to water views, the Hammers 

desired function. During the building 

process, they created a wish list for their 

home retreat while living in a rental 

nearby. While the open design of the main 

living rooms—from kitchen to dining to 

living to outdoor—provide an easy flow for 

entertaining, two separate wings of the 

house allow spaces for each member of the 

family. 

Chris’ office sits on the north side of the 

lot, separated by an entertainment room 

and an entire floor level, that provides 

privacy and efficiency for work-from-home 

calls. But being independent of the living 

areas doesn’t mean he has to sacrifice 

access or comfort. 

“He can be separate from everything, 

yet still connected,” says Heather. 

Their relaxation refuge (interior or 

exterior, take your pick) is only a staircase 

away—complete with a pool, at-home 

gym, outdoor kitchenette and plenty of 

outdoor lounging. Both Chris and Heather 

have balconies off their office, allowing for 

quick breaks of saltwater air. 

Heather’s office also doubles as the 

“retreat room,” furnished with a large 

sectional sofa that looks comfy as a cloud. 

The family has easy 

access from the dining 

areas to the kitchen 

and outdoor patio. 

An office with water views 

sits on the north side of the 

lot, separated by an entire 

floor level for privacy. 

W 

March May / April June 2023 | 71

Heather's office doubles as a 

“retreat room,” furnished with 

a comfy, sectional sofa. 

“I think we really wanted to create 

a relaxed space where we wanted to 

spend time as a family,” says Heather. 

“The retreat room is where I imagine us 

watching movies as a family and hanging 

out.” 

The retreat room divides the bedrooms 

of their twin son and daughter. 

“We made plans thinking about what 

the next four to five years are going to 

look like,” says Heather. “We created a 

space where our kids would want to bring 

their friends, and hopefully one day their 

own families. We made a lot of long-term 

decisions with this design.” 

Since moving to Wilmington from 

Chicago, most of Heather’s 

family has also moved 

to Landfall. They expect 

holiday gatherings of up 

to 25 people in their new 

home. The indoor-tooutdoor 

transitory spaces 

allow for plenty of room. 

“We really like 

entertaining,” she says. 

“We’ve never had a space 

to enable us to do that 

easily.” 

While they have only 

lived in the house for a few weeks, Heather 

expects that her favorite feature will 

become the accordion doors in the family 

and dining rooms that open up the main 

level to the back porch and pool area. The 

screens of the porch are easily remote 

operated for changes in the seasons, 

allowing for a year-round experience. And 

with multiple fire features throughout, 

plenty of spaces bring warmth to a party. 

Blending Style and Texture 

“One of my favorite trends I’m seeing is 

the blending of styles,” says Bell. “We’re 

not just seeing one type of home anymore.” 

Bell describes the Hammers’ house as a 

Each office has a balcony, allowing 

for quick breaks of saltwater air. 

modern farmhouse exterior with coastal 

elements. Much of their exterior work 

reflects that, with blends of standard 

siding, cedar shake, and board and 

batten. Exposed tails and large overhangs 

boast a farmhouse look, while blackframed 

windows and a mid-century-style 

staircase tower celebrate modern trends. 

“Most of our homes have a modern 

influence,” says Bell. “Those are just the 

kind of clients that tend to find us.” 

Bell Custom Home works with any 

design style, but they celebrate a balance 

of what’s current with what will stand the 

test of time. 

“This home just really impresses you 

when you pull up and 

relaxes you when you go in,” 

says Bell. 

In many ways, they’ve 

achieved an ideal harmony. 

Interior Designer Hooper 

Patterson joins Bell and 

Lechtrecker to complete 

the design trifecta. They 

work with each other at 

many stages of the design 

process. 

Patterson often works 

with Bell’s clients to help 


(clockwise from above) Warmer textures 

and different woods combine to create a 

functional, welcoming space; The home 

features a modern twist on coastal and 

farmhouse styles; Bell Custom Homes helped 

select finishing touches to create a coastal, 

neutral palette. 

with finishing selections, from tile to 

cabinets to color. That’s how she met the 

Hammers, who continued their working 

relationship as the family selected 

furniture and decor. 

“For the interior I wanted it to flow, be 

relaxed and feel organic,” says Heather. 

“Kind of coastal but not too coastal, and 

I wanted every room to flow and feel like 

a space you wanted to sit and hang out.” 

So, they played with texture but kept 

the color palette neutral and informal. 

“Sometimes when you do neutral colors, 

you end up with a space that feels cold,” 

says Patterson, “but we aired on the side 

of warmer textures, mixed in a lot of wood, 

like a warm wood finish on the bookcases, 

hardwood floors and the same tone on the 

ceiling in the living room.” 

When Patterson and Heather explain 

the vision, the intention of each detailed 

decision becomes evident, while still 

blending effortlessly. The finishes and 

selections create the splendid modern 

coastal farmhouse blend (as Bell 

described): the thick, stained wood casing 

that frames the breakfast nook; the 

seashell-tone glaze on the kitchen tile; 

the cane furniture features; the mixing of 

polished nickel and brass; and the subtle 

pops of modern black and serene light 

blue, just to name a few. 

Beyond aesthetics, Patterson helped the 

Hammers design “smart.” Knowing what 

it’s like to have growing teenagers and a 

beloved family dog, and understanding 

the lifestyle of an indoor-outdoor space, 

Patterson recommended performance 

fabrics and finishes that were cleanable— 

things that would live well with the way 

they function. 

Likewise, the kitchen includes many 

hideable or paneled features, such as 

beverage drawers and a water filter 

drawer, as well as a full scullery pantry. 

“I picked all of these selections so long 

ago,” says Heather. “When it was almost 

ready, I thought ‘I hope I like everything.’ 

Hooper kind of did this HGTV reveal, and 

it all came together. Now that we’ve seen 

it come to life, it was worth it.” 

Thanks to Bell and his network, Heather 

says she doesn’t see a need to move again, 

proving that, for some families, the grass 

is truly a bit greener on the other side (or 

even just the lot next door). W 


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dining review 

in the kitchen libations restaurant guide 

A Salty Idea 

Local Oysters and Seafood 

with a Cajun-Creole Twist 

in Porters Neck 




Local oysters and seafood with a Cajun-Creole 

twist in Porters Neck 



910.319.7500 

tidewateroysterbar.com 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

AS THE OWNER OF 

Kornerstone Bistro since 

its 2007 opening, Robert 

Pickens is a familiar name in 

the Wilmington restaurant 

industry. He’d always considered opening 

a second eatery in Porters Neck, but a 

conversation over oysters gave shape to 

the idea. 

“A friend of mine had started an oyster 

farm and was telling me all about the 

oyster farming industry,” Pickens says. 

“He brought me some of his oysters, and I 

thought they were fantastic. I saw a great 

opportunity to highlight local oysters and 

provide another service to the community 

with fresh local seafood, and that’s kind of 

how Tidewater started.” 

Tidewater Oyster Bar opened in June 

2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 

pandemic. Pickens said he signed the lease 

a month before the pandemic began, so 

he didn’t foresee dealing with temporary 

capacity limits and a drop in restaurant 

patronage due to a leery public. 

“We went with it, and we had the same 

challenges as everybody else, but I think 

we’ve weathered the storm quite well,” he 

says. “We changed and adapted and did 

everything we could along the way.” 

Pickens, a Mississippi native, grew up in 

the South but traveled all over the world 

as a chef on yachts and wrote a cookbook 

about Caribbean food. He says his main 

goal is to give people what they love. 

“I’m well-versed in many different types 

of cuisine, but ultimately my job is to make 

people happy and provide them the best 

kind of food that works with their palate,” 

he says. 

Pickens arrived in Wilmington in 2005 

after seeking a more family-friendly 

Seafood Nachos 


Robert Pickens, 

Owner of Tidwater 

Oyster Bar and 

Kornerstone Bistro 

Fried Oyster Po’boy 

Oyster Shooter 

lifestyle with his wife and children. He said 

he was tired of missing important events 

and looked at North Carolina because 

he had relatives here and wanted to be 

closer to them while raising his kids. Prior 

to opening Kornerstone, he worked as 

executive chef at Eagle Point Golf Club, a 

position he held for 17 years until last year. 

Tidewater’s menu features North 

Carolina seafood with a nod to the Cajun 

and Creole influences of Louisiana, in 

contrast to the Mediterranean spin of 

Kornerstone just across the street. Oysters 

are the star of the show—with a traditional 

oyster bar with stool seating as the focal 

point of the restaurant—but there are 

plenty of dishes featuring other seafaring 

fare and even a few items for landlubbers. 

Customer favorites include Seafood Nachos, 

Raw Seafood Platter, House Gumbo, Cajun 

Pasta and an array of Po’ Boys, including 

fried catfish, shrimp, oysters and flounder. 

There’s also a New Orleans-style Beef 

Debris Po’ Boy featuring slow-braised 

shredded meat. Fried, Blackened and 

Steamed Platters are popular, and there 

are Steam Pots to Go in addition to the 

regular takeout menu. 

Tidewater, open daily for lunch and 

dinner, has rotating drink and food specials. 

A recent visit offered Mahi Ceviche, Mahi 

Tacos and Blackened Shrimp Bay Scallops, 

and featured oysters included Topsail 

Wilds, Carolina Golds, Summer Salts and 

Rappahannocks. 

A large mural on one wall of Tidewater 

declares North Carolina “the Napa Valley 

of oysters.” Pickens has decorated the other 

side of the dining room with black-andwhite 

photos he took at Falling Tide Oyster 

Co., the catalyst for it all. 

“The whole feel of the place is just a 

casual kind of feel-good Carolina feel,” 

Pickens says. “Go to the beach, come hang 

out, get some fresh seafood and just enjoy 

yourself. We’re not trying to be a Michelinstar 

restaurant by any means. We just 

want to provide good food to the community 

and highlight local ingredients.” 

Tidewater recently added a front patio 

that can accommodate parties of all sizes 

for outdoor dining, including larger groups 

that may not be able to sit together indoors. 

The menu has also added a few brunch 

items on weekends, such as shrimp and 

grits, a breakfast bowl and beignets. In 

addition, Pickens is developing a lineup of 

Cajun-oriented specialties that can serve 

as family meals to go. 

Don’t be surprised if you see more from 

Pickens in the future. He’s always thinking 

of ideas to improve Porters Neck, a part of 

Wilmington that is near and dear to him. 

“It’s just my community that I’ve been in 

for 18 years now,” Pickens says. “My kids 

have grown up here, and everything we do 

Cajun Pasta 

is in this little area. I think we’re in a good 

position to do something when the right 

opportunity comes.” 

So, what’s his secret to surviving the 

notoriously brutal local restaurant scene? 

“I wish I knew,” Pickens says with a 

laugh. “I don’t know if there’s a secret. 

Hard work. It’s a 24-hour job. It never 

ends. There’s something every day, so you 

just have to keep a good attitude, remain 

optimistic and keep going with the flow. It’s 

definitely not an easy industry.” W 


Throw a Local Luau 

Your foolproof guide to hosting a heavenly Hawaiian feast 

By FANNY SLATER » Photos by CARIN HALL 


IT WAS A PUZZLING TEXT 

exchange differentiating potato chips 

and flower necklaces—the Lay’s® 

vs. leis debate—which reminded me 

that not everyone is lucky enough to have 

a sibling who lives in Hawaii. In 2004, my 

big sister Sarah became enchanted by the 

island of Oahu (can you blame her?) and 

the tropical paradise has been her home 

ever since. With countless visits to her 

exotic abode under my belt, I knew my 

palate was perfectly qualified to recreate 

some of Hawaii’s most classic cuisine. 

The recipes in this issue pay tribute to 

exactly that—and who doesn’t love a lūʻau? 

Nothing screams early summertime in 

Wilmington like an outdoor bash—and 

we all know a wicked heatwave is on 

the horizon—so I gathered my favorite 

humans for a good old-fashioned Hawaiian 

fiesta. I encourage you to do the same. 

The following recipes are written for 

approximately 10 hungry guests, so adjust 

the math as needed for your custom crowd. 

As an homage to the famous shrimp 

trucks of the North Shore, I perfumed 

crispy prawns with garlic butter. To wash 

them down: frothy passionfruit painkillers 

over pebble ice—some spiked with boozy 

floaters and others stirred with zero-proof 

rum snagged from Mocksie (Wilmington’s 

local mocktail mecca). The leasing office 

at my apartment complex wasn’t too keen 

on me digging a traditional underground 

imu, so I turned to my Dutch oven for 

prepping fall-apart pork. I leaned on liquid 

smoke, Himalayan pink salt, and banana 

leaves for tender meat with an earthy 

flavor. Also on deck: chicken and pineapple 

kabobs bathed in coconut milk and lime 

marinade, an unpredictable twist on the 

predictable mac salad present at every 

Hawaiian party, and bouncy brown butter 

mochi infused with sweet Meyer lemon. 

Coconut bras sold separately. 

Passion Fruit Painkiller 

Yield: 10 drinks 

15 ounces dark rum (or sub non-alcoholic rum like Ritual) 

10 ounces passion fruit juice 

5 ounces fresh pineapple juice 

5 ounces fresh orange juice 

5 ounces lime juice 

1 15-ounce ounce can cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez) 

Freshly grated nutmeg, for garnish 

In a cocktail shaker with ice, combine the rum, passion fruit juice, 

pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice and coconut cream. If 

you’re using an NA rum, add 4 drops of orange bitters and splash 

of apple cider vinegar for a little more burn. Shake vigorously until 

chilled. Tuck a few tall pineapple leaves in a highball glass and 

then fill to the top with pebble ice. Strain the drink into the glass 

and then garnish with freshly grated nutmeg. 

North Shore Garlic Shrimp 

Serves 8-10 

1 cup all-purpose flour 

2 tablespoons paprika 

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 

2 teaspoons salt 

2 pounds shrimp (preferably large or extra-large), deveined but still in their shells 

2 sticks unsalted butter 

2 heads garlic, chopped (about 8 tablespoons) 

2 tablespoons olive oil 

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish 

Lemon wedges, for garnish 

White rice, for serving 

PHOTO FANNY SLATER 

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, cayenne and salt. Pat the shrimp 

dry, add them to the bowl and then toss to coat. Set aside. 

2. In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook, 

stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and toasted, about 3-5 minutes. Pour the 

garlic butter into a bowl and return the pan to the stove. 

3. Turn the heat to medium and add the oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, 

add the shrimp in a single layer and cook until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes per 

side (depending on their size). Pour the garlic butter back over the shrimp and cook, 

tossing to thoroughly coat them in the butter, for an additional 30 seconds. 

4. Pour the shrimp and sauce over a platter of white rice and garnish with parsley and 

lemon wedges. 


Fanny Slater 

PHOTO FANNY SLATER 

Coconut-Lime Chicken Skewers with Charred Red Onion & Pineapple 

Serves 8-10 

2 13.5-ounce cans unsweetened coconut milk 

6 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided 

4 tablespoons fish sauce 

Zest and juice of 4 limes, plus lime wedges for garnish 

1/4 cup Asian hot sauce (such as chili garlic sauce or 

sriracha) 

2 tablespoons minced fresh garlic 

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger 

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish 

1/4 cup dark brown sugar 

1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 

4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch 

cubes 

Bamboo skewers 

2 medium red onions, cut into 1-inch cubes 

4 cups chopped fresh pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes 

1. In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, 4 tablespoons of the oil, 

fish sauce, lime zest and juice, hot sauce, garlic, ginger, cilantro, 

brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Set aside and 

refrigerate about 2 cups of the marinade and add the rest to a large 

bowl or resealable zip-top bag. 

2. Add the chicken to the bowl or bag and marinate in the fridge for up 

to 4 hours. While the chicken is marinating, soak the skewers. 

3. Preheat a grill to medium and spray the grates with non-stick 

cooking spray. Toss the onions and pineapple with the remaining 2 

tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. 

4. Evenly thread the chicken, onions, and pineapple onto the skewers. 

Grill, rotating occasionally and brushing with the remaining 

marinade until the red onions and pineapple are lightly charred and 

the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 170°F, about 

10-15 minutes. 

5. Transfer the skewers to a platter and garnish with lime wedges and 

cilantro sprigs. 


Kalua Pork Sliders 

with Lemongrass Slaw 

Approximately 30 sliders (2-3 per person) 

4-5 pound boneless skinless pork shoulder 

1 tablespoon pink Himalayan sea salt 

1 teaspoon garlic powder 

1 teaspoon onion powder 

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar 

2 tablespoons vegetable oil 

1 package banana leaves, thawed if frozen and rinsed 

2 cups stock, dark beer, or water 

2 tablespoons liquid smoke 

1 1/4 cups Lemongrass Aioli 

1/4 cup pineapple juice, plus more to taste 

8 cups shredded red cabbage (about 1 small head) 

8 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1 small head) 

30 Hawaiian sweet rolls (slider size), sliced and lightly 

toasted 

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F. 

2. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and then season 

with the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and brown 

sugar, pressing to make sure the spices adhere. 

3. Add the oil to a large, heavy-bottomed oven-safe 

pot like a Dutch oven over medium heat. Once 

the oil begins to shimmer, add the pork and sear 

until browned all over, about 2-3 minutes per side. 

Transfer the pork to a plate then deglaze the pot 

with the stock and liquid smoke, scraping the bottom 

to pull up any brown bits. Remove the pot from heat. 

4. Lay out several pieces of the banana leaf (enough to 

wrap the pork) and place the pork fat side up in the 

center. Fold the corners of the leaves over and around 

the pork to encase it. Carefully transfer the banana 

leaf-wrapped pork seam-side down in the pot with 

the liquid. 

5. Roast until the pork is fall-apart tender and reaches 

an internal temperature of 190-195°F, about 3-4 

hours. Rest the pork for 1 hour in the banana leaf 

and then transfer to a cutting board and discard the 

leaves. 

6. While the pork is roasting, make the slaw. Add the 

lemongrass aioli to a large mixing bowl and whisk in 

the pineapple juice, adding more to taste if you’d like 

it sweeter. Add the red and green shredded cabbage, 

toss to combine, and season to taste with additional 

salt. Refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the 

sliders. 

7. Shred the pork, transfer to a mixing bowl, and toss 

with a few tablespoons of the cooking liquid from the 

pot. Season to taste with additional salt. 

8. Assemble the sliders by heaping even portions of the 

pulled pork onto the bottom buns and then topping 

with a generous portion of the slaw and the top buns. 


Creamy Lemongrass 

Mac Salad 

Serves 8-10 

LEMONGRASS AIOLI 

Yield: approximately 2 1/2 cups 

4 large egg yolks 

1/4 cup grated lemongrass 

1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 

2 teaspoons minced garlic 

Juice of 2 limes 

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon coarse salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

2 cups neutral oil (such as avocado) 

First, make the lemongrass aioli. In 

a food processor, add the egg yolks, 

lemongrass, ginger, garlic, lime juice, 

honey, salt and pepper. With the motor 

running, slowly drizzle in the oil until the 

aioli is smooth and combined. Season to 

taste with additional salt. Reserve half 

of the aioli for the slaw and transfer the 

remaining portion to a large mixing bowl 

for this recipe. 

MAC SALAD 

1 pound elbow macaroni 

Lemongrass aioli (about 1 1/4 cups) 

1/4 cup sour cream 

1 small bunch green onions, chopped 

1/2 cup diced celery (about 2 ribs) 

1/2 cup grated carrots (about 1 carrot) 

1 teaspoon coarse salt 

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 

Cook the macaroni according to package 

instructions. Drain the noodles and then 

transfer to the bowl with the lemongrass 

aioli. Add the sour cream, green onions, 

celery, carrots, salt, and pepper and 

toss to combine. Season to taste with 

additional salt and pepper. Cover, 

refrigerate and chill for at least 2 hours. 

Just before serving, stir in 

the cilantro. 


Meyer Lemon-Brown Butter Mochi 

1 stick unsalted butter 

Zest of 2 Meyer lemons 

1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice 

1 pound mochiko flour (also known as sweet 

or glutinous rice flour) 

2 cups granulated sugar 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt 

2 cups whole milk 

4 large eggs 

2 teaspoons vanilla extract 

1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk 

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 

Flaky sea salt 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick 

cooking spray. 

2. In a small saucepot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Whisking 

occasionally, toast the butter until it becomes a golden-tan color. Continue 

to cook until golden brown, about 10 more seconds, and then immediately 

transfer to a heatproof bowl and whisk in the lemon zest and juice. Set aside. 

3. In a large mixing bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt and mix 

to combine. 

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs and vanilla. 

5. Using a wooden spoon, slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet and 

stir until well combined. Whisk in the lemon brown butter and coconut milk. 

The batter should be liquidy and smooth. 

6. Pour into the prepared baking dish and tap the pan to bring any air bubbles 

to the surface. Sprinkle with the shredded coconut and a pinch of the flaky 

salt and bake until the mochi is set and the coconut is golden brown, about 1 

hour. If the coconut starts getting too brown before the mochi is done, cover 

the pan with foil. 

7. Allow the mochi to rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour and then slice 

into rectangles. W 


libations 

What to Pour 

with Lamb 

LAMB IS SUCH A HARBINGER 

of springtime to me. As a child, 

I loved the bright green mint 

jelly that accompanied a roast 

leg of lamb at my grandmother’s table. As 

an adult, I’ve experimented with lamb’s 

versatility in stews and curries, but when 

spring arrives, I crave a simply seasoned 

roast with a touch of freshly snipped 

rosemary and a table filled with family. 

These days our tastes have drifted to a 

tender medium-rare. Such lamb, delicate 

yet often a bit gamey, calls out for a 

medium-bodied red wine with character, 

perhaps a Cru Beaujolais, Syrah, Malbec 

or Carménère. 

A Cru Beaujolais makes a lovely pairing 

with lamb. Each has rich flavor and 

complex aromas, and the dark berry fruit 

complements lamb’s distinctive flavor. 

Beaujolais is crafted from Gamay Noir 

grapes often fermented whole in a process 

called carbonic maceration where the 

grapes are not crushed but instead burst 

under the pressure caused by fermentation. 

This process creates distinctive aromas 

of tropical fruit that are characteristic of 

the wine. Cru Beaujolais is rich, tannic 

and capable of aging two to 10 years, and 

should not be confused with the light, 

By ANN MARIE THORNTON 

fruity Nouveau Beaujolais, the wine 

released shortly after harvest on the 

third Thursday of November, which ought 

to be enjoyed within a year or so. Cru 

Beaujolais comes from 10 villages in the 

region with Morgon being among the most 

highly regarded. 

The signature Côtes du Rhône blend 

of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre is 

another classic pairing with lamb with a 

bit more body and acidity than Beaujolais. 

On occasion, we’ve reached for an elegant 

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but even an entrylevel 

Côtes du Rhône AOC such as a prolific 

Guigal offers delightful notes of cherry, 

blackcurrant and plum with plenty of spice 

and black pepper and herbaceous quality. 

The Southern Rhône has scrubby hillsides 

with wild sage, rosemary, lavender and 

other herbes de Provence. These enticing 

herbaceous notes are often present in the 

bouquet of local wines and seem to be an 

inherent part of the Mediterranean terroir. 

When lamb is seasoned with rosemary or 

other savory herbs, a GSM from the Rhone 

or neighboring Languedoc-Roussillon 

provides a perfect accent. 

In Northern Rhone and Australia, Syrah 

is often bottled as a single varietal rather 

than as a GSM blend. Rich and bold, 

Syrah has meaty aromas that are more 

apparent bottled on its own and call out 

for a roast with crisp, caramelized edges. 

A Shiraz from Australia is typically inky 

purple with blackberry, blueberry, and 

pepper. Farmer’s Leap from Padthaway in 

South Australia offers a great backbone of 

peppery spice and luscious dark fruit with 

hearty meaty notes and is quite savory 

with lamb. 

A spicy, aromatic Malbec from Mendoza, 

Argentina, with black fruit and sour cherry 

complements lamb beautifully. Its medium 

acidity and medium tannins balance the 

equally moderate fattiness of the lamb. 

Pour a glass, and then tilt it to study the 

color and admire the magenta rim around 

the opaque purple center. That dark color 

pattern and lush black fruit flavor are 

classic Malbec. We tried a 2014 El Salvaje 

from the Uco Valley with wonderful dark 

fruit, balance and chalky tannins that was 

both elegant and satisfying with lamb. 

A Chilean Carménère is another 

excellent pairing. In addition to a nose of 

blackberry and plum, Carménère often has 

those classic pyrazine notes of green bell 

pepper that one typically associates with 

Bordeaux. Indeed, this dark-skinned grape 

variety hails from Bordeaux, where it was 

wiped out during the phylloxera epidemic 

but continued thriving in Chile, where it 

was recognized in the 1990s. These bell 

pepper, and sometimes minty, herbaceous 

notes bring out the earthiness of the lamb, 

much I suppose as Grandma’s mint jelly 

provided that sweet and savory element 

that delighted my palate so many years ago. 

Carménère also often has a note of cocoa 

powder. A rich, velvety 2015 Echeverria 

Gran Reserva Carménère from the Curico 

Valley accentuates tender, medium-rare 

lamb with deep berry fruit and rounded 

tannin, and if there’s chocolate for dessert, 

save a half glass to savor those together. 

All these medium-bodied reds offer both 

red and black fruit, raspberry and cherry 

swirling with blackberry and plum, as well 

as earthy, herbaceous tones to complement 

roast lamb. With elegance and subtlety, 

they round out a savory meal and add flair 

to a celebration. Cheers! W 


Relax & Enjoy the Flavor 

of Havana’s Restaurant 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Sunday Brunch! 

LUNCH 

DINNER 

SUNDAY BRUNCH 

Serving fresh seafood, 

scratch-made pastas and 

hand-cut steaks with indoor 

and outdoor dining options. 

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


Oysters and seafood at 


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 steakhouse and 

wine bar with an outdoor patio and 

live music. An American menu, from 

burgers to prime rib. 

Blue Surf Café 250 Racine Dr., 

523-5362. Serving breakfast, lunch and 

dinner while striving to use as many 

locally sourced ingredients as possible, 

plus a dog-friendly patio. 

Bluewater Grill 4 Marina St., 

256-8500. Offers panoramic views of 

the Intracoastal Waterway. Dinner 

options include fresh seafood, baby back 

ribs, char-grilled steaks and homemade 

desserts. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Butts-n-Such 802 Lake Park Blvd. 

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

you can enjoy inside, and a window that 

makes it easy to pick up their menu of 

house-made barbecue, fried shrimp, 

burgers and more. 

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

Sandwiches that ooze with distinction 

depending on what cheesy combo is 

featured. Don’t miss one of their French 

fry specialties either. 

Copper Penny 109 Chestnut St., 

762-1373. More than a sports bar, 

offering an eclectic mix of appetizers, 

salads and sandwiches along with an 

array of mixed drinks and beers. Lunch 

and dinner daily. 

Dixie Grill 116 Market St., 762-7280. 

A casual dinette known for great 

breakfasts and brunch in the heart of 

downtown Wilmington. Breakfast and 

lunch daily. 

Famous Toastery 6722 Wrightsville 

Ave, 256-7030. Breakfast and lunch 

served all day. Try one of their 

Benedicts! 

Front Street Brewery 9 N. Front St., 

251-1935. Offering great food and micro 

brews including gourmet sandwiches, 

burgers and entrees like their famous 

Scottish Ale Brew-B-Q Ribs. Lunch and 

dinner daily. 

Henry’s 2508 Independence Blvd., 

793-2929. Locally sourced classic 

American fare in an inviting and casual 


THIS IS HOW 

GRADUATION 

IS DONE. 

GRADUATES 

ENJOY A 

COMPLIMENTARY 

FILET* 

*Valid 4/16/23-6/25/23 at participating locations only (Atlantic City, Annapolis, 

Baltimore , Odenton, Pikesville, Cary, Durham, Wilmington). Purchase of three or 

more addtional entrées required. Graduate’s entrée does not count towards the 

three entrée requirement. Excludes Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Limit one 

graduate per table. Dining room only. Proof of 2023 graduation required. Mention 

offer at time of reservation or via RuthsChris.com notating “Graduation Offer” in 

the special requests field. Can not be combined with any other offers. 


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 

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 


environment with outdoor dining 

available. Lunch and dinner daily. 

Hops Supply Co. 5400 Oleander Dr., 

833-8867. From brunch to shareables to 

burgers and sandwiches, Hops features 

comfort fare with all the sips to wash it 

down with. 

Midtown Deli & Grill 2316 S 17th 

St. #100, 791-4630. Quick service fresh 

sandwiches, salads and wraps. Midtown 

Wilmington's Boar's Head Based fresh 

deli. 

Molly Pitcher's American Grill 4001 

Wrightsville Ave, 769-1070. From 

bacon-wrapped meatloaf to a fried 

green tomato BLT sandwich, Molly 

Pitcher’s serves classic American food 

with a twist. 

Pink Baking Co. 4545 Fountain Dr, 

Wilmington, NC 28403, 343-4727. 

Breakfast, lunch and dessert. 

Platypus & Gnome 9 S Front St, 

769-9300. Bi-level restaurant featuring 

homey-chic digs lined with art & an 

imaginative New American menu with 

something for everyone. 

PT's Olde Fashioned Grille 4544 

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

1437 Military Cutoff Rd. Local chain 

dishing up burgers, sandwiches and 

fresh-cut fries in a laid-back setting. 

Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits 7220 

Wrightsville Ave., 256-8847. Fine 

dining in a casual bistro atmosphere 

with an ever-changing, creative menu. 

Jester’s Café 607 Castle St., 763-6555. 

Breakfast, lunch and Sat/Sun brunch 

in a casual, fun downtown location. 

Quiches, salads, soups, sandwiches and 

more. 

Oceanic 703 S. Lumina Ave., 

256-5551. Situated on the beach 

overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy 

fresh seafood, exciting land lover’s 

dishes and breathtaking views. Outdoor 

seating is available. 

Rooster & The Crow 225 S Water 

St. in Chandler’s Wharf, 399-4780. 

Easygoing restaurant, serving hearty 

Southern staples in an industrial brick 

building. 

RuckerJohns 5564 Carolina Beach 

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

up in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. 

Burgers, steak, chicken and salads. 

Lunch and dinner daily. 

Salt Works (The Original) 6301 

Oleander Dr., 350-0018. Comfort food 

cooked to order. Breakfast and lunch. 

Savor Southern Kitchen 3704 

Carolina Beach Rd, 769-8112. Serving 

up a taste of Southern hospitality, with 

fan-favorites like chicken and waffles, 

omelets, benedicts, burgers, fried 

chicken and more. Breakfast and lunch. 

Solstice Oceanfront Kitchen + 

Cocktails 1706 N Lumina Ave., 344- 

6802. Located inside the Holiday Inn 

Resort, serving crab cakes to beef and 

vegan burgers to shrimp and grits, with 

craft cocktails to tempt the palate, too. 

Sweet & Savory Café 1611 Pavilion 

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

lunch and dinner restaurant with 

dishes made from scratch. 

Tavern on 17th 1611 Dusty Miller 

Ln. #305, 765-1157. This neighborhood 

restaurant and bar has a little 

something for everyone. Enjoy their 

wide-open air patio, complete with an 

outdoor fire pit and heaters. 

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

Traditional Southern fare with a twist, 

including fried green tomatoes, smoked 

pork BBQ, grilled pimento cheese and a 

fried chicken BLT. Breakfast, lunch and 

dinner daily, as well as Sunday brunch. 

The Pilot House 2 Ann St., 343-0200 

Overlooking the Cape Fear River with 

a large outside deck, this longtime 

favorite serves traditional Southern 

fare with a contemporary twist. 

True Blue Butcher and Barrel 1125 

Military Cutoff Rd., 679-4473 and 110 

Greenfield St. Suite 114, 769-7010. 

From hearty dinner salads to an array 

of snacks, shareables and entrees, 

dine on the open patio as you pick up 

tomorrow’s meal in their butcher shop. 

White Front Breakfast House 1518 

Market St., 762-5672. Historic 

downtown diner—a local favorite. 

Biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, 

smoked sausage and eggs any way you 

like. 

ASIAN 

Bento Box Sushi 1121 Military Cutoff 

Rd., 509-0774. Asian street food with 

a combination of Japanese, Korean,

Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Sushi bar. 

Big Thai 1319 Military Cutoff Rd., 

256-6588. Famous for authentic Thai 

cuisine. Don’t miss the coconut cake as a 

sweet and savory finale. 

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

An Asian bistro offering a wide range of 

authentic Chinese, Japanese and Thai 

cuisines, using the freshest seafood, meats 

and vegetables. 

Café Chinois 3710 College Rd. #123, 

769-3193. One of Wilmington's favorite 

Asian-Fusion restaurants, featuring Thai 

food and dishes from Vietnam, Korea and 

China, served in a stylish setting. 

Double Happiness 4403 Wrightsville 

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

Chinese dishes, including a dim sum 

menu, served amid traditional décor with 

a formal touch. 

Indochine 7 Wayne Dr., 251-9229. Enjoy 

the finest Thai-Vietnamese cuisine in a 

beautifully decorated environment. Voted 

best Asian restaurant 10 years in a row. 

Szechuan 132 419 S. College Rd., 

799-1426. For over 30 years, the 

longstanding restaurant has been serving 

fine contemporary Chinese dining in a 

relaxed atmosphere. 

Tokyo 101 880 Town Center Dr., 399- 

3101. Traditional Japanese with fresh 

sushi, diverse noodle dishes, combination 

plates, and appetizers. 

Umaii Thai Restaurant 8209 Market 

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

with traditional Thai entrees, seasonal 

specials, fresh sushi, diverse noodle dishes, 

combination plates and appetizers. Sushi 

bar and outdoor dining. 

Yosake Downtown Sushi Lounge 33 S. 

Front St., 763-3172. Lacquered walls and 

unique art surround guests as they dine 

on sushi and Pan/Asian fare. 

Authentic Italian Fine Dining 

in Historic Downtown Wilmington 

910.763.3806 

102 South Second St., Wilmington 

tarantellis.com 

A delightful addition 

to your favorite 

cocktails, a cup of 

coffee or just over 

ice. Have a blast! 

Thank you for voting us 

BEST ITALIAN 

RESTAUR ANT 

6 years in a row! 

CAJUN 

Bourbon Street 35 N. Front St., 

762-4050. Experience authentic Cajun 

cuisine in a uniquely decorated setting 

that has the appeal of being in New 

Orleans. Try the famous charbroiled 

oysters. 

FINE DINING 

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

ever-changing seasonal menu with locally 


sourced seafood and produce and housemade 

pasta. Craft cocktails and an 

extensive wine list. 

East Oceanfront Dining 275 Waynick 

Blvd., 344-2513. Award-winning cuisine 

accompanied by the sounds of breaking 

surf and a soothing coastal breeze. 

Enjoy fresh local seafood or grass-fed 

beef while you dine under a canopied, 

oceanfront deck or inside. 

Manna 123 Princess St., 763-5252. 

Serving New American cuisine with 

European flare, with an emphasis on 

the freshest ingredients from local 

farmers. 

Origins 102 Autumn Hall Dr. #120, 

769-0041. Featuring an uptown menu 

and atmosphere including a raw bar, 

local seafood, pasta and beef classics 

from steak frites to a bone-in ribeye. 

Patio seating available. 

Port Land Grille 1908 Eastwood 

Rd., 256-6056. Progressive American 

regional cuisine served in a casual yet 

elegant coastal setting. 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse 244 N 

Water St., 343-1818. The upmarket 

steakhouse is located in River Place 

steps away from Thalian Hall and the 

Riverwalk, offering river views and 

outdoor seating. 

FRENCH 

Brasserie Du Soleil 1908 Eastwood 

Rd., 256-2226. French café with both 

patio and inside dining. Pick your own 

salad ingredients from a wide selection 

of items. 

Caprice Bistro 10 Market St., 815- 

0810. Authentic French bistro. Elegant 

dining downstairs with sofa bar 

upstairs and a great martini selection. 

Our Crepes & More 3810 Oleander 

Dr., 395-0077. Family-owned French 

creperie. Authentic homemade cuisine. 

The Little Dipper 138 S. Front St., 

251-0433. Unique, fun fondue menu 

includes premium meats, seafood, 

vegetables, appetizers, desserts and 

homemade dipping sauces. 

GERMAN 

The German Café 316 Nutt St. (at the 

Cotton Exchange), 763-5523. Familyowned, 

incorporating many recipes 

from their native Germany. Wursts, 

schnitzels, sauerbraten and more. 

ITALIAN 

Artisano Pizza & Gelato Grand 

View, 7205 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 100, 

239-9495. From Turin in keeping with 

the Venesia family recipe, enjoy their 

16” ultra-thin pizzas with a crust so 

light and delicate it’s perfect for one 

person to enjoy. Miniature car seating 

for kids makes this a great family spot. 

Fat Tony’s Italian Pub 131 N. Front 

St., 343-8881. Great family-friendly 

restaurant. Offers fantastic views of the 

Cape Fear River. A mix of Italian and 

American fare and a full bar, including 

25 beers on tap. 

Floriana 2 Market St., 504-0160. 

Floriana’s fluently Italian cuisine 

features handmade pastas, decadent 

cheeses and authentic dishes. Enjoy 

dining on a private balcony overlooking 

the Riverwalk. 

Freddie’s Restaurant 105 K Ave, 458- 

5979. Quaint, red-checkered tablecloth 

Italian bar and grill with American 

chop and steak dishes. 

Italian Bistro 8211 Market St., 686- 

7774. A local favorite in the Porter's 

Neck / Ogden area, offering a variety of 

homemade dishes and pizza. 

Jay's Incredible Pizza 3600 College 

Rd A, 791-7080. Versatile pizza styles 

including deep-dish Chicago made by a 

seasoned “pie” chef. 

Kornerstone Bistro 8262 Market St., 

686-2296. Traditional Mediterranean 

fare and wood-fired pizzas. 

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

An Italian eatery with daily homemade 

pasta, sausage, baked breads and more. 

Osteria Cicchetti 1125 Military 

Cutoff Rd., 256-7476. Serving a variety 

of pasta dishes, pizza, salads and 

antipasti. 

Pizzeria Il Forno 1474 Barclay Pointe 

Blvd., Suite 201, 765.1226. Classic 

Neapolitan pizza in a wood-fired oven 

and pasta dishes served in an inviting 

atmosphere. 

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria 1144 E. Cutler 

Crossing (Leland), 371-6001. 

Hottest spot for pizza by the slice, 


offering dozens of pizza choices with a 

New York flair. 

Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine 

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

family-owned Italian restaurant serving 

exquisite authentic dishes. 

Roko Italian Cuisine 6801-105 Parker 

Farm Dr., 679-4783. Features authentic 

northern Italian cuisine. Reservations are 

often necessary at this intimate spot in 

Mayfaire. 

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

763-3806. Charming old-world atmosphere 

serving dishes passed down from the 

Tarantelli family for three generations 

with a large selection of Italian wines. 

MEDITERRANEAN 

Kipos Hellenic Cuisine Lumina 

Station, 1900 Eastwood Rd, 492-2893. 

An extension of Giorgios Bakatsias' wildly 

popular Kipos brand, enjoy an authentic 

Greek menu – including Greek wines, as 

well as a convivial, bright white and airy 

Mediterranean setting. 

Olympia Restaurant 5629 Oleander 

Dr #116, 796-9636. Known for using 

a wide variety of fresh vegetables and 

seafood with a Mediterranean flair in a 

comfortable atmosphere. 

MEXICAN 

Nollie’s Taco Joint 3 Pelican Ln, 

707-0455. Casual Mexian eatery serving 

tacos, nachos and beer in a funky space 

with skateboards on the wall. 

Taco Baby 125 Grace St, 399-5629. 

Funky, hip spot downtown, serving an 

array of unique tacos, appetizers and 

delicious margaritas. 

Tequila Comida & Cantina 5607 

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

unique Mexican experience, serving new 

and authentic dishes alongside a Tex-Mex 

section. 

Zocalo Street Food 1474 Barclay Pointe 

Blvd., 833-5142. Modern Mexican food in 

a stylish, airy space with outdoor seating. 

ORGANIC 

Epic Food Co. 1113 Military Cutoff Rd., 

679-4216. Sandwiches, salads, noodle 

and rice bowls, and other organic and allnatural 

selections. 

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 

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 


Lovey’s Market & Café 1319 Military 

Cutoff Rd., 509-0331. A health food store 

and café with fresh, delicious, healthy 

organic food and baked goods. 

Tidal Creek Co-op 5329 Oleander Dr., 

799-2667. An organic grocery store with 

an inside café offering organic and veganfriendly 

options for casual dine-in or 

take-out. 

SEAFOOD 

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

9990. Mediterranean-style eatery in a 

quaint downtown location. Lamb chops, 

seafood and vegetarian options. 

Bridge Tender 1414 Airlie Rd., 256- 

4519. Fresh seafood and certified Angus 

beef steaks. Dine on the outdoor patio 

overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Cape Fear Seafood Company 5226 S. 

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

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

Regional American cuisine featuring 

seafood, hand-cut fish, steaks and chicken 

served in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Catch 6623 Market St., 799-3847. Wildcaught 

and sustainably raised seafood, 

with a modern approach to coastal cuisine 

with an acclaimed wine list. 

Ceviche’s 7210 Wrightsville Ave, 

256-3131. A Panamanian cafe offering 

Latin-inspired fare and tropical drinks in 

a relaxed, vibrant setting. 

Dockside 1308 Airlie Rd., 256-2752. 

Casual marina spot with an eclectic, 

seafood-heavy menu and full bar. Boat 

docking available. 

Elijah’s 2 Ann St., 343-1448. Casual 

American grill and oyster bar overlooking 

the Cape Fear River. Seafood, steaks, 

chicken and salads. 

Fish House Grill 1410 Airlie Rd., 

256-3693. A landmark seafood restaurant 

for decades, enjoy waterfront casual dining 

overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Hieronymus 5035 Market St., 

392-6313. Come enjoy locally sourced 

seafood and fresh vegetables in a casual 

atmosphere - a local favorite for more than 

30 years. 

Savorez 402 Chestnut St. #4026, 

833-8894. Come enjoy a unique dining 

experience drawing from traditional Latin 

American inspired cuisine. Fresh seafood, 

chicken and grilled pork, tacos, salsas and 

dessert. 

Seabird 1 S Front St., 769-5996. Seafood 

restaurant serving oysters, fish, a yummy 

breakfast and cocktails amid a retro, 

white-tiled interior. 

Seaview Crab Company Kitchen 1515 

Marstellar St, 769-1554. Fresh seafood 

over salads in tacos and in made-to-order 

po’boys, plus prepared foods to go. 

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar 127 N. Front 

St., 833-8622; 6A N. Lake Park Blvd., 458- 

7380. Come watch your favorite sports 

team while enjoying oysters, shrimp, crab 

cakes, po’ boys and fresh salads. Casual, 

family-friendly atmosphere. 

The George 128 S. Water St., 763- 

2052. Waterfront dining with a diverse 

selection of steak, pasta, salad and fresh 

seafood. Dock your boat at the only 

dock ‘n dine restaurant downtown. 

TAPAS 

Mariposa Tapas Bar 1502 S 3rd St, 

769-0763. Authentic Spanish tapas in 

an intimate atmosphere featuring an 

international wine list. 

The Fortunate Glass 29 S. Front St., 

399-4292. A wine bar at heart, the focus is 

on wines from all regions, with 50 wines 

by the glass and 30+ craft beers. Serving 

a small menu of fine cheeses, Italian cured 

meats, and decadent desserts. 

VEGAN 

The Green House 1427 Military Cutoff 

Rd., 679-4994. A vegan fine dining 

experience serving intentionally sourced 

fare. 

Panacea Brewing Co. 4107 Oleander 

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

plant-based Southern fare, plus kombucha, 

local beers and Sunday brunch. 

Sealevel City Vegan Diner 1015 S Kerr 

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

restaurant offering a global menu with 

lots of vegetarian/vegan options. 


Musically 

Inclined 

The perfect weekend 

in Nashville 

By KATIE MCELVEEN 

BEFORE I VISITED 

Nashville’s Country Music 

Hall of Fame and Museum, 

I imagined some sort of 

rhinestone-paved Yellow 

Brick Road studded with life-sized figures 

of Johnny Cash, Taylor Swift and other 

country music legends, all clad in authentic 

stage costumes. There would, of course, be 

music blaring in the background. 

That assumption ended the moment I 

stepped into the guitar-shaped building, 

where I discovered a multi-sensory 

experience that utilized photos, videos, 

artifacts and even wonderfully huge wallmounted 

diagrams to trace the origin of 

country music from its 18th-century roots 

(really!) to the present. 

I had no idea, for instance, that it 

Country Music Hall of Fame 

was Hollywood that added the Western 

component to country music or that crosspollination 

between country and rock 

artists started in the late 1950s, not the 

1970s as I’d thought. I left the museum with 

tremendous appreciation and admiration 

for the talent and innovation of country 

music’s artists and songwriters. Oh, and I 

was humming, too. 

The Country Music Hall of Fame and 

Museum isn’t Nashville’s only museum 

devoted to music. There’s also the 

Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, which 

pays tribute to the musicians who played 

on famous recordings; RCA Studio B and 

museums devoted to Johnny Cash, Glen 

Campbell, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline and 

George Strait. The newest entry is the 

National Museum of African American 

Music, which opened in 2021 and looks 

deeply into the 400-year evolution of Black 

music in America. 


(clockwise from above) Chauhan Ale & Masala 

House; Joyland Restaurant; The Gallery of 

Iconic Guitars: The GIG at Belmont; The Grand 

Ole Opry 

We started in the Roots Theater, where 

a film sets the stage for the experience, 

linking Black music to the arc of history. 

From there, galleries use photos, videos and 

artifacts to take a deep dive into various 

genres of Black music like gospel, rap and 

soul. A sense of history comes courtesy of 

innovative listening stations, which offer 

an auditory journey through the musical 

sphere of hundreds of Black artists. 

But while music might be the banner 

that identifies Nashville, it has also shaped 

the city, drawing thousands of creative 

types—beyond musicians—who have 

opened restaurants, galleries and shops in 

neighborhoods all over the metro area. 

For visitors like me, that influx of 

creativity means there’s a huge variety of 

cool, off-beat and interesting things to eat, 

drink and do in Nashville. There’s a slew 

of new hotels, too, including a 235-room 

Four Seasons, where programs like private 

songwriter sessions and VIP access to the 

Gibson Guitar Garage translate the brand’s 

signature elegance through a musical lens. 

ONE Hotel might be the site of Nashville’s 

hottest rooftop bar, but the welcoming 

guest rooms are as hushed as they are 

comfortable. Even better, the luxury 

property is focused on sustainability, both 

in design and operations. For guests, that 

means rooms filled with live plants, inroom 

water dispensers and organic body 

products from the British brand Bamford 

that smell like a summer garden. 

Where to Shop & Eat 

Legendary record and bookshop Grimey’s 

also serves as a small-scale music venue, 

hosting local groups who play on a small 

stage in the back. Up the road but a world 

away, it was hard not to get lost in the 

gorgeous artwork at the elegant LeQuire 

Gallery, where a shy shop goat clicketyclacks 

around the gallery doing her best 

impression of a shop dog. 

I wish I’d had more time to shop at 

ABLE, which got its start selling scarves 

made by women coming out of the sex trade 

in Ethiopia. As the company grew, it began 

to offer sustainable jobs to more and more 

women, who, today, design and create 

jewelry, handbags, clothing and shoes in 

Ethiopia, Brazil, Mexico, China, Portugal 

and Nashville. 

I ate well in Nashville, too, starting at 

Chauhan Ale & Masala House, where 

chef Maneet Chauhan’s mashup of Indian 

and Southern cuisines—like nachos made 

from spicy keema and crispy Indian 

papadi instead of tortilla chips and fritterlike 

Nashville hot cauliflower pakora— 

was a delicious departure from what I 

thought would be a weekend of Southern 

fare. Dinner at the Nashville location of 

Butcher & Bee was another explosion of 

flavors, some familiar, others not, but all 

delicious. As innovative dishes like a citrus 

salad with creamy labneh and pepper jelly 

vinaigrette, whipped feta with fermented 

honey and an amazing pastrami-spiced tritip 

roast appeared on the table, I was glad 

we were eating family style. 

I spent one entire day eating food 


(clockwise from above) ABLE; Harriet's Hotel 

Dining Room; Grimey's New and Pre-Loved 

Music; Butcher & Bee 

prepared by Chef Sean Brock, who got his 

start cooking in Nashville, became a legend 

in Charleston with the restaurant Husk 

and, in 2014, returned to Nashville. 

My first two meals were combined into 

a brunch of champions at Brock’s kidfriendly 

Joyland that included an egg, 

bacon and cheddar sandwich on a meltingly 

soft biscuit, a malted milkshake, part of a 

cheeseburger and too many fries to count. 

Dinner was at Audrey, which Brock opened 

in 2021 as an ode to his grandmother, 

who taught him both to taste and to cook. 

Her legacy lives on at the restaurant, 

which serves perfect iterations of classic 

Appalachian dishes, but with dashes of 

brilliance that transform each dish from 

simple to sublime. Truffles, it turns out, 

give chicken and dumplings a shot of umami 

that makes a great dish better; horseradish 

sabayon bathes oysters in silky warmth 

that still allows their sweetness to shine 

through. Desserts were deceivingly simple, 

like my butternut squash, which had been 

roasted in maple syrup until it couldn’t 

hold another drop. It arrived warm, atop 

a pool of homemade butterscotch pudding, 

alongside a melting scoop of butter pecan 

ice cream. Instead of putting the dish 

over the edge, the accompanying drift of 

whipped cream served, oddly and happily, 

as a palate cleanser. 

Like many creative types who have 

made Nashville their home, Chef Brock 

found himself drawn back to the city by its 

energy and spirit. “There’s a lot of creative 

momentum in Nashville right now,” he 

says. “For people with big dreams, it’s the 

place to be.” W 


the last reflection 

Storytelling Through Architecture 

WE CONCLUDE THIS ISSUE AS IT BEGAN, PUBLISHED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE 

Design NC event in early May at the Cameron Art Museum. After getting to know each of the three keynote 

speakers, featured in preceding pages and the final reflection, our hope is to extend their reach beyond the event 

and beyond these pages. Because our homes—including their beauty and design—play a critical role in our overall 

wellbeing. And to design is to be inspired. 

With that, acclaimed Architect James Carter reflects on 30+ years of classical design experience below: 

Recently, my office and I had the interesting pleasure of 

revisiting some of my earliest work to update a home for its 

original owners and to rework designs for new owners. I can’t 

help but look back with a combination of amusement, some 

consternation and sweet nostalgia for what always seems to have 

been a simpler time. 

As I get older and near the end of my design practice, I think it’s 

only natural to review the arc of one’s design taste through the years. 

Although I can see that my work has evolved and developed with 

the improvement and depth that comes with age and experience, 

I am essentially trying to fashion the same houses that I started 

out creating almost 30 years ago. I still see myself essentially as a 

storyteller, crafting a home that serves as a backdrop for a client’s 

life and lifestyle rather than the creator of some “work of art” that 

requires them to adapt to fit a specific mold. 

By concentrating exclusively on residential design and only 

working in pencil on paper, I think our work addresses both the 

broad needs of a design and includes the nuances and refinements 

that connect our clients to their architectural vision. 

I am a great follower of classical design because of its vocabulary 

for ideal scale and proportion. It allows layers of design and detail 

that always reference back to the human experience. 

The term “new old house” 

has frequently been applied 

to my work and I can think 

of no higher compliment. I 

particularly enjoy it when 

people can’t tell what’s new 

and what’s old. Houses 

that have old souls connote 

tradition, charm and 

history and I particularly 

enjoy imbuing these 

timeless ideals in my new 

work. The basic concepts 

I still adhere to are rather 

straightforward: classical 

principles, sensitive scale 

and carefully edited details. 

jamesfcarter.com 

W 

PHOTOS LAUREY GLENN 


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Ask about our SPECIAL PROMOTIONS this month! 

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Wilmington Magazine May-June 2023

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