Wilmington Magazine March/April 2023

MARCH / APRIL 2023 

North Carolina’s 

Coastal Fisheries 

Are in Trouble 

What We Can 

Do To Help 

Take a Hike! 

How To Embrace 

the Year of the Trail 

in Wilmington 

BURGAW 

RESTAURANT 

COMPETITION 

OTTER PUPS 

AT THE 

AQUARIUM 

ALCOHOL- 

FREE 

MOVEMENT

2101 Stillwater Place 

Landfall 

$949,000 

1903 Brookhaven Road 

Highland Hills 

$1,190,000 

NEW LISTING • PENDING 

NEW LISTING 

Vance Young 

Broker/REALTOR® 

Direct: 910.232.8850 

www.VanceYoung.com 

2 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com

167 Porters Neck Rd. (beyond Lowe’s Shopping Center) 

STORE HOURS: Mon-Fri 10am-5pm • Sat 10am-3pm 

sugarwoodnc.com | 910.319.7779 

March / April 2023 | 1

custom window treatments, bedding, furniture & more 

fabrics and trims to customize your home 

7016 B Market St, Wilmington, NC • 910-686-2950 • Monday–Saturday from 10am to 5pm 

ArteeFabricsAndHome.com 


FINE GIFTS AND INTERIORS 

Time to refresh your nest! 

Introducing… 

NEST UPHOLSTERY! 

3 WEEK LEAD TIME FROM OUR 

IN-HOUSE UPHOLSTERER 

CUSTOM OTTOMANS, 

BENCHES, HEADBOARDS, AND 

UPHOLSTERED BEDS 

REUPHOLSTERY 

RALEIGH LOCATION: 

Village District 

446 Daniels Street 

919.977.5345 

www.nestfinegifts.com 

@nestfinegifts 

WILMINGTON LOCATION: 

The Forum 

1125-T Military Cutoff 

910.256.6378 


March / April 2023 

53 

Management by Crisis: 

A Call for Help on Behalf 

of North Carolina’s 


The state has failed to 

protect a public trust 

resource for several 

decades—what can we do 

about it? 

By Carin Hall 

64 

A Custom Southern 

Living Home 

Schmidt Custom Builders 

and Ginger Interiors team 

up to design their first 

Southern Lliving 

Showcase Home 

By Lori Wilson 

58 

Take a Hike! 

How to embrace the 

Year of the Trail in 

Wilmington 

By Emory Rakestraw 

PHOTO CARIN HALL 




Departments » March / April 2023 

Buzz 

13 Feeling Crabby? Crabs 

are a very small portion 

of an otter’s diet 

14 Calendar Our five 

highlights for March– 

April 

16 Events The rundown on 

what to do this spring 

24 Entertainment 

26 Staff picks 

13 

28 Local Chatter Own 

Your Own competition 

looks to boost downtown 

Burgaw and one lucky 

entrepreneur 

32 Newsmaker Little Loaf 

Bakery & Schoolhouse 

brings artisanal bread 

and community to an 

evolving Wilmington 

36 ArtSeen Mural Artist 

Gina Franco chats about 

an up-and-coming art 

form 

38 Get Outside When it 

comes to discovering the 

great outdoors and being 

prepared, Great Outdoor 

Provision Co. has you 

covered 

40 Southern Drawl The 

squeaky cries of the NC 

Aquarium’s newest baby 

otters attract attention to 

their cuteness and larger 

vulnerability 

43 73 

93 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

43 A Garden Dreams 

Are Made Of A couple 

creates a backyard oasis 

on Blythe Road 

44 Garden “Green Acres” 

stars on the Azalea 

Garden Tour 

46 Birding The benefits of 

birding for you and the 

environment with Wild 

Bird & Garden 

48 Design Beautiful 

kitchen and bath designs 

from Dynamic Kitchen 

and Interiors and The 

Kitchen Man 

52 Boating With a third 

store coming, the future 

looks bright for one of 

the area’s premier boat 

dealers 

52 

73 An Inviting Space A 

casual yet sophisticated 

dining experience—and a 

bar with a history 

74 Dining Review New 

owners at Henry’s 

Restaurant revamp 

the menu and the 

space, while continuing 

longtime local favorites 

76 Libations A discovery 

of alcohol-free choices 

now available in many 

establishments in 


80 In the Kitchen 

Welcome spring with 

some bright, citrusy 

dishes 

86 Restaurant Guide The 

best spots for eating and 

drinking in Wilmington 

93 Enlightened in the 

Black Forest 

Discovering Southwest 

Germany’s natural 

respite 

Fundamentals 

10 Reader Services 

12 Editor's Letter 

96 The Last Reflection 

November/December 2022 

Cameron Art Museum Celebrate 60 Years • Where to Dine & Recipes to Savor • Gift Guide WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 




What We Can 

Do To Help 

Take a Hike! 




BURGAW 

RESTAURANT 

COMPETITION 

OTTER PUPS 

AT THE 

AQUARIUM 

ALCOHOL- 

FREE 

MOVEMENT 

76 

ON THE COVER » 

An aerial view of the beautiful salt 

marshes behind Wrightsville Beach. 

PHOTO BY CARIN HALL 


Fine Antiques, Home Decor 

AnD VintAge 

6213 Market Street 

Wilmington, NC 

910-444-8881 

portcitypeddler.com 


CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Executive Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

■ ■ ■ 

Managing Editor 

Carin Hall 

Nikki Johnson, 

Sam Simmons, 

Alison Bernhart, 

Karen Thompson, 

Becky Spivey, 

Kelli Lazzaro 

Landfall Realty For ALL Your Real Estate Needs 

■ ■ ■ 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Kristina Parolla 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

UNDER CONTRACT 

6596 Sharks Tooth Trail 

$399,000 • GRAND BAY TOWNHOMES 



21 N. Front Street3D1 

$399,000 • DOWNTOWN 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

Contributing Writers 

Nina Brown, Kaitlin Gooding, Carin Hall, 

Kim Henry, Denise K. James, 

Joe Jancsurak, Katie McElveen, 

Megan Nichols, Emory Rakestraw, 

Deyanira Romo Rossel, Judy Royal, 

Fanny Slater, Heather Wilson, Lori Wilson 

Photographers 

Gina Elizabeth Franco, Carin Hall, 

G. Frank Hart, Megan Nichols, 

Ana Shellem, Abigail Whitehurst 

■ ■ ■ 

Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Corporate Office: 843-856-2532 

1249 S. Moorings Drive 

$989,000 • LANDFALL 

7206 Prince Albert Court 

$1,290,000 • LANDFALL 

Specializing in Landfall and Beyond the Gates 

to Neighboring Areas 

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

Wilmington Magazine (Vol. 10, No. 5) 

is published 6 times per year by DueSouth 

Publishing, LLC. The entire contents of 

this publication are fully protected and 

may not be reproduced, in whole or part, 

without written permission. We are not 

responsible for loss of unsolicited materials. 

Copyright © 2023. All rights reserved. 

SUBSCRIPTION price is $24.95 per year. 



Reader Services 

910-228-6637 

facebook.com/DeBruhls 

225 Pine Grove Dr. 


Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

Subscriptions 

Subscribing to Wilmington Magazine 

is easy, and you save 30 percent off the 

newsstand price. Your subscription 

includes 6 issues, delivered right to 

your door. Subscriptions and billing are 

handled in-house, providing you with the 

best in customer service. Please call or 

email us if you experience any problems 

with your subscription, and we will assist 

to resolve them right away. You can 

subscribe by calling Customer Service at 

843-856-2532 or reach us via email at 

service@wilmingtonncmagazine.com or on 

the web at wilmingtonncmagazine.com. 

Gift Subscriptions 

Wilmington Magazine makes an 

excellent gift! Use the subscription card 

found in each issue or order by phone, 

email, or our website. We will send out a 

complimentary gift card to each recipient 

indicating who the gift is from. 

Change of Address 

If you move or change your address, please 

call or email us and provide both the old and 

new addresses. The postal service does not 

automatically forward magazines, so please 

send us your change of address as soon as 

you know it. 

Letters to the Editor 

We welcome your comments and 

letters. Send letters to editor@ 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com or contact us 

via the web at wilmingtonncmagazine.com. 

Please include your phone number in case 

we need to contact you. 

Back Issues 

When available, back issues of Wilmington 

Magazine can be purchased for $11.50, 

postage included. 

Writing Opportunities 

We are always interested in receiving 

article ideas from our readers as well as 

considering freelance writers. Please mail 

or email your ideas or writing queries to 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com. 

How to Advertise 

If you would like advertising information 

for promoting your products or services, call 

Sybil Stokes 910-508-5158, or on the web at 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com. 


THANKS FOR VOTING US #1! 

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

Creating Free Time For Busy People ! 

311 Judges Rd, Wilmington 

910.777.7665 

www.carolina.cleaning 

Family owned, professional 

cleaning services since 1994. 

Offering custom residential 

and commercial cleaning with 

outstanding quality and a 

personal touch. 

Licensed, bonded and insured 


from the editor 

November/December 2022 

Cameron Art Museum Celebrate 60 Years • Where to Dine & Recipes to Savor • Gift Guide WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 





What We Can 

Do To Help 

Take a Hike! 




BURGAW 

RESTAURANT 

COMPETITION 

OTTER PUPS 

AT THE 

AQUARIUM 

ALCOHOL- 

FREE 

MOVEMENT 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

Subscribe online at 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

or by calling 843-856-2532 

AH, SPRING—THAT MAGICAL 

in-between season of near perfect 

weather. Can we just stay here 

forever? After some record-breaking cold 

events this winter along the East Coast, 

it’s certainly welcomed. And I can already 

imagine how we’ll be writing about ways 

to stay cool this summer in our next issue. 

That being said, now is the perfect time to 

get outside. 

As the Great Trails State, North 

Carolina is abounded with a vast network 

of trails, greenways and “blueways.” This 

year, the NC General Assembly officially 

designated 2023 the NC Year of the Trail 

to inspire more people to enjoy the great 

outdoors. So, of course, we had to create 

a guide filled with the top recreation 

spots around town. Whether you prefer 

an easy walk surrounded by the natural 

beauty of our state parks and gardens, a 

jog with a waterfront view, off-road cycling 

adventures, a tour of our historical sites 

or even just some good ol’ beer and oysters, 

Wilmington is a great place to do it all. 

It's also a place that needs protecting. 

Boasting the country’s largest estuarine 

system, North Carolina is a fishing and 

seafood lover’s dream. This issue, we 

spoke with a conservation group about 

the biggest threats facing our public 

trust resources and what needs to be 

done to ensure the health of our coastal 

fisheries for future generations as well as 

our commercial and recreational fishing 

communities. As with another story 

provided by the NC Aquarium at Fort 

Fisher, I kept asking, “…but, what can we 

actually do about the problem?” From the 

southern flounder found in our rivers and 

estuaries to rehabilitated (and super cute!) 

otters at the aquarium, we explore some 

our region’s latest conservation efforts. 

Wilmington’s famous azaleas are 

also coming into bloom. To celebrate, 

the Cape Fear Garden Club is putting 

on an event and tour that includes 13 

locations (see events). Check out one of 

the stops in our garden section, where 

couple Gregg Thomas and Tom Faust live 

out their “Green Acres” dream in their 

backyard oasis. 

In other beautiful news, our food expert 

and writer, 

Fanny Slater, 

celebrates two 

years of sobriety 

at a non-alcoholic 

beverage tasting 

event. While 

many saw 

an uptick in 

drinking habits 

during the 

pandemic, a new 

movement to go 

alcohol-free is gaining momentum. Slater 

explores that change on a local level. 

Cheers to that! 

On the last page, you’ll find a “Love 

Letter to Wilmington” from one of North 

Carolina’s most popular digital creators, 

Megan Nichols of NC Eat & Play. When 

I first moved back here in September, I 

often turned to Nichols’ accounts on social 

media for inspiration as I coped with 

leaving my home in SoCal behind. And 

with the way she describes Wilmington 

specifically, I have a newfound pride to 

call this place my home. 

Carin Hall 

Managing Editor 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

Find us on Facebook and Instagram 

@wilmingtonmagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

Feeling 

Crabby? 

Crabs are a very small portion 

of an otter’s diet 

See page 40 

PHOTO NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

MARCH – APRIL 

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

St. Patrick’s Day Parade 

March 11 

Join the global celebration of all things 

Irish with the annual St. Patrick's 

Day Parade in Historic Downtown. 

Beginning on North Second Street near 

CFCC Schwartz Center, the parade will 

wind its way down North Front Street, 

past Market Street, turning left on Dock 

Street and then left on South Second 

Street. Enjoy the splendor of bagpipes, 

all your favorite Irish tunes and amazing 

Celtic dance routines. Wear your most 

festive green for this fun rain or shine 

event. wilmingtonparade.com 

Azalea Festival 

April 6–10 

The North Carolina Azalea Festival 

is Wilmington’s annual community 

celebration and the largest festival 

of its kind in the state. Founded in 

1948, the Azalea Festival has emerged 

as Wilmington’s premier event. The 

Festival’s concerts, fairs and special 

events are attended by an estimated 

300,000 people. Each event is a 

celebration, beginning with the arrival 

of Queen Azalea at the official opening 

of the five-day event. Everywhere the 

blooming azaleas offer colorful testimony 

to the rich heritage of coastal Carolina. 

ncazaleafestival.org 

CFCC Riverfront Boat Show 

April 1 

Held on the banks of the Cape Fear 

River, the CFCC Riverfront Boat Show 

has attracted thousands of visitors 

every year for over two decades. The 

event will feature a wide variety of 

wooden boats in 10 judging categories, 

including kayaks and skiffs, fiberglass 

boats from professional boat dealers, 

as well as boat building material 

suppliers from around the region. 

Spectators can enjoy boat-building 

demonstrations, try their hand at a 

knot-tying challenge and be able speak with the boat builders about their creations. 

cfcc.edu/boat-building/cfcc-riverfront-boat-show/ 

Carolina Cup 


Offering several days of SUP (standup 

paddleboard) clinics, expos and demos 

including weekend races. On Saturday, 

expect a 3.5-mile Harbor Island 

recreational race, a 6.5-mile Money 

Island open race, and the dreaded 13- 

mile Graveyard Elite race and the 

Graveyard Elite Outrigger and Surf-ski 

race. On Sunday, expect a Technical 

Sprint through the surf, as well as a 

kids race. In 2016, the Carolina Cup was 

the largest race on the East Coast with 

over 900 paddlers competing in races 

and participating in clinics. In 2015, the 

Carolina Cup became the largest and 

most competitive SUP race in the world. 

paddleguru.com/races/CarolinaCup2023 

Coffee Fest 


This two-day 

event will be 

filled with over 

80 vendors 

that include 

coffee roasters, 

shops, makers 

and bakers 

at Waterline 

Brewing Company. Each event will 

have seminars, food trucks and music. 

Meet and shop coffee roasters, coffee 

shops, tea suppliers, coffee importers 

and coffee equipment representatives. 

Vendors will also participate in a Best 

Roaster and Best Cold Brew competition. 

wilmingtoncoffeefest.com W 


842 Ocean Highway West 

Supply, NC 

910-755-7900 

Carolinas Premier Dealer 

Morehead City, NC 

COMING SOON 

13578 US-70 Business 

Clayton, NC 

919-585-7900 


5018 Oleander Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

shopofseagate.com • 910-791-6622 

OPEN MON-SAT 10AM-5PM 

Azalea Garden Tour April 14-16 

The 2023 Azalea Garden Tour celebrates its 70th Anniversary with a nostalgic 

return to its original 1953 ribbon-cutting location. The event kicks off Friday 

morning, April 14th, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by cookies and 

refreshments at the Queen’s Garden Party. The Tour, sponsored by the Cape Fear 

Garden Club, includes 13 locations, from Forest Hills to Landfall, showcasing 

stunning landscapes, plus exciting features including pools, water gardens, 

fireplaces and outdoor decorating ideas. Tickets are limited so order online and get 

a sneak peek of the gardens at capefeargardenclub.org/2023azaleagardentour. 

Event Calendar 

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

rundown on what to do this spring season. 

910-547-1980 

@bluewatersurfaces 

The Wilson Center at CFCC 

wilsoncentertickets.com 

The Mikado, March 3 

Chicago, March 4–5 

Jazz at Lincoln Center, March 13 

Paul Taylor Dance Company, March 17 

Dragons & Mystical Beasts, March 18 

Legally Blonde The Musical, 

March 21–22 

Brahms Symphony No. 3, March 26 

Classical Connections Concert, April 15 

Jesus Christ Superstar, April 18–19 

Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience, 


Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles, 


Invertigo Dance Theater, April 27–28 

Historic Thalian Hall 

thalianhall.org 

Ring of Fire, February 23–March 5 

Nashville Stars Charity Concerty, 


5th Annual Bluegrass Bash, March 25 

Women Playing Hamlet, 

March 30–April 9; 

Vegas McGraw: Tim McGraw Tribute, 


Roger’s Hammerstein’s Cinderella, 


Jen Kober, April 22 

Scottish Drag Queen, April 29 

Brooklyn Arts Center + The Annex 

brooklynartsnc.com 

ZoSo: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin 

Experience, March 4; 

Tab Benoit, April 19. 

Twenty-Five Years of 

Cape Fear Chorale 


Cape Fear Chorale, under its new 

director, Dr. Aaron Peisner, will present 

a program consisting of music performed 

throughout the Chorale's 25-year history. 

The Chorale's founder and director up 

until June, 2022, Jerry S. Cribbs, will 

be made director emeritus at this special 

concert, and the first annual Jerry S. 

Cribbs Scholarship will be awarded to a 

high school senior who will be pursuing 



a college degree in vocal music or music 

education. Join us for this special concert to 

hear the choral artistry of this cultural icon 

of the Cape Fear region. capefearchorale.org 

Surf City Expo 


Join Surf City Parks, Recreation and 

Tourism for a day of shopping and door prizes 

from local businesses. Vendor Categories 

include Beauty, Education, Fitness, Health 

Services, Home Decor, Jewelry and more. 

SurfCityNC.gov 

US Open Fat Bike 

Beach Championship, 

Blockade Runner 

Beach Resort 


Get ready for the 

challenge of a fat-tire 

bike race on beautiful Wrightsville Beach 

during one of the largest beach bike races 

in the nation. Usually consisting of a large 

lap which will take racers from the thick 

sand to the hard-packed sand along the 

water’s edge. While all bikes are allowed 

to race, bikes with tires over 4” wide are 

recommended. facebook.com/fatcross/ 

Rice Festival at Brunswick Town/Fort 

Anderson State Historic Site 


Activities will be located indoors and outdoors. 

Activities will include history/cultural 

presentations, tours, demonstrations, live 

entertainment, family fun, children’s stage, 

Gullah Geechee food vendors and arts/ 

crafts. northcarolinaricefestival.org 

Wilmington Symphony 

Youth Orchestra Concert 

March 5, April 30 

The Wilmington Symphony Youth 

Orchestras (WSYO) was founded 21 years 

ago and is now under the direction of 

conductors, Linda Estep (Youth Orchestra) 

and Lisa Gattuso (Rockestra/Junior 

Strings). WSYO ensembles meet weekly 

during the school year and present three 

concerts during the season in Kenan 

Auditorium UNCW. The WSYO ensembles 

include the Youth Orchestra (grades 9-12), 

Rockestra (grades 7-12) and Junior Strings 

(grades 4-8). wilmingtonsymphony.org 

5th Annual Bear, Bourbon 

& BBQ Festival 


Get ready for a great day of beer sippin', 



Passionate About Making You Feel Confident! 

We are a MULTI-SERVICE BEAUTY STUDIO specializing in eyelash 

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

Taylor Keeping 

Smith – Owner, 

Certified eyelash 

extension artist 

and eyelash 

extension trainer. 

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

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

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 

beer and bourbon tastin', music listenin' 

and barbecue eatin' at Riverfront Park in 

historic downtown. Your admission gets you 

a sampling glass to enjoy over 60 beers and 

40. Some of the best barbecue vendors are 

also on site to satisfy all your cravings with 

pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, 

chickens, sausages and all the fixins’ you 

can imagine. There will be seminars in 

the tasting theater, Barbecue exhibits, live 

music, a local beer harden and special giant 

game area with connect four, giant jenga, 

cornhole, ping pong and so much more. 

wilmington.beerandbourbon.com 

Steve Haydu St. 

Patrick’s Lo Tide 

Run 5K & 10K 


This flat course (USATF 

Certification) run is a St. 

Patrick's Day celebration 

and tribute to two truly amazing men whose 

paths crossed in Carolina Beach. Costumeclad 

in Irish attire (or not), participants 

can choose either the 10k run or the 5k 

run/walk followed by an awards ceremony 

and after party. runsignup.com/Race/NC/ 

CarolinaBeach/LoTideRun 

Easter on the Farm 


Penderosa Rescue & Sanctuary will host 

local crafters, artisans and vendors. Expect 

many family photo ops with the Easter 

bunny and three live bunny rescues. Cake 

walk, raffles, food, kid's games, barrel 

train ride and car show and People's Choice 

Trophy. This is an annual fundraiser for the 

33 horses and livestock rescues currently in 

Penderosa’s care. 

Hello Spring! Local Crafts Market 

at Burgwin-Wright House 


Enjoy gorgeous weather and gardens at this 

Spring market featuring over 20 local artists 

and artisans. Vendors will be scattered 

throughout our acre of gardens. The historic 

house, jail, visitor center and art gallery 

will remain open for regular operational 

hours. burgwinwrighthouse.com 

Fourth Wednesday Bird Walk, 

Carolina Beach State Park 

March 22, April 26 

Explore Carolina Beach State Park on a 

guided bird walk lead by park staff along 

Snows Cut Trail. No previous experience 

is necessary. Beginning at the Marina, the 


easy hike will be approximately two miles 

long over flat terrain lasting approximately 

two hours. Both novice and avid birders will 

enjoy the adventure of finding resident and 

visiting birds. Be sure to bring your own 

sunscreen, binoculars, drinking water and 

insect repellent. ncparks.gov/events 

Joyful Flowers: 

Ikebana Flower Exhibition 

March 24–25 

This free exhibition at New Hanover County 

Arboretum will present floral arrangements 

created by the Wilmington Chapter of 

Ikebana International, celebrating their 

41st year, along with a special exhibit by 

the Cape Fear Bonsai Society. Ikebana 

is the Japanese art of flower arranging, 

expressed using balance, harmony, and 

form. ikebanawilmington.com 

Uptilt Film Festival 

March 31–April 2 

Formerly the Cinema 

Sister's International 

Film Festival, this 

laid-back festival 

focuses on films and videos of any genre 

made by female and gender-expansive 

filmmakers. Films run less than thirty 

minutes and are submitted from around the 

globe with past year's submissions coming 

from Spain, Italy, Russia, the UK, Canada, 

Vietnam, France, Turkey and across the 

USA. uptiltfilmfest.com 

Cape Fear Craft & Cuisine 


Experience the best of the region's crafts 

and cuisines surrounded by the natural 

splendor of the NC Aquarium at Fort 

Fisher. Select local chefs are paired with 

participating breweries with their best 

offerings, showcasing the capabilities of food 

and beer pairings. Chef and brewer will 

both be onsite to provide insights into the 

food and beer selections and creations. This 

promises to be an elegant event that will 

delight foodies and craft beer aficionados 

alike. ncaquariums.com 

Poplar Grove Herb and Garden Fair 

April–2 

Enjoy the area's largest and longest running 

garden event, featuring classes, activities 

and exhibits on gardening, nature and 

related topics. The grounds of Poplar Grove 

will be filled with a wonderful selection of 

locally grown plants of all types – herbs, 

perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, 

$ 

$ 

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COLLECTION 

AND UNLOCK REBATES UP TO 

2000 

2000 

VIA A PREPAID MASTERCARD ® REBATE 

CUSTOMIZE YOUR COLLECTION 

AND UNLOCK REBATES UP TO 

MAKE IT 

YOUR OWN 

MAKE IT 

YOUR OWN 

WHEN YOU PURCHASE 914 S. Kerr SELECT Avenue • Wilmington, NC 

KITCHENAID BRAND 910.791.2222 APPLIANCES • atlanticappliance.net 

VIA January A PREPAID 1–June Open: MASTERCARD 30, Mon-Fri 2023 

® 9am-5pm REBATE & Sat 10am-2pm 

WHEN YOU PURCHASE SELECT 

KITCHENAID BRAND APPLIANCES 

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a 

prepaid Mastercard®. Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/ © 2023 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D220990KX. 

January 1–June 30, 2023 

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a prepaid Mastercard ® . 

Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/ © 2023 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D220990KX. 

*See sales associate for rebate form with complete details. Only valid at participating KitchenAid brand retailers. Rebate in the form of a prepaid Mastercard ® . 

Additional terms and conditions apply. ®/ © 2023 KitchenAid. All rights reserved. D220990KX. 

ORIENTAL DESIGN RUGS • SISAL • CUSTOM AREA RUGS 

INSTALLED CARPET • STAIR RUNNERS 

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


shrubs, native plants, vegetable starts and 

houseplants, plus garden art and accessories, 

herbal and all-natural products, artisan 

crafts and local foods including several Food 

Trucks. poplargrove.org 

Luncheon for 

Literacy 


The Cape Fear 

Literacy Council 

will host its annual 

luncheon for 

literacy, featuring Celia Rivenbark as the 

guest speaker. The luncheon helps raise 

awareness of our region’s evolving literacy 

needs. Proceeds support the Council’s adult 

literacy programs and mission to provide 

personalized education so adults can 

transform their lives and contribute to a 

stronger community. 

Assertive, effective representation in the areas of criminal defense, 

family law, and civil litigation. 

910-763-8106 • 514 Princess St, Wilmington • masonmasonlaw.com 

Star Party: Celebrating the Night Sky 


Come learn about the night sky join the 

Cape Fear Museum and Carolina Beach 

State Park for a fun, free, family astronomy 

event that will be celebrating the night sky. 

The Cape Fear Astronomy Society will be 

there with telescopes set up for viewing the 

night sky, and there will be vendors and 

many activities everyone will enjoy. Parking 

available at the Marina area. Bring a 

flashlight and some bug repellent. ncparks. 

gov/state-parks/carolina-beach-state-park 


Earth Day at 

Long Leaf Park 


Come celebrate 

Earth Day with 

free live music, an 

abundance of food, beer, a kids' EcoZone 

and more at the Wilmington Earth Day 

celebration. This fantastic event usually 

features over 70 different exhibitors, 

vendors, music, food trucks and more. 

wilmingtonearthday.com 

Wilmington VegFest 


On the Sunday after Earth Day, 

Wilmington’s VegFest celebrates vegetarian 

lifestyle at the Legion Sports Complex 

with over 30 vendors, speakers, music, a 

family fun zone, cooking demos and loads of 

sampling. wilmingtonvegfest.com 


PRIMARY & 

URGENT CARE 

CONVENIENTLY 

LOCATED 

CLOSE TO 

DOWNTOWN! 

Offering: 

• Walk-in Urgent Care 

• Primary Care 

• Telehealth visits 

• Covid-19 Testing 

• Weight Management 

• IV Hydration 

608 DAWSON STREET 

WILMINGTON, NC 

910-387-3788 

DAWSON-MED.COM 


Reviews: Movies & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Iggy Pop 

Every Loser 

The “Godfather of Punk” Iggy Pop is still 

rocking at age 75 with his new album 

“Every Loser.” Foo Fighters fans will be 

interested to learn that “Every Loser” 

features Taylor Hawkins, who tragically 

passed away last year, on drums. Pop’s 

new songs still have a visceral kick 

to them, and the album’s highlight 

is its closing track, “The Regency,” 

featuring Hawkins. 

The Banshees of Inisherin 

Searchlight Pictures; starring Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Barry 

Keoghan, Kerry Condon • 3.5 STARS 

Movies frequently explore what it feels like to be dumped by a romantic partner, but 

they much less often explore what it feels like when a platonic friendship ends. But the 

feelings mirror each other: pain, bewilderment and wondering why someone you always 

thought cared about you dislikes you. Writer/director Martin McDonagh’s “The Banshees 

of Inisherin” examines the fallout after the end of a friendship. 

Set in a small island off the coast of Ireland in 1923, the farmer Padraic (Colin Farrell) 

stops by the local pub to meet his friend Colm (Brendan Gleeson) for a drink as he does 

every afternoon. But on this day, Colm abruptly announces that he no longer wants to 

speak to Padraic. There was no act of betrayal on Padraic’s part. When pressed for an 

explanation, Colm can offer none other than he finds Padraic dull and he wants to focus 

more on his music. 

A hurt Padraic keeps pressing the issue, which prompts Colm to issue an ultimatum: 

if Padraic continues speaking to him, Colm will start cutting off his fingers with garden 

shears. 

The movie avoids taking sides with either character. Padraic does come off as a bit whiny, 

needy and oblivious. Colm comes off as harsh and arrogant. As Padraic’s sister Siobhan 

(Kerry Condon) points out when Colm tells her he finds her brother boring, “You’re ALL 

fecking boring.” 

Banshees recently racked up nine Oscar nominations, four in the acting categories: 

Farrell, Gleeson, Condon and Barry Keoghan for his supporting role as a town simpleton. 

All four acting nominees are deserving. 

I don’t laugh out loud often in theaters, but one scene where a lie Farrell tells spectacularly 

backfires made me do so. McDonagh’s script also has enough nuance to treat Keoghan’s 

character with dignity and poignancy when a lesser film would relegate him to cheap 

comic relief. 

However, the film’s central conceit of Colm threatening to chop off fingers every time 

Padraic speaks to him feels too artificial. It clearly is a storytelling gimmick/device, but 

the problem is it also feels like one. It does not feel like anything a human being would 

actually do. And because it feels artificial, it kept me at arm’s length emotionally. 

McDonagh’s last film, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri,” was my favorite film 

of 2017. However, I wasn’t as enamored with McDonagh’s “In Bruges” as others were (it’s 

become a cult favorite for many). “The Banshees of Inisherin” falls in between those two 

films for me. 

Margo Price 

Strays 

Nashville singer-songwriter Margo Price 

said she wrote her fourth album “Strays” 

after tripping on mushrooms. But some 

of Price’s lyrics, especially on “County 

Road,” are grounded and poignant (the 

song is about a friend who died young in 

a car crash). I’ll admit to not being much 

of a country fan, but songs like “Been to 

the Mountain” stuck in my head after 

first listen. 


8086 Market Street 

910-686-0930 

uptownmarketnc.com 

Open Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 12-6 

4620 Oleander Drive 

910-228-5401 

WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER 

The #1 Registered Investment Advisory Firm Seven Years in a Row. * 

With more than $750 billion in assets, CAPTRUST has the scale, resources, and local presence to provide 

Carolinians access to unparalleled financial advisory services.** 

CAPTRUST specializes in providing comprehensive wealth planning services to executives and high-net-worth 

individuals, and investment advisory services to retirement plan fiduciaries, foundations, and endowments. 

1209 Culbreth Dr #100 | Wilmington, NC 28405 | 910.256.8882 | captrust.com 

*Source: FA Magazine’s 2016-2022 RIA Survey and Ranking in the category $1 billion+ in assets under advisement 

**As of June 30, 2022 

AD22_040C 


staff picks 

Spring Reading 

In the seasonal spirit of new beginnings and renewal, try these debut titles by both new and 

established authors (and one classic) to give your reading a breath of fresh air. 

“The Bandit Queens” 

by Parini Schroff 

In this darkly humorous 

comedy of errors, members of a 

micro-loan group in an Indian 

village collectively work to free 

themselves from their oppressive 

spouses. Everyone thinks Geeta 

killed her husband, and she feels 

like the odd woman out in a 

group of sharp-tongued village 

“mean girls.” But then Geeta discovers that being 

known and feared as a “self-made” widow gives her freedom and 

even improves her business. Soon, other members of her microloan 

group are asking for help sloughing off their own worthless 

husbands. You’ll cringe as the village women endure abuse and 

misogyny and laugh as they barb, bumble, blackmail and bond 

with each other. — Megan Mathis 

“Get a Life, Chloe Brown” 

by Talia Hibbert 

Is it possible to change your life 

without, you know, changing your 

whole life? Chloe is a chronically 

ill entrepreneur who wants to turn 

over a new leaf after a health scare 

by making a list of slightly daring, 

slightly out of character goals. Not on 

the list is her building’s handyman, 

an artist who offers to help her learn 

to rebel. Watching these two learn to 

find joy and share pain together is a 

real delight – their problems are real 

but so are their solutions. Great for 

fans of romcoms that deliver on both the rom and the com! 

— Sara McBride 

“A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting” by Sophie Irwin 

Kitty Talbot has no other option but to hunt for a man with a 

fortune in order to support her four younger sisters and pay off 

the debt that was left in the wake of her parents’ deaths. Kitty 

and one of her sisters, Cecily, set off for London to stay with her 

mother’s best friend, “Aunt” Dorothy to find more fruitful ground 

in order to snag a rich husband. She 

first sets her cap for Archie de Lacy 

but she hadn’t reckoned on his older 

brother, Lord Radcliffe. Lord Radcliffe 

is determined to run Kitty off, but Kitty 

is made of sterner stuff and they soon 

come to an understanding…Kitty will 

look elsewhere for a husband but Lord 

Radcliffe must provide her assistance in 

her endeavors. The assistance comes in the 

form of being a dance partner, lessons in 

how to curtsey and a few other things this 

country miss needs to learn to navigate 

a London Season and the marriage mart. 

While Irwin’s smart and fun debut definitely gives the reader old 

school Regency romance vibes (think Georgette Heyer) with the 

witty repartee and sweet romance, it is still written with modern 

sensibilities in mind with a strong female lead who has smarts 

and a take-charge attitude. — Chantal Wilson 

“The Water is Wide” 

by Pat Conroy 

Start your spring off right with this 

classic from South Carolina’s own 

“prince of scribes,” Pat Conroy. First 

published in 1972, “The Water is Wide” 

details Conroy’s experience as a young 

schoolteacher on isolated Daufuskie 

Island, where a two-room schoolhouse 

serves a small Gullah community. 

The island’s children have been 

woefully underserved by the school 

district, an injustice which enrages 

this dedicated teacher and spurs 

him to pull out all the stops in the 

classroom and to eventually battle 

the school board on their behalf. Though early in his 

writing career, Conroy’s exquisite and unmatched descriptions of 

the South Carolina Lowcountry are gloriously present, as is his 

constant compulsion to fight for the underdog and his ruthless 

commitment to speak the truth. Readers will fall in love with the 

children of Daufuskie and with their unconventional, passionate 

educator. — Sarah Cameron W 


Thanks for voting us 

BEST WOMEN’S 

CLOTHING STORE 

three years in a row! 

Edet by Island Passage 

302 N Front St 

Island Passage Elixir Downtown 

4 Market St 

Island Passage Lumina Station 

1900 Eastwood Rd 

Island Passage Bald Head Island 

14 Maritime Way 


local chatter 

Restaurant of Your Dreams 

Own Your Own competition looks to boost downtown Burgaw and one lucky entrepreneur 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos provided by OWN YOUR OWN 

RICHARD JOHNSON LIVES 

in Wilmington, but he’s one of 

Burgaw’s biggest cheerleaders. 

Since 2018, he’s been quietly 

investing in the downtown area of the 

small Pender County town, population 

3,071, located about 25 miles north of the 

Port City. 

His latest endeavor, however, is no secret, 

and that’s on purpose. 

Launched in December, Own Your 

Own (OYO) is a nationwide restaurant 

competition that will culminate in the 

winner receiving a $1 million budget to 

design and build the restaurant of their 

dreams in downtown Burgaw. As of 

February 7, there were 384 applicants from 

26 states and Canada. The competition will 

continue collecting applications through 

March 31 at ownyourown.com. 

“We’ve gotten a tremendous 

response,” Johnson says. “We’ve 

gotten great interest. The quality 

of applicants is phenomenal.” 

Once the application period 

closes, the pool will narrow to 

a group of about 30 prospective 

restaurateurs who will participate 

in a series of challenges, including a 

cookoff in the Burgaw town square, 

highlighting creativity and leadership 

as well as the ability to successfully 

manage a restaurant. Competitors 

will be judged by members of the 

community and a panel of prominent 

local chefs: Christi Ferretti of Pine 

Valley Market, Myra McDuffie 

of MeMa’s Chick’n & Ribs, Dean 

Neff of Seabird and Keith Rhodes 

of Catch. 

A rendering of the 

2,250-square-foot pace 

in historic Burgaw, NC. 


YOU DESERVE A HAPPY AND CONFIDENT SMILE! 

Family Dental Care of Wilmington provides 

complete dental services to give you a healthy 

and beautiful smile in a caring environment. 

General Family Dental Care 

Same Day Crowns - CEREC ® 

Orthodontics • Dental Implants 

Root Canal Therapy • Cosmetic Dentistry 

Crowns and Bridges 

Teeth Whitening • Porcelain Veneers 

THANK YOU to 

all of our patients 

who voted us 

BEST DENTIST! 

Making Dreams Come True… 

One Smile at a Time 

1801 S. 16 th Street • Wilmington, NC 

910-762-4867 • tremandental.com 

Michael Treman, DDS & Steven Treman, DDS 

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US 

BEST GIFT SHOP AGAIN! 

Sea-Inspired Gifts & Home Decor 

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


local chatter 

The downtown streets of 

Burgaw boast charming, 

small businesses and 

friendly locals. 

The winner of the Own Your Own 

restaurant competition will work 

with a team of designers and 

architects to transform the space 

into their dream restaurant. 

“The judges are doing it because all of 

them have a history of giving back and 

contributing to the community,” Johnson 

says. “Anyone who can make it through 

them would be successful. They have a 

high standard of what it takes to start 

a restaurant.” 

Ferretti said she was happy to be involved 

with OYO and has been impressed with the 

applications she has viewed so far. 

“I’m always up for something new,” she 

says. “I love Burgaw. It’s a cool town.” 

All four judges came into the industry 

from different backgrounds and will bring 

their own perspectives and priorities to 

the table to build a base of competitors, 

Ferretti added. 

“There’s not one perfect formula,” she says. 

“There are so many other layers of running 

a successful restaurant than just math.” 

Johnson—an entrepreneur known for 

founding HotJobs.com in 1996, making 

it go viral with a 30-second Super Bowl 

commercial and taking it public and 

selling it to Yahoo in 2002—first became 

interested in Burgaw in 2016, when he 

purchased nearby Penderlea Farms. This 

led to him going downtown and noticing 

empty buildings and a faltering central 

business district. Johnson soon began 

purchasing commercial real estate there 

thinking he was getting a great deal, but 

he realized the value of the aging buildings 

he now owned was directly tied to the 

amount of foot traffic in the area. 

“I love solving problems, 

and I began thinking 

about how I could help get 

more people downtown,” 

Johnson says. “To me, the 

only way to create more 

value in the buildings I 

purchased is if I could help 

revitalize the downtown. 

Through my research on 

small towns, one of the data 

points that sticks out is a rising tide floats 

many boats.” 

He created Burgaw Now in 2018 to focus 

on the preservation and development of the 

town, which has been featured in nearly 

40 well-known Hollywood films and TV 

series. Since the organization’s launch, 

Johnson has built two new businesses— 

Fat Daddy’s pizzeria and Burgaw Brewing 

Company—and passed the torch to others 

to keep them going. 

For his latest endeavor, Johnson was 

having trouble coming up with a theme that 

he thought would be ideal for downtown 

Burgaw. That’s when the idea of opening it 

up to a competition came to him. So far, he 

has received pitches for Italian, Mexican, 

Caribbean, and traditional Southern and 

French Creole cuisine, among others. 

“My hope is that this will contribute to 

downtown Burgaw and create a vibrant 

restaurant community, and hopefully 

the rest of the empty buildings will start 

opening up with other things that bring 

people downtown,” Johnson says. “Not 

everybody needs the hustle and bustle 

of Wilmington.” 

He doesn’t plan to stop here, though. 

OYO is in talks with three networks to 

possibly become the focus of a reality TV 

show. In addition, Johnson is looking into 

taking the concept to other small towns 

across America. In fact, you can help select 

the next destination at ownyourown.com/ 

nominate-your-town. 

“I think I’m onto something that 

potentially has the ability to roll out 

nationally,” Johnson says. “I think that 

small towns are the forgotten stepchild, and 

traditional financing doesn’t work for them. 

If you subsidize an entrepreneur, fix up a 

building and give opportunity, it works.” 

Want to Own Your Own? 

For more information about the restaurant 

competition or to apply by the March 31 

deadline, visit ownyourown.com. W 


THE WEATHER 

IS GETTING 

WARMER! 

Is YOUR home ready? 

Call Today! (910) 375-1277 

ELECTRICAL 

15% 

OFF 

Portable Generator Hookup 

AND Interlock Kit 

Flexible Payment Options Available 

Valid through 04/30/2023 

Present Coupon at Time of Call 

$50 Or10% 

Saves Thhsands! 

OFF 

Service Repair 

HVAC SERVICES 

OFF 

HVAC 

Replacement 




PLUMBING 

25% 

OFF 

Drain Cleaing 

and FREE Camera Inspection 





newsmaker 

I’ll Have The 

Julia, Please 

Julia Castellano’s Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse brings 

artisanal bread and community to an evolving Wilmington 

By CARIN HALL » Photos by ABIGAIL WHITEHURST 

IF YOU’VE EVER TRAVELED 

to Europe, you may have noticed a 

difference in the quality and taste 

of food compared to the States, 

especially when it comes to carbrich 

foods like bread, pastries and pastas. 

While we mostly have the overprocessing of 

mass-produced foods to blame for that, it’s 

also arguably a lack of appreciation of food 

staples as a central component of culture 

and community. 

Castellano sets out 

pastries early in 

the morning. 

Fortunately for us, Julia Castellano 

recently opened Little Loaf Bakery & 

Schoolhouse, which aims to bring some 

of that Old World bread to our small but 

rapidly growing town. 

As a former New Yorker with European 

roots, Castellano knows good bread. Not 

only did she grow up in the bagel capital of 

the country, but she also regularly traveled to 

Belgium and France with her family, where 

she frequented patisseries and boulangeries. 

“I grew up eating incredible bread and 

pastries,” she says. “Once you’ve had good 

bread, you’re almost cursed because it’s 

hard to live without it.” 

Julia’s Story 

In addition to her European roots in France 

and Belgium, Castellano taught English 

as a second language after college on 

Réunion Island, a French department near 

Madagascar, and then in a small town in 

Argentina, where she started baking and 

selling cookies. 

“Baking was my form of therapy. That’s 

kind of where it all started, because it was 

the only thing I genuinely looked forward 

to doing,” she says. “I loved it so much, I 

thought, why don’t I just do it forever?” 

And just like that, she changed careers, 

moved in with her family in Wilmington 

and started working three different 

jobs: baking at a cupcake shop, serving 

at a restaurant and farming for an herb 

producer. When she had saved up enough 

money, she went to an intensive pastry 

program in Canada before bringing her 

finely honed skills and passion back home. 

This time, she entered the workforce as the 

head baker at a cupcakery and executive 

pastry chef at True Blue. 

Then COVID-19 hit. With more down 

time on her hands, she started making 

bread and sharing it with her friends. She 

was making so much, in fact, that many 

started insisting to pay for it. Quickly, 

more people were interested in buying 

her homemade sourdough, focaccia and 

baguettes. With requests that kept her 

booked out for weeks at a time, a business 

was born. 

After a couple years of hard work, she 

found the perfect space to open her own shop 

on Wrightsville Ave. All her influences from 

around the world, experimentation, formal 

training and preparation finally came 

to fruition on opening day in November 

2022—and the line was out the door. 

Community Response 

Wilmington craved this: not just quality 

breads and treats, but all that the shop 

represents. Castellano doesn’t gatekeep 

her recipes or techniques; she believes in 

sharing knowledge and bringing people 

together, especially after the pandemic left 

many longing for connection and an ability 

to know how to be more self-sufficient at 


home. She regularly hosts bread-making 

workshops and welcomes other artisans to 

use the space to teach. 

“It’s been so cool to see how the community 

has responded,” she says. “People are more 

interested in homesteading now than ever. 

Trades and arts are so important, and I 

want to be able to facilitate and provide 

a space for that, where people can come 

together to learn.” 

The Menu 

In addition to the workshops, Castellano 

still frequents popups at monthly events 

and has added a professional cake 

decorating artist to her team. She uses 

holidays as an opportunity to get creative, 

offering pumpkin-shaped loaves in the Fall 

and bread bouquets with heart-shaped 

add-ons for Valentine’s Day. But you can 

never go wrong with the staples: The 

Country Sourdough, Sourdough Focaccia, 

Honey Biscuits and, of course, “The Julia” 

baguette. A nod to traditional French 

boulangeries, Little Loaf’s signature 

baguette is named after the shop’s head 

baker herself. 

“That one’s important to me, because 

I mill the wheat myself, which changes 

according to the season,” she explains. 

And, as you can guess, it goes quickly. 

Overall, Castellano attributes her ability 

to produce quality batches to carefully 

sourced ingredients, her recipes and 

techniques and, most importantly, care. 

She dedicates a lot of time to fermentation 

and preparation and works with trusted 

brands who truly care about wheat 

(top) Fresh bread fully stocked for the day. 

(bottom) Castellano removes fresh loaves 

from the oven. 

Setting Anchor 

in Scotts Hill 

9020 Senca Drive 910.320.8224 

carolina-surgery.com 

March 4/30/21 / April 8:42 2023 AM | 33 

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

newsmaker 

(left) Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse at 3410 Wrightsville Ave. glows early in the morning 

before customers start arriving at 8am. (right) Castellano pours honey over her popular 

menu hit: Honey Biscuits. 

“I push the limits of what normal, storebought 

‘fast’ bread is,” she says. “It’s a 

carefully thought-out process and every 

loaf we make is essentially made by hand.” 

While the store is only open Thursday 

through Saturday, Julia is usually in the 

shop every day preparing those batches for 

the end of the week. 

“That’s how they do it in Europe,” she 

says. “And the reason why it works there is 

that it’s so ingrained in the culture.” And 

now it can be in Wilmington, too. W 

BEST OF 

WILMINGTON 

2023 

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

Fill out the online ballot form at WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

Voting ends April 10, 2023. 


L E T T H E 

Inspire 

O U T D O O R S 

Y O U R L I V I N G 

D E S I G N P A C K A G E S 

B Y T H E R O O M | W I N D O W T R E A T M E N T S 

A R T C O N S U L T S | D I N E + D E S I G N 

F U L L S E R V I C E 

N E W C O N S T R U C T I O N | R E N O V A T I O N S 

T U R N - K E Y F U R N I S H I N G S 

5 8 1 5 O L E A N D E R D R I V E , S T E 2 5 0 | 9 1 0 . 7 9 3 . 3 9 9 2 | B I G S K Y D E S I G N O N L I N E . C O M | @ B I G S K Y D E S I G N 

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 

Well-crafted 

cabinetry, 

countertops, 

fixtures 

and accessories. 

Our goal is to 

inspire with 

results! 

12 Northern Blvd 


910-763-9870 

dynamickitchens.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 


art seen 

A Wall of Its Own 

Mural Artist Gina Franco chats about an up-and-coming art 

form, where a blank wall is transformed into a piece of art, 

and the world is a brighter place because of it. 

By KIM HENRY » Photos by GINA ELIZABETH FRANCO 

Franco’s “This Must 

Be the Place” mural in 

Carolina Beach, NC 

time, and became a mother at 19 years old. 

Naturally, this put any dreams of being an 

artist on the back burner while she made 

her way through the joys and difficulties of 

supporting her son. 

Franco became a technology teacher 

after graduating from Guildford College, 

although she remembers her favorite class 

was the one and only art class that she 

managed to take. “There was no time for 

hobbies or pleasure—I was just trying to 

figure out how to get my life in order for 

my son,” she says. It was while working 

at Oak Hill Elementary in High Point, 

NC that Franco first reconnected with 

her artistic side. The school wanted a 

mural painted in the library and Franco 

volunteered. Her large-scale portrayal 

of nature was greeted with nothing but 

praise and even Franco was surprised at 

how well it turned out. 

“That was my first taste of people 

engaging with my art. It was such a great 

feeling, and I knew I wanted more,” smiles 

Franco, who is now a full-time mural 

artist, with an inspiring repertoire of work 

in multiple states. 

That type of large-scale mural work 

truly touches people’s hearts and uplifts 

their spirits with bright, colorful images, 

often supporting equity and social justice. 

Her art reflects both her values and the 

infectious optimism she embodies despite 

the curve balls that life has certainly 

thrown her way. In 2016, her mother 

One of Franco’s murals from the “Rotating 

Wall” project in downtown Greensboro, NC 

THE LIFE JOURNEY FOR 

Greensboro mural artist Gina 

Franco is comparable to the 

one flower that breaks through 

a crack in the concrete and 

demands to thrive no matter what. Even 

in the hectic flow of modern life, we see 

that splash of color surrounded by gray 

paving—and it can stop us in our tracks 

and make us smile. 

Born in Spencer, NC, Franco moved to 

Greensboro with her mom and siblings 

when she was 12 years old. “There were 

limited art materials when I was growing 

up but I did have pencils and crayons and 

so I always drew,” says Franco with a 

sunny, open disposition. She remembers 

art being her main point of connection with 

her incarcerated dad. “I didn’t really know 

what to say to him in a letter so I would 

just send him a picture,” shares Franco. 

Navigating a childhood full of challenges, 

Franco didn’t graduate from high school, 

although she did complete her GED in 


(top to bottom) Franco’s mural at the Grind 

Coffeehouse in Benson, NC; Franco’s mural 

featured in Jacksonville, FL; Franco’s mural 

featured at the Walkerdance Ballet Theatre 

in Burlington, NC. 

died after a lifelong battle with addiction, 

and Franco used her creative expression 

to both process her grief and break the 

stigma around mental health. Her series of 

paintings called “Life’s a Drag” resonated 

far and wide and encouraged healthy 

conversations around this issue, touching 

the lives of many different communities. 

Words, music and the location of her 

blank wall canvass inform Franco’s creative 

process. She will often spend time in the 

area, chatting to local people and seeing 

what’s important to them before creating 

her sketch. As her art is very publicly on 

display, it’s important to Franco that the 

local community feel represented and 

even have some input. “Words and music 

are such a strong way that people connect, 

and that’s why I often use a lyric or line of 

poetry in my murals,” says Franco, whose 

work includes depictions of “Every Little 

Thing Gonna Be Alright” and “We Are the 

One’s We’ve Been Waiting For.” 

In 2018, Franco spearheaded a project 

called “The Rotating Wall,” a pivotal 

point in her artistic timeline. In a rundown 

part of Greensboro, Franco created 

a new, uplifting mural every month for 

14 consecutive months on one particular 

wall. It was well received, with people 

lining up in anticipation of the next image 

throughout the process. The color, vibrancy 

and positive energy of the project provided 

a stark contrast to the urban setting and 

somehow reflects the ultimately optimistic 

essence of the artist herself. 

Was it scary to take the leap from 

leaving her secure job in education to the 

erratic world of being a full-time artist? Of 

course! But Franco hasn’t looked back. “I 

can’t imagine locking my art up in a small 

place!” laughs Franco freely, truly valuing 

the fact that mural art in public places 

breaks down potentially divisive barriers 

by bringing art to the streets for everyone 

to enjoy. Her work can be seen as far afield 

as Florida, Denver and Charlotte—as 

well as locally in Carolina Beach—as this 

artist, who taught herself how to fill in a 

grant applications, continues to thrive. 

Her medium is big and physically 

demanding by nature, with some walls 

presenting a grueling challenge. But as 

we circle back to the image of the flower 

that is determined to bloom, we can take 

inspiration from this tenacious artist 

and her life-enhancing, communitybuilding 

work and hope that she graces 

our sandy shores with more of her light 

sometime soon. W 


PARTNER CONTENT 

get outside 

President Chuck Millsaps 

and V.P. Molly Cherry test 

the Flyweight & Wayfarer 

SUPs from Badfish at the 

Demo Day event in Raleigh. 

Let Your Next 

Adventure Begin 

When it comes to discovering the great outdoors and being prepared, 

one of the state’s best one-stop-shops has you covered 

By CARIN HALL 

AS A PROUD SUPPORTER OF NORTH 

Carolina’s Year of the Trail in 2023, Great 

Outdoor Provision Co. prioritizes helping locals 

find adventures on some of the state’s most 

cherished greenways and blueways. With nine 

stores throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Great Outdoor 

Provision Co. is not only abound with a range of outdoors gear 

and equipment, but also with the expertise and desire to empower 

people to get outside. 

In the Wilmington shop, kayaking and SUPing are particularly 

popular with locals. And sure, you can find all the trusted brands 

like Hobie, Hurricane, NuCanoe, Badfish and Jackson Kayak in 

store—but, just as valuable, is the staff’s expert knowledge and 

interest in helping customers feel fully prepared out in the field. 

“Pete has managed our Wilmington location for at least 20 years 

and is extremely knowledgeable in that space,” says President 

Chuck Millsaps. “When you go to that shop, it’s the people like him 

who help you get great expert advice in a short amount of time.” 

Customers can request a demo for a small fee that can be applied 

to the purchase price (see website for the QR code to sign up), 

allowing hands-on experience with the products they want to try 

or that the staff suggests. Of course, Great Outdoor Provision Co. 

also offers larger demo events for free if traveling is an option. 

Coming up, tons of kayaks, canoes and SUPs will be demoed at 

Lake Crabtree on April 20th and May 18th; and, on March 4th 

and 25th and April 1st, fly-fishing full-day courses are available 

in Raleigh for beginners to intermediate fishers to learn about 

casting, knots, equipment, strategies and fly selection. (Sign-ups 

available online while they last). 

“The fly-fishing classes provide everything you need, including 

equipment and lunch,” says Millsaps. “It really enables someone to 

have a solid working knowledge of fly-fishing by the end of the day.” 

PHOTOS GREAT OUTDOOR PROVISION CO. 


GOPC Wilmington Fly-Fishing 

Manager, Jett Dockery, fishing 

the TFO Mangrove Coast 8wt fly 

rod on our very own coast. 

Leah Bradley paddling the Cape 

Fear River from Davis Creek Park 

in the Hobie Outback. 

The NuCanoe Unlimited 

12.5 is perfect for our 

local waters and our 

four legged friends. 

During the pandemic, many of the events and demos were 

restricted, but Marketing and Sportswear Manager Leah Bradley 

says there was a boom of interest in people wanting to get outside. 

That partly inspired the Adventure widget on the website, which 

helps visitors find a variety of outdoor activities according to their 

interest and makes suggestions on complementary products to 

support those experiences. 

“The intention of that effort is to connect people to the many places 

in our local area that they can explore,” says Bradley. “We want to 

make resources related to those destinations accessible and point to 

the products that can make those experiences all the better.” 

Millsaps has also noticed an uptick in outdoor recreation with 

more people working remotely and moving into the state in recent 

years. Great Outdoor Provision Co.’s Get Hiking group on Meetup 

saw an increase in active members across its multiple chapters. 

“People are wanting to know where to hike and get out on the 

water,” says Millsaps. “We’ve been able to provide a resource for 

both the more popular destinations, as well as many of the lesserknown 

spots with fewer crowds.” 

“The outdoors has served as a safe place for a lot of people,” adds 

Bradley. “We love being part of a movement that connects new 

audiences to new adventures, as well as helping longtime lovers of 

the outdoors get back into the hobbies they love.” 

But you don’t need to travel far, either. More and more people 

are interested in local, short and sweet activities that connect 

them with nature on a regular basis. Wilmington is an outdoor 

playground with so many beautiful options like Davis Creek 

Park, Carolina Beach State Park, Smith Creek Park & Preserve, 

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area and the Riverwalk, just to 

name a few. 

For more inspiration on where to go and what to do, try the 

Adventure feature on Great Outdoor Provision Co.’s website, sign 

up for a local (or afar) event and visit their experts in person. 

“Our staff live and breathe the outdoors,” says Bradley. “Our 

customers know that they can turn to them for expert advice on 

anything and everything they want to do in the area and beyond.” 

In addition to their participation in the Year of the Trail, 

Great Outdoor Provision Co. supports several community land 

protection funds. With the launch of their Land Trust Day in 1992, 

ten percent of sales on the first day of every June are donated to 

the Local Land Trust. Millsaps describes it as a “self-imposed” 

tax to ensure that the beautiful places of North Carolina are well 

maintained for future generations to come. 

“It’s a way of reminding ourselves and customers of the resources 

we have available in our state, and to encourage them to give back 

as we do,” says Millsaps. 

To find and outfit your next outdoor adventure, visit 

greatoutdoorprovision.com W 


Dr. Emily Christiansen, DVM, MPH, 

Dipl. ACZM, Chief Veterinarian, 

North Carolina Aquariums makes 

a final check on a cold-stunned 

sea turtle rehabilitated at the NC 

Aquarium at Fort Fisher before 

clearing it for release to the ocean. 

Chirp of the Otter 

The squeaky cries of the Aquarium’s newest baby otters 

attract attention to their cuteness and larger vulnerability 

PHENOMENAL TALENT 

and the most impactful 

purpose-driven work 

very often go unseen – a 

hidden treasure. At the 

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher 

(NCAFF), visitors experience passion for 

saving species through presentations and 

conversations with volunteers and staff on 

the floor. Immediately captivating visitors 

are the hijinks of an otter family, the 

By DEYANIRA ROMO ROSSELL 

resplendent color of a fish or the majesty of 

a bald eagle. 

There are more than 3,600 of these 

treasures in the Aquarium collection and 

more than 475,000 visitors immerse in 

their uniqueness yearly. For many, there is 

a sense of peace and calm that comes from 

watching a stingray swim or the delight 

from seeing an otter pup frolic and toss 

rocks in their habitat pool. 

Behind the scenes, our hidden treasures, 

Otter Pups Born at NC Aquarium Fort Fisher: 

New Year, new ptter pups! For the second 

time in less than a year, a trio of otter pups 

were born at the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. 

Two males and one female arrived Jan. 31. 

aquarists, work compassionately to tend to 

animal welfare and to ensure the habitats 

are performing at optimal levels. It’s this 

commitment that creates a one-of-a-kind 

experience in the moment and continues 

PHOTOS NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER 


(top to bottom) Governor Roy Cooper visited 

the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher in 2022 

and experienced the Aquarium treasures 

in person, including amazingly dedicated 

volunteers who are committed to sharing 

interesting and exciting facts about each 

animal at the Aquarium; NC Aquarists gather 

gopher frog egg masses and raise them 

under their care until ready to release as 

part of headstarting project, supporting 

recovery initiatives of this state endangered 

species; Summer camp at the Aquarium at 

Fort Fisher is a great opportunity for NCAFF 

environmental educators to make the 

experience unforgettable with a canoe trip to 

Zeke’s Island where hermit and fiddler crabs 

are plentiful. The trip is so much fun, you may 

catch other staff joining in for the excursion. 

to resonate after a visit. Taking away 

greater appreciation for the animals leads 

to inspiration to do more to protect them— 

we hope. 

A VULNERABLE SPECIES 

GAINS ATTENTION 

Asian small-clawed otters steal the show 

immediately as visitors step into the 

Aquarium Conservatory. Already very 

popular, the otters have captured extra 

attention celebrating the birth of a trio of 

otter pups, first in May 2022 and again in 

January 2023. That attention is critical 

in telling the story of these otters which 

are declining in population as a result of 

many threats, including residential and 

commercial development, deforestation, the 

illegal pet trade, pollution, climate change 

and poaching. While Asian small-clawed 

otter habitats are in Indonesia, southern 

China, southern India, Southeast Asia and 

the Philippines, their survival matters to 

all of us. 

A CALL TO ACTION 

The squeaky chirp of the otter gets attention 

and calls us all to immediate action to 

protect the species, their ecosystem and 

the planet. While one person can’t do 

everything, everyone can do something; 

individual actions in local communities 

can protect local species, creating a ripple 

effect that can lead to protections for 

species across the globe. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

◆ Buy shade-grown coffee: it’s produced on 

farms with a shade cover that provides 

important habitat for different species, 

preventing deforestation and destruction 


(top to bottom) The two sand tiger sharks 

at the Cape Fear Shoals habitat at the NC 

Aquarium at Fort Fisher are ambassadors for 

sharks, a species in decline which plays a vital 

role in keeping the ocean healthy; Gliding 

Atlantic stingrays are among the animals 

in the Coquina Outcrop Touch Pool at the 

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. The habitat is a 

representation of the only naturally occurring 

rocky formation in North Carolina near Fort 

Fisher; Horseshoe crabs have been around 

for more than 300 million years and, for the 

youngest visitors to the Aquarium, having an 

opportunity to touch them is a highlight of a 

visit to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort 

Fisher and specifically to the Coquina Outcrop 

Touch Pool, where they maneuver through 

the rocks. 

of homes for animals like Asian smallclawed 

otters. 

◆ Don’t support illegally traded wild 

animals as pets. Find out more about the 

dangers of buying exotic pets at aza.org. 

◆ Don’t buy furs. 

◆ Support Aquarium conservation 

priorities by visiting the Aquarium and/ 

or donating. 

◆ Eliminate the use of single-use plastic: 

Use reusable water bottles and produce/ 

grocery store bags—and use them 

repeatedly. 

◆ Find some great ways to make smart 

seafood choices at FishWatch.gov or 

SeafoodWatch.org. 

LEVERAGING OUR NETWORK 

TO ADVANCE CONSERVATION 

NCAFF is an accredited member the 

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), 

a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated 

to the advancement of zoos and aquariums 

in the areas of conservation, education, 

science and recreation. Our conservation 

work never stops. 

◆ All sea turtle species are endangered or 

threatened. Five of the seven sea turtle 

species are found in North Carolina. 

The North Carolina Aquariums at Fort 

Fisher, Pine Knoll Shores and Roanoke 

Island, home to the renowned Sea Turtle 

Assistance and Rehabilitation Center 

(STAR), recently rehabilitated more 

than 250 sea turtles following a coldstunning 

event. 

◆ The NCAFF team focuses on saving 

gopher frogs, a state endangered species 

through headstarting. This program 

supports the North Carolina Wildlife 

Resources Commission gopher frog 

recovery initiative. The team collects 

small portions of each egg mass and 

raises them in human care for future 

release. NCAFF aquarists suggested 

the plan after monitoring egg masses 

in Holly Shelter Game Land for several 

years and noticing the numbers of 

frogs appeared low, with as few as 

six to eight egg masses deposited in 

some years. Drought conditions meant 

that the pond had just enough water 

to stimulate the frogs to breed, but it 

would not hold water long enough for 

tadpoles to fully develop. 

◆ Sharks play a vital role in keeping the 

ocean healthy, yet their populations are 

threatened worldwide by overfishing, 

and increased demand in some parts of 

the world for shark fins. The Aquariums 

are collaborating with other major 

aquariums and conservation leaders on 

research initiatives to support shark 

populations in the wild. 

The North Carolina Aquariums and 

Jennette’s Pier are a division of the North 

Carolina Department of Natural and 

Cultural Resources. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Deyanira Romo Rossell approaches 

storytelling as a journalist—her first 

career after college. As the communication 

manager for the North Carolina 

Aquarium at Fort Fisher, Dey is leading 

the Aquarium’s marketing and public 

relations, with a focus on sustainability, 

diversity, and inclusion to empower 

visitors and supporters to lean in 

on conservation. W 


garden birding design boating 

A Garden Dreams 

Are Made Of 

A couple creates a backyard oasis 

on Blythe Road 

PHOTO TOM FAUST 


garden 

Gazebo with a blaze 

of azaleas 

Country Estate 

in the City 

“Green Acres” stars on the Azalea Garden Tour 

By NINA BROWN » Photos provided by TOM FAUST AND STONE GARDEN NC 

Before 

GREGG THOMAS AND 

Tom Faust live in their 

dream home on Blythe 

Road in Glen Meade, a 

Wilmington neighborhood 

adjacent to Forest Hills. Thomas first 

spotted the property for sale in 2017 and 

felt an immediate connection. At the time, 

the couple was not looking to move from 

their historic, neo-classical residence on 

downtown Front Street. But “life in the 

country” kept beckoning to Thomas, with 

memories of the 30-acre farm he grew up 

on with his parents and grandparents. 

Fast forward two years and the two were 

delighted to discover the Blythe Road house 

was still on the market. “Serendipity—It 

was meant to be,” says Thomas. “I took my 

husband to see it the next day and 24 hours 

later we had it under contract, with one 

condition imposed by Tom: adding a pool.” 

Although not classically trained, Thomas 

After 


(clockwise from above) Backyard oasis; 

Symmetry was a key factor in the design; 

Whimsical Hen Haven; Rose garden. 

has an amazing eye for architecture and 

landscape design. He had a clear vision of 

what the property needed. The day after 

closing, eager to begin, he borrowed a truck 

and chain and ripped out all the foundation 

plants. "The following 14 months were an 

absolute joy for me!” he says. 

Serving as his own general contractor, 

working six days a week, Thomas pulled 

together a team of carpenters, electricians, 

plumbers, roofers and painters to tackle 

the project. The red brick exterior was 

dramatically brightened through a limewash 

process. An inviting front porch 

was added. Interior rooms were soon 

redecorated. 

He then turned his attention to the 1.5- 

acre grounds to create a garden worthy of 

the new home. “Classic, formal and elegant 

became the buzz words for everything,” 

says Thomas. There were over thirty years 

of growth since the original owners built 

the house in 1982. This created a solid 

backbone for the garden. “We were very 

fortunate to inherit a stunning display of 

mature azaleas, camellias and dogwoods 

that completely encircle three sides of the 

property,” Thomas adds. 

Playing off the symmetry of the house, 

Thomas added boxwood hedges to the 

circular driveway for a stately appearance. 

The asphalt was replaced with new 

pavement and dressed up with brick 

accents. Four tractor trailer loads of empire 

zoysia grass created a lush carpet of green. 

Flagstone pathways diverge from the right 

and left of the driveway, continuing the 

theme of symmetry. One leads to a gazebo 

on the front lawn where the couple can 

easily interact with neighbors walking 

by. The other leads to double gates that 

introduce visitors to the backyard pool and 

pavilion area. 

The pool is Faust’s favorite and he’s in 

it at least six months of the year. It’s also 

their party pad where friends gather on a 

regular basis. The breezy pavilion boasts 

a bar, outdoor kitchen, brick fireplace 

and expansive seating area. Artificial 

turf surrounds the pool, providing a dirtfree 

playground for the couple’s Labrador 

retrievers, Riley and Lady Bird. 

A recently completed koi pond in the 

backyard is Thomas’ favorite feature. It was 

created and designed by Drew Thorndyke 

of Cape Fear Water Gardens using 22 tons 

of boulders from Stone Garden. Bronze 

sculptures of children at play complete the 

tranquil setting. “As a child, I always enjoyed 

hanging out around my grandmother’s pond 

on our farm,” Thomas says. 

Hen Haven: a folksy coop houses a baker’s 

dozen of chickens supplying fresh eggs for 

friends and neighbors just like Thomas’ 

maternal grandmother used to do. “We’re on 

our third go around with chickens, but we 

have never had a coop like this,” Thomas says. 

Friends tease Thomas and Faust, jokingly 

comparing them to the 1960s TV show 

“Green Acres” starring Eva Gabor. The 

sitcom tells the story of a socialite couple 

living on Park Avenue in NYC who move to 

the country to satisfy the husband’s wish for 

a farm. Now, “Green Acres” adorns the gate 

posts at Blythe Road. As the song goes, it 

really is “the place to be.” 

This year marks their fourth year living 

at "Green Acres" and 26 years of being 

together. “We are delighted to be included 

in the upcoming 2023 Azalea Garden Tour!” 

says Faust. “We look forward to sharing 

what we call our ‘happy place’ with visitors 

and guests for years to come.” W 



birding 

Jill Peleuses and staff 

can provide safe birdfeed 

options for enthusiasts. 

What’s Your Spark Bird? 

The benefits of birding for you and the environment 

By VERA WILSON » Photos by LESLIE KOEHN PHOTOGRAPHY 

AFTER SPENDING JUST A 

few minutes with Jill Peleuses, it 

becomes crystal clear: Peleuses is 

a bird nerd extraordinaire. 

Birds were her focus all through 

her college years at UNCW, where she 

earned an undergraduate degree in 

Environmental Studies and a Master of 

Public Administration with a concentration 

in Natural Resources Management. But 

while interning at Fort Fisher State 

Recreation Area, she spotted the elusive 

purple gallinule for two weeks straight, 

and that sealed the deal. Peleuses calls the 

aquatic beauty her “spark bird,” a species 

that triggers a lifelong passion for birding. 

So when she and her husband had 

the chance to buy Wild Bird & Garden 

in 2006, it was an easy decision. The 

approximately 2,000 square-foot store in 

Hanover Center is chocked full of bird 

paraphernalia. Categorized as a gift 

shop on their Facebook page, the store 

offers so much more than the magnificent 

birdhouses and feeders, whimsical 

t-shirts, puzzles and decorative figurines. 

“Being the owner, I can take this business 

in the direction that I really enjoy, which 

is the environmental education side of it,” 

says Peleuses. 

And Peleuses walks the walk, literally. 

For 17 years, she’s led monthly bird walks 

at Airlie Gardens. The store sponsors 

outings year-round to prime bird-spotting 

locales like Wrightsville Beach, Burnt Mill 

Creek and Lake Waccamaw. 

“Along the Atlantic Flyway, we’re able to 

see amazing species throughout the whole 

year, ” explains Peleuses. 

Peleuses also lectures at UNCW’s Osher 

Lifelong Learning Institute, community 

centers and private garden clubs. 

“These are all great ways to build a 

community of birdwatchers. I think the 

more people get excited about birds, the 


The store adorns 

beautiful birdhouses and 

feeds, t-shirts, puzzles 

and decorative figurines. 

Jill Peleuses stands in her 

store, Wild Bird & Garden, 

which she and her husband 

purchased in 2006. 

more likely they’ll be to set up their yard 

in a way that’s protective of birds, and then 

they’re maybe more likely to vote for green 

space,” says Peleuses. 

Setting up your yard for birding is 

easier than you might think. Peleuses 

recommends starting with birdfeeders. 

Wild Bird & Garden features feeders 

suitable for backyards, water-adjacent 

properties and even apartment balconies. 

The store’s bread and butter is their fresh 

preservative-free bird seed. 

“We get seed in every week, and we buy 

blends that are really good for our particular 

range of habitats,” explains Peleuses. 

Suet is another easy addition to your 

Simple, high-quality bird 

feeders are a good start. 

yard. Packed with proteins and fats, these 

cake-like treats are good for birds during 

migration and nesting season when they 

need extra energy, or in the winter when 

natural food sources are less plentiful. 

Adding birdhouses is the logical next 

step. They provide shelter during storms 

and give mother birds a place to nest and 

raise their young. 

Tying it all together are native plants 

that provide a natural food source for birds 

by way of the insects they attract. Peleuses 

teams up with local growers to offer pop-up 

plant sales at the store every spring. 

“Native plants are so easy,” she says. 

“And planting them gives birds what they 

need to survive and thrive.” 

Peleuses’ staff is well-trained and can 

help you make the right choices when it 

comes to creating your own bird oasis. 

But the importance of creating yards that 

attract birds goes beyond the store’s bottom 

line for Peleuses. She always circles back to 

her initial goal: environmental education. 

“I think yards are becoming crucial not 

just to our community but to the country 

as we see all the development. We need 

homeowners and garden clubs to think of 

what they can do to put back some of what 

we’re taking. By adding native plants, bird 

feeders and seed, we’re putting back into 

the habitat what is missing,” says Peleuses. 

It’s not necessary to set up your yard to 

enjoy and appreciate birds. Just pick up a 

pair of binoculars and you’re ready. The 

store carries selections in all price ranges, 

including waterproof options. 

“It’s about slowing things down and 

taking a breath,” explains Peleuses. 

“You might see a bird headed to Central 

America, and you got to see it for a few 

minutes. You have that moment in nature.” 

Peleuses’ unwavering devotion to birds led 

her to co-found the nonprofit Cape Fear Bird 

Observatory in 2020. The organization’s 

small but dedicated team is focused on 

research and data collection, like tracking 

which species travel the area and when. 

Believing it’s never too early to promote 

environmental awareness, the group hosts 

a weekly nature-based, hands-on program 

for kids called Wilmington Youth Birding. 

Proceeds from some of the store’s bird 

outings and t-shirt sales go directly to the 

nonprofit, but donations are welcome. W 



design 

Fifteen Years of Designing 

Home Solutions 

Husband-and-wife team provide clients with turnkey remodeling 

and renovation services for kitchens and interiors 

By JOE JANCSURAK » Photos by LESLIE KOEHN PHOTOGRAPHY 

FUNNY HOW THINGS WORK OUT. BEFORE THE GREAT RECESSION OF 2008, ALICE 

Evans was doing very well as a designer involved with high-end new-home construction while her husband 

John, a commercial general contractor, was busy with school and hospital renovations. When the economy 

plummeted, so did their volume of work. 


“That’s when we began working together 

on home renovations,” says Alice, “and 

we’ve been working together ever since.” 

The husband-wife team own and operate 

Dynamic Kitchens and Interiors in 

Wilmington. Together, they provide clients 

with turnkey remodeling and renovation 

experiences involving kitchens, bathrooms, 

laundry rooms, home offices and interior 

design. 

“When beginning a project, I ask the 

customer for their wish list,” says Alice. 

“Typically, customers know what they 

want. For example, more storage, certain 

features to be moved around, more color— 

those types of things. What they may not 

want to discuss is their budget, something 

we need to know where we’re going with 

the project.” 

As for John’s role, decades spent as a 

commercial general contractor prepared 

him to accomplish even the most complex 

renovation jobs. “There is very little that he 

cannot do,” says Alice. 

Married for 40 years and having worked 

together for 15 years, Alice says she and 

John communicate well, which is great 

for their clients. “We really enjoy working 

together and discussing jobs at almost 

any time of day. Designing and providing 

beautiful rooms that work for the customers 

is what we enjoy.” 

When they’re not creating attractive 

and functional spaces for clients, Alice and 

John enjoy practicing Aikido (a Japanese 

martial art), singing in the church choir 

at Good Shepherd Church in Wilmington, 

where John is a lay pastor, and sailing. 

In fact, it was their sailboat that in 1982 

brought them from Boston to Wilmington, 

and where they paid just $3,000 for a fixerupper 

house that they sold in 1989 to buy 

their second and current house. 

It won’t be too long before the 

septuagenarians set sail again. “We plan 

to stay in business for about two more years 

before we rent our house and sail up and 

down the East Coast in our 34-foot sloop.” 

Until then, they’ll continue improving 

the aesthetics of Wilmington one house at 

a time. That, after all, is what truly floats 

their boat. 

Dynamic Kitchens and Interiors 

910-232-8057 

dynamickitchens.com W 


design 


Kitchen Man’s 

showroom in 


Extras for Everyone! 

The Kitchen Man credits seven years of success to perks and people 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by FRANK G. HART 

CHRIS DABIDEEN BEGAN WORKING FOR A NEW YORK KITCHEN DESIGNER IN 2002, 

gaining extensive experience working on both residential and commercial projects over the course of 14 

years. Then, he decided it was time to start his own business: The Kitchen Man. 

“We literally just wanted to move south, 

so we threw a dart and hit Wilmington,” 

Dabideen says. “As fate would have it, it 

was a perfect bullseye for us.” 

Founded in 2016, The Kitchen Man is a 

full-service kitchen design firm known for 

having quick service and a huge inventory. 

Its original location is in Winnabow, but 

the company recently opened new spaces 

in Wilmington and Hampstead. 

“Our showrooms feature custom 

cabinets, counters and tile, so a customer 

can get a complete picture of what their 

dream kitchen might look like,” Dabideen 

says. “We truly handle all aspects of 

kitchen design, from lighting to flooring 

and everything in between.” 

The Kitchen Man, which was voted four 

years in a row as Best Kitchen Design 

Firm in WWAY’s Viewers’ Choice Awards, 

strives to go above and beyond for its 

customers by providing about $1,500 

worth of extras per project, he says. 

“We always give a free stainlesssteel 

sink, a designer faucet, a choice of 

custom countertop edging and a 15-year 

countertop sealer with every countertop 

job,” Dabideen says. “Every kitchen job 

gets those extras, regardless of size. 

We also invested about half of a million 

dollars in equipment to cut, polish and 

edge our own stone right in Brunswick 

County, so there is less delay waiting on 

your finished stone.” 

However, these perks are no substitute 

for good old-fashioned customer service, 

and those who enter the showrooms can 

expect to be treated like family, he adds. 

“We actually enjoy dealing with people,” 

Dabideen says. “We love the different 

personalities and characters we run into 

every day. We have fun, like to make 


(top) Kitchen Man’s CNC router tool allows the team to cut out sink holes and polish edges 

on site; (middle) Products featured in the Wilmington showroom; (bottom) Owners Chris and 

Amanda Dabideen. 

people smile and always answer every 

online review we get with a personal note.” 

In addition to its two new locations, 

The Kitchen Man recently opened a 

new division called Your Backyard 

Genie, which offers outdoor kitchens, 

waterscapes, stonework and outdoor 

recreation areas. 

Despite various obstacles over the years, 

Dabideen says business is flourishing, 

adding “We would like to sincerely thank 

all our past and present clients for helping 

us through our startup, the pandemic and 

our growing pains so far—We would not 

be here without them.” 

More About The Kitchen Man 

Owner: Chris Dabideen 

Phone: 910.408.1322 

Website: kitchenmannc.com W 


oating 


Invincible with 

three white 

Yamahas 

Celebrating 20 Years of 

Top-Tier Boating Services 

With a third store soon to open, the future looks bright for this family-owned, 

customer-focused business known today as one of the area’s premier boat dealers 

By JOE JANCSURAK » Photos provided by ANGLERS MARINE 

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES NEED PLANS, 

priorities and principles. For Anglers Marine NC, a 20- 

year success story with locations in Supply and Clayton, 

the plan calls for strategic growth with a third location 

in the works in Morehead City. Its top priorities: paying 

close attention to customers and market trends. 

Overseeing this family-owned business is C.W. Hamilton, 

president; his wife Carol, chief financial officer; their son Wes, 

vice president and general manager; and daughter Dana Hobbs, 

account executive. The family dynamic can be a challenge, 

concedes Carol, but well worth it. 

“Challenging because all of us have competitive Type A 

personalities,” Carol explains. “Rewarding because we remain 

unified in our goal of offering customized options to meet 

our customers’ boating needs and desires.” She adds that as 

tournament fishing competitors, C.W. and Wes know firsthand the 

needs of their customers. 

Customized options include equipping boats with LED underwater 

lights with unique colored lighting options, sophisticated GPS 

products, custom marine mat flooring, colorful powder-coated 

T-tops and power poles (shallow-water anchoring systems) to name 

just a few. As for its inventory, boating enthusiasts will find top-ofthe-line 

sport fishing and pleasure boats that include such brand 

names as Invincible, Cape Horn, Robalo, Key West, Starcraft, 

Bayliner and Savannah Skiff Boats. 

While understanding and reacting to market trends is important 

so, too, are demographics, notes Carol. “A lot of our market lives 

in the Research Triangle area of Raleigh-Durham, but they own 

beach houses here. Recognizing this, we added the Clayton store 

six years ago and this spring will open another in Morehead City.” 

The company’s growth is made possible not only by the principals 

(C.W., Carol, Wes and Dana), but also by a 26-person team of 

sales associates, service technicians, office staff, a transportation 

specialist for boat deliveries and a social media marketing director. 

Brands such as Robalo, Key West, and Yamaha have recognized 

the company with sales and service excellence awards. 

“We really are Coastal Carolina’s number one boat dealership 

with the best lineup of boats and the area’s most knowledgeable 

staff,” Carol proclaims. “As the Southeast’s largest stocking dealer, 

we have hundreds of boats to choose from.” 

And to think it all started inside an old gas station in Supply 

that the family transformed into their first store 20 years ago, just 

300 feet away from the current location, built in 2014. 

To celebrate its two decades of business, Anglers will hold its first 

open house/boat show since March 2020 on March 24-26. There 

will be food trucks, vendors and giveaways, including fishing trips, 

fishing equipment, Garmin GPS systems, Apple iPads, Yeti coolers 

and an all-inclusive three-day cruise. W 

The Invincible with 

tripple Mercurys 


Salt marshes near 

Wrightsville Beach, NC. 

Management by Crisis: 

A Call for Help on Behalf 

of North Carolina’s 


PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CARIN HALL, CCA NC & ANA SHELLEM 

The state has failed to protect a public trust resource 

for several decades—what can we do about it? 

By CARIN HALL 


Southern flounder has 

become the poster 

child for poor fisheries 

management in North. 

NORTH CAROLINA BOASTS 

the second largest estuarine 

system in the country, with 

over 12,000 miles of bays, 

sounds and wetlands in addition to its 

322 miles of ocean shoreline. It’s a fishing 

and seafood lover’s paradise. But what 

many don’t know is that the state is an 

outlier when it comes to coastal fisheries 

conservation, or lack thereof. 

Despite fisheries management plans 

(FMPs) put forth by the state in the 

1990s to sustainably regulate fish 

stocks—specifically southern flounder— 

deadlines for managing overfishing issues 

were not met, and there’s been a lack of 

enforced regulations and consequences 

for exceeding catch allowances ever 

since. The NC Wildlife Federation 

(NCWF) claims that the hierarchical, 

administrative structure of all the 

management authorities involved further 

slows progress, which includes the North 

Carolina divisions of the Department of 

An estimated four pounds 

of bycatch is discarded dead 

back into the ocean for every 

pound of shrimp collected in 

North Carolina waters. 

PHOTO ANTHONY BEAL PHOTO FLIKR @LUSOX 


(above) Finfish and shellfish species depend on salt marshes and tidal creeks for breeding, 

feeding and nursery areas. (top left) A close-up of bycatch from shrimp trawling. 

(bottom left) Neuse River bycatch thrown overboard. 

Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division 

of Marine Fisheries (DMF) and Marine 

Fisheries Commission (MFC). 

Enter another acronym to keep track: the 

Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), 

a nonprofit comprised of 17 coastal state 

chapters from the Gulf of Mexico, Pacific 

and Atlantic seaboards, representing tens 

of thousands of recreational saltwater 

angler members—the largest marine 

conservation group of its kind. The CCA 

of NC is currently leading a lawsuit 

alongside 86 citizens against the state for 

coastal fisheries mismanagement. 

“Unfortunately, North Carolina 

fisheries managers have not made 

conservation a priority,” says Executive 

Director of CCA NC David Sneed. “For 

decades, they've promoted commercial 

fishing by allowing maximum exploitation 

of a resource without any thought for the 

future—and we end up with management 

by crisis that way.” 

Sneed explains that the state has failed 

to act on conservation measures until 

after a stock has collapsed. At that point, 

the fishing public loses access to a public 

trust resource, commercial fisherman 

lose access to profits and consumers lose 

access to fresh local seafood. 

“A truly sustainable fishery supports a 

regular supply chain for each user group,” 

Sneed explains. “But it must also build 

in a conservation threshold to guarantee 

that access to public trust resources is 

available for future generations.” 

Anglers Fight for Equity 

of a Resource 

Although commercial fishing is an 

important part of North Carolina’s economy 

(and heritage), recreational fishing’s 

impact on the economy is far greater. In 

2019, recreational fishing in the state 

accounted for about $4 billion compared 

to the commercial fishing industry’s 

estimated $500 million impact, according 

to data compiled by the NC DEQ. 

Yet, the Southern Flounder Fishery 

Management Plan adopted by the NC MFC 

in May of 2022 allocated approximately 70% 

of the total allowable catch to commercial 

harvesting and just 30% to the public. While 

the plan set forth a significant reduction 

in the overall catch to avoid total collapse 

of southern flounder, local recreational 

anglers expressed discontent (including 

many here in Wilmington), arguing for 

equal access to waters protected under the 

public trust doctrine. 

“The season for recreational anglers is 

very short now,” says Sneed. “That has 

a huge economic impact, as people stop 

booking trips with local guides. We’re not 

only decimating our public trust resources, 

but we’re also changing the economics of 

our coastal communities.” 

A Threatened Species 

Although it’s not the only species of 

local marine life in trouble, the southern 

flounder has become the poster child of poor 


PHOTO: FLIKR @SSWJ 

fisheries management in North Carolina. 

For several decades, it’s been overfished to 

the point of not only depleting the stock, 

but also reducing the average size of the 

individual fish. 

There’s also the issue of shrimp trawl 

bycatch that goes unreported. It is 

estimated that for every pound of shrimp 

collected in North Carolina waters, there 

are about four pounds of bycatch discarded 

back into the ocean dead. That’s because 

the gill nets used in the process catch 

everything that swim into it, resulting 

in a lot of waste that further threatens 

southern flounder populations and other 

marine life. 

“Over 60% of commercial fishing license 

holders do not report any catch on an 

annual basis,” says Sneed. “That’s how 

much is potentially underreported. And 

that’s the state’s fault for not setting proper 

licensing requirements or mandating 

catch reporting.” 

Although the southern flounder stock 

is shared with neighboring states, North 

Carolina commercial fishing practices 

have the biggest impact on the resource. 

“Other states like South Carolina, 

Georgia and Florida have thriving 

recreational and commercial fishing 

(top) Gill nets continue to threaten many species of marine life. (left) Ana Shellem collects 

oysters for the day. (right) Flounder caught in a gill net. 

industries,” says Sneed. “But all of the 

states around us have either severely 

restricted or outright banned the use of 

gill nets in internal waters and they don’t 

allow shrimp trawling in estuarine waters, 

so they don’t have the same bycatch waste 

issues that we do here.” 

Plan of Action 

CCA NC is actively trying to spread 

awareness through their campaign Save 

Our Fisheries (ccanc.org/save-our-fisheries), 

where people can find a long history and 

additional supporting documents around 

the state’s fisheries mismanagement. 


PHOTO BY BILL DICKINSON 

(above) Consumers and seafood dealers are encouraged to learn where their seafood is coming from in the fight to curb unsustainable 

fishing practices. 

“We also encourage people to speak 

up about it,” says Sneed. “Reach out to 

your legislators and talk to them about 

these issues.” 

For seafood buyers and businesses, 

being mindful of where fish is coming from 

is critical. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 

Seafood Watch guidelines are available 

online to help source sustainable options 

or alternatives. The Local Catch app 

also has some promising features to help 

buyers reduce waste, allowing commercial 

fishermen to see what the market needs 

before leaving the dock via requests 

submitted from dealers within the app. 

“It can help prevent overharvesting and 

put excess catch to use that may have 

otherwise been thrown out,” says Local 

Catch Operator and Founder Landon 

Hill. “We also hope to be able to provide 

agencies with some of that data to help 

monitor fish populations and activity in 

specific areas.” 

For fish dealer license holders, using 

the Local Catch app means better access 

to fresh fish while supporting local 

fisherman. Commercial fisherman can, 

in turn, better serve local buyers and 

rely less on selling their catch to larger 

corporations at a wholesale price. 

Support Local Stewards of the 

Environment 

Wrightsville Beach’s Ana Shellem has 

been spotlighted in recent years for her 

sustainable approach to her one-woman 

owned and operated oyster business, 

Shell’em Seafood. Shellem takes a strong 

stance against overfishing, refusing not 

to harvest more than what is ordered, 

personally delivering her catch to clients 

each day. Local restaurants like Seabird 

count on Shellem for fresh oysters and 

mussels on the regular. 

Rx Chicken & Oysters restaurant is 

also up to something new, with an oyster 

farm of their own in the works and plans 

to serve sustainably caught lionfish— 

an invasive species destroying reefs and 

local fish populations like grouper and 

snapper—that they spear themselves. 

Seafood and fishing are central to North 

Carolian and Wilmingtonian culture. 

To ensure our fisheries can continue to 

support commercial and recreational 

fishing industries alike, we must hold the 

state accountable as a trustee of our public 

trust doctrine. We also hope you join us 

in celebrating the local heroes doing the 

hard work to operate responsibly. Have 

conversations with them, post about them, 

send us their stories and thank them for 

protecting our precious resources. W 


Take a Hike! 

How to embrace the Year of the Trail in Wilmington 

By EMORY RAKESTRAW 

PHOTO YEAR OF THE TRAIL 


AH, SPRINGTIME! BIRDS ARE CHIRPING 

as the clear morning light illuminates a world slowly 

coming back to life. For many in the Wilmington 

region, springtime equals long beach days soaking 

in that unseasonably high heat that often makes a 

surprise appearance come April. This could also mean 

dusting off those hiking boots and hitting the trail to 

explore the region in new, or tried and true, ways! 

Since the NC General Assembly officially named 2023 the Year 

of the Trail, there’s no better time than now to explore options for 

getting outdoors. What is the Year of the Trail, exactly? Connie 

Nelson, Communications and Public Relations Director for the 

Wilmington and Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau says, 

“As an Outdoor NC partner, the NC Year of the Trail initiative 

provides additional opportunities to boost outdoor recreation and 

wellness travel to our destination through the promotion of nature 

and fitness trails.” The City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation 

Department also supports and enacts outdoor conservation 

efforts as a Leave No Trace community partner, she notes. 

Although, you won’t always need your hiking boots in 

Wilmington. Some local trails include ways to experience the 

area’s long lineage of heritage and history, grab a local craft beer 

and wash it down with a Permuda Island oyster. Why not add all 

the above to your spring must-do list? 

For the Explorer 

One of my favorite fun facts about this region is that the 

carnivorous Venus flytrap is only found within a 75-100-mile 

radius of Wilmington. At Carolina Beach State Park, visitors 

can traverse the winding, half-mile Flytrap Loop Trail through 

maritime forests and happen upon the Venus flytrap in its 

natural habitat. Surprisingly, they’re often smaller than you’d 


Venus flytraps can be 

spotted at Carolina Beach 

State park. 

Take in the beauty of Airlie 

Gardens in spring. 

Fort Fisher Basin Trail is 

perfect for bird spotting 

and history buffs. 

think, so keep an eye out. Both the Venus flytrap and pitcher 

plant often grow in low-lying clusters, but if you see a crowd with 

their cameras out, it’s a surefire way to know flytraps are nearby. 

After seeing this rare wonder, walk along the park’s nine 

miles of nature trails where scenery transforms from sandy 

forests to waterside vistas and marshland. If you begin going 

uphill, perhaps wondering how low-lying coastland suddenly jolts 

upward, that’s just the 50-foot Sugarloaf Dune! 

Nearby, Fort Fisher is an idyllic, dreamy place. Perfect for 

setting up a beachside picnic beneath the gnarly and winding live 

oaks or hiking the four-mile Basin Trail, and happening upon an 

abandoned WWII bunker where the famous Fort Fisher Hermit 

once resided. 

To Experience Nature 

As part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, Airlie Gardens 

encompasses 67 acres of lush gardens and trails, a live oak dating 

back to the 1500s and the Minnie Evans’ bottle garden. Within 

this coastal fairyland amassed with flora and fauna, you’ll also 

encounter over 200 bird species. Monthly bird walks hosted at 

Airlie are a fascinating way to make use of both binoculars and 

hiking boots while exploring the grounds and gardens. For other 

flying fancies, the 2,700-square-foot butterfly house opens in June. 

If you’re craving a bit more salt air, or perhaps a midday run, 

the nearby 2.45-mile Wrightsville Beach Loop is a great option 

for those water views (bonus points if you take a refreshing dip 

in the ocean after). 

For a short and easy way to embrace the Year of the Trail, 

even as a lunch-hour respite, Wilmington parks are a great 

option. With 70% undeveloped, the 60-acre Halyburton Park is 

home to secluded nature trails perfect for crafting a moment of 

solitude. Greenfield Lake Park and Gardens recently announced 

the addition of their new Park Ranger, and is just a stone’s throw 

from downtown Wilmington, making it an easy escape for a 

waterside lunch, bike or walk 

alongside the paved waterside trail. Personally, I love visiting 

Greenfield to get a close look at the alligators and turtles 

languidly floating in the water but don’t worry, they don’t pay 

much attention to humans. 

Hidden Gems 

Spanning from Wrightsville Beach to downtown Wilmington, 

the Gary Shell Cross City Trail is a true hidden gem that’s 

FLYTRAP PHOTO DONALD LEE PARDUE; PHOTO AIRLIE GARDENS; TRAIL PHOTO WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB 



Carolina Beach 

State Park boasts 

nine miles of 

nature trails. 



great for joggers, walkers and cyclists. Largely off-road and 

enclosed amongst untouched greenery, several access points, 

including Halyburton Park, make it easy to explore. The trail 

winds throughout town but goes largely unnoticed unless one 

deliberately searches. In the afternoon you’ll be accompanied 

by several walkers and joggers and, on the weekends, groups of 

cyclists often like to take their morning rides here. Some fun 

points of interest also include Cameron Art Museum, UNCW 

and Lumina Station. A bit of culture and shopping with my hike 

sounds about right! 

The more adventurous will love the seven-mile Blue Clay Bike 

Park. Composed of (once illegal) off-road bike trails, members 

of Cape Fear Cyclists came together to help initiate the official 

construction of the park, partnering with New Hanover County. 

In sections, the trails are bordered by wetlands and provide 

playful variation with man-made elevations. Overall, if your offroad 

bike has been collecting dust in the corner, you don’t need 

the mountains to get a bit of riding in. For those who prefer to 

ride on the road, the River to Sea Bikeway spans Wrightsville 

Beach to Downtown Wilmington, meeting with the Gary Shell 

Cross City Trail in certain sections. 

Smith Creek 

Park is one of 

Wilmington’s great 

parks, consisting of 

smaller trails and 

waterfront views. 

Eat, Drink and Learn 

This is the part we’ve all been waiting for, right? After a long 

hike, you’re certainly deserving of an ice-cold beer and a hearty 



Carolina Beach State Park’s 

trails transform from sandy 

forests to waterside vistas 

and marshland. 


meal. The Wilmington Ale Trail highlights local breweries, 

bottle shops and eateries for craft beer lovers. Stops range 

from Wilmington Brewing Co., where everyone agrees Tropical 

Lighting is the regional go-to, to craft kombucha from Panacea 

Brewing Company accompanied by a robust vegan menu. The 

Wilmington Ale Trail website is easy to navigate and includes 

an interactive trail map to plan out your boozy afternoon “hike.” 

Oysters on the half-shell are also necessary, and thanks 

to plenty of local oyster farms where these briny bivalves are 

freshly and sustainably harvested year-round, the ‘no R rule’ 

does not apply here. The Oyster Trail includes stops at local 

shellfish farms like Cape Fear Oyster Company (which also 

offers chartered boat tours) and eateries like Seabird Restaurant 

where ordering the iconic Seafood Tower is a must. 

For history buffs, the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage 

Corridor includes stops at Bellamy Mansion Museum while Fort 

Fisher, Fort Anderson and even Oakdale Cemetery are part of 

the N.C. Civil War Trail. 

Convinced Wilmington is a great spot to celebrate Year of the 

Trail yet? With so much to explore, and accompanying gorgeous 

views to boot, this is a resolution that’s easy to keep.“From the 

Riverwalk to the Island Greenway, and from easy park hikes 

to more challenging cross-city and mountain cycling trails, 

Wilmington and its nearby island beach towns offer a wide range 

of trails to visitors,” says Nelson. That being said, spring is the 

perfect time to take a hike! W 


A CUSTOM 

SOUTHERN 

LIVING HOME 

Schmidt Custom Builders and Ginger Interiors 

team up to design their first Southern Living 

Showcase Home 

By LORI WILSON » Photos by G. FRANK HART 


The dining area accent 

wall features a custom trim 

work design that frames 

a dynamic abstract piece 

from New Elements Gallery. 

WHEN MARK SCHMIDT 

first started his building 

career, he couldn't have 

imagined one of his homes 

being featured as part of an official, 

nationwide Southern Living Showcase 

Home tour. Coming a long way from 

flipping his first house more than 20 years 

ago, he shares the esteemed honor with 

his team, which he has humbly grown and 

transformed into a full-service custom 

home-building company. 

The Southern Living 

Experience 

The Southern Living Custom Home 

in the Airlie at Wrightsville Sound 

neighborhood demonstrates Schmidt’s 

commitment to quality, comfort and an 

understanding of his clients’ lifestyles 

on the coast of Wilmington. Schmidt 

partly attributes his success to growing 

up around builders and engineers, with a 

father who worked in his uncle’s furniture 

store and obtained a degree in electrical 

engineering, a mechanically minded 

grandfather who restored cars, and two 

brothers in similar industries. 

In 2010, Schmidt’s talents were 

recognized as an approved Southern 

Living Custom Home builder, a title that, 

today, only 90 builders in 14 states share, 

recognizing what Southern Living dubs 

“authentic details, quality products and 

classic styling.” 

While Schmidt Custom Builders had 

been a Southern Living member for 13 

years, they waited for the right time 

for their business to dive into their first 

showcase home. Schmidt exclusively works 

with individual homeowners to build 

their dream space, but a Southern Living 

showcase home has no predetermined 

buyer, and it must be open to the public. In 

many ways, this showcase home is more 

of Schmidt’s masterpiece than any other 

build, as he and his team were the only 

eyes on the project before it was shared 

with the community. 

Of course, to be part of the Southern 

Living Custom Home Showcase tour, 

builders must follow certain guidelines. 

For example, he and his design and build 


With allowable adjustments 

to the Aiken Ridge design, 

the original sunroom was 

converted into heated square 

footage, cozily divided by a 

see-through fireplace. 

Mark Schmidt, owner of 

Schmidt Custom Builders, and 

Jo Howell, Owner and principal 

interior designer at Ginger 

Interior Design, stand proudly 

with their team. 

partner, Jo Howell of Ginger Interiors, 

had to select a floor plan from the list of 

Southern Living approved designs. For 

the lot at Airlie, they chose the Aiken 

Ridge floor plan, dubbing this house Aiken 

at Airlie. 

Working within the Southern Living 

framework and their preferred vendor 

list challenged the team’s creativity, 

with much-loved results. For example, 

every light fixture and pendant light in 

the home, including the mid-centurymodernesque 

statement chandelier above 

the main dining table, is part of a Regina 

Anderson design collection. 

“The creative challenge came with 

having to work with specified sponsored 

products,” Schmidt explains. 

And the product list was full of goodies. 

The kitchen and washroom include GE 

(another preferred vendor) state-of-theart 

smart home appliances, including an 

impressive gas stove with gold tone knobs, 

which exquisitely suits the ceiling-high 

quartzite hood cover and countertops in 

the kitchen, a very intentional design 

choice made by Howell. 

The Dream Design Team 

Howell and Schmidt have been working 

partners for almost ten years. Unlike the 

more common design strategy, interior 

design expert Howell joins the custom build 

process from day one of floor plan design, 

instead of after the home is built. She’s on 

board before the framers get to work. 


W 

Just off the dining and 

kitchen area, Howell 

designed a lounge, 

accessed through 

glass doors for that 

open-but-private 

look, with a stunning 

wallpapered ceiling. 


The kitchen includes GE 

state-of-the-art smart home 

appliances, including an 

impressive gas stove with gold 

tone knobs, which exquisitely 

suits the ceiling-high quartzite 

hood cover and countertops 

in the kitchen. 

“From a design perspective,” Howell 

says, “we were able to uplift the floor plan, 

to bring it up to date and make it more 

modern for our area.” 

With allowable adjustments to the Aiken 

Ridge design, the duo made the kitchen 

bigger, rearranged the upstairs bath, 

adjusted the master bedroom and closet 

and, most notably, converted the sunroom 

into heated square footage, cozily divided 

by a see-through fireplace. 

And, knowing the Wilmington climate 

and its tendency for moisture issues, 

Schmidt modified the crawl space concept 

into a concrete slab. 

“That changed the position of the heat 

pumps, so we had to get creative,” Schmidt 

says. “But with Jo, we can make those 

modifications on site. When I see those 

things structurally, I can work with Jo to 

do space planning.” 

In this case, a closet of an upstairs 

bedroom was added to incorporate the 

space for the heat pump. This prompted 

Howell to suggest the addition of a 

charming reading nook in between the two 

closets, which is amplified with a small 

accent wall painted in the Southern Living 

preferred vendor Sherwin Williams’ 2023 

color of the year: Redend Point. 

“We tackle those things in the design 

stage instead of troubleshooting later,” 

Howell adds. “We are a good team.” 

The trust Howell and Schmidt have 

in each other, both as on- and off-the-job 

partners, likely contributes to the lifelong 

connections they make with many of their 

clients. Since their working partnership 

has grown, Howell’s luxury design firm, 

Ginger Interiors, found a home in the same 

office as Schmidt Custom Builders (at 

Arboretum West), making the partnership 


A charming reading 

nook was built between 

two closets in an 

upstairs bedroom, which 

is amplified with a small 

accent wall painted in 

Redend Point, Sherwin 

Williams’ 2023 color of 

the year. 


With a porch at eye level, 

the new owners will 

easily be able to connect 

with passing neighbors. 

Howell worked to style each 

room individually, so that 

future homeowners had a 

space for every mood. 

The outdoor patio area 

connects the main house 

to a detached 2.5-car 

garage and an upstairs 

accessory dwelling space. 

seamless and convenient for clients when 

they work together. 

Creating a Mood 

In addition to updating the floor plan 

to maximize the space, Howell worked 

to style each room individually, so that 

future homeowners had a space for every 

mood—yet, each with timeless pieces that 

bring it all together. 

“Even the foyer,” Schmidt says, “Jo 

designed so that you have to have a 

moment there, as if it’s a room.” 

It’s true, guest’s first steps into the 

space are welcomed by herringbone 

floors, marble doorknobs and other 

important attention to details that make 

the space matter. 

“I'm a very tactile, tangible person,” 

Howell says. “Every surface matters. How 

many times will the homeowner touch 

that doorknob? It’s not just a doorknob. It’s 

another space to work with.” 

Howell’s willingness to mix and match 

metals and patterns creates a warm, yet 

sophisticated mood that many visitors 

of the Southern Living Custom Home 

Showcase tour enjoyed during the house’s 

public debut in December. 

“The house lives larger than the square 

footage,” Schmidt repeats as a note that 

the team heard frequently from public 

tourers about the 2,330-square-foot 

main house. 

As is Howell’s mindset, every surface, 

even the ceilings, serves purpose. Just 

off the dining and kitchen area, Howell 

designed a lounge, accessed through 


glass doors for that open-but-private look, 

with a stunning wallpapered ceiling. The 

lounge—perhaps the moodiest and most 

style-conscious of all the rooms—serves 

as an escape, maybe for working from 

home or for parties. 

Nearby, the dining area accent wall 

features a custom trim work design that 

frames a dynamic abstract piece from New 

Elements Gallery, where all the artwork 

was sourced with the exception of vibrant 

Chris Frick photography in the sunroom, 

tipping a hat to the local waterways only a 

mile down the road. 

The sunroom feeds into the large 

wrap-around front porch, where Howell 

and Schmidt imagined the homeowners 

rocking in chairs as their neighbors stroll 

the sidewalk of this new Charlestonstyle 

community. 

“That was another benefit to having the 

concrete slab instead of the crawl space,” 

Schmidt says. “It lowered the porch so 

that [the homeowner] could be sitting, 

connecting to their neighbors at eye level.” 

As they talk more about the space, 

Howell realizes that the theme of this 

home truly is “connection.” 

They even placed the kitchen island 

parallel with the stairs so that families 

and visitors could immediately connect 

at the bottom of one floor to the next. 

Everything functions and flows. 

The back door of the main house opens 

to a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, with 

another stunning art feature of Christ 

Frick photography. The outdoor patio area 

connects the main house to a detached 

2.5-car garage (fit for a perfect golf cart 

community) and an upstairs accessory 

dwelling space. 

The additional 700-square-foot garage 

suite includes a full kitchen, bath and walkin 

closet, currently staged with a dining 

table and complete living room furniture. 

“The space is designed to be used 

however the homeowner wants—a 

mother-in-law suite, a yoga studio, an 

office, whatever,” Schmidt explains. 

Since its Southern Living Custom 

Home Showcase tour debut in December, 

the Aiken at Airlie awaits its perfect 

homeowner, one who will appreciate 

a strong foundation of warm, yet 

luxurious design carefully crafted 

by the Schmidt and Howell team. 

schmidtcustombuilders.com W 

Howell’s willingness 

to mix and match 

metals and patterns 

creates a warm, yet 

sophisticated mood. 


SPEND A YEAR 

ON THE COAST 

of Wilmington, North Carolina 

September/October 2021 

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 

July/August 2022 

JULY / AUGUST 2022 

May/June 2021 

MAY / JUNE 2021 

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

All You Need to 

Know for the 

Anticipated Season 

Dining 

Al Fresco 

Top Spots for 

Decked Out Dining 

in the Port City 

LANDING 

IN 

LANDFALL 

NATURAL 

SUPPLEMENT 

PIONEERS 

ONCE A MARINE, 

ALWAYS A 

MARINE 

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

Surfing for 

Solutions 

Partnering to Rid 

Oceans of Plastic 

Fashion 

Takes Flight 

A Runway of Edgy, 

Elegant Looks 

DESIGNING 

WITH STONE 

DAILY 

YOGA 

DINING 

REVIEWS 

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

The Tastes 

of Summer 

MOM & DAD 

DINING 

GUIDE 

Palette Worthy Provisions 

for the Season 

AT HOME IN 

ST. JAMES 

Best in 

Business 2021 

Wilmington’s Elite 

Entrepreneurs and 

Professionals 

THE LATEST 

TRENDS IN 

SKINCARE 

March/April 2022 

MARCH / APRIL 2022 

May/June 2022 

MAY / JUNE 2022 

January/February 2021 

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2021 

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

Outdoor 

Living 

Design Solutions 

with a Water View 

PRIVATE 

SCHOOLS 

THE 75 TH YEAR 

OF AZALEA 

ALLURE 

Aquaculture 

Conservation 

of our Coral 

Reef Habitats 

EXPLORING 

VEGAN 

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

The 

Interior 

Design 

Issue 

SPA-CATION 

WITH SPIRITS 

LUNCH LIKE 

A LOCAL 

Waterfront View 

A New Locale for 

Legendary Steaks 

Irish Roots 

A Custom Manor with 

Gothic Style 

SPRING 

FASHION 

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

Spoonful of 

Romance 

14 

Home is Where 

the Heart Is 

Special Redesign 

in Autumn Hall 

Top Eateries to 

Wine & Dine 

Your Valentine 

WINTER 

HIDEAWAYS 

LIFESTYLE 

RESET 

PROGRAM 

VALENTINE’S DAY 

GIFT GUIDE 

Subscribe Today! 

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERYONE WHO LOVES THE COAST. 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com/subscribe or 843-856-2532 


dining review libations in the kitchen restaurant guide 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 

An Inviting 

Space 

A casual yet sophisticated 

dining experience—and a 

bar with a history 


Henry’s Restaurant 

The new owners revamp the menu and the space, 

while continuing longtime local favorites 

2508 Independence Blvd. 


910-793-2929 

henrysrestaurant.com 

By CARIN HALL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

HENRY’S RESTAURANT 

may be under new 

ownership, but diners 

can still expect the same 

tried and true quality and 

dedication to fresh ingredients that locals 

love about this sophisticated yet casual 

dining spot. 

Having worked at the restaurant in 

some capacity for nearly 17 years, General 

Manager Dan Prince says that the new 

owner, Fares Hanna, prioritizes doing 

well by their regulars, new customers and 

employees. He regularly engages with 

everyone, looking for ways to improve the 

business and empower the people behind it. 

“I didn’t buy a restaurant that needed 

fixing,” says Hanna. “I bought a restaurant 

that I saw potential in—I’m here to help 

things grow.” 

With the help of Prince’s efforts, Henry’s 

has been able to start bringing back a lot 

of its customers’ favorite specials alongside 

some newer items. 

Menu 

With the expertise of Chef Ashley, drink 

and bar appetizers are back (served for 

dine-in and in the bar area only, Mondays 

through Fridays from 4pm to 8pm). Not to 

mention, some of the old favorites like the 

Four-Cheese Penne Pasta, Hot Pastrami 

Reuben and Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls. 

More is on the way thanks to the ongoing 

replenishment of local ingredients as 

local vendors continue to bounce back 

from the pandemic. 

Some of the newer items diners are 

loving include the Oysters Rockefeller and 

Sea Bass with Lemon Butter Sauce. The 

brunch menu on Sundays now includes 

Chef Ashley’s Homemade Cinnamon Roll 

Fried Brussel Sprouts: 

flash fried and sprinkled 

with salt, pepper, garlic 

and brown sugar 

and Omelets, as well as older favorites like 

Chicken and Waffles. 

Prime Rib Sundays have also returned, 

with the 8 oz Prime Rib with two sides 

for $24.99 all day. Another tried and true 

favorite is the Salmon. 

“Whether as the entrée with dirty 

Verry Berry: blueberry, 

strawberry and raspberry 

vodka, Chambord and house 

made lemonade with fresh 

blueberries and strawberries 


(clockwise from above) Fried Green 

Tomatoes: panko-dusted fried green 

tomatoes, house made pimento cheese, 

corn salsa, bacon crumbles and red pepper; 

Grilled Salmon Salad: fresh greens with 

roasted vegetables, goat cheese, grape 

tomatoes and toasted candied pecans; 

Ruben: thinly sliced pastrami, heated and 

placed on rye bread with swiss cheese and 

Thousand Island Dressing; General Manager 

Dan Prince and Executive Chef Rob Ashley. 

rice and vegetables or the Salmon Salad 

with mixed greens, goat cheese, candied 

pecans, tomatoes and roasted vegetables— 

grilled or blackened—you can’t go wrong!” 

says Prince. 

Don’t Miss the Bar 

Originally sourced from Colorado and 

purchased in an auction in Atlanta, 

Henry’s beautiful wooden bar and 

host stand is about 135 years old. As 

legend goes, Jesse James frequented the 

bar in Colorado and allegedly left his 

mark—in bullets! 

“We keep trying to find them when 

hanging Christmas decorations, but over 

the years, we aren't exactly sure anymore 

where they are,” says Prince. “But it’s a 

good story to tell.” 

Live music in the bar or outside (when 

the weather permits) happens every 

Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm. Drink 

specials include $5 Bloody Marys, 

Mimosas and Peach Bellinis (Sundays); 

$5 drafts (Mondays); $1-off bottled beer 

(Tuesdays); Wine-Not Wednesdays with 

half-priced select bottles of wine; and 

$7 select Martinis (Thursdays). 

With a popular bar scene and evolving 

trends, Henry’s is also delving into nonalcoholic 

versions of their Hank’s Mojito, 

White Cranberry Cosmo, Very-Berry and 

Midtown Mule. 

Ingredients 

As in trending in Wilmington in 

particular, Henry’s continues to source 

ingredients from independent produce 

and meat vendors to ensure a fresh and 

seasonally appropriate menu that supports 

neighboring farms and purveyors. 

Every week, Chef Ashley sources fresh 

ingredients from carefully picked produce 

partners, from farmer’s markets to 

regional ranchers. 

But what sets the restaurant apart is 

consistency and simplicity. “We work hard 

to make sure every guest experiences 

the same friendly service and flavors in 

the food, regardless of who is serving or 

cooking,” Prince says. 

Natural flavors and simple ingredients 

take the center stage. “That homecooked 

taste and sense of family in the service 

we provide is what keeps us in business,” 

he adds. 

Good Food, Good People 

Recalling a time when his late father 

would ask Prince why he continued to work 

at the same place for so long, he knew it 

was ultimately because of the community 

and good food. 

“I’m not interested in serving a product 

or frequenting a place that I wouldn’t 

enjoy myself,” says Prince. “Now, in this 

new position, I know why I stuck it out and 

am proud of the moves we are making to 

continue to provide the local, consistent, 

delicious food and service Henry’s has 

been known to provide since 1999.” 

With spring on the horizon, locals 

can expect to take advantage of the 

restaurant’s new furniture and fire pit on 

the patio. The elegant, wooden bar area 

features sliding doors that allow guests to 

enjoy the outside weather and music, while 

providing additional shade options. 

W 


libations 

Mocksie’s Founder & CEO, 

Carter Jewell, hosts an 

event in her Tasting Room 

at 713 Princess St. 

Mocksie Leads the Way in 

the Local NA Movement 

A discovery of alcohol-free choices now available 

at many establishments in Wilmington 

By FANNY SLATER » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

IF YOU HAD TOLD MY 

twenty-five-year-old self that in 

2023 I’d be spending a Saturday 

night intentionally sipping boozefree 

beverages to celebrate two 

full years of sobriety, I would have politely 

said, “Go home, you. You’re drunk.” 

But as I sat in Mocksie’s quaint secondfloor 

Tasting Room last weekend relishing 

exactly that, I remembered that my 

fifteen-year-old self had chosen to have her 

birthday party at an Applebee’s—so some 

things do change with age. 

Whether you’ve decided to reduce or 

entirely cut out alcohol from your life, as 

Mocksie’s Founder & CEO, Carter Jewell 

says, “people choose not to drink for 

many different, deeply personal reasons.” 

And she’s right. My emancipation from 

alcohol’s toxic grip in 2021 was not just 

for the purpose of retiring as a party girl, 

but a way to get my life back. Fortunately 

for me, there was a spark lit under the 

non-alcoholic (NA) beverage industry 

around that very same time. The world 

had admittedly self-indulged to cope with 

the Coronavirus and the shock waves that 


Fanny Slater and Jewell 

of Mocksie discuss “Dry 

January” at a tasting event. 

came during the pandemic. Following 

that phase came folks wanting to let go 

of those harmful substances and get their 

health back on track. The term sobercurious 

was born as an open-ended way to 

explore cutting back on drinking without 

the full commitment. With that: the 

expansion of an entirely novel category of 

libations that look, taste and smell like 

the real deal without the hangover on the 

other side. 

“We do want to open a larger bar later 

this year,” Jewell says, “but for now, 

Mocksie is a spot where you can come try 

these beverages, buy something to take 

home and bring a few friends. It’s perfect 

for book clubs or small groups, and we’re 

going to use it for some really fun tastings. 

We’re growing much faster than I’d 

anticipated and it’s purely because of the 

love from this community and the clear 

need for wonderful non-alcoholic options 

in Wilmington.” 

You know the expression “nobody drinks 

because they like the taste of alcohol?” 

Call me crazy, but I’d say that Mocksie’s 

existence (and thriving evolution) proves 

that theory wrong. I personally felt that 

my sober FOMO would lie in longing for 

a citrusy IPA, a bold red to pair with my 

pasta or a rocks glass of complex, leathery 

bourbon over ice. I knew that if I could 

find satisfying substitutions, I could still 

find enjoyment in social environments 

without the poor decisions that led to 

sweeping Front Street the following day 

for my debit card. 

Nowadays, what I’ve found myself 

combing Wilmington for is better choices 

when it comes to alcohol-free (AF) drinks. 

It was frustrating that water and the 

occasional kombucha were the only 

options at many of my favorite breweries. 

At my go-to dive bars, it was a flat seltzer 

from a dirty soda gun or an O’Doul’s if I 

was lucky. NA wine seemed to be out of 

the question, while a “mocktail” at a nice 

restaurant usually signified simple syrup 

and Sprite. 

Carter’s mission stemmed from similar 

discouragement over not being able to 

easily track down quality alternatives in 

the area. Mocksie may have only launched 

in 2022, but through the weekly newsletter, 

social media, bartending gigs, pop-ups 

and canned to-go drinks with a permanent 


libations 

Non-alcoholic beverages 

are all the rage amongst 

more health-conscious 

demographics. 

home at the Bash Pad on Castle Street, 

Carter has already sprouted a powerful 

community that can’t get enough. To 

no surprise, her rapid success rate is an 

exact parallel to the booming NA beverage 

industry (which jumped from $8 to $11 

billion in just four years). 

No matter what flavor profile you’re 

after, Mocksie’s selection is abundant, and 

the tastings allow you to try before you 

buy. There’s “choose your mood” elixirs 

like Free Spirit whose Nightcap product 

is a woody mix made with tree saps, 

aromatic plants and ancient remedies 

that promote a calm, dreamy feeling. 

There’s bright, effervescent wines (some 

of which come in a handy canned form, so 

you don’t have to ditch the whole bottle if 

you don’t dig it) like Sovi’s Sparkling Rosé 

with dry notes of grapefruit. There’s ready 

to drink (RTD) options like Ghia’s spicy 

ginger aperitif-style sipper that screams 

happy hour. As for the brews, she carries 

companies like Untitled Art who crush 

crisp, hoppy, full-bodied Italian Pilsners 

and tropical West Coast IPAs. 

As far as spirits go, no longer does 

mocktail simply mean “minus the liquor.” 

With brands like Spiritless, Ritual, Drink 

Monday and Seedlip (to name a few) 

dominating the zero-proof scene, you can 

enjoy everything from a multi-dimensional 

“gin” and tonic to herbal Manhattans to 

“margaritas” that yield the peppery punch 

of true tequila. Not to mention the full 

lines of fully AF bitters. Mocksie offers all 

of the above plus so much more. Partake 

in one of her events and she’ll even show 

you how to shake or stir to perfection. At 

the tasting I attended, we savored sours, 

threw back a blue-hued “mertail” ripe with 

electrolytes and bowed down to a bourbonreminiscent 

rendition of an old fashioned 

garnished with copper fennel and a dried 

orange wheel. 

Needless to say, spending my two-year 

sobriety anniversary with Mocksie was 

intoxicating in the best possible way. W 



Welcome Spring! 

We are so hungry for bunny baskets, picnics, parties and fresh vegetables 

Photos and Recipes by KAITLIN GOODING 

WE’RE HOPPIN’ INTO THIS NEXT SEASON WITH SPRING-READY DISHES. ENJOY YOUR FIRST PICNIC OF THE 

year by biting into this spring grilled cheese stuffed with a fresh raspberry-lemon sauce. Brighten up your Easter plate with a side 

of asparagus drizzled in an orange hollandaise sauce. Small bites of endives are stuffed with big flavors of citrus from Cara cara 

oranges and creamy rich ricotta cheese. Uproot your taste buds with a spoonful of our radish soup or satisfy your sweet tooth with this 

refreshing lemon coconut tart. These dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious and will have your guests coming back for seconds. 


Orange Hollandaise Asparagus 

Servings: 3-4 as a side dish 

INGREDIENTS 

12 oz asparagus (cleaned and trimmed) 

2 egg yolks 

1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into slices) 

2½ tbsp fresh orange juice (add more if you like a thinner 

consistency) 

Salt & pepper 

1 tbsp olive oil 

1/4 cup pistachios (chopped) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Begin making the hollandaise sauce by squeezing oranges and 

add the juice to a heat-proof bowl. Add the egg yolk. 

2. In a small sauce pan add a little water and bring to a boil. Turn 

the water down to simmering and once it has cooled, place the 

bowl on top. Be careful not to let the bowl touch the water so 

make sure the bowl is big enough. 

3. Slowly whisk the egg and orange juice together. Slowly, add one 

slice of butter at a time and continue stirring until smooth. 

4. Remove the mix from the heat and season with salt and pepper 

as desired. Set aside, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t form a top 

coat. 

5. In a separate skillet warm your olive oil at medium heat. Once 

the oil is hot add the asparagus and season with salt & pepper. 

6. Stir the asparagus frequently with a spatula until the asparagus 

becomes tender and reaches a bright green color. Remove the 

asparagus from the heat. 

7. Plate the asparagus, spoon the hollandaise over top, and top with 

pistachio pieces. 

Endive Spears with 

Orange & Ricotta 

Servings: 6-8 (appetizer) 

INGREDIENTS 

4 endive heads (cleaned, separated and 

ends trimmed) 

1½ cups ricotta cheese 

2-3 Cara Cara oranges 

1/2 cup roasted walnuts (chopped) 

Minced mint, for garnish 

Honey for drizzle over top 

Flaky sea salt, to finish 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Arrange your endive leaves on a 

plate. Add a dollop of ricotta to 

each leaf. 

2. Cut the top and bottom off your 

oranges. Remove the peel, including 

the white pith. Remove each piece and 

cut each slice into segments. Add a few 

orange pieces to each leaf along with a 

sprinkle of walnuts and mint as garnish. 

3. Top them off with a honey drizzle, and 

light sprinkle of salt over your plate of 

endive leaves. 


Raspberry Sauce 

INGREDIENTS 

12 oz raspberries 

1/2 lemon (juice only) 

1/2 cup maple syrup 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Add the raspberries, lemon 

juice, and syrup into a pot and 

bring to a boil. 

2. Turn the heat down to simmer 

once it has reached boiling and 

allow it to cook down for about 

5-10 minutes, continuously 

stirring. 

3. Once it has thickened, remove 

from the heat and allow to 

cool. Pour into a glass closed 

container to keep in the fridge. 

4. To elevate any sandwich or 

piece of toast add raspberry 

sauce and enjoy! This pairs 

perfectly with our spring 

grilled cheese. 

Spring Grilled Cheese 

Servings: 2-3 sandwiches 

INGREDIENTS 

1/2 lb spring onions (chopped) 

1.5 tbsp olive oil 

5 oz goat cheese crumbles 

raspberry sauce (best to use fresh, but can also use store bought raspberry jam as well) 

4-6 slices of bread of choice 

2-3 tbsp butter (softened to spread) 

Mustard micro greens (or use favorite greens) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. Begin with caramelizing the spring onions. Add the onions to a pan with 1.5 tbsp of olive 

oil and cook on low-medium heat. Stir the onions and coat them in the olive oil. Turn the 

heat down to simmer and allow them to cook for 15-20 more minutes or until they turn 

a light brown. Stir the onions every few minutes. Once finished cooking, set aside to add 

later. 

2. Butter one side of each piece of bread for your sandwiches. Place two pieces of bread butter 

side down on a warm pan. Cook until golden brown. Continue toasting the rest of your 

bread. 

3. To assemble the sandwiches: Lay your bread slices out, the uncooked side facing up. 

Spread the raspberry sauce on one piece of bread. Layer the goat cheese on top. Add the 

caramelized onions and top off with micro greens. Add the other slice of bread on top, 

toasted side facing up. Cut in half. Finish the rest of your sandwiches and enjoy. 



Spring Radish Soup 

Servings: 3-4 (as light appetizers) 

INGREDIENTS 

2.5 cups sliced radish (extra for garnish) 

1 russet potato (peeled and sliced) 

4 green onions (chopped) 

1 garlic clove (minced) 

2 thyme sprigs 

1 tbsp olive oil 

3-4 tsp horseradish sauce 

3 cups chicken broth 

Salt & pepper 

Creme fraiche & microgreens (optional garnish) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. In a sauce pan warm the olive oil at medium heat and cook the garlic and 

onions for 2-3 minutes. Add the radish and potato and cook for about five 

minutes, or until radishes are becoming translucent. 

2. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and pepper 

and add the thyme sprigs. Reduce the heat down to simmer. 

3. Allow it cook for another five minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs and add 

the mix to a high powered blender. Mix until smooth. Add the horseradish 

one tsp at a time till you reach your desired taste. Season with more salt 

& pepper if desired. 

4. Pour the mix into the bowls, Mix in 1 tbsp of creme fraiche on top and 

swirl for a fun design. Sprinkle with freshly grated peppercorn (I used 

pink peppercorns) and greenery of choice (I used microgreens; you could 

use any herb). Serve warm or cover and refrigerate to serve cold. 


Baked Lemon-Coconut Tart 

INGREDIENTS 

Tart Crust: 

2 cups flour 

2 tbsp sugar 

2/3 cup unsalted butter 

2 eggs 

5 spoonfuls water 

pinch of salt 

LEMON-COCONUT FILLING 

1 whole egg 

3 egg yolks 

1/2 cup sugar 

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream 

1/2 cup coconut milk (use cream on top of can) 

2 tbsp lemon zest 

1/4 cup lemon juice 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

1/2 tsp salt 

2 tbsp all-purpose flour 

GARNISH 

Lemon slices & shredded coconut (optional) 

DIRECTIONS 

1. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together sugar, flour, and salt. Cut the 

butter into the dry mix until there are only pea-sized pieces left. Add 

the eggs and stir till it is well combined. 

2. Begin working with your hands, mixing and kneading the dough. Add 

the water. If the mixture is too dry to combine all the flour, add 

another spoonful of water. 

3. Cover your bowl and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes. 

4. Transfer the dough to a clean surface. Roll the dough into a circle 

(approx. 12 in.) and press it into a greased 9 inch tart pan. Trim off 

any excess edges. 

5. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Prick the bottom of the crust 6-7 

times with a fork and place in the freezer for 15 minutes. 

6. Remove the pie from the freezer. Line the inside of the crust with 

parchment paper and fill with baking weights or dried beans. Pop 

the crust into the oven for 10-15 minutes. While this is cooking make 

the filling. 

7. For the filling: In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the flour, 

sugar, salt. Add the egg and egg yolk, and vanilla. Continue to whisk 

together. Slowly add in the heavy cream and coconut milk until it is well 

combined. Mix in the zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Set aside. 

8. Remove the crust from the oven and remove the parchment paper and 

weights. Pour the filling into the crust and cook for another 15-20 

minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden. 

9. Allow the pie to cool for 30 minutes before serving. You can serve this 

warm or refrigerate and serve cold. 

10. Add shredded coconut and lemon slices to garnish. 


Fried Green Tomatoes at 

Henry’s Restaurant 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Wilmington. 

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 

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 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 


WE’LL SEE YOU AT 

HAPPY HOUR 

*SUNDAY - FRIDAY, 4 PM -7 PM 

244 N. WATER STREET, WILMINGTON | 919.343.1818 

Sophisticated Food. Relaxed Dining. 

Open Daily at 11am 

Wilmington’s Best Brunch 

Sunday 11am–3pm 

Daily Food and 

Drink Specials 

Live Music 

2508 Independence Blvd., Wilmington, NC | henrysrestaurant.com | 910.793.2929 


& RESTAURANT 

Join us on our New Outdoor Patio! 

Oysters Seafood Gumbo PO’ Boys Steam Pots 

8211 Market St (910) 319-7500 

www.tidewateroysterbar.com 

A Local Place For Worldly Tastes 

Lunch Dinner 

Daily & Weekly Specials 

8262 Market St 910-686-2296 

www.kornerstonebistro.com 

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 baconwrapped 

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. 

CAJUN 

Bourbon Street 35 N. Front St., 

762-4050. Experience authentic Cajun 

cuisine in a uniquely decorated setting that 

Polished Casual Beach Dinning 

Thanks for Voting us 

Best Sunday Brunch! 

LUNCH | DINNER | SUNDAY BRUNCH 

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


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 

house-made 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., 

Get Your Daily Dose 

of Wilmington 

Becomea fan! 

Like us on Facebook. 

Preview issues • Special event invitations 

Contests, exclusive deals and more! 

facebook.com/wilmingtonmagazine 

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. 

Authentic Italian Fine Dining 

in Historic Downtown Wilmington 

910.763.3806 

102 South Second St., Wilmington 

tarantellis.com 

Thank you for voting us 

BEST ITALIAN 

RESTAUR ANT 

6 years in a row! 


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 

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 

ORGANIC 

Epic Food Co. 1113 Military Cutoff Rd., 

679-4216. Sandwiches, salads, noodle 

and rice bowls, and other organic and 

all-natural selections. 

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 

vegan-friendly 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. 


Enlightened in the 

Black Forest 

Discovering Southwest Germany’s natural respite 

By KATIE McELVEEN 

Ridges and forested 

slopes offer views into 

stunning green valleys 

PHOTOS DIETMAR DENGER FOR TOURISM MARKETING BADEN-WURTTEMBERG 

AS THE SMALL VAN WOUND ITS WAY UP 

the curvy mountain roadway, I gazed into the 

depths of the primeval green forest that seemed 

to reach out and touch the windows. I had always 

thought Germany’s Black Forest had earned its 

moniker from dark shadows and a hint of enchanted mystery, 

but it turns out that the trees themselves—a specific variety of 

conifer that clearly thrives here—are such a deep shade of green 

that they look black. The Fairy Tales 

came later. 

Before long, the track narrowed 

and rock walls I was told jut nearly 

2,000 feet into the air loomed over our 

heads. Turns out we had entered the 

Höllental, or valley of hell, a five-milelong 

gorge that, shockingly, has been 

the best route through this part of the 

Black Forest for centuries. It was so 

well used that the first thoroughfare— 

actually, a cart path—through it 

was constructed in the 12th century, 

paved in 1753. In May of 1770, Marie 

Antoinette took the route on her way 

to Paris to marry Louis XVI. 

Just as Marie Antoinette had done, 

we turned off the main pass and headed toward the Ravenna 

Gorge, where a natural clearing has been home to at least one 

guesthouse since the 15th century. In 1986, the hotel Hofgut 

Sternen was constructed on the site as a 30-room summer resort. 

Now, nearly 40 years later, the resort is open all year long and has 

expanded to include an artisan village where guests can watch 

glass blowers at work and purchase traditional Black Forest 

products such as hand-carved cuckoo clocks, ceramic beer steins 

and colorful blown glassware. Even 

better, Hofgut Sternen produces 

all of its own electricity; rooms are 

cooled using an innovative system 

that utilizes the cold mountain 

water from the nearby stream. 

I was pleasantly surprised by 

the food, too: nearly everything 

is made on the premises from 

products grown or raised no more 

than 60 miles from the resort. 

The resort’s 107 rooms come in a 

cozy traditional style or in a sleek, 

Nordic design; either way, rates 

include breakfast and easy access 

to miles of hiking trails that loop 

around the property and delve 


(top) Nearly 4,000 feet tall, Kandel Mountain is the tallest in the Black Forest. (left) Flanked by dramatic cliffs, the Danube River curves 

through the Danube Valley (right) Farms and villages dot the rolling hills that surround the Black Forest 

into the gorge. What I thought would be an easy morning stroll 

drew me deep into the forest for what became a hike over pictureperfect 

footbridges, past thrumming waterfalls and along narrow 

catwalks that skirted lichen-covered monoliths. 

My second hike of the day started at Breg Spring, which, as 

the source of the main stream that becomes the Danube River, 

is considered by many to be the actual source of Europe’s thirdlongest 

river. Unlike the town of Donaueschingen, which has 

created a gorgeous urban park around its Danube Spring (which 

is where the actual Danube bubbles to the surface), Breg Spring 

is marked by a stone statue of the river god Danuvius reclining 

atop a fountain. 

From there, we meandered through a flower-filled meadow 

before entering a dense wood where we were told the air is so 

clean that breathing it can rejuvenate the lungs. The Germans 

even have a name for it: a climatic health resort. 

An hour or so east of the Black Forest lies the Swabian Alb, a 

mountain range that follows the curve of the Danube as it makes 


(clockwise from above) Catwalks hem moss-covered monoliths in the 

Ravenna Gorge; Mostly traffic free, the Danube Cycle Path runs for 

370 miles in Germany and 200 in neighboring Austria. Hand carved 

signs show hikers the way through the woods. 

PHOTOS KATIE MCELVEEN 

its way toward Austria. In between the two, we discovered the 

Danube Bike Path, which begins in Donaueschingen and runs, in 

Germany, for about 375 miles. Our stage to Beuron covered only 

about ten miles, but offered a visually stunning mix of wildflower 

meadows, dramatic bluffs that were often topped by castle ruins, 

pine-covered hills and idyllic farms. Easily rentable (and ridable) 

E-bikes made short work of the hills and allowed us to arrive at 

our next destination with a minimum of sweat. 

After a quick stop at Beuron’s Benedictine Abbey, which was 

founded in the 11th century and occupies an ornate Baroque 

structure, we made our way to Sigmaringen Castle, an imposing 

structure that dominates the tiny village of Sigmaringen. 

Though the castle has been—and continues to be—home to the 

Hohenzollern family since 1535, it has been open to the public 

for more than 100 years. Inside, the structure traces more than 

1,000 years of history with family portraits and other artworks, 

a huge collection of armor and weapons, fully decorated feasting 

halls and period furnishings. 

Though this part of Germany isn’t terribly far from Zurich or 

Stuttgart, it still feels wonderfully authentic. At the Rothaus 

Brewery near Grafenhausen, we refueled on maultaschen, the 

meat-filled dumplings that Medieval monks would use to hide 

their Friday meat-eating from the eyes of God. The next day, on 

a sunny deck overlooking the mountains, the staff at Berggasthof 

delivered homemade apple strudel so hot from the oven that the 

drift of schlag (whipped cream) that accompanied it melted into 

a sweet pool. 

The highlight for me was an all-too-short stay at Hotel Hofgut 

Hohenkarpfen, which sits atop a high plateau overlooking farms, 

villages and, in the distance, mountains of the Swabian Alb. 

Thanks to an onsite artists collective, contemporary works fill 

the walls of the ancient barn that has been converted into a 21- 

room hotel with sculptures dotting the landscape. 

The Michelin-recognized restaurant opened in 1978 and serves 

elegant takes on local dishes—traditional veal stew came with 

rich, cheesy dauphine potatoes and horseradish foam—on an 

elegant terrace set to catch the moonrise. It made me long to stay 

at least one more day. W 


the last reflection 

A Love Letter to Wilmington 

We asked the owner of one of North Carolina’s most in-demand social media accounts to 

explore her relationship with our unique town—she did not disappoint 

Story and photo by MEGAN NICHOLS 

NORTH CAROLINA HARBORS BEAUTY 

around every corner, with Wilmington being 

a crossroads—a meeting place for contrasting 

charm. Among the cobblestone walkways, historic 

homes and bustling riverfront of restaurants and 

shops, natural life still breathes. It’s rare that a developed city 

leaves room for the inhale and exhale of the wild existence that 

came before it. 

If you take the right paths, you’ll find yourself in a setting 

seemingly untouched by modern culture. The sounds of seagulls, 

rushing waters of the Cape Fear River, vibrant hues of coastal 

flora, and sprawling oak trees will welcome you into their 

home—a world secluded from society. Just a few minutes away, 

however, you’ll discover yourself admiring the intricate detailing 

of downtown buildings and soaking in the energy of locals and 

tourists. Indeed, Wilmington is a special mixture of Mother 

Nature’s careful crafting and man’s diligent designing. 

I didn’t fully appreciate it until I reached adulthood. As a child, 

Wilmington was just a city I passed through as my family traveled 

to the beach. As a teenager, it was just a coastal city where some 

of my friends planned to attend college. I was ignorant to the 

enchantment until I was in my twenties and visited with a friend 

for a weekend. 

I was enraptured by the streets lined with historic houses that 

varied in design. Victorian architecture with gothic detailing 

found a home next to classic southern cottages with white picket 

fences. It shouldn’t have made sense—it should have appeared 

messy and unplanned, but it didn’t. It worked beautifully and I 

quickly learned that Wilmington doesn’t follow ordinary rules and 

expectations. 

It’s a safe haven for the critters that share the walkways with 

strollers, for the fish that share the cove with fisherman, for the 

locals that share their domain with eager visitors, for the designs 

that oppose one another but join to establish neighborhoods. 

My friend and I were told by a local that Airlie Gardens couldn’t 

be missed and we immediately drove there after a delicious lunch 

overlooking the river as boats arrived and departed. I walked 

along the green pathways lined with cypress trees draped with 

eerily beautiful moss and stopped to smell the azaleas, vivid with 

countless shades of red, pink and white. I turned to my friend and 

whispered, “this might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.” 

That was the moment I decided to never stop exploring North 

Carolina. I had spent my entire life calling it home but had never 

known the overwhelming charm and natural beauty of this port 

city. How many times had I driven past it in my lifetime, not 

realizing it was a sanctuary for anyone who needed it, from the 

blue heron perched along the trickling riverbed to the twentysomething 

year old girl, eager for adventure? 

I’ve returned to Wilmington many times since that day, each 

visit filled with discovery, admiration, and gratitude for a refuge 

that allows nature and man to walk hand-in-hand. 

Follow Nichols on her adventures through our beautiful state on 

Instagram (@nceatandplay); TikTok (@nceatandplay); Facebook 

(NC Eat & Play); or online (nceatandplay.com). W 


DISCOVER 

new talents 

& 

new friends 

© 2023 Brightmore of Wilmington 

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

satisfy your cravings and indulge your whims. Learn more about luxury 

senior living at BrightmoreOfWilmington.com or schedule a visit 

at 910.507.7384. 

INDEPENDENT LIVING | ASSISTED LIVING | MEMORY CARE 

Senior Living Choices offered by Liberty Senior Living 

2324 S 41st Street 

Wilmington, NC 28403 


Bring Extraordinary Home 

Our professional designers will bring your 

vision to reality with our CUSTOM BLINDS 

AND SHUTTERS. We look forward to 

introducing you to the beauty and quality of 

Hunter Douglas and our exceptional Custom 

Closet and Murphy Bed options. 

Local Owned and Serving Our Community 

For 25 Years! 

98 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY 

IN-HOME DESIGN CONSULTATION 

910-799-8101 

6617 Market St • Wilmington, NC 

WilmingtonBlinds.com

Wilmington Magazine March/April 2023

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?