Wilmington Magazine Sept-Oct 2024

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024 

Tequila Lounge 

With a View 

Three Brothers 

Open an Authentic 

Mexican Restaurant 

Downtown 

Building 

Community 

How to Make 

Friends While Doing 

Something You Love 

BACK DOOR 

KITCHEN 

TOUR 

THE ART OF 

FLOWERS 

OGDEN’S 

PARLOUR 

HOUSE

CONTRACT PENDING 

9 Beach Road South 

Figure Eight Island 

$7,995,000 

1200 Great Oaks Drive • Landfall • $4,295,000 

NEW LISTING 

613 Dundee Drive • Landfall 

$3,495,000 

2 | WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

1056 Ocean Ridge Drive • Landfall • $2,195,000

September / October 2024 | 1

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September/October 2024 

52 

Light in the Darkness 

Personal stories and 

community efforts in the 

fight against Wilmington’s 

mental health crisis 

By Jade Neptune 

58 

How to Find 

Your People 

A guide to local groups 

for expanding your 

social circle 

By Carin Hall 

64 

Real Estate 

and Romance 

This doctor found the love 

of his life while building 

the home of his dreams 

By Brittany Conley 

PHOTO G. FRANK HART 


ENJOY 

ENJOY 

all the fun 

all the fun 

and 

and 

none of the chores 

none of the chores 

© 2024 Brightmore of Wilmington 

© 2024 Brightmore of Wilmington 

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

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

educational and and engaging programs. Learn Learn more more about senior living at at 

BrightmoreOfWilmington.com or schedule or a visit a visit at at 910.507.7384. 

INDEPENDENT LIVING LIVING | ASSISTED | LIVING LIVING | MEMORY | CARE CARE 

Senior Senior Living Living Choices Choices offered offered by Liberty by Liberty Senior Senior Living Living 

2324 S S 41st Street 

Wilmington, NC NC 28403 



Departments » September / October 2024 

Buzz 

15 

15 Back Door 

Kitchen Tour 

Discover historic homes 

of Wilmington this 

October 

16 Calendar 

Our five highlights for 

September–October 

43 73 

93 

Well Styled Food+Drink Travel 

43 Smarter Shopping 

Sustainable options for 

the home 

44 Design 

Discover luxurious 

lighting solutions 

from the experts at 

B. Collective Co. 

73 Flavors of Autumn 

Heart-warming recipes 

for fall 

74 Dining Review 

Three brothers’ latest 

venture brings authentic 

Mexican cuisine 

downtown 

93 Travel 

Hiking New Hampshire’s 

White Mountains 

18 Events 

What to do this fall 

28 Entertainment 

TV & Music Reviews 

30 Staff Picks 

Staff recommendations 

from Pomegranate Books 

32 Newsmaker 

Residents of Old 

Wilmington put the 

past on display in 

October tour 

46 Garden 

A journey to health 

leads to a bourgeoning 

tea company 

48 Beauty 

Why patients love 

Renaissance Dental 

Studio’s modern approach 

50 Home 

Conversations with 

local sustainable living 

businesses on building 

better habits 

78 Libations 

Four-part Ogden venue 

opens The Parlour House 

bar 

80 In the Kitchen 

Holiday-worthy recipes to 

kick off the cozy season 

86 Restaurant Guide 

Select spots for eating 

and drinking in 

Wilmington 

Fundamentals 

12 Reader Services 

14 Editor's Letter 

96 The Last Reflection 

35 ArtSeen 

Mother of Wild owner 

thrives on artistic 

expression through flower 

arranging 


38 Local Chatter 

Three reasons to check 

out NC Renewal by 

Anderson 

40 Southern Drawl 

A local organization 

helps seniors spend their 

golden years at home 

46 

Dream Home | Local Meetups | The Parlour House WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 


With a View 




Downtown 

Building 

Community 

How to Make 



BACK DOOR 

KITCHEN 

TOUR 

THE ART OF 

FLOWERS 

OGDEN’S 

PARLOUR 

HOUSE 

ON THE COVER » 

Tequila's Waterfront 

PHOTO BY G. FRANK HART 


TRUSTED | LOCAL | EXPERTS 

FALL LEAVES 

ARE CHANGING 

HAS YOUR HOME VALUE CHANGED, TOO? 

Your home is not just another house, it’s a reflection of you. It’s your style, your 

personality, your taste. It’s the place where your fondest memories are made, 

and where your dreams can come true. That’s why Better Homes and Gardens ® 

Real Estate Treasure is dedicated to helping you find the ideal home, one that 

will inspire and comfort you for years to come. You can count on us to guide you 

through every step of your home buying or selling process – before, during, and 

long after the sale. 

Just what you’d expect from your Trusted Local Experts. 

Better Homes and Gardens 

Real Estate Treasure 

Office: 910.327.4444 

4 Locations to Serve You: 

Sneads Ferry, Surf City, 

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treasurerealty.com 

©2015 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens® is a registered trademark of 

Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. 

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Operated. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit 

the offerings of other real estate brokers 

G E T YO U R 

PROPERTY 

VALUATION 


CEO & Publisher 

Robert Sweeney 

Director of Operations 

Emily Sweeney 

Managing Editor 

Carin Hall 

Final Homesites 

Available 

Helmsdale II 

at Landfall 

■ ■ ■ 

Advertising Director 

Sybil Stokes, 910-508-5158 

Art Director 

Shanna Thomson 

Graphic Designers 

Andrea Spaeth 

Shanna Thomson 

Carl Turner 

Travel Director 

Katie McElveen 

We are excited to announce the release of lots in Helmsdale II, 

the last homesite development in Landfall. These 33, ready-to-build 

lots are generously sized and in some cases almost an acre. New 

owners can select their own builder to create custom homes in 

a wonderful park-like setting with native trees and greenery 

providing privacy as well as a beautiful backdrop. Located near 

the Arboretum Gate and adorned with lovely landscaping and 

entrance markers, the street borders over 9 acres of conservation. 

If you have interest in learning more about these new homesites, 

please contact our office to speak to one of the Landfall experts. 

Call 910-256-6111 or visit LandfallRealty.com 

Contributing Writers 

Madison Bailey, Brittany Conley, 

Carin Hall, Denise K. James, 

Joe Jancsurak, Katie McElveen, 

Jade Neptune, Anne Postic, Jen Reed, 

Judy Royal, Fanny Slater, Vera Wilson 

Photographers 

Austin Birch, G. Frank Hart, 

Malcolm Little, Matt Ray 

■ ■ ■ 

Distribution Coordinator 

Joy Brown 

■ ■ ■ 

Customer Service 

Corporate Office: 843-856-2532 

Your Landfall Team: Karen Thompson, Alison Bernhart, Nikki Johnson, 

Sam Simmons, Becky Spivey, Kelli Lazzaro. 

Wilmington Magazine (Vol. 12, No. 3) 

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 © 2024. All rights reserved. 

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C 

H A M B 

O H N R I C H A 

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C M I R R O R R O S H A M B 

C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R D 

O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I 

F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M 

O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R 

X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T 

H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H 

O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C 

E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O 

C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H 

V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R D H U B B A R D T O 

R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A 

C H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R 

R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C 

M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R D H U 

E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R 

B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F 

A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N 

& C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z J O H N R I C H 

J O H N R I C H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O 

V I S U A L C O M F O R T C U R R E Y & C O A R T E R I O R S S C H O N B E K P A L A C E K E I C H H O L T Z 

J O H N R I C H A R D H U B B A R D T O N F O R G E E L E C T R I C M I R R O R R O S H A M B E A U X & M O R E . 

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Dream Home | Local Meetups | The Parlour House WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 



With a View 




Downtown 

Building 

Community 

How to Make 



BACK DOOR 

KITCHEN 

TOUR 

THE ART OF 

FLOWERS 

OGDEN’S 

PARLOUR 

HOUSE 

Give the gift 

that lasts 

all year long... 

a subscription to 

WITH FALL COMES A 

new school year—or the 

first official school year 

in the case of my little 

one starting kindergarten (I’m not 

crying!). Summer camp season is over, 

and parents can finally catch their 

breath and prioritize some things they 

may have set aside (raising my hand) 

like making friends of their own and 

pursuing hobbies. But this applies to 

anyone, really. Turns out, it’s a lot 

harder to do as we get older. 

After almost two years in 

Wilmington, I still have a hard 

time with this. I’ve met plenty of 

interesting, fun people I could see 

myself being good friends with—that’s 

not the problem. Research tells us 

it takes around 200 hours to build a 

close relationship with someone and, 

since I work and go to grad school remotely, it’s not naturally built into my life like it 

used to be. I’m also terrible at coming up with plans and my schedule is unpredictable 

with other obligations. Perhaps you can relate. 

I think the low-hanging fruit is to explore groups that meet regularly. That way it’s on 

your calendar every week/month, even if you can’t always make it; there’s no pressure to 

come up with something to do; and you’re building in that time with a variety of people 

over time. Plus, you’re doing something you enjoy while fulfilling a social need, whether 

you make close friends or not. 

I’m getting warmer by getting colder: After taking my daughter to her first ice skating 

lesson a few months back, I decided to take a “learn to skate” class with a group of 

adults. To my surprise, I loved being a complete beginner at something active alongside 

a group of people in the same position. I’ll never give Nancy Kerrigan a run for her 

money, but part of learning to enjoy the process has been letting go of a need to be 

“productive” or even that good at something to justify pursuing it. It’s just fun—like 

recess for grownups. 

So, I came up with a list of some ideas (p. 58) to help inspire you to find something 

that has a similar effect—makes you feel like a kid again. I know I’m not done exploring 

my options. 

Maybe I’ll see you there, 

Subscribe online at 

WilmingtonNCmagazine.com 

or by calling 843-856-2532 

Carin Hall 

Managing Editor 

editor@wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

FIND US ONLINE! 

Visit us on our website 

wilmingtonncmagazine.com 

Find us on Facebook and 

Instagram 

@wilmingtonmagazine 


Your Local Rundown on News and Culture 

PHOTO BILLY WILSON 

Back Door 

Kitchen 

Tour 

Discover historic homes of 

Wilmington this October 

See page 32 


calendar 

The Reveal: 

SEP TE M BE R – OCT OBE R 

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

September 7 

River to Sea Bike Ride 

Join a leisurely 20-mile bike ride from 

historic downtown to Wrightsville Beach. 

The route includes residential streets and 

multi-use paths. Helmets are required. 

Advance registration available. 

September 6-8 

Wrightsville 

Beach 

Spearfishing 

Tournament 

Join the excitement 

as scuba and 

free divers from 

across the region gather for the annual 

Wrightsville Beach Spearfishing 

Tournament, a thrilling competition 

held in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. 

Each day is marked by underwater hunts 

culminating in daily weigh-ins, where 

participants showcase their catches. The 

event concludes with a ticketed awards 

banquet celebrating the champions and 

distributing bonus prizes for the largest 

lobster, the best underwater image, 

and the highest number of invasive 

lionfish caught. This tournament not 

only highlights spearfishing prowess 

but also fosters a sense of camaraderie 

among divers. 

September 14 

American Craft Walk 

Experience the vibrant art scene at the 

American Craft Walk, Wilmington's 

largest outdoor art show and sale. Held in 

the picturesque Historic Downtown, this 

event transforms the streets into a bustling 

gallery of creativity. Over 100 talented 

artists will display and sell their colorful 

and imaginative works across various 

mediums, including painting, sculpture, 

jewelry, and more. This event provides a 

unique opportunity to meet local artists, 

purchase one-of-a-kind pieces, and enjoy 

a day of artistic discovery in a charming, 

historic setting. 

October 5 

First Cut Horror Film Festival 

Kick off the Halloween season with a spine-chilling 

experience at the First Cut Horror Film Festival, 

dedicated to showcasing short films in the horror, 

macabre, and obscure genres. Held in Wilmington, 

a city known for its rich history of ghost stories and 

eerie film productions, this festival features a curated 

selection of chilling films. Attendees will also have the 

chance to hear from guest speakers within the horror 

film community, who will share insights and behindthe-scenes 

tales of the industry. This festival is a 

must-attend for horror enthusiasts eager to immerse 

themselves in a night of frightful entertainment. 

October 25 

Voracious Rare 

Beer & Wine Festival 

Indulge in an unparalleled tasting 

experience at the Voracious Rare Beer 

& Wine Festival, held at the scenic Live 

Oak Bank Pavilion. This event offers 

connoisseurs the chance to sample rare and 

limited-release beers from 50 renowned 

breweries, alongside select wines chosen 

for their exceptional quality. Enjoy light 

appetizers and live music, creating a 

festive and sophisticated atmosphere. 

Engage with brewers who will be on 

hand to discuss their craft and answer 

questions, making this event a unique 

opportunity to explore and appreciate 

the art of brewing and winemaking. This 

festival is hailed as the ultimate beer date 

night, perfect for those seeking exclusive 

and extraordinary flavors. 



High-quality, modern and trendy looks for 

newborn through toddler, including clothing, 

hats, accessories, toys and gifts that appeal 

to the local vibes of our coastal community. 

338 Nutt St, Wilmington 

910-228-5351 

littlelocalsclothingco.com 

@littlelocals_clothingco 

September: 

Shopping 

Month at Blue 

Moon Gift 

Shops 

September is 

National Suicide 

Prevention Month 

and Blue Moon 

Gift Shops wants 

to join the fight 

against veteran 

suicide. A portion 

of sales during 

the month benefit local nonprofit Save A Vet Now! A fundraiser finale will take 

place on September 28th and include live music and yellow ribbon specials to 

support this nonprofit. 

Event Calendar 

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

rundown on what to do this fall season. 

910-547-1980 

@bluewatersurfaces 

MUSIC + SHOWS 

Cameron Arts Museum (CAM) 

cameronartmuseum.org 

Jazz @ CAM: Lydia Salette Dudley & 

Jazz Xpressions, Sept 5 

Tift Merrit and Thomas Sayre, Sept 12 

Jazz @ CAM: Jay Killman & The 

Constellations Quartet, Oct 3 

Live Oak Pavilion 

liveoakbankpav.com 

Band of Horses & City and Colour, Sept 2 

Jon Pardi, Sept 6 

Eye to Eye Tour, Sept 10 

Dierks Bentley, Sept 12 

Turnpike Troubadours, Sept 13 

The Marley Brothers, Oct 2 

Vampire Weekend, Oct 8 

The Black Crowes, Oct 9 

Laney Wilson, Oct 20 

Whiskey Myers w/JJ Grey & MOFRO, 

Oct 22 

Thalian Hall 

thalianhall.org 

The 39 Steps, Aug 29-Sept 8 

Touch, Sept 9-11 

T.S. Monk, Sept 14 

Cape Fear Arts in Motion 2024, Sept 

19-20 

Shakers Revised, Sept 20-29 

Bootlegger’s Ball, Sept 21 

Young Frankenstein, Sept 27-Oct 6 

Sing Sing, Sept 30-Oct 2 

The Capitol Fools, Oct 10 

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, Oct 12 

Night of the Living Dead, Oct 17-27 

Night of the Living Dead (1968), 

Oct 28-30 

The Wilson Center at CFCC 

wilsoncentertickets.com 

JB Smoove, Sept 13 

Melissa Etheridge, Sept 15 

Spider-Man, Sept 18 

Check Leavell, Sept 20 

Herbie Hancock, Sept 21 

Cirque Kalabante, Sept 26 

Lyle Lovett, Oct 1 

Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Oct 3 

Mozart + Beethoven, Oct 5 

The Tina Turner Musical, Oct 8-9 

Encanto, Oct 18 

The Phantom of the Opera, Oct 20 

Omnium Circus, Oct 25 

Kathleen Madigan, Oct 26 

EVENTS 

Sundays through Oct 27: HDWM 

Artisan Market 

Stroll through the Historic Downtown 

Wilmington Artisan Market featuring 

hand-crafted creations by local artisans. 

The market offers an ever-changing 


THANK YOU FOR VOTING US 

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Wilmington, NC 

Mon-Sat from 10am-5pm 

collection of art, jewelry, and handmade 

items along with musical entertainment. 

Sep 2, 17: Poplar 

Grove's Paranormal 

Tours 

Join an evening guided 

tour through the Manor 

House on the full or new moon, seeking 

possible paranormal activities. Learn about 

deceased family members through a Scroll 

of the Dead. Cameras and paranormal 

equipment are welcome. 

Sep 6, Oct 11, and 12: 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA 

Ghost Hunt & Tour 

Investigate paranormal activities on the 

Battleship NORTH CAROLINA with 

access to haunted areas, paranormal 

equipment, and a psychic medium. Includes 

daytime tour tickets and VIP access. 

Sep 12, Oct 10: Summer Jazz Series 

at the Mansion 

Enjoy live jazz on the second Thursday of 

every month at Bellamy Mansion. Bring 

your family, relax on blankets or chairs, 

and enjoy your favorite snacks while 

listening to smooth tunes. 

Sep 13: Broadway’s Next Hit Musical 

presents “The Phony Awards” 

Enjoy an improvised awards show with 

music, comedy, and laughs at Kenan 

Auditorium. Watch master improvisers 

turn audience suggestions into a 

full-blown musical. 

Oct 19: The Second City presents 

She the People 

Join the women of The Second City at 

Kenan Auditorium for a sketch show 

that roasts the patriarchy. This comedic 

performance is filled with sketches and 

songs reclaiming comedy for everyone. 

1017 Ashes Drive, Suite 202 


910.256.6326 

rmbbuildinganddesign.com 

Sep 6-7: Carolina Beach 

Inshore Challenge 

Participate in the premiere inshore 

tournament at Inlet Watch Marina. The 

event includes registration on Friday and 

fishing on Saturday, followed by an 

awards party. 

Sep 14: Wilmington Coffee Fest 

Celebrate all things coffee with 

Wilmington’s finest purveyors at Azalea 

Station in the Cargo District. Enjoy coffee 


Stop in and shop our fashion selections in 

the New Boutique section. 

6213 Market Street 


910-444-8881 

portcitypeddler.com 

BUILDER OF THE 

Showcase Homes Open Daily at Riverlights and River Bluffs 

Patrick Kelly 

910-599-7811 

patrick@charterbuildinggroup.com 


tastings, demonstrations, food trucks, 

and music. 

Sep 20-22: 21 Years of One Tree Hill 

Join the 21st-anniversary celebration of 

One Tree Hill in Wilmington. Events 

include a Friday Pep Rally, a State 

Championship Basketball Game Reunion, 

and opportunities to get cast photographs 

and autographs. 

Sep 20-21: Carolina 

Beach Dragon Boat 

Regatta and Festival 

Enjoy the Dragon Boat 

Regatta and Festival at 

Carolina Beach with a Friday kickoff party 

and Saturday races. Participate as a team 

or single rower and enjoy food and drink 

from vendors. 

Sep 21: Cape Fear Latinos Festival 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 

at Live Oak Bank Pavilion with 

entertainment, dancing, music, children’s 

games, and more. Enjoy food trucks and 

family-friendly activities. 

HomeWerks Home Care, LLC 

Wilmington’s Premier Provider of Home Care Services 

We are a local family-owned agency - not a franchise 

agency. We are dedicated to providing the highest 

quality, customized home care services possible. 

“HomeWerks Home Care changed our family’s lives! 

Their caregivers are the best and gave our parents the 

excellent care they needed.” –Debbie & Rich, Wilmington 

Sep 21: Waterman's Oktoberfest 

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Waterman’s 

Brewing Company with authentic German 

food, special beers, and live music from a 

traditional Oktoberfest band. Costumes 

are encouraged. 

Sep 21: YMCA Wrightsville Beach 

Sprint Triathlon 

Join the YMCA Wrightsville Beach Sprint 

Triathlon, a USA Triathlon sanctioned 

event featuring a swim, bike, and run. The 

event includes youth distances and attracts 

both participants and spectators. 

Sep 28-29: Outrigger East Coast 

Championship 

Participate in or watch the Outrigger East 

Coast Championships at Wrightsville 

Beach. The nearly 14-mile course includes 

flat water and ocean paddling, with an 

after-party nearby. 

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! 

910.386.4555 or email paula@homewerks-homecare.com 

Serving New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties 

1213 Culbreth Drive, Wilmington, NC • homewerks-homecare.com 

Sep 28: Pier Palooza Concert 

Enjoy riverside music with headliners The 

Vegabonds, The Blue Footed Boobies, and 

Machine Gun Band at the Pier Palooza 

Concert. Food and drink available 

for purchase. 



Thanks for Voting us 

Best Landscape 

Designer 

Sep 28: Pier-2-Pier Open Water 

Swim Race 

Compete in the Annual Pier-2-Pier Swim 

Race at Wrightsville Beach, swimming 

approximately 1.7 miles between Johnnie 

Mercers Pier and Crystal Pier. 

Oct 5: Bark in the 

Park 

Watch mighty mutts and 

playful purebreds catch 

flying discs at the Bark 

in the Park Skyhoundz Hyperflite Canine 

Disc Championships. Enjoy free, familyfriendly 

fun with unique dog competitions. 

The Outdoors Designed 

Around Your Lifestyle. 

Call now to set up an 

appointment! 

DREAM. DESIGN. BUILD. MAINTAIN. 

910-200-1489 • www.lowcountrylandscaping.com 

Oct 5: Fire in the Pines Festival 

Celebrate Wilmington’s fire forests at the 

Fire in the Pines Festival with live animals, 

fire equipment, kids’ crafts, hayrides, food 

trucks, and more. An actual controlled burn 

may occur, weather permitting. 

Oct 5: Oktoberfest Under the Bridge 

Enjoy Oktoberfest Under the Bridge at 

Waterline Brewing Co. with traditional 

Bavarian music, German food, and fun 

contests like Stein Holding and 

Keg Squatting. 

Oct 6: Swim the Loop and Mott’s 

Channel Sprint 

Cheer on swimmers in the Swim The Loop 

(3.5 miles) and Mott’s Channel Sprint (1.3 

miles) at Wrightsville Beach. Both events are 

part of the annual Carolina Swim Series. 

Oct 6: Zombie Run 5K 

and Monster Mile 

Start your Halloween season with the 

Zombie Run 5K, where participants 

navigate a course while avoiding costumed 

zombies. The family-friendly Monster 

Mile offers trick-or-treating and photo 

opportunities with zombies. 

Oct 11-13: Wilmington Boat Show 

Explore the latest in watersports at the 

Wilmington Boat Show, the largest show 

of its kind between Annapolis, MD, and 

Tampa, FL. The event features boats, 

sailing, fishing gear, and more. 

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Oct 12: King of the Island PRO/AM 

Tournament 

Join the Pro/Am Disc Golf tournament at 

Joe Eakes Park and Good Hops' Trinity 

course. Compete for the title of Royalty of 

Pleasure Island. 


Customer Appreciation & 

Militay Appreciation Days 

September 14 & 15 

10am-6pm 

Holiday Open House 

Saturday, November 9 

10am-6pm 

8086 Market St 

910-686-0930 

4620 Oleander Dr 

910-228-5401 

uptownmarketnc.com 

Open Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-6 


Oct 19: 15th Annual 

IRONMAN 70.3 North 

Carolina 

Compete in the 15th 

Annual IRONMAN 

70.3 North Carolina triathlon, featuring 

a swim, bike, and run from Wrightsville 

Beach to historic downtown Wilmington. 

This event includes qualifying slots for the 

2025 IRONMAN 70.3 

World Championship. 

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Oct 19: Monster Dash 5K 

Run the Monster Dash 5K trail race in 

Carolina Beach State Park, celebrating 

Halloween and Great State Trails Day. 

Enjoy a scenic, pine-laced course with water 

views. 

Oct 19-20: Pleasure Island Surf 

Fishing Challenge 

Join the premiere surf fishing tournament 

on Pleasure Island. Compete for over 

$30,000 in cash and prizes while fishing 

along the coastline of Carolina Beach, Kure 

Beach, and Fort Fisher. 

Oct 26-27: GooseBumps in the Grove 

Enjoy a daytime Halloween festival at 

Poplar Grove with carnival games, trickor-treating, 

a Witches Candy Chute, and 

more. Fun for all ages with family-friendly 

activities. 

Oct 26: Lighthouse Beer 

& Wine Festival 

Explore a world of hops, grapes, and grain 

at the Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival. 

Sample a variety of beers and wines, 

enjoy live music, and delicious food at one 

amazing venue. 

Oct 26: Seaside Shuffle 5K 

Run the Seaside Shuffle 5K at Wrightsville 

Beach Park. This fast, flat course is perfect 

for speed runners and fun runners alike. 

Get your friends together and enjoy this 

classic race. 

Oct 31: NC Combo State 

Tennis Championships 

Watch top tennis teams compete at the 

USTA Combo Doubles League NC State 

Championships. Hosted by the Greater 

Wilmington Tennis Association, the event 

is open to qualified teams only. Spectators 

are welcome, and admission is free, 


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Reviews: TV & Music 

DENISE K. JAMES ON NEW FILMS AND MUSIC 

Smashing Pumpkins 

Aghori Mhori Mei 

I believe that “Siamese Dream” is one of the 

greatest albums ever made. So obviously, 

I looked forward to what the Pumpkins 

could do in 2024. Their newest, billed as 

a “rock ‘n’ roll guitar record,” honestly 

brought back the very thrill my teen-self 

felt while headbanging in her ‘90s bedroom. 

I downloaded “War Dreams of Itself” and 

“Edin” and was basically playing the air all 

through dinner. Rock on. 

“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” 

Starring Elizabeth Taylor • Max 

Four Stars 

Elizabeth Taylor is one of the most enduring and most iconic actors in Hollywood history, 

so even though she was “before my time,” as they say, I felt compelled to watch Max’s new 

documentary, “The Lost Tapes.” I’m not always into documentaries, but personal ones tend 

to grab me, and I suppose the reference to this information being “lost” (and apparently 

found, thus this film existing) grabbed me as well. 

Liz Taylor grew up in a setting that foreshadowed her fate. The child of privileged parents 

in Beverly Hills and attractive even during puberty, it’s no wonder that such advantages led 

to her becoming a star. But right when I started rolling my eyes, watching her childhood foray 

into a young adulthood of scrutiny, I realized something. Yes, we all know that Americans 

are partial to a “rags to riches” tale. It’s part of what lives in our consciousness as a culture– 

that anyone can turn the right corner and become rich and famous. But “The Lost Tapes” 

moves the other way, as perhaps a few other celebrity documentaries do: it’s a “riches to rags” 

story, or at least emotional rags (which I suspect that we, as a culture, also love). 

Like most young and beautiful teens, Liz was thrown into womanhood too early. She talks 

about the “horrendous mistakes” that occurred as a result of growing up too quickly and 

says she was “in love with the idea of love,” which led her to marrying Conrad Hilton Jr., a 

real peach of a guy whose marriage to Liz couldn’t stop him from a pattern of addiction and 

abuse. (He died at age 43). It was not a great start for young Liz, and the hits kept coming; 

she was married eight times. 

No one else stars in the film except for Liz herself and the found tape, so the screen is a 

feast of photos and clips from her life and her on-screen moments. Personally, I found this 

to become a bit dull. Though I was captivated by her beauty, it soon felt more like I was 

listening to a podcast. The audio was the entire point. 

Still for anyone who idolizes Elizabeth Taylor, the film is a must-see (and hear). Glimpses 

into her life are offered through her own perspective, offering a more vulnerable, authentic 

look at her story. 

Father John Misty 

Greatish Hits: I Followed My Dreams and 

My Dreams Said to Crawl 

Fans old and new of Father John Misty, 

please don’t waste any time listening to this 

compilation of his best from five albums, 

including an all-new track appropriately 

titled “I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of 

Us All.” A former member of Fleet Foxes, 

Joshua Tillman (aka Father John Misty) is 

known for blending Americana with winks 

of disco, gospel and other genres. The result 

is a perfect album for your autumn harvest 

of tunes. 


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staff picks 

Fall Into 

Reading 

Staff recommendations from Pomegranate Books 

Pomegranate Books is an independent bookstore in the historic 

Borkenhagen House in the Winter Park neighborhood of 

Wilmington North Carolina, where we have been finding good 

homes for great books since 2005. The store stocks a carefully 

selected collection of literary and life-enhancing titles for all 

ages and feature locally-made cards and gift items. According 

to owner, Kathleen Jewell, their philosophy of connection to 

community is summed up in their slogan: Read, Write, Gather. 

Debby’s pick: The Salt Path by 

Raynor Winn 

“The Salt Path,” the first of three 

memoirs by British writer Raynor 

Winn, is the story of a couple’s 630- 

mile walk on the Southwest Coast 

Path on the southern English coast. 

Following the tragic loss of their 

Welsh farm and their livelihood, and 

her husband Moth’s diagnosis of an 

incurable disease, they decided to set 

off on this arduous journey, relying 

only on what they could carry in their 

rucksacks. Tested by unpredictable 

weather, difficult terrain, sleeping 

rough, and little money, combined with Moth’s 

physical difficulties, they carried on, persisted, and survived. 

Winn’s descriptions of nature, the sea and skies, the people they 

encountered along the way, and the challenges they faced together 

are beautifully written, truly inspiring, and a testament to the 

healing power of nature and a portrait of hope and enduring love. 

Rachel’s pick: Salt Houses by 

Hala Alyan 

Although we follow four generations 

of a Palestinian family as they are 

torn from their homeland and forced 

to live in houses and countries that 

are not their own, what resonates 

most in this novel is the normalcy— 

the beauty of the enduring love and 

strength of the family throughout this 

six-decade period. Author Hala Alyan 

said of this novel that she wanted to 

“write something that avoided the usual 

portrayal of Palestinians and Arabs.” 

She said those portrayals “often involve 

politicizing or eroticizing them,” which 

she has avoided here. Alyan carries us through the timely 

and intricate complexities of displacement with the exquisite 

rendering of one family’s epic journey. 

Luis’ pick: The Lonely City by 

Olivia Laing 

This book chronicles Laing’s exploration 

of loneliness after a transatlantic move 

to New York City and the subsequent 

dissolution of the romantic relationship 

that prompted the move. Finding herself 

in a foreign country she comes to inhabit 

loneliness daily and begins to explore this 

under-discussed but universal experience 

by way of psychology, history, and art. 

Through sharp observation of humanity, 

Laing examines the causes of loneliness 

and how one might resist and grow 

through it. 

Jordan’s pick: You are Here: Poetry In The Natural 

World, edited and introduced by Ada Limón 

It can be easy nowadays to see ourselves as removed from the 

abundant beauty and rich complexity of nature. But the poets 

in You Are Here reimagine what nature and landscape mean 

to them and how we are intimately connected with the little 

worlds around us. Take, for example, Analicia Sotelo’s rendering 

of her father: “The boots he wore / harbor spiders in the living 

room. And his red paisley bandana, / cured with sweat, calls the 

river line to attention.” And in Michael Kleber-Diggs’s poem, 

he meditates on the patience he learns from walking with his 

dogs: “We stroll through the grounds and stop at every tree. 

Their noses lead to everything I see.” In each poem, authors 

engage with their local landscape—be i t 

a disappearing hackberry tree in the 

sweltering heat of June, moth-mothers 

and their babies in sweater drawers, 

seascapes and borders, a witch inn, 

snapdragons and dew drops and fat 

field mice. As United States Poet 

Laureate Ada Limón reminds us in her 

introduction, “Nature is who we are.” 

While reading this collection, I felt as 

if I was being pulled closer and closer 

to a body that is more and less human, 

a body more connected to the natural 

world. I felt less alone. W 


Your Inspired Design Source 

Interior 

Design 

Studio and 

Shopping 

Destination 

Gifts 

Art 

Lighting 

Accessories 

theArtWorks is a Cultural Art Complex providing art 

studios, gallery space, and an event venue, fostering a creative 

environment for artists, educational opportunities, and 

enhancement of the Wilmington community through art. 

Open: Thursday-Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5 

Part of 4 th Friday Gallery Walk 

sponsored by Arts Council of 

Wilmington and New Hanover County 

200 Willard St, Wilmington 

www.theartworks.co 

335 N Front St. 


910-399-3190 

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newsmaker 

Residents of Old 

Wilmington have used 

proceeds from its Back 

Door Kitchen Tour to 

support local historic 

sites such as the Burgwin- 

Wright House (pictured) 

Behind the Scenes of the 

Back Door Kitchen Tour 

Residents of Old Wilmington put the past on display in October tour 

By JEN REED 

NESTLED IN THE HEART 

of the historic downtown 

Wilmington are streets lined 

with homes that tell stories 

of days gone by. Beautiful Italianate, 

Victorian, Queen Anne, Georgian, and even 

mail-order bungalows. Each has an origin 

story, and many that will be on display as 

part of the Back Door Kitchen Tour, hosted 

by Residents of Old Wilmington (ROW), on 

Saturday, October 12 beginning at 10 a.m. 

Unlike other historic home tours in 

Downtown Wilmington, this one invites 

visitors to come in "through the back door. 

"The tour will feature nine homes in the 

historic district, including the Smith- 

Sternberger House at 624 Dock Street. 

The Neoclassical Revival stands as a 

masterpiece of restoration, merging 19thcentury 

charm with modern-day comfort. 

Visitors will be treated to a rare glimpse into 

the home that has been meticulously crafted 

to honor its 1891 origins. Homeowner Josh 

Adams invited us in for a sneak peek. 



5018 Oleander Dr. • Wilmington, NC 

910-791-6622 

OPEN MON-SAT 10AM-5PM 

The Smith-Sternberger House 

The restoration journey began with the 

exterior, where every detail was carefully 

considered. The front porch, a defining 

feature of the home, has been restored, 

with its floor removed and bracing 

underneath replaced in 2022. A column 

that had experienced foundation issues 

was rebuilt, and the porch now proudly 

supports a swing salvaged from Adams' 

grandparents' home—a sentimental touch 

that adds to the home's historic narrative. 

In keeping with the historical charm, 

seven gas lanterns were installed in 

2023, illuminating the home's three 

entrances. The exterior transformation 

also extended to the brick walkway, 

which was replaced in 2021, leading 

to a completely overhauled backyard. 

This outdoor oasis now features a patio 

with an outdoor TV, firepit, hot tub, 

hammock, dog run, and dining area, 

making it an ideal space for relaxation 

and entertainment. The home's exterior 

color scheme, with Williamsburg Wythe 

Blue siding, black window and trim 

accents, and a "Haint Blue" porch ceiling, 

captures the essence of Southern charm. 

Stepping inside, the home continues to 

impress with a foyer bathed in natural 

light, anchored by an elegant staircase 

that Adams said inspired him to 

purchase the property in 2019. Above, a 

chandelier inspired by a Chihuly exhibit 

at The Biltmore House serves as a 

whimsical focal point. 

The renovation extends to every 

corner of the interior. The foyer was 

slightly reduced in size to accommodate 

a wall oven, microwave, and spice 

racks in the adjacent kitchen, where 

the heart of the home beats strongest. 

This kitchen underwent around 60 

design revisions, resulting in a space 

that is both beautiful and functional. 

The custom-built island made of Black 

Walnut, with a leathered granite top, 

stands as the centerpiece, surrounded 

by carefully selected cabinetry, a 

Thermador 6-burner gas range, and a 

dramatic Cambria quartz backsplash. 

From the kitchen, visitors move into the 

rear foyer, where a black-and-white floor 

Adams says was inspired by Fixer Upper 

stars Chip and Joanna Gaines' renovation 

of "The Castle" which contrasts beautifully 

with the crisp white walls, exposed brick, 

and staircase. The adjacent butler's 

pantry features floating Black Walnut 

shelves, a glass riser, and a hammered 

copper prep sink, creating a sophisticated 

space for coffee and cocktails. 

Adams calls the transformation of his 

home a true labor of love, blending historic 

elegance with modern convenience. The 

2024 Back Door Kitchen Tour offers a 

unique opportunity to experience this 

remarkable home, where every detail 

tells a story of dedication, craftsmanship, 

and an unwavering respect for history. 

ROW 

The Residents of Old Wilmington is an 

all-volunteer, nonprofit organization 

dedicated to preserving Wilmington's 

rich heritage. The roots were largely 

social in its founding in 1972. With the 

once-thriving industry in Wilmington 

waning, ROW was designed to bring 

residents together. It has grown into 

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New Art 

in the Gallery! 

WWW.AIBGALLERY.COM 

Setting Anchor 

in Scotts Hill 

9020 Senca Drive 910.320.8224 

carolina-surgery.com 

ART IN BLOOM GALLERY 

6866 MAIN STREET 

WILMINGTON, NC 28405 

Art is Always Blooming 

in Wilmingwton! 

~ LOCATED IN MAYFAIRE TOWN CENTER ~ 

Established in 2015, the 

gallery presents an 

eclectic mix of original, 

traditional, and contemporary 

works of art and represents 

over 30 artists. 

910.679.4257 | 484.885.3037 

ARTINBLOOMGALLERY@GMAIL.COM 

MON - SAT 10AM - 7PM 

SUN 12 - 6PM 

Melissa Wilgis “Seahorse & Sea Whip in Bubble” 

Photogram on photograhic paper, 10”H x 8”W 

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

an organization that lives its mission of 

improving the quality of life in the Historic 

district. And while the tour may reflect the 

social aspect, funds raised are actually 

used to support community-focused causes. 

For decades, the Residents of Old 

Wilmington have used proceeds from the 

tour to support local historic sites and 

nonprofits. Their contributions have aided 

the preservation of iconic venues such as 

the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens 

and the Bellamy Mansion Museum. 

They've also extended their support to 

community-focused organizations like The 

Salvation Army of Cape Fear, DREAMS 

of Wilmington, and the Cape Fear 

Museum of History and Science. They have 

funded beautification projects throughout 

downtown Wilmington, from trees to flowers 

to lighting. And have funded Segways used 

by the Wilmington Police Department in 

navigating the downtown streets. 

The tour spans the oldest sections of 

downtown's first historic district, with 

homes located between Second and Sixth 

Streets, just west of Market Street. This 

event is more than just a celebration of 

architectural beauty; it's a communitydriven 

initiative to support Wilmington's 

cultural and historical fabric. 

By participating in the Back Door Kitchen 

Tour, attendees aren't just enjoying a 

stroll through Wilmington's architectural 

history—they're also contributing to the 

ongoing efforts to preserve and enhance 

the community. ROW remains committed 

to giving back, ensuring that the city's 

heritage and culture continue to thrive for 

future generations. 

For more information about the Back 

Door Kitchen Tour, to purchase tickets, or 

to learn more, visit rowilmington.org. W 



art seen 

A Creative 

Journey in 

Floral Design 

Mother of Wild owner thrives on artistic expression 

through flower arranging 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

Mother of Wild 

owner Alyssa Ait 

AS A TEENAGER GROWING 

up in California, Alyssa Ait 

was always drawn to creative 

endeavors—no surprise, really, 

as her dad was an artist and her mom was 

what she calls a “creative soul.” 

So, in 2004 when she discovered a small 

shop called Alyssa’s Flowers, Ait took it as 

a sign she should work there. She convinced 

the owner to give her a job, and although 

the shop closed four months later, a lifelong 

passion was born. 

“Flowers were just something I always 

had a vision in doing,” Ait says. “It was 

more for the art than the flowers per se.” 

After finishing high school, Ait studied 

floral design and secured a job at a highend 

flower shop in her hometown of San 

Clemente, CA, where she worked for eight 

years honing her craft and learning the ins 

and outs of the floral industry. 

“I was kind of tucked under the wing of a 

really well-known designer who taught me 

everything,” she says. 

Eventually Ait left the shop and took a 

break from working in the floral industry 

full-time, but she continued to dabble in 

flowers on the side. When she and her 

husband Jordan decided in 2018 to move 

across the country to Wilmington, where 

he has family, the opportunity to focus on 

flowers presented itself again. 

The Aits started She Loves Me Flower 

Co. inside Porters Neck’s Uptown Market 

in 2019 but soon changed the name to 

Mother of Wild Flower House due to a 

trademark issue. The revised moniker is 

a nod to nature in general as well as the 

middle name of their oldest child, Wilder, 

who was born shortly after they arrived in 

the Port City. 

Mother of Wild’s main marketing 

strategy has been a Volkswagen “flower 

truck” that they purchased on eBay to 

drive around town and set up at local 

markets and events, a move Ait describes 

as “the scariest thing I’ve ever done.” 

“I thought they were going to send me a 

little toy car,” she recalls with laughter. 

The attention garnered by the unique 

vehicle paid off, and the business began 

growing. Six months later, they were 

offered the opportunity to move into their 


art seen 

“Every piece that we send out the door is an art piece.” 

The shop on 167 Porters Neck Rd, 

Suite 140 

own brick-and-mortar location on Porters 

Neck Road. 

“We jumped on it, and we took a really 

big, scary leap,” Ait says. 

After 20 years in the floral industry, Ait 

says she still views flowers with the same 

artistic approach she’s always taken. 

“Every piece that we send out the door 

is an art piece,” she says. “There’s a lot of 

design behind it. We’re looking at it like a 

sculpture, and I strive to make it a moment.” 

Ait says she gets excited about challenging 

herself to create in different styles. 

“I love that it’s ever-changing,” she says. 

“We change everything with the season. 

If you’re a creative, it’s a really great, fun 

industry to be in. It’s always evolving, and 

there’s always something new to play with.” 

Mother of Wild’s a la carte package for 

weddings is an outlet for Ait and her team to 

put their talent on full display. Couples get 

a discounted rate in exchange for allowing 

creative freedom with their flowers. 

“It’s for somebody who really trusts what 

we do,” Ait says. “It allows us to have a lot 

of fun with a wedding and not be pressured 

by specifics. We pack it all up for day-of 

pickup, and everything is done and ready 

to go.” 

Mother of Wild also offers full-service 

wedding packages as well as daily 

deliveries for all occasions (or no occasion 

at all) within about a 30-mile radius, 

subscriptions and grab-and-go bundles 

available in the shop. In addition, there are 

classes and workshops for those who want 

to learn more, and some are held off-site at 

local farms for an immersive experience. 

There are also events created specifically 

for kids. 

While Ait strives to touch every flower 

that leaves the shop, she has a tight-knit 

team who helps carry out her vision. You 

may even see her three young children 

there on occasion. 

“We’re a small but mighty crew,” she 

says. “We all love working with each other. 

It’s a good combination of people here now.” 

Despite its success over the past five 

years, Mother of Wild is planning for 

even more growth in the future. Ait says 

she’s not quite ready to offer specifics but 

indicates there are new endeavors on the 

horizon for the brand. 

“There will be some exciting things to 

happen in the downtown area,” she says. W 


Behind the scenes as one of 

Ait’s unique arrangements 

comes together 


PARTNER CONTENT 

local chatter 

A stunning coastal home 

renovation project by 

Renewal by Andersen NC 

Custom Made Windows 

and Doors 

Three reasons to check out what this North Carolina 

Renewal by Andersen affiliate has to offer you 

By JOE JANCSURAK 

IF YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT 

replacement windows—something 

that all homeowners should 

investigate after 5-10 years— 

Renewal by Andersen of Central 

NC, Coastal NC & SC headquartered in 

Greensboro, North Carolina, is worthy of 

consideration for three important reasons. 

First, if you believe there is strength in 

numbers, the Andersen Corporation has 

been around for 121 years and has nearly 

100 affiliate partnerships. You don’t stay in 

business for that long or build on your success 

with that many affiliate partnerships, 

without providing quality products and 

services. Nor do you have that kind of success 

without national programs to equip affiliates 

with all that they need to be successful. 

Second, your local Renewal by Andersen 

affiliate, which we’ll refer to as Renewal 

by Andersen NC/Coastal SC now has the 

capacity to replace every opening in your 

home. That includes Acclaim ® windows, 

patio doors and as of May 1, Ensemble entry 

doors. Custom made in America, Renewal by 

Andersen windows are backed by a warranty 

that covers glass for 20 years from the 

original install date; components other than 

glass (Fibrex ® material, hardware, screens, 

etc.) for 10 years; and window installation for 

two years (that’s eight seasons of coverage 

on labor, 80 seasons on the glass, and 40 

seasons on components). This comprehensive 

warranty ensures you can enjoy your new 

windows and doors with peace of mind, 

knowing they are built to last. 


Finally, Renewal by Andersen remains 

on the cutting edge of window technology 

and customer service as evidenced by their 

four different Low-E4 glass options that 

serve as a thermal barrier to reflect energy 

back in the direction from which it came 

(heat stays in the home during the winter 

and is reflected away the home during 

the summer). Patented Fibrex ® composite 

material frames have excellent insulating 

properties and are available in various nofade 

colors in addition to three real wood 

interior options. As of this summer, the new 

Remote Measure service is available using 

proprietary technology that enables the 

design consultant to work with a measure 

technician remotely via virtual technology 

to gain final precise measurements while 

in the customer’s home. This service means 

one less trip to the home, reducing the 

time to order and giving the technician 

and design consultant the opportunity to 

address any project challenges with the 

homeowner present. 

“The Andersen Corporation really does 

have some of the best and brightest minds 

in the industry,” says Ellen Magnusson, 

general manager of Renewal by Andersen 

NC/Coastal SC. Magnusson spent 12 years 

at the Renewal by Andersen affiliate in 

New Jersey before moving to Jamestown, 

North Carolina, where she was director 

of operations of a Renewal by Andersen 

NC/Coastal SC affiliate before becoming 

general manager last October. 

“Our company’s commitment to bestpractice 

sharing is second to none,” 

Magnusson declares. “If I’m having 

difficulty with a specific metric and our 

Oregon affiliate is having great success 

with that same metric, I know that I can 

reach out to my colleague in Oregon and 

learn all that I can to experience that same 

level of success. 

“Further, there are company councils on 

virtually anything related to our business— 

sales, operations, installation, service, 

human resources business, etc. The councils 

are comprised of Renewal by Andersen 

affiliate team members representing small, 

medium and large businesses. The councils 

meet regularly to share best practices, 

discuss challenges and work to create 

solutions that work for the entire Renewal 

Andersen network of affiliates.” 

As for product quality, Magnusson 

emphasizes that the company prides itself 

on staying innovative when it comes to 

window glass technology, framing materials 

and production methods. She adds that all 

products are custom made. “We don’t have 

a warehouse with windows just on a shelf 

waiting to be installed in Wilmington or 

anywhere else in North Carolina because 

all of our products are custom made at 

the Renewal by Andersen manufacturing 

campus in Cottage Grove, Minnesota – and 

soon to be Locust Grove, Georgia – to fit our 

customers’ specific needs.” 

As for the North Carolina affiliate, 

Magnusson stresses the importance of 

her 350-person team, comprised of design 

consultants, office staff, managers, 

marketing and communications, measure 

technicians, service technicians, installers 

and warehouse associates. 

(right) Ellen Magnusson, general manager of 

Renewal by Andersen NC/Coastal SC 

(below) Before and after images of a project 

completed with beautiful black windows and 

patio doors 

Breegan Jane's beach house 

renovation project 

“All of us have the opportunity to impact 

and serve our customers,” says Magnusson. 

“ We encourage all our teammates’ focus 

and goals to be customer centric. This 

includes supporting our co-workers and 

colleagues so that all of us are successful 

in delivering the experience our customers 

expect and deserve. W 


A New Approach 

to Aging in Place 

A local organization helps seniors spend their golden years at home 

By VERA WILSON 

IT'S A FAMILIAR SITUATION: 

adult children, worried about 

their parents' safety and wellbeing, 

urge them to leave the home 

they've lived in for years and move 

in with family or into a care facility. But 

the parents often resist, firmly refusing 

to leave. 

As America ages—4.4 million people 

will turn 65 this year, according to the 

Census Bureau—more families will face 

the difficult decision of how to care for 

their elderly loved ones. For many seniors, 

staying in their homes is about more 

than just comfort; it's about preserving 

community ties, cherished memories, and 

independence. Sometimes, the decision 

to stay is driven by financial constraints, 

as the cost of long-term care facilities is 

simply out of reach, and moving in with 

family isn’t always an option. 

That’s where organizations like 

Wilmington’s Aging in Place come to 

the rescue. Originally created to assist 

downtown residents, Aging in Place 

is a program offered by the nonprofit 

Comprehensive Care of Wilmington. 

Thanks to expanded funding, the group 

now helps seniors throughout Wilmington 

stay in their homes by offering what they 

refer to as “options counseling.” All their 

services are free of charge. 

Susan Silver, executive director of 

Comprehensive Care, explains that 

options counseling begins with an in-depth 

conversation with the senior, who must be 

over 55 years of age. The conversation can 

be held at the person’s home, at the Aging 

in Place office, or even over the phone. 

“The discussion touches on 12 different 

aspects of daily living that have an impact 

on a person’s ability to stay in their homes 

successfully as they age,” says Silver. “We 

feel like we’ve developed quite a good 

instrument to help people — and us — 

assess their ability to stay at home.” 

TOP PHOTO ANUKRATI OMA; BOTTOM PHOTO JOHNNY COHEN 


PHOTO CHRISTIAN BOWEN 

Silver is quick to point out they are 

not case managers or social workers 

that come into a home and evaluate 

the living conditions. Although they 

will talk with family members, Aging 

in Place remains a neutral third-party, 

and it is ultimately the decision of the 

senior how to move forward. 

“We depend on the individual senior 

to describe their current situation, their 

ability to perform certain tasks, and what 

kind of support network they have in 

place,” says Silver. 

Through this process, the volunteers 

at Aging in Place are able to identify 

areas the senior might need assistance 

with, now and as they grow older, and 

recommend the available resources they 

believe will best address their needs. 

“That’s what we’ve become experts at over 

the years: knowing where the resources 

lie, knowing what the requirements or 

restrictions may be, and how to combine 

them into a more comprehensive approach 

to solving problems,” explains Silver. 

Per their website, they can counsel on 

any of the following: medical, mental 

health, social, homemaking, legal, 

technology, safety, home modification 

and maintenance, financial, nutrition, 

housing, and transportation. 

These resources can be other nonprofits, 

governmental organizations or those in 

the private sector, although Silver notes 

they don’t promote any particular forprofit 

business. 

“It turns out there’s a lot of resources — 

local, state and federal — that a person 

can tap into,” she says, “but most people 

aren’t aware of them. We’re not the ones 

who make the call, but we’re good at 

explaining to people what resources might 

help and that they can get involved in,” 

says Silver. 

For example, Silver mentions the alltoo-common 

situation of where one half of 

a couple has aged more quickly and may 

need to be cared for at a facility, but their 

spouse is willing and able to stay at home. 

“Most couples don’t know that Medicaid 

works to preserve income for what they 

call the community-dwelling spouse,” 

she says. 

Silver is thankful for the volunteers she 

has, many of whom have been with the 

organization for years and have valuable 

experience and expertise. Silver, herself a 


volunteer, has an impressive background 

in Health Services Administration. This 

also allows the organization to function on 

a bare-bones budget. 

Another issue Comprehensive Care is 

tackling is affordable housing for seniors. 

Having secured land in downtown 

Wilmington for 15 to 20 homes, Cityplace, 

as the project is known, will have on site 

support and offer housing for seniors as 

well as young adults with disabilities, 

two highly compatible groups, according 

to Silver. 

The group would like to do more outreach 

to publicize their services, like speaking 

at churches. Silver heard about an elderly 

woman whose nephew discovered her 

water and electricity had been turned off. 

“He had no idea what to do for her,” she 

says. “I can tell them what to do.” 

If you would like to donate to or volunteer 

with Comprehensive Care, please visit 

their websites, aginginplacedowntown.org 

or cityplacewilmington.org W 

PHOTO RICHARD SAGREDO 


design garden beauty home 

Smarter 

Shopping 

Sustainable options for 

the home 

See page 50 

PHOTO HARPER SUNDAY 



design 

Kevin Mazer, President 

of B. Collective Co. 

The Art of 

Illumination 

Discover luxurious lighting solutions 

from the experts at B. Collective Co. 

By MADISON BAILEY » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

LIGHTING DOES MORE THAN BRIGHTEN A 

room—it tells the story of a home, setting the 

atmosphere and mood of each space. For Kevin and 

Bridgett Mazer, this understanding is at the core of 

their business, B. Collective Co., a Wilmington-based lighting 

company specializing in luxury lighting solutions for residential 

and commercial spaces. 

Their approach to lighting reflects a blend of expertise and 

creative vision. Kevin’s journey into the world of lighting is 

deeply rooted in his extensive experience with growing successful 

enterprises. Before co-founding B. Collective Co., Kevin co-owned 

his family’s medical device company. This background has been 

instrumental in shaping his approach to B. Collective Co., where 

he emphasizes that their mission is to “offer not just beautiful 

fixtures but also the expertise to ensure they fit perfectly within 

any space.” 


Bridgett Mazer 

(left), owner of 

Bridgett Mazer 

Interiors, brings 

20 years of 

interior design 

experience 

to the familyowned 

business. 

The Mazers 

redefine 

how lighting 

integrates with 

home design. 

Visit the shop at 

1437 Military Cutoff Rd, 

Suite 102. 

Lighting is one of the most important parts 

of the home. 

Bridging Kevin's business acumen with Bridgett’s two decades 

of design expertise, the company has quickly established itself as 

a leading provider of high-end lighting solutions. Together, they 

bring a unique perspective to their work, combining strategic 

vision with a deep appreciation for lighting and design. By 

September 2021, B. Collective was officially launched, marking a 

new chapter for the duo. 

The Birth of B. Collective Co. 

Recognizing the impact that lighting can have on a space, the 

Mazers sought to redefine how lighting integrates with home 

design. Their vision for B. Collective Co. was to go beyond 

conventional lighting solutions and to become a design partner 

that adds a touch of magic from the very beginning. 

With Bridgett's extensive background as an interior designer, 

she firmly believes that “lighting is one of the most important 

parts of the home.” For her, lighting is not just a functional 

element but a crucial design component that enhances the mood 

and character of a space. 

By starting their projects from the design phase, they ensure 

that their lighting solutions are thoughtfully integrated from 

the beginning. “We start our projects from the design phase, 

collaborating with architects and builders before construction 

begins,” Kevin explains. “This allows us to plan lighting layouts 

that enhance the overall design.” 

A Personalized Experience 

Offering a personalized touch is at the heart of B. Collective Co.’s 

approach. Their showroom is a testament to this, brimming with a 

carefully curated selection of high-end and medium-to-high lighting 

lines. “We’ve invested in top lines to provide our clients with a range 

of options that suit their needs and tastes,” Kevin notes, “The lights 

that we have in the gallery are high-end luxury lighting.” 

But what truly sets them apart is their team of Interior Designer 

Lighting Specialists, all of whom are degreed interior designers. 

This means clients aren’t getting advice from salespeople— 

they’re working with educated experts who understand the 

intricate relationship between lighting and interior design. 

“Our in-house designers provide one-on-one expert advice,” 

Kevin adds. “They make sure that each fixture not only fits the 

space but also reflects the client’s personal style.” 

The showroom doubles as a design studio, allowing clients 

to explore various lighting options and envision how different 

fixtures will complement their homes. For those who can’t make 

it to the showroom, they also offer in-home consultations and 

virtual appointments, ensuring that clients can get expert advice 

no matter where they are. 

A Nationwide Presence 

While B. Collective Co. is rooted in Wilmington, its influence 

extends far beyond city limits. The Mazers have established 

a national presence, executing lighting projects in cities like 

Nashville, Boca Raton and across California. 

This level of service involves visiting clients' homes, specifying 

the lighting, and coordinating the delivery and installation. “Not 

only can we visit your home locally, but we can also visit your 

home anywhere,” Kevin emphasizes. 

Plus, their services aren't limited to residential spaces. B. 

Collective Co. has several ongoing commercial projects from 

around the East Coast. The company also excels in commercial 

lighting projects, tailoring their solutions to fit the unique needs 

of businesses. 

W 


garden 

Serving Up Success 

One Sip at a Time 

A journey to health leads to a bourgeoning tea company 

By JEN REED 

Adrienne Arrington- 

Kenion, founder of 

Queen Esther Teas 

IMAGINE YOU'RE SITTING 

at lunch when a stranger 

approaches you with a package 

in hand. “I love your products,” 

they say, having overheard your 

conversation. This is exactly what 

happened to Adrienne Arrington-Kenion, 

founder of Queen Esther Teas, as she and 

I recently met for lunch. As the admirer 

walked away, Adrienne beamed with pride. 

“That will never get old,” she confesses. 

If you had told Adrienne five years ago 

that her teas would become a household 

name in the lower Cape Fear region, she 

might have laughed in disbelief. Starting 

a company was never her plan. Instead, it 

all began with a quest to find relief from 

relentless gastro issues. Antacids and other 

medications offered little help, so Adrienne 

turned to the wisdom of the past. 

“People had to have done something to 

take care of their health before medication 

was available,” she says. Her search led her 

to herbal remedies that promised relief. 

And from there, the seed for Queen Esther 

Teas was planted—and her company 

borne, almost by accident. 

“I wasn’t sure at first how to incorporate 

these different herbs into my diet until I 

found out I could add them to hot water,” 

she says. 

Not only did consuming the tea work, but 

it also inspired her to research other herb 

mixtures that could address ailments that 

her friends and family shared with her. 

They, too, experienced the benefits of the 

elixirs and eventually insisted on paying 

her for what she had done for them. 

“I thought, ‘pay me?’ I was just trying to 

let the people I love in on the remedy I had 

found. I wasn’t thinking about anything 

beyond that,” she explains. 

But, as word got out and the nudging from 

family and friends continued, Adrienne 

decided to take that leap of faith. With a 

carefully curated blend of herbs designed 

to address such issues as heartburn, 

indigestion, insomnia, and more, along 

came her website and the business started 

to flourish. 

The name Queen Esther Teas is a tribute 

to her grandmother, a significant influence 

in her life. “She treated me like a queen,” 

she says. “She taught me values I have 

carried into my adult life.” 

She calls Queen Esther Teas an 

“invitation to embark on a life-changing 

PHOTO AUSTIN BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY 


A Bridgerton-themed 

tea party at Ellipsis (a 

True Blue Company) 

Products available at markets 

and select locations will soon 

be available at a brick and 

mortar space at Poplar Grove. 

PHOTO MALCOLM LITTLE; PRODUCT PHOTO AUSTIN BIRCH PHOTOGRAPHY 

Adrienne hosting an 

event at Dreamers 

Welcome by DW 

journey that celebrates well-being, 

harmony, and revitalization.” 

The herbs used are locally sourced. 

Her blends are created using loose teas. 

As she explains, they offer superior 

flavor since they contain whole leaves 

rather than broken pieces. Adrienne is 

also meticulous about the flavor when 

creating her blends. Although the tea is 

beneficial for health, Adrienne said she 

wants her teas to taste good. As a result, 

she is using teas with naturally vibrant 

and pleasing flavors, ensuring anyone 

who drinks the teas will enjoy them and 

feel good from drinking them. 

The products were initially sold online, 

and she took advantage of distribution, 

mostly through local restaurants like The 

Kitchen Sink, Cheesesmith, and On Thyme 

restaurants just to name a few. But it was 

the farmers markets that enabled her to 

reach a broader audience and introduce 

Queen Esther Teas to more people. 

Today, most of her sales come from 

farmers markets and festivals, including 

the N.C. Azalea Festival in Wilmington 

and the N.C. Fourth of July Festival in 

Southport. But she is also set to move into 

her own brick-and-mortar shop at Poplar 

Grove in Wilmington this fall. 

Operating Queen Esther Teas has become 

a full-time endeavor, so she’s enlisted the 

help of her own family, including her eldest 

son who, at 16, is managing her social 

media. She has also hired three associates 

who work with her at the farmers markets 

and have enabled her to expand the number 

of sites they are able to work at in a week. 

They will also be working in the shop once 

it’s opened. 

As the farmers market season slows 

down moving into the fall, Adrienne is 

hoping to expand her offerings to include 

more tea party events. She has held 

several at locations throughout the greater 

Wilmington area, each with a theme. The 

events provide another opportunity to 

introduce her products to a new audience. 

“The tea parties are an experience and 

provide another way that people who may 

not know about us can learn and enjoy, and 

maybe make a new friend along the way,” 

she adds. 

Adrienne had previously been employed 

as a behavioral therapist with the local 

school system. And like many during 

the onset of the pandemic, she found her 

circumstances changed. So, she turned 

that challenge into this opportunity and 

has not looked back. In fact, she is looking 

ahead to what’s next for her company. It’s 

“The tea parties are an experience and provide another way 

that people who may not know about us can learn and enjoy, 

and maybe make a new friend along the way.” 

not lost on her that living in a port city 

presents some interesting opportunities. 

“I’m thinking big,” she confesses with a 

smile. It’s just that grit and determination 

that can make Queen Esther Teas a 

household name – not only to Wilmington 

– but to the world that awaits. 

For more information or to purchase 

Queen Esther Teas products, visit 

queenestherteas.com W 



beauty 

The Future of Dentistry 

Why patients love Renaissance Dental Studio’s modern dentistry approach 

By MADISON BAILEY 

AT RENAISSANCE DENTAL 

Studio, every effort is made 

to ensure that patients feel 

comfortable and valued. With 

over 15 years of experience in the dental 

field, owner Dr. Sarah Pless has cultivated a 

practice where patient care and innovative 

treatments converge. “Everyone deserves 

a good dental experience,” Dr. Pless says. 

“So, every member of our team goes the 

extra mile to make that happen.” The 

practice caters to families, ensuring that 

even the youngest patients look forward to 

their visits. 

Led by Dr. Pless and located adjacent to 

the picturesque NC Intracoastal Waterway, 

the practice blends scientific innovation 

with artistic precision, transforming 

the dental visit into a uniquely pleasant 

experience. “We were inspired by the 

artisans and scientists of the Renaissance 

era,” Dr. Pless recalls. “Dentistry, in many 

ways, mirrors this blend. We are scientists, 

but there is also a significant amount of 

artistry in what we do.” 

Winning the “Best of Wilmington” award 

for their practice in 2024, the studio takes 

pride in staying at the forefront of dental 

technology to offer the best possible care. 

Dr. Pless emphasizes the importance of this 

patient-centered approach and continuously 

explores advancements in dentistry to 

provide state-of-the-art treatments. 

Blending Technology and 

Patient Care 

State-of-the-art technology plays a 

pivotal role in enhancing patient care at 

Renaissance Dental Studio. The practice 

features cutting-edge technologies like 

the Solea laser, which enables quick 

and painless cavity fillings, and same- 


day 3D-printed fillings and crowns that 

eliminate the need for return appointments. 

Invisalign clear aligners quickly and 

conveniently correct misaligned teeth, 

while digital dental health scans create 

detailed images to monitor progress year 

to year. 

“Technology has changed all of our lives 

in so many ways," Dr. Pless remarks. “I 

wanted to take advantage of everything 

new and make the dentist's office experience 

the best.” 

One of the standout technologies at 

the studio is the use of digital scanners 

like iTero. “We use digital scanners to 

create a detailed map of your teeth, which 

allows us to show patients the areas 

of concern clearly,” Dr. Pless explains. 

“This visualization helps patients fully 

understand their oral health and empowers 

them to make informed decisions about 

their treatment.” 

What’s more: patients can now send 

pictures of their dental concerns directly 

from their phones to Renaissance Dental 

Studio. “This allows us to quickly assess 

situations and provide timely advice, 

potentially saving a trip to the office,” 

Dr. Pless explains. “It’s all about making 

dental care as accessible and stress-free 

as possible.” 

A Focus on Education and Prevention 

The studio also understands that effective 

dental care means more than just 

treating immediate issues; it involves 

understanding and addressing their 

underlying causes. “We don’t just want to 

treat problems; we want to help patients 

understand how these problems started 

and provide solutions to prevent them from 

recurring,” Dr. Pless adds. 

This dedication extends to empowering 

patients with the knowledge needed to 

maintain their oral health long-term, 

fostering better outcomes and encouraging 

proactive care. 

The impact of this patient-centered 

approach is evident in the positive 

feedback received. “Patients often tell 

us, ‘I used to hate going to the dentist, 

and now I love coming to see you guys,'” 

Dr. Pless notes. Such success stories 

highlight the practice’s achievement 

in combining innovative care with a 

supportive environment, making dental 

visits something to look forward to. 

Commitment to Patient Comfort 

Dr. Pless' dedication to innovation and 

patient care is clear. “Every patient is 

unique, and their comfort is our top 

priority,” she emphasizes. “We’ve designed 

our office to be a welcoming and relaxing 

space.” From the soothing color palette to 

the heated massage chairs, every detail is 

meant to make patients feel at ease. 

Dr. Kyle D. Bell, DDS, 

Dr. Sarah Pless, DDS, 

Dr. Christian Cook, DMD 

This dedication goes beyond the physical 

environment. Dr. Pless and her team 

strive to ensure that every patient feels 

comfortable and valued from the moment 

they walk through the door. “We believe in 

a personalized approach to dental care,” 

she says. “Listening to our patients and 

addressing their concerns is essential. We 

want everyone to feel like they’re family.” W 


home 

Eco-Conscious 

Living and Design 

Conversations with local sustainable living businesses 

on building better habits 

IN OUR CONSUMER-DRIVEN 

culture, there’s a belief that 

buying more can address our 

problems. This mindset has led 

to an overabundance of goods, 

from clothing to household items, 

much of which ends up as waste. Although 

many companies advocate for changes 

like using recycled materials or launching 

limited edition products, these efforts 

often fall short. 

Consider the impact of donating your 

old clothes. Despite the well-intentioned 

By MADISON BAILEY 

effort, only about 15% of these textiles 

are repurposed or recycled; the remaining 

85% either end up in landfills or are 

incinerated. This stark reality highlights 

a fundamental issue: our approach to 

consumption is not sufficient to curb the 

growing volume of waste. 

Don’t get me wrong — I have a deep 

appreciation for the art and craft of 

fashion. The excitement of the latest 

fashion trends and new decor collections 

is thrilling. But at some point, we have 

to ask ourselves: at what cost? True 

sustainability requires more than 

incremental changes; it demands a 

fundamental shift in how we live. We need 

to reduce our consumption, opt for timeless 

designs, and make deliberate choices. As 

we explore the intersection of design and 

sustainability, it's crucial to consider how 

our design choices, both big and small, can 

contribute to a more sustainable future. 

Reducing Waste 

Think about the small, everyday 

actions that can make a big difference. 

Simple habits, such as sewing up old 

clothes instead of purchasing new ones 

can significantly reduce waste. These 

seemingly minor changes, when practiced 

regularly, add up to a meaningful impact. 

This approach can be seen at The 

Refillery Co., located in Wilmington’s 

Cargo District. They focus on refillable 

home and personal care products, 

encouraging people to only replace 

products as needed. Owner Jasmyn 

Blanchard emphasizes this point, stating, 

“We encourage people to use containers 

that they already have.” She adds, “Make 

switches that are actually attainable for 

your lifestyle.” This step-by-step method 

helps make sustainable practices more 

approachable and less overwhelming. 

Jordan and Christopher Giovannucci 

of Brick and Barley, a Wilmingtonbased 

interior design company that 

incorporates sustainable practices, 

echo this sentiment, emphasizing the 

importance of resourcefulness. “People 

often forget the ‘reuse’ option in reduce, 

reuse, and recycle,” they add. “Most 

Caroline Walkup, 

Fred & Mary’s 

owner, says vintage 

items add character 

while reducing the 

demand for new 

resources. 

PHOTO CAT STRICKLAND OF BRAVE CREATIVE AGENCY 


FRED & MARY PHOTO CAT STRICKLAND OF BRAVE CREATIVE AGENCY; REFILLERY PHOTO JOSH TYNDALL; BRICK & BARLEY PHOTOS SAMMY CALD PHOTO 

(clockwise from above) The refill bar at The Refillery; Brick & Barley incorporates sustainable 

interior design practices; Unique home goods sold at Fred & Mary’s; Jordan and Christopher 

Giovannucci of Brick and Barley 

think that buying less or recycling what 

they have is the only way, and completely 

forget they can repurpose what they 

have on hand and create something 

they love.” 

Sustainable Sourcing 

When exploring sustainable design, it can 

be challenging to distinguish eco-friendly 

products from those that merely claim to 

be. To make informed choices, it’s essential 

to understand what genuinely sustainable 

products look like and how they differ 

from less authentic alternatives. 

Choosing pre-loved pieces helps reduce 

the demand for new resources and adds 

unique character to your space. Caroline 

Walkup of local vintage home store, Fred 

& Mary’s, underscores the importance of 

this practice: “Vintage speaks for itself. 

The recycle, reuse mentality gives people 

the chance to buy something they can give 

a second life. But even then, I try to find 

pieces that are made of quality materials,” 

she says. “We vet all the items we source 

by looking at the manufacturer's process, 

materials, location of their business (i.e. 

choosing local rather than imported) and 

their ethical standards before choosing to 

carry them.” 

When it comes to personal care, some 

of the key principles to look for include 

products that are ethically made. As 

Blanchard notes, “Search for products like 

ours that will not outlive us on the planet.” 

Identifying truly sustainable products 

requires diligence, as she emphasizes the 

importance of research and encourages 

consumers to ask questions: “Sadly, there 

is a lot of greenwashing. You have to do 

some research. Knowledge is power.” 

Community Engagement 

By examining our consumption habits and 

getting involved with local sustainability 

efforts, we can contribute to a more 

balanced and environmentally friendly 

lifestyle for ourselves, and our community. 

Blanchard discusses the importance of 

active participation: “There are so many 

beach cleanups that locals can take part 

in. Picking up garbage when you’re out and 

about makes a huge difference as well.” 

Walkup also reflects this philosophy: “I 

also think staying engaged with the local 

laws impacting our wetlands and streams, 

rivers, and beaches is very important. 

We have a lot of power in our voices as 

residents to protect the environment.” She 

adds, “What you do on any given day does 

matter, so focusing on the changes you can 

make is the message we hope to encourage.” 

Through active engagement and 

community support, we can collectively 

work towards a more sustainable future. 

Blanchard further advises, “‘Use what you 

have and fix what is broken’ is a great way 

to start living more sustainably. Thrifting 

or joining a buy-nothing group is also a 

great way to spend less.” 

W 


Light in the Darkness 

Personal stories and community efforts in the fight against 

Wilmington’s mental health crisis 

Note: This article mentions suicide. If you or someone you know is having 

suicidal thoughts, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. 

By JADE NEPTUNE, founder of the KINDER SEA FOUNDATION 

AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT DURING MY TWELVE-HOUR SHIFT AS A 

psychiatric technician, I could be anything: a priest, holding onto confessions 

like keepsakes as I read scripture from a pocket-sized Bible; an artist, shading 

inside the lines with broken crayons and dull colored pencils; a singer, stumbling 

off-key through the words of childhood lullabies; or a friend, making beaded 

bracelets and braiding hair. Most of the time, I’m an immeasurable mix of all 

the above. But in every moment, I am required, relentlessly, to be myself. I am a 

daughter, a sister, a friend, a student, a writer, and a founder. And I’m a mental 

health professional who struggles with her own mental illness. 

PHOTO MARKUS SPISKE 


The country is facing a growing mental and emotional 

crisis, and Wilmington is deeply affected, marked by chronic 

homelessness and opioid abuse. In 2023, nearly 600 people were 

documented as homeless in the Cape Fear region, and 11.6% of 

Wilmington’s adults engaged in opioid abuse, the highest rate 

in the U.S. Despite the urgent need for care, facilities are often 

understaffed and have limited beds. But these statistics don’t 

just affect faceless numbers—they affect real people. 

The crisis touches every corner of our community, from the 

brave first responders who witness trauma every day, to the 

friends who struggle silently, to the children who are vulnerable 

in ways we might not always see. It could be your hero, your 

friend, your child. Their stories are not just tales of struggle, but 

of resilience, community, and the fight for mental health that we 

all must take part in. 

Your Hero 

To an extent, trauma is part of the job for any first responder, 

both experiencing it and helping community members through 

it. But this doesn’t make it easier. According to a study on 

First Responders’ Behavioral Health by the Substance Abuse 

and Mental Health Services Administration, 69% of EMS 

professionals have never had enough time to recover between 

traumatic events. First responders–including firefighters– 

are repeatedly put through harmful cycles, such as “repeated 

exposure to painful and provocative experiences and erratic sleep 

schedules.” The Wilmington Fire Department is no exception, 

but, like many departments, didn’t begin to discuss it openly 

until recently. 

In WFD’s 2023-2026 Strategic Business Plan, one of the top 

concerns mentioned is that “Firefighters are not trained to 

handle issues for themselves or mental health emergencies in 

community.” At the time it was written, that was true. 

“I was invincible,” says Lt. Josh Baltz. “Calls did not bother me. 

Not at all. I was like, ‘let's go.’ Craziest of the crazy, right? And 

then I went to a call involving a child. That destroyed me. I was 

a grown man crying with another grown man at our station… I 

never thought this would be me.” 

For Lt. Baltz, the only services available to him when he sought 

support after his call was the department chaplain services. 

Then, he helped spearhead WFD’s Facility Dog program, a group 

of five (and counting) crisis response dogs at the station and on 

call to support firefighter mental health. 

“In the world of firemen, we don't want to open up,” says 

Baltz. “We don't want to show weakness. We don't want to talk 

about our problems. The world now is definitely changing, and 

we've become a lot better with that. But even more so with this 

program, we're not coming out to say ‘hey, tell me what's going 

on, what happened?’ We're coming over, we're letting the dog do 

his thing.” 

As if on cue, Baltz’ facility dog JETHRO, trained in partnership 

with PAWS for People and the larger WFD Mental Health and 

Lt. Josh Baltz and 

JETHRO, trained in 

partnership with 

PAWS for People 

PHOTO RYAN STONE 


Wellness program, looked up at him from where he sat perched 

at his feet and snuggled into his boots. 

“Year after year we've seen the calls for our team's activation 

increase,” he continues. “I wouldn't say that that's because there's 

more bad calls. I would say it's because more and more people are 

accepting the resource.” 

Your friend 

When I talk to my loved ones about my mental health, I usually 

receive a response along the lines of “you’re not alone.” I know 

this well because I work in an inpatient psychiatric facility where, 

for thirty six hours a week, often in a row, I run my fingers over 

the pebbled complexion of other peoples’ rock bottoms. Mental 

illness is like a waiting room: You’re never alone, and yet, that 

doesn’t make it easier. It’s one of the only places in the world 

where misery hates company. 

This does not make me special. My brain grabs on to terrifying 

images and thoughts like sandspurs clinging to the vulnerable 

parts of your ankles. My breathing often comes in sharp spurts, 

like I’ve ran a marathon even though I’ve only had a conversation. 

A harsh blush climbs up my neck like a kudzu vine when I 

PHOTO PRISCILLA DU PREEZ 


Jade Neptune, UNC Chapel 

Hill graduate, psychiatric 

technician, and founder of 

Kinder Sea Foundation 


think too much and, sometimes, I’m afraid of the way I think. 

For the first eighteen years of my life, I was sure I was broken. 

For the last three, I’ve known that I have Obsessive-Compulsive 

Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder. 

The longer I spend in the mental health field, the more arbitrary 

it feels for me to tell others about the way my brain tells me 

stories. I am a psychiatric technician, I am a graduate student 

studying clinical mental health counseling and will one day be a 

very proud, uniquely qualified counselor. And I am no different 

than my patients, or the faces I see on the streets as I drive home 

from work, or peers that I lost to suicide. None of us are. 

I tell my story because I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been given 

an incredible gift to help others in my community who hurt the 

way I’ve hurt, who share the fears that I’ve had, and I have seen 

kindness work. But there is more to be done. 

Your child 

Anecdotally speaking, children are known to be beautifully, 

scientifically resilient. However, some are predisposed otherwise. 

A study form Harvard Pediatrics states, “the single most common 

factor for children who develop resilience is at least one stable 

and committed relationship with a supportive parent, caregiver, 

or other adult.” The same children who are less likely to be 

resilient are the same children who are more likely to develop 

mental health conditions, behavioral issues, and, in severe cases, 

criminal issues. According to NAMI, seven in 10 youth in the 

juvenile justice system have a mental health condition; one in six 

U.S. youth ages 6–17 experience a mental health disorder each 

year; and 128,000 North Carolinians ages 12–17 have depression. 

At Novant Health, the behavioral health emergency department 

takes children as young as four. Many adolescents stay in the ED 

awaiting transfer to an inpatient facility, such as Carolina Dunes 

Behavioral Health in Leland or Old Vineyard Behavioral Health 

Services in Winston Salem. Some of these young patients could 

wait several months in the ED for long-term placement. 

But from the ED to inpatient facilities, children often go 

without basic resources, where things like appropriate clothing, 

books, art supplies, and therapeutic fidget tools are scarce. Many 

young patients spend their time in hospital scrubs or in clothing 

that come in ripped, dirty, and, in some cases, soaking wet. 

That’s where Kinder Sea Foundation found a need that we can 

all take part in filling. I started this nonprofit to uplift pediatric 

mental health in our community by offering resources, education 

PHOTO ARTEM KNIAZ 

Beginning this fall, the Kinder 

Sea Foundation will donate 

items to local pediatric facilities 

for young children to high 

school students in need of 

clothing and school supplies. 


and advocacy. By providing materials to local treatment facilities, 

offering youth mental health first aid training to community 

members, and raising awareness, we aim to connect clinical care 

to long-term healing. 

Sometimes, the most therapeutic act you can offer a child in 

need is the things that make them feel like they’re in a childhood, 

rather than in crisis. For some, that means clothing or ageappropriate 

books; art supplies and notebooks for journaling; or 

academic materials that can support their journey to obtaining 

a GED or applying to college. Beginning this fall, we will begin 

donating these items to local pediatric facilities, hosting advocacy 

events. and providing Mental Health First Aid trainings. 

Regardless of how I define myself on any given day, the most 

important thing I am for my patients is a human being who 

treats them like an equal. A person with a mental illness can be 

anyone, but so can an advocate. It could be you. 

I hope you will join me in the fight against the ongoing mental 

health epidemic in our community, because you truly can make 

a difference. 

Please stay tuned for more information on how to get involved 

at kindersea.org. W 



Students enjoying a class a 

Bookworm Pottery with owner 

Ashley Merklinger 

How to 

Find 

Your 

People 

A guide to local groups for 

expanding your social circle 

By CARIN HALL 

PHOTO ALLISON EDING OF LIGHTBLOOM PHOTOGRAPHY 

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO MAKE 

new friends as an adult? 

For me, it’s not so hard to meet new and 

interesting people, but it is hard to juggle 

schedules and other responsibilities that 

lead to perpetual rainchecks or anxiety 

over what to do. That’s where pre-scheduled 

groups/clubs/meetups come in. 

Friendship in America has been on the 

decline for years, and the pandemic only 

made things worse. By 2021, a surprising 

12% of Americans said they didn't have any 

close friends, compared to just 3% thirty 

years ago. This drop in friendships isn’t 

just sad—it can seriously affect your health. 

Loneliness and social isolation are connected 

to higher risks of depression, anxiety, heart 

disease, and even stroke. It’s important to 

note that both quality and quantity matter: 

research shows that it takes about 200 hours 

to build a close friendship. 

To make a positive change without too 

much commitment or pressure, consider 

finding a group that meets somewhat 

regularly. To get started, here’s a diverse 

list of options to inspire you to expand your 

social circle while doing something you 


The Greater Wilmington 

Tennis Association 

welcomes players of all 

ages and abilities 

enjoy. There are many more out there (and 

we invite you to share them with us) but 

hope this serves as a good jumping-off point. 

(Please check the schedules online or on 

social media pages, as those tend to change 

throughout the year and in accordance 

with the weather). 

Book Club 

Let’s Talk Books! at Pleasure Island: 

There are no assigned books, but rather 

discussions with fellow book lovers about 

their current and favorite reads. 

ILM Silent Book Club: For another 

non-assigned reading club with even less 

pressure, this “silent” version provides 

spaces at various businesses for attendees 

to read in companionable silence and/or 

chat. Organized by Nancy Smith, the club 

also hosts events like “buddy reads” and 

holiday-themed crafts. 

Other options include the monthly 

CORE Bookworms Book Club for 

Seniors (55+) at the Main Library 

downtown; Island Readers Book Club 

(19+) at the Pleasure Island Library; 

and Next Chapter Book Club (through 

Coastal BUDS), a program that makes 

literature accessible to everyone, including 

non-readers. 

Additionally, many independent bookstores 

around town host special genre book clubs, 

including Papercut Books, Beach Read 

Books, and Port City Book Club. 

Active Lifestyle 

Wrightsville Beach Surf Mamas, a 

group of nearly 300 local women, empowers 

mothers to reconnect with their passions 

and build community through surfing. 

Founded in 2018 as a Facebook group, it 

now offers regular surf sessions, lessons, 

moms' nights out, and childcare trades. The 

group helps mothers overcome postpartum 

challenges and regain confidence. Plans 

include surf retreats in the Outer Banks 

and Puerto Rico, with hopes of expanding 

along the North Carolina coast. Their 

success lies in member input, inclusive 

meetups, and support for all skill levels. 

Krysten Gross revitalized a dormant 

Wilmington walking group in July by 

TOP PHOTO G. FRANK HART; BOTTOM PHOTO KEVIN WOBLICK 


PHOTO PRISCILLA DU PREEZ PHOTO ABIGAIL WHITEHURST 

Little Loaf Bakery & 

Schoolhouse owner 

Julia Castellano hosts 

breadmaking workshops 

and other classes led by 

local artisans. 

Denise Miller, president 

of the Wilmington 

Cape Fear Rose Society, 

invites you to learn 

about rose culture and 

maintenance with other 

gardening enthusiasts. 

renaming it Wilmy Walks for All and 

hosting her first walk at the Wrightsville 

Beach Loop. The group, aimed at helping 

women in their mid-to-late twenties 

connect without relying on social 

drinking, now hosts four monthly walks 

at various scenic locations. Gross plans 

events year-round, collaborates with 

charities, and encourages new members 

to join, emphasizing the supportive and 

welcoming nature of the group. 

The Greater Wilmington Tennis 

Association has nearly 3,200 members, 

including players from nearby towns like 

Leland. Members join teams and compete 

with players of similar age and skill. 

With a “no player left behind” approach, 

GWTA welcomes all ages, skill levels, and 

those with special needs, offering lessons, 

matches, and events year-round. 

“We take complete beginners and 

turn them into league players through a 

progression of sequential clinics… These 

folks are now involved in a healthy sport, 

they are making new friendships, and all 

of this has a positive impact on their daily 

life,” says GWTA’s Community Coordinator 

Candy Pegram. 

If pickleball is more your vibe, check out 

Cape Fear Pickleball Club. 

For the running-inclined, there are 

several options with varying scheduled 

events and group jogs (with stops at 

breweries or coffee shops), depending on 

what you’re into. Check out: Wilmington 

Road Runners, Wilmington Run Club, 

Wilmington Road Runners Club 

(Facebook), Wilmington Brewing Run 

Club, and Hi-Wire’s Run Club with 

Fleet Feet (where you’ll also find a weekly 

Ping Pong Club). 

For the water-inclined, consider groups 

like the Wrightsville Beach Outrigger Canoe 

Club, the Cape Fear Kayakers (on Meetup), 

or one of the several fishing communities 

like Cape Fear Anglers or Female Fishing 

Fanatics (both on Facebook). 

Personally, I’ve been enjoying learning to 

skate in the most air-conditioned venue in 

town, Polar Ice Wilmington, which offers 

classes for beginners to more advanced figure 

skaters, and hockey leagues for any age. 

Cooking 

For anyone looking to improve their 

culinary skills or to learn more about 


wine in a fun environment, the Cape 

Fear Food & Wine Club (CFFWC) offers 

several classes, pairing events, camps and 

special events. 

What sets Julia Castellano’s artisanal 

bakery apart from most is the last part in 

her business name: Little Loaf Bakery & 

Schoolhouse. She regularly hosts breadmaking 

workshops (which go quickly) and 

welcomes other artisans to use the space 

to teach other classes like cake decorating 

and creating seasonal treats. 

“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.” 

Sober-Conscious 

Fronting Life is a nonprofit that supports 

recovering persons with a communitycentered 

approach. They host weekly events 

like “Monday Mindfulness” and “Conscious 

Connecting,” as well as workshops and 

community events. 

Gardening 

The Hobby Greenhouse Club hosts 

monthly meetings, tours and field trips for 

a small annual membership fee. 

The Wilmington Cape Fear Rose 

Society (WCFRS) provides rose 

gardening tips at monthly meetings and 

guest speakers advise the group on various 

aspects of rose culture and maintenance. 

“Most gardeners are very social. I always 

tell people that the nicest people in the 

world are gardeners,” says Denise Miller, 

president of WDFRS. 

Arts/Crafts 

Craft Studio 

Ally Almeida runs Craft Studio, a monthly 

craft-centered workshops hosted at 

businesses around town. Workshops include 

collage making, tote bag painting, block 

printing, cake decorating and more. (Check 

Instagram for event announcements). 

“When I first moved here, I was having 

a hard time making friends since I work 

remotely,” says Almeida. “I started hosting 

a monthly cookbook club at home and built 

friendships, and then I thought ‘This is so 

nice, I wish I had something like this when 

I first moved here.’ And that started the 

idea for Craft Studio.” 

Bookworm Pottery hosts several 

pottery classes and workshops at its 

studio in the Cargo District. From a fun 

date night adventure to family-friendly 

hands-on clay classes to courses to help 

you get comfortable with a pottery wheel, 

Bookworm has something for everyone, 

regardless of experience with clay or 

limited time to learn something new. 

“One of the many things I love about 

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

owner Ashley Merklinger. “You can always 

reuse the clay or keep working it until you 

create something you like.” 

I was also able to find a few Facebook 

groups with regular meetups like Sip and 

Scribble Art Club, Urban Sketchers 

Wilmington, Wilmington Art Group 

and Plein Air Painters of Wilmington. 

Women's Interest 

The Women's Social Club ® (WSC) is a 

membership-based community that helps 

women connect with new friends. What 

PHOTO MANNY MORENO 

The Women’s Social 

Club® on a tour at 

End of Days Distillery 


started as bi-monthly meetups in Raleigh, 

NC, has grown into a nationwide network 

with thousands of women meeting for 

various in-person events and connecting 

through an online app. The Wilmington 

chapter hosts everything from happy 

hours, dinners and coffee dates to gallery 

tours, BYO picnics, community walks, 

movie nights and more. 

Meanwhile, the Wilmington Women’s 

Club is more focused on community 

service, with a focus on fundraisers for 

nonprofits that benefit women and children 

in the Port City area. 

Some other great women’s groups include 

the 4 th Trimester Mission, Moms 

Night Out (hosted by Amanda Hofmann 

of WilmingtonMom), and Not Your 

Mother’s Social Club (hosted by Port 

City Book Club). 

Men’s Interest 

The Cape Fear Men’s Club is an activityoriented 

social organization that provides 

venues for pursuing common interests and 

making new friends in the area. Current 

CFMC Activity Groups include Biking, 

Book Group, Bowling, Bridge, Cigar 

Group, Cultural Events, Current Events, 

Financial Investing, Fishing, Golf, Hiking, 

Kayaking, Live Music, Photography, 

Poker, Shooting, Tennis, Wine Tasting, 

etc. Other culinary-related groups include 

High Nooners (luncheon speakers), 

Breakfast Bunch, Early Riser Breakfast, 

Lunch Bunch, and BBB (Beer, Burgers 

& Buddies). 

PAWS for People boasts 

one of the strongest 

volunteer forces in 

our area with over 550 

volunteer teams visiting 

160+ locations in DE, 

MD, PA & NJ. 

Animals 

PAWS for People has several volunteering 

options, with or without a pet of your own. 

“I have met lifelong friends and found a 

purpose volunteering for @paws4people,” 

says Maureen Ferguson Lewis (vis 

Instagram). 

There are too many local nonprofits to 

list here that could serve that purpose 

for you. Again, this list is not exhaustive 

but aims to spark inspiration, even if that 

leads you to discover something we may 

have missed or motivates you to create a 

group of your own. W 


REAL ESTATE 

and Romance 

This doctor found the love of his life while 

building the home of his dreams 

By BRITTANY CONLEY » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

Dr. Ellis’ favorite spot, the 

living room, features floorto-ceiling 

windows with 

spectacular water views. 


SOME PEOPLE KNOW 

exactly what they want, and 

they aren't afraid to wait until 

they find it; settling for less 

isn't an option. Dr. Chris Ellis 

is one of those people. His new home and 

new marriage are excellent examples of 

why patience is a virtue. After several 

years in his medical practice, he was 

ready to find his dream home. “I looked 

at properties for several years, and for 

one reason or another, just didn't love 

anything enough to pull the trigger,” says 

Dr. Ellis. Then he found Trinity Avenue. 

It's rare for someone to get a property 

that offers everything they want. But, with 

water access, a slight elevation to protect 

it from the elements, and impeccable 

views of the Intracoastal Waterway and 

the Atlantic beyond that, the only thing 

it needed was a home. “Seemed like 

a great place to live at best; at worst, a 

great investment,” says Dr. Ellis. While 

he may have felt at the time that he was 

making his biggest life decisions with 

which architect to hire, and the hundreds 

of little decisions one must make when 

designing and building their own home, 

love was also about to waltz into his life. 

Holly Ellis grew up in Greensboro but 

spent a lot of time in Wrightsville Beach. 

“It has always been a special place for me. 

Sunrise runs, boat days with my brother, 

catching crabs off the dock. I am a beach 

kid at heart,” says Mrs. Ellis. Her job as 

an account executive for Meta's global 

business group took her to New York City 

for eight years, but when the pandemic 

hit, she returned to North Carolina to be 

closer to family and friends. “I ended up 

buying a condo in Channel Walk in 2020 

less than a mile from where Chris lived on 

Pelican Drive coincidently. Fortunately, 

my job allowed me to work [remotely] fulltime, 

so I was able to call Wilmington 

home.” The pair met through mutual 

friends at an engagement party and spent 

the rest of the evening lost in conversation. 

The rest is history, so they say. 

The home and relationship were well 

underway. Dr. Ellis had already hired 

renowned local architect, David Lisle, to 

design his home, and their collaborations 


produced plans that would cause anyone 

with a penchant for modern architecture 

to swoon. The son of missionaries, Lisle 

traveled the world from a very young age. 

Amid all those adventures, he found a 

love for architecture and worked his way 

through higher education to realize his 

ambitions. Lisle is a powerhouse in his 

field, having designed more than 2,400 

projects throughout the southeast, from 

residential, commercial, bridges, and 

everything in between. 

“My goal has always been never to do 

the same project twice,” says Lisle. There 

is nothing cookie-cutter about his work. 

“The Ellis residence is another example 

of a great client allowing me to take their 

dreams and create a lasting project that 

will give back to them every day. The 

views, the spaces, and the aesthetics [are 

based] on what I discussed and created for 

them specifically.” 

The house broke ground on September 

1, 2022, with someone very special to him 

at the helm of the construction project. 

Cress Bell, of Bell Custom Homes, is a 

long-time friend, former college roommate, 

and fraternity brother, to Dr. Ellis. With a 

friendship spanning more than 25 years, 

working together on this project was a 

natural fit. 

“[It was] something we have kicked 

around for years, more seriously after he 

returned from California and began his 

solo building career in Wilmington,” says 

Dr. Ellis. It wasn't just their friendship 

that brought together their working 

relationship, though. Their similar style 

and aesthetic coupled with Bell Custom 

Home's stellar reputation in the area for 

top-notch builds was the real reason Dr. 

Ellis sought out Cress Bell and his team 

for the job. 

A self-described nomad, Cress Bell 

was much like David Lisle in that he 

was exposed from an early age to many 

different styles of architecture as his 

family moved around quite a bit. “Where 

I'm from is a little hard to pin down 

because we moved every three or four 

years my entire life. But as a kid when 

that's just the norm I learned to make 

the best of it, not knowing any different. 

Ultimately [that] fed a lot of who I am as 

a custom home builder,” says Bell, who 

lived in many places from California 

to Singapore and credits those cultural 

The Elisses can often be 

found on the pool deck 

where they are each 

enamored with the indoor/ 

outdoor shower and ample 

room for entertaining. 


Renowned local architect, 

David Lisle, and Cress Bell, of 

Bell Custom Homes, designed 

and built the home. 


Mrs. Ellis worked with her 

aunt Hooper Patterson, one 

of the area's premiere interior 

designers, to incorporate soft, 

warm details. 

and architectural differences with what 

inspires him as a builder today.“Inspired” 

is surely one of the first words that would 

come to mind when seeing the home for 

the first time. 

“The Ellis home is definitely on the 

contemporary side of architecture but in 

a more subtle way which gives it a unique 

warmness,” says Bell. Warmth isn't 

usually synonymous with contemporary 

homes, which often feature clean lines and 

lean toward minimalism. That touch of 

warmth is Mrs. Ellis' personal signature. 

“Though the structure I designed with 

Lisle, as Holly and I became more serious, 

more of the decisions were handled 

jointly,” says Dr. Ellis, who admits that 

while both of them are fans of modern 

styling, it is Mrs. Ellis who influenced the 

softer, warmer details of the home. 

Though she said designing their dream 

home was a little daunting, as she had never 

lived somewhere larger than 1,300 square 

feet, Holly Ellis also had someone special 

to her to look to for guidance the same 

way Dr. Ellis had his friend Cress Bell. Of 

course, she spent a lot of time researching 

and scouring inspiration boards online, 

but to make sense of it all, she turned to 

her beloved aunt–an interior designer of 

more than 30 years–to really pinpoint her 

design style and to meaningfully convey 


The kitchen features warm 

flooring, walnut accents, 

and warm marble tones. 


Every comes with a 

water view. 

her desires to the designer they had 

contracted: Hooper Patterson, one of the 

area's premiere interior designers, who 

would help her turn all those ideas into a 

beautiful reality. 

“I am a big fan of adding warmth 

through different materials, textures, 

and color 'pops'. Kelly Whesler's projects 

in Santa Monica, particularly the 

Santa Monica Proper Hotel were a big 

inspiration for me,” says Mrs. Ellis, who 

notes she was attracted to the modern yet 

organic style that leaned into the location, 

environment, and architecture, a design 

philosophy that worked well with Hooper 

Patterson. “I loved working with Hooper 

because she searches for unique options 

that feel truly right for the space, shops 

local, and really gives a range to make 

sure it's the right fit for us.” 

A Wilmington native who moved inland, 

then back to the coast some 20 years ago, 

Hooper Patterson has made a name for 

herself among those who want homes that 

exemplify style but also want flawless 

functionality. Having worked many times 

with Bell Custom Homes as well as with 

David Lisle, Patterson says she jumped 

at the chance when approached about the 

Ellis project. 

To satisfy both Dr. and Mrs. Ellis' 

preferences, the main task was to 

harmonize a modern style with the kind of 

warmth that would elevate the house into 

a home. “They wanted clean, modern, and 

comfortable. Often 'modern' can feel sterile 

and cold, but we stressed ‘comfortable,’” 

says Patterson. “Overall, everything feels 

very sculptural, from the lines of the tile 

to the furniture to the lighting. These 

elements fit so beautifully into David's 

design and Cress and his team executed 

it perfectly.” 

Georgia O'Keefe famously said, “The 

details are not the details, they make the 

design.” And Hooper Patterson Interiors 

left nothing to chance. Tile choice was a 

huge factor in achieving the couple's goals. 

“[Tile] sets the tone for the home and tells 

a story,” says Patterson. “I love the kitchen 

splash and the powder room accent wall 

are two of my favorites. The kitchen splash 

set the color palette for the living room.” 

She also paid close attention to textures 

and layered neutral tones throughout 

the home. “We brought in warm flooring, 

walnut accents, and warmer marble tones 

in the kitchen and tied in some black tones 

to bring out the black interior of the floorto-ceiling 

windows,” she adds. 

Those windows capture exactly what Dr. 

Ellis wanted in his home even for many 

years before the first plan was conceived. 

“During an initial on-site meeting, David 

Lisle asked what I wanted,” says Dr. Ellis, 

who admits that was a tough question 

on the spot. “I remember saying [a water 

view] from every room if possible.” Ask 

and ye shall receive. While every room 


The interior design 

features a mixture of 

materials, textures and 

colors to achieve the clean, 

modern and comfortable 

look the Elisses desired. 

has water views, his favorite is from the 

living room. “The view doesn't get old, no 

matter the weather,” says Dr. Ellis. While 

the living room may be his favorite, both 

he and Mrs. Ellis are often found on the 

pool deck where they are each enamored 

with their indoor/outdoor shower and 

the ample room they have inside and out 

for entertaining. “Also have to mention 

the sky deck above the living area[...] 

Unparalleled views, [it is a] great place for 

an evening wind down,” he says. 

The Ellis home is the epitome of modern 

style and warmth combined while proving 

how important it can be to be patient for 

one's dreams to come true, both in real 

estate and romance. W 

BellCustomHomes.com 

HooperPattersonInteriorDesign.com 

LisleArchitecture.com 


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dining review 

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Three brothers’ latest venture brings authentic Mexican 

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14 Harnett St., 


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tequilaswaterfront.com 

By JUDY ROYAL » Photos by G. FRANK HART 

THE VILLASENOR FAMILY, 

who came to Wilmington in 

the late 90s from Degollado, 

Jalisco—a small village on 

the Pacific coast of Mexico—have come 

a long way since their first foray into 

bringing authentic Mexican food to the 

Port City 22 years ago. Their Los Portales 

Supermarket first opened in 2002 in the 

University Square shopping center, later 

moving to its current standalone location 

at 912 S. Kerr Ave. 

Since then, the three brothers— 

Fernando, Miguel Angel and Ramon— 

have opened three Taqueria Los Portales 

locations and two Tequila Comida & 

Cantina restaurants, including the 

newest one along downtown Wilmington’s 

riverfront, which launched in January at 

14 Harnett St. 

“The owner of Marina Grill came to us 

and was interested in investing,” Ramon 

says. “That space was empty for many 

years. He liked our food and style, and 

that’s how we ended up in that spot. We 

were looking for a spot to open a second 

location but couldn’t find it, and then the 

opportunity came up and we took it.” 

Tequila’s Waterfront offers the same 

menu as the original Monkey Junction 

location, which opened in 2018. Ramon, 

who completed the culinary arts program 

at Cape Fear Community College in 2014, 

is the chef for all the restaurants and 

strives to bring something different to the 

local culinary scene. 

“Mexico has a variety of cuisine,” he says. 

“We have plates from all over Mexico. I love 

to do salsas and sauces. I love the peppers 

and how they all blend together. It doesn’t 

have to be hot. We can make a lot of things 

with those peppers and bring a lot of flavor 

into a dish. Anybody can cook chicken or 

Polpo Chile Moro 

steak, but it’s hard to make a good sauce to 

go with it, and I think I’m good at it.” 

Ramon says the tourist-heavy customer 

base of Tequila’s Waterfront brings in 

adventurous diners who are willing to 

try new things. Among the most popular 

dishes at the restaurant are octopus, 

ceviche, quesabirria, mole poblano and 

chile relleno, he says. 

The seating capacity at Tequila’s 

Waterfront is more than double that of the 

Monkey Junction restaurant, and there is 

also a tequila lounge on the second floor 

of the space. The restaurant offers tequila 

flights daily as well as monthly ticketed 

tequila pairing dinners that feature dishes 

not found on the menu. The west-facing 

orientation and riverfront patio offer the 

perfect vantage point for sunset views. 

“It’s always busy,” Ramon says. “There is 

always something going on downtown. Every 

weekend is something new and different.” 


The west-facing 

orientation and 

riverfront patio 

offer the perfect 

vantage point for 

sunset views. 


Tequilla lounge on 

the second floor 

House Margarita 

Pescada a la Talla 

Ribeye Ranchero 

While the new venture is keeping the 

brothers busier than ever, Ramon is also 

finding ways to keep things fresh and 

exciting at the Monkey Junction location. 

He recently rolled out a new brunch 

menu available there 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, 

featuring items such as chilaquiles, huevos 

rancheros, a cochinita pibil grilled cheese 

sandwich and brunch cocktails including 

Bloody Marys and six kinds of mimosas. 

In addition, there are plans to add two 

more Los Portales Supermarket locations 

in Wilmington within the next year, 

Ramon says. This is driven by the trend 

of people wanting to do more cooking at 

home with Mexican, Central American 

and South American ingredients that were 

previously difficult to find, he adds. 

“We find that people from all over come in 

and get our product,” Ramon says. “These 

are things you can’t get at a traditional 

store. We’ve been growing. We grow 

because we listen to our customers and 

what they need, and we bring it to them.” 

The brothers, whose dad had a taco stand 

in Mexico when they were growing up, 

have used each new business venture as a 

bridge to something new. The supermarket 

paved the way for the first Taqueria 

Los Portales, which offers a modestly 

sized menu of Mexican street food and 

a salsa bar in a small, quick and casual 

atmosphere. After success with this, they 

decided to expand their offerings with the 

full-service experience of Tequila Comida 

& Cantina, which has a more relaxed vibe 

and an extensive menu that includes craft 

cocktails, and now they have extended that 

concept to the larger Tequila’s Waterfront 

space. This constant evolution has been 

challenging yet satisfying, Ramon says. 

“We step up and manage it and grow 

from it,” he says. “Once you have a good 

team and you take good care of them, it is 

easy when you have their support.” 

Customers are also an integral part 

of the equation and drive many of the 

business decisions, Ramon adds. 

“Without them we are nothing, and we 

learn from them to get better,” he says. “We 

are open to feedback, which makes us grow 

and think differently. Anything good or 

bad, we take it for the best.” W 


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libations 

Husband and wife duo 

Katie and Randy Tarr open 

The Bend in Ogden. 

A Winning 

Combination 

Four-part Ogden venue opens The Parlour House bar 

and its outdoor space for concerts and markets 

By JOE JANCSURAK » Photos by MATT RAY PHOTOGRAPHY 

COCKTAILS, FOOD, ICE 

cream and a well-shaded 

outdoor space for concerts and 

special events will soon exist 

in a single venue in the Ogden 

neighborhood of Wilmington. “The goal is 

to provide everything one needs for familyand 

pet-friendly fun,” says Katie Tarr, 

who, together with her husband Randy, is 

driving development of The Bend, a threeacre 

property owned by JGAT LLC. 

When it’s all said and done, there will 

be four components, two of which will 

open later this fall: the Middle Sound 

Grille restaurant to be operated by family 

friend Chris Politis, and a soft-serve ice 

cream parlor named Grumpy’s, “a playful 

oxymoron because no one can be grumpy 

while eating ice cream,” says Randy, who 

has wanted to open an ice cream shop 

since the couple and their two children, 

Wyatt (12) and Evelyn (10), moved from 

the Chicago area to Wilmington five years 

ago. Their neighborhood, Anchors Bend, 

inspired the venue’s name 

While all four components will play key 

roles in The Bend’s overall success, two 

parts are now open: The Parlour House, 

a former 50-year-old, 2,000-square-foot 

brick ranch house that has lovingly been 

transformed into a cocktail lounge with a 

laid-back vibe along with its outdoor space, 

complete with a 20-ft. x 40-ft partially 

covered deck, picnic tables, a large-screen 

television for sporting events, a stage for 

live performances, a colorful mural painted 

by local artist Carleigh Sion and plentiful 

shade provided by the property’s magnolia, 

pine and oak trees. Pathways lead to the 

two garages that will soon become the 

Middle Sound Grille and Grumpy’s. 

“The goal is to provide 

everything one needs for 

family- and pet-friendly fun.” 

With this something-for-everyone 

venue, Randy and Katie hope to fill the 

neighborhood void left by Fermental Beer 

and Wines, known by locals for its outdoor 

music and family-friendly events, before 

it relocated to the Cargo District. Early 

indicators show the couple is headed in the 

right direction with live music scheduled on 

most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, a 

ticketed concert held in August featuring 

UNCW and country music artist Jayson 

Arendt, comedy nights every other 

Wednesday, and plans for various vendor 

markets this fall. 

As for The Parlour House’s friendly vibe, 


(clockwise from above) The outdoor space 

includes a partially covered deck, picnic 

tables and a stage for live performances; 

The drink menu includes specialty cocktails 

and mocktails; The Tarrs credit much of their 

success to bar manager, Joseph Petrof, and 

their staff of 11; Greer Elizabeth Interior 

helped create the cozy and trendy space. 

a great deal of attention has been paid to 

that, and it shows. The fireplace, leather 

couches and chairs, gold light fixtures, deep 

navy-blue walls, dark green bar stools and 

a 20-foot refurbished vintage shuffleboard 

give the venue, which seats about 50, a 

cozy look and feel. 

“We partnered with Greer Elizabeth 

Interior to help pick out pieces to bring our 

vision to life,” explains Katie. “We found 

a lot of second-hand items on Facebook 

Marketplace and The Ivy Cottage to create 

an eclectic and beautiful space.” 

The drink menu includes specialty 

cocktails such as the Strawberry Rain 

made with tequila, triple sec, simple syrup, 

rhubarb bitters, lemon juice, muddled 

strawberries and a splash of ginger beer 

and martinis that include Just Another 

Slice made with key lime rum cream, 

whipped vodka, pineapple juice, cream of 

coconut, lime juice and served in a glass 

with a graham cracker rim. Rounding out 

the adult beverages are 20 draft beers and 

a diverse wine list, as well as a selection 

of mocktails, including the On the Wagon 

with pomegranate, lemon juice, lavender 

bitters, simple syrup and a splash of soda. 

Finally, until the restaurant is open, Katie 

wants readers to know that food trucks 

will be on the premises seven days a week. 

While the vibe may be laid back, getting 

a new business off the ground is anything 

but. For that, Randy and Katie give thanks 

for the bar manager Joseph Petrof and 

their staff of 11. “They’re the best staff in 

town,” she adds. 

The couple, each of whom also hold 

full-time positions for now—Randy as 

an account manager for a heavy-lifting/ 

transportation equipment company and 

Katie as a digital-marketing specialist for a 

direct-sales firm—also give thanks for the 

opportunity to work together. “Knowing 

what each other is experiencing, what’s 

stressing us and being able to share in all 

of the wins is great,” says Katie. “There 

really isn’t a downside, though balancing 

family life and adjusting to our new roles 

has been a challenge,” she admits. 

Randy shares in the positivity, adding, 

“Katie’s my best friend and I love working 

with her. Working toward the same goals 

feels good.” 

Might those goals include future 

expansion? “I don’t think so,” says 

Randy. “But if ever there was another 

shaded property like this one that became 

available, we might be open to that.” W 


All the 

Fall Feels 

Holiday-worthy recipes to 

kick off the cozy season 

Recipes and photos by FANNY SLATER 

AS FUN AS IT’S BEEN TO 

profusely sweat every time 

I step outside the past few 

months, I’m on the edge of 

my seat anticipating the 

arrival of sweet fall weather. Along with 

the shift in the seasons comes a craving 

for warm, rich flavors and smells that 

summon Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. with a 

turkey on his head. 

Speaking of Thanksgiving, did you 

know those juicy crimson jewels currently 

lining the produce section are the actual 

first ingredient in cranberry sauce—not a 

can opener? 

In this issue, I’m finally sharing my 

family’s secret for that ever-undesirable, 

perpetually tossed-aside side. Laced with 

bright orange zest and woody vanilla, 

this from-scratch cranberry sauce will 

erase all memories of the wiggly stuff. 

It also doubles as the braising liquid for 

an oh-so-tender ten-hour chuck roast. 

While you’re waiting on that, whip up my 

classic chicken soup swimming with dill 

and ginger then crunch on my autumn 

napa cabbage salad with roasted sweet 

potatoes, pecans, and creamy citrushoney 

dressing. 

From pressure-cooked applesauce 

perfumed with maple and cinnamon to 

sweet and spicy dark chocolate bark with 

dried cherries and cayenne—the following 

recipes promise to produce an easy feast 

that delivers all the fall feels. 


Pressure Cooker Maple- 

Cinnamon Applesauce 

Yield: 3 1/2 cups 

• 2 1/2 pounds apples (about 4 large), 

peeled, cored, and roughly chopped 

• 1/4 cup apple cider 

• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup 

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 

(from about 1/2 lemon) 

• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt 

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1. Add the apples, apple cider, maple 

syrup, lemon juice, and cinnamon to 

a 6-quart electric pressure cooker or 

Instant Pot. Stir to combine. 

2. Secure the lid and cook on high 

pressure for 5 minutes. Allow the 

pressure to release naturally for 5 

minutes, then open the valve and 

carefully quick-release the remaining 

steam before removing the lid. 

3. Mash or blend the applesauce to your 

desired consistency. 

4. Serve warm or transfer the applesauce 

to a bowl and allow it to cool completely 

at room temperature, then transfer 

to an airtight container and chill for 

about 2 hours to serve cold. Layer with 

Greek yogurt and granola for a hearty 

breakfast parfait. 

Chicken Soup with Ginger & Dill 

Yield: 4-6 servings 

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 

• 2 tablespoons olive oil 

• 1 small yellow onion, chopped 

(about 1/2 cup) 

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 

(about 1 cup) 

• 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup) 

• 1 teaspoon coarse salt, plus more 

to taste 

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

• 4 large cloves garlic, minced 

• 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger 

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth 

• 1 pound boneless skinless 

chicken breasts 

• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 

1. In a large pot over medium heat, add 

the butter and olive oil. Once the butter 

begins to foam and lightly sizzle, add 

the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté, 

stirring occasionally, until the veggies 

begin to soften, about 5 minutes. 

2. Season with salt and pepper and then 

stir in the garlic and ginger. Cook for 

1 more minute and then pour in the 

chicken broth. Add the chicken breasts 

to the pot and bring the broth to a boil. 

Reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, 

and simmer until the chicken breasts 

are cooked through, about 15 minutes. 

3. Remove the chicken from the pot and 

set it aside on a rimmed plate to catch 

any juices. Once the chicken is cool 

enough to handle, shred the meat with 

two forks. 

4. Return the shredded chicken (and 

juices from the plate) to the pot and 

cook until heated back through, for 

about 2 minutes. Stir in the dill and 

lemon juice and season to taste with 

additional salt if necessary. 


Autumn Salad with Napa Cabbage & Roasted Sweet Potatoes 

Serves 4-6 

• 1 pound sweet potatoes, unpeeled and sliced into matchsticks 

(about 3 medium) 

• 1/2 pound carrots, sliced into matchsticks (about 3 large carrots) 

• 1/4 cup olive oil plus 2 tablespoons, divided 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided 

• 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided 

• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt 

• Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons) 

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) 

• 1 tablespoon honey 

• Dash hot sauce (or to taste) 

• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted 

• 4 cups Napa cabbage, thinly sliced into ribbons (1 small cabbage) 

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup) 

• 1 small sweet bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup) 

• 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh parsley 

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line two baking sheets with 

parchment paper. 

2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato and carrot 

matchsticks with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of 

salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. 

3. Spread onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheets in 

a single layer, leaving some space between the veggies to 

prevent steaming. Roast in the oven, tossing every 

15 minutes until golden brown and tender, about 

30-45 minutes. 

4. In a small bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt, lime juice, lemon 

juice, honey, hot sauce, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt 

and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisking as you pour, 

slowly stream in the 1/4 cup olive oil until the dressing 

comes together. 

5. Once the roasted sweet potatoes and carrots have 

cooled, add them to a large mixing bowl along with the 

toasted pecans, cabbage, red onion, and bell pepper. Add 

the dressing and parsley, toss to coat, and season to 

taste with more salt if necessary. Serve chilled or at 

room temperature. 


Orange-Vanilla 

Cranberry Sauce 

Yield: About 3 1/2 cups 

• 3 1/2 cups fresh cranberries 

• 1 cup honey 

• Zest of 1 large navel orange 

(about 1 tablespoon) 

• Juice of 1 large navel orange 

(about 1/4 cup) 

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 

• Pinch coarse salt 

1. In a large saucepot over mediumhigh 

heat, add the cranberries, honey, 

orange zest and juice, vanilla, and salt. 

Bring to a boil, and then reduce the 

heat to medium. 

2. Simmer the cranberries, stirring 

occasionally to prevent them from 

sticking to the bottom, for 5 minutes. 

Reduce the heat to medium-low and 

cook, continuing to stir occasionally, 

until the berries begin to split and 

break down, about 10 minutes. 

3. Remove the pan from the heat and 

allow the cranberry sauce to come to 

room temperature. It will thicken as 

it sits. Pour into a serving dish and 

refrigerate until chilled and fully set, 

about 2 hours. 

*You’ll need 2 cups for the chuck roast 

recipe on the next page. 

September July // October August 2024 | 83

Crock Pot Cranberry Beef Chuck Roast 

Yield: 6 servings 

• 4 pounds boneless beef chuck roast 

• 2 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, divided, plus more to taste 

• 1 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, divided 

• 3 tablespoons canola oil, divided 

• 1 cup chopped sweet onion (about 1/2 medium) 

• 1 cup chopped celery (about 2 stalks) 

• 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder 

• 2 teaspoons tomato paste 

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 

• 1 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes 

• 2 cups Orange-Vanilla Cranberry Sauce 

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme 

• 1 dried bay leaf 

• Fresh parsley, for garnish 

1. Pat the chuck roast dry and season 

all over with 2 teaspoons salt and 1 

teaspoon pepper, gently pressing so 

it adheres. 

2. If your slow cooker (or Instant Pot) has 

a sauté setting, add 2 tablespoons of 

oil to the insert and set to high/more. 

If it doesn’t have that function, heat 

the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over 

medium-high heat on the stove. 

3. Once the oil is shimmering, sear the 

beef on all sides until a golden-brown 

crust forms, about 1-2 minutes per side. 

Transfer the beef to a plate. 

4. Lower your slow cooker’s sauté setting 

to medium/normal, or if you’re working 

with a pan on the stove, reduce the 

heat to medium. Add the remaining oil 

and sauté the onion and celery until 

softened (about 2-3 minutes). Stir in the 

remaining salt and pepper, the dried 

mustard powder, and the tomato paste 

and cook for 1 more minute. 

5. Scraping the bottom of the pan as you 

pour, stir in the apple cider vinegar, 

canned tomatoes, cranberry sauce, 

thyme, and bay leaf. If you’re working 

on the stove, transfer everything to 

your slow cooker insert. 

6. Return the seared beef and any juices 

that have collected on the plate to the 

slow cooker. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the 

tomato-cranberry mixture over the top 

of the beef so it’s well-moistened. 

7. Cover and cook the roast on low for 

8-10 hours. The beef will be extremely 

tender and falling apart when it’s done. 

Transfer to a cutting board or serving 

platter. Discard the thyme sprigs and 

bay leaf and season the sauce to taste 

with additional salt. 

8. Shred or slice the meat and arrange on 

a serving platter. Top with 1 cup sauce, 

garnish with the parsley, and serve 

the remaining sauce on the side. Serve 

with colorful roasted root vegetables 

like sweet potatoes, radishes, 

and parsnips. 


Chili Pepper 

Chocolate Bark 

Yield: 12-14 pieces 

• 12 ounces dark chocolate ( 

at least 45% cacao) 

• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened 

cocoa powder 

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper 

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika 

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

• 2 tablespoons chopped dried cherries 

• 1/4 teaspoon large-flaked salt 

(such as Maldon) 

1. Line a full-size cookie sheet (26x18) 

with parchment paper. 

2. Create a makeshift double boiler by 

adding about 2 inches of water in a 

medium saucepot over medium heat 

and placing a heatproof bowl over the 

top. Make sure there’s a gap between 

the water and the bowl. 

3. Add the chocolate, cocoa powder, 

crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, 

paprika, and cinnamon to the bowl and 

then bring the water in the pot to a 

simmer. Turn off the heat, and whisk 

the chocolate mixture constantly until 

melted and smooth. 

4. Pour the chocolate into the prepared 

pan, spreading evenly with an offset 

spatula. It’s okay if it doesn’t reach the 

edges of the parchment paper. 

5. Immediately sprinkle the bark with the 

dried cherries and salt, and then chill 

in the fridge until set, about 2-3 hours. 

6. Once the bark has hardened, break it 

into big chunk-like pieces. Store in an 

airtight container in the fridge for 

2-3 weeks. W 


Tequila's Waterfront 

Ready to Eat? 

Use our restaurant listings to find the best 

eating and drinking in Wilmington. 

AMERICAN 

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. 

Covey 1610 Tiburon Drive, 399- 

3501. New American restaurant with 

focus on service, wine and ingredients 

from local partners and farmers. A 

hidden gem nestled discreetly off 

Independence Blvd. 

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. 


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BREAKFAST, LUNCH & BRUNCH 

SERVED ALL DAY, EVERY DAY 

6722 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington 

910-256-7030 

Open Daily 7am – 3pm 

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP 

of Wilmington 

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Take-out and catering available. 

View our events and live music 

schedule on Facebook! 

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! 

Mon 11am-6pm, Tues-Fri 11am-9pm, 

Sat 8am-9pm & Sun 8am-6pm. 

Now serving breakfast Sat-Sun. 

Castle Bay Country Club 

107 Links Court • Hampstead, NC 

910-270-1097 • thebaratcastlebay.com 

Famous Toastery 6722 Wrightsville 

Ave, 256-7030. Breakfast and lunch 

served all day. Try one of their 

delicious 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. 

Midtown Deli & Grill 2316 S 17th 

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

sandwiches, salads and wraps. Midtown 

Wilmington's Boar's Head Based 

fresh deli. 

Molly Pitcher's American Grill 4001 

Wrightsville Ave, 769-1070. From 

bacon-wrapped meatloaf to a fried 

green tomato BLT sandwich, Molly 

Pitcher’s serves classic American food 

with a twist. 

Pink Baking Co. 4545 Fountain Dr, 

Wilmington, NC 28403, 343-4727. 

Breakfast, lunch and dessert. 

Platypus & Gnome 9 S Front St, 

769-9300. Bi-level restaurant featuring 

homey-chic digs lined with art & an 

imaginative New American menu with 

something for everyone. 

PT's Olde Fashioned Grille 4544 

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

1437 Military Cutoff Rd. Local chain 

dishing up burgers, sandwiches and 

fresh-cut fries in a laid-back setting. 

Jerry’s Food, Wine and Spirits 7220 

Wrightsville Ave., 256-8847. Fine 

dining in a casual bistro atmosphere 

with an ever-changing, creative menu. 

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

Breakfast, lunch and Sat/Sun brunch 

in a casual, fun downtown location. 

Quiches, salads, soups, sandwiches 

and more. 

Mess Hall 2136 Wrightsville Ave, 

604-4927. Vibrant spot in an industrialstyle 

venue, offering hearty burgers, 

bowls & outdoor seating. 

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. 

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. 

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 

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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 

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. 

Rx Restaurant & Bar 421 Castle St, 

Wilmington, 399-3080. Relaxed eatery 

in a converted drugstore featuring 

seasonal changing menus with local 

sourcing. 

FRENCH 

Brasserie Du Soleil 1908 Eastwood 

Rd., 256-2226. French café with both 

patio and inside dining. Pick your own 

salad ingredients from a wide selection 

of items. 

Caprice Bistro 10 Market St., 

815-0810. Authentic French bistro. 

Elegant dining downstairs with sofa bar 

upstairs and a great martini selection. 

Our Crepes & More 3810 Oleander 

Dr., 395-0077. Family-owned French 

creperie. Authentic homemade cuisine. 

The Little Dipper 138 S. Front 

St., 251-0433. Unique, fun fondue menu 

includes premium meats, seafood, 

vegetables, appetizers, desserts and 

homemade dipping sauces. 

GERMAN 

The German Café 316 Nutt St. (at the 

Cotton Exchange), 763-5523. Familyowned, 

incorporating many recipes 

from their native Germany. Wursts, 

schnitzels, sauerbraten and more. 

ITALIAN 

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. 


Pizzetta’s II 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., 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 

8 years in a row! 

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coveyilm.com 

910-399-3501 

Dinner 5–9pm, Wed-Mon 

(Bar opens at 4pm) 

ORGANIC 

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 dinein 

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 comfortable, 

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 

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. 

PLANT-BASED OR VEGAN 

The Green House 1427 Military Cutoff 

Rd., 679-4994. A plant-based menu 

with an emphasis on sustainability and 

seasonality. 

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 and 

vegan options. 


Go Big or Go Home 

Hiking New Hampshire’s White Mountains 

By KATIE McELVEEN 


Views stretch for 

miles over rugged and 

beautiful terrain 

I’VE HAD MANY SOUNDS ROUSE ME FROM A 

sound sleep—crying babies, whining puppies, 

thunderstorms, lawnmowers—but, until this particular 

morning, never an accordion. But, then again, I’d never 

spent the night in one of the Appalachian Mountain 

Club’s historic trailside huts, which offer food, lodging, potable 

water and memorable wakeup calls to hikers on the trails in New 

Hampshire’s White Mountains. 

I was here because I’d always wanted to take a multi-day 

hiking trip that would require sleeping somewhere, if possible, 

between a hotel and a tent. Unfortunately, I had no idea how to 

plan such a trip. 

It turns out I didn’t have to. Early in the summer, an opportunity 

arose to take a three-day, two-night trek into New Hampshire’s 

White Mountains where, over three full days of hiking, I would 

scale four peaks of the state’s Presidential Range, including 

the 6,288-foot tall Mount Washington. The hike would be steep 

and rocky—hikers average about one mile an hour—and I’d be 

carrying about 20 pounds of water and gear. Each night, I’d bed 

down in one of the AMC’s huts. 

The trip was organized by Wildland Trekking, which was 

acquired by Intrepid Travel in 2022 and takes small groups of 

outdoorsy types on adventures all over the world. In addition to 

meals and a guide, Wildland provides necessary gear, which, in 

this case, includes backpacks, sleeping bags and hiking poles. 

I was surprised to learn that the White Mountains are actually 

an 87-mile-long segment of the Appalachian Mountains; within 

the White Mountain National Forest lie an astounding 48 peaks 

that reach beyond 4,000 feet. The tallest, Mount Washington, is 

6,288 feet tall and the highest mountain in the eastern U.S. 

My trip began on a warm July day at AMC’s Highland Center, 

which serves as both a hotel and jumping-off point for hikers. Just 

before dinner, I met our guide, an amiable outdoorsman named 

Quincy, and the small group that would be joining me. After 

introductions, Quincy distributed our gear and explained how to 

fill our packs so they’d be balanced and easier to carry. 

The next morning, we set off on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail 

for the Lakes of the Clouds hut, where we’d drop our gear before 

continuing to the top of Mount Washington. Rain made progress 

slow, but, worse, it washed out a bridge we were supposed to cross, 

forcing us to double back to the Jewell Trail. Quincy explained 

that, given how far behind we’d gotten, we had to decide whether 

to skip the summit and circle around to the hut or make the climb 

with our full packs. At that moment, just a couple of hours into our 

first hike, I was grateful that I hadn’t tried to do this alone. 

As we ascended, the landscape changed from dense forests to 

massive balds, plunging valleys and mirror-like lakes. We ate 

lunch on a slab of schist as clouds rolled by at eye level, often 

enveloping us in their cool mist. 

The higher we climbed the steeper the trail became; the final half 


The final push to Lakes 

of the Clouds hut 

The author, Katie McElveen, 

taking a quick breather 

mile took nearly an hour. When we reached the top, surrounded by 

people who had summited in a car or aboard the cog-wheel train, 

we high-fived, passed around a bottle of Advil and tucked into the 

single Snickers bar that someone found at the bottom of her bag. 

The weather in the White Mountains is so fiercely unpredictable 

that, beginning in the late 1800s, Boston’s Appalachian Mountain 

Club began constructing permanent shelters where hikers, 

stranded by a surprise snowstorm or dense fog, could escape 

the harsh conditions. Today, anyone can reserve a bed at one of 

the huts; they’re particularly popular with thru-hikers on the 

Appalachian Trail, which runs through the region. 

The Lakes of the Clouds Hut was constructed in 1915; like all 

of the huts, it can only be reached via a hiking trail. During the 

season, 90 or so hikers share a family-style dinner before falling, 

exhausted, into their bunks. Everything in the hut—cooking 

supplies, food, paper products—is delivered on the backs of the 

staff—called the “croo,” who also cook, clean and carry trash down 

the mountain. Most croo members are around college-age; all 

seem to be having the time of their lives. They also love the White 

Mountain: At breakfast, after a weather briefing, the team put on 

a hilarious skit that put a point on the damage hikers can cause 

to the delicate ecosystem by taking shortcuts off the trail, picking 

wildflowers and leaving trash. 

Our goal for the second day of hiking was the seven-mile trek 

along the Crawford Path, which is part of the Appalachian Trail, 

to Mizpah Springs Hut. As we made our way toward the hut, 

we’d climb Mounts Monroe, Franklin, Eisenhower and Pierce, 

four of the peaks in the Presidential Range, centered by Mount 

Washington. Once again, the views were stunning and the work 

was hard as we forged creeks, balanced on narrow ribbons of rock 

and tromped through gullies. We thought we’d made it, with time 

to spare, when we arrived at the final challenge—a boulder-strewn 

pathway that led almost straight down—and discovered that the 

ladder built to assist hikers to the bottom had rotted away. 

Once again, Quincy gave us an option: loop back and come in 

from a different angle or help each other down the treacherous 

slope. After two days of relying on each other to push through 

the increasingly challenging terrain, our small group knew 

we could do it. One by one, grasping, hoisting, holding and 

pulling, we got each other down the short but scary rockfall and 

continued on our way. 

I had an early flight the next day, so I was up with the sun—this 

time awakened by a quartet accompanied by a guitar—with one 

other hiker, on the trail as soon as it was safe for the three-mile 

sprint back to Highland Center, where I’d left my rental car. 

Driving back, I reflected on the trip. I had reached my goal, 

but, with my fellow hikers, built a sweet camaraderie that was 

an unexpected bonus to what I’d expected to be a simple physical 

achievement. I’m not sure I’m up for another, but I wouldn’t trade 

the experience for anything. W 


the last reflection 

Mom, Can You 

Make Soup? 

EVEN IN AUGUST, MY SON 

wanted soup. (If you live in 

South Carolina, you might 

remember the rainy week when 

we anxiously tracked Hurricane Debby.) 

Despite the heat outside, he had a point. 

We weren’t planning to leave the house, 

which is much colder inside. (At my age, 

I’ve abandoned my frugal upbringing and 

keep the air as low as I want, which is 

pretty low.) 

When your almost-grown child asks 

for soup and mentions how much he loves 

your cooking, what can you do? With 

our nest nearly empty, I’m a sucker for 

requests with a side of flattery. Besides, 

I was already making marinara from the 

soft summer tomatoes in the fridge, and 

It’s definitely soup weather 

By ANNE POSTIC 

I had chicken stock from vegetable scraps 

and bones simmered the day before. (The 

golf course was closed, I’d binged 12 

seasons of “Below Deck,” and even the 

laundry was folded and put away. Reading 

wasn’t an option—I hadn’t been outside in 

what felt like a month, though it was just 

a few days. Deep cleaning the house was 

possible, but not appealing.) What else 

was there to do but tinker in the kitchen? 

With soup season on the horizon and 

busy days ahead, it’s a great time to talk 

about how easy soup can be. If you don’t 

have one, get an immersion blender, also 

known as a stick blender, or “brrrrrr” 

in my house, a name my mother-in-law 

coined. You don’t need a fancy one; my first 

stick blender, a brandless freebie from 

Greenbax stamps, lasted about 20 years. 

(What happened to the Greenbax Stamp 

Store? Collecting and licking the stamps, 

filling the books, and browsing the catalog 

was good for at least an hour of rainy-day 

fun.) But I digress. 

The simplest soup is tomato soup: 

• Start with a roux. It sounds fancy, but 

it’s not. Warm some butter or olive oil 

in a pot, sprinkle in an equal amount 

of flour, and whisk for a few minutes 

to eliminate the raw flour taste. 

• Add some marinara, homemade or 

from a jar (no judgment). Whisk until 

completely blended. 

• Add enough stock to reach your 

desired consistency and stir. 

• Puree with your trusty stick blender 

and add whatever seasonings you 

like—salt, pepper, basil, cumin, 

garlic, chives, rosemary, thyme, curry, 

cayenne...seriously, whatever, just 

maybe not all at once. 

Heat it a few more minutes on low to 

meld the flavors, make a grilled cheese 

sandwich, pat yourself on the back, and 

enjoy. You made soup! 

You can make a pureed soup with 

almost anything: 

• Start with the roux. 

• Add whatever chopped vegetables you 

have and stir them in the roux until 

they’re soft. (Add vegetables that need 

more cooking, like carrots and onions, 

before quicker-cooking ones like bell 

peppers or asparagus.) Got leftover 

roasted potatoes? Toss them in. A 

couple of pieces of bacon or leftover 

meatloaf? Sure, why not? If the 

vegetables start to stick, add a splash 

of stock or white wine if you need an 

excuse to open a bottle. 

• When the vegetables are fully cooked, 

add just enough stock to cover them 

and simmer for about 20 minutes. 

• Repeat step four from above. 

Optional: 

• If you like your soup creamy, add some 

milk (or half-and-half or cream), bring 

the soup to a brief boil, then reduce 

the heat. Stir until fully blended. 

Blended soup is one of the easiest ways to 

empty your fridge. It’s always comforting, 

especially with a side of toasted bread, 

and it makes for great memories—or at 

least that’s what I tell myself as these notso-little 

birdies leave the nest. W 


01. 

Meet Our Designers 

Come in to see us Monday through Friday 

from 7am-5pm. We are also available by 

appointment on Saturdays. Our 

experienced team can help walk you 

through selecting the fixtures that fit your 

style and budget. 

02. 

Home is the Dream 

Destination 

We can’t wait to see how the lighting 

in your home transforms your space. 

Let us light your home so that you 

love walking through the door every 

day. 


Bring Extraordinary Home 

We’re moving to our amazing new showroom in Hanover Center. 

We look forward to showing you the beauty and functionality of Hunter Douglas. 

Mention this ad for 10% OFF our stunning Luminette ® Privacy Sheers sure to elevate your space. 

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN CONSULTATION 

3501 Oleander Drive, Unit 3 • Wilmington, NC 

910-799-8101 • info@wilmingtonblinds.com 

WilmingtonBlinds.com 

Explore 

Hunter 

Douglas 

©2024 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas September or their respective / October owners. 2024 | 98

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