Wilmington Magazine

03/06/2024

There is something universally loved about the concept of coming home. It’s where we long to be after a hard day at work. Even a lavish vacation begins to lose its luster and we look forward to our own bed again. Countless movies and songs are centered around the comfort and familiarity of returning to one's old stomping grounds.

Many of us spend our youths scrambling to leave it all behind and embark on adulthood in a faraway place–but sometimes, we can’t deny the pull to go back to what we know and to what and who we love. Such was the case for B.T. and Jenkie Atkinson when they recently built their Wilmington home thanks to the help of RMB Building & Design.

Full story: https://bit.ly/3VprJgv

29/05/2024

Registration just opened for an incredible event coming to Carolina Beach August 3rd! Life Rolls On is for people of all ages with disabilities and their entire families to “come together for an epic day in the ocean” — no experience required.

Founded by Jesse Billauer after a surfing accident left him quadriplegic in 1996, the organization empowers people with disabilities of all ages through adaptive sports.

The event tours all over the country each year, eventually adding Carolina Beach to its tour with the help of local surfer Kevin Murphy, who's also the founder of Ocean Cure, an organization that makes beaches more accessible to people with disabilities.

While expectations for the small town were initially low, the event has a huge and inspiring turnout each year.

“I always kind of laugh because the other ones are in major cities...” Murphy says. “We're a tiny little Carolina Beach in New Hanover County and we have one of the largest events in the country, if not the largest event.”

Full story: https://bit.ly/3KoSnjn

Visit liferollson.org to register or volunteer.

22/05/2024

Not a morning person? No problem. This is precisely where brunch swoops in as the late-morning hero. It's that magical window of time where it's perfectly acceptable to order anything from an oversized stack of chocolate chip pancakes to a blackened salmon Caesar.

Wilmington houses an ample scene of restaurants that specialize in this meal, but no fear—we're here to guide the way. March to the beat of your own appetite ahead with our rundown of the Port City's finest eateries to go brunch or go home.

See our top picks here: https://bit.ly/3QUSgQc

✍: F***y Slater

20/05/2024

“Freediving is like competitive meditation,” says Ashley Chapman, a three-time world record holder and 17-time national record holder in the extreme sport.

Curious to find out what that experience is like and how anyone could benefit from a little breath holding, we spoke to Chapman, who runs Evolve Freediving in Wilmington with her husband, Ren. Their classes range from swim lessons for littles to varying levels of freediving and spearfishing courses, special workshops, and remote coaching.

“Not only do we teach breathing rhythms to get people deeper and make them more comfortable in the water,” she says, “but we're getting more people interested in the mindfulness aspect.”

It's common for people to learn to hold their breath for several minutes after completing a course at Evolve. But, more importantly, participants leave with a much better understanding of water safety and the ability to push themselves beyond their comfort zone and find peace beneath the surface.

Read more: https://bit.ly/44KRB9u

Explore courses at evolvefreediving.com

15/05/2024

The recently opened Thomas Sayre: Four Walls exhibition at the Cameron Art Museum is the culmination of nearly 25 years of the artist's work that came together unexpectedly.

Four Walls features new and never-exhibited works by the American artist. Each of the four large-scale pieces in the installation questions the belief systems and symbols that underpin the ideals of church, nation and creation. Made of materials that include tar, smoke, fabric gowns, gunshots, welding material, earth and fire, these works invite visitors to draw close and experience the messiness of making, and by analogy, to bear witness to the ways that life invades, entangles, and tarnishes us.

“Each of the four walls refers to a kind of ideal which in our American culture is fairly common," says Sayre. "I hope it will provoke some people to question 'what is America anyway' and 'who are Americans?' Museums are wrestling to have works that speak to the issues of the day, and I think these four walls certainly do that.”

The exhibition runs through February 16th, 2025.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3UZBSQJ

09/05/2024

Consider this your to-do list for summer: A Guide to North Carolina’s Top Beaches ☀️

With a coastline that stretches across 322 miles, North Carolina has a diverse array of over 25 distinct beaches, each with its own unique charm and attractions. From the lively boardwalks of Carolina Beach to the secluded shores of Bald Head Island, there's no shortage of coastal towns to explore.

How many of these coastal treasures have you discovered?

Full list: https://bit.ly/3UvB6cZ

07/05/2024

In case you missed her speak at Design NC last week, check out our feature on conservation biologist and designer Dr. Susanna Paisley. Her unique and gorgeous designs at Newton Paisley "bring the outside in," with hand-drawn illustrations of endangered species and habitats adorning fabrics and wallpapers.

Dr. Paisley’s own part-time home in Wilmington is deeply intertwined with her love for nature and her family's connection to the land.

“I love to think of my illustrations of wild species existing beyond the confines of frames on walls, or the pages in books. I like them to be touched and felt and thought about,” she says. “I hope to help people feel connected to nature in how they live in their home.”

Read more here: https://bit.ly/3yaQtjz

And visit: newtonpaisley.com

01/05/2024

Take me to the beach! Our May/June issue out this week, with features including an interview with three-time world record holder in free diving, Ashley Chapman, the Life Rolls On event coming this August to Carolina Beach, and a checklist of NC's top beaches.

Copies are available in select locations, bookstores and grocery stores.

30/04/2024

Our spring issue's travel inspo is just a short six-ish-hour roadtrip away. Our travel director Katie McElveen explores the Smithsonian's vast 22 museums, nine research facilities and other offerings. It's the world's largest museum, education, and research complex – and it's free!

McElveen recommends a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, which is perfectly positioned for both museum-hopping and exploring the lively Penn Quarter neighborhood.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3WjCqlC

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25/04/2024

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Wilmington - North Carolina celebrates 15 years in Wilmington, where it's all about affordable luxury and atmosphere.

“Not only is it the fine-dining experience you've come to expect from Ruth's Chris, but we do have tiers in between that everyone can enjoy, whether you're looking to spend $20, $50, or $100,” says General Manager Kyle Falabella.

A staple of downtown Wilmington since 2009, its current location at River Place boasts over 7,000 square feet for inside dining and a large outdoor space that includes firepits and a temperature-controlled pergola, allowing sweeping views of the Cape Fear River with front-row seating for nightly sunsets and July Fourth fireworks.

But there's also the wine. Staff member and level three sommelier Mike Summerlin is working toward his Master Sommelier certification, an achievement held by only 273 people worldwide.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Uc7D7L

22/04/2024

Hagood Homes of Wilmington is well known for building homes throughout the Lower Cape Fear for nearly three decades. But it's what they have done behind the scenes that is truly representative of building communities. With the sale of each new home built by Hagood Homes, a donation is made in the homeowner's name to Hagood Hope for Children.

Now in its 20th year, the nonprofit has been quietly helping several other nonprofits in the Wilmington area and beyond whose mission is to aid causes focused on the health and well-being of youngsters and their families.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/449zD0c

15/04/2024

While the name may be misleading for those unfamiliar, living along the Cape Fear River is nothing short of splendid. The impressive array of recreational opportunities makes it a great place for anyone who craves adventure; the bountiful wildlife and impeccable views make it a veritable playground for nature lovers. For those who want to capture all Cape Fear River has to offer, there's no finer place to call home than a community right on its picturesque marshy banks—and there's no community quite like Riverlights.

“Living in Riverlights is like being on vacation,” says Holly Perez, a real estate broker and blissfully happy resident of the community. So happy, in fact, that when the Perez family had outgrown their original home in Riverlights and they knew they were ready to build something new, they couldn't fathom leaving the community they had come to love.

Full story: https://bit.ly/3Jj5K3X

To follow along as Perez creates the home of her family's dreams, you can follow her on Instagram

10/04/2024

If you haven’t heard of the Plastic Ocean Project, it’s time you do. In partnership with the scientific community she found at UNCW, Bonnie Monteleone co-founded the nonprofit to continue studying and fighting to reduce the waste building in our waterways.

As part of the Plastic Ocean Project's many efforts to spread awareness comes a short film, “356,” which has been accepted into over a dozen film festivals. With an alarming uptick in marine mammal deaths in recent years, the goal of the film is to explore the possible causes and solutions.

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/eIDsWySlCNc

There’s so much more to this amazing organization. Learn about their various research projects, unique approach to storytelling, volunteer opportunities and more: https://bit.ly/4aQwhkO

05/04/2024

Welcome spring with clothes that make you feel like a work of art with special picks from some of our favorite local boutiques: Island Passage Lumina, Blended Shoes + Apparel, Coolsweats at the Beach and Little Locals Clothing Co

A special thanks to the Cameron Art Museum (CAM) for this photoshoot, home to several art exhibits, classes, workshops, and other educational events throughout the year.

Visit: cameronartmuseum.org

Photography: Daria Amato
Model: Carly Peck
Children: Sloane Richards, Levi Sheppard and Ryder Sheppard
Stylist: Danielle Harris, The Modified Style

Link to article: https://bit.ly/49yeY7m

03/04/2024

Meet Jeff Jones and Sydney Penny, owners of Cucklebur & Co., a Wilmington-based creative house of Southern storytelling that produces film, TV, pieces of writing, and other new media. They currently have more than 24 projects in various stages of production, all emphasizing the importance of “homegrown” stories and uplifting local talent. Their goal: to tell Southern stories that explore the complexities and warmth of the region.

“I think it flattens out the American experience,” says Jones. “And so I think this is a way to dig in and find some richness that we don't want to have lost. Just simply by finding these beautiful differences that exist everywhere, surely. But we [also] just happen to be here. So, these are the ones that we're enjoying and lifting.”

Full story: https://bit.ly/49o8ub5

&Co

26/03/2024

Ever wonder what goes into the designed room and activities at The Children's Museum of Wilmington? We were pleasantly surprised to find out just how involved the local community is when it comes to creating this awesome space for littles.

Inside you'll find exhibits like the Kid Power and How High Can You Jump made possible by Planet Fitness; the Community Market, a replica supermarket funded by Publix and the Publix Super Markets Charities; and a flight simulator made possible by Modern Aviation. Current exhibits also feature displays supported by the Ports of North Carolina, the City of Wilmington, the Landfall Foundation, and Delaney Radiology, just to name a few.

“We are here for the community, so it's really important that what we do is reflective of what the community wants and what it represents,” says Executive Director Jessie Goodwin.

Learn more about the design process at the CMOW here: https://bit.ly/3TRJkgp

21/03/2024

In our spring issue, we asked Holly Bader, owner of PaperCut Books, to curate a list of books to kick off the season. The charming brick-and-mortar shop specializes in new and lightly used books, as well as collectible vintage books.

Full list: https://bit.ly/3x7tK7u

Find more “book reviews you didn’t ask for” at papercutbooks.com or visit the store at 200 Market St., Unit 100

15/03/2024

The 2024 Azalea Garden Tour features carefully crafted landscapes of all dimensions. None are more intimate than three courtyard gardens tucked behind brick patio homes in the Pointe Summerset neighborhood, a hidden gem off Eastwood Road. It is here that Becky and Carlus McKeel have lovingly transformed a blank slate into a fabulous Southern English Garden.

As a member of the Cape Fear Garden Club, which sponsors the beloved Azalea Garden Tour annually, the McKeels invite you to stroll beyond their garden gate on the April Tour, held April 5 through 7th. For more information, ticket locations and event details, visitcapefeargardenclub.org

Full story: https://bit.ly/3TCD77Q

08/03/2024

🤩

Hollywood has been reveling in the wonders of Wilmington, North Carolina, for decades. It’s time we follow suit. Come along as one editor shares the highlights of a three-day trip to Wilmington.

08/03/2024

Abbye McGee and Matt Ray have done it again! Following their first venture with the Starling Whiskey and Wine Bar in the Cargo District, the duo has recently opened up the town's first hi-fi coffee and cocktail bar, The Ibis, in the Bottle Works Building on Princess Street.

Inspired by Japan's listening bars popular in the '60s and '70s, aka "kissas," The Ibis gives off a welcoming, stay-a-while vibe.

“We want people to hang out without feeling rushed, carry a conversation without having to yell across the table and listen to some good music," says Ray.

“Intentional and soothing” is how McGee describe the space, with its leather couches, upholstered seating, dark sapele wood bar with its wavy grain, and black walls featuring work by local artists.

Full story: https://bit.ly/43gyIL1

✍: Joe Jancsurak
📷: Matt Ray Photography

05/03/2024

As featured on the cover of our spring issue, we explore the benefits of equine therapy with Wilmington’s Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program (CTRP), providing a multitude of therapeutic riding services for individuals with special needs.

Executive Director Kim Niggel sites a range of young participants, including kids with speech and occupational therapy needs, attention deficit disorders, and others who may not be able to physically ride a horse. In any case, she notes that the environment, activities and interactions with these majestic animals can have a significant impact.

“Our clients don't have to have any particular diagnosis,” says Niggel. “Maybe they… need a very structured approach that is kind, forgiving and nurturing.”

CTRP also participates in a program that aids at-risk youth, the Elements Youth Violence Intervention Program.

“The kids realized there was more to the world than that little pocket of life that they were exposed to,” says Niggel. “They just needed to be given the chance to do good...”

Full story: https://bit.ly/3Im5Bwa
✍: Jade Neptune
📷: Virginia Gates Photography

Get involved, support and learn more about CTRP at coastalriding.org

01/03/2024

Welcome spring with our March/April issue – out this week! We've got some great features on several amazing local nonprofits like Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program (cover image), Plastic Ocean Project , and Hagood Homes' Hope for Children program.

Plus, an inside look at Wilmington's first hi-fi cocktail/coffee lounge, the Ibis; a local fishing group that offers an inclusive, judgment-free zone for anglers (Female Fishing Fanatic Charter Tips, Trips and Tricks); and the community-backed design efforts that go into creating exhibits at The Children's Museum of Wilmington.

Cover image by Virginia Gates Photography Wilmington, NC Photographer

28/02/2024

A journey of gratitude turns into a profound exploration of the D-Day beaches, historic towns, and culinary delights of Normandy. Follow travel writer Katie McElveen on an important trip that ended up being completely different than what she expected – from Normandy to Bayeux to a beautiful family-owned hotel located in the center of town.

Full story: https://bit.ly/3SUEjSy

22/02/2024

Interested in building a garden with native plants that support pollinators, wildlife habitats and the environment? This issue, we look at the importance of creating personal gardens (big and small) in line with the environmental and biodiversity needs of our region.

Native plants are available locally, more so at boutique nurseries than the big box stores. Emmi Simpson, local garden consultant and owner of Seeded Method, recommends being knowledgeable about your garden's ecosystem when shopping for native plants in Southeastern North Carolina.

“We have a very fine line here at the coast,” she says. “Even one-eighth of a mile can mean a difference in salt tolerance and temperature.”

Longtime Wilmington residents Frances and Jim Parnell say it wasn't too difficult to have their garden certified as a wildlife habitat. “Even people who are living in an apartment with a balcony can provide water, plants for protection, and feeders for food,” he says.

Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3T5yvXE

15/02/2024

Last November marked the first Punk Rock Ultras at Carolina Beach State Park. Thanks to its organizers Karyn Oetting (pictured) and Tony McCarty, it was a first-of-its-kind ultra event in the area open to all runners of all abilities. And it sold out within just 7 hours.

The self-directed format of the race allows runners to decide how many times they want to circle the 4.5-mile trail within the 16-hour window, guaranteeing that no one can DNF (did not finish) the race.

Next month, registration opens for their next event!

Learn more about how the event came to be and the experience from the perspective of some of last year's attendees: https://bit.ly/49yzOUm

13/02/2024

It’s been over six months since Covey Restaurant opened in midtown Wilmington, and it’s quickly becoming a neighborhood gathering place for those seeking creative yet familiar food in a relaxing setting.

By definition, a covey is a small gathering or flock of birds. Both of these concepts blend nicely with Covey’s look and feel. The restaurant offers a contemporary and cozy design with indoor and outdoor space featuring nooks that evoke a sense of intimacy, highlighted by natural wood tones.

Covey serves Sunday brunch and dinner every evening except Tuesday, and in early 2024 it will close on Sunday evenings until later in the year. The dinner menu changes about once per month depending upon the seasonality and availability of ingredients. There's also a full bar and a 600-bottle wine cellar with close to 150 bottles on the wine list.

Have you been yet?

Read more: https://bit.ly/49gUvVg

09/02/2024

FYI

BURGAW — A Colorado chef who scored the keys to her own restaurant from a months-long competition no longer is moving forward on bringing her concept to Burgaw. READ MORE: Colorado chef wins the keys…

07/02/2024

Hearty vegetarian recipes? Yep, you read that right. We're embracing the chilly climate with a symphony of satisfying comfort food that showcases plant-based cuisine in all its glory. These versatile seasonal dishes will not only make your mouth water but also revise your traditional definition of winter dining.

Thanks to the talented F***y Slater, these plant-based dishes will surprise–and delight–you: Cheesy Chile Relleno Breakfast Casserole, Vegetarian Borscht with Beets & Cabbage, Rigatoni with Eggplant Bolognese, Slow-Cooked Artichokes in White Wine & Butter, Maple-Clove Roasted Acorn Squash, and Green Curry Coconut Laksa Soup.

Recipes: https://bit.ly/487ydDV