Wilmington 2023-24

Renovations

to increase home value

Personalization: We all want to make our home unique to our own character. However, when it comes time to sell, buyers want to envision themselves in the home, which can be difficult if the entire home is personalized to you. Avoid any personalization that is difficult to undo and stick to a nice universal outlook that speaks to everyone.

Landscaping: Just like with personalizing, it’s best to keep it simple. Some home buyers may love how elaborate your landscaping may look, but most of the time they’re considering the cost of upkeep or the difficulty of maintaining that look. A clean lawn with curb appeal is the best first impression to give to potential buyers.

Closet Space: Some of us are minimalist and can do with a larger room by sacrificing closet space, but most potential buyers value the importance of storage. Remember, buyers want to see themselves living in the home, and a lack of closet space might send them looking elsewhere.

Bold Paint: Freshly painted rooms are a great way to brighten up your home. There’s nothing wrong with bringing a little color into your home but keep in mind that buyers may not favor the same colors you do. Stick to keeping the colors subtle with small accents and focus more on neutral tones to appeal to potential buyers.

Trendy Designs: Barn doors and patterned tiles may look great to some buyers, but avoid trendy designs that might be outdated when you decide to sell. No matter how tempting the latest home design trend may be, the classic look is always the safest bet.

DIY Projects: Projects that you build yourself are great, but only when they’re done professionally. This is important to potential buyers so make sure if you’re going to do your own home project, that you do it exceptionally well. This also applies to repairs, quick cover ups will only get you so far. These sort of projects can either increase or decrease the value of your home so make sure you know what you’re doing before proceeding.

Long-Term Necessities: When it comes to renovations, keep in mind that not every buyer needs a built in office desk, or a workshop, or anything that may seem like a great idea to you. Tread carefully when adding permanent fixtures, not all buyers have the same vision as you when it comes to changes made. Make sure your room structures allow the flexibility for potential buyers to make their own changes.

Restaurants

Savorez

Latin American fusion dishes served in a snug, brightly painted space with a convivial ambiance.

402 Chestnut St #4026, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: (910) 833-8894 | Web: savorez.com

Pinpoint Restaurant

Locally sourced New American meals, including many seafood dishes, in a quaint space lined with art.

114 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: (910) 769-2972 | Web: pinpointrestaurant.com

Circa 1922

Global small plates, including sushi & Spanish tapas, served in a stately refurbished bank.

8 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401

Phone: (910) 762-1922 | Web: circa1922.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

The Basics

Creative spins on traditional Southern cuisine served in a homey, brick-walled bistro setting.

319 N Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Indochine Restaurant

Thai & Vietnamese fare served in an exotic, art-filled setting with an outdoor garden & gazebos.

7 Wayne Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Steam Restaurant and Bar

Seasonal American cooking & seafood specialties with cocktails, indoor-outdoor seats & river views.

9 Estell Lee Pl, Wilmington, NC 28401

Caprice bistro

Bistro serving French fare like mussels & crêpes in a cozy yellow space with a pressed-tin ceiling.

10 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Little Dipper Fondue

Fondue specialist offering eclectic 3-course meals in a cozy, modern space with a back deck.

138 S Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Boathouse Restaurant

Bustling, all-day joint with American eats & classic Calabash fare like clam chowder & crab cakes.

6328 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403

Floriana Wilmington

Classic Italian eatery with balcony seating serving brunch, pasta, seafood & meat dishes, plus wine.

2 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Dixie Grill

Long-running eatery & bar serving up diner classics & Southern dishes in a convivial atmosphere.

116 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401

Oct 1

Carolina Beach Pier Pumpkin Patch

Celebrate Fall at the seaside Pumpkin Patch offering special Halloween family fun all October long! Choose the perfect pumpkin starting October 1 and let the kids paint them for free on Sundays. Spend Friday evenings at the Patch enjoying Bonfires & S’mores featuring multiple firepits with seating areas. Dress in your 80s best when a live band rocks out at the 80’s October Bash Party Oct 13th or “Howl at the Moon” during their Full Moon Party Oct 28th! Come see why Halloween is better at Carolina Beach Pier! Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Oct 6

Comedian Robby Slowik

Laugh along with the NYC based, high energy comedian who currently is a writer and correspondent for The Problem. Come enjoy an evening of insightful comedy that will leave you laughing with a fresh perspective of life! Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Oct 13

Art in the Arboretum

Join fellow art and nature lovers for one of the leading events of the Fall Season. Wilmington area artists will show their two and three dimensional creations throughout the splendor of the seven acre gardens, including sculptures in marble and metal, recycled garden art, and driftwood furniture. There will also be 80 Artisans present who will provide a wide variety of wares. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Oct 27

Port City Taste Taco Week

Who needs just Taco Tuesday? Wilmington’s flavorful varieties need Port City Taste Taco Week to celebrate this Mexican inspired tasty treat. Sample the simple pleasures of these crispy or soft handhelds stuffed with well seasoned proteins or veggies, creamy cheeses, brightly colored salsas, wrapped in all manners of tortillas, dressed in thick avocado and chilled

sour cream. Experience inventive creations from the area’s favorite chefs with each participating establishment creating a special taco menu. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Oct 28

Lighthouse Beer and Wine Festival

Lighthouse Beer & Wine Festival opens with more breweries wielding more delights than you can possibly sample, live music and delicious food, all in one amazing venue. Please see website for details. Admission includes entrance and a sampling glass. Details at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Nov 4

Festival Latino

Come enjoy the vibrant multi-cultural weekend celebration when Festival Latino returns, filled with family fun, music and terrific food. The Kids

Fiesta Area will keep the young entertained for hours, a food courtyard will be serving delicious food from all over Latin America, live Latin music and dance lessons, an array of exhibitors selling various products, and more. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Nov 17

Cape Fear Festival of Trees

Wander through a winter wonderland of holiday elegance surrounded by the beauty of the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Glistening trees, decorated by local businesses, various organizations and individual artists, transform the aquarium space into an enchanted forest for all to enjoy. All visitors who purchase a general admission ticket to the Aquarium during these times will also experience the Cape Fear Festival of Trees. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Nov 25

All is Bright at Polar Grove

Join the Holiday festivities as historic Poplar Grove Plantation’s beautiful grounds shimmer with a magical light display. Surrounded by thousands

of twinkling lights, get in the Christmas spirit with the barn bustling with arts, crafts and gift vendors, a libations tent and more. Children (both naughty and nice) can spend time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Santa as well as cozy around firepits with marshmallow roasting. Bring the whole family to savor the sparkling spirit of the season! Learn more at wilmingtonand beaches.com.

Nov 27

Christmas Train & Light Spectacular

Holiday magic returns to the railroad museum with more twinkling lights and more Christmas action. The museum transforms into a winter wonderland with spectacular decorations. Over 25,000 lights glisten and sparkle as well as additional musical animations and twilight model train displays. You can also enjoy a visit with Santa, and goodies like cider to sip and enjoy. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Dec 7 ELF the Musical

Discover your Christmas inner-elf with ELF the Musical at Thalian Hall. This hilarious Holiday tale of Buddy, a young orphan who crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face his ancestry. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to help usher in the Holiday Spirit. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Dec 16

The Nutcracker Ballet

Be enthralled by a Christmas classic when the magical Holiday ballet

The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s stunning score, comes to life with intricate set designs, period costumes, and over 100 dancers! The leads will be performed by professional guest artists Wilmington native Dara Holmes and Derek Drilon from Chicago’s renowned Joffrey Ballet. Join

EATING THE PSYCHOLOGY

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

Control weight gain and compulsive eating behaviors by making better choices about the food that you eat.

ConsumptionSome of us more than others realize that what we eat can effect how we feel such as eating too little or too much. We should be able to enjoy what we eat but also feel better when we do.

Eating healthy is a challenging task that many of us

strive to achieve but often fall short.

InfluencesCultural, social, family, and economical factors may be a direct influence linked to our food and eating behaviors. However, a more serious influence such as stress, boredom and anxiety can play a larger role as many of us eat as a coping mechanism. Although it can

sometimes help bring relief and ease feelings, it often leads to regret and build more negativity. Avoiding the problem with food will often create another problem with self-image when

suffering from weight gain or other negative affects caused by unhealthy eating.

Weight ManagementHere are tips to help you manage your weight.

For starters, never skip a meal. By skipping a meal, you’re allowing yourself to become hungry later which can result in reckless binge eating. Be sure to plan your meals ahead of time and limit night time snacking. This will allow you to always be one step ahead of your weight by creating a routine. If you’re getting a craving between meals, try to exercise or find another way to distract yourself from food.

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Eating Diary - This is a great tool to keep track of your eating habits. Record what food you eat and when you eat it. Also take note of how you feel after eating and if you were doing anything while eating such as using your phone or watching TV.

By recording your habits, you will be able to pinpoint which foods and activities to avoid. The diary can also assist you when you’re working with a dietitian to help you make the best decisions.

Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they embark on a thrilling adventure into a fanciful winter wonderland. Experience the grandeur of the Land of the Sweets, and marvel at the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier as they dance the grand pas de deux. This will make wonderful Christmas memories. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Dec 31

New Years Eve Bash: Seawitch Cafe & Tiki Bar

Enjoy a fun New Year’s Eve celebration that begins with a Red Carpet Walk-In to a decorated heated tent, huge dance floor, with complementary New Year’s Party Favors and Hats, and a Photo Booth. Dance to the night away with the fabulous rock and roll band dance band Machine Gun playing your favorites, and then ring in the New Year with a complimentary champagne split at midnight. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Jan 19 2024

Southern Tour Ultra

Known as the Woodstock of the Southeast, The Southern Tour Ultra will include Last Man Standing a 50 Mile open race, a 50-kilometer race and a 50-mile team age graded relay. Be a part of history while promoting healthy living and having fun. With awesome classic rock, camping, tailgating and an all-day bon fire, this will be much more than an Ultra race. Learn more at findarace.com.

Feb 1 2024

North Carolina Jazz Festival

In April, our local community celebrated Sandy Evans on being named one of the “Jazz Journalists Association’s Jazz Heroes” at WHQR! Rhonda Bellamy hosted the event with live music and a wonderful buffet! Rhonda Bellamy read congratulatory notes sent from musicians that have played at our festival! Local musicians Ryan Woodall-bass, Dave DiMuro-drums, Benny Hill-saxophone, and Julia Walker-Jewell-piano played jazz favorites for the event! Learn more at ncjazzfestival.com.

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With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, choosing to do a vacation on a cruise gives great value. Traveling on the sea can be extremely fun, but it is important to choose the correct cruise line. If you’re going to spend a lot of your vacation time on a cruise ship, it may as well be one of luxury. Thankfully, there’s many luxury cruise lines ready to cater to your every

whim while ferrying you to and from some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in plush comfort. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with comfortable cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. Use this guide as a starting point to find out which luxury cruise fits best for your next vacation.

We made a list that factors in itinerary affordability, health ratings, and reputation among experts and travelers.

1 2 3 4 5

SILVERSEA OCEANIA

REGENT SEVEN SEAS SEABOURN

SAGE WILMINGTON OF THE CAPE FEAR COAST

SAGE Wilmington of the Cape Fear Coast is dedicated to providing a haven for LGBT older people, and those who care for them in order to build up this unique community. “Coffee and Conversation” discussion groups, educational seminars, and social activities are part of a larger goal of working with LGBT elders to become activists and community partners. In addition, SAGE Wilmington also provides cultural competency trainings to other groups in Southeastern North Carolina.

LGBTAGINGCENTER.ORG | (212) 741-2247

LGBTQ CENTER OF THE CAPE FEAR COAST

Our mission is to serve the LGBTQ+ elders, youth, and everyone in between! We offer programming, advocacy, and outreach for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies in southeastern North Carolina. The LGBTQ Center of the Cape Fear Coast is a 501(c)(3) organization. We work to eliminate all forms of bigotry and bias that keep us from being safe and free. We celebrate LGBTQ+ people! LGBTQCAPEFEAR.ORG | (910) 262-0327

PFLAG WILMINGTON

Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. PFLAG.ORG.

Mar 2 2024

Coastal Comic Con

Coastal Comic Con is a 2 day event that celebrates all things pop culture! Comic books, toys, games, art, cosplay, celebrity guests, voice actors and more! We will feature artists and vendors from all over southeastern North Carolina and beyond! Learn more at allevents.in.

Mar 16 2024

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Wilmington’s Favorite Festival is Back and Better than Ever! Get ready to enjoy all those pleasures that true Southerners live by – Beer, Bourbon, Barbecue, Boots, Bacon, Biscuits, Bluegrass, and Smoked Beasts! It’s a great day of beer sippin’, bourbon tastin’, music listenin’, cigar smokin’, and barbecue eatin’. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE-TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Details at wilmington.beerandbourbon.com.

Apr 3 2024

North Carolina Azalea Festival

The mission of the North Carolina Azalea Festival is to be nationally recognized as a showcase for our community’s rich array of artwork, gardens, history, and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events. The Festival encourages volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region’s economy and promotes the unique qualities of Wilmington’s river-to-the-sea community. Learn more at ncazaleafestival.org.

May 17 2024

Wilmington Greek Festival

Join the Greek community for a celebration of their culture, faith, heritage and delicious food during this three day festival that includes authentic Greek food prepared with time-honored family recipes. Held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church across the street from UNCW, enjoy

EVENTS

fantastic food, traditional music and dancing, a lively marketplace and cooking demonstrations. Learn more at wilmingtonandbeaches.com.

Jun

22 2024

Shrek the Musical

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori. You won’t want to miss this! Learn more at wilsoncentertickets.com.

Jul

4 2024

July 4th Fireworks in Wilmington

Wilmington celebrates 4th of July with Independence Day Fireworks and live entertainment, food vendors, and kids activities in historic downtown. The Waterfront Park is the perfect spot to relax with the whole family. There’s also a big unofficial shindig on Masonboro Island near Wilmington with hundreds of college kids celebrating the 4th. Learn more at rove.me.

Aug

24 2024

March on Washington Breakfast Celebration

Celebrating The 61st Anniversary of the March On Washington that took place on August 28, 1963 known as one of the largest demonstration for social justice where Dr Kong gave his iconic speech “I Have A Dream“. We will recognize those who attended the March in 1963 and give them special recognition. Learn more at allevents.in.