PRIDELY ~ WILMINGTON NC

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TOP 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next International Trip

OVERPACKING OVERSPENDING

NOT ENOUGH RESEARCH CARRYING VALUABLES

NOT NOTIFYING THE BANK

Whether it’s your first international trip or your fifth, traveling is all about discovering the unknown. It’s no surprise that there can be problems along the way. Extra planning and learning from these common travel mistakes can help you focus on enjoying your trip without worrying.

Mistake #1 is overpacking - too many packed items can be hard to organize and be uncomfortable to travel with. Mistake #2 is overspending - sticking to a realistic budget and leaving room for unexpected expenses is always best.

Mistake #3 is not doing enough research - it’s always safe to do extra research when traveling abroad including weather, laws, and international costs. Mistake #4 is carrying valuables with you while exploring - pick pocketers are notorious for targeting tourists, so keep your valuables locked away safe in your hotel if possible. Most importantly, mistake #5 is not notifying your bank of your international travel plans -unfortunately, your debit or credit card may be blocked due to “unusual activity” if you don’t do this ahead of time.

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

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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

JAN 29

Wilmington Coffee Fest

This event will be held at two locations: Waterline Brewing and Hi-Wire Brewing, both in downtown Wilmington NC. Both locations will have coffee roasters, coffee shops, industry vendors and local makers, as well as lectures and seminars! This event is partially outdoors and with a limited amount of attendees for everyones safety. LEarn more at wilmingtoncoffeefest.com.

FEB 3

North Carolina Jazz Festival

The North Carolina Jazz Festival is one of the largest traditional jazz festivals on the east coast. The festival which starts on Thursday, February 3rd will be hosted at Hotel Ballast in downtown Wilmington. Learn more at ncjazzfestival.org.

MAR 12

Wilmington Beer, Bourbon and 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! Learn more at wilmington.beerandbourbon.com.

APR 7

The North Carolina Azalea Festival

Join the excitement as The North Carolina Azalea Festival celebrates Wilmington’s exceptional artwork, gardens, rich history and culture during its five days of pageantry. The North Carolina Azalea Festival announced Thursday a trio of Wilmington concerts for its 75th annual celebration in April of 2022. It’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll and a little bit “insane in the membrane.” Learn more at ncazaleafestival.org.

MAY 7

Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival

The 11th annual Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival will host over 50 artists,

FOUR TIPS to help you boost your retirement savings

1. CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR 401(K)

If you happen to have the benefit of a traditional 401(k) plan through your employer, you may be able to contribute pretax money. This can be a huge advantage to your retirement savings plan.

2. OPEN AN IRA

It is a good idea to establish an individual retirement account (IRA) to help invest in your future. You can do either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA. Take some time to research both options and see what’s best for you.

3. AUTOMATE YOUR SAVINGS

A good idea to help you increase your savings even more is to set automatic payments each month. This will help you grow your money without even having to think about it.

4. SET A GOAL

Understanding and planning ahead of time how much you may need in the future not only can help you better understand why you’re saving, but it also can make the process more rewarding.

6 Most Profitable Blog Niches

Making money online with a blog has never been easier.

There are so many areas you can explore when developing content for a blog. Making a profit from doing this is definitely possible, but it is essential to make sure you are creating high-quality content to help you monetize. Here are some quick tips and ideas to help you get started.

1

Don’t overestimate the value of digital marketing in today’s businesses.

SEO, email campaigns, social media, and influencer marketing are just some of the broad range of strategies used in digital marketing.

2

Digital Marketing Blogging for Profit

There are many valuable ways to write and help people make money online.

Some of these blog topics include freelance writing, working as a virtual assistant, and even starting your own online business.

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vendors and more. The free event organized by the Island Arts Council will celebrate open-air painting and drawing with the “Plein Air Island” immersive experience. Learn more at islandartscouncil.net.

JUN 5

Here and Queer Festival

Here and Queer Festival is back and better than ever! The festival features a market with 20+ local LGBTQ+ vendors, live music, and a FREE fabulous, fun, and fantastic drag show. Learn more at hiwirebrewing.com.

JUL 4

Freedom Celebration Fireworks Show

This year’s activities will begin at 2 and will include live music, sports games, face painting, balloon art, food and merchandise vendors, and of course a fireworks show by Pyrotecnico. Kids can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo and more so bring your family and friends for a memorable event! Learn more at riverfrontwilm.com.Enjoy delectable foods of all types cooked fresh onsite. Learn more at treasurecoast.com.

OCT 7

Wilmington Riverfest

One of the best festivals in Southeast North Carolina is Wilmington Riverfest in Wilmington, NC. It will be held October 7 to 9, 2022. This event will host a car show, fireworks, live music, and a variety of vendors and food. Learn more at wilmingtonriverfest.com.

NOV 16

The Cucalorus Film Festival

The Cucalorus Film Festival takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina every November for five days of new indie films, paired with bold performances and deep discussions about justice and the future. Cucalorus brings together bold, emerging creatives to share stories that challenge us to look at the world in new ways. Learn more at cucalorus.org.

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.

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Health

& Fitness

Online fitness classes have become more and more popular over time.

There are many areas of fitness content to include such as workout videos, fitness courses, and one-on-one training sessions.

4

Finance & Investing

People are constantly seeking ways to manage their money better.

You can help people manage their money wisely in ways like saving for retirement or making the right investments.

5

People love to learn about quick and easy meals and diets.

Getting creative with this is the fun part as you can put your own twist on popular dishes or share innovative recipes.

6

Food Recipes Self Care

There are so many beneficial topics to create content on inlcuding routines, stress management, mindfulness, and journaling.

Now more than ever, people are tapped in to their mental wellness.