As the holiday season approaches, Marina Grill is embracing the spirit of giving, celebration, and cozy indulgence. Under the guidance of F&B Director Tim Akins, this year marks a milestone for the waterfront favorite — from preparing Thanksgiving meals for the first time to partnering with The Salvation Army to support families in need, and donating a portion of Thanksgiving sales to Nourish NC.

There are certain flavors that signal the start of the holiday season—rich chocolates, buttery toffees, perfectly crunchy peanut brittle. This year, Wilmington gets to enjoy all of them with the arrival of a beloved American favorite: See’s Candies, now open for a limited time with a festive Holiday Gifting Center on South College Road.

Each month, Cape Fear Living spotlights coastal vacation property from Sea Scape Properties, spanning from Ocean Isle Beach to North Topsail Beach. These hand-picked retreats offer more than just a place to stay — they’re backdrops for lifelong memories, whether you’re planning a family reunion, a dream wedding, or a simple escape to unwind.

With a culinary journey rooted in family traditions and sharpened through years of hands-on experience, Executive Chef Duane Ellison brings both heart and skill to the kitchen at Marina Grill.

At Perla Raw Bar, oysters aren’t just a menu item—they are a craft, a celebration of coastal waters, and a tribute to the farmers who pull them from tide to table. Known for elevating the region’s most exceptional oysters with both classic and creative preparations, Perla has earned its place as one of the Cape Fear’s premier oyster destinations.

At The Green House, the holidays arrive not with fanfare, but with feeling. The restaurant’s airy, modern space transforms into a haven of warm light, rich seasonal aromas, and shared anticipation—the kind that builds when people gather with intention.

Oysters are at the heart of the experience at Flying Machine Oyster Bar, where creativity, craft, and coastal sourcing come together on every plate. From indulgent, Southern-inspired baked preparations to clean, briny raw offerings that celebrate the character of the waters they’re grown in, FMOB brings a thoughtful, chef-driven approach to a beloved local staple.

At Seabird in downtown Wilmington, Chef and Owner Dean Neff has built a culinary philosophy around honoring the North Carolina coast—its people, its seasons, and extraordinary seafood.

Overlooking the Cape Fear River, Sugo was created for moments just like these — when great food brings people together, and the simple act of sharing a meal becomes something memorable. This year, the restaurant leans into everything we love about winter dining: dishes rooted in Italian tradition, rich and comforting seasonal flavors, an elevated yet intimate atmosphere, and the kind of attentive hospitality that makes every guest feel at home.