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.

For Executive Chef Dexter Spencer, cooking has always been about connection—to place, to season, and to the ingredients themselves. A Wilmington native who trained in Portland, Oregon, Spencer brings a rare blend of scientific curiosity and soulful creativity to his kitchen at The Green House.

Downtown Raleigh hums with a rhythm all its own—where historic charm meets a new wave of creativity, and every corner seems to pulse with possibility. In the center of it all, Tempo Hotel strikes the perfect note: a boutique escape that mirrors the city’s effortless blend of sophistication and soul. Designed for both the spontaneous traveler and the discerning professional, Tempo is a sanctuary that moves in sync with Raleigh’s vibrant beat.

Some photographers take beautiful images—and then there are storytellers like Terrah Hoobler, who capture entire love stories in a single frame. With over two decades of experience, Terrah has become a trusted name in Coastal North Carolina’s wedding scene, celebrated for her ability to find raw, authentic emotion in even the smallest, in-between moments.

There’s something special about autumn in upstate New York—crisp air, golden leaves, and that unmistakable scent of woodsmoke drifting through the trees. And now, with direct flights on Avelo Airlines from Wilmington International Airport, Rochester is closer than ever. It’s an effortless escape for a long weekend—just a short flight from the coast, but a world away in charm, culture, and culinary delights.

In the historic heart of Wilmington—where The City Club’s elegant halls whisper stories of another era—Executive Chef Tripp Engel is bringing a fresh, soulful energy to Southern fine dining.

When Anna Wiadrowski , founder of Dry Wave in Wilmington, first arrived from Poland over two decades ago, she brought with her more than a suitcase and a dream—she carried a deep appreciation for the artistry of European beauty.

At Bespoke, Wilmington’s newest all-day bar, Robby Dow is reimagining what it means to gather over a drink. Drawing on his years in New York cocktail culture and his North Carolina roots, Dow has created a program that bridges the ritual of morning coffee with the vibrancy of Italian aperitivo hour.

Standing at the intersection of design and fine art, Heidi-Lee Peach has spent a lifetime chasing beauty through color, light, and form. What began as a childhood passion—nurtured by a father who painted outdoors and a school principal who once framed her drawing—has evolved into a vibrant career as a painter whose work radiates joy and connection. After 15 years as a professional interior designer, Heidi-Lee has returned to her first love: the canvas.

Negroni Week comes to Wilmington, NC.

Smoky, juicy, and kissed with the flavor of wood charcoal—that's the heart of Alpaca, the Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken spot winning over diners in Southport and Wilmington. Behind the counters are co-owners Ranbir Bakhshi and Fabian Llamas, who saw an opportunity to bring a beloved Triangle favorite to the coast.

Meet the Chef, Chris Vergill, The Pilot House, Wilmington, NC.