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.

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the heart of Wilmington will open its doors. The Residents of Old Wilmington (ROW) present their much-loved Back Door Kitchen Tour, now in its 52nd year—a tradition that continues to capture the city’s soul while raising vital funds for local nonprofits.

Allow us to introduce Emmeline Yennaco, whose passion for design, history, and community is evident in her approach to real estate. From her early fascination with architecture to her commitment to making clients feel supported and understood, she embodies what makes Wilmington's real estate scene so special.

Expectations are high when a hotel anchors itself to a star player. The player, in this case, is Akira Back — the Michelin-starred, boundary-pushing chef whose name carries a hefty weight and spoonfuls of cred in culinary circles. The Salt & the Cellar, his acclaimed Orlando outpost, is reason enough for many to book a stay at Ette Hotel. But in truth, it’s just the opening act of a performance that plays out across every inch of this ultra-elevated experience.

Sea Scape Properties is proud to be the exclusive partner of The 100 Collection™ in Wrightsville Beach — a designation that signifies not just a beautiful home, but an elevated, trustworthy, and personalized vacation experience.

Wilmington food lovers—MasterChef All-Stars Live! is heading to the Wilson Center on September 28, bringing with it the fire, flavor, and fierce competition of TV’s top cooking show, live on stage.

What if, instead of collapsing into a standard-issue hotel room at the end of a long day, you retreated to a lush, palm-draped haven of elegance, where every detail—down to your morning cappuccino—is infused with a touch of luxury? Welcome to The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, where the enchantment of Disney meets the refinement of a five-star resort.

In a thrilling literary turn, Wilmington, North Carolina's own Dr. Greg Player—better known to patients as a trusted family physician—is now making headlines for a very different kind of work: fiction. His debut medical thriller, The Enemy Within.

For this year's Cape Fear Living Photographer of the Year, that magic isn't just inspiration—it's his canvas. We caught up with this year's winner, Chandler Hatch to talk about sharks, stillness, shooting in Portugal, and why the Cape Fear coast continues to call him back