Hampstead
Hampstead, NC · Local Life
The Fayetteville Observer
Three NC restaurants earn spots on USA TODAY's Restaurants of the Year 2026 list
Editor's note: (This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. In the original version, a USA TODAY Restaurant of the Year from Asheville was omitted.) Three North Carolina restaurants, one in Wilmington and two in Asheville, made USA TODAY’s list of best restaurants in the country. The USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year 2026 list features 39 restaurants ranging from culinary destinations to roadside burger shacks. In downtown Wilmington, manna fine dining restaurant got the nod. Hospitality, a stellar wine and bar program, and the innovative Southern fare from Chef Carson Jewell and his staff were among the reasons manna was chosen for the list. On the other side of the state, two Asheville restaurants received accolades. Luminosa , which merges Italian-style dishes with Appalachian ingredients, helped set the Asheville restaurant apart. And Bear's Smokehouse BBQ , a restaurant in Asheville's South Slope brewing district, won praise for its traditional and signature smoked meats and dishes. Here's more on the three restaurants: manna Owner Billy Mellon opened manna in a historic 1906 building with the idea of providing a restaurant that offered excellent service and food. “We’ve just gotten through our 15 th year, which is saying
fastfoodclub.com
This North Carolina Fried Flounder Spot Has A Weeknight Line And Regulars Never Seem Rushed
Some places feel like a rite of passage, and Calabash Seafood Hut is one of them. The weeknight line moves with a friendly rhythm, yet nobody inside seems hurried, least of all the regulars who know exactly what to order. If fried flounder calls your name, this modest roadside landmark...
Star News
This Wilmington French bistro has a new lunch menu, chef. What to try
Ever since Dustin Cook and Edie Senter took over Caprice Bistro restaurant in downtown Wilmington more than a year ago, they’ve been making some tweaks to the classic French restaurant. They’ve brought back their version of the popular happy hour menu. The Happy Hour Petit Plates like calamari, frites, and crepes are available 4-6 p.m. daily at the bar, bistro tables, outside or in the sofa lounge. They’re also showcasing some of their drinks and dishes with weekly specials, like Mussel Monday, Coq au Vin Tuesdays and Santé Sundays, with $5 glasses of champagne. Now, they’ve added a lunch menu Monday through Friday at 10 Market St., with the help of Chef James Iseton, who has joined the team. Here’s a look at what to expect. USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year: Downtown Wilmington destination restaurant named one of the best in US Worth a try: 9 Wilmington-area places we wish made USA TODAY's Restaurants of the Year list Meet the chef Iseton has had a long history in restaurants and hospitality, most recently at Steam at Embassy Suites in downtown Wilmington. “I was looking to get away from the corporate kitchens,” he said, adding that he thought he’d be
WRAL
'Wilmywood': Not enough movies made in Wilmington's film industry
The film industry in Wilmington, long known as "Wilmywood" for hosting a number of popular movies and TV shows, saw production spending drop to near-record lows in 2025. NBC's Jacee Caldwell has more.
Star News
Snacks, pizza, bagels and Mardi Gras at Wilmington area restaurants
Wilmington's new international snack market can be a little overwhelming. So many flavors of Oreos, Pringles, Kit Kat. Plus, the cute Japanese ice creams and squishy gummy candies. How to decide? I asked for some help from the knowledgeable staff and had an informal taste test with my neighbors. Want to know what we liked best? Read more below. The latest food news Snack shop plus : This new shop near the University of North Carolina Wilmington offers self-serve ramen, boba tea and an amazing array of global snacks. My friends and I tried a couple of things – a unanimous favorite was the Dunkin brand green onion and cream cheese popcorn -- a little savory and a little sweet. The raspberry Kit Kats were good, too. More: New market brings viral snacks, self-serve ramen, boba tea to Wilmington What’s new, what’s closed : It’s already a busy year in restaurants. Check out our newest list of those eateries that have opened and closed in recent weeks. More: 11 recent restaurant openings and closings in the Wilmington area Lost a legend : Wilmington also lost a pioneer restaurateur. Jimbo Patsalos was a generous person who believed in community – and
WWAY NewsChannel 3
25th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade set to return to downtown Wilmington
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — The Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee announces the 25th Downtown Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade steps off at Front and Brunswick Streets at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14th in historic downtown Wilmington. The Parade route will go down Front Street to...
WECT
Star News
What to expect from the new lunch menu at Caprice Bistro in Wilmington
WWAY NewsChannel 3
Azalea Festival announces Dustin Lynch as Friday night concert headliner
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Azalea Festival has announced multi-platinum country artist Dustin Lynch will headline the festival’s Friday Night Concert. Lynch will take the stage April 10 at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington. Doors are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m. The concert will be held rain or shine.
WECT
Azalea Festival announces 2026 Friday Night Concert headliner
familydestinationsguide.com
The Southern Restaurant In North Carolina Where $15 Gets You A Whole Meal And More
There’s something magical about finding a place where value and flavor dance together in perfect harmony, and Wilmington’s Dixie Grill hits all the right notes. This isn’t just any eatery tucked away in downtown Wilmington – it’s a slice of Southern comfort that proves good things come in modest packages.
Star News
Wilmington-shot documentary about Hurricane Helene is set to premiere
A documentary about one of the worst natural disasters in North Carolina history will premiere on a Wilmington television station and its affiliates. "Air Angels: Flight Helene," which filmed in the Wilmington area in 2025 and features Wilmington residents, premieres 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, on WWAY (ABC). The documentary will also be shown on WWAY affiliate DWAY (CBS) at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 15 and on EWAY (The CW) at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 15. Part two of the documentary airs 7:30 a.m. Feb. 22 on EWAY, 8:30 a.m. Feb. 22 on DWAY and 10:30 a.m. Feb. 22 on WWAY according to a news release from Wilmington's Just Do Good Entertainment, which produced the documentary. Coastal Kia of Wilmington is a presenting sponsor of the film. Originally envisioned as a television series, the 46-minute documentary focuses on the "Air Angels" of the title, private citizens who used their own aircraft and resources for rescues and other means of support after Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in late September of 2024. According to the release, the documentary features Dr. Craig McCotter, a cardiologist with Wilmington Health, "who volunteered in civilian-led aerial missions and piloted his own Robinson Helicopter R‑44 Clipper II
musicscenemedia.com
Prone Throws Down At First Headlining Show In Wilmington, NC
Up-and-coming North Carolina-based metalcore band Prone played their first headlining show in Wilmington, NC, on Friday, February 6th, 2026. Prone played their first show together as a band in June 2025, and in just a few months, they have worked their way up to headlining events. Prone consists of 6 members, including vocalist Jeremy Johnson, guitarists Daniel Coyner and Wycuff Skipper, bassist Vincent Bove, drummer Elliott Gunther, and keyboardist Chris Gore. Joining them on stage for their first headlining show were fellow NC-based bands, Ocytic and Fire For Scarecrow. The show took place at Barzarre and was one of the shows included in the Friday Night Fight Riffs series that Wilmington's Aaron Johnson puts together on the first Friday of each month.
WWAY NewsChannel 3
Dierks Bentley to perform in Wilmington this summer
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Dierks Bentley announced his Off the Map Tour on Friday with a stop in the Cape Fear. The American country singer and songwriter will perform at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington on July 16. The following day, July 17, Bentley will perform at the Credit One Stadium in Charleston.
WECT
North Whiteville Volunteer Fire Department hosting 2nd annual Community Day
WHITEVILLE, N.C. (WECT) - The North Whiteville Volunteer Fire Department (NWVFD) is hosting its second annual Community Day next month. The event is scheduled for March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 747 Peacock Rd in Whiteville. “Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a great day of...
WECT
Biscuitville Fresh Southern to open first Shallotte restaurant
SHALLOTTE, N.C. (WECT) -Biscuitville Fresh Southern is holding a grand opening for its first Shallotte location in February. The Greensboro-based company operates 85 locations in North Carolina, Virginia and South Carolina. “Known as the Home of the Biscuit Window Since 1966, Biscuitville serves scratch-made biscuits baked fresh every 15 minutes,”...
decorhint.com
This North Carolina Seafood Spot Makes Crab Cakes A Must-Try This February
There are moments when you walk into a restaurant and immediately know you’ve found something special. Cape Fear Seafood Company, tucked along College Road in Wilmington, is exactly that kind of place. From the moment you step through the doors at 5226 College Rd #5, Wilmington, the coastal charm...