Holden Beach, NC Lifestyle and More

Coastal cheer earns Carolina Beach spot on Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Towns list

From beach lights to boat parades, Carolina Beach has officially sleighed its way into Hallmark's top 25 Merriest Christmas Towns.

Carolina Beach, NC · 12d

WITN

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomes five baby otters

KURE BEACH, N.C. (WITN) - There’s some otter-ly good news at one North Carolina aquarium after five baby Asian small-clawed otter pups were born. NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher says the pups, four boys and a girl, were born on October 19 to a pair of proud parents, Milli and Binx.

Kure Beach, NC · 11d

Star News

Popular Wilmington restaurant closes after sudden sale

A popular Monkey Junction restaurant has closed in Wilmington. Jonathan O’Donnell, who owns Junction 421 with his wife Shirena, said the restaurant closed Oct. 27. "It all happened really quickly," he said. About two weeks ago, representatives from another restaurant approached the couple about buying the business and taking over their lease. Now, a restaurant called MJ's Steakhouse is slated to move into the space at 5104 S. College Road. "It's a great site, a great location," O'Donnell said. More: What's next after this waterfront restaurant closes in Wilmington? He added that they already met with their employees, complimented their work, and encouraged them to continue with the new employer. O'Donnell has been with Junction 421 since it opened in 2018 as part of the Circa Restaurant Group from local restaurateur Ash Aziz. The O'Donnells took over the classic American bar and grill with a neighborhood feel the next year. Jonathan O’Donnell had been a managing partner at Wilmington’s Carrabba’s Italian Grill for 16 years before that. At Junction 421, the couple said they treated their guests like family, and hosted wine dinners and movie nights. Shirena O'Donnell often used her skills in interior design to add special touches to

Star News

Asian soul food cafes planned for Pleasure Island

Two Asian-style cafes / coffee shops are in the works for Pleasure Island. Wayne Yip, of Rise Hospitality Group, is planning to open locations in both Kure Beach and Carolina Beach in 2027. He calls the concept Asian soul food meets Asian cafe cuisine. "Think mochi doughnuts and Japanese souffle pancakes," he said. Yip also grew up with an appreciation for beverages like Hong Kong lemon tea and Vietnamese coffee. "I really just want to share the deliciousness of this cuisine with the community," he said. "And connect that with a coastal cafe and the wellness lifestyle." After working in New York in real estate and hospitality, Yip said he looked to the beach. Earlier this year, he purchased a legacy hotel property in Kure Beach, according to Cape Fear Commercial. More: Southport restaurant to close as owner retires in December Yip took over the Seven Seas Inn through Phoenix Legacy Management in May 2026. The Del Pizzo family had operated the 32-room oceanfront inn at 130 Fort Fisher Blvd N. since 1991. The property was also used as a part of filming for the upcoming TV series pilot "Aquamarine" this summer. Yip said he plans to update operations so

Carolina Beach, NC · 13d

Star News

Publix opens third location in Brunswick County

After three years of waiting, the Publix Super Market in southern Brunswick County has opened its doors. Publix officially opened its third Brunswick location on Oct. 28. Next door, a Walmart will have its grand opening on Nov. 4. The new 46,791-square-foot Publix Super Market anchors the Commons at Carolina Shores shopping center at 9770 Ocean Highway West, Calabash. The new store has a deli, bakery and pharmacy department, along with produce. “With Publix now open, Commons at Carolina Shores is coming together with a diverse mix of businesses that will serve the everyday needs of the growing Calabash community," Branch Properties partner Brett Horowitz said.Horowitz said the shopping center will include a Chase Bank, 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, Heartland Dental, Eggs Up Grill, Firehouse Subs, Cutty’s Pizza, Nail Eden, Benchmark Physical Therapy, Great Clips and Mission Pet. "With only a limited amount of space remaining for lease, we look forward to rounding out the tenant mix and seeing the rest of the center come to life as these businesses open their doors," Horowitz said. The store will be the third Publix location in Brunswick, the other locations being in Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island. A previous news release noted the

Brunswick County, NC · 12d

WECT

Pups, contests and adoptions take over Long Leaf Park for annual fundraiser

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Dog lovers and their four-legged companions will gather for a day of contests, food, drinks and shopping, all while supporting local animal rescues. The 13th annual Pawz in Park will feature pet contests, raffles, adoptable animals and pet-related vendors. Attendees can also enjoy drinks and food.

Wilmington, NC · 13d

WECT

WECT NEWS NOW: Stuntman John Gilbert shares stories from career in film and TV

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Stuntman John Gilbert was in the WECT Digital Studio to discuss his work in film and television. Gilbert said his uncle was a stuntman and stunt coordinator. He said his first job, at age 11, was doing stunts for two kids. “Back when a minor could...

Wilmington, NC · 11d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

Cape Fear Chapters: Brunswick County author explores grief and growing up in debut novel

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A Brunswick County author is drawing inspiration from her time in the classroom for her debut novel. Gael Lynch joined WWAY’s Jessica Keisling for the Cape Fear Chapters to discuss her novel, “Ivy Leigh Ever After.”. “It’s about a girl stuck in...

Brunswick County, NC · 13d

Star News

Complaints raise questions about accessibility at Brunswick parks

A years-long dispute over accessibility at local parks in northern Brunswick County has created a bigger barrier with bigger questions. Leland native and North Carolina Wildlife Access Advisory Board member John Williams Jr. has asked state departments and accessibility experts for help after raising concerns about accessibility concerns at Belville, Leland and county facilities. Williams began using local parks in 2017 in hopes of exercising after becoming paralyzed. While some parks have accessible amenities, Williams sees shortfalls in accessible routes to amenities and maintenance when it comes to piers, paths and playgrounds. “The Belville Riverwalk is a complete failure,” Williams said. While moving through Belville Riverwalk Park , Williams can point out small inclines and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) areas that most people do not notice unless they use a mobility device. He said these areas are often overlooked because inspectors do not experience the same challenges. "I come here to practice on these inclines, I practice on this stuff just so I can do it," Williams said. "Not everybody has the same ability when it comes to wheelchair users." Some people with physical disabilities stay away from parks because they are self-conscious, Williams said. Having a park without

Brunswick County, NC · 13d

cbs17

Cameron Art Museum unveils new exhibition: “With A Southern Accent” showcasing the rich heritage of eastern North Carolina

Wilmington, N.C. (WNCN) —The Cameron Art Museum (CAM) is thrilled to announce its latest exhibition, “With A Southern Accent: Sporting Art and Fine Art of Eastern North Carolina,” on view through August 15, 2027. Curated by renowned expert Robbie Smith, this exhibition tells a unique story rooted in Eastern North Carolina’s culture and traditions.

WWAY NewsChannel 3

Pet Pals: Loveable puppy looking for forever home

WINNABOW, NC (WWAY) –This week’s Pet Pal is Raptor, a six-month-old puppy. Paws Place Dog Rescue says he has a big personality, an even bigger heart, and is always looking for his next adventure. They say he has a happy-go-lucky personality, and is sure to keep you smiling.

Winnabow, NC · 14d

WWAY NewsChannel 3

Cauldrons, Cocktails & Curiosities Comes to Wilmington This Halloween Weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Unveil the Magic: Cauldrons, Cocktails & Curiosities is being held in Wilmington this Friday, October 30. The event is described as a “mystical mixer” full of mystical trivia for unique prizes and specialized artisan shopping. Specialty mocktails are available as well for those...

wcti12.com

Jacksonville bowling program brings people with disabilities together for monthly fun

What other activities are part of the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. program?. Why was the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. program initiated in Jacksonville?. JACKSONVILLE, Onslow County — A monthly bowling program in Jacksonville is bringing people with disabilities together for fun, friendly competition and opportunities to connect with others in the community. Bowlarena Lanes hosts...

Jacksonville, NC · 14d

Star News

Longtime Monkey Junction restaurant closes after quick sale

hoodline.com

Humpback Whale Spotted Feasting Off Brunswick County Coast on Its Way South

300a Caswell Beach Rd. — Reported Whale Sighting Off Oak Island. A humpback whale was spotted feeding off the Brunswick County coast Thursday. It circled near a thick patch of baitfish offshore of Lockwood Folly Inlet for close to an hour before resuming its westward journey along Holden Beach toward South Carolina, giving local boaters and researchers a rare close-up look at one of the Atlantic's biggest travelers.

Brunswick County, NC · 15d

Yahoo!

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‘Deceptively simple’: Gullah Geechee art exhibition illustrates that beauty lies in the details

In Time to Rejoice, a 2005 oil on canvas painting by artist Jonathan Green, nine women, each dressed in vibrantly colored shirts and skirts, with wide-brimmed hats obscuring their faces, gather in a clearing. They're facing one woman who dances in the center, her arms outstretched, seemingly in ecstasy, a leg towards the sky. Her hat hovers off her head; only her face is visible, though, with her eyes closed, she doesn't gaze at the viewer. It is an intimate scene, perhaps of sisters, friends or comrades.

Wilmington, NC · 13d

Mass Market Retailers

Publix opens new location in Calabash, North Carolina

The 46,791-square-foot location offers a full range of grocery departments, including a pharmacy, bakery, deli, meat, seafood and produce sections

Calabash, NC · 12d

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