Wilmington Area Dining Guide

Anyone familiar with the Wilmington, North Carolina knows how much growth the area has experienced, and this popular destination has attracted chefs from all walks of life ready to offer up some of their most delicious recipes. New restaurants and bars seem to pop up all the time and we hope this growing list will be your guide to some of the area’s tastiest offerings. 

Porters Neck

Bridgewater Wines + Dines. Bridgewater Wines offers customers wines from around the world at all price points. They invite you to browse their extensive selection of wines in an inviting, comfortable environment or stay and enjoy a glass at the wine bar. This is a great place to relax and sample the specially crafted menu that not only pairs with but enhances the wines.

Cape Fear Seafood Co. Specializing in regional seafood, signature dishes, fresh ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails, this lunch and dinner restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Our State Magazine recognized them as one of five restaurants in NC to try Shrimp & Grits. From the saltimbocca to the kid’s menu, every appetite will find something delicious. 

K38 Baja Grill. Delicious drinks, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed beach vibe – K38 is offering up authentic Baja cuisine. Wait until you taste their chips and salsa!

Kornerstone Bistro. This neighborhood bistro, specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, offers award winning dishes and weekly specials. Be sure to check out their casual and inviting atmosphere.

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille. The ‘fresh not frozen’ approach is why these burgers and fries are award winning. Stop in and build your own today!

Hampstead

Burney’s Sweets and More. Whether it’s the most delicious, glazed croissants or a breakfast sandwich you are craving – Burney’s if offering up some delectable delights!

Burrito Shak. A restaurant with the simple goal of putting quality ingredients into inspired recipes in a quick dining atmosphere. 

Jebby’s on 17. A staple of Hampstead, Jebby’s serves up daily lunch and dinner specials including chicken pot pie, shrimp ‘n grits, fried chicken and so much more. 

Nineteen Bar and Restaurant. Located at the Olde Point Golf and Country Club, this restaurant is open year-round to the public and offers a variety of lunch and dinner options. 

Downtown Wilmington

Caprice Bistro. This bistro serves up delicious and authentic French fare in an intimate atmosphere. Be sure to indulge at the upstairs martini bar. 

The Fork ‘N’ Cork. Gourmet burgers, next level mac-n-cheese, and other palate pleasing pleasures in this quaint, brick walled restaurant. 

The German Café. Set in a casual, welcoming environment, this family owned operation is serving up the best of German cuisine along with house-made deserts. 

Rebellion. Here you’ll enjoy great food and great libations. From the tray of nachos to the yummy wings and mouth-watering burgers, and the extensive list of whiskeys, bourbons and other spirits. 

Savorez. Latin American fusion dishes served in a snug, brightly painted space with a vibrant and friendly ambiance. The lobster ceviche won’t disappoint. 

Midtown Wilmington

Double Happiness Chinese Restaurant. Serving up the most delicious and authentic Chinese dishes surrounded with traditional décor and formal touches with a welcoming ambiance.

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn. “Hot, fast, cheap, and easy.” Their name and tag say it all! For an eclectic dining experience and gut busting burritos this is your spot.  

Indochine Restaurant. Thai and Vietnamese dishes served in an exotic, authentic setting with outdoor gardens and gazebos. 

Mac’s Speed Shop. Serving up Southern fare, live music, and cold drinks. 

Tandoori Bites. Welcoming staff and casual atmosphere, where you can enjoy classic Indian dishes. 

Carolina Beach

El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. Offering up authentic Mexican food and experience you will not soon forget. 

Havana’s Restaurant. Enjoy this cozy cottage setting as you dine on seafood and other assorted dishes. 

Hang Ten Grill. This laid-back, surf inspired hangout is serving up burgers, other handhelds, seafood, and weekend breakfasts. 

Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar. A great casual beachfront stop offering coastal cuisine with ocean views and live music at the Tiki Bar. 

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar.  This unique restaurant grew out of a vision for a local establishment that families of all ages can enjoy a great meal, served up fresh with creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. The casual atmosphere with its friendly and helpful staff has made many patrons feel very much at home, be they locals or visitors.

If you are like us, you’re ready to get out there to sample all of these tasty offerings. See one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click to view our current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Working Out in Wilmington

There’s no denying that the Wilmington area with its mild winter climate and coastal surroundings offers up year-round opportunity to stay active. Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution, getting yourself ready for bathing suit season or you just want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Wilmington offers plenty of great options to get yourself where you want to be.

  • O2 Fitness – With multiple locations, state-of-the-art equipment, group classes and personalized training – O2 Fitness is a great place to start your fitness journey.
  • Orangetheory Fitness – Orangetheory is a combination of science, coaching, and technology aimed to get total-body results. With studios nationwide, mobile app, flexible classes, and no long term contracts, Orangetheory might be your new favorite “gym”.
  • Axis Fitness Training – With locations that include Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Hampstead – Axis Fitness is there to meet all your fitness needs. With group training classes, personal training sessions and 24/7 access, Axis will help with body composition, athletic performance, and injury prevention.  
  • Pilates – With a goal of coordinating the mind, body, and spirit – Pilates routines balance, strengthen, and create flexibility in the body. Some of Wilmington’s studios include In Balance Pilates Studio and Club Pilates.
  • Boxing – Fitness boxing is a great aerobic exercise with a host of health benefits, from increasing muscle and bone strength to improving balance, lifting your mood and gets your heart pumping. Check out these gyms in Wilmington – Port City Boxing & Fitness, Legends Boxing, and Cape Fear Boxing.  

Another great spot to keep in shape is at your home gym in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here to view our current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

UPDATE to Project List of Wilmington Area

As 2022 comes to an end, we wanted to take this opportunity to look back on the progress that has been made to the projects we highlighted at the beginning of the year. 

Project Grace. This project is being revisited after a setback on the state level. New Hanover County is still in the process of redeveloping a portion of the downtown block that includes the Public Library, a parking deck and adjacent lot. The county hopes to make progress sometime in 2023. Learn more here. 

County Government Center Redevelopment. The nearly completed New Hanover County Government Center site is expected to be open early 2023, with tentative ribbon cuttings in February. The newly designed facility will include county offices with Emergency Operations and 911 Center. The project also includes a park as well as private development on site to help generate tax revenue for the city and county. Learn more about this project.

ILM Terminal Expansion. Anyone who has traveled out of Wilmington International Airport (ILM) has noticed the changes, the airport expansion is underway. Air service is growing for Wilmington residents and visitors as well, with additional routes from Avelo and Sun Country Airlines. Learn more about the expansion plans here. 

Growth and expansion are all around us and it’s easy to see why. Our mild winter climate, active outdoor lifestyle, and remote working, make the Wilmington area a popular destination. To learn more about our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina. Click here for current incentives and see where we are building. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Simple Cleaning Resolutions

Life gets busy and we all could use more hacks to make it simpler. With the New Year right around the corner, we wanted to offer some easy ways to start the year off with home cleaning resolutions. A clean and tidy home not only improves your home’s aesthetic but can also promote peace of mind. 

Everything in its place. Easy enough, right?! When everyone in the family knows where the designated spot for an item is, the house is easier to clean and keep organized. 

“One In, One Out” Rule. One of the easiest ways to keep your house less cluttered is to implement this rule. For every new item that comes in, get rid of something old. This can be difficult at first, but a small price to pay for a tidy home. 

Clean Room by Room. Whether it’s be putting away Christmas decorations, cleaning up needles that have dropped from your tree or cleaning up after a holiday party. It’s easy to just to keep going and do a deep-clean of the rest of your home. Tackle rooms with the most foot traffic first. Vacuum, scrub, rinse and repeat throughout your home until it feels new again. Then every quarter do another deep clean. 

Set aside time to declutter. Make time each day to straighten up and stay on top of messes. Maybe it’s a 5-minute timer before bed or right after you wake up, designate a specific time to tidy things up, and see how much you can accomplish while the clock is running. 

Make your bed. Set the tone for a productive day by making your bed in the morning. This simple act can also give you a sense of order and calm. It’s also a small act of self-care – sending a message to yourself that you are worth it. 

We hope these simple steps will help turn your McAdams Home into a calm and relaxing oasis for your family. To learn more about one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Staples for Your Southern Pantry

We are admittedly biased; we think that Southern-style food is second to none. Aptly known as comfort food, there is no denying that the belly-stuffing recipes that come out of a Southern kitchen start with ingredients not found in any ol’ pantry. Below are some staples for a soul warming food pantry.

Cheerwine. Born in the Carolinas, Cheerwine’s sharp cherry (amongst other flavors) give the soda its distinct taste and does wonders for all types of foods, from adding great cherry flavor to brownies or an intriguing twist on barbecued chicken. 

Duke’s Mayonnaise. What was started as delectable spread used on sandwiches to feed soldiers during WWI has turned into a Southern tradition. The family recipe has been continued for the past 100 years and just tastes more homemade. Visit the Duke’s blog for recipes, we recommend trying the Ham and Swiss Sliders or the Elote (Grilled Mexican Street Corn), and of course you can never go wrong with Duke’s on a tomato sandwich! 

Saltines. For an added salty crunch use saltines instead of breadcrumbs – they are great for fried foods, casserole toppings, meatball fillings and even sweet treats. Try this Cheesy Squash and Zucchini Casserole, or for those feeling more adventurous – this Spiced Dark Chocolate Cherry Saltine Toffee.

Mt. Olive Pickles. Whether it’s added to salads of all sorts: chicken, potato or seafood, placed on a burger or used as a brine, these pickles out of North Carolina have been wowing tastebuds for over 90 years. Try this Pickle Brined Fried Chicken Sandwich. 

Texas Pete Hot Sauce. This hot sauce is a must for fried chicken or fried eggs and is another product born in North Carolina. These Glazed Pork Chops are sure to be a family favorite. 

The importance of a well-stocked pantry cannot be overstated and although it is far from comprehensive, we hope the above list helps get your McAdams Home ready for some Southern cooking. If you are looking for a home that works perfectly for your lifestyle, contact us today. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. 

Our Favorite Wilmington Food Trucks

Whether it’s a festival, farmers’ market, hardware store, or your favorite brewery, if you are in the Wilmington area, you are sure to find some great eats. Food trucks seem to be everywhere and are sometimes just as much of the draw to a place. Like many cities, Wilmington’s food truck industry has grown, combine that with the many talented chefs in the area and it’s no wonder their popularity has rocketed. From pizza to banh mi, tacos, or wild game – Wilmington’s food truck scene is serving up delicious offerings certain to please any appetite. Below are some crowd favorites. 

Grimm Burger. This food truck serves up some of the best smash burgers and fries in town. From spicy to specialty and kids’ burgers, this is truly a local favorite.  

WilmyWoodie. Customers love this food truck specializing in delicious wood fire brick-oven pizzas made from the freshest ingredients. Be sure to check out their next stop and get one of the gourmet pizzas they are slinging out. 

Pepe’s Taco Truck. This authentic Mexican food truck is serving up traditional dishes and favorites from tacos to tortas, quesadillas and burritos. Be sure to find them in town.  

The Chrome Gnome. Sibling food truck to the Platypus and Gnome, Wilmington’s distinct wild game restaurant. 

Mommiez. Offering up southern staples with handmade care. 

Wheelz Pizza. If you’re in the mood for sourdough Brooklyn style pizza look no further. It’s delicious and can be found at many of your favorite breweries.  

Donut Bus. For those with a sweet tooth, the delicious mini donuts being served up are worth the calories. 

If you are like us, you’re ready to get out there to sample some of these tasty offerings. See one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click to view our current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Dazzling Wilmington Christmas Light Displays

Whether it’s the beautifully decorated historic homes and gardens, a lighted boat parade or the dazzling display at the Jeff Gordon Dealership as you enter town, Wilmington and the surrounding beaches are ready to ring in the holiday season. Here is a list of some great spots to take in the festive lights. 

The NC Holiday Flotilla at Wrightsville Beach – On November 26th, come out and enjoy arts and craft vendors, a car show and the festive boat parade light show capped off with a dazzling fireworks display. For the parade map and more information on this holiday tradition you won’t want to miss. 

Enchanted Airlie – This beloved Wilmington event lets you stroll through Airlie Gardens adorned with thousands of lights and festive displays. Online tickets must be purchased in advance and this event sells out. 

Holiday Train and Light Spectacular – The Wilmington Railroad Museum brings holiday magic back with their winter wonderland display featuring over 25,000 lights and a visit from Santa. 

Christmas Caroling with Santa and His Special “Reindeer” – Snuggle up under warm blankets and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights of Downtown Wilmington while you sing carols with Santa and his “reindeer”. This holiday excursion is fun for the whole family! 

Island of Lights Christmas Flotilla – Boats of all kinds are decorated with thousands of lights on spectacular display in the Intracoastal Waterway. Participants cruise form Snows Cut to the Carolina Beach Boat Basin and back. The boats compete for prizes and add to the wonderful holiday spirit. Come out December 3rd at 6 PM. Bring the family and enjoy the evening at Carolina Beach.

We hope this helps get you in the holiday spirit, Happy Christmas! We are here to help you find the perfect home and to start and making lasting family memories. See our specially curated communities in the Wilmington area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Holiday DIY Decorations

It’s time to deck the halls friends! Just the thought of holiday traditions and family gatherings brings a smile to most people’s faces and evokes feelings of nostalgia and sweet anticipation. From the ornament-laden tree and decorated mantel all the way to the front porch, below are some ideas for making your home merry and bright all season long. The best part is they are all DIY, which means you can make them until your heart’s content. 

Tea Light Snowman Ornament. These fun, festive ornaments are great crafting option for kids and adults alike, and they are adorable. 

Rustic Twig Ornaments. Simple As That offers up some great ideas for a more natural and inexpensive way to bring elements of nature inside. With some simple tools, supplies and Christmas Spirit this is an easy way to spend the afternoon. 

Silver Seed-Pod Ornament. Martha Stewart’s website offers up an idea for stylish DIY ornaments that bring Nature indoors in an upscale way. A decorated tree is one of the most enduring holiday emblems, and some of the most treasured memories can be evoked from ornaments handmade by everyone in the family, young and old. 

Cardboard Christmas Trees. These life-size trees make a festive statement, and the best part is they store flat. Not for the crafting faint of heart but these upcycled trees can be left “natural” depending on the cardboard or a great decorating project for the whole family. 

Butcher Paper Table-runner. Change up your table-scape this year and use butcher paper instead of that fussy tablecloth. For a dramatic effect use black. Paint pens allow you to draw decorative elements and fun place cards, and it makes cleanup easier which is a win win. 

We hope these ideas have inspired you to start your own holiday tradition in your new McAdams Homes. To find your family’s perfect home and to start making lasting family memories see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of NC, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Getting Involved in the Community

Fall has settled in, and the holidays are fast approaching; between all the cookie making and checking items off our gift list, a great way to positively impact another life and make a difference in the community is by volunteering. Whether donating your time at a soup kitchen, sponsoring a local family, helping deliver meals or giving non-perishable items to a local food pantry, there are a number of ways for your family to connect to the community. But the volunteering doesn’t have to be limited to the season of giving, below is a list of ways to give year-round.

Community Boys & Girls Club of Wilmington. Help shape great futures by helping young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

LINC. LINC’s mission is to educate and motivate youth to make positive life choices and to empower men and women returning from incarceration to be productive members of our community.

Rise Up Community Farm. Help plant hope in the community by cultivating the land, educating, and nourishing neighbors, and empowering local youth. 

Novant Health NHRMC. Volunteers are essential to the mission of delivering a remarkable patient experience, and the medical center has many areas to get involved. 

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Completely volunteer-run, this non-profit serves the community as a food pantry and soup kitchen. 

First Fruit Ministries. First Fruit provides mentoring for homeless men, supportive services for women and families, food pantry and soup kitchen services, and a day shelter which provides medical care, emergency services, and housing referrals. 

State of NC – Volunteer Opportunities.  The official website of NC lists a variety of opportunities in many different areas of the state as well as volunteering from home. 

Cape Fear Volunteer Center. Matching volunteers with meaningful service opportunities in the Cape Fear region. 

If you are looking to make a move to southeastern NC, contact us today. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington area, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options.

McAdams Homes Bonus Room

At McAdams Homes, our goal is to offer our customers creatively designed floor plans, while ensuring we provide you with the highest quality in new home construction. To that end, we strive to meet excellence in every detail of your home and offer you the flexibility of personalizing your plan with numerous design options to fit your family’s needs. The past couple of years have really highlighted the importance of our home environments and have changed what people need from them. At McAdams Homes we offer a handful of plans with bonus rooms to fit many needs. Depending on what stage of life you are in, a bonus room can provide you that extra space you didn’t realize you needed. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Home Office. Enjoy the quickest morning commute ever as you stroll from the kitchen with your cup of coffee to your bonus room office. 

Guest Room. Another practical idea for your bonus space. Having a place for loved ones to stay when they visit means you get to spend more time with them.  

Nursery/Playroom. Whether you are expecting a bundle of joy or you have grandkids, a bonus room can be a great area designated for kids’ activities. Not only does this give them space to be wild and have fun, it also helps keep the rest of the house tidier. 

Exercise Room. Forget that gym membership and turn your bonus space into a home gym or yoga studio. Just be sure to get mats for the equipment so you don’t damage your floors. 

Library. For those book lovers out there, this space could be used to curl up for a good read. Add bookshelves to display your collection and don’t forget the comfortable seating and cozy blankets. 

Today, home is not just where we gather with family or rest our heads. Our homes have become our workplace, school, gym, yoga studio and much more. Here are some McAdams Homes floorplans that offer a bonus room – Azalea, Emmerson, Lakeside, Seaspray, and Jackson.

If you are looking for a home that works perfectly for your lifestyle, contact us today. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options.