It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August,”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care has been such a relief for our family. They were there when my mother-in-law came home from the hospital and have been incredibly flexible as her needs have changed. Brandi and Sabrina truly listen and care about finding what works best for Mom—and for us. They’ve worked hard to find the right caregiver who can keep her safe, help her maintain her independence, and take some of the stress of managing her care off our shoulders (even when Mom isn’t always the easiest customer!). I also love that they can help us navigate what comes next, from caregiving now to eventually finding the right placement when she needs a higher level of care. This stage of life is not easy, and having people you trust to help navigate it makes such a difference. We’re so grateful to have them in our corner.”
“I receive in home care with Sabrina & Erin at Always Best Care in Leland NC. Without their caregivers to assist me in my daily activities I would be lost! He fact that Hannah and Brittany are so supportive is a bonus, I adore them both for different reasons. Thank you to Always Best Care for making my time here at home so easy, and memorable!”
“I’ve trusted Always Best Care with almost daily care for my mom, for over a year. They are very professional and my mom developed a close relationship with (Super-Special) Brittany. Thank you ABC!”
“Kathryn Q. was invaluable in guiding us through the process of exploring senior living options for my sister. She thoughtfully recommended communities that aligned with her needs, coordinated all the appointments, and personally drove us to each visit. Whenever questions arose, she promptly followed up with staff and ensured we had the information needed to make informed decisions. Her patience, attentiveness, and genuine care made what could have been an overwhelming process feel smooth and manageable. Thanks to Kathryn, we were able to move forward with confidence in this important next stage of life.”
“ABC has been such a reliable, compassionate and helpful company!! Could not talk more highly of the team & environment cultivated :)”
“I have been searching for a care company for my Mother, upon speaking with Sabrina I felt like I was talking to someone who had the best interest for mom’s wellbeing and safety. She educated me on all the amazing service Always best care provides and her compassion truly made me feel like I was talking with a friend . We have been using this amazing company which now has elevated my stress as the son in another state. The care team even calls her mom!!! She looks forward to seeing them everyday. Thank you Sabrina and Shawn for putting my mind at ease. Highly recommend Always best care for anyone searching for the. Best care for their loved ones.”
“I have been pleased with the level of consistent care provided. Sabrina is wonderful and is very attentive, responsive and great at communicating. Always Best Care provides excellent service and does so with care and compassion.”
“Excellent care. Sabrina is a wonderful caregiver and runs things very well.”
“Always Best Care has been such a great experience. I recently started in August, and from the very beginning, Sabrina and Shawn have been incredibly supportive, welcoming, and helpful. They’ve taken the time to make sure I feel comfortable in my role, answer any questions I have, and provide guidance whenever needed. It’s clear they truly care not only about their clients, but also about their staff. The positive environment and strong communication have made a big difference, and I already feel like part of a team that values compassion and professionalism. I’m really looking forward to continuing to grow here and being part of such a dedicated organization.”
“I have used Always Best Care several times when I was away and my mother needed care. They were very responsive in the initial setup and visit. Sabrina is outstanding. She is patient and caring with my mother, who has dementia. Mother doesn't do well with strangers but was comfortable with Sabrina and her backup. They assisted with catheter care, dressing and meals. I have no reservations recommending ABC to a family needing help with a loved one.”
“Courtney is very professional and compassionate caregiver.”
“They have provided great service to my wife. They have helped her with several household and personal care duties.”
“Great experience talented and pleasant aids”
“ABC is a Great company that strives to provide clients with the Best care possible! As an Employee they are also Awesome accommodating the girls working with your schedule. It’s Great working hand in hand with people that care!”
“I was pleased with the consistent kindness shown by the staff.”
“Mangerment and caregiver are awesome very professional and caring for there clients they were very good to me”
“Where do I start! With the new found stress of dealing with life's ups and downs, ABC has come thru for me and my family in ways I could never put a price on. Their compassion and understanding made my Mom feel safe and secure, even during difficult times. For that, they have earned a client for life. The way they have loved on her since leaving the hospital make me smile.”
“Amazing company!!!! They definitely put the needs of the clients first. If you are looking for a company you can trust your loved one with, then I would definitely recommend this company!!!”
“Ever since my grandfather got out of the hospital, ABC services has been a life saver for me and my family. The staff they have is always so warm & inviting they always make my grandpa feel so comfortable. What makes ABC different is that they really care about their customers, and you can truly feel that when you’re dealing with their caregivers. I feel so much better knowing that my grandfather is in the hands of people who truly care about his wellbeing. When times got really hard for my family ABC stepped in and provided assistance & reassurance to us. If you’re looking for a company who will treat your loved one as their own I 100% recommend Always Best Care.”
“I've worked in 3 different places, this will be my fourth company and I have never felt at home in a workplace and actually comfortable with communication. So far working here has been amazing.”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park in Wilmington, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
I took my 4 teenagers on a trip to Wilmington, NC. Even though schedules with teenagers get super packed—school, activities, work schedules—it’s so important to make the time to adventure together. We need to have shared experiences so we can have conversations together. Meaningful conversations.That’s exactly what we got on our trip to Wilmington, NC.The trip was packed full of nature, beach time, silly fun, and lots of history—leading to great conversations about our shared experiences, current e...
I took my 4 teenagers on a trip to Wilmington, NC. Even though schedules with teenagers get super packed—school, activities, work schedules—it’s so important to make the time to adventure together. We need to have shared experiences so we can have conversations together. Meaningful conversations.
That’s exactly what we got on our trip to Wilmington, NC.
The trip was packed full of nature, beach time, silly fun, and lots of history—leading to great conversations about our shared experiences, current events, and more.
In this article, I’ll take you through some of the great activities we enjoyed, the delicious food we ate, and our top recommendations.
Thank you to Wilmington and Beaches for providing our stay so we could bring this story to our readers. All opinions are those of the author.
First—we stayed in Kure Beach, and of all the Wilmington beaches, we really loved this area the most. The traffic was light, the beach was wide, and the proximity to the larger beach towns and Wilmington was great.
Our oceanfront condo from Victory Beach Vacations had easy parking and plenty of space for the 5 of us. It was super clean and well-appointed—we didn’t cook in the condo, but we totally could have as the kitchen was fully stocked with dishes, cookware, and utensils. It was the perfect place to come back to after our busy days to pop some popcorn, watch a movie (somehow we always end up watching Pirates of the Caribbean when we’re at the beach), or to take a walk on the beach. We would definitely stay here again.
Just a few minutes down the road from the condo was Carolina Beach, which is really as far as you need to go for a huge selection of restaurants, a beautiful boardwalk area, and fun things to do.
We rented bikes from Tony Silvagni Surf School and pedaled around Carolina Beach Lake Park—home to a pretty lake, a gorgeous playground for kids, and one of Carolina Beach’s fun murals. Then we headed to Mike Chappell Park to pick up part of the Island Greenway and rode to the end.
It was a nice laid-back start to the trip and a fun way to see parts of the island. They gave us a printed map when we picked up the bikes and we realized… we aren’t very good at reading maps. (Even though it was actually really simple.) We just popped the park names into Google Maps and off we went.
We also did a guided kayak trip with Kayak Carolina to Zeke’s Island, an uninhabited island full of shore birds and wildlife. It was spectacular. So great, in fact, that we did a whole story on it: Our Kayak Trip With Kayak Carolina
And then there was Surf’s Up Mini Golf, which has got to be one of the most fun mini-golf courses we’ve ever played. The theming was super, everything was really clean, and all five of us had a blast—even though we are TERRIBLE at mini golf. If you go, don’t miss the hints at the beginning of each hole—they actually help.
We had dinner at Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar, a beautiful restaurant with classy seaside boat theming. The food was excellent—I loved the poke bowl, it tasted super fresh. The kids enjoyed salads and smokehouse mac and cheese customized with chicken and shrimp.
For breakfast, we had a couple of spots we LOVED.
Southerly Biscuit has giant, delicious biscuits. You can go simple with a biscuit and jam (like one of my kids), or all in with fried chicken, sriracha mayo, and hot sauce. The kids said the woman at the counter made you feel like she was everyone’s grandma.
Drift Coffee and Kitchen is a full-service breakfast spot with great coffee and lots of options. Most of us got breakfast sandwiches, but a few of us decided all we really wanted was a few slices of bacon with our coffee. To each his own.
For coffee, we stopped at Crush and Grind near the boardwalk. It has a super fun vibe and lots of specialty drinks. I’m boring and got a hot black coffee, but the kids each found something fun to try.
Island Bagels in Kure Beach was an easy grab-and-go spot for bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Those bagels sure tasted good after our kayak trip, but they’d be equally great as a quick stop before any adventure.
We had planned to visit Fort Fisher on our last day in the area. Unfortunately the rain would not let up. We had driven by on our way to and from kayaking to Zeke’s Island and boy did we want to check this one out. We drove past cannons, and trails, and monuments- and my history loving oldest was really looking forward to checking it out.
Also at Fort Fisher, you can access a trail to a world war 2 bunker where the Fort Fisher hermit lived for 17 years until his death in 1972.
It looked like a beautiful spot to enjoy the coast, take a walk and learn some history. It’s a place we will visit next time we are in the area.
We also spent some time at Wrightsville Beach, which has a different feel—more upscale with lots going on, pretty restaurants, and a fun change of pace.
We drove in for dinner at South Beach Grill and it was spot on delcious. The sweet potato encrusted flounder with a light honey citrus sauce was incredible. And the fried pickle appetizer? Get it. They disappeared about 22 seconds after they hit the table.
The kids ordered everything from pork nachos to shrimp and grits and seafood pasta, which made it one of those fun, share-everything meals.
Parking is available at the restaurant, but it is tight—so plan ahead that you may need to park in public parking areas for a fee.
After dinner, we found public parking and walked a bit around the area. The Loop, a 2.5-mile walking path, is a great spot for this. Or, you can walk along the beach, because that is never a bad idea.
Our day in Wilmington was probably our favorite day. It was jam-packed with things to do, and while we got tired (and some of us may have taken a little snooze on the river boat), it was completely worth it.
We had no idea how beautiful Wilmington is. The riverwalk area is just stunning, and the historic feel of downtown—with the brick streets and old details—made it such a fun place to explore. There are lots of shops, and my daughter kept asking to stop in all the “cute boutiques.”
Definitely, definitely make time to visit the Riverwalk.
Whatever you do, do NOT skip the Battleship North Carolina.
We did the City at Sea tour, and I really can’t recommend it enough. We actually needed more time there—it was that good. Our visit led to some great conversations later that day, which is exactly why trips like this matter so much.
We have a whole story on visiting Battleship North Carolina. Check it out to see what we did and get all the details for your visit.
We took a ride with Cape Fear River Tours aboard the Henrietta, which was a nice way to relax a bit. You get a little history of the area, views of the port, and a chance to just sit together for a while.
We were particularly interested to see the port area with all the big cargo ships being loaded and unloaded. Wow, do they work fast. We learned that docking there costs the ships $1500 an hour! Fun Fact: Parts of Iron Man 3 were filmed here (guess which movie we watched that night).
We thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The boat offers an open-air top deck, covered for shade, as well as a bottom deck indoors with air conditioning, a restroom, and a bar with beverages and snacks.
We also did a historic carriage ride with Springbrook Farms. The horses are rescued Percherons, and the tour is a great way to see Wilmington without wearing out your feet. Our guide was funny and had lots ot point out about the city. It was a quick 25-minute tour, and we got to bet the horses, too!
The food in Wilmington was some of the best on our trip.
Front Street Brewery is where we headed for lunch after we toured the Battleship North Carolina. It was a bit late for lunch, and we were hungry. This spot did not disappoint. The chicken salad with a bit of jalapeno spice was perfect with their English ale. The kids enjoyed a soft pretzel, BBQ, burger, and a Reuben. The interior of the brewery is warm and inviting with lots of dark wood. It definitely has that English pub vibe. We loved it.
For dinner, we ate at Elijah’s, right on the riverwalk. We sat outside—even though it was hot—because the view was so good.
I picked a mango margherita to cool down, and it was perfect. We enjoyed a couple of appetizers of hush puppies, salads, burgers, and I got The Big Crabwich, which was a crab cake with coleslaw on top in a bun. YUM. And for dessert, banana pudding. It was stellar. We all agree that Elijah’s was a trip favorite.
But more than the food, it was the time together. We sat there for a while, talking about our day, laughing, and just enjoying being together. Its nice to take a little time to realize your kids are growing up, and you’re getting to see who they’re becoming. Pretty cool.
This trip worked because it gave us a mix of everything.
This trip gave us exactly what we needed—shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and time together. There was always something to do, but also plenty of space to just be together—and that’s really the point.
Traveling with teens isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. Wilmington made it easy to find that balance between fun, learning, and just enjoying each other. Its definitely a place I intend to visit in the future.
What would your family want to try first—biking, kayaking, or exploring the battleship? Tell us in the comments!
Take a quick peek at our trip in our YouTube short.
80+ have completed company's newest apprenticeship programWILMINGTON, N.C. – August 25, 2026 – GE Aerospace celebrated the first year of its newest apprenticeship program in Wilmington, N.C., where more than 80 apprentices have graduated since it launched in August 2025.Over about eight weeks, apprentices prepare for careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists. Training begins at GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site, continues with five intense weeks at Cape Fear Community Colleg...
80+ have completed company's newest apprenticeship program
WILMINGTON, N.C. – August 25, 2026 – GE Aerospace celebrated the first year of its newest apprenticeship program in Wilmington, N.C., where more than 80 apprentices have graduated since it launched in August 2025.
Over about eight weeks, apprentices prepare for careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists. Training begins at GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site, continues with five intense weeks at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and concludes with several weeks of on-the-job training with mentors back at GE Aerospace. For those with previous machining experience, their training is full-time at the Wilmington site.
Apprentices are paid as full-time GE Aerospace employees throughout the program, and the cost of instruction is covered by North Carolina’s NCEdge program. CNC machinists set up and operate large equipment that creates precise parts that are critical to jet engines.
Recent graduate Joseph Knox said, “I joined the apprenticeship program to pursue a new career path and create a better future for myself and my family. It’s a great way to step into this field where you can thrive and make a career out of it.”
“This apprenticeship opens the door to a career at GE Aerospace for people from many backgrounds, including those new to the industry,” said Mark Moon, the site leader for GE Aerospace in Wilmington. “It helps us grow the skilled workforce we need in Wilmington to deliver the critical engine parts our customers depend on.”
As part of its partnership, GE Aerospace purchased new CNC machines for CFCC’s shop for hands-on instruction.
“Our partnership with GE Aerospace demonstrates the vital role community colleges play in developing the skilled workforce that drives economic growth,” said Jim Morton, President of CFCC. “As GE Aerospace continues to expand its operations and invest in the Wilmington region, CFCC is proud to provide the training and talent pipeline needed to support that growth. Through this customized machining training program, we are helping individuals launch rewarding careers while ensuring one of our region’s leading employers has access to a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing.”
The apprenticeship program builds on GE Aerospace’s broader workforce efforts in North Carolina. Last year, the GE Aerospace Foundation donated $500,000 to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative to help former service members earn their FAA mechanic license near Fort Bragg. In 2024, the Foundation also awarded Cape Fear Community College a $100,000 grant to support scholarships and machining bootcamps that strengthen the local manufacturing industry talent pipeline.
Earlier this year, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest $60 million in its Wilmington site as part of more than $160 million investment across North Carolina and $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing during 2026.
The Wilmington facility supports GE Aerospace’s commercial and military engine programs. The site manufactures precision parts used in the core of jet engines — including blisks, spools, and high-pressure turbine disks — components designed to operate under extreme conditions and pressure.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington has long drawn people in with its beaches, its history and its coastal pace of life. Now a national study is adding context behind what many have already been sensing.RentCafe's 2026 Best Cities for Renters report, which analyzed 150 U.S. cities across 20 metrics, ranks Wilmington fourth in the nation and the best city for renters in North Carolina. Raleigh came in seventh, making North Carolina home to two of the top 10 rental markets in the country.The report scored cities across three cate...
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington has long drawn people in with its beaches, its history and its coastal pace of life. Now a national study is adding context behind what many have already been sensing.
RentCafe's 2026 Best Cities for Renters report, which analyzed 150 U.S. cities across 20 metrics, ranks Wilmington fourth in the nation and the best city for renters in North Carolina. Raleigh came in seventh, making North Carolina home to two of the top 10 rental markets in the country.
The report scored cities across three categories: cost of living and housing, local economy and quality of life.
Wilmington's strongest showing came in the local economy category, where it ranked fifth nationally and first for job growth. Renter household incomes have also surged, growing nearly 50% over the past five years, one of the highest rates of any city in the study.
On housing and cost of living, the city ranked 11th nationally. The cost of living sits slightly below the national average, and renters have given local properties some of the highest ratings in the country.
The city's housing stock itself reflects the pace of growth. More than a quarter of Wilmington's apartments are brand new, a sign of how much residential development has reshaped the city's footprint in recent years.
That transformation is visible on nearly every block of downtown Wilmington, where more than 1,400 apartments have been added in the past decade alone with more developments still in the pipeline.
Christina Haley, president and CEO of Wilmington Downtown iNC, says the growth reflects a long-held vision for what downtown could become.
"We have always wished that this community would become this livable, walkable community," Haley said. "Even when we started in 1977, there were little if no residents in downtown Wilmington."
Haley says she sees the demand coming from a wide range of people.
"I see everything from the young professionals who are starting their career and wanting to live in a walkable community all the way to retirees who are wanting to reduce their size of living," she said.
However, the growth has not come without consequence. According to Apartment List, median rent in Wilmington grew around 3% in the past year, compared with a 1.5% drop across North Carolina as a whole during the same period.
For Cheryl Hartsoe, property manager at The Cotton Exchange, a downtown institution that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026, the pace of change has been something to witness.
"People that have been away for a few years and have come back are astounded at the cultural and economic growth and the hub that we are not only for the county, but for this area, the state," she said.
Hartsoe says one of the most noticeable shifts has been in the rhythm of business downtown. The seasonal lulls that once defined the slow months have largely disappeared.
"There'd be a dearth of the slowdown period in the first of the year," she said. "And now we're seeing more steady, dependable economic trends year round."
For Hartsoe, who has spent her entire life in Wilmington, the city's appeal is straightforward.
"We have a lot to offer for young people and retirees to come and establish a life here," she said.
Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington Riverfest has been canceled for 2026 following a unanimous board vote, with organizers blaming “untenable” city-imposed safety and logistical constraints.The Wilmington Riverfest (WRF) Board of Directors announced the decision after months of negotiating with the City of Wilmington over relocating the festival from its traditional Front Street home to Brunswick and Nutt streets.Board members said the city-proposed layout presented “insurmountable operational and safety barr...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Wilmington Riverfest has been canceled for 2026 following a unanimous board vote, with organizers blaming “untenable” city-imposed safety and logistical constraints.
The Wilmington Riverfest (WRF) Board of Directors announced the decision after months of negotiating with the City of Wilmington over relocating the festival from its traditional Front Street home to Brunswick and Nutt streets.
Board members said the city-proposed layout presented “insurmountable operational and safety barriers” that compromised the event’s integrity.
“This is not a step backward—it is a strategic pivot that honors both our community and our vendors,” WRF Board President Roderick Bell said in a statement. “We are returning in 2027 with a festival that exceeds expectations, rather than compromise the quality and safety our stakeholders deserve.”
According to the board, negotiations with municipal officials began in April 2026 after the city decided to move the festival. The board cited three primary conflicts with the new location, including vendor access issues, competing events at the Wilmington Convention Center and the Wilson Center and public safety risks stemming from the city’s requirement to keep major intersections open during the festival.
Board officials said they submitted multiple alternative layouts to resolve the issues. While the city approved the most limited of those alternative designs on Aug. 31, organizers said the decision came too late to save this year’s planning cycle.
“Attempting to move forward with the layout at this time is not feasible and the event remains operationally hindered,” the board stated.
All sponsors, vendors and community partners will receive full refunds for their 2026 financial commitments, the board said. To preserve partnerships for the future, the board is offering priority booking and enhanced terms for the 2027 festival, along with quarterly updates on ongoing venue negotiations.
Organizers are also urging residents, vendors and sponsors to lobby city leadership directly regarding the festival’s economic and cultural importance. The board plans to spend the next year collaborating with city and regional stakeholders to secure a sustainable venue, setting a July 1, 2027, deadline for layout approval.
“The board and committee leadership remains hopeful about coming to a collaborative resolution with the City of Wilmington,” Bell said. “I believe we share the same goal, which is a 2027 Riverfest celebration that represents the very best of Wilmington and the Cape Fear region.”
A spokesperson from the City sent WECT the following statement:
As vacationers flock to the coast this Labor Day weekend, the fear of sharks could keep some beachgoers out of the water.Drone video shared with WECT in August shows dozens of sharks in the waters off North Carolina. But experts said the Wilmington-area footage showcases a healthy ecosystem and don’t believe it signals danger to the public.Joel Fodrie, professor and director of the Duke University Marine Lab, said it may be only the second time he’s seen that many sharks in a video during his roughly 17 years of wor...
As vacationers flock to the coast this Labor Day weekend, the fear of sharks could keep some beachgoers out of the water.
Drone video shared with WECT in August shows dozens of sharks in the waters off North Carolina. But experts said the Wilmington-area footage showcases a healthy ecosystem and don’t believe it signals danger to the public.
Joel Fodrie, professor and director of the Duke University Marine Lab, said it may be only the second time he’s seen that many sharks in a video during his roughly 17 years of working with the animals in the state. The sharks could be blacktips, a species that sometimes moves around in groups.
“When it happens here — which is probably, you know, every few years it happens — we don’t always get a video of it,” Fodrie told The News & Observer in a Monday, Aug. 31 phone interview.
Though sharks rarely bite people, attacks can have serious consequences. So as we enter another weekend of beach-friendly weather, we turned to experts to learn about the presence of sharks and how to avoid bites in North Carolina.
Sharks can be found in the Atlantic Ocean, given North Carolina’s waters are on a migration path for species traveling along the East Coast. And many sharks on the move also live in the state’s brackish waters, the N.C. Sea Grant wrote on its website.
Hap Fatzinger, director of the N.C. Aquariums Division, told WECT that migrations could explain why the video Adam Pflum shared with the TV station showed a group of sharks gathered off Masonboro Island. The N&O has reached out for the footage and is awaiting a response.
Though sharks are found off our state’s waters, attacks are rare. That means driving to the coast or getting caught in a rip current may present greater risks, according to experts.
“I think if people focused on the odds and not the stakes, they certainly wouldn’t rank sharks in their top 20 worries of going to the beach,” Fodrie told The N&O.
Sharks found in North Carolina waters include the great white, bull, sand tiger, scalloped hammerhead, blacktip and Atlantic sharpnose.
This year, scientists have caught 100 sharks off the North Carolina coast. More than three-fourths of those sharks were Atlantic sharpnose, a relatively small species that can grow to nearly 3 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and data shared with The News & Observer on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The figures come from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Institute of Marine Sciences, which works with the Duke lab to document sharks during warmer months. The creatures often are caught close to shore on hooks south and west of Cape Lookout.
“So far, 2026 data appear pretty consistent with what we’ve been seeing in the survey over the last 2+ decades: smaller, 3-4 ft sharks make up majority of our catch,” Holly Doerr, research specialist at the UNC institute, told The N&O in a Wednesday, Sept. 2 email.
“Catch totals peak in the summer months when the water is warm, and more sharks/species are closer to shore (though we do experience non-summer seasonality of some species).”
The N&O hasn’t reported on any shark attacks in North Carolina this year. The International Shark Attack File confirmed one unprovoked attack in the state for all of 2025, according to data shared with The N&O.
And of the 31 bites reported in the state between 2012 and 2021, none were deadly, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
“They’re pretty rare,” Larry Cahoon, then a marine biology professor at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, previously told The Observer. “We had a spate of them in 2015 when there were about eight of them in the span of three weeks, but that was very unusual.”
Though it’s uncommon for sharks to attack people, Fodrie said shark “encounters probably aren’t that rare.” The animals likely are near swimmers, but they tend to be wary.
“At some point, you’ve probably come within a football field or two of a shark, because this is where sharks live — in the coastal zone, along beaches, near inlets,” Fodrie told The N&O.
The underwater vision of sharks is similar to ours, but they can hear people swimming and wading. That means bites can be cases of “mistaken identity,” The Observer previously reported.
“Often they’ll take a bite and realize, ‘Oh, that’s not what I thought it was,’ then take off,” Cahoon previously told The Observer.
So, how can you reduce the chance of being bitten by a shark? Here are some safety tips experts have shared:
“I think the only silver bullet is to not go in the water,” Fodrie said. “And as a people, we just accept the fact that going in the water is too fulfilling to our souls to totally abandon those activities.”
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
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