Home Care In Burgaw, NC

BURGAW, N.C. (WECT) - One project for the local initiative ‘Own Your Own’ will have its grand opening next month.

Breakfast diner Patty’s Place, owned and operated by Chef Khristen Hunter, has announced its grand opening for Monday, Jan. 5, at 106 West Courthouse Street.

Chef Hunter was a finalist in the Own Your Own (OYO) Competition in 2023, and the diner is the fourth restaurant project from the initiative’s founder, Richard Johnson.

The two partnered to build the diner, which is located in a 2,800-square-foot renovated building with new modern dining amenities and historic charm.

Chef Hunter said she built the diner with the hope that every guest who walks through the door will feel the warmth, care and connection she experienced growing up.

She said her passion for cooking began in the kitchen alongside her mother, Patty, where she learned family recipes and discovered the joy of creating meals that bring people together.

“Patty’s Place will offer a wide range of classic diner breakfasts, including hearty omelets, fluffy pancakes, biscuits, breakfast platters, and homestyle sides,” a spokesperson with the project wrote in a press release. “The restaurant provides ample seating for diners to enjoy a relaxed sit-down meal with family and friends, while grab-and-go options will also be available soon for those on the move.”

Hours of operation are the following:

OYO was founded in 2022 as a culmination of Johnson’s work helping entrepreneurs and giving back to the community.

“OYO is designed to give hopeful entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with investors, open small businesses and help revitalize historic downtowns,” the press release stated.

OYO launched a nationwide restaurant challenge at the end of 2022 with a $1 million budget to design and build a restaurant in Burgaw as the prize.

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — As the year comes to a close, there are multiple events are taking place across the Cape Fear region to ring in 2026.

From Burgaw’s Blueberry Drop to Island of Lights Beach Ball drop, below are a few suggestions from Burgaw to Oak Island.

Burgaw Blueberry Drop

Burgaw is counting down to 2026 with the 8th annual New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. There will be music from Carl Newton’s Review, food trucks, and a fireworks display.

The event takes place on Fremont Street adjacent to the Pender County Courthouse and blankets and chairs are welcome; no outside coolers or pets are allowed.

Roads near the launch zone will be closed for public safety, but fireworks can be viewed from the Blueberry Drop site, the railroad right-of-way, downtown, and other open areas around town. Parking is available downtown in open and legally marked areas.

Expect below street closures:

Island of Lights Beach Ball Drop

Kure Beach will close out 2025 at Kure Beach Pier, beginning at 9 p.m. A giant beach ball will drop at midnight followed by fireworks. The event is free and family-friendly, with a DJ spinning tunes for dancing, and refreshments and party favors available for purchase.

Oak Island Noon Year’s Eve

Ocean Isle Beach also hosts a celebration for families, starting at 11 a.m. The day has arts and crafts, a dance party, and a countdown to the “Noon Year.” It’s free and takes place at Town Center Park, 11 E Second Street, in Ocean Isle Beach.

Thalian Hall New Year’s Eve Bash

Annually, the historic Thalian Hall closes out the year with a creative black tie affair, featuring a big music and dance number, karaoke, drinks, food and plenty of camaraderie.

This year includes Opera House Theater Company’s production of “Rock of Ages,” written by Chris D’Arienzo. The American jukebox musical — also a 2012 film — features songs from glam metal acts of the 1980s, including Styx, Journey, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Poison, Twister Sister and more. It follows the story of a young midwest woman traveling to L.A. to chase her performance dreams. Meanwhile, two German developers convince the Los Angeles mayor to “clean up” the Sunset strip, including demolishing the famous Bourbon Room.

The show is performed at 7 p.m.; however, doors open at 6 p.m. to Thalian Hall and include a buffet from A Thyme Savor, featuring shrimp and grits, sesame tuna, chimichurri Brazilian skirt steak and more.

After the show, the bar opens and karaoke takes place in the Stein Theater, with the 1980s theme included across Thalian Hall. There also will be live jazz with Benny Hill in the main lobby, a silent disco with headphones, and a ball drop and champagne toast in the ballroom, with DJ Bigg B spinning tunes.

Tickets span prices, from the party only ($100) to all-inclusive dinner, show and party ($294).

Wilmington Children’s Museum New Year’s Noon

The most popular happening for kids takes place at Wilmington Children’s Museum from 9 a.m. to noon. New Year’s Noon has been hosted for 18 years in the region and takes place Wednesday at its

There will be opportunities for kids to participate in crown-decorating, creating streamer wands, and reflecting on 2025. Then there will be a noon confetti toss and burying of a 10-year time capsule, with a toast to 2026 with a glass of juice. Admission is $5 for members and $15 otherwise.

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