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 the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum 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.
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“Wow, the virtual reality dementia training is very eye opening. Gives you an idea of what someone living with dementia is like. This is such a horrible disease but this helps care givers understand the disease. Thanks so much!!”
“Enjoyed taking this virtual trip through the mind of a dementia.”
“This was a very good experience. It changed my mind on a lot of things . I didn’t know it was that bad for them and it’s very sad , I will always treat them all with care and love no matter what because there dealing with something that’s really hard to deal with .”
“I had a great experience”
“Great experience! I think everyone who cares for someone with dementia should have this experience.”
“This experience was great. It gave me a different perspective on dealing with dementia. I now know what to do differently when working with my residents. I think A all caregivers should experience this training.”
“It was a great experience and it is a eye opener I loved it”
“Very knowledgeable and informative! Definitely recommend”
“Great training”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care provided excellent, diligent, responsive and caring home health assistance to my mother who was recovering from an unexpected surgery. They were able to assist on incredibly short notice and made a difficult situation for our family much better. Each of their carers was exceptionally professional and attentive, especially Lori and Kylie who were incredible. I felt safe leaving my loved one in their care and appreciated that they went above and beyond to meet our needs. They provided regular updates to me and my family and made my mother feel so well attended, especially as she needed extra mobility and personal care help. I would absolutely not work with any other company, should we ever need home health assistance again. Highly recommend.”
“They helped me with getting a wheelchair! They didn't want anything but to help me gain my mobility! They are all super nice and very helpful! Give them your trust, they have mine. If I ever need home help, it'll be through them!”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
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 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.
Request More Information
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.
A video posted to YouTube last month takes an in-depth look at the career of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, including his relatively short but consequential time operating a studio in Wilmington.There's not really any new information in the 30-minute video, which is titled "The Death of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group." It was posted by a content creator who calls himself Channel Serfer and says he makes "video essays exploring obscure & defunct media."The video does, however, provide...
A video posted to YouTube last month takes an in-depth look at the career of film producer Dino De Laurentiis, including his relatively short but consequential time operating a studio in Wilmington.
There's not really any new information in the 30-minute video, which is titled "The Death of De Laurentiis Entertainment Group." It was posted by a content creator who calls himself Channel Serfer and says he makes "video essays exploring obscure & defunct media."
The video does, however, provide an engrossing look at the circumstances in the 1980s that helped create a film and television industry that exists in Wilmington and North Carolina to this day.
Over footage of the old De Laurentiis Entertainment Group (DEG) studios on 23rd Street in Wilmington — they would later become Screen Gems/EUE Studios and are currently Cinespace Studios — the video notes that while "it was one of the most promising indie studios of its time, the rise and fall of DEG would be sharp and swift."
The video then goes back to De Laurentiis' early life in Italy. Born in 1919, the son of a pasta maker, he rose to acclaim in the 1940s by producing acclaimed films for such well-known directors as Federico Fellini and Roberto Rossellini.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
De Laurentiis would go on to build a major film studio in Rome in the 1960s before selling it in the 1970s to move to the United States.
Unlikely story:40 years ago, Dino De Laurentiis started Wilmington's film industry
After partnering with big American studios to produce such hits as "Serpico," "Death Wish" and, biggest of all, 1976 blockbuster "King Kong" (sprinkled in with flops including "Flash Gordon" and critically acclaimed money-loser "Ragtime"), De Laurentiis found his way to the project that would lead him to Wilmington.
After 1983 movie "The Dead Zone" proved a modest hit, De Laurentiis looked to produce another film based on a Stephen King novel: "Firestarter," now known as the movie that sparked Wilmington's film industry.
The video correctly notes that it was a picture of Brunswick County's Orton Plantation in a magazine that put Wilmington in the minds of De Laurentiis and producer Frank Capra Jr. as a location for "Firestarter." It also curiously claims that it was Wilmington's "landscape, which includes beaches and mountains" that led De Laurentiis to announce the building of a film studio here in 1984, the year "Firestarter" was released. (The video's creator corrects that notion in the comments section, saying "film producers around this time were attracted to North Carolina as a whole due to its varied landscape overall.")
More importantly, the video notes, North Carolina had "right-to-work laws that limited the power of labor unions," leading De Laurentiis to tell media outlets that a film that cost $10 million to make in Los Angeles would cost only $7 million in North Carolina.
De Laurentiis rode into Wilmington on a high but soon ran into trouble thanks to such critical and commercial flops as "Dune" (not filmed in Wilmington), which put financial pressure on the studio. Wilmington-made flops like "Cat's Eye," "Silver Bullet" (both Stephen King projects) and "Year of the Dragon" dug the hole deeper.
Then, as big business conglomerates began buying up film studios, De Laurentiis acquired Embassy Pictures for $35 million in 1985, hoping to acquire a distribution arm for his studios. He then changed his studio's name, previously the De Laurentiis Corporation, to DEG.
The video mentions De Laurentiis' daughter Raffaella as being head of production for DEG, but doesn't mention his wife, Martha, who produced movies alongside her husband.
As the video notes, taking DEG public in 1986 was a huge financial risk, and stumbling out of the gates with flops "Tai Pan" and the Wilmington-filmed sequel "King Kong Lives" didn't help. Even Wilmington-filmed movies like "Blue Velvet" and "Crimes of the Heart" were more critical successes than commercial hits.
De Laurentiis announced plans to build a studio on Australia's Gold Coast in 1986 and to expand his Wilmington studio in 1987, but if '86 was "a brutal year," as the video says, '87 was worse.
DEG lost $70 million for the year as its stock price tumbled from $19 to $2.50 a share. DEG filed for bankruptcy in 1988, and was purchased by Carolco Studio in 1989.
Years later, the always optimistic De Laurentiis blamed DEG's flameout on a combination of bad business advice and his own inexperience dealing with the world of corporate America.
Redemption came later, as the De Laurentiis-produced "Hannibal" sequel to "The Silence of the Lambs" became the biggest hit of his career in 2001. He was honored that same year with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Oscars before dying in 2010 at the age of 91.
De Laurentiis' time in Wilmington was not all for naught. As the video correctly notes, both Southeastern North Carolina, as well as the Gold Coast of Australia, where De Laurentiis opened another studio in the 1980s, have since become major film production centers.
The booming growth on the North Carolina coast is fueling multimillion-dollar investments for large commercial and residential projects.STORY HIGHLIGHTSA prominent developer on the North Carolina coast has purchased hundreds of acres in ...
The booming growth on the North Carolina coast is fueling multimillion-dollar investments for large commercial and residential projects.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
A prominent developer on the North Carolina coast has purchased hundreds of acres in one of the state's fastest-growing counties.
Cornerstone Venture Partners, a corporation tied to Belville-based real estate developer Logan Developers Inc., bought more than 670 acres off Highway 210 in southern Pender County for $16 million late last month, according to Pender County deed records. The current zoning and future land use plan calls for low-density residential housing.
It's unclear what Logan Developers plans to do with the land. Representatives of the company did not respond to requests seeking comment.
Logan Developers is quite prolific in the neighborhoods it's building along the North Carolina coast. For example, within Pender County Logan Developers has a community called Brookfield Branch that will consist of roughly 140 homes at full buildout. Per a website for the community, homes currently available are priced from the mid-$400,000s to the upper-$400,000s.
The company also developed an apartment community in the Wilmington area that recently sold for more than $47 million.
Growth in Pender County, which is just north of New Hanover County, has been explosive, as retirees flock to the coast and growth from Wilmington spills over to surrounding areas.
According to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2023 Pender County's population was 68,521 — up nearly 14 percent from 2020. In 2010, the population was just above 52,200.
Between 2022 and 2023, Pender County's population grew by just shy of 4.3 percent. The only county that outpaced it was Pender's coastal neighbor, Brunswick County.
The population growth is fueling residential and commercial development all around the wider Wilmington area.
Ben Tobin covers real estate and economic development in the Greater Triangle, focusing on the counties outside Wake and Durham. Have a tip? Reach him at [email protected] or (919) 327-1012.
...
The chances of snow falling in the Wilmington area are rare and when it comes to hoping for one specific day out of the year -- Christmas Day -- they're even slimmer.
But Wilmington saw a few snow flurries during the morning of Dec. 3. Although the flurries didn’t last long or result in any measurable amount of snow, some Wilmington residents may be holding out hope for more.
Wilmington’s National Weather Service station gives a Winter Outlook for Southeastern North Carolina that can give insight into what Wilmington residents or visitors can expect this year during the holiday season.
More:Will the Wilmington area see snow? Here's the Farmer's Almanac's winter predictions.
Probably not. According to the Winter Outlook for Wilmington, La Nin?a is expected to be a factor in this winter’s weather and climate. This is a natural, periodic cooling of ocean water across the tropical east Pacific Ocean that brings global impacts to temperatures, rainfall, wind and pressure patterns.
Essentially, in the summer and fall it enhances tropical cyclone activity, which has impacted the Wilmington area this year. It also brings impacts during the winter, when it increases the potential for below normal rainfall across the southern United States.
Since 1959, there have been 22 winters when La Nin?a conditions were present, as is expected for this winter, according to the National Weather Service.
“Unfortunately for snow-lovers, the majority of those winters experienced below-average snowfall across the Carolinas,” according to the National Weather Service.
The forecast for Christmas Day in Wilmington, according to AccuWeather, shows a high of 64 degrees and a low of 37 degrees. This paired with a 25% probability of precipitation, might be disappointing for those hoping for some flurries.
Snow in Wilmington:A look back at when we saw measurable snowfall since 1870
The last time Wilmington had a white Christmas was in 1989 when 15 inches of snow fell 36 hours before Dec. 25.
The last time it snowed in December was on Dec. 12, 2017, when Wilmington had 1.1 inces of snow, according to the National Weather Service. It also snowed on Dec. 3, 2000, with just two-tenths of an inch. Wilmington also saw one-tenth of an inch of snow on Dec. 26, 2010.
According to the National Weather Service, epic snowstorms where a foot or more has fallen have occurred only three times in Wilmington’s history. These storms happened on Feb. 17-18, 1896; Feb. 9-11, 1973, and Dec. 22-24, 1989.
A local boba tea chain has added an equally popular food to its menu. Tap Tea Bar offers signature tea drinks, build-your-own options and seasonal specials, like those topped with peppermint cold foam.Now, the owner has added an extensive selection of ramen at locations in downtown Wilmington, on Racine Drive and at The Pointe at Barclay. (They also hope to bring it to the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington soon.)Owner Dynh Le said ramen was an important part of his life growing up in a Vietnamese American ho...
A local boba tea chain has added an equally popular food to its menu. Tap Tea Bar offers signature tea drinks, build-your-own options and seasonal specials, like those topped with peppermint cold foam.
Now, the owner has added an extensive selection of ramen at locations in downtown Wilmington, on Racine Drive and at The Pointe at Barclay. (They also hope to bring it to the campus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington soon.)
Owner Dynh Le said ramen was an important part of his life growing up in a Vietnamese American household. As ramen sales have exploded -- increasing 72% in the United States in the past couple of decades -- it made sense to serve it with the boba.
And as a downtown business owner, Le also saw the opportunity to add to the after-hours dining scene.
“There’s not a lot of late night eats,” Le said.
Restaurants like Slice of Life, I Love NY Pizza and Dough House Pizza Co. have hours to 3 a.m. on weekend nights. And there’s a popular hot dog stand usually positioned near Front and Market streets, and often a taco truck. But Le thinks the instant noodles will make a welcome addition for some diners.
Earlier this month, he started Late Night Ramen at 251 N. Front St. from 10:30 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Here’s what to know.
Tap Tea carries 28 different varieties of instant ramen.
“You have the broth kind, the spicy kind,” Le said. “We’ve got gluten-free ramen. We have vegan ramen.”
There are also Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese ramen brands. Many of the options have gone viral on social media, are hard-to-find or sought after.
“This isn’t 10 cent ramen,” he said. “This is gourmet instant ramen.”
He carries the brand he remembers from his childhood, Mama. Buldak Ramen became popular after a social media challenge where people film themselves eating the noodles. And Shin is a longtime Korean favorite that’s known for spicy broth.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
The ramen is about $7.50 a bowl and comes with a variety of free toppings, like seaweed, dried seafood and onions, chili oil, Kewpie mayo, sriracha and soy sauce. You can also add premium toppings like hard boiled eggs, Spam and cheese.
“Like, the Buldak one with cheese, you can make them extra cheesy,” Le said.
You order and get a bowl from the counter first. And then you pick your ramen and toppings. Le said it’s an ideal way to warm up on cold nights, or while you wait for a ride.
For the Late Night Ramen, there’s an indoor dining area and ramen lovers can continue the party vibe with dimmed lights and music.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected]
Please support us by turning off your adblocker.
Get unlimited digital access, along with subscriber-exclusive content, and more.
To make the most of the holiday season, restaurants and bars around the country are turning to pop-ups for a festive boost. You can see this trend around the Wilmington area, too, with businesses decking their halls with holiday decor and tempting customers with special menus. Here’s a look at a few of them.Beer Barrio In downtown Wilmington, this popular Mex restaurant has added a pop-up on its upstairs mezzanine. Christmas Carol’s is a family-friendly concept with beverages for kids and adults, like hot chocolat...
To make the most of the holiday season, restaurants and bars around the country are turning to pop-ups for a festive boost. You can see this trend around the Wilmington area, too, with businesses decking their halls with holiday decor and tempting customers with special menus. Here’s a look at a few of them.
In downtown Wilmington, this popular Mex restaurant has added a pop-up on its upstairs mezzanine. Christmas Carol’s is a family-friendly concept with beverages for kids and adults, like hot chocolate that can be served as is or spiked. The look is fun and colorful with fun mugs and Santa table runners. Treat platters with cookies, candies, chocolates and candy canes can be ordered for the table. Seating is limited and reservations can be made through Dec. 24.
Drink to try: Fresh-pressed apple cider can be served hot or cold, spiked or not, and comes with a sugar rim and edible gold.
Details: 34 N. Front St., Wilmington, 910-769-5452, https://beerbarrionc.com.
It’s the third year this bar and restaurant at the north end of Pleasure Island has offered a holiday pop-up in its upstairs bar. The decorations are glitzy and abundant, but don’t interfere with the ocean views. There’s a seasonal pub grub menu, and a selection of seven Christmas cocktails, including the coconut margarita-inspired Avalanche and a coffee-chocolate-orange drink that comes with ice cream. It’s available until Jan. 5.
Drink to try: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, where cranberries and a rosemary spring are frozen into a glass, which is then filled with a Christmas sangria.
Details: 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. N., Carolina Beach, 910-636-3075, carolinabeachpier.com.
This bar is a sister business to Rooster & The Crow and is located in Chandler’s Wharf in downtown Wilmington. It’s lodge-type vibe and theme focused on creatures like Sasquatch are also played up for Cryptid Christmas Bar. The Christmas tree is covered with cryptid ornaments and the drink menu is full of inspiration from some creepier holiday beings – like Krampus, The Grinch and the Yule Cat, an Icelandic creature said to eat people. There’s also a real-deal, house-made hot chocolate on the menu for people of all ages.
Drink to try: Yule Cat Games is a s’mores inspired cocktail with spiced rum and Irish cream. It’s garnished with chocolate, a graham cracker and flaming marshmallows.
Details: 225 S. Water St., Wilmington, 910-399-4780, www.roosterandthecrow.com/cryptid-den.
This speakeasy above Crush and Grind coffee shop in Carolina Beach celebrated its first anniversary by launching a holiday bar, located behind a big red bow on the second floor. The look makes the most of the mid-century modern atmosphere and adds decorations for an inclusive holiday experience. The menu includes ten craft cocktails, like the margarita-ish Under the Mistletoe and the Gingerbread Lady espresso martini. It’s available until Jan. 5.
Drink to try: Milk & Cookies is inspired by sugar cookies and made with vodka, amaretto and vanilla ice cream syrup. It’s even garnished with frosting and sprinkles.
Details: 7 Harper Ave., Carolina Beach,www.instagram.com/shagbar.cb.
Of course, lots of other businesses in the Wilmington area are leaning into the holiday season with extravagant decor. The Eagle's Dare at 420 N. Third St. in Wilmington has a way with the holidays, including Christmas and New Year’s. The owners of the Wilmington location of Famous Toastery at 6722 Wrightsville Ave. near Wrightsville Beach decorate for the holiday themselves, with lots of lights and multiple trees. Perla Raw Bar, at 1039 Ashes Drive in Wilmington, has a dramatic display of trees hung from the ceiling. Lake Park Italian Steakhouse at 12 S. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach makes the most of its cozy atmosphere with greenery and ribbons. Ponysaurus Brewing Co. at 214 Market St. has a kitschy, glittery look with lots of lights and pink-and-white tinsel. And, also downtown, the expansive grounds of Concorde Espresso Bar at 215 S. Front St. have been converted to a winter wonderland.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
919-554-2223
