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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.

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Home Care In Wilmington, NC

Home Care Wilmington, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Alice Sharper is a wonderful helper. She always looks out for my health and she does chores around the house without being asked. She has driven me to multiple appointments. She is always is an up mood. Camille Bialik”

Dan B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”

Angel W.
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“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”

Mike M.
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“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”

Crystal J.
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“Very promising????”

Gygett U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”

Lisa B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”

katherine V.
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“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”

Christina D.
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“Wonderful company! Best services.”

Afton H.
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“Wonderful company!”

Artisha B.
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“Great company !!”

Krystal P.
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“Absolutely love this company”

Devra
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“Great company even better staff”

Loren
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“This is an amazing company and the staff do an amazing job.”

Asia A.
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“Great company”

Ty W.
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“Always Best Care is the most respectful nicest company I’ve work with I love working with them.”

Nikita R.
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“I love Always Best Care, it’s a great company….”

Brandi P.
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“Great company”

Keith A.
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“Always great”

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“Great people ‼️‼️‼️‼️❤️❤️❤️”

kay W.
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“Wonderful services!”

Jimmy S.
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“This is a lovely company and wonderful services.”

Sandra
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“I love being in the atmosphere of ABC ! They’re so energetic and just all around a great place to be with !”

Sha’Niyah R.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care Senior Services is an outstanding in-home care agency that truly raises the bar when it comes to senior care. Their team of caregivers are not only skilled and dependable but also genuinely compassionate and committed to the well-being of every individual they serve. If you are looking for a dedicated and trustworthy agency to support aging loved ones, Always Best Care is one I would confidently recommend.”

Alexis F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great experience, and the best company the staff treat you like human being.”

jhbryant621

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Wilmington, NC?

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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.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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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.

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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.

 Senior Care Wilmington, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Wilmington, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Wilmington, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Wilmington, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Wilmington, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Wilmington, NC

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:

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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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

 Elderly Care Wilmington, NC

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Wilmington, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.


Respite Care Wilmington, NC

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Wilmington, NC

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:

  • The Commons At Brightmore of Wilmington
  • Brookdale Wilmington
  • SeniorLife Assisted Living & Senior Care Wilmington NC
  • New Hanover House
  • Morningside of Wilmington
  • Coastal Cove of Wilmington
Home Care Wilmington, NC

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.

 In-Home Care Wilmington, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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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.

 Elderly Care Wilmington, NC

Latest News in Wilmington, NC

North Carolina Weather: Wilmington Warms Up With 70s Returning by the Weekend

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dawn breaks crisp across the Cape Fear coast this morning, a thin haze rising off the Intracoastal Waterway as cool air meets calm seas. The chill won’t last long — warmer, brighter air builds quickly Friday, setting up a postcard-perfect stretch of November weather for eastern North Carolina.According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Friday will bring full sun and highs near 64 degrees with light northwest winds shifting onshore through the day. Lows dip into the low...

WILMINGTON, N.C. – Dawn breaks crisp across the Cape Fear coast this morning, a thin haze rising off the Intracoastal Waterway as cool air meets calm seas. The chill won’t last long — warmer, brighter air builds quickly Friday, setting up a postcard-perfect stretch of November weather for eastern North Carolina.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, Friday will bring full sun and highs near 64 degrees with light northwest winds shifting onshore through the day. Lows dip into the low 40s under clear skies before temperatures climb again Saturday into the lower 70s. Winds will stay gentle, but gusts up to 20 mph are possible at the beaches and along U.S. 17.

The region remains under elevated fire weather conditions, with relative humidity dropping below 35% in some inland areas Friday afternoon. Residents are urged to use caution with outdoor burning and yard work involving sparks or heat. The air will stay dry through early next week — a great setup for holiday decorating or late-season yard cleanup.

By Sunday, Wilmington warms to around 76 degrees, with comfortable humidity and light breezes. No rain is in sight through midweek, marking one of the driest November weekends so far. For travelers and early Thanksgiving planners, conditions look ideal: clear skies, mild temperatures, and smooth driving across coastal Carolina.

After a brief flirtation with cool mornings, the coastal warmth of late fall reclaims the weekend — and holds on tight.

Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:Fri: 64/46 – Sunny; light north breeze, pleasant afternoon.Sat: 71/56 – Mostly sunny; warming trend begins.Sun: 76/49 – Sunny; mild and breezy at the coast.Mon: 68/44 – Clear skies; comfortable humidity.Tue: 70/50 – Mostly sunny; dry, great travel weather.

Wilmington, NC Weather: Sub-Freezing Temps Could Damage Crops and Gardens by Tuesday Morning

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The warmth along the Carolina coast is on borrowed time. A brisk front sweeping through today will usher in the coldest air of the season, dropping temperatures into the lower 30s by Monday night — cold enough to trigger the year’s first widespread Freeze Watch for the region.According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday morning for much of southeast North Carolina and northeast ...

WILMINGTON, N.C. – The warmth along the Carolina coast is on borrowed time. A brisk front sweeping through today will usher in the coldest air of the season, dropping temperatures into the lower 30s by Monday night — cold enough to trigger the year’s first widespread Freeze Watch for the region.

According to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, the watch is in effect from Monday evening through Tuesday morning for much of southeast North Carolina and northeast South Carolina, including Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Florence, Leland, and Whiteville. Temperatures could fall to between 26°F and 31°F, cold enough to kill tender vegetation and damage unprotected outdoor plumbing.

The front moves through this afternoon with a few spotty showers before skies clear and winds turn northwest. That shift will pull in dry, crisp air Monday, with highs near 57°F and a steady west wind gusting to 20 mph. By nightfall, calm winds and clear skies will allow rapid cooling — the setup for a frost and freeze combination that could catch early risers by surprise Tuesday morning.

Residents are urged to cover plants, bring pets indoors, and drip exposed pipes where possible. The chill won’t last long; Veterans Day brings bright skies and highs near 49°F, followed by a steady warm-up into the 60s midweek.

Still, this cold surge marks the true start of fall’s winter transition — a sharp reminder that the Carolinas aren’t immune from November’s bite, even along the coast.

Five-Day Forecast for Wilmington, NC:Sun: 78/49 – Mostly sunny; breezy, brief showers late.Mon: 57/31 – Clearing skies; cooler and windy.Tue (Veterans Day): 49/36 – Sunny; cold start, light wind.Wed: 63/44 – Bright and mild; crisp morning.Thu: 67/41 – Sunny; pleasant and dry.

Work continues on the Wilmington Riverwalk. Here's what to expect.

The Wilmington Riverwalk, named one of the top riverwalks in the nation by USA TODAY, is getting a facelift.Work continues on a $250,000 multiyear project to make improvements to the Wilmington Riverwalk. This past spring contractors began replacing the decking on the riverwalk.Here is what to know about the Wilmington Riverwalk and the project.What is the Wilmington Riverwalk?The Wilmington Riverwalk is a 1.75-mile stretch along the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. It runs from the foot of Nun S...

The Wilmington Riverwalk, named one of the top riverwalks in the nation by USA TODAY, is getting a facelift.

Work continues on a $250,000 multiyear project to make improvements to the Wilmington Riverwalk. This past spring contractors began replacing the decking on the riverwalk.

Here is what to know about the Wilmington Riverwalk and the project.

What is the Wilmington Riverwalk?

The Wilmington Riverwalk is a 1.75-mile stretch along the Cape Fear River in historic downtown Wilmington. It runs from the foot of Nun Street to the Isabel Holmes Bridge.

What does the project entail?

As part of the first phase of the Wilmington Riverwalk annual maintenance needs contract, approved by the Wilmington City Council on Jan. 21, 2025, construction to replace all the decking on the strip began this past spring.

Work from Nun Street to beyond Ann Street shifted to Convention Center Drive before pausing in June to accommodate the busy summer season, with about 1,000 linear feet of decking having been replaced, said the city.

Wilmington Riverwalk is again recognized among the nation's best. Here's where it stands.

The work resumed in October along Convention Center Drive. The city said once that work is completed in early 2026, contractors will return to the Ann Street area and continue replacing decking.

Efforts are being made to address a concrete section of the Wilmington Riverwalk extending north from the Wilmington Convention Center along the marina that has long experienced drainage issues during rain events. An attempt to lift the structure by injecting grout beneath the concrete was ineffective, but the city said engineers have come up with another solution: installing helical piles to elevate and stabilize the section closest to the convention center. Work on this area is expected to be finished by early 2026.

Why is the Riverwalk important?

The Wilmington Riverwalk is regarded by some as the city’s top tourist attraction. Not only does it provide access to public parks, shopping, dining, museums and riverfront views of the Battleship North Carolina, but it provides public docking for boaters and is home to public art installations. In addition, the Riverwalk’s Orange Street Landing was designated as part of the National Park Service’s National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program.

This year the Wilmington Riverwalk was ranked as the third best riverwalk in the country by USA TODAY.

Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].

Get pies, cakes and more for Thanksgiving at these Wilmington-area bakeries

Forget turkey and mashed potatoes. Is any Thanksgiving meal complete without a great dessert, or five?If you’re not a baker, no worries. Many of the businesses accepting orders for meals, sides and more for the holiday also have a selection of desserts on their menus. But Wilmington also has local bakeries offering a delicious selection of pies and cakes perfect for the holiday table.You can find your classic flavors like pecan and pumpkin, as well as creative selections. It shouldn't be difficult to find just the right t...

Forget turkey and mashed potatoes. Is any Thanksgiving meal complete without a great dessert, or five?

If you’re not a baker, no worries. Many of the businesses accepting orders for meals, sides and more for the holiday also have a selection of desserts on their menus. But Wilmington also has local bakeries offering a delicious selection of pies and cakes perfect for the holiday table.

You can find your classic flavors like pecan and pumpkin, as well as creative selections. It shouldn't be difficult to find just the right thing. Here’s a look at some of the bakeries and businesses offering holiday desserts. Let us know if there’s a place we should add to the list by emailing [email protected].

What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving in the Wilmington area?

Apple Annie's Bake Shop, Wilmington

This Wilmington bakery has a large menu of breads, desserts and other baked goods, including seasonal items for Thanksgiving, like pumpkin spice rolls, cupcakes decorated with sweet turkeys and mincemeat pies. They're at 837 S. Kerr Ave. Details: https://appleanniesbakeshop.com.

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Beach Bakes, Wilmington

This baker is offering some specialty items like Key Lime Pie with Torched Meringue, Carmel Apple Crumble Pie and the traditional pumpkin pie. You can also add travel charcuterie boards. Details: 307-441-1958, [email protected].

Cravings, Wilmington

This bakery in downtown Wilmington offers gluten-free and vegan treats. The Thanksgiving Menu includes options like an Apple Chai Cake, a pumpkin roll and cinnamon buns. Orders need to be placed by Nov. 22 for pick up 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 26 at 240 Princess St. Details: https://cravingsthehealthyfix.com/Thanksgiving-Menu-c191295299.

Gluten Free By the Sea, Wilmington

From gluten-free stuffing to a flourless chocolate torte, this specialty bakery has a wide variety of breads and desserts on their Thanksgiving menu this year. The last day to order is Nov. 18 for pick up on Nov. 25-26. Details: 910-352-1619, www.gfreebysea.com.

Don't want to cook for Thanksgiving? Order a meal to go at these Wilmington-area restaurants

The Jelly Cabinet, Wilmington

This bakery in Wilmington’s Brooklyn Arts District is offering a menu of pies and baked goods for the holiday. This year’s selection includes soft yeast rolls, cornbread madeleines, spiced cranberry jam, a selection of four pies and Carrot Cake Cookie Sandos. Pick up is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 25 at 1011 N. Fourth St. To order, go to https://the-jelly-cabinet-bakery-llc.square.site/.

Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse, Wilmington

This bakery at 3410 Wrightsville Ave. in Wilmington is offering a holiday menu with pies, breads and some extras as well. Look for honey biscuits, gluten-free apple crumble, cranberry blue corn chess pie, a stuffing kit, and a vegan miso sweet potato pie. Orders are accepted until Nov. 15 for pick-up 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 26. Details: 910-399-606 or www.littleloafbakeryilm.com.

Middle Sound Sweets, Wilmington

This local baker has a menu of cakes, cupcakes and New York-style cheesecake, including a cinnamon apple crisp version, for the holiday and is accepting orders until Nov. 15, or until all of the spots are filled. Details: 910-512-3176, www.facebook.com/middlesoundsweets.

Nonnie's Baking Co., Southport

This Brunswick County bakery is accepting Thanksgiving orders of desserts like pumpkin pie, jumbo cinnamon rolls, bourbon pecan pie and pumpkin spice cake until Nov. 19 for a scheduled pick-up on Nov. 26 at 1517 N. Howe St. Details: 910-363-4224 [email protected].

Pie Slayer, Wilmington

This late-night bakery in downtown Wilmington is accepting pre-orders for Thanksgiving through Nov. 21, or until they reach capacity. Pick-up is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 26. Their menu includes nine pies, including gluten free options. They are also hosting a Pie Drive with the intention of donating as many pies as possible to local food banks here. For those who'd like to help, there's a “Give a Pie” section on their website. Details: 910-380-6842, 129 Princess St, Wilmington. www.eatpieslayer.com.

Snack Time Sweets, Wilmington

It's the first Thanksgiving cake menu for this Wilmington business. The menu includes classic and specialty cakes, like the Pumpkin Tiramisu, available in 6- or 8-inch sizes. Orders can be placed until Nov. 23, or until slots are filled. Pick up is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 24 and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 25 at 348 Hutchison Lane, above the Alcove Beer Garden in the Cargo District. Details: 910-367-5909, [email protected].

The Southerly, Carolina Beach

In Carolina Beach, this spot is known for its biscuits and pies, including seasonal and holiday selections. Online ordering begins Nov. 13, but can also be placed in person or by phone. Pick up is Nov. 26 at 1206 N. Lake Park Blvd. Details: 910-707-0776, www.thesoutherlync.com.

Sweet D's Cuisine, Wilmington

This Wilmington shop offers a variety of meals and sweets, including filled croissants and a variety of cakes. This fall, there's a return of the popular mini pies in flavors like sweet potato, coconut, and pecan. You can also order full-sized pies at 2321 S. 17th St. Details: 910-523-5024, https://sweetdscuisine.com.

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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].

New data shows Wilmington is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. See the list

North Carolina is proving to be one of the most popular states to move to in the country, with the city of Wilmington being no exception.At the end of the 2024, the state government reported that North Carolina saw the fourth largest population growth in the United States. More recently, an article from a moving blog called Hire a Helper looked at data from the last year and confirmed that this trend is continuing.Here's a look at where people are moving to in North Carolina and the reasons why they're doing so.This seclude...

North Carolina is proving to be one of the most popular states to move to in the country, with the city of Wilmington being no exception.

At the end of the 2024, the state government reported that North Carolina saw the fourth largest population growth in the United States. More recently, an article from a moving blog called Hire a Helper looked at data from the last year and confirmed that this trend is continuing.

Here's a look at where people are moving to in North Carolina and the reasons why they're doing so.

This secluded spot on a Brunswick County beach was listed as one of NC's best activities

How many people are moving to Wilmington?

Hire a Helper's analysis comes from a database from PGM Solutions that includes over 18 million moves between June 2024 and May 2025. The analysis found that North Carolina was the fifth most popular state to move to.

In that time period, Wilmington saw 25,703 total moves, making it the eighth most popular destination within the state.

Wilmington's net population gain was 2,409 people. This was the fifth largest increase statewide, meaning Wilmington saw fewer people leaving than some other areas.

Wilmington ranked among the best East Coast beach towns for year-round living. See the list

Where are people moving to Wilmington from?

According to Hire a Helper's data, the top metros feeding Wilmington's population growth are as follows:

Most people moving to Wilmington came from other cities inside the state.

Why are people moving to North Carolina?

According to a survey from Hire a Helper, job opportunity and housing were the two largest factors driving migration to the state.

The survey found that "wanted new or better housing" was the reason behind 18.6% of moves, while "wanted cheaper housing" was the reason behind 13% of moves.

"New job or job transfer" was the given reason behind another 14.2% of moves.

All of these given reasons were well above the national average.

Where are people leaving Wilmington to go?

Hire a Helper found that there were 1,844 moves out of Wilmington to other North Carolina metros between June 2024 and May 2025.

The article didn't provide specific numbers for which cities people moved to, but Raleigh-Cary and the Myrtle Beach Metro were the leading destinations.

What are the other fastest growing cities in N.C.?

Here are the most popular cities to move to in North Carolina by net population gain between June 2024 and May 2025.

Charlie Kingree is the trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].

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