It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Bellamy Mansion Museum in Wilmington, NC gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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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.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park in Wilmington, NC with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Drivers be forewarned: Speed limits on some Wilmington roads have changed — and some new city roads have had speed limits assigned to them.The Wilmington City Council unanimously made some changes that motorists should be aware of during its Oct. 21 meeting. The speed limit for both White Oak Drive and Birch Court in the Oak Forest neighborhood has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph.In addition, the city officially accepted public streets at Pacific Place and Woodlands Grove of the Oak Forest neighborhood at 5300 Greenvil...
Drivers be forewarned: Speed limits on some Wilmington roads have changed — and some new city roads have had speed limits assigned to them.
The Wilmington City Council unanimously made some changes that motorists should be aware of during its Oct. 21 meeting. The speed limit for both White Oak Drive and Birch Court in the Oak Forest neighborhood has been reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph.
In addition, the city officially accepted public streets at Pacific Place and Woodlands Grove of the Oak Forest neighborhood at 5300 Greenville Loop Road and set 25 mph speed limits for them.
Here is what to know.
All Wilmington streets within the municipal corporate limits default to 35 mph unless otherwise stated, per state law. A 2021 resolution affords residents an official method to communicate a desired speed limit reduction within their neighborhood to the City Council through the the city’s neighborhood traffic program 25 mph speed limit reduction request policy.
Oak Forest neighborhood residents demonstrated a required consensus to reduce the speed limit by submitting a petition, said Denys Vielkanowitz, the city’s traffic engineer.
The council accepted right-of-way and easement improvements at Pacific Place and Woodlands Grove for ownership, operation and maintenance by the city.
In doing so, the city has taken on 1.26 miles of roadways, according to Rob Gordon, the city’s plan review engineer.
“All roads have been installed per city standards, inspected by city staff and all necessary repairs have been made,” he said.
The total value of the improvements, excluding sewer utilities, is $1,096,301 for Pacific Place and $2,517,162 for Woodlands Grove, according to the city.
As a companion item, Wilmington City Council set a 25 mph speed limit for the Pacific Place and Woodlands Grove neighborhoods along Auriana Way, Mirage Way, Congaree Court, Daufuskie Drive, McCarley Boulevard, Eider Lane and Plover Court.
“This action is consistent with recommended speed limits for newly accepted residential neighborhood streets,” said the city.
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].
(This story has been updated to include new information.)Thousands of low-income families across the Wilmington area who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are expected to lose access to their benefits.SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, will not be distributed on Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 45,000 recipients are enrolled in SNAP across the Wilmington area, according to 2025 data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The number makes up roug...
(This story has been updated to include new information.)
Thousands of low-income families across the Wilmington area who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are expected to lose access to their benefits.
SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, will not be distributed on Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 45,000 recipients are enrolled in SNAP across the Wilmington area, according to 2025 data from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. The number makes up roughly 9.4% of the combined population of New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
Over 1.3 million in North Carolina receive SNAP benefits, including nearly 600,000 children. The program’s monthly payments are roughly $175 per resident in the state. Nationally, 42 million Americans rely on the program. In New Hanover County alone, the program provides $3.8 million in monthly benefits.
N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit against the USDA on Oct. 28 for suspending the benefits, alongside several other state leaders. Jackson is scheduled to visit Mother Hubbard's Cupboard in Wilmington on Thursday, Oct. 30, to address the lawsuit and encourage people to donate to their local food banks.
Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina CEO Amy Beros urged federal leaders to end the shutdown and restore the funding in a news release. The food bank is working with “hundreds of partner pantries and thousands of volunteers” across the region, including the Wilmington area.
“Food is a basic human need, and no one should have to worry about how they’ll feed their family because of government delays or uncertainty,” Beros said. “Every day of delay means more empty plates and tougher choices for our neighbors.”
New Hanover County officials met with local churches, nonprofits and service providers on Oct. 28 to organize an emergency response plan. On Oct. 30, the county launched a resource website that includes a calendar of food giveaway events and an interactive map of food banks, pantries, no-cost markets and meal sites.
“This is a critical moment for so many in our county as they rely on these funds to address nutritional needs, allowing other financial resources to be used for monthly expenses like utilities or housing,” Chief Civic Engagement Officer Linda Thompson said in a news release. “We are so grateful to our community partners who are stepping up to try and fill the gap. Together, we can make sure everyone in New Hanover County has their needs met during this period of uncertainty.”
Brunswick County has been in contact with local food banks and nonprofit partners in anticipation of the shutdown, county communications director Meagan Kascsak said.
"At this time, those organizations have not expressed any needs or concerns, but we will continue to keep in touch with them as long as the shutdown continue," Kascsak said.
Brunswick has also shared a list of local community resources and thrift stores on its website.
Pender County does not have an emergency distribution plan, Assistant Social Services Director Amanda Howard said. The county has posted a community resource guide on its website with information on local services, including food resources. Pender will also provide updates as they become available from NCDHHS.
Nourish NC Executive Director Steve McCrossan said the nonprofit, which serves 2,400 residents in New Hanover, has already seen an increase in need ahead of the expected outage. In response, the organization has been working with its network of 103 partners to coordinate unified relief.
"Our team has been proactively staging food and supplies," McCrossan said. "Weeks ago, when we saw this coming, we started purchasing more frozen meat, non-perishable foods and program supplies. With those products, if this situation doesn't turn out as bad as it could be, we can still use those products so they won't go to waste."
Nourish NC is accepting donations through its website, which includes a list of most needed food items.
Where can SNAP recipients find food assistance in the Wilmington area?There are several food banks, churches and nonprofits that provide food resources across the Wilmington area.
New Hanover County:
Brunswick County:
Pender County:
If you need additional information, the NCDHHS hotline can be reached at 1-800-662-7030. Updates on the status of SNAP benefits will be made available on the department’s website.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving shopping, cooking, and cleaning.It is a time of gratitude and gathering, so maybe we can be thankful that there are some local restaurants willing to stay open and serve friends and families during the holiday.Some are making traditional feasts, and others are crafting coastal twists on classics, all so you don’t have to lift a finger – except to ask for someone to pass the butter.Here are some of the restaurants in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties that will ...
Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving shopping, cooking, and cleaning.
It is a time of gratitude and gathering, so maybe we can be thankful that there are some local restaurants willing to stay open and serve friends and families during the holiday.
Some are making traditional feasts, and others are crafting coastal twists on classics, all so you don’t have to lift a finger – except to ask for someone to pass the butter.
Here are some of the restaurants in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties that will be welcoming diners on Nov. 27. Let us know if there’s a business we should add to the list by emailing [email protected].
Order a meal to go at these Wilmington-area restaurantsCheck out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!On the Intracoastal Waterway, you can celebrate the holiday with marina and sunset views. In addition to a dinner menu, Thanksgiving plates for adults and children are also available. They include choice of roasted turkey or Black Forest ham (or both), along with sides, cranberry sauce, and rolls or cornbread, and choice of dessert. Reservation times are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 6 Marina St. Details: 910-256-8500, www.bluewaterdining.com.
On the water by the Wrightsville Beach bridge, this longtime restaurant is open 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. Nov. 27. They typically offer an a la carte menu of celebratory favorites. It’s at 1414 Airlie Road. Details: 910-256-4519, www.thebridgetender.com.
This Brunswick County restaurant is accepting reservations for indoor and limited outdoor dining for the holiday. Walk-ins are welcome at the deck bar, inside bar, and at the cocktail tables on a first-come, first-served basis. Details: 910-579-8888, https://boundaryhouserestaurant.com.
If you need a Thanksgiving meal, or just need a holiday break, the Wilmington location of this restaurant at 317 College Road will be open 4 p.m.-midnight. They will be serving the full menu, and Thanksgiving Plates. You can also add an order of Pumpkin Drizzled Doughnuts. Details: www.carolinaalehouse.com.
This chain's restaurant at 21 Van Campen Blvd. is open regular business hours for Thanksgiving. In October, they also announced a special holiday themed menu with items like Country Fried Turkey, broccoli casserole and Merry Berry Tea. Details: www.crackerbarrel.com/holiday.
This Brunswick County restaurant is hosting its second annual Traditional Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov, 27. The menu includes appetizers like wings and jalapeno poppers, a choice of turkey, ham or marinated skirt steak with five sides, as well as a dinner roll, deviled egg and mini dessert. It's at 5990 Beach Drive S.W. You can also pre-order for pick-up or delivery. Details: 910-232-7322, www.facebook.com/letsgetchunky.
This Wilmington favorite at 2 Ann St. on the Cape Fear River is once again offering a Thanksgiving buffet. The 16-item menu includes turkey and ham, crab dip, shrimp-and-grits, oyster stuffing, autumn salad, and three desserts. Call 910-343-1448 to make reservations. Details: www.elijahs.com.
The owners of this downtown destination are already promising to continue the tradition they started last year. The Thanksgiving Cluster Fork promises to be there for those in the industry and others who might not have a place to go. It will be at 122 Market St. Details: www.facebook.com/theforkncork.
Wilmington's original brewpub at 9 N. Front St. continues its holiday tradition and will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Nov. 27 serving their full menu along with traditional Thanksgiving turkey plates. Details: www.frontstreetbrewery.com.
This buffet restaurant will be open 11 a.m.-8: 30 p.m. Thanksgiving at 5130 New Centre Drive in Wilmington. They typically offer some Thanksgiving favorites to the menu. Details: www.goldencorral.com.
This longtime favorite will be open for the Thanksgiving holiday, serving traditional ham and turkey plates, as well as a few other specials at 2508 Independence Blvd. Details: 910-793-2929 or www.henrysrestaurant.com.
In the newly rebranded Trailborn Surf & Sound, the onsite restaurant is offering a Thanksgiving Day meal from noon to 7 p.m. Look for family style service with roasted turkey, maple-glazed Carolina ham, and accompaniments and two pies for dessert. It's at 275 Waynick Blvd. Details: https://ladunaparadiso.com.
This restaurant has a couple of traditions for Thanksgiving. There's a Friendsgiving Turkey Ball with live music on Nov. 26 and then a classic Thanksgiving buffet at 111 River Village Place on Nov. 27. Look for turkey, ham, country-style cubed steak, salads, deviled eggs, sides, breads and desserts. It’s 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and reservations are recommended. Details: 910-285-8888, www.madboar.com.
In Brunswick County, this restaurant is a popular destination on Thanksgiving and last year, for example, served a special plate with a choice of turkey or ham that came with four sides, cranberry sauce and a deviled egg. They'll be open this year, too, beginning at noon. Details: 5422 East Oak Island Drive.
This restaurant at 703 S. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach will be open and serving their dinner menu all day on Nov. 27, as well as a special turkey dinner for adults and children. Slices of pie -- pecan, pumping and key lime-- are available to add on. For details and reservations: 910-256-5551, www.oceanicrestaurant.com.
This waterfront seafood restaurant in Calabash is taking reservations for a traditional four-course dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9931 Nance St. on Thanksgiving. You can also add a la carte appetizers or salads. Reservations can be made for indoor and outdoor seating by calling 910-579-6875. In addition, walk-ins are welcome at the inside bar on a first-come, first-served basis and the dock bar will be open for cocktails and appetizers. Details: https://theoysterrock.com.
On the river in downtown Wilmington, this restaurant is open noon to 6 p.m. at 2 Ann St. The holiday meal is a four-course menu that includes a choice of appetizer, a soup or salad, and a Thanksgiving dinner plate with turkey or prime rib served with a complement of five sides and cranberry sauce. You also get a choice of three desserts. Details: 910-343-0200 or go to www.pilothouserest.com to make a reservation.
This year marks the seventh annual Thanksgiving dinner at this downtown restaurant. It's a popular option and fills early. This year’s family-style menu offers turkey (roasted breast and dark meat confit with gravy), ham with a persimmon glaze and extras and sides like fried brussels sprouts, smoked cheddar mac and cheese, and apple bread pudding. Seatings are from noon to 5 p.m. at 114 Market St., Wilmington. Details: 910-769-2972 or pinpointrestaurant.com.
This steakhouse at 301 N. Water St. in downtown Wilmington is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. serving their regular menu as well as a three-course Thanksgiving special. A turkey entree with the extras, also includes slice of pumpkin cheesecake, and a choice of starter and side. Details: www.ruthschris.com.
On the Pender County border, this barbecue restaurant has been accepting orders for smoked turkeys, holiday packages and catering orders. But they're also open and serving 4-8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. They're at 511 U.S. 17. Details: www.smokytonysbbq.com.
In the Lumina on Wrightsville Beach resort property, this restaurant is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet from 11:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required. Details: www.solsticewrightsvillebeach.com.
With a view of the Cape Fear River, this hotel restaurant is once again hosting a Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 9 Estell Lee Place. The menu includes local oysters, steamed shrimp, crudites, salads, prime rib, brined turkey and smoked ham, as well as a selection of sides and baked goods. Details: 910-726-9226, www.steamrestaurantilm.com.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
Benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be distributed Nov. 1, leaving millions of Americans without food assistance.The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on its website that SNAP benefits won't be sent out come Nov. 1 because the program lacks the funding it needs during the ongoing government shutdown.SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides over 42 million low-income Americans with benefits to help them afford food. Nearly 1.5 million North Carolinia...
Benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not be distributed Nov. 1, leaving millions of Americans without food assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced on its website that SNAP benefits won't be sent out come Nov. 1 because the program lacks the funding it needs during the ongoing government shutdown.
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides over 42 million low-income Americans with benefits to help them afford food. Nearly 1.5 million North Carolinians received SNAP benefits in May 2025, the most recent month with available data.
Here's a list of resources in the Wilmington area for SNAP recipients who will be without benefits in November.
Address: 517 Village Road N.E., Leland, NC 28451
Food pantry: 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month: 10 a.m.-noon
Requirements: Limited to residents of northern Brunswick County, north of Bolivia
Address: 517 Village Road N.E., Leland, NC 28451
Food pantry: Second and fourth Monday of the month: 2-4 p.m.
Contact: 910-477-6161, sonriseibc.com/food-pantry
Requirements: None
Address: 4308 Old Ocean Highway, Bolivia, NC 28422
Morning Giveaway (desserts, bread, and produce): Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Main Giveaway (All of the above plus canned goods, meat, and eggs as available): First and third Thursdays of the month: Noon-2 p.m.; second and fourth Thursdays of the month: 5-7 p.m.
Contact: 910-253-4893, www.loveofchristchurchnc.com
Requirements: None
Address: 15200 US 17, Hampstead, NC 28443
Food Pantry: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9 a.m.-noon
Contact: 910-270-0930, 4csfoodpantry.com
Requirements: Open to residents of Hampstead, Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Topsail Island, Rocky Point, Maple Hill and Scotts Hill. One visit per month per client.
Address: 21 Perkins Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
Community meal: Sunday 4-6:00 p.m.
Food Pantry: Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Check website for hours.
Contact: 910-803-0411, sharethetablenc.com
Requirements: Families and individuals can shop at the food pantry once per week.
Address: 1303 US 117 S., Burgaw, NC 28425
Food Pantry: First and third Thursday of each month: Noon-4 p.m.; second and fourth Thursday’s of each month: 1-3 p.m. (Will offer fresh produce and baked goods only.)
Contact: 910-259-2601, stjosephcatholicnc.org
Requirements: None
Address: 9955 NC 11, Willard, NC 28478
Food Pantry: Monday-Thursday: 12:30-2:30 p.m.
Contact: 910-259-5840, pendercountychristianservices.com
Requirements: I.D. required
Address: 10420 Point Caswell Road, Willard, NC 28478
Food Pantry: Second and fourth Wednesday of the month: Noon-2 p.m.
Contact: www.lakeschapelmbc.com, [email protected]
Requirements: None
If your benefits stop, you can check your EBT card balance at ebtedge.com, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website, residents should continue to apply for SNAP benefits and submit renewal paperwork on time, as county DSS offices remain open and are processing all applications to prevent a backlog when funding is restored.
An old brick building that tells a story about Wilmington’s economic development over the course of three centuries could become a local historic landmark.The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission gave its approval to designate the former Wilmington Iron Works machine shop building a local landmark by a 7-0 vote on Sept. 11.The application must go before the Wilmington City Council for final approval. The city is awaiting the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s comments on the application befor...
An old brick building that tells a story about Wilmington’s economic development over the course of three centuries could become a local historic landmark.
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission gave its approval to designate the former Wilmington Iron Works machine shop building a local landmark by a 7-0 vote on Sept. 11.
The application must go before the Wilmington City Council for final approval. The city is awaiting the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office’s comments on the application before scheduling it for the council, according to Dylan Lee, the Wilmington assistant director of corporate affairs.
A landmark designation means the property would be recognized as an important historic resource worthy of preservation and any substantial exterior design changes would be subject to the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission’s design review procedures. In addition, the owner may apply for an annual deferral of 50% of the property’s taxes “for as long as the property is designated and retains significance and integrity,” according to the city.
The downtown property consists of one single-story brick shed, approximately 5,400 square feet, with a galvanized metal roof, according to supporting documentation provided to the Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission. It currently houses the Museum of the Bizarre.
The documentation outlines an intriguing history for the building at 201 South Water St.
City staff noted the building was likely constructed circa 1869 as a frame structure, but reconstructed of brick circa 1925. A property description said fire insurance maps indicate the building was associated with the Robinson & King industrial complex, which occupied the parcel in 1884, and was labeled as tar, turpentine and naval stores in 1889. In 1915, it was labeled as a Wilmington Iron Works machine shop.
Now the building is occupied by the Museum of the Bizarre, which displays a collection of unusual oddities.
Justin LaNasa said he has owned the property since 2017, but the museum has been open since 2015. He said when he first walked into the building in 2015, his initial reaction was, “Man, this place is amazing!”
“It’s like stepping back into time,” he said.
A historical overview of the property states that it “began its life as a naval stores warehouse in the 19th century, and is today the last remaining structure connected to Wilmington’s naval stores industry. Then, it was adapted as an ironworks in the 20th century, when war, agriculture, and railroad needs provided demand for metal goods. Finally, it became a tourist attraction in the 21st century.”
The historical record indicates the property played a role in post-Civil War Reconstruction as a warehouse providing products to the naval stores industry that were essential for maintaining wood ships and had wide commercial uses.
D.L. Gore, a Civil War veteran and prominent Wilmington businessman, purchased the property in 1887 and signed a lease agreement with the Wilmington Iron Works in 1908, according to the historical overview. Wilmington Iron Works purchased the property in 1929, it said.
Wilmington Iron Works went out of business in 2000, and the property traded hands several times in the following two decades before becoming home to the Museum of the Bizarre and serving the growing tourism industry, according to the documentation.
LaNasa said designating the property a local historic landmark is a “no-brainer.”
“It should have been done years ago, even before they had the code,” he said. “I mean, I’ve seen other cities do these landmarks, you know, and rightfully so. They are things that need to be preserved.”
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at [email protected].
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