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.
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time”
“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”
“My family’s experience has been wonderful with Always Best Care. They are an exceptional team of caregivers who really care about the well fare of their clients. They go above and beyond taking care of my parents and have been very professional and dependable. I would recommend ABC to anyone who needs a reliable and competent care team. Karen Lussi”
“Always going the extra mile making sure my father is being well taken care of.”
“Always best care is a family oriented agency . I am blessed in my heart to see the services being rendered to clients. Extra miles taken to make sure every client is well taken care, even in unpleasant weather conditions. The CEO and administrators were out in the snow last week picking up workers who were unsure of driving . I was glad to see this commitment, making sure families could sit back and relax. With no fear, I will recommend Always best to any family who needs awesome care for their love ones.”
“I am very grateful to work for Always Best Care since year 2019. All office staff are great people, very helpful and always treat everyone with love and respect. Definitively it is a bless to work for this agency.”
“Wonderful company!”
“Always Best Care Senior Services was exactly what our family needed during a challenging time with our father. It all began with a fall, followed by an ER visit, and soon after, my sister and I found ourselves flying to NC to care for him and plan the next steps. Kathryn from Always Best Care was an absolute lifesaver! She guided us seamlessly through the process of finding the perfect independent senior living community for our father. Her extensive industry knowledge helped us navigate the additional health services he required with ease. Kathryn went above and beyond, consistently checking in and patiently responding to countless texts and emails from us. Thanks to her support, our father is now thriving in a supportive environment and is healthier than ever. We can’t imagine how we would have managed this journey without Kathryn’s expertise and compassion. Truly an incredible experience!”
“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.”
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.
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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.
Wilmington residents craving a burger and milkshake will soon have another internationally recognized chain to choose from.Shake Shack will expand to Wilmington in 2026, according to a news release from the company. The move marks the company’s first venture into Southeastern North Carolina, joining over 620 locations across the globe. The award-winning restaurant will take over a former Blaze Pizza, which closed in October 2024.Shake Shack is the latest of several chains that have announced an increased presence in the W...
Wilmington residents craving a burger and milkshake will soon have another internationally recognized chain to choose from.
Shake Shack will expand to Wilmington in 2026, according to a news release from the company. The move marks the company’s first venture into Southeastern North Carolina, joining over 620 locations across the globe. The award-winning restaurant will take over a former Blaze Pizza, which closed in October 2024.
Shake Shack is the latest of several chains that have announced an increased presence in the Wilmington area. Chick-fil-A is opening its eighth location in the Port City, while Sheetz and Wawa both have multiple projects at various stages of development.
Shake Shack offers “elevated versions of American classics,” including made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonade, beer, wine and. The brand’s journey began in 2004 when its first location opened in New York City’s Madison Square Park. Since then, the company has grown to include nearly 400 domestic and over 220 international locations.
Shake Shack is currently renovating the former Blaze Pizza at 915 Military Cutoff Rd. The building is part of Renaissance Market, a shopping center located across from Mayfaire Town Center. The lot includes Starbucks, Total Wine and More, Verizon and West Marine.
The 46,000-square-foot commercial center was completed in 2018 by Trask Land Company under a $13.6 million development project. The six-acre parcel has a tax value of over $10 million, according to New Hanover County property records.
The future Shake Shack is opposite Mayfaire’s Longhorn Steakhouse and Red Robin.
While there are still over 200 acres of undeveloped land around Mayfaire, developers are moving quickly on multiple nearby projects. One 39-acre patch of unused land could be the site of nearly 500 multifamily homes under the Mayfaire West development. Wilmington City Council member Luke Waddell advocated for preserving the site as green space, but purchasing the property could cost millions.
The Avenue, a mixed-use development of a 45-acre tract along Military Cutoff, will bring over 500 luxury apartments, pool with cabanas, lazy river, restaurants, retail and office space to the growing area. The project has been under construction since early 2024, but no completion date has been given.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
In the past decade, the craft beer scene has exploded in the Wilmington area.Now, thanks to a story from reporter Allison Ballard in today’s edition, I’ve learned that my favorite beer – the Saison from Flytrap Brewing -- recently won gold at the 14th annual beer competition from the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild.The Saison has long been my go-to local brew. Because it’s bottle-conditioned, it’s not served on draft. That means, sometimes they run out and I must wait a few weeks to enjoy it again. My hus...
In the past decade, the craft beer scene has exploded in the Wilmington area.
Now, thanks to a story from reporter Allison Ballard in today’s edition, I’ve learned that my favorite beer – the Saison from Flytrap Brewing -- recently won gold at the 14th annual beer competition from the N.C. Craft Brewers Guild.
The Saison has long been my go-to local brew. Because it’s bottle-conditioned, it’s not served on draft. That means, sometimes they run out and I must wait a few weeks to enjoy it again. My husband is more likely to mix things up, but he most often chooses the West Coast or the Rehder’s Red.
While we've visited many of the local breweries, we haven’t made it to them all just yet. Flytrap Brewing and Leland Brewing (which also won a gold award for its Yonder) are our favorite spots to hangout. And we’re pretty recognizable because we can typically be found playing Uno or Rummy.
Overall, local breweries took home 10 awards. I hope you’ll join me in congratulating them all for finding success in this growing industry for the Cape Fear region. What’s your favorite locally made beer or brewery? Let me know at [email protected].
On a related note, Allison also has a story in today’s edition looking at the latest on Ella’s of Calabash. This popular restaurant was destroyed by a fire in April 2023.
Although the process is taking longer than the owners had hoped, they say they are committed to rebuilding. Ella’s was one of the oldest restaurants in the Wilmington area, so it would be nice to see it brought back.
In the meantime, though, the owners continue to operate Beck’s, a sister restaurant in Calabash.
Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her [email protected].
Calling all art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and weekend wanderers! The New Hanover County Arboretum will be blooming with creativity on Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you are planning a family outing, a social occasion with friends, or perhaps enjoying a solo date, come explore the 29th annual Art in the Arboretum.Join Friends of the Arboretum as we transform the gardens into a creative haven during the second weekend of October, where we celebrate our local artists. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful seven-acre gardens ...
Calling all art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and weekend wanderers! The New Hanover County Arboretum will be blooming with creativity on Oct. 11 and 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Whether you are planning a family outing, a social occasion with friends, or perhaps enjoying a solo date, come explore the 29th annual Art in the Arboretum.
Join Friends of the Arboretum as we transform the gardens into a creative haven during the second weekend of October, where we celebrate our local artists. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful seven-acre gardens and immerse yourself in the joys of music, art, and nature. As you stroll, you will find ceramics alongside a beautiful backdrop of native plants, or perhaps watercolor paintings beneath the shade of the Japanese Maples.
This event will feature more than 80 artists displaying their work from across the region. All featured artists offer distinct styles, and their work demonstrates their commitment to their craft, whether in 2D or 3D formats. The best part? Visitors can view and purchase these local works during the festival.
The current president of Friends of the Arboretum, Larry Sackett, shares his insight on this annual event.
"Yes, helping raise money is one of our ultimate goals, but we also have a civic responsibility to be an outlet for local artists," Sackett said. "This is an opportunity for the community to see the artists and their work. The art is the most important part of this event.”
New to this year's festival, the Youth Arts Center will feature several local programs, including New Hanover County 4-H, Kids Making It, and DREAMS of Wilmington. We encourage visitors to explore the innovative and imaginative creations of the next generation and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Hungry from all the walking and browsing? We got you covered! There will be a food truck on site each day so you can recharge with beverages and fresh food before continuing down the path of art and imagination! Live music will be featured throughout the weekend, enjoyed by artists and patrons alike as you make your way from booth to booth. Additionally, a fairy hair station will be available for guests wishing to enhance their appearance with a garden-inspired style!
As you stroll through the magical garden, breathing in the scent of the fall blooms, you can let your imagination run wild as you take in the festivities. Entry is $5 per person, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of the New Hanover County Arboretum and local extension programming. Admission is free for children ages 12 and younger, active military personnel with current ID, and Friends of the Arboretum members.
Join Friends of the Arboretum on October 11 and 12 as we support our local community of artists and enjoy a lovely weekend surrounded by nature, art, and whimsy.
Erica Nobel is the communications intern for the 29th Annual Art in the Arboretum. For more information about Art in the Arboretum, please contact Megan Sweeney, Communication Specialist at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 910-798-7600.
The fall season officially began on Sept. 22. While the weather in Wilmington hasn't cooled off too much yet, you can still find ways to get into the fall spirit.With Halloween just around the corner, here is a list of pumpkin patches and markets in the Wilmington area to get your pumpkin.Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected] cow cuddling to flower picking, these Wilmington-area farms offer unique experiencesNew HanoverAmber Dale's Pumpkin Patch...
The fall season officially began on Sept. 22. While the weather in Wilmington hasn't cooled off too much yet, you can still find ways to get into the fall spirit.
With Halloween just around the corner, here is a list of pumpkin patches and markets in the Wilmington area to get your pumpkin.
Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
From cow cuddling to flower picking, these Wilmington-area farms offer unique experiencesNew Hanover
Amber Dale's Pumpkin Patch, a family-owned business, is located at 2307 N. College Road in Wilmington. The pumpkin patch's hours are 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. They also offer mums and photo opportunities. 910-912-6237.
While Barr Evergreens, located at 37 Covil Ave. in Wilmington, may specialize in Christmas trees, they also offer pumpkins in the autumn season. Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 800-991-3326.
The Pumpkin Patch at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church was established in 1990 and is still going. They offer pumpkins and gourds, as well as pumpkin merch like sweatshirts and mugs. The pumpkin patch also features local artisans. They opened Sept. 27 and will stay open until Oct. 31. Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 1401 S. College Road in Wilmington. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Carolina Beach Pier, located at 1800 Carolina Beach Ave. North, will open its fourth annual pumpkin patch from Oct. 1-30. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Biggers Market has pumpkin patches at both of its Wilmington locations: 6250 Market St. and 6458 Carolina Beach Road. The pumpkin patch offers over 25 varieties of pumpkins and gourds to eat and decorate with. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Trask Family Farms is located at 3650 Blue Clay Road in Castle Hayne. Trask Family Farms advertises as the biggest pumpkin patch in the area. Alongside pumpkins, they offer a 4-mile corn maze, hayrides and other produce. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; and closed Monday-Tuesday. 910-617-3893.
You'll find fresh produce, meat, events and more at these 48 Wilmington-area farmsBrunswick
Horseplay Farms, located at 1737 Clemmons Road SE in Bolivia, will host a two-day fall festival on Oct. 17 and 18 that will feature a pumpkin patch. The festival will also include hayrides, pony rides, games, food trucks, vendors, raffles and more. The entry fee is $10 per car. Hours are 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18. 910-253-7722.
Indigo Farms Market, located at 1542 Hickman Road NW in Calabash, will open its grounds for a pumpkin patch and hayrides on two weekends in October. Hours are 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10 and 17; 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 11 and 18. Indigo Farms On-Farm Market also sells pumpkins. It is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Northwest Land and Cattle opened its third annual pumpkin patch on Sept. 20. Alongside pumpkins — many of which were grown in Southeastern North Carolina — the patch offers activities for kids, photo opportunities, local vendors and live music on the weekends. Northwest Land and Cattle is located at 5014 Northwest Road in Leland. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Thursday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. 910-465-4074.
Stump Hill Farms, located at 2030 Ash Little River Road NW in Ash, will host a fall festival that includes a pumpkin patch. The festival opened on Sept. 20 and will be open on Oct. 4, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25. Other activities at the fall festival include hayrides, gem mining and an obstacle course. 910-231 0044.
Pender
Hampstead United Methodist Church is holding its annual Pumpkin Patch, which opened on Sept. 28. The church is located in Hampstead at 15395 U.S. 17 beside the Dunkin' Donuts. The Pumpkin Patch sales benefit the Navajo tribe that grows the pumpkins, designated local charities, the youth building project and youth scholarships.
Humphrey Farms, located at 6611 NC 53 West in Burgaw, has its pumpkin patch open for the fall. The farm also sells mums, fall wreaths, haybales and cornstalks. Photo opportunities are available as well. 910-524-7455.
Charlie Kingree is a reporting intern for the StarNews. He can be reached at [email protected].
(This story was updated to add new information.)Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening as it passes over the Bahamas. Imelda is expected to take a sharp turn away from the southeastern United States on Tuesday, Sept. 30, which should lessen the impacts on the North Carolina coast.As of 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, Tropical Storm Imelda was located about 55 miles north of Great Abaco Island and about 220 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral in Florida. Maximum sustained winds had reached 60 mph, and the storm was moving n...
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening as it passes over the Bahamas. Imelda is expected to take a sharp turn away from the southeastern United States on Tuesday, Sept. 30, which should lessen the impacts on the North Carolina coast.
As of 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, Tropical Storm Imelda was located about 55 miles north of Great Abaco Island and about 220 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral in Florida. Maximum sustained winds had reached 60 mph, and the storm was moving north at 9 mph.
Imelda is expected to reach hurricane strength on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of the system is expected to move across the northwestern Bahamas Monday and then turn east-northeastward, moving away from the southeastern United States by the middle part of this week, according to the hurricane center.
STORM TRACKER: Monitor the latest tropical developments here.
A look back at damage from Potential Tropical Cyclone Eight in WilmingtonThe main threat from Imelda across the Wilmington area will be along the coast where a combination ofwaves from Humberto and Imelda create hazardous maritime conditions, and rough surf and rip currents, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
A high surf advisory is in place through Thursday evening, with breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet expected in the surf zone.
A few waterspouts are also possible Monday and Tuesday, and there is still some potential for flooding in low-lying and flood-prone areas through Tuesday.
The area is expected to see an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain with up to 4 inches in some coastal locations, the weather service said.
Tropical storm force wind gusts are not likely across land areas. The strongest winds are expected to remain off the coast.
Here is the weather forecast in Wilmington over the next few days.
Monday: Cloudy, with a high near 78. Northeast wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 17 mph. Possible thunderstorms after 2:00 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tuesday: Showers likely, mainly before 5 p.m. Cloudy, with a high near 76. North wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80. North wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph.
Interactive map:Enter your address to see hurricanes, tropical storms that have passed nearby
Though Imelda isn't forecast to hit land, officials are still urging residents to be prepared during hurricane season.
“While Tropical Storm Imelda is being pulled offshore, North Carolinians along the coast must remain vigilant as coastal flooding and life-threatening rip currents impact the region,” said Gov. Josh Stein. “Our State Emergency Response Team remains ready to quickly respond to any needs and keep coastal residents and visitors safe.”
North Carolina Emergency Management Director Will Ray said the State Emergency Response Team has been prepared for all possibilities regarding Imelda. Following a state of emergency being declared by Stein on Saturday, Sept. 27, the State Emergency Response Team prepared and positioned search and rescue teams and communications equipment.
“We are still in the height of hurricane season, and all North Carolinians should remain vigilant and prepared for changing weather conditions," Ray said.
Now is the time to check your hurricane supplies and make sure your home is secured against tropical weather.
GET READY: Here's what to know about hurricane preparedness if you live in the Wilmington area.
According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. Often these currents move swimmers far from shore before they realize it, taking them into deeper water. This can cause fear and distress as the swimmers attempt to make it back to shore.
Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but beachgoers should look for water that is darker in color, choppy and leaves a break in the incoming wave pattern. They form at low spots or breaks in sandbars, piling up water between the breaking waves and the beach. The water returns to sea through the rip current. Another clue may be a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving seaward.
If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not swim against the current.
While it may be difficult to do, the U.S. Lifesaving Association says swimmers should "relax," noting the rip current will not pull them under. Swimmers should try swimming out of the current in a direction following the shoreline, or toward breaking waves, then at an angle toward the beach.
The U.S. Lifesaving Association notes if the current circulates back toward the shore, floating or treading water may be a good way to get out of the current.
Finally, if you feel you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by yelling for help and waving to those on the shore.
919-554-2223
