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”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“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!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Wilmington StarNews...
Wilmington StarNews
Margaret Jennings and her husband opened The Harp in 2010 when Wilmington’s South Front District looked quite a bit different. For the past 15 years, she said she’s tried to make the Irish pub and restaurant a comfortable and affordable place to get a meal and a drink.
That’s been more difficult recently, Jennings said.
“Labor cost is increasing. Food costs are increasing,” she said.
She thought it might be a good time to make a change. They found it in a new owner -- with a similar vision -- who has taken over the space and business at 1423 S 3rd St. in Wilmington.
Dominic McMahon, originally from Belfast, owns several other businesses and has started work on the next iteration of The Harp.
“He is definitely someone who knows what he’s doing,” she said. “He has about nine other businesses.”
People who have driven by the restaurant may already see some of the changes. A fresh coat of paint, in red and gold, is meant to emulate The Temple Bar in Dublin. McMahon has also cleared the interior for a fresh look inside. A sign on the door said the reopening could happen in a couple of weeks.
Jennings said the transition has been a smooth one and she’s glad that McMahon has kept the Harp staff.
“We are excited for this next chapter,” she said. “I think people will be pleased.”
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
Get your palate ready for freshly grown produce. If you're ready for locally grown farm fresh vegetables and fruits, check out these returning favorites and new open-air farmer markets in the Wilmington area.Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected] HanoverRiverfront Farmers' MarketThe Riverfront Farmers' Market, managed by Cool Wilmington, was established in 2003. The market is held every Saturday through Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market offers lo...
Get your palate ready for freshly grown produce. If you're ready for locally grown farm fresh vegetables and fruits, check out these returning favorites and new open-air farmer markets in the Wilmington area.
Did we miss yours? Let us know by emailing [email protected].
New Hanover
The Riverfront Farmers' Market, managed by Cool Wilmington, was established in 2003. The market is held every Saturday through Nov. 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market offers locally fresh grown produce and locally homemade baked goods. The market is located on Dock Street between Water and Second streets. Rain or shine. Free admission.
The market is open 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, year-round, located at 5329 Oleander Drive, Wilmington (front of Tidal Creek Cooperative Food Market). The market is now open Tuesdays from 4-8 p.m. through July. Rain or shine. The market provides the best local produce, meats, eggs, bread, mushrooms, seafood, etc. A list of vendors can be found at https://www.thewilmingtonfarmersmarket.com/vendorsandproducts.
Opening day for the Wrightsville Beach Farmers' Market, a weekly farmers market, will be Monday, May 5. The market offers local produce, baked goods, seafood, crafts, and more. The market hours are 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays through Dec. 8 at the Wrightsville Beach Municipal Grounds (adjacent to town hall), 321 Causeway Drive. No metered parking in the farmers market field. Parking is reserved for farmers market patrons only. To see the list of vendors, visit https://www.townofwrightsvillebeach.com/183/Farmers-Market. For more information, contact Katie Ryan at 910-256-7925.
The open-air market at the grove will open for the season on Wednesday, May 14 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at 10200 U.S. 17, Wilmington. The market moves from the top lawn to the lower grounds with room to spread out and enjoy the shade of the Ancient Oaks of Poplar Grove. One of the special qualities of the open-air market is you can shop locally. Meet your butcher, baker, artisan, and more. While visiting the market, visit the new shops at Poplar Grove. Explore the grounds at no charge and explore the 300-year-old historic, 13-acre former peanut plantation. Due to development on all sides The Stables will remain closed to the public.
The Carolina Beach Market season begins Saturdays, May 24 through Oct. 4, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The market offers an abundant selection of fresh and local fruits and vegetables, dairy products, wines, meats, baked goods and natural soaps. Also enjoy live music while shopping. The market is located at South Lake Park Boulevard at Atlanta Avenue.
Brunswick
Set by the Intracoastal Waterway, the Sunset Beach Summer Market is a bustling market that features local crafters and artists with homemade treasures and original art. Shop fresh produce from local farmers, pottery, woodcrafts, and more. The market is held Thursdays through Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sunset Beach Town Park.
The Ocean Isle Beach Summer Market, presented by Pure Markets, will be held Tuesdays, May 6-Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Town Center Park in Ocean Isle Beach, Third and Five West Third St.
The One Love Market in Calabash is the newest addition to the 2025 spring and summer market lineup among Brunswick beach towns. The market will be held Wednesdays, May 7 to Aug. 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (weather permitting) at 9887 Oak St. on the Waterfront (by Angus Steakhouse and Seafood) in Calabash. The market offers music, crafts, arts, jewelry, pottery, food, photography, local flowers and fruits and vegetables. Free parking.
The Southport Summer Market is sponsored by the city of Southport for local growers and crafters to sell their goods directly to consumers. The market will run every Wednesday, May 7 through Aug. 27 (excluding the week of the Fourth of July), from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Waterfront Park. Vendors will be offering a wide variety of farm fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, arts and crafts and more. The market operates rain or shine unless determined otherwise by the market committee due to hazardous weather conditions.
This open-air market is filled with fresh local produce, food trucks, and local vendors who offer arts and crafts, jewelry, soaps, and more. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. evey other Saturday ? May 10, May 24, June 7, June 21 and is located at Mulberry Park, 123 Mulberry St., Shallotte.
The Oak Island Farmers and Artisans Market will be held Mondays, June 2-Aug. 25 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Middleton Park (by the Kevin Bell Skate Park). The outdoor market is located at 4610 E Dolphin Drive, Oak Island.
Pender
The Hampstead Farmers' Market will open for the season Thursday, June 7. The market is open from 4-7 p.m. Thursdays. The market features organic food and fresh goods. The market is located at Ironclad Golf/Shaka Taco, 2368 Country Club Drive, Hampstead.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
A few weeks ago, I asked readers to weigh in on what kinds of retail businesses we need in the Wilmington area. I received dozens of recommendations, but the store that topped many wish lists is Wegmans.I’m all for more grocery store options. In fact, I’d personally like to see Wegmans come to Leland since that’s where I live. I have to admit, though, that I’ve never been to one so I can’t speak to the appeal.According to the Wegmans website, they operate 110 stores across the East C...
A few weeks ago, I asked readers to weigh in on what kinds of retail businesses we need in the Wilmington area. I received dozens of recommendations, but the store that topped many wish lists is Wegmans.
I’m all for more grocery store options. In fact, I’d personally like to see Wegmans come to Leland since that’s where I live. I have to admit, though, that I’ve never been to one so I can’t speak to the appeal.
According to the Wegmans website, they operate 110 stores across the East Coast, but no two stores are exactly the same. “Depending on their location and the timeframe in which they were built, our stores have a variety of unique features that help differentiate them from one another,” the website notes.
A number of people also said we need more art supply stores, such as Blick Art Materials and Jerry’s Artarama. We do have a vibrant artist community here, so that sounds like a good idea to me.
Other suggestions for retail businesses we need include DSW shoe store, Crate and Barrel, IKEA, Nordstrom Rack and At Home.
Then there were a few folks who want businesses we actually already have in the area or used to have here. Some of those include Macy’s, Steinmart and Target.
Finally, some readers included restaurants – such as Popeye’s and Biscuitville -- on their lists.
There were far too many recommendations to list them all, but I do thank everyone for sharing your ideas with me.
In addition, as several readers noted in their emails, we certainly don’t want to forget about the many small businesses we have in the Wilmington area. They offer a wide variety of products and services and are a great asset to our community.
We feature one of those locally owned businesses – Little Pond Caterers – in today’s dining story from reporter Allison Ballard.
Tommy and Karin Mills have been offering a pick-up menu for years in addition to catering jobs. While Meatball Tuesdays has long been a popular offering, they’ve recently been experimenting with some new additions.
Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at [email protected].
Tommy and Karin Mills of Little Pond Caterers in Wilmington have been offering a popular pick-up menu for years. In addition to taking on local catering jobs, and going on occasional vacations, they also offer their email followers a special menu twice a week. You can call or text your order and pick up at their drive-thru behind 2016 Princess Place Drive in Wilmington.There’s usually a selection of salads, their signature Tommy’s Chicken Pot Pies, Petit Ham Biscuits, small chocolate chip cookies and an enjoy-with-everythi...
Tommy and Karin Mills of Little Pond Caterers in Wilmington have been offering a popular pick-up menu for years. In addition to taking on local catering jobs, and going on occasional vacations, they also offer their email followers a special menu twice a week. You can call or text your order and pick up at their drive-thru behind 2016 Princess Place Drive in Wilmington.
There’s usually a selection of salads, their signature Tommy’s Chicken Pot Pies, Petit Ham Biscuits, small chocolate chip cookies and an enjoy-with-everything aji amarillo condiment. But there’s also a menu focus. Here’s a look at what to expect.
One of the first events was this one, which makes the most of house-made meatballs and sauce. They’re usually piled on a grinder (either a six-inch or foot-long sandwich) but you can also order packs of meatballs for your freezer or a small pan of meatballs in sauce. If you prefer your meatballs over pasta, that’s an option, too, as are dishes like Eggplant Mozzarella.
To the weekly meatball feast, the couple added an end-of-the-week option of buttermilk fried chicken breast, served with Southern apple slaw, mac and cheese and sauces like the aforementioned amarillo or ranch.
Lately, the couple have been experimenting with new additions. Tommy Mills said he’s thinking about adding some global interpretations to the fried chicken options each week. And, on Tuesdays, they’ve added a “Sandwich of the Week.” That could be a Japanese Chicken Katsu on fluffy white bread with the crusts cut off. (That was served with a Jia Jang Noodle Salad with scallions and kimchi cucumbers.) Other weeks, it’s been a grilled cheese with Muenster, caramelized onions and mushrooms, the Kentucky Hot Brown or the Chivito – Uruguay's national sandwich with steak, ham, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.
Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].
Spring in the Wilmington area can be so unpredictable. One day its beautiful and warm, the next day cold and rainy. Temperatures fluctuate all the time. Lately it has been warmer than usual, and summer hasn't even started.With the weather being hot and humid already, what will temperatures reach doing the summer?Here's what to know about The Old Farmer’s Almanac's summer weather predictions.When does summer start?The first day of summer arrives with the solstice on Friday, June 20 and occurs at the moment ...
Spring in the Wilmington area can be so unpredictable. One day its beautiful and warm, the next day cold and rainy. Temperatures fluctuate all the time. Lately it has been warmer than usual, and summer hasn't even started.
With the weather being hot and humid already, what will temperatures reach doing the summer?
Here's what to know about The Old Farmer’s Almanac's summer weather predictions.
The first day of summer arrives with the solstice on Friday, June 20 and occurs at the moment Earth's tilt toward the sun is at a maximum.
The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that summer will be warmer than normal, temperatures will generally be about average with the warmest periods occurring especially in July and August.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
While rainfall is expected to be below normal, watch for a tropical storm in mid-July.
STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with lifestyle news by signing up for the Port City Life newsletter.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been around for more than 225 years. It is an almanac containing weather forecasts, planting charts, astronomical data, recipes, and articles. An almanac is an annual calendar containing important dates and statistical information such as astronomical data and tide tables.
The Old Farmer's Almanac claims an 80% accuracy rate on its predictions.
The National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center is forecasting increased chances for above-normal temperatures this summer across most of the country including Wilmington. Average highs for the three months of summer, June, July and August are 87, 90, and 88 degrees, respectively, and with this forecast it'll likely exceed those values this summer, according to Tim Armstrong, Meteorologist and Climate Program Leader.
Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
919-554-2223
