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.
“I'm very happy with this company. They are delivering the services what they promised to”
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“I'm very happy with this company. They are delivering the services what they promised to do. I'm very happy to have Judith . She is very smart and understanding. I couldn't get any better person than Judith to help me. I had a couple to othe care givers who were smart and good as well.”
“Ahana was such a pleasure to work with! We didn’t know what to expect or how the process would go at first, but she was friendly, personable, and very communicative every step of the way. She made my grandmother’s transition to assisted living feel smooth and stress-free. We really appreciated her help and support!”
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“Asia is THE best! She has the most beautiful caregiving heart and is an exceptional caregiver. A true natural. And, she has formed a beautiful bond with my MIL. So grateful for Asia and Always Best Care.”
“Alice Sharper is a wonderful helper. She always looks out for my health and she does chores around the house without being asked. She has driven me to multiple appointments. She is always is an up mood. Camille Bialik”
“I've done the dementia virtual training experiment with a previous employer. The experience with Always Best Care was by far a better experience. Truly a heart felt opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone living with dementia. Thank you ????????”
“"Virtual Dementia Tour" was awesome - an eye opener in helping to understand.”
“We moved my mother-in-law in with us fifteen months ago. ABC has been providing excellent care since then. Her current caregivers are Felicia, Katherine, Yolanda and Robin. They all have been professional and easy to work with. I've enclosed a picture from Brownie-Making-Day. Thank you to all for a great job.”
“Very promising????”
“Ive always been a old soul,being with elderly people helps my mental health and warms my heart. Theve given so much of their lives to their families and they should be comfortable for the remainder of their days. I love ABC because I can set my own hours,and that being said,give more time and love to Mrs. Dina without feeling pressure.”
“A good company that cares for both employees and clients.”
“ABC Wake Forest has been a blessing to me and my family! The compassion ans dedication for my mom was the best. Wonderful caregivers and staff!”
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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.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Corning Inc. will invest $585 million at its Wilmington campus and add 414 jobs over the next five years, expanding one of the world’s largest optical fiber manufacturing plants.The New York-based company announced the expansion Wednesday after the Wilmington City Council and New Hanover County Commissioners approved a package of incentives earlier this week to expand its operations.“We’re proud to expand our presence in Wilmington, where Corning made history with the world’s fi...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Corning Inc. will invest $585 million at its Wilmington campus and add 414 jobs over the next five years, expanding one of the world’s largest optical fiber manufacturing plants.
The New York-based company announced the expansion Wednesday after the Wilmington City Council and New Hanover County Commissioners approved a package of incentives earlier this week to expand its operations.
“We’re proud to expand our presence in Wilmington, where Corning made history with the world’s first optical fiber manufacturing plant and where our people continue to make the fiber that is critical to next-generation networks,” said John McGirr, senior vice president and general manager of Corning Optical Fiber and Cable.
Wilmington competed with several other locations for the project, known as “Project Pearl 2.” The project will supply fiber for next-generation networks and support long-term customer agreements, according to Corning.
The new jobs are expected to pay an average salary of more than $85,000 a year, and the company said the expansion will add more than $35 million in annual payroll for the region.
“Corning has been part of New Hanover County for decades, and when a company with that track record is ready to grow, this Board wants that growth to happen here,” said LeAnn Pierce, Chair of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. “Those are good paychecks for families in our community. The grant is tied to those jobs and that investment, and that is exactly how it should work.”
The company said it has maintained a civic commitment to the Wilmington area for 60 years, partnering with Cape Fear Community College on the Corning Technician Pipeline Program and investing in STEM education in local schools.
“It’s impossible to overstate how important this company is to Greater Wilmington,” said Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development.
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - New Hanover County Commissioners voted yes during their meeting on Monday to offer an incentive package to a manufacturing company, Corning Inc., looking to expand in Wilmington.“This will allow them to expand their operation, create 414 new jobs, high-paying jobs, and expand their facilities,” said commissioner Dane Scalise.The incentive commissioners approved would mean paying Corning up to $600,000 a year for five years from the county’s general fund, which is made up of taxpayer d...
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - New Hanover County Commissioners voted yes during their meeting on Monday to offer an incentive package to a manufacturing company, Corning Inc., looking to expand in Wilmington.
“This will allow them to expand their operation, create 414 new jobs, high-paying jobs, and expand their facilities,” said commissioner Dane Scalise.
The incentive commissioners approved would mean paying Corning up to $600,000 a year for five years from the county’s general fund, which is made up of taxpayer dollars.
“I’m always hesitant to spend taxpayer dollars, but I’m willing to do it if there’s a clear ROI, return on investment, and there is one here,” said Scalise.
Corning is a glass products manufacturer.
“Based in Corning, New York, this multinational technology company specializes in glass, ceramics, and related materials,” said Scott Satterfield, CEO of Wilmington Business Development, during the meeting. “For over 60 years Corning has been a vital employer here.”
Corning officials gave a presentation at the commissioners’ meeting explaining that Wilmington is only one of the places they’re considering for their expansion.
“I want them to expand here,” said Scalise. “It seems like there’s a good chance they might. Fingers crossed, guys.”
If our area is picked, the project would bring new jobs with salaries averaging over $85,000 a year and $585 million in capital investment.
“The money they build out, that’s going to be taxed, and that money comes back to the taxpayers,” said Scalise. “This is really an investment in the future. It’s really cool.”
No matter what Corning decides, Commissioners say the county even being considered speaks volumes.
“We talk about economic development every day, and this is a fine example of what the county should be doing for economic development,” said NHC Commissioner Chair LeAnn Pierce during the meeting.
It’s worth noting that the agreement includes an accountability clause. If the project does not meet its promised investment or hiring targets, the county’s payout would be reduced accordingly.
The City of Wilmington is also considering a separate, matching incentive; that vote is expected Tuesday.
If approved, the total combined incentive grant would be $5 million. At that point, it will be left to Corning officials to decide.
I took my 4 teenagers on a trip to Wilmington, NC. Even though schedules with teenagers get super packed—school, activities, work schedules—it’s so important to make the time to adventure together. We need to have shared experiences so we can have conversations together. Meaningful conversations.That’s exactly what we got on our trip to Wilmington, NC.The trip was packed full of nature, beach time, silly fun, and lots of history—leading to great conversations about our shared experiences, current e...
I took my 4 teenagers on a trip to Wilmington, NC. Even though schedules with teenagers get super packed—school, activities, work schedules—it’s so important to make the time to adventure together. We need to have shared experiences so we can have conversations together. Meaningful conversations.
That’s exactly what we got on our trip to Wilmington, NC.
The trip was packed full of nature, beach time, silly fun, and lots of history—leading to great conversations about our shared experiences, current events, and more.
In this article, I’ll take you through some of the great activities we enjoyed, the delicious food we ate, and our top recommendations.
Thank you to Wilmington and Beaches for providing our stay so we could bring this story to our readers. All opinions are those of the author.
First—we stayed in Kure Beach, and of all the Wilmington beaches, we really loved this area the most. The traffic was light, the beach was wide, and the proximity to the larger beach towns and Wilmington was great.
Our oceanfront condo from Victory Beach Vacations had easy parking and plenty of space for the 5 of us. It was super clean and well-appointed—we didn’t cook in the condo, but we totally could have as the kitchen was fully stocked with dishes, cookware, and utensils. It was the perfect place to come back to after our busy days to pop some popcorn, watch a movie (somehow we always end up watching Pirates of the Caribbean when we’re at the beach), or to take a walk on the beach. We would definitely stay here again.
Just a few minutes down the road from the condo was Carolina Beach, which is really as far as you need to go for a huge selection of restaurants, a beautiful boardwalk area, and fun things to do.
We rented bikes from Tony Silvagni Surf School and pedaled around Carolina Beach Lake Park—home to a pretty lake, a gorgeous playground for kids, and one of Carolina Beach’s fun murals. Then we headed to Mike Chappell Park to pick up part of the Island Greenway and rode to the end.
It was a nice laid-back start to the trip and a fun way to see parts of the island. They gave us a printed map when we picked up the bikes and we realized… we aren’t very good at reading maps. (Even though it was actually really simple.) We just popped the park names into Google Maps and off we went.
We also did a guided kayak trip with Kayak Carolina to Zeke’s Island, an uninhabited island full of shore birds and wildlife. It was spectacular. So great, in fact, that we did a whole story on it: Our Kayak Trip With Kayak Carolina
And then there was Surf’s Up Mini Golf, which has got to be one of the most fun mini-golf courses we’ve ever played. The theming was super, everything was really clean, and all five of us had a blast—even though we are TERRIBLE at mini golf. If you go, don’t miss the hints at the beginning of each hole—they actually help.
We had dinner at Seaworthy Kitchen & Bar, a beautiful restaurant with classy seaside boat theming. The food was excellent—I loved the poke bowl, it tasted super fresh. The kids enjoyed salads and smokehouse mac and cheese customized with chicken and shrimp.
For breakfast, we had a couple of spots we LOVED.
Southerly Biscuit has giant, delicious biscuits. You can go simple with a biscuit and jam (like one of my kids), or all in with fried chicken, sriracha mayo, and hot sauce. The kids said the woman at the counter made you feel like she was everyone’s grandma.
Drift Coffee and Kitchen is a full-service breakfast spot with great coffee and lots of options. Most of us got breakfast sandwiches, but a few of us decided all we really wanted was a few slices of bacon with our coffee. To each his own.
For coffee, we stopped at Crush and Grind near the boardwalk. It has a super fun vibe and lots of specialty drinks. I’m boring and got a hot black coffee, but the kids each found something fun to try.
Island Bagels in Kure Beach was an easy grab-and-go spot for bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Those bagels sure tasted good after our kayak trip, but they’d be equally great as a quick stop before any adventure.
We had planned to visit Fort Fisher on our last day in the area. Unfortunately the rain would not let up. We had driven by on our way to and from kayaking to Zeke’s Island and boy did we want to check this one out. We drove past cannons, and trails, and monuments- and my history loving oldest was really looking forward to checking it out.
Also at Fort Fisher, you can access a trail to a world war 2 bunker where the Fort Fisher hermit lived for 17 years until his death in 1972.
It looked like a beautiful spot to enjoy the coast, take a walk and learn some history. It’s a place we will visit next time we are in the area.
We also spent some time at Wrightsville Beach, which has a different feel—more upscale with lots going on, pretty restaurants, and a fun change of pace.
We drove in for dinner at South Beach Grill and it was spot on delcious. The sweet potato encrusted flounder with a light honey citrus sauce was incredible. And the fried pickle appetizer? Get it. They disappeared about 22 seconds after they hit the table.
The kids ordered everything from pork nachos to shrimp and grits and seafood pasta, which made it one of those fun, share-everything meals.
Parking is available at the restaurant, but it is tight—so plan ahead that you may need to park in public parking areas for a fee.
After dinner, we found public parking and walked a bit around the area. The Loop, a 2.5-mile walking path, is a great spot for this. Or, you can walk along the beach, because that is never a bad idea.
Our day in Wilmington was probably our favorite day. It was jam-packed with things to do, and while we got tired (and some of us may have taken a little snooze on the river boat), it was completely worth it.
We had no idea how beautiful Wilmington is. The riverwalk area is just stunning, and the historic feel of downtown—with the brick streets and old details—made it such a fun place to explore. There are lots of shops, and my daughter kept asking to stop in all the “cute boutiques.”
Definitely, definitely make time to visit the Riverwalk.
Whatever you do, do NOT skip the Battleship North Carolina.
We did the City at Sea tour, and I really can’t recommend it enough. We actually needed more time there—it was that good. Our visit led to some great conversations later that day, which is exactly why trips like this matter so much.
We have a whole story on visiting Battleship North Carolina. Check it out to see what we did and get all the details for your visit.
We took a ride with Cape Fear River Tours aboard the Henrietta, which was a nice way to relax a bit. You get a little history of the area, views of the port, and a chance to just sit together for a while.
We were particularly interested to see the port area with all the big cargo ships being loaded and unloaded. Wow, do they work fast. We learned that docking there costs the ships $1500 an hour! Fun Fact: Parts of Iron Man 3 were filmed here (guess which movie we watched that night).
We thoroughly enjoyed the ride. The boat offers an open-air top deck, covered for shade, as well as a bottom deck indoors with air conditioning, a restroom, and a bar with beverages and snacks.
We also did a historic carriage ride with Springbrook Farms. The horses are rescued Percherons, and the tour is a great way to see Wilmington without wearing out your feet. Our guide was funny and had lots ot point out about the city. It was a quick 25-minute tour, and we got to bet the horses, too!
The food in Wilmington was some of the best on our trip.
Front Street Brewery is where we headed for lunch after we toured the Battleship North Carolina. It was a bit late for lunch, and we were hungry. This spot did not disappoint. The chicken salad with a bit of jalapeno spice was perfect with their English ale. The kids enjoyed a soft pretzel, BBQ, burger, and a Reuben. The interior of the brewery is warm and inviting with lots of dark wood. It definitely has that English pub vibe. We loved it.
For dinner, we ate at Elijah’s, right on the riverwalk. We sat outside—even though it was hot—because the view was so good.
I picked a mango margherita to cool down, and it was perfect. We enjoyed a couple of appetizers of hush puppies, salads, burgers, and I got The Big Crabwich, which was a crab cake with coleslaw on top in a bun. YUM. And for dessert, banana pudding. It was stellar. We all agree that Elijah’s was a trip favorite.
But more than the food, it was the time together. We sat there for a while, talking about our day, laughing, and just enjoying being together. Its nice to take a little time to realize your kids are growing up, and you’re getting to see who they’re becoming. Pretty cool.
This trip worked because it gave us a mix of everything.
This trip gave us exactly what we needed—shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and time together. There was always something to do, but also plenty of space to just be together—and that’s really the point.
Traveling with teens isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. Wilmington made it easy to find that balance between fun, learning, and just enjoying each other. Its definitely a place I intend to visit in the future.
What would your family want to try first—biking, kayaking, or exploring the battleship? Tell us in the comments!
Take a quick peek at our trip in our YouTube short.
A program designed to serve pregnant and parenting teens in the Wilmington area is seeking new funding sources.The Adolescent Parenting Program, which is offered through Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, is focused on helping pregnant and parenting teens stay in school, connecting them with services in the community, and providing them with the education, support and resources to delay a second pregnancy until they are ready.The program’s coordinator Dana King said it serves 17 young women.But the p...
A program designed to serve pregnant and parenting teens in the Wilmington area is seeking new funding sources.
The Adolescent Parenting Program, which is offered through Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, is focused on helping pregnant and parenting teens stay in school, connecting them with services in the community, and providing them with the education, support and resources to delay a second pregnancy until they are ready.
The program’s coordinator Dana King said it serves 17 young women.
But the program has recently experienced some funding changes that have left staff looking to fill the gaps. The New Hanover Community Endowment provided $200,000 to the Adolescent Parenting Program — $100,000 per year over two years.
The Endowment funding has now ended, and Planned Parenthood staff say they are "disappointed" by the decision.
Leigh Johnson, director of philanthropy - Planned Parenthood South Atlantic - Eastern NC, said in an email that the Adolescent Parenting Program "directly advanced" the Endowment's Social and Health Equity pillar, and that the Adolescent Parenting Program "met or exceeded every goal established for the grant."
Teen moms find support, diplomas and careers through Wilmington programAmong the outcomes, she noted that five teen mothers and one teen father earned their high school diplomas or equivalent, and the program strengthened its partnerships with Cape Fear Community College. Johnson also pointed out that “the 2023 rate of repeat teen pregnancies in New Hanover County was lower than the statewide average.”
“Delaying a repeat teen pregnancy is a primary goal" of the Adolescent Parenting Program, she added.
Johnson said that “despite these outcomes and the program’s direct alignment with an Endowment priority,” they learned that the Endowment was “not going to move forward with another application" for the Adolescent Parenting Program funding, at this time.
“While we are disappointed to receive this information, it does create an opportunity for other local and regional funders to step forward and invest in a program with a long record of demonstrated success in New Hanover County,” Johnson said.
Wilmington neighbors react to life expectancy gap report Will Wilmington's Northside ever get a grocery store? Here's the latest Wilmington's life expectancy gap sparks concern among officials Where you live in New Hanover County impacts how long you live, data shows From the editor: Why we're participating in a new journalism collaborative Coastal Journalism Hub will be a 'shared civic asset' in Wilmington | OpinionDespite the funding loss, Johnson noted that Planned Parenthood South Atlantic is currently using general operating funds and unrestricted donations to sustain the program while seeking new grant and individual donor support.
“At this time, there is not another funding source positioned to replace the Endowment’s investment at the same level,” Johnson said.
Amber Rogerson, communications director for the New Hanover Community Endowment, confirmed that Planned Parenthood received a $200,000 grant in 2024 to support the Adolescent Parenting Program with funds being used for "providing home visits, education, healthcare access, and resource connections for pregnant and parenting teens."
When asked what factored into the decision not to renew the grant, Rogerson said, "As a matter of practice, we do not comment on potential funding decisions, discussions with current or prospective grantees, or future plans. We remain committed to improving the well-being of New Hanover County residents through strategic, community-informed investments."
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected]. This story was produced in partnership with the Coastal Journalism Hub, a collaborative focused on health and wellbeing in New Hanover County.
New Hanover County has approved millions in economic incentives to persuade one of the area’s top employers to expand its local facility.At a meeting on Oct. 19, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $3 million grant proposed by Wilmington Business Development to help fund the expansion of a manufacturing facility. County Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle identified the business as Corning Inc., which is currently the No. 12 largest employer in New Hanover, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.Separa...
New Hanover County has approved millions in economic incentives to persuade one of the area’s top employers to expand its local facility.
At a meeting on Oct. 19, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $3 million grant proposed by Wilmington Business Development to help fund the expansion of a manufacturing facility. County Chief Financial Officer Eric Credle identified the business as Corning Inc., which is currently the No. 12 largest employer in New Hanover, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Separately, the city of Wilmington is considering a $2 million incentive for the same project. City Council will discuss the grant proposal at a meeting on Oct. 20.
New Hanover considering cash incentives to bring in hundreds of jobsIf Corning pursues the deal, the company would create 414 new jobs and make a $585 million property investment over a five-year period beginning as soon as 2027. New Hanover’s contributions would be made over five years at $600,000 annually. Credle said that through tax collections, the county would recoup its full investment within four years.
Wilmington Business Development CEO Scott Satterfield explained that Corning could choose any of its sites – including multiple throughout North Carolina – for the expansion.
“Corning has been a vital employer here, a great taxpayer, a pillar of the business community in greater Wilmington,” Satterfield said. “Their position and their presence helps establish the greater Wilmington region as a serious contender for major global opportunities.
If Corning chooses Wilmington, the company intends to complete construction by the end of 2028, Satterfield said.
Satterfield said that Corning’s optical communication sector is leading the project, known as Project Pearl 2, which manufactures fiberoptic cables to “enable fast, reliable transmission of large volumes of data across a variety of telecommunication networks.” Corning has partnered with several major companies during its time in Wilmington, including Meta, Amazon and Microsoft.
The 414 full-time jobs will have an average salary of $85,080, which is 21% higher than the average wage in New Hanover. The company will bring on 15 support engineers with an average wage of $132,000, 60 salary engineers averaging $119,000 and 339 production employees averaging $77,000.
“We want those 414 jobs here, we want the increase to the tax rolls, we want them to be successful in their business, but we also want to bring more high-paying jobs to New Hanover County and this will help us to get there,” Vice Chair Dane Scalise said.
Credle said that the county’s contributions will be dependent upon Corning’s ability to meet job investment targets, and the annual $600,000 payment could be prorated if goals are not met. The county will also be protected in cases of site abandonment or workforce reductions within one year of termination of the agreement.
County finance staff recommended approval based on how the deal stacks up against previous incentives. The median direct investment of nine large incentive agreements was $305 million, significantly smaller than the $585 million that Corning plans to invest. In the sampled agreements, the median of the county and city’s combined incentives was over $20 million, compared to the combined $5 million Corning deal.
Satterfield said that the county’s competitive incentives could have a domino effect when it comes to securing future businesses, pointing to the recent development of an Amazon facility on the Pender County line.
Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].
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