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 Wrightsville Beach Museum of History 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 Wrightsville Beach, 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 Wrightsville Beach 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 The Bridge Tender or visit BurgwinWright House and Gardens, 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 Wrightsville Beach, 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 Wrightsville Beach, 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 Wrightsville Beach, 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.
The National Weather Service said rip currents are easier to see from an elevated position.WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — As Independence Day approaches, many North Carolinians are expected to hit the coast, but officials are urging beachgoers to stay alert, especially when it comes to rip currents.On Saturday, 10 swimmers were rescued at Wrightsville Beac...
The National Weather Service said rip currents are easier to see from an elevated position.
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. — As Independence Day approaches, many North Carolinians are expected to hit the coast, but officials are urging beachgoers to stay alert, especially when it comes to rip currents.
On Saturday, 10 swimmers were rescued at Wrightsville Beach, according to a report from WNCN. Officials said the conditions posed a moderate risk for rip currents that day.
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of water that flow away from the shore, often forming near breaks in sandbars or around piers and jetties.
The National Weather Service said rip currents pull people away from the shore, and its length and width can vary dramatically. They form when incoming waves push water up toward the slope. Officials said they are most common during low tide, but can form at all hours of the day.
The NWS said rip currents are easier to see from an elevated position, like a parking lot, beach access, or headland. Warning signs include:
?????With the 2025 beach season well underway, be sure you are familiar with rip currents and how to keep you and your loved ones safe at the beach. Rip currents are the #1 weather-related killer in the coastal Carolinas - #KnowYourOptions if caught in one. https://t.co/QnRDXWuF6x pic.twitter.com/5w9fs65qA9
— NWS Wilmington, NC (@NWSWilmingtonNC) June 28, 2025
If you get caught in a rip current, the NWS recommends trying to remain calm to conserve energy and not fight the current. You can swim across the current in a direction parallel to and following along the shoreline, and when you are out of the current, swim back toward the shore.
If you can’t escape, float or tread water and signal for help by waving your arms and yelling.
Both like sand and being at the coast. But sometimes humans and birds find it hard to share the beach. How Audubon NC is looking to help both coexist.WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | The southern end of this New Hanover County beach town was a cacophony of noises on a hot June morning as the fight to find the best space and the location of loved ones saw a few ruffled feathers.But the amicable squabbling wasn't among beachgoers searching for a way to stay cool as a heat dome descended on the Cape Fear region, but shorebird...
WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH | The southern end of this New Hanover County beach town was a cacophony of noises on a hot June morning as the fight to find the best space and the location of loved ones saw a few ruffled feathers.
But the amicable squabbling wasn't among beachgoers searching for a way to stay cool as a heat dome descended on the Cape Fear region, but shorebirds and waterbirds jostling for space amid the sand dunes and beach areas in close proximity to some of the priciest real estate along the N.C. coast.
And that right there sums up the challenges of managing a vital nesting and roosting colony alongside a thriving and popular beach town that can see its population surge from around 2,400 full-time residents in the winter to more than 30,000 during the peak of summer.
“In many cases they’re competing for the same habitat as people, so that can be very difficult,” said Lindsay Addison, a coastal biologist with Audubon North Carolina.
That balancing act between humans and Mother Nature comes as researchers warn about the continued threats, many manmade, facing bird species across the country.
This spring a coalition of conservation and science groups, including Audubon, released the 2025 State of the Birds report. According to the study, about a third of all bird species nationally are considered of high or moderate concern because of declining populations.
Researchers have issued alerts for nearly 80 species of birds that are or remain despite conservation efforts in danger of eventually disappearing from the American landscape, meaning they have lost more than half of their measurable populations in the past 50 years.
“Birds tell us that we have a full-on emergency across all habitats,” said Marshall Johnson, chief conservation officer at the National Audubon Society, in a release.
Among the most at risk are shorebirds, which have seen a 33% decline since 1980, according to the report. While waterbirds have shown some improvement, they face some of the same threats that shorebirds do. Those include loss of habitat due to booming coastal development and rising sea levels tied to climate change that's causing increased flooding of important colony nesting and roosting sites, especially in sandy areas at the ends of barrier islands that are favored by many coastal bird species.
The warming of the planet from increased greenhouse gas emissions is also leading to longer and more intense heat waves, which can impact food supplies for the birds. Tropical storms also are growing stronger and bigger as ocean temperatures increase, researchers warn.
Predation from coyotes and other predators also is a constant threat. But it is human interaction with the birds that remains one of the biggest problems − although it is also the factor that can be most easy to manage.
Audubon and other groups have worked hard over recent decades to get areas favored by coastal birds, like the sandy spits near inlets, declared protected areas when the feathered friends are around. But the secret, officials say, is reinforcing that message every year through signs and the occasional gentle reminders to beachgoers, like to keep dogs away from the birds whether on or off a leash.
Looking at the big picture, Addison said most visitors to the reserve sites are very respectful of the birds' needs and the rules regarding the sanctuaries.
At the south end of Wrightsville, volunteers help keep the peace between visitors and birds. A plethora of signs and illustrations, drawn by local school students, and a rope barrier also help to reinforce the idea of keeping a safe space between the parties.
"We really don't have too many problems, and when we do one of our volunteers is generally there to talk to folks about what they should and shouldn't be doing and give them a good idea of what's going on and what they're seeing," Addison said, noting the bird steward program at the south end of Wrightsville has nearly 80 volunteers. "People really do want to be responsible coastal visitors when they come here."
Nesting shorebird season runs from March 1 through mid-September, overlapping near the tail end with the arrival of migrating waterbirds moving south from their nesting grounds in the Canadian Arctic.
Among the shorebirds still at the south end nearing the end of June are hundreds of least terns and black skimmers, mixed in with some common terns and the occasional oystercatcher, that are either still taking care of fledgling chicks or incubating eggs.
Nearby undeveloped islands, like Lea-Hutaff and Masonboro, also are popular nesting and roosting sites, and have several protected areas to help the visiting birds and visitors share the islands. Addison said the importance of these islands to the birds ongoing recovery can't be overstated, with Lea-Hutaff Island, squeezed between Figure Eight and Topsail islands in Pender County, accounting for nearly one-third of the nesting least terns in the state.
But that doesn't mean the birds can't be found outside of the posted-off areas, especially as fledglings explore their surroundings and all of the birds head to tidal areas for food and to stay cool.
"So when you're at the beach, it's really important that people don't think every bird is a seagull, so don't chase them," Addison said. "Some of them can't fly, and even if they can they really can't be wasting important energy and calories running and flying away when they're trying to feed their young or just find food for themselves."
Because of its accessibility, the south end of Wrightsville Beach is a magnet for bird watchers − and birdwatching is big business in the U.S. The recent birds report highlights findings from the 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation that found total economic output related to bird watching activities is $279 billion, and birding related activities support 1.4 million jobs.
On this roasting late June day, though, there weren't many visitors of any sorts paying attention to the birds. Staying cool was the name of the game for beachgoers.
But that wasn't stopping Joanna Smothers, relaxing on her beach chair on the Intracoastal Waterway side of the sandy spit, from keeping an eye on the vocal and busy birds and offering any help to visitors who came her way.
This was the fourth year Smothers had volunteered with the bird ambassador program.
"I love it," said the Wrightsville Beach resident. "This really is one of the best ways to spend time at the beach."
Smothers added that she really enjoys observing the birds and their interactions, and when she explains their behavior to visitors they also are impressed.
She added that she really likes how the birds, while sometimes seemingly arguing with each other, learn to share the beach and embrace the diversity found within the multiple species that together call the sandy spit home − at least for a few months.
"I think we can learn a lot from them," she said with a smile.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
A project to pump sand onto Carolina and Kure beaches was supposed to happen this winter, but rising costs mean it will now only start in the fall after the upcoming hurricane seasonUSA TODAY NETWORKA year later than expected, the sandman is finally coming to Pleasure Island.After the project was buffeted by financial headwinds last year, the Army Corps...
USA TODAY NETWORK
A year later than expected, the sandman is finally coming to Pleasure Island.
After the project was buffeted by financial headwinds last year, the Army Corps of Engineers' Wilmington District announced recently that the beach nourishment for Carolina and Kure beaches will finally move forward this winter.
The federal agency announced it has signed a $23.52 million contract with Norfolk Dredging Co. for the project, which will take place during the upcoming fall-winter dredging window. Work on beaches and in many cases dredging of coastal waters is only allowed to take place during the colder months to protect nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
"Securing a contractor for this critical project proved challenging due to dredging availability in Fiscal Year 2025," stated a corps' release. "Following unsuccessful bidding earlier in the fiscal year, (the army corps) and its partners are pleased to announce this award for Fiscal Year 2026."
Unlike state and local fiscal years, the federal fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.
Beach nourishment is inherently expensive, requiring lots of pre-project planning and permit work and then securing an acceptable sand source that can be pumped onto a beach. If that borrow site is farther away than say a nearby inlet, like Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach mine for their projects, it will cost more to move the sand from the source to the beach.
But another factor that's helping send the cost of beach nourishment surging is the high demand for projects to rebuild beaches all along the Gulf and East coasts battered by recent hurricanes and the few number of American companies out there in the dredging business. By federal law, domestic dredging and nourishment work has to be undertaken by U.S. companies.
With prices coming in well above predictions, some Cape Fear-area beach towns saw their projects for this past winter wash away − at least temporarily. That's what happened with the project for Carolina and Kure beaches.
The Pleasure Island project had an estimated cost of just under $20 million. But the only bid for the work the Army Corps of Engineers received came in at $37.5 million.
"Getting additional bidders are slim and since the price was double the estimated project cost, the best possible solution is to postpone the event until next year," said Kure Beach Mayor Allen Oliver in a letter to residents. "We should get better pricing and more bidders participating."
The delay means the two New Hanover beach towns will have to weather the 2025 hurricane season without a fresh injection of sand − a worry for officials and residents in a world where climate change is increasingly fueling stronger and bigger tropical storm systems.
Hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through November, and hurricane forecast prognosticators are predicting an above-normal level of storm activity.
"This is not the most favorable situation for us and Carolina Beach, but honestly it is the most logical decision based on the lack of bidders and the cost of the single bid received," Oliver said in his letter.
Another factor that can limit the feasibility of coastal towns engaging in nourishment projects to rebuild their battered beachfront can be the feasability − or willingness − of communities and in many cases states to shoulder the cost.
That can become a heated issue when many see nourishment projects as only benefiting oceanfront property owners and that the work needs to be done every several years to be truly effective and offer protection, since erosion is a natural process that's only been increasing in recent years due to rising seas and increased storm activity. While federal and state funds often help fund beach projects, moves to rein in federal spending by President Trump and tightening state budgets has made future funding support questionable at best.
While towns like North Topsail Beach have halted some proposed nourishment work due to financial constraints and towns like Surf City and Oak Island are grappling with major costs to fund their planned beach projects, that isn't an issue for New Hanover County's three beach towns.
New Hanover uses proceeds from the county's room-tax, a special tax on hotel and short-term rentals, to help fund beach projects. North Carolina also has been a reliable funding partner for the three towns' federal beach projects, which generally take place every three years.
According to corps and county officials, the cost-share of the Carolina Beach portion of the project is 50% federal, 25% county, and 25% state. In Kure Beach, the break down is 65% federal, with New Hanover and Raleigh splitting the remaining 35%.
The Pleasure Island project isn't the only dredging project that will benefit local beaches recently completed or announced by the corps.
The agency in late April wrapped up work in Brunswick County on dredging Lockwood Folly River where it crosses the Intracoastal Waterway. Sand removed from the inlet was pumped onto the western end of Oak Island, where the beach has been several eroded by recent storms and the nearby inlet and several homes have been relying on sandbags to protect them from the encroaching Atlantic.
Then in mid-May the corps announced a contract worth up to $25.3 million for the dredging of the Cape Fear River shipping channel near the mouth of the Cape Fear. The work is expected to result in up to 1.3 million cubic yards of sand getting pumped onto Caswell Beach and the eastern end of Oak Island.
As with the Pleasure Island project, the work will be undertaken by Norfolk Dredging and will take place over the upcoming fall-winter dredging window.
Reporter Gareth McGrath can be reached at [email protected] or @GarethMcGrathSN on X/Twitter. This story was produced with financial support from the Green South Foundation and the Prentice Foundation. The USA TODAY Network maintains full editorial control of the work.
LOCALWilmington StarNewsCrystal blue waters, surfing culture and an iconic pier.Those three things likely helped carry Wrightsville Beach across the finish line to take the title of “Best Beach in the Wilmington area.”Just before Memorial Day, the StarNews asked readers which of the 11 Wilmington-area beaches is the b...
LOCAL
Wilmington StarNews
Crystal blue waters, surfing culture and an iconic pier.
Those three things likely helped carry Wrightsville Beach across the finish line to take the title of “Best Beach in the Wilmington area.”
Just before Memorial Day, the StarNews asked readers which of the 11 Wilmington-area beaches is the best, and they had the opportunity to vote for their favorite beach in our poll, which included all the beaches in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties. Voting closed on Sunday, June 15.
A total of 1,254 votes were cast, and while all 11 beaches received some votes, Wrightsville Beach took the top spot with just over 22% of the votes, barely edging out its neighbor Carolina Beach, which had just over 21% of the votes.
Rounding out the top five were Surf City with 15.47%, Topsail Beach with just over 11% and Kure Beach with nearly 10%. Though it didn’t make it into the top five, the top Brunswick County beach was Oak Island with just over 7% of the votes.
Whether you’re a frequent visitor to Wrightsville Beach, or you’re thinking of visiting for the first time, be sure to check out Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier, or if adventure is more your thing, try one of the area’s sailing schools or rent a kayak and paddle over to nearby Masonboro Island. Visitors are sure to find something to fit their taste with dining options that include Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Oceanic, The Bridge Tender and Dockside Restaurant.
So, grab your beach bag and head to Wrightsville Beach and see why StarNews readers voted it the “Best Beach in the Wilmington area.”
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].
Picture this: tourist season is in full swing for New Hanover County's beach towns. You want a front-row seat on the coast, but you don't want to be too far from a bathroom. And of course, you need somewhere to park.Elevated above the crowds, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is one of the Cape Fear region's most iconic attractions. The pier represents everything that Wilmington is known for: its rich history, prime location and sheer beauty.Here's what makes Johnnie Mercers unique, how to get there and the best time to go.T...
Picture this: tourist season is in full swing for New Hanover County's beach towns. You want a front-row seat on the coast, but you don't want to be too far from a bathroom. And of course, you need somewhere to park.
Elevated above the crowds, Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is one of the Cape Fear region's most iconic attractions. The pier represents everything that Wilmington is known for: its rich history, prime location and sheer beauty.
Here's what makes Johnnie Mercers unique, how to get there and the best time to go.
Johnnie Mercers offers a stunning view of Wrightsville Beach, centrally located along the town's coastline. Visitors can walk the length of the pier for $2, stepping more than 1,200 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. The pier is lined with benches and is connected to a gift shop that sells a variety of souvenirs and fishing supplies.
Daily fishing passes are available for $8, and season passes can be purchased on the pier's website. The pier also has its own fish cleaning station, but there's also an indoor restaurant if you don't have any luck catching your own food.
Johnnie Mercers was built in 1930. It was rebuilt in 2001 with concrete after damage from hurricanes Bertha and Fran, making it the first concrete fishing pier in North Carolina.
Johnnie Mercers Fishing Pier is located at 23 E Salisbury St. in Wrightsville Beach. The pier is directly across from the northern bridge on U.S. 74. The pier is conveniently located next to a parking lot operated by the town of Wrightsville Beach, where paid parking can be purchased for $6 per hour or $30 per day.
When it comes to beach towns, it's best to arrive either before or after peak hours. If you want to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic, Johnnie Mercers opens up at 6 a.m. daily. That will also give you plenty of time to enjoy a free parking spot, as the town's paid parking starts at 9 a.m.
If you're not an early riser, the pier is open until 11 p.m. Paid parking ends for the day at 8 p.m., so that's another incentive to visit in the evening. Johnnie Mercers occasionally offers overnight access, which is announced via the pier's Facebook page.
Regardless of what time you go, it's best to leave the pets at home. Due to loose hooks and rods, only service animals are allowed on the pier.
919-554-2223
