Sam Blount has a rare ability to transport viewers beneath the surface, revealing an underwater world that is at once powerful, peaceful, and profoundly beautiful. From intimate encounters with dolphins and close passes by sharks to hauntingly atmospheric wreck dives, his photography captures not only the extraordinary diversity of marine life but also the quiet relationship between humans and the ocean.

In an age where our lives are increasingly lived through screens, Bookworm Pottery offers something refreshingly simple: the chance to slow down, get your hands dirty, and create something meaningful. Tucked inside Wilmington's vibrant Cargo District, the cozy studio has become much more than a place to learn pottery—it has grown into a welcoming community where creativity, connection, and self-expression flourish. For owner Ashley Merklinger, pottery isn't just an art form;

For Grace Frank, great hair has never been just about style—it's about confidence, connection, and helping people feel like the best version of themselves. Since opening Foiled Hair Studio in Wilmington's Cargo District, she has built a salon known for its thoughtful approach to lived-in color, seamless extensions, and individualized service, while fostering a welcoming environment where both clients and stylists can thrive.

From the timeless beauty of 35mm film to joyful, laughter-filled wedding days, Allison Eding, owner of Lightbloom Photography, has built a reputation for creating authentic images that feel just as meaningful decades later as they did in the moment they were captured.

Some restaurants are built around a menu. Others are built around a philosophy. At Salita, every pizza begins with a simple belief: if you care deeply about your people, your ingredients, and your community, everything else falls into place.

Before the buzz of the tattoo machines begins, what you'll notice first at Queen Street Tattoo is the atmosphere. Warm, welcoming and refreshingly approachable, this Cargo District studio has redefined what a modern tattoo experience can be—without losing the authenticity and artistry that made traditional tattoo shops so memorable. Under the leadership of owner Sarah Susi, Queen Street Tattoo has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship,

Tucked into Wilmington's vibrant Cargo District, Blue Cup Roastery has become a destination for coffee lovers who appreciate exceptional quality without the pretense. What began as an opportunity to carry on the legacy of an established roastery has evolved into a thoughtfully reimagined business where every bean is carefully sourced, expertly roasted, and brewed with intention.

Few places capture the spirit of Wrightsville Beach quite like Trailborn Surf & Sound. Framed by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, the reimagined coastal resort blends contemporary design with the relaxed charm that has made this stretch of North Carolina's coastline a beloved destination for generations.

Before Crafted Outpost became one of the Cargo District's most beloved destinations for handmade goods, it began with something far more personal: a desire to build a creative, connected life rooted in community. Founder Rachael Kinsey has woven together her backgrounds in design, art, yoga, and entrepreneurship to create more than a retail space—she has built a gathering place where local makers, meaningful craftsmanship, and human connection take center stage.

For Rebecca Harris, wedding photography is far more than documenting a celebration—it is preserving the beginning of a family's legacy. Inspired by a lifelong love of art, fashion, classic cinema, and the quiet beauty found in everyday moments, Rebecca approaches each wedding with an artist's eye and a storyteller's heart.

For more than 20 years, Terah Hoobler has been documenting weddings with an eye for authenticity and a passion for preserving life's most meaningful moments. Inspired by childhood memories of flipping through family photo albums with her grandmother, Terah learned early that photographs are more than beautiful images—they're a legacy that connects generations. T

For Sara Baker, owner and creative force behind Snack Time Sweets, pastry has always been about more than sugar and flour. It is a form of artistic expression—a place where flavor and craftsmanship come together to create something as meaningful as it is beautiful.

A wedding day is made up of moments both grand and fleeting: the quiet anticipation before walking down the aisle, the happy chaos of getting ready, the embrace that lingers a little longer, and the spontaneous laughter that no one could have planned. For Maggie B Photography, those unscripted moments are where the real magic lives. With a style that is bright, warm, timeless, and deeply personal, Maggie B Photography goes beyond creating beautiful images.

This summer, Cape Fear Living presents The Cape Fear Beer Trail: 6 Breweries Worth Visiting This Summer—a curated lineup of standout destinations across the region, chosen for the way they define the local brewing experience rather than the size of the list.

Two hundred and fifty years deserves more than fireworks. It calls for a table filled with good food, great company, and recipes that celebrate the flavours of an American summer. Brought to you by Cape Fear Living, this America 250 celebration menu features a vibrant heirloom tomato and burrata salad, bourbon-glazed ribeye, sweet corn kissed by the grill, and a berry shortcake worthy of the occasion.

Summer on the Cape Fear Coast is made for slow evenings, good company, and a perfectly crafted drink in hand. From rooftop lounges and waterfront patios to hidden gems serving up creative seasonal pours, the region’s cocktail scene continues to bring fresh flavors, local ingredients, and unforgettable experiences to the table. In The Summer Sip List: Who’s Shaking the Best Summer Cocktails?, Cape Fear Living uncovers the destinations raising the bar on summer sipping—highligh

A wedding day moves quickly—filled with quiet glances, happy tears, unexpected laughs, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that can pass in an instant. For Heart First Weddings, the focus goes beyond simply documenting the day; it’s about preserving the emotions, energy, and connections that make each celebration unique.

Set among the natural beauty of the Cape Fear region, Beau Rivage Golf & Resort offers couples the rare opportunity to transform their wedding day into a complete coastal celebration. Blending resort-style amenities, Southern hospitality, and picturesque surroundings, the property is designed to create a seamless experience where couples and their guests can gather, celebrate, and make lasting memories all in one destination.

Set along the banks of the Cape Fear River, Proximity Watermark represents a bold new chapter in Wilmington's evolving waterfront landscape. Developed on the site of a former marina, the community was envisioned as more than just another residential development—it was designed to create a true connection between residents and the river that defines the region's character.

For bridal hairstylist Sarah Maher, founder of Red Carpet Ready, a passion for beauty began long before it became a profession. Inspired by the glamour of red carpet events, fashion magazines, and evolving beauty trends, Maher spent her teenage years perfecting hairstyles and recreating looks she admired.