This year, Wilmington’s culinary talent took center stage at the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s 2026 Chef Showdown grand finale at Durham’s Bay 7, where the competition marked its 10th anniversary. Among the evening’s top honors was a double win for Sugo Italian Steakhouse’s Charmaine Devine, who was named NCRLA Pastry Chef of the Year and also took home People’s Choice Best Dessert—a fitting recognition for a chef whose culinary journey has been anything

At the heart of the Historic District, The Verandas offers an especially beautiful way to experience the season—a storied 1853 mansion where four porches, lush gardens and quiet rooms invite guests to linger a little longer. Just two blocks from the Cape Fear River and within walking distance of Wilmington’s restaurants, Riverwalk and historic streets, it is a place where the itinerary can easily give way to an afternoon on the veranda, a sunset from the cupola or a leisurely

Fall brings out a different side of Wilmington. With cooler temperatures, fewer summer crowds and a more leisurely pace, it’s an ideal time to explore the city’s historic downtown, spend time outdoors and enjoy the beaches without the height-of-summer rush. Conveniently located between Wrightsville Beach and Downtown Wilmington, TownePlace Suites Wilmington offers travelers the flexibility and comforts of home while putting the best of the area within easy reach.

Sixteen years after opening its doors—celebrating the milestone on 3 November—William Mellon's downtown Wilmington restaurant remains one of the city's constants. Helmed in the kitchen by Carson Jewell, it continues to serve thoughtful, beautiful food without chasing trends or shouting for attention. While louder restaurants come and go, manna has mastered something far rarer: staying power.

For Nick Lini, a career in restaurants started at an early age. Growing up on the North Carolina coast, he often accompanied his father, a food representative, getting a behind-the-scenes look at professional kitchens. He started in the dish pit at 16 and has been in the industry ever since. A 2015 graduate of Cape Fear Community College’s culinary program, Lini now brings his coastal roots and steakhouse experience together as Executive Chef at G PRIME Steak & Cellar.

As the seasons shift and the pace of summer begins to slow, fall offers a natural opportunity to turn our attention back toward wellness. For Cameron Martin, owner of Shine On Massage, that means encouraging clients to think of massage not simply as an occasional indulgence, but as an important part of taking care of the body.

In Wilmington’s Cargo District, discovery is part of the experience—and Tiny Weld is a perfect example of why. What began with a love for permanent jewelry has evolved into a playful, creative destination where self-expression takes center stage.

As the summer crowds begin to fade and Wrightsville Beach settles into its quieter, more relaxed rhythm, fall offers a different kind of coastal escape. At Harbor Tide Estate, a luxurious waterfront retreat on Big Lollipop Bay, the season is made for slowing down—watching the sunset from the deck, spending an afternoon on the water, gathering around the table for dinner, and ending the day in the hot tub or beside the fireplace. With room for up to 12 guests, a private dock a

For this feature, Cape Fear Living has hand-selected six restaurants that we believe represent some of the very best steak experiences in the Wilmington area. This is not an open directory or a list of every restaurant serving steak. Each destination was chosen for its quality, craftsmanship, hospitality and the overall dining experience it delivers.

A great wine list should do more than impress. It should tell a story—of place, of food, and of the people behind the bottle. At Sugo Italian Steakhouse, that philosophy has earned national recognition with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence 2026, honoring a thoughtfully curated wine program that brings together the depth and diversity of Italy with the richness and structure needed to complement the restaurant’s steakhouse experience.

For Sarah Kelly, owner of Shark Bite Jewelry, the journey from a love of the ocean and sharks to building one of Wilmington’s most personal and creative jewelry destinations was never exactly part of the plan.

Some people leave behind a business. Others leave behind a legacy. Charles “Chuck” Pennington left behind a feeling — the unmistakable sense of being welcomed and made to feel at home. For more than two decades, Chuck and his beloved partner, Dennis Madsen, helped shape Wilmington’s hospitality landscape through The Verandas, transforming a neglected historic property on Nun Street into one of the city’s most cherished inns.

Great cooking starts with knowing your ingredients—and when it comes to meat, there’s no better place to start than with your butcher. In From the Butcher’s Block, Cape Fear Living partners with The Butcher’s Market to explore a different cut of meat each month, taking readers from the butcher’s counter to the dinner table. With expert guidance from owner Smith Prevost, each installment offers a closer look at the cut itself, along with tips for selecting, preparing and cooki

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.

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.

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.