October 2020

There’s something captivating about a grand, graceful, ancient tree, and few are as enchanting as a Southern live oak. Live oaks only grow close to the coast in North Carolina, their nearly evergreen foliage nourished by the warm, humid air and mild winters. The storied Airlie Oak, at around 500 years old, is the Cape…

1998 As the helicopter rounded the Statue of Liberty, filmmaker Brad Walker braced himself for the perfect shot. His door had been removed so he could strap his camera to the hinge with a bungee cord. From behind the lens, Brad felt something hitting his leg. “We had this beautiful sunset as the backdrop,” Brad…

The Wilmington area has seen its share of VIPs, with stars filming movies or TV shows, politicians stumping for votes, and others of fame passing through. But the Cape Fear region doesn’t have to rely on transients to boast of its celebrity quotient. Plenty of famous people were born here, moved here, or spent a…

Rediscovering the simple pleasure of enjoying nature is one of those undeniable silver linings during this time when so many are feeling isolated. For Liz and Robby Carroll, having the opportunity and space for their three children to play outdoors was essential when buying a new home. Downsizing was not the intention when the Carroll…

The Port City has a reputation for quality art. With a rich selection of natural scenery, fish and wildlife, and no shortage of interesting people, Wilmington is the perfect place for artists and art lovers seeking inspiration and relaxation. Every October a new side of the Wilmington art world begins to show its colors as…

Whether you love ’em or hate ’em, it’s impossible to deny the health benefits of the mighty mushroom. The edible fungi offer far more nutritional benefits than what was once believed. Everything from brain health to healthy skin has been attributed to mushrooms. They are also extremely rich in vitamin B, zinc, niacin, riboflavin and…

Airlie Gardens’ annual art exhibit, SQUIRRELS!, features 10 larger-than-life fiberglass squirrel sculptures dispersed throughout the expansive property. The exhibit opened in late August and continues through the end of November. “They’re a perfect fit for us,” says Janine Powell, director of marketing. “Squirrels are relevant to gardens, and through art we can make them whimsical…

For those looking to brighten the drab winter months while anxiously waiting for spring, with a tiny bit of planning bulbs can provide bright pops of color starting in early February and continuing into late March to early April. Simple layering techniques can create a potpourri of color blasts or install a calm and soothing…

The chance to make a quick escape to the mountains for a break from the heat in the summer, to see colorful foliage in the fall, or just for a change of scenery are just a few reasons why North Carolina is one of the best places to live in the continental United States. There…

It was past midnight and I had come to the kitchen for a cup of hot clamato juice, which I find will kickstart my Ambien. Spread out on the table was the contents of my tacklebox, which I had earlier been trying to organize. The Zara Spook is shaped like a cigar and has three…