October 2024

Eagles Island occupies a unique place in the lower Cape Fear. It is perhaps most famous as the home of the USS North Carolina, yet the island’s long history includes abundant ricefields, naval stores production, and shipbuilding. The island, up to two miles across and seven miles north to south, is bordered by the Cape…

This month was one of them. I have always liked the idea of having chickens in my backyard, but it’s not one I have acted on. When a friend started her coop in August, I felt it would hold interest for our readers. Come learn the many different kinds of chickens and ways to raise…

Raising chickens is a lifestyle that is spreading beyond traditional farm life and finding its way into urban backyards. Chicks are not just cute pets — they are hard work. Kiersten Wildeboer, who lives on five acres in Castle Hayne, has raised chickens and ducks for several years. She says a great place to start…

Realist J. Chris Wilson liked to paint big. He wanted viewers to feel as if they were experiencing the image in person for themselves. His widow, Kathy, says his work was never meant to be like the Hudson River Valley landscapes that can appear overly romanticized. “Chris never aspired to be more than a Southern…

When slow-moving Hurricane Florence finally moved away after stalling over eastern North Carolina during the second and third weeks of September 2018, the storm left a wake of destruction behind. The estimated damage was $17 billion. Flooding from more than 30 inches of rain was a major issue, as were the 27 tornadoes the storm…

Though they originated in Connecticut in 1929, lobster rolls have made their way across the country, and Southeastern North Carolina has accepted the tasty import with open arms (and mouths). The New England and Canadian maritime meal consists of buttery lobster meat in a mayonnaise-based sauce in a top-split bun usually topped with chives. What’s…

“Eagles Island encompasses over 3,000 acres and the north end of the island is made up of tracts owned by more than two dozen private residents, corporations and governmental agencies,” the Wilmington Star News Online states in 2024. Joseph and Richard Eagles Sr. became prominent planters when they settled in the Lower Cape Fear area…

Wrapped by Empie Park, at the corner of Independence Boulevard and Park Avenue, Station 2 is one of Wilmington’s many fire stations.  Built in 2011, Station 2 is a Special Operations station staffed by the department’s technical rescue team for unique emergencies including confined space, structural collapse, trench, high-rise and motor vehicle extractions, and swift…

Professional surfer and Wrightsville native Mason Barnes, along with longtime friends Chris and Michaela Batten, has reimagined the former fuel and convenience store on the Causeway into Bevvy Mart, it’s as much of a hangout spot as a place to pick up favorite treats. Wrightsville Beach has long been known for its waves, laid-back vibe,…

At the intersection of Stone Street and North and South Lumina avenues in Wrightsville Beach is an art deco building that has stood for seven decades. The town was incorporated in 1899. The Saffo building has been home to numerous businesses since its construction in 1948, including an ABC store. More currently, the downstairs has…