wbm SEPTEMBER 2018
FEATURES ON THE COVER
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A wall of historic family photos is the
first thing diners see when they enter
Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria, Ben Knight
and Vivian Howard’s restaurant located
in the South Front district of Wilmington.
This greeting, along with the plush
booths and warm décor, all invite you to
stay for a spell. After photographing the
couple in late June, I had the pleasure of
sitting down with Vivian to enjoy one of
the pizzas she was sampling. Now that’s
what I call a job perk.
— PHOTO BY ALLISON POTTER
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CHANGING OUR WORLD TOGETHER ONE FASCINATING STORY AT A TIME.
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www.wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com WBM
20 Shell Game
Collecting seashells is a serious and award-winning
hobby for Wilmington oral surgeon
Brady Semmel, who spends much of his
free time exploring uninhabited islands and
marshland in search of his next big find.
By Shephard Sullivan
26 Blue Bloods
Horseshoe crabs have been around forever —
over 400 million years. Today, these ancient
and exotic animals are an important part of
the ecosystem, and their Carolina-blue blood
is used to test the safety of vaccines and
medical equipment. By Ashley Paige Edwards
32 Unlocking its True Potential
Once used to move commercial traffic up and
down the Cape Fear River, Lock and Dam #1
near Riegelwood has become a recreational
and environmental destination, popular with
fishermen, boaters, and conservation groups.
By Amanda Forrester
40 Town and Country Clubs
Wilmington-area private clubs offer beauti-ful
facilities, active social calendars, and rich
histories. Members enjoy benefits from golf,
tennis and fitness facilities to fine dining,
socializing and networking.
By Mary Margaret McEachern
50 Celebrating Community
North Carolina native Vivian Howard has grown into
her childhood nickname of Big Time. She’s a famous
chef and a best-selling author, and she even hosts
her own TV show. But she and husband Ben Knight
want their Wilmington restaurant to be known for
its food and atmosphere, not her celebrity status.
By Simon Gonzalez
58 Lakeside Sanctuary
The Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina,
located near the shores of Lake Waccamaw in
Columbus County, is saving the lives of vulnerable
children by serving as a place of refuge and rescue
where residents experience nurturing and love.
By Amanda Forrester
66 Combining Profession and
Passion
Bill Love’s background in graphic design and his
interest in all things on and under the water provide
the foundation for his art. He merges the influence
of his occupation and interests into a body of work
that is bold, imaginative and constantly evolving.
By Kathryn Manis
74 Art and Water
A home on Harbor Island offers beautiful vistas,
inside and out. The décor is dominated by the own-er’s
art, collected over 20 years, while views of Motts
Channel and the waters beyond can be seen from
the many windows and decks. By Simon Gonzalez
DEPARTMENTS
15 Up Front
16 Shorts
19 etc.
20 Trending
46 In View
66 Art Treatise
94 Social Seens
97 Tide Chart
ADVERTISING SECTIONS
23 Gift Guide 70 Gallery Walk
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