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Hi Wilmington, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Avelo extends schedule, Hollywood East Brewseum plans opening, and a $100M Walmart settlement + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many North Carolina drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Airline updates service plans: Avelo has extended its flight schedule at Wilmington International Airport through fall, following the January closure of its Wilmington base, keeping more options for local travelers — read the full story.

Celebrating Wilmington’s screen legacy: A film and TV-themed restaurant, Hollywood East Brewseum, is coming to the former Rose Ice & Coal building on Market Street. Construction expected soon, with a late summer opening planned — see the plans and timeline.

Ten years of FTC oversight: North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson reached a $100 million settlement with Walmart over allegations it misled Spark drivers about pay. Drivers in North Carolina will receive about $2 million — see what Walmart must do.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? GoldCo has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

All the crowd favorites:

• Join a pirate invasion at Cotton Exchange
• Sip wine and design charcuterie boards
• Experience The Stranger’s Billy Joel tribute

💎 This week’s top finds

Sweet nostalgia, incoming: Olde Wilmington Toy & Candy Co is an easy win for rainy-day bribes or birthday add-ons, with shelves of throwback toys, quirky games, and glass-bottle sweets that make adults suspiciously giddy. Five minutes inside equals a joy boost that somehow lasts all day.

Weeknight river reset: Need a midweek exhale? Wilmington Water Tours offers narrated river cruises and sunset trips with live music aboard a comfy, fully enclosed 49-passenger catamaran… yes, with a restroom and a real bar. Get fresh air, local history, and zero traffic in one easy float.

Old-school breakfast vibes: Established in 1901, The Dixie Grill keeps mornings steady with fluffy omelets, grits, and coffee that shows up on time. Cozy, no-fuss plates taste like Wilmington, perfect when comfort outranks ambition. Downtown staple with old-school charm, light on chatter, heavy on satisfaction.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements — they’re the local spots your fellow readers clicked on most this week.

🫶 We got your back

Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

👜 Luxury Handbag Event @ Lumina Gem | Thursday (3/19) at 10:00 AM – Lumina Gem is hosting its first-ever luxury handbag pop-up with authenticated pre-owned finds from The Luxury Bee, including LV, Gucci, Chanel, and more. Sip champagne, sample sweets, and justify another tote as an heirloom, not a habit. Want first pick, call 910-256-1850 to book.

🗽 NC First in Freedom Festival @ Battleship Park | Friday (3/20) at 10:00 AM – Think you know our Revolutionary War heroes? Head to the Battleship as the DAR unveils an America 250 marker honoring the patriots history forgot, in classic First in Freedom spirit. It’s local heritage, river breeze included, and an excuse to feel proud without wearing face paint.

🌿 Neighbors for Nature: Community Day @ Cameron Art Museum | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats free admission at CAM, where art and nature team up. Expect hands-on projects for the kids, an ASL tour, a K-12 showcase, and School of Rock, plus local eco groups sharing real resources. Bring the grandkids, keep your carpets clean.

☠ Invasion of the Pirates @ The Cotton Exchange | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – If your weekend needs a little swash with its buckle, head to the Cotton Exchange for pirates galore. Think clashing steel, booming shanties, old weapons, and curious trinkets, with merchants joining the mischief, a rumored mermaid cameo, and the magic word, free.

🧠 Be Kind to Your Mind Mental Health Awareness Festival and Fundraiser @ UNCW | Saturday (3/21) at 12:00 PM – Think your brain could use a breather? Same. This feel-good fundraiser brings live music in the Amphitheater, plus mental health providers and local artists along Chancellor’s Walk, so you can sway, snag real resources, and pick up some art.

🚚 Spring Fling Food Truck Rodeo @ Waterline Brewing Company | Sunday (3/22) at 12:00 PM – Patio weather is lying again, so hit Waterline for an indoor, free Food Truck Rodeo that actually has something for everyone. Coffee, tea, bread, cookies, books, blooms, art, live tunes, and vendors galore. Bring the kids, leave with plants, candles, and a mystery.

✂ Introduction to Collage @ Art in Bloom Gallery | Sunday (3/22) at 1:00 PM – Give that stash of pretty paper a purpose with gallery artist Pam Toll’s collage workshop, where you will craft portraits while learning materials, adhesives, transfers, pattern making, and design. Beginners and seasoned snippers welcome, some supplies included, $125, bring your favorite ephemera.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Wilmington report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 62°F – Precip: 48%

A chance of rain showers between 10am and 2pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. East wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11pm and 2am, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. South wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 74°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 98%

Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 74. South wind 12 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Most popular house this week

Waterfront living shines in this 4-bed, 3.5-bath home in gated Inlet Point Harbor with a private dock, drive-on boat slip, and year-round deep water on the Intracoastal. An open plan includes a dedicated office, family room, and main-floor primary suite with a custom closet. A saltwater pool, updated finishes, and access to Freeman Park and Carolina Beach complete the package.

Take a peek inside →