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Hi Wilmington, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Outlander river cruise, a night tour of the Burgwin-Wright House, and the first plant and crystal expo + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Spring wildfire risks ahead: The N.C. Forest Service warned that 99% of North Carolina wildfires are human-caused, often from escaped yard debris burns, so get a permit and avoid burning on dry, windy days — get wildfire prevention tips.
Expanded support and outreach: Kids Making It, a Wilmington nonprofit, has been awarded $900,000 from the New Hanover Community Endowment to expand youth programs, add mental health support, and grow Woodshop on Wheels — see what’s funded and planned.
Stronger foundation for growth: Wilmington’s Port City Java was acquired on Jan. 30 and now operates under PCJ Holdings, with The FBMG advising. Roasting stays local as the hometown chain eyes its next chapter — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Smash-burger craving fix: When only a crispy-edged, juicy patty will do, Mess Hall delivers with house-ground beef, loaded tots, and a legit vegan smash. It’s low-fuss, high-reward comfort that saves weeknights and friendships, best enjoyed with napkins and zero small talk.
Roll into the week: Wilmington’s own Scooters Family Skating Center keeps wheels spinning with upbeat sessions, throwback jams, and a laid-back vibe. Grab friends, orbit the rink, raid the snack bar. They also host birthday parties and STEM field trips for local schools.
Your weekly art reset: Cameron Art Museum delivers a midweek lift with rotating exhibits, Jazz at CAM nights, and nine acres of outdoor art for clear-headed strolls. Slip creativity into your routine without stress; it’s an easy reset that fits your calendar and mood.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Wilmington for grown ups
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.
🏠 Night Tour of the Burgwin-Wright House @ Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens | Friday (3/6) at 8:00 PM – Skip Netflix and time-travel to Colonial nightlife at the Burgwin-Wright House, where candlelit guides spill rituals, superstitions, and what life looked like before outlets, Uber, and ring lights. It’s $25 plus tax, space is tight, so call 910-762-0570 to reserve, no emails.
🚢 River Cruise: “Outlander in the Cape Fear” @ Wilmington Water Tours | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Wilmington Water Tours and the Burgwin-Wright House are taking you back in time on the Cape Fear, retracing the real Wilmington history woven into Outlander. No kilt required, just curiosity, a river breeze, and $40. Snag seats at WilmingtonWaterTours.net, or call 910-338-3134.
🌸 Bloom & Create Maker’s Market @ Tap Yard Wilmington | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Feel like spring deserves more than pollen and yard work? Head to Tap Yard Wilmington for a breezy maker’s market with local pottery, paintings, jewelry, and fiber arts, plus a drink in hand. Sip, stroll, and accidentally support half the city’s artists, happily.
🎸 Ladies Rock the Lake @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater | Saturday (3/7) at 12:30 PM – If you’ve been looking for a reason to swap scrolling for brushstrokes, hit the Gator Garden for a guided paint party, no experience required. It’s $25, every penny supports Domestic Violence Shelter & Services, and you’ll feel good about your masterpiece. Register in advance.
🌱 Sand Art Terrarium Workshop @ Art in Bloom Gallery at Mayfaire Town Center | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – If your houseplants are judging your decor, give them a scenic upgrade at this beginner, three-hour sand art terrarium workshop. Pick river, ocean, or mountain, layer colored sand like a dessert you won’t eat, then top with live plants, all supplies included.
🎲 Raise the Ruff 2026: Casino Night @ Hotel Ballast Wilmington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 PM – Suit up at Hotel Ballast for a riverfront casino night where your chips, bluffs, and questionable math bankroll rescue pups at Paws Place. Buy in, bid at the silent auction, and call it philanthropy, with tickets and sponsorships dropping soon.
🏺 CAM After Dark @ Cameron Art Museum | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Toast Wilmington legend Hiroshi Sueyoshi with an after-dark museum hang mixing a gallery talk, a doc, and chamber music. Hear from his wife, Jane Tierney, ceramicist Gayle Tustin, plus UNCW voices on Japanese culture. Free with admission, registration required. Consider it culture that sticks.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Wilmington report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 76°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 2%
Widespread fog before 10am. Partly sunny, with a high near 76. Southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 1 to 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 7%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
Under centuries-old live oaks in Westport off Greenville Loop, this refined waterfront home offers deep water access and a 30-foot boat slip. A vaulted living room with a Cloud chandelier, a chef’s kitchen with Thermador, Miele, and Viking, and five bedroom suites headline the interiors. Outside, an Ipe deck and a stroll to the community marina frame Wrightsville Beach views.
Take a peek inside →
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