Hi Wilmington, we made it to Thursday! In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Amos Gill, a craft beer tour, and introduction to glass blowing + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Wilmington protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Voices of remembrance gather: Battleship North Carolina will host its 62nd annual Memorial Day ceremony, honoring fallen service members with remarks from author Becky Aikman and a tribute to North Carolina’s Immortal 11,000 -- get all the details.
Reviving and expanding rail links: NCDOT is pushing for new passenger trains, including service to Wilmington, under a federal corridor program. Seven routes earned planning money as NC By Train ridership has surged since 2019 -- see what's planned statewide.
New labor report highlights: Wilmington led North Carolina in job growth over the past year, outpacing Raleigh and Charlotte. Strong hospitality hiring may mean a less seasonal economy, though experts are cautious -- see how metros stack up.
Saltwater season set: Wilmington Outdoor Adventures has lined up a full calendar of guided kayak tours across coastal North Carolina, from Masonboro Island sunset trips and Greenfield Lake eco-tours to full moon paddles and guided shark tooth hunts on Shark Tooth Island. Beginner-friendly workshops round out the schedule for paddlers still finding their footing on the coast, all led by a seasoned local guide focused on safety and the experience itself -- see the full event lineup.*
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor
Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Strike up a night: Cardinal Lanes Beach Bowl brings laid-back league vibes, 24 slick lanes, an arcade for bonus points, and a snack bar serving pizza and cold beer. It’s the easy, no-fuss plan when you want actual fun with friends or kids without trekking all over town.
Sea-scented self care: Salty Soap Co handcrafts beach-inspired soaps, soy wax candles and skin care in Wilmington, using real ingredients and plenty of coastal vibes. Refresh your shower and living room, then pretend you’ve always had your life this together.
Croissant cravings, solved: Sweet D's Cuisine is turning Wilmington mornings into a legit treat, with airy croissants, fresh-baked cakes, breakfast bowls and other sweet things worth a detour. Pop in on your way to work, grab a drink and something flaky, then pretend you baked it yourself.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →
The membership that pays for itself in a single oil change: AARP gets you 15% off at Valvoline, 15% off Denny's, $40 off Walmart+, up to 35% off Avis, and dozens more bundled deals. Membership itself runs $15 your first year — roughly what 15% off a full-synthetic oil change saves you in a single visit. Cancel anytime. *See the full list →
A doctor’s been fixing snoring for 30 years: No clunky mouthpiece or loud machines, just two quick throat sprays before bed every night. It might sound too simple, but more than 3 million people use it, and a double-blind study shows 79% of patients reported positive results. *See how it works →
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 five programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out → |
05 — The event calendar Wilmington for grown upsThe best events and nightlife experiences for adults this week. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌺 Spring Social @ Tada Spa | Thursday (5/14) at 4:00 PM – Curious what Exomind, Emsculpt, and Emsella do, besides sound like tech startups? Tada Spa’s Spring Social is part birthday bash for Dr. Hackney, part try-before-you-buy with live demos, event-only deals, giveaways, and chances to win spa packages. Bring a friend, claim the perks, leave relaxed.
🎤 Amos Gill @ Dead Crow Comedy Room | Friday (5/15) at 7:00 PM – Australia’s Amos Gill hits Dead Crow with sharp, worldly stand-up that sells out arenas, then roasts your life choices. He has opened for Jim Jefferies and played Madison Square Garden. Skip the streaming, grab a sitter, and enjoy actual adult laughter.
🍵 May Garden Tea @ Perennial Harbor | Saturday (5/16) at 10:00 AM – If your azaleas are judging you, trade yard work for Perennial Harbor’s hidden garden and sip tea and mimosas to support mothers and babies in Sierra Leone. Curated brunch, live music, and fewer HOA bylaws chats. Tickets are $75, seats are limited.
🔥 Introduction to Glass Blowing @ Wine & Design Wilmington | Saturday (5/16) at 2:00 PM – Trade screen time for kiln time at this beginner-friendly glass blowing class, complete with a little sip for courage. Shape molten glass into something mantel-worthy, with pros keeping your eyebrows intact. No experience, just curiosity, and a steady exhale.
🍺 Craft Beer Tour @ Flytrap Brewing | Saturday (5/16) – Whether you can name every IPA, or just want a history lesson that comes with a coaster, this guided tour hops through Northside and the Brooklyn Arts District breweries. Expect pints, local lore, and zero pretense. Real Wilmington flavor, new taps, same charmingly scruffy streets.
👗 Ladies Clothing Swap @ Farfalla | Sunday (5/17) at 1:30 PM – Bring those great-but-neglected pieces to a ladies clothing swap at Farfalla, then leave with a refreshed wardrobe and a few new friends. Trade with Wilmington women in midlife, skip the mall, and donate leftovers to Vintage Values, supporting the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services.
🎸 Dark Star Orchestra @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater | Sunday (5/17) at 5:00 PM – Twenty-five years in and still rolling, Dark Star Orchestra brings the Grateful Dead experience without the foggy memory. Big jams, deep cuts, and that familiar sway, plus a kinder parking lot scene. Bring the comfy shoes, and maybe a neck pillow. Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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06 — The Wilmington report Weather forecastToday — High: 79°F — Low: 53°F — Precip: 8%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 53. Northwest wind 3 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 78°F — Low: 61°F — Precip: 3%
Sunny, with a high near 78. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 61. This house is wildThis 4-bed, 3.5-bath coastal retreat soaks up sunrise panoramas over the Intracoastal and marsh. Decks on every level, front-row views of boaters and wildlife. An open plan with a chef’s kitchen, big island, and walk-in pantry. Elevator to all floors, central vac, hurricane shutters, abundant storage, outdoor shower, and fresh updates throughout. Perfect for fishing, clamming, and kayaking.
Take a peek inside → |
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