Together with:

Happy Veterans Day, Wilmington. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Wilmington Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead.

In today’s edition: Police body camera expansion, kids consignment holiday sale, family fall fest, and more.

Let’s get to it.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Seeking local food operator: Charlotte-based Hilltide Capital bought 101 N. Third St. in Wilmington for $15 million, its first local acquisition, citing low vacancies and growth, with no operational changes planned — get all the details.

Portfolio reshuffle in lifting sector: Terex completed the sale of its Tower and Rough Terrain Cranes businesses to Raimondi, including facilities in Fontanafredda and Crespellano and the Wilmington service hub. Financial terms were not disclosed — see what’s included in sale.

Move toward greater transparency: Wilmington City Council approved applying for a grant to expand police body cameras, to add 45 cams and 25 POV units. Jaywalking enforcement has produced 70 warnings and 40 citations — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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

• Shop CAMmade Holiday Market, support local artists
• Family fall fest supports local nonprofits
• Celebrate Christmas with mariachi and folklórico
• Immerse in Mannheim Steamroller Christmas magic
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

Real results start here (and your first session is free)

In partnership with Red Arrays Light Therapy Spa

Wynn Stone tried everything… creams, trendy treatments, gimmicky home devices. Nothing gave her real results until she discovered clinical-grade red light therapy.

Today, she shares those benefits with the community at Red Arrays Light Therapy Spa. Her treatments aren’t something that’s just applied to your skin. They give your cells energy so they can do what they’re supposed to do.

Build collagen. Repair tissue. Reduce inflammation. Get you back to feeling your best.

People come in with joint pain, fine lines, slow recovery, thinning hair. They leave with changes they can see and feel from the inside out.

Wynn offers an affordable, safe, and comfortable way to get the exact wavelengths your body responds to. No more wasting money on things that don’t work.

Last chance: Book before November 18th and use code WILMINGTONBRIEF100 at checkout to get your first session for free.

Ready to see your business featured in an ad spot like this? 👆

Advertising with us is as easy as it gets. Fill out this quick form and we’ll get you in an upcoming edition!

🫶 We got your back

This week’s dining scoop: Wilmington’s food scene is buzzing. A popular market and café has opened a second location, there’s a fresh roundup of new Asian and fine-dining spots (plus closures), and holiday guides cover dine-in and catering options. Apple Annie’s celebrates 40 years, and seasonal favorites like Flaming Amy’s Churkeychanga, the Gobbler, and the Leftovers are back. See what’s new and seasonal.

Key proposals under review: Carolina Beach’s Town Council is set to weigh conditional zoning for the 140-room Harmony Hotel and Pavilion on the former SeaWitch site, featuring a skybridge to an oceanfront meeting space and restaurant, at its 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday, Nov. 12. Council will also consider tighter beach ATV rules, including daytime limits and escalating penalties. See what’s on the agenda.

Under-the-trees tunes: Need a midweek reset that doesn’t require a road trip? Greenfield Lake Amphitheater hosts intimate, open-air shows that feel close, sound dialed-in, and often turn “let’s catch one set” into a whole evening with friends. Pack a hoodie, settle under the pines, and let Wilmington carry the night.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

🤝 Introducing local deals (just for you)

We’re launching a brand new segment to bring you exclusive local offers from trusted businesses right here in Wilmington. Think of it as your inside pass to the best local finds, discounts, and experiences.

The kind only available to Wilmington Brief readers.

Know a local business you love? Send ’em this newsletter and encourage them to get involved.

Own, manage, or market a local business? We’d love to feature you here for free. The only catch? Your deal has to be genuinely valuable and exclusive to our readers.

Email us 👉 [email protected] to get started.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Have an event to share? Submit it here for free →

This week

🎖️ Veterans Day Ceremony @ Cape Fear Community College | Tuesday (11/11) at 11:00am – Whether you served or just want to show up and mean the Pledge, CFCC’s Veterans Day ceremony in Tabitha’s Courtyard delivers the classics: Presentation of Colors, service hymns, TAPS, and thoughtful speakers. Veterans get a free lunch in the L Building.

🛍️ Fall Kids Consignment Holiday Sale @ Pass It On Cape Fear | Thursday (11/13) at 8:00am – Clearing out the toy avalanche or shopping for early gifts? This big consignment blowout is stocking floors with kids’ clothes, gear, books, and more, at prices that feel pre-inflation. Free to browse, greener to buy, and grandparents, teachers, and more get early perks.

🎂 250th Marine Corps Birthday Celebration @ The Eagle’s Dare | Thursday (11/13) at 6:00pm – If you like your history with cake, join the free 250th Marine Corps 250th bash at The Eagle’s Dare, complete with tributes, a welcome, and the ceremonial oldest-and-youngest slice. Speeches and toasts first, then the classic trifecta: eating, toasting, and celebrating.

🚶 Outlander in the Cape Fear Walking Tour @ Burgwin-Wright House & Gardens | Friday (11/14) at 9:00am – Channel your inner Highlander on a 90-minute downtown stroll tracing Claire and Jamie’s footsteps through Colonial Wilmington, starting at the Burgwin-Wright House. It’s history with a wink, romance with sidewalks, and only $25, so wear comfy shoes, bring water, and maybe imagine yourself in another century.

⛪ Acousticathedral @ Live Oak Church | Friday (11/14) at 7:30pm – Grab a seat and settle in for Citizens unplugged, an exclusive acoustic set pulling favorites from all seven albums. Fewer pedals, more goosebumps, and lyrics you can actually hear. A rare treat for people who prefer quality over volume, and stories over noise.

This weekend

🎁 5th Annual Holiday Cheer Market @ The ArtWorks | Saturday (11/15) at 10:00am – Skip the big-box madness and wander theArtWorks for the 5th Annual Holiday Cheer Market, where 35-plus local makers and the in-house Artist Village knock out your gift list with actual personality. Coffee truck, food truck, and a cash bar, because every good market needs good coffee and cocktails.

🛍️ CAMmade Holiday Market @ Cameron Art Museum | Saturday (11/15) at 10:00am – Ready to shop local without the mall madness? For five bucks you get both days, 20-plus artists each day with fresh lineups, a chance at CAM goodies and membership, support for the museum, and if you pre-register, a free We Belong Here tote.

🍂 4th Annual Family Fall Fest @ Hi-Wire Brewing | Saturday (11/15) at 12:00pm – Bring the crew to Hi-Wire’s 4th Annual Family Fall Fest for a wholesome afternoon that still pairs nicely with a pint. Carnival games run by local nonprofits, live animal cameos, crafts, and pizza, plus $1 game tickets that actually benefit someone besides your sugar-fueled child.

🍻 Bonnabrew Music & Arts Festival @ Waterline Brewing | Saturday (11/15) at 1:00pm – Think Bonnaroo without the traffic or camping, right at Waterline. Live bands, 25-plus local makers, good beer, and colorful cocktails, plus a Zen Zone when your dancing knee files a complaint. Free to get in, kid friendly, food trucks on standby.

👕 90’s Flannel Party @ Bottega | Sunday (11/16) at 2:00pm – Flannel season calls for sarcasm, nostalgia, and the songs we wore out on the Discman. DJs spin Nirvana to No Doubt, deep cuts, one-hit wonders, and guilty pleasures, then Chris Pearson closes live with loud 90s grit. Your knees may creak, your playlist won’t.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 11/11 Stu Cru Jamaru: Open Jam Sesh @ The Bend – 7 pm
• 11/12 Shakey (Neil Young tribute) @ Live at Ted’s – 7 pm
• 11/13 Big Al and the Heavyweights @ The Rusty Nail – 8 pm
• 11/13 Let The Right One In @ Wilson Center – 7 pm
• 11/20 John Denver Christmas @ Kenan Auditorium – 7:30 pm
• 11/20 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas @ Wilson Center – 3 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Tongue & Groove Luxury Real Estate (Landmark Sotheby's International Realty)

Modern coastal showpiece in the Middle Sound Loop bubble, backed by a natural preserve and a mile to the Intracoastal and marinas, with kayak access to Pages Creek marsh. Built in 2024, this 4-bedroom features dual primary suites on two levels, an elevator, and a sun splashed great room anchored by a chef’s kitchen with a huge island and premium finishes.

Three tiers of outdoor living, a big backyard ready for a future pool, and storage galore. Furnishings negotiable. Convenience dialed up with shopping, dining, and scenic bike paths nearby.

Take a peek inside →