As icy winter weather sweeps over the Cape Fear region, cocktails turn inward. Brightness gives way to depth. Citrus softens, bitterness deepens, and drinks slow down—meant to be held, not rushed. This is the season of stirred spirits, fortified wines, smoke, fat-washing, and quiet complexity. Cocktails that feel intentional. Protective. Built for long nights and cold air.

Each month, Cape Fear Living spotlights coastal vacation property from Sea Scape Properties, spanning from Ocean Isle Beach to North Topsail Beach. These hand-picked retreats offer more than just a place to stay — they’re backdrops for lifelong memories, whether you’re planning a family reunion, a dream wedding, or a simple escape to unwind.

In the heart of Wilmington’s River District, Luxe 220 captures the city’s downtown rhythm—historic, stylish, and effortlessly livable. Set within a classic Front Street building, the property blends old-soul character with modern ease.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, nothing hits the spot like a bowl of soulful soup. From creamy bisques to bold seafood broths, local chefs are crafting winter bowls that comfort, delight, and tell a story of seasonality and local ingredients. We asked five standout Wilmington eateries to share their winter soup picks—and the perfect pairings to sip alongside them.

Debut author and sustainable home expert Cathy Mails is redefining what it truly means to live clean. Her first book, The Detox Dwelling, surged to #1 on Amazon and earned an International Impact Book Award for its clear-eyed examination of the hidden toxins in everyday household cleaners—and the simple, natural alternatives that can replace them.

Opening a luxury spa wasn’t always the plan, but Rachel and Bram’s path to Woodhouse Spa Wilmington grew naturally from years of shared personal and professional experience. Their journey spans opposite corners of the Southeast, converges in Charleston, and ultimately leads back to the coastal community they love.

We’re turning up the heat and showcasing the Best Pizza's in Wilmington, NC and surrounding Cape Fear areas.

At Perla Raw Bar, oysters aren’t just a menu item—they are a craft, a celebration of coastal waters, and a tribute to the farmers who pull them from tide to table. Known for elevating the region’s most exceptional oysters with both classic and creative preparations, Perla has earned its place as one of the Cape Fear’s premier oyster destinations.

The Ray Family Trifle is a true family mainstay, one that feels as though it has been passed down for generations. In the Ray household, this dish is inseparable from celebrations, and it is the creation for which Art Ray—the brother of Winemaker & Owner of JOLO Winery, JW Ray —is especially famous.