when i was growing up here, there weren’t many of us phreaky people – theater and holistic stuff and just plain different. now there’s a film festival! and the coop is growing into this superb food revolution community service hub! and at 44 years old, i can die my hair partially purple and folks don’t freak too awfully hard! and i can run my shamanic journeying groups and folks actually show up. and there is activism and culture and some decent eateries!

there’s something very Yes happening here on the Carolina coast . . . but it’s very unique here . . . you have to put a fair amount of effort to finding your groove, and like-minded folks . . . imo anyhoo

I agree with much of what Ian said.

I moved down here 3 years ago from the Sault Ste. Marie area of MI. It was a big change going from such a rural area to a growing, properous area like Wilmington. I LOVE it here. Compared to MI, the employment is better, the crime comparable, people friendlier in general, and the weather isn’t as harsh. There are great schools and schools that could be improved, but that goes for other cities too. Also, Wilmington has a strong medical community. If you’re going into nursing, this is the place to be.

As someone who isn’t very religious, I was worried about moving to the South. However, I found Wilmington to be diversified and forward thinking, not just an old southern town. Everyday I’m thankful I moved. This is a place of opportunity.

Also, if you need a realtor to help you with the transition, I know a good one. meghanriley@seacoastrealty.com

Wilmington has some of the same issues that all fast-growing areas have — that all “discovered” areas have, let’s say. It’s in transition, and that transition creates friction. And I think that’s For the Good. It also has the goods you’d expect from a coastal, medium-sized city — the beach, the climate, some of that laid-back feel. A beautiful downtown. Opportunities.

I’m afraid its challenges are more easily communicated than its virtues. The challenges read better, in other words. The things that are great about Wilmington are sometimes harder to articulate. But I flat-out *love* living here! You’ll have to take my word for it that the advantages FAR outweigh the disadvantages. See you down here.

Also, in regards to a previous post you made, Jenna…very well put when you said that things here don’t evolve, just end. Oi vey.

The best energy I have ever felt here was riding up the middle of the Cape Fear River towards the bridge at twilight on a boat and it all seemed possible…….
I would just love to see some of that come to fruition and maintain for a time. Most people I have met are very creative and motivated.

I am truely sad to see Una Luna has lost their lease and looking for 3000 sq. ft. as of Oct 6. Mark Evans will be demo-ing the building to put yet another hole in downtown Wilmington. Hopefully it will be filled with a wonderful project that will be affordable to the masses and it will be completed quickly so we do not have another mound of dirt to look at.
I guess we could start having dirt parties or something to make use of the land.
NEW RULE
Developers who do not build in a 3 month time period after tearing down or own vacant land beside a parking deck, Front St, Water Street—-should be required to put in sprinklers, grass, public art and allow usage as a park or community space until they build. To create a wholeness in the community.

Forget the chain restaurants because they’re everywhere and don’t seem to be going away any time soon. Concentrate on the local efforts, places like The Tokyo Deli, A Taste of Italy, India Mahal, Nikki’s, Amy’s, Dixie Grill, Britts, etc.

Heads up, entrepreneurs! Maybe there’s a market in Wilmington for a Jewish deli and a taco stand. FYI: Matzo ball soup is easy to make, although I’ve not been able to duplicate the great version at Celebrity Deli outside of Washington, DC.

I wanted to say something about how Wilmington, exemplified in this discussion and discussions like it and a million other things, is unfinished. And so many people here are charged up, are working at neat things, are engaged. People we’ve met here who aren’t OK with Red Robin are trying to create alternatives for themselves, and they’re real, and earnest and hopeful. That’s a wonderful thing about this area.

And I have experienced — on the other hand — the complacency and smugness that comes in the midst of densest, urbane enclaves of gourmet Cambodian restaurants and rainbow grids of ashtanga yoga mats and CBA-free hydrating canisters or whatever. I love this area.

PS: The Black Sea? I will have to check it out!