Wilmington Specialty Food Stores

The holidays are fast approaching, and as we prepare wonderful dishes to share with friends and family, we wanted to take this time to remind shoppers about the great specialty food markets in Wilmington that will hopefully bring inspiration to your holiday dishes. From international foods, imported groceries to fresh organic produce, small batch food stuffs, and locally sourced specialty products from land and sea – the below stores are a food lover’s paradise. Check them out and get cooking in your McAdams Homes kitchen!

  • Lovey’s Natural Foods and Cafe – Lovey’s Market offers organic hair and skincare products, supplements, fresh produce, as well as dairy and frozen foods. Meat eaters will appreciate the top quality grass-fed and free-range meats and poultry. For those with special dietary requirements, vegans, and vegetarians there is a large selection of wheat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-carb products. They also understand that family includes the four-legged members, Lovey’s even carries wholesome pet foods. 
  • The Italian Gourmet Market – Step back in time as you walk through the doors of the Italian Gourmet Market in Historic Downtown Wilmington. The Market is packed with a huge selection of foods and products imported direct from Italy. Owner, Frank Delia, travels often to Italy seeking the very best in Italian foods, products and gift items that will enhance any home kitchen.
  • The Seasoned Gourmet – The Seasoned Gourmet is a veteran-owned, brick and mortar culinary shop offering a variety of quality products, in addition to our locally roasted coffees, oils, vinegars, artisan spices, salt, peppers and locally sourced products, boutique wines and local craft beer. They even have an operating kitchen that hosts The Cape Fear Food & Wine Club where cooking and wine education classes are conducted on a regular basis.
  • New Saigon International Market – This specialty market offers a wide range of Halaal and Asian ingredients. Not only do they have every kind of noodle known to man, they also offer a variety of exotic fruits and veggies, candies and teas, live seafood, beef and pork items along with a plethora of spices. A visit is truly a fun stroll, as they have something for everyone!
  • Los Portales Supermarket – this Mexican and Hispanic grocery store offers offers fresh and affordable groceries, fruits, vegetables, and cleaning supplies from Hispanic countries like Mexico, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, and others. They also have a butcher shop, bakery, tortillería and restaurant where you can find food with the best Latin style and flavor. Visit them and you are sure to feel at home. 

Now that you’ve located your specialty ingredients, the only thing left to do is start cooking in your McAdams Homes. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Wilmington Area Markets

With the holidays fast approaching, this is a great time of year to visit the many markets around the Wilmington area offering up everything from artisan wares and one-of-a-kind jewelry to photography and art, to kitchen items and specialty ingredients. Check out the below markets and savor some local produce, browse the handcrafted goods, and take the day’s bounty back to enjoy in your McAdams Home!

  • Riverfront Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM (rain or shine) on Dock Street in Historic Downtown, between 2nd Street and Water Street – you’ll find locally grown – locally produced – locally made goods and products. Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 
  • Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market – Mondays from 8AM to 1PM (May 16 – December 12, 2022) on the WB Municipal Grounds (adjacent to Town Hall), between Causeway Drive and Salisbury Street – you’ll find fresh, locally grown produce as well as other consumable vendors and a variety of crafters offering unique goods. Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 
  • Wilmington Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM, year-round, rain or shine at 5329 Oleander Drive (in front of Tidal Creek Co-op) – they “exist to provide the best local produce, meats, eggs, bread, mushrooms, seafood and other staple food items that the shoppers want, and to generate income for our farms and families.” Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 

We think Wilmington is really special and that there is no better way to enjoy the one-of-a-kind crafted goods and produce of our area than in a McAdams Homes. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Our Favorite Fall Soups

One of the best things about fall are all the seasonal soups and abundance of comfort foods that seem to nourish our souls and help get us feeling warm and cozy in no time. Below are some recipes that we think are delicious and will be sure to give you full and happy bellies. So grab a spoon or your favorite roll for dunking – these soups are so tasty that we might even have you considering adding them to your holiday menus.

  • Cream of Mushroom Soup – Buttery, earthy flavors dazzle your tastebuds with this easy classic cream soup. Nutritional guides and dairy free options are also available with this recipe.
  • Julia Child’s French Onion Soup – This rustic classic is guaranteed to delight your senses and instantly warm you on a cold rainy night. Simple ingredients combined with a little patience and you’ll have perfection in a bowl. 
  • Moroccan Cauliflower and Almond Soup – Rich and blissfully decadent, this healthy North-African-spiced cauliflower and almond soup is 100% vegan (keep that secret to yourself, no one will notice)!
  • Pasta Fagioli  – An Italian classic perfect for those chilly evenings, similar to minestrone but thicker, this cross between soup and pasta is sure to please the whole family. Just be sure to have some crusty bread for dipping.

There’s no better place to enjoy these delicious meals than in a McAdams Homes. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Fall Crafting for a Cozy Home

Autumn is on our doorsteps, figuratively and literally – as you drive around town, more and more folks have started readying their fall décor. We hate to see summer go but there is something magical about cuddling up near a fire in your cozy home in the fall. So, we are here to get you in the mood with some easy fall crafting ideas that’ll look great from Halloween until Thanksgiving. 

Cloches. These glass bell-shaped covers can be used to make a dramatic pop to your fall decor. Display various sized and colored pumpkins, acorns, or dried flowers. For a spookier version cut out bat shapes and hang with fishing line to give the appearance of bats flying in your house. 

Pumpkins. These versatile and diverse squash varietals take center stage when it comes to fall decorations, adorning front porches, mantles, and dining room table arrangements just to name a few. With so many wonderful carving ideas out there it’s hard to decide what design style to choose. Whether doing drill hole designs, creative faces, detailed carvings, or scary scenes – there are endless ways to express yourself artistically. Maybe this year you try a painted faux bois (imitation of wood) pumpkin. And for a cleaner look try opening the pumpkin from the bottom, making cleaning easier and maintaining a seamless pretty look.

Dry Flowers. There is no question that dried botanicals make lovely home décor and are a great way to preserve their beauty and sentimental value. Whether its lavender, strawflowers, baby’s breath, statice flowers, gromphrena globosa, thistle flowers or some of our favorites like hydrangeas or glixia. From hanging bunches to pressing individual blooms in a book to microwaving buds in silicone, no matter your preferred method for drying – you and your guests are sure to enjoy their beauty all season long. 

String Lights. The soft glow of string lights seems to create an instant cozy ambiance to any space, indoors or out. Hang them on your porch, string them over an outdoor table or place fairy lights in cloches or lanterns to add some extra glow. 

Whether it’s placing some beautiful mums on your front porch or adding different textured pillows and blankets – no matter how you decorate for fall, we hope the above ideas was helpful in making your McAdams Homes a little more cozy. McAdams Homes offers specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Top 5 Wilmington Wine Shops

*Clink of glasses* “Cheers” to the end of a long day or just getting together with friends – no matter the occasion, if you are in the Wilmington area, you are sure to find some of the best wines from around the world. From neighborhood bottle shops to intimate bars – here are some of our favorite spots to grab your favorite wine or learn about new varietals.

  • Bridgewater Wines + Dines – Now with a Porters Neck location near the Lowe’s Home Improvement, Bridgewater Wines offers customers wines from around the world at all price points. Browse wines in an inviting, comfortable environment or stay and enjoy a glass at the wine bar. This is a great place to relax and sample the specially crafted menu that not only pairs with but enhances the wines! 
  • The Wine Sampler – This locally owned wine & craft beer shop offers over 700 wines to choose from at all price points. Come in & shop for bottles or stay and enjoy a glass of wine. They also have a Winestation offering 28 choices by the ounce, two ounce or five ounce pours.  Relax in their casual environment and let the professionally trained staff help you find the perfect wine! Local delivery is available as well. 
  • Red Bank Wine – Located in the new Bradley Creek Station on Oleander Drive, Red Bank is a premier wine store. Locally owned and operated since 2004, the store offers world class wines, from major producers to allocated boutique family vineyards. And if you are looking for something more unique, be sure to check out “The Vault” – their temperature-controlled, glass-walled wine room. 
  • Total Wine & More – Total Wine offers a large selection of wine and beer at a great price. Join them for educational classes and events, free weekly tastings, or to  talk with wine and beer experts. They even offer Delivery and Curbside Pickup via their website and mobile app.
  • Palate Bottle Shop and Garden – Just a few blocks from the Live Oak Bank Pavilion in the North Fourth District, you’ll find thoughtfully curated wine and beer in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. This friendly and inviting space offers something weekly from live music and specially curated events, pop-up markets, wine tastings and more. 

If you are like us, you’re already thirsty and ready to get out there to sample some of these tasty offerings from around the world. We think one of the best places to try a new bottle is in a McAdams home! We build beautiful homes in our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here to view our current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Top 10 Wilmington Breweries

Anyone that’s been in the Wilmington area very long knows that the beer scene is here is booming, and as a result, it’s easier than ever to raise a glass and toast a fantastic day with a home-grown brew. With a wealth of delicious breweries to choose from, you are sure to find a delectable libation for any palate. Here are our Top 10 Favorite Breweries in Wilmington: 

  • Front St. Brewery – Wilmington’s original brewery, Front St. offers award winning beer, great food, and daily tours of the brewery. And if you want more than beer, they have the largest whiskey selection on the East Coast and their pulled-chicken nachos are a must!  
  • Wilmington Brewing Company – Set in the heart of Wilmington and born out of their love of beer, Wilmington Brewing Company started as a homebrew supply store and has grown into one of the best breweries in the state. Anywhere you go in Wilmington you’ll find their flagship beer, Tropical Lightning.    
  • Flytrap Brewing – Located in the Brooklyn Arts District, Flytrap is an exceptional micro-brewery, specializing in American and Belgian style ales. Enjoy a pint in their beer garden, listening to live music, sampling the food truck or peruse one of their artisan markets. 
  • Waterline Brewing Company – Nestled right near the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, Waterline offers a range of handcrafted ales and seasonal brews. Enjoy live music, food trucks and weekly events. 
  • New Anthem Beer Project – Offering two locations (Dock St. and Greenfield St.), New Anthem offers beer lovers a unique take on farmhouse beers and much more. 
  • Edward Teach Brewery – Inspired by the infamous pirate, Blackbeard, the brewery taps into the history of the area and offers up some great beers. Be sure to taste Teaches Peaches, a well-balanced ale with a hint of fruit. 
  • Hi Wire Brewing – The pet and family friendly tap room offers up an expansive list of ales, cider and wine. Enjoy multiple games, feast your eyes on the vibrant murals and relax in the beer garden. 
  • Flying Machine Brewing Company – Located in midtown Wilmington, Flying Machine’s taproom features over 30 taps of beer, ciders, and wine, various food trucks as well as multiple patio options. 
  • Wrightsville Beach Brewery – Serving up fresh, local seafood and craft beer, this brewpub has a great beer garden with live music and weekly events. 

If you are like us, you’re already thirsty and ready to find your favorite brew. We’d love to help you build a sweet home in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Loans to Help Purchase Your McAdams Home

There are a number of loans to choose from when purchasing a home, so it’s important to understand each type before you decide. Depending on the type of mortgage you choose, you’ll have different requirements that influence your rate, loan terms and your lender. Here’s some advice that we hope will help you navigate the twists and turns of the home loan process and have you kicking back and enjoying your new McAdams home in no time. 

Requirements to get a mortgage. Taking the time to carefully review your finances, including your monthly income and debts, credit score and your estimated down payment all factor in to determining the type of mortgage you qualify for:

Conventional mortgages. Although this is the most common type of mortgage, they do have stricter regulations on your credit score and your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Conventional loans are a good choice for most borrowers who want to take advantage of lower interest rates with a larger down payment. If you can’t provide at least 3% down and you’re eligible, you could consider a USDA loan or a VA loan.

Fixed-rate mortgages. This type of loan has the same interest rate and principal/interest payment throughout the duration of the loan. The amount you pay per month may fluctuate due to changes in property tax and insurance rates, but for the most part, fixed-rate mortgages offer you a very predictable monthly payment. A fixed-rate mortgage might be a better choice for you if you’re currently living in your “forever home.” A fixed interest rate gives you a better idea of how much you’ll pay each month for your mortgage payment, which can help you budget and plan for the long term. 

Adjustable-rate mortgages. This type of loan is the opposite of a fixed-rate mortgage is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs are 30-year loans with interest rates that change depending on how market rates move. Adjustable-rate loans can be a good choice if you plan to buy a starter home before moving to your forever home. You can easily take advantage and save money if you don’t plan to live in your home throughout the loan’s full term.

Government-backed loans. Each government-backed loan has specific criteria you need to meet in order to qualify along with unique benefits, but you may be able to save on interest or down payment requirements, depending on your eligibility. These type of loans include: FHA, VA and USDA.

Applying for a home loan can feel daunting and deciding which type of mortgage best suits your needs early on will help direct you to the type of home you can afford. As a prospective home buyer, it’s just as important to research different types of mortgages as it is the neighborhood where you want to live. At McAdams Homes, we know that applying for a home loan can be complicated, so we offer specially curated communities in the Wilmington, NC area, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey!

Gems of Coastal NC

From the beaches to the historical landmarks, the Wilmington area offers new adventures around every corner. Looking for the perfect wave to surf? Perhaps you want a day of shopping with friends at eclectic boutiques? Or you want to enjoy a cocktail and a sunset view as you overlook the Cape Fear River? The Wilmington area offers all this and so much more. So, as we hold on to the remaining days of summer, here are a few of our recommendations for some of the can’t miss gems of the Wilmington area. 

Fort Fisher is known for its historical significance, impressive beach, and truly special aquarium. Less known are the Coquina Rocks that are only visible at low tide. These mounds of clumped shells have hardened over the years from surface exposure and radiate green from the algae that covers them, so be careful when traversing this area. 

Whether it’s a day trip or a family vacation, taking the ferry to Bald Head Island feels like being transported to a whole new world. Greeting visitors and travelers alike for over 200 years, Old Baldy no longer serves as an official navigational aid; however, it is the oldest standing lighthouse in North Carolina. 

The Wilmington area has a great music scene, from the many bars that offer live music to the Live Oak Bank Pavilion with capacity for over seven thousand people. Fortunately, we also have the Hugh Morton Amphitheater at Greenfield Park, better known as Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, this magic venue offers an intimate show with an amazing backdrop.

Take a stroll down the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington and be sure to stop in the Aloft Wilmington at Coastline Center, go to the rooftop bar called aView. Relax with a cocktail (or 2) and enjoy the tapas menu as you lookout over the expansive views of the Cape Fear River.

It’s easy to squeeze every last moment out of summer when you call Wilmington home. Click here for current incentives and build your dream home in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Real Estate Voted Best Investment

Homeownership has long been part of the “American dream” and based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years running now. For those that own a home, it’s clear that there are considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. Not only does buying a home help with long-term stability but it is one of the best ways to increase your net worth and grow your wealth over time. 

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home, rest assured when inflation is high like we are seeing these days, owning a home is a powerful financial tool. Rising inflation means the price of everything is increasing across the board. When you purchase a home and lock in a monthly housing payment, you are essentially shielding yourself from increases to one of your biggest expenses each month. If you are renting, you are not protected from these increases, especially as rent costs continue to rise.  

With the rise of inflation, home prices rise too. Your house is an asset that typically increases in value over time, as there will always be a demand for housing. Rising home values is giving homeowners a significant boost to their equity, and by extension their net worth. Homeownership is a powerful investment and an asset to help you achieve other life goals. 

Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your wealth and make a long-term investment that is sure to benefit your family for generations to come. Now is the time to visit McAdams Homes, we offer specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred homesite, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey and start building your household wealth.

Floor Plan: Introducing The Magnolia

Boasting 1,841 heated square feet, four bedrooms with two and a half baths, The Magnolia is a well-appointed attached home. With its inviting front porch and craftsman exterior details, this charming home is sure to fit all your family’s needs. 

As you walk through the front door, your eyes are drawn to the great room that connects to the thoughtfully designed dining and kitchen areas. The beautiful open design seamlessly blends the living areas and offers a fireplace as the main focal point. The main level living is complete with a well-appointed owner’s suite that offers a sizeable walk-in closet and dual vanities. An optional bath upgrade is also available with a soaking tub and walk-in shower. 

The Magnolia’s upstairs offers three bedrooms, a bathroom, and an additional laundry area. If the lock and leave lifestyle is appealing to you or if you want to enjoy maintenance free living, then The Magnolia is the home for you! 

Learn where you can build your dream home, in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey!