More than a year after closing its doors to the public due to a worldwide pandemic, Cape Fear Community College’s Wilson Center welcomed guests back for a performance in April.   “The energy was amazing. It was electric. There was just so much joy, with everyone just so happy walking in and getting to see a performance,” Shane Fernando, CFCC’ ...

More than 40,000 eateries across the country have applied already for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund’s $28.6 billion in grant money, according to a report Tuesday in the restaurant trade journal FSR Magazine. Potential applicants had to register with the SBA by last Friday to qualify for an application when the program opened at noon Monday.   The RRF i ...

The area running from Southport to Navassa offers a host of historical and environmental gems that area leaders want the public to be able to access easily, gain from educationally and enjoy physically. A proposed trail to commemorate the legacy of the Gullah Geechee people in Brunswick County is part of a larger effort to bring more cultural and recreational opportunities ...

The Leland Tourism Development Authority (LTDA) is encouraging local tourism-related businesses and organizations impacted by COVID-19 to apply for its grant program, designed to assist with the marketing and promotion of projects and initiatives that attract visitors to the town of Leland.   Funding for LTDA’s grants is provided through occupancy taxes collec ...

The Pleasure Island chamber recently announced changes to the organization that include a new name, rebranding, a new logo and new tagline to better reflect its role as both a chamber and visitors center.   The rebranding, logo and tagline are set to be introduced this month. The new moniker is Pleasure Island Chamber & Visitors Center.   With the new nam ...

Two local movie theaters are gearing up to reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic shut them down last March. The theater that anchors Mayfaire Town Center in Wilmington could be welcoming back moviegoers in May. Another Wilmington movie theater, The Pointe 14 at The Pointe at Barclay, could reopen April 23. Regal Mayfaire & IMAX is listed as one of the Rega ...

Area residents, business owners and city leaders have said they are proud that the Wilmington Riverwalk was recognized as the No. 2 Riverwalk in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest in January. They hope the honor will build momentum toward the Riverwalk’s continued progress and its effect on the local economy.   The Riverwalk ru ...

The need for cancellations and postponements during the pandemic gave many organizations a chance to pause and ponder both their purpose and principles. The N.C. Azalea Festival officials used the past year to contemplate what is most important.   “Our mission is two-fold: to stimulate the economy of the region and to promote volunteerism,” said Alison B ...

People, parks and a pandemic made a strong combination for North Carolina state parks last year, with a record number of visi­tors taking advantage of the outdoor attractions.     Carolina Beach State Park, whose popularity was growing before COVID-19 hit, saw droves of visitors coming by land and sea.     According to an N.C. Department of Natu ...

The room occupancy tax total in New Hanover County fell 14.5% in 2020 compared to 2019, according to local tourism officials. That’s a decrease from about $15.5 million in 2019 to $13.2 million last year. Accommodations in New Hanover County, including hotels, motels, inns, room rentals, tourist camps or other short-term rentals, are subject to the county& ...