Call Center Company in Wilmington, NC

I don’t think I’m alone when I say it’s always fun to see Wilmington and other surrounding towns featured in movies and TV shows.

There have even been a few times where I was watching something that I didn’t know was filmed here and was caught off guard when I saw an iconic image of Wilmington.

One of those movies is “The Hudsucker Proxy” by the Coen Brothers. I’ve long been a Coen Brothers fan, but didn’t realize the movie was filmed here until I’d actually seen it a few times.

From blockbusters to cult classics, Wilmington has served as the backdrop for hundreds of movies and TV shows over the years.

In today’s Port City Life section, reporter John Staton specifically takes a look back at movies from the 1980s and 1990s. This was before everyone had a camera on their phone and could post photos and videos to social media in real-time. These films offer a glimpse of what Wilmington looked like back then.

Meanwhile, if you’ve lived in Wilmington for any amount of time, you probably know someone with a connection to the film industry. In fact, when my husband and I first started dating, I learned another interesting tidbit about “The Hudsucker Proxy.” His grandfather played a banker as an extra in the movie.

My husband also served as a stand-in and extra in several locally filmed movies. In one instance, he had an amusing exchange with Halle Berry over baseball.

On a different note, I hope you’ll take time to read Allison Ballard’s cover story today about the role of Black fishermen in North Carolina’s seafood industry.

She delves into the challenges they’ve faced while also looking at what the future might hold for this critical economic driver.

Sherry Jones is the StarNews executive editor. You can reach her at [email protected].

A Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter will perform in Wilmington on "The Dreamsicle Tour" this fall.

Maren Morris will perform her highly anticipated 2025 global tour, which will include a mix of headlining shows and marquee festival appearances.

The tour announcement follows hot on the heels of Maren’s forthcoming album, "Dreamsicle," due out on May 9.

When is Maren Morris playing?

Maren will be performing on September 22 and 23 at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington.

When do tickets go on sale?

Presale tickets go on sale Monday, April 28, at 10 a.m. with promoter presales on Wednesday, April 30 at 10 a.m.

Maren Morris in Wilmington

The singer tried to play a concert in Wilmington last year as part of her RSVP Redux Tour but was forced to cancel after three attempts, each time due to inclement weather.

What is 'Dreamsicle'?

"Dreamsicle" is Morris' most personal and sonically adventurous work to date, the record is a fearless exploration of heartbreak and healing, while also infused with warmth, wit, and hard-won optimism.

“Dreamsicle" felt like it was already translating itself to a live environment while I was writing the album,” Maren shares. "The acoustics, layers of harmonies, stacked synthesizers against raw vocals; it was coming to life in the studio without an audience, so I’m very excited to finally allow these songs to hit the air and feel them amplified by the energy of a crowd. it’ll be a dreamy experience all around for fans and for myself."

Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].

Wilmington StarNews

As New Hanover County residents grapple with increased traffic and property values, another residential development is being proposed on Carolina Beach Road.

Carolina Beach Road has grown in many respects in recent years. Businesses are booming, new homes are constantly in the works and traffic is increasing as 45,500 vehicles travel the arterial highway each day. The busy thoroughfare is dotted with construction sites that will continue to house new residents for years to come.

The latest project is at 6900 Carolina Beach Road, a 33-acre lot poised for development. Developer River Road Construction is proposing 85 townhome units on the site, which runs along Mcquillan Drive. A majority of the property is currently zoned for low-density residential multi-family development.

Roughly 1.2 acres of the site along Carolina Beach Road is zoned for regional business development, which allows for larger format businesses including big box stores. The developer is seeking to rezone a portion of the property for low density residential while maintaining the business district. Much of the surrounding land is zoned for low-density residential development, south of Carolina Beach Road’s main business hub.

River Road Construction purchased the property, which is largely undeveloped for $1 million in February 2021, according to New Hanover property records. Five years earlier, the property sold for only $170,000. The site’s worth continues to increase, with the county’s 2025 revaluation appraising the property at $1,184,200.

Residents leaving Wilmington to find 'peace and quiet'

Steeply rising property values have garnered strong reactions from residents across New Hanover, with many seeking to appeal the county’s appraisal. The county conducts the revaluation twice as often as the state mandate to reduce the potential shock, but the 67% mean value increase still surprised many. Commissioner Dane Scalise previously told the StarNews that he wants the county to thoroughly evaluate its spending habits as the board of commissioners determines the new tax rate in the coming months.

Beyond the possibility of increased property tax bills, residents near Carolina Beach Road have grown increasingly frustrated with the traffic congestion brought on by development.

Even those who are new to the Wilmington area have noticed a dramatic change. After just three years in New Hanover County, Virginia native Patrick Segui is packing his bags.

“We moved to Wilmington because we wanted a slower pace of life,” Segui said. “We’re selling and moving to a ranch in Montana to enjoy peace and quiet.”

Segui commutes to Washington, D.C. for one week out of the month. He’s trading the six-hour drive from the Port City for a 2,000 mile flight, a sacrifice he’s willing to make in pursuit of the secluded life he thought he would find in Wilmington. The sentiment is shared by residents of River Road, a rapidly developing strip between Carolina Beach Road and the Cape Fear River. The once-clear view of the Cape Fear River is now obstructed by new townhomes, prompting some residents to consider relocating outside of the county.

The phenomenon is not unique to the Wilmington area. New residents bring changes when they arrive, often in the form of increased traffic counts and cost of living. It’s one of the challenges of any fast-growing hotspot, University of North Carolina Wilmington economics associate professor Mouhcine Guettabi previously told the StarNews.

“If you’re moving from New Jersey to Wilmington, you’re getting a good deal,” Guettabi said. “As the area becomes more expensive, the gap starts to shrink. Then people start moving to the next cheaper town.”

Daniel Sheehan covers New Hanover County for the StarNews. Reach him at [email protected].

The online restaurant-reservation service company OpenTable uses the data from the 60,000 eateries on their site to put together lists of brunch spots, hot spots and most booked restaurants. Some also land on a list best overall restaurants and earn Diner’s Choice awards.

“This is a living, breathing list,” said Jenna D'Aniello, with OpenTable.

Which means they are frequently analyzing the millions of reviews for the everchanging top 10. But here are some Wilmington-area spots that were earning rave reviews in early 2025.

1. Seabird

James Beard Outstanding Chef finalist Dean Neff and his team offer a hyper local approach to seafood and product at 1 S. Front St. in Wilmington.

2. Farfalla

The We Are True Blue restaurant group opened Ellipsis at 1502 S. Third St. in Wilmington with an evolving theme. Lately, that’s been their Farfalla concept with an innovative Italian menu.

3. Catch – Modern Seafood Cuisine

Another local James Beard semi-finalist, Chef Keith Rhodes, offers local seafood prepared in both Southern-inspired dishes and with global flavors at 6623 Market St., Wilmington.

4. Solstice Kitchen & Cocktails

Take in chef-prepared meals and ocean views at this restaurant at Holiday Inn Resort Lumina at 1706 N. Lumina Ave. in Wrightsville Beach.

5. Port Land Grille

Look for progressive American regional cuisine in a casual-but-elegant restaurant with both indoor and outdoor dining at Lumina Commons.

6. Jerry's Food, Wine and Spirits

This restaurant at 7220 Wrightsville Ave., Wrightsville Beach, has been a favorite since 1992. Since then, they’ve served actors, politicians, athletes and locals.

7. Genki Sushi Japanese Restaurant

This spot at 4724 New Centre Drive in Wilmington has been a longtime local favorite for sushi and more in a warm, welcoming environment.

8. G Prime Steak & Cellar

Newer to the scene near Wrightsville Beach is this classic steakhouse with an upscale coastal vibe and an extensive wine list at 1981 Eastwood Road.

9. PinPoint Restaurant

One of Southern Living’s suggestions for must-try Wilmington restaurants, this restaurant has a farm-to-table menu in downtown at 114 Market St.

10. Brent’s Bistro

This popular restaurant at 7110 Wrightsville Ave. near Wrightsville Beach has the atmosphere of an upscale neighborhood gem with a menu that changes weekly.

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the Port City Foodies newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected].

A Wilmington sorority is celebrating its 85th anniversary in the Cape Fear region.

The Wilmington (NC) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. was established on May 10, 1940, as Alpha Phi Sigma Chapter by 16 visionary women who recognized a need for service and uplift particularly in the African American communities.

The chapter serving New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties is committed to public service, sisterhood, scholarship and social action.

"We want to be engaged and intentional with our service to the community, making sure that we are addressing the needs of our community," said Krista Holland, chair communications and public relations committee.

The goals and objectives of the chapter's work align with the national organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Educational development, economic development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

From the very beginning of its charter, the Wilmington chapter has been engaged in meaningful service. In the 1940s the chapter hosted a concert featuring the “Southernaires,” a prominent gospel group at the time. The proceeds from the event were used to purchase a refrigerator for the Black nursing home.

As an only child, Holland became a member of the sorority 35 years ago. "I joined a sisterhood of women who would become lifetime friends and mentors, who have not only been my biggest cheerleaders in my life’s greatest moments, but they have been by my side during some of life’s greatest challenges," Holland said.

Holland has been an educator for 33 years, with over 20 in leadership roles. "And much of what I learned about how to collaborate with others, communicate effectively, and how to organize and strategize to accomplish tasks, I learned from serving in Delta," Holland said.

The chapter focuses on voter education and registration and offers forums to encourage women to get involved in the political process and run for elected offices.

With almost 100 members, "the sorority considers itself more than an organization — it’s a movement. A force for change," Holland said.

The force comes with an understanding that the climate of the nation demands action. "The chapter stands ready to continue to serve, to collaborate, and to be the voice for those who need us most, embodying resilience, compassion, and determination," Holland said. "It is not just our mission — it’s our promise."

Nakia Hill Robbins, chapter's first vice president, says her experience in the sorority has been transformative in many ways, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

"Being part of such a supportive and empowering sisterhood has taught me the importance of collaboration, empathy, and shared purpose," Robbins said.

Robbins developed stronger leadership skills by taking on responsibilities within the organization, which challenged her to think strategically and communicate effectively.

The relationships Robbins built with her sorority sisters has been incredibly enriching.

"They’ve inspired me to embrace my strengths, work on areas for improvement, and always strive to be the best version of myself," Robbins said. "The shared experiences and connections have fostered a sense of belonging and resilience that I carry into every aspect of my life."

How has the sorority helped the Cape Fear region?

The chapter supports organizations like Nourish NC, the Community Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern North Carolina, Safe Haven of Pender County Inc. (domestic violence center) and the Hawks Nest student food pantry at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

The sorority also partners with Mount Calvary AME Church in Leland for its quarterly Calvary Community Cares programming. The chapter also established an endowed scholarship at UNCW.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

What's next for the sorority?

The Deltas want to continue to build upon the legacy that the late Augusta Cooper and the other 15 visionary women established.

The chapter goals and visions are:

“As president, when your vision and leadership are combined with the collective effort of dedicated sorors, we can continue to implement service projects that are impactful,” Chapter President Acquinetta Beatty said.

Cheryl M. Whitaker covers community news for the StarNews. Reach her at [email protected].