Moving, even for the most intrepid among us, can be stressful at best. Throw into the mix a move to a place where you have no family or friends, and it can be downright terrifying. I won’t even discuss the added complications of adjusting to a different culture, and I’m not talking about a move from the US to another continent, but simply staying within our borders.
Because we all know there are countless cultures right here in America, right? Everyone knows if you’re north of the Mason Dixon line you’re a ‘Yankee’…a fast talking, sometimes rude, shoot from the hip kind of person, and south of it you’re a sweet tea drinking, slow talker who thinks that pork chops should be on every breakfast menu.
After a little more than just a month, I’m arguably no expert on southern culture, but here’s my observations so far:
FOOD
Not surprisingly, good pizza is hard to find, but if you’re not from NY, you wouldn’t notice. 😉
You CAN get good hotdogs, but don’t go looking for traditional green relish as a condiment. No worries though…you can substitute multi-colored relish that’s just as good, if not better.
I wasn’t kidding about pork chops on lots of breakfast menus. No thank you. I’ll take a bagel with a smear instead.
Seafood is plentiful and good, but sadly just as pricey as up north. Tip: stop at the roadside stands for good prices.
REAL ESTATE
Home prices are not as inexpensive as you might think. You might get lucky and find a fixer upper near downtown in the 1’s or 2’s, and even less in outlying neighborhoods, but they’re not in great areas. With that said, if you’re like me and love historic homes and/or colorful, cute beach cottages, Wilmington is nirvana.
I went on a ‘Back Door Kitchen Tour’ last week to some of these aforementioned homes. Ironically, I have zero kitchen photos to share (they weren’t the highlight imo), but here’s what I do have…
We toured nine homes, and the second was my favorite. These fireplaces were fairly close to one another, one resides in the ‘gentlemen’s drawing room’ and the other in the ‘ladies parlor’.
Fun fact #1: this beautiful chandelier once called the White House home.
This was not a house that was on the tour, but I love the columns and porch, don’t you?
Here is a vignette the homeowner of one of the homes set up in her backyard. Love the creepy arms!
This next home is a loft located near the river. Fun fact #2: Dennis Hooper once lived here. Now a single guy with kids owns it and if you look carefully you can see it’s almost like an indoor playground.
Fun fact #3: Fisherman and I are going to be docents here for a candlelight tour in December. There’s a LOT more than meets the eye with this place, but after I took this pic I saw a sign that said ‘please don’t take photos’. Oops 🙄
How many times has this well worn door opened to greet a gentlemen suitor, or maybe a delivery from the ice man? In later years, perhaps the milk man left fresh, cold bottles of milk placed in aluminum containers, and on special occasions some butter was ordered to add to that Sunday’s cornbread. Yes, I’m pretty sure this door has a lot of stories to tell.
This gracious lady, and the land behind her, is for sale. Interested?
That’s a very small snippet of some of the homes that are more common than not in and near downtown Wilmington, but did you know Wilmington is home to the Battleship Carolina, a huge battleship from WWII? It’s open to the public for viewing and organized tours and if you like history it’s a must see. To really take it all in you’ll want to allow about 3-4 hours, but we did it in about 2.5.
This photo is where the crew would get their hair cut. Everything is original, and I found it fascinating to view where they ate, slept, showered and went to the bathroom (ZERO privacy!).
Back to my ‘observations’
TRAFFIC
There is a LOT of building going on here, and some of the roads have not kept up. For those of you who live in a place like from whence we came (population about 600), you might find it unbearable, but if you’re used to big city traffic (having lived just outside of Manhattan most of our lives, we are), it’s not a big deal.
Many of the roads have five lanes: two for each direction and one in the middle for people who want to make a left turn in the opposite direction but don’t have clearance for the other side yet. I will admit it’s taking some getting used to to see a car zip into that lane just as I’m driving next to it. It really feels like they’re going to smash into you! It’s actually a good idea to have that middle lane or sometimes it would take forever to make a left turn…just takes getting used to.
Another thing that takes getting used to are the curbs. Expect the front of your cars undercarriage to get scraped as you pull in from the street. It seems no matter how slowly I drive, even coming to almost a full stop, that happens.
CULTURE
There is so much culture here!. Something is always going on, whether it’s a free concert at a park or a show at any one of several theaters nearby. We’re going to see Kinky Boots Saturday and also have tics for Mannheim Steamroller in November. We have signed up to volunteer at a local theatre but they’re so busy the orientation isn’t until January!
RECREATION & SOCIAL LIFE
Lots of bike trails to explore, but when we’re not doing that we are often at the beach. I usually sit and read while Fisherman heads to the pier to fish. We have also played pickleball a few times and will probably do it more as the weather gets too cool for the beach. Fisherman has signed up for tennis lessons but due to rain has only been able to attend one lesson, but liked it.
I have joined Newcomers and they’ve been a wealth of information. They have so many satellite groups with countless activities to enjoy…arts and crafts, home and garden, book clubs, dinner clubs, day trippers…way too many to list but something for everyone. Bottom line: if you live in or near Wilmington and you’re bored, you probably don’t have a pulse.
RESTAURANTS
This topic deserves its own post, but suffice it to say we’ve had some pretty amazing meals here. Few things can compare to a delicious brunch of blueberry French toast on the waterfront, or perfectly cooked pasta and shrimp with a fra diablo tomato sauce by candlelight, or delectable soft shell crab with a spicey pineapple mango sauce. Not your scene? How about a perfectly seared angus rib eye, eaten in a charmingly rustic setting, complete with original barn wood doors?
I thought so.
THE PEOPLE
Pretty much everyone we have met so far is from someplace else, mostly the northeast, but the few that are native (or appear to be), couldn’t be nicer. They wrote the book on hospitality! Oh, and remember calling cards? Everyone has them, and we’ve gotten so many we need to buy a business card holder before our dresser drawers explode.
SHOPPING
OH. MY. GAWD. I have saved the best for last my friends. I can’t even count the number of wonderful antique, consignment, painted furniture, thrift stores…you name it, that are within a short drive from where we are staying. Not only that, but we are less than ten minutes to the beautiful Mayfair outdoor mall which is home to nearly every upscale store you can think of, and some that you can’t ;). Annnnndddd, it has a World Marketplace which I’ve never been to before and wow, love it!
I took a pic of this farm table because it’s so unusual to find one with one leaf, much less two! Even without the leaves it’s too big for our dining room but it’s nice to know something like this is out there.
Speaking of furniture, I have been saying all along that I’m not going to buy anything for the house until it’s built. Wait until you live there a while and get a feel for the spaces I said. Your taste can change by the time it’s built I said. You might find something you like better and regret your purchase I said.
Phooey!
Just a couple of miles up the road from us is an upscale furniture consignment store. As soon as I walked in, I was hooked.
Behold my latest love. A blue velvet, sexy as all get out, ready for my close up Mr. DeMille sofa. It is super comfy, in near perfect shape, and even has some pleating and tufting on the back.
Now you’re probably thinking ‘wait, this doesn’t look very beachy Doreen, and it’s super formal. Besides, where are you going to store it’? I get it. But it’s perfect for the sitting room that is visible from the master bedroom. The other elements in the space will be understated. Have faith grasshopper. And they will store it for free. See…I told you the people down here are nice :).
I hope you’re not sick of fun facts, because here’s some more: it’s a custom made, hand tied sofa made by John Lester here in Wilmington for a couple that live in a 10,000 square foot home by the water. It’s only about five years old. They redecorate every few years simply because they can. As for me, I’m not getting rid of this piece EVER. In fact, I want to be buried with it.
We’re doing some home tours today so maybe I’ll have some pics to share if they’re ‘worthy’. 😉 Oh, and we’re planning a trip to Croatia and Sicily next August with Sarissa, Josh and his family! One week on a small yacht and ten days on land. The hotel in Sicily is so dreamy I can’t wait to get there already!
Till next time, happy Fall!
Cecilia says
Haha, funny how we can experience culture shock within the US. While we have several of the Southern traditions, Texas culture is its own thing and that can vary from region to region. Pork cops in the morning? Um, no. I like eggs and bacon with biscuits. And no gravy for this girl. Curbs and turn lanes are a culture thing? I thought everyone had them. Ha.
Beautiful sofa! What a great find, Doreen! Can’t wait to see how you decorate around it.
When we go to North Carolina to meet our son-in-law’s family, I will have to take a side trip to your area. Would love to meet up with you!
Hugs,
Cecilia
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Oh Doreen you are going to just love living here. What a great and new adventure in your life. That area sounds like I should move there too! Nope no moving for me maybe a visit! We have been to North Carolina a few times and love that area so much. Oh and that chandelier OMG!!!!!
Hugs,
Kris
handmade by amalia says
Wow, this place has a LOT to offer. Nice to see you settling down and finding so much to interest you.
Amalia
xo
tammy j says
dang. I wish you hadn’t said you wanted to be buried in it because now with all the tufts it looks kinda like a casket to me.
NOT!
just kidding.
it’s beautiful. I love the color too.
I had heard or read somewhere that Wilmington NC is the furniture capitol of the U.S. … quality made. and the markets… oh my.
I’m so happy for you.
it’s all good.
this post was like a rich dessert.
just please be careful with the pickle ball. you know you have a history. XO♥
Poppy says
Those beautiful doors at #205 South Fifth… SIGH…!!!
Ah, I sense that many doors will open to you, in your new neck of the woods in Wilmington, North Carolina. Doors that will lead you to new, fun friends, more fun facts, fabulous food and very stylish furniture – the last of which you will definitely fit into your developing decorating style, whatever that may turn out to be!
Now, when I come down yonder to visit, we will graciously say ‘No thank y’all’ to the pork chop chow, and instead, in a very lady-like manner, bite into our smeared bagels, while slurping – oops – I mean, sipping, ever so daintily on our morning brews! Why, we will surely be the talk of the town, I dare say!
Hope that gorgeous sofa is strong enough to sleep a gastronomic Greek!
Until then, keep exploring and reporting to us from Wilmington, as only YOU can do!
xx
Poppy
Cindy says
Oh my that chandelier and fireplaces were beauties. The wooden doors had me too.
Sounds like you’re having the time of your life. Can’t wait to hear and see more.
Tufted sofa, all over it. We just got new furniture delivered yesterday. Tufted back and we LOVE our new furniture.
Sicily, stop me in my tracks. You will have a blast
Cindy
Pat M. says
First of all, the sofa is beautiful and those of us who follow you will be waiting to see how it fits in your decorating scheme. Secondly, thanks for the culture lesson. Every place has its own charm and Wilmington definitely sounds charming. And thirdly, it sounds like your future is full of fun things so we can live our lives through you. I’ve never been on a yacht, so please have a good time for me. 🙂
Penny at Enjoying The Simple Things says
We have always wanted to go to Wilmington. It sounds like a great place. If we ever get there I am going to email you asking for your favorite seafood restaurants, antique stores etc! That couch is gorgeous!
Rita C at Panoply says
Wow, Doreen! I’m excited for you. It sounds as though you are totally unafraid of submerging yourself into your new world. We could all take lessons from you – keep them coming as you note your own personal observations, please!
Love the couch – glad you went with your instinct!
Kim says
SO happy you seem so happy!! We have several friends who just relocated to North Carolina and they are trying to get us to move down with them. They sing the praises of the south, as well. It all sounds tempting, but I think this beach and pizza loving girl is going to tough it out here instead. Although never say never. Happy weekend!! xoxo
Barbara Behar says
So happy to see that you are immersing yourselves in the community and culture, not an easy thing to do at our age!
Wishing you excitement, happiness and joy in the new
life that you have created-
With love,
Barbara and Joel
Kelly says
It’s fun to read what you think of your new neighborhood! I live in GA and it’s probably a little different from your area because you live on the coast. I live near the mountains. A lot of transplants live here too! I think it’s getting harder and harder to find authentic southern towns anymore. You have to go to a very rural area to find that. I don’t eat porkchops for breakfast. But I have heard of it. That’s not the norm here. Traffic where I live is horrible!!! I blame it on all the transplants moving here. You will love your mild winters now!
AnnMarie says
Oh my! Sensory overload is what it sounds like there….but in a good way! It must be fun to explore and find all the great things you have found. Do you feel like you are on vacation?! You get to live there!
Jane says
Before I start-I just want to say that velvet is becoming on trend agin…because it never, ever should have gone to the wayside!!!! It’s gorgeous, soft, comfortable and easy to clean. I personally love the juxtaposition of decorating in a mismatched way (and I mean furniture style) and then tying it together with one element, like color or texture, whatever. You are more creative than I, Doreen…go for it. I’m in love with that sofa. And BTW, have you noticed all the velvet shoes and booties out there? Sigh…
I get you on the differences between cats and dogs. Been there. I think it’s fantastic that you are joining in with the community as you are, I’m a little shy and would have to push myself. I also love how you and your man are getting into the tours and beach and restaurants. Keep it up and keep us in the loop!
Jane x
Julie says
Hi Doreen, oh wow it sounds like you and Fisherman are having a great time. It’s so nice that you are getting to know your new area. That is so great that there are a ton of things to do there too.
I never heard of having pork chops for breakfast! LOL. I will take the bagel too.
Have fun.
Julie
Mary says
Doreen how can you live without a good slice of pizza? I am so glad to hear that you are settling in and enjoying your new town. This is the perfect place for retirement. So much to see and do. And don’t get me started about that sofa. It is gorgeous and I certainly don’t blame you for buying it now. You can decorate the room around it. What do people do with 10,000 sq feet of living space anyway?
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
Sounds like you found an amazing place to live, Doreen! The homes you showed are amazing, the food sounds incredible, and the shopping, oh, the shopping! It all sounds perfect — you just may have me as a neighbor someday! The sofa is so dreamy, I can’t wait to see it in your house. Glad you have a wonderful trip to look forward to with Sarissa! Hugs!
Jemma says
Hello Doreen!
How fun is all of this massive goodness in your life! I love how you are embracing it all and diving right in.
The South is a marvelous place. We love Wilmington too. I’ll be making a trip to N.C. this upcoming week (Fayetteville) to celebrate Kennedy’s first Birthday.
If you think you’ll be up or down that way…lol send me an email and maybe we can coordinate something. If not, I will be back in a few months!
Love the sofa:)
xo
Jemma
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
I read the whole post but was stuck on pork chops for breakfast, lol..
Karen says
It all sounds wonderful, Doreen! Love your new sofa – It does look like a very versatile piece and very comfy, too. I can relate to the whole idea of different cultures here – I moved from ‘Boston Proper’ to the totally laid back Northwest. I’m always showing up to functions over-dressed 🙂 It’s always exciting to explore a new territory, especially the shops and restaurants. The beaches must be wonderful, too. Love the house tour – the first one is so beautiful. Have fun exploring! So exciting about your upcoming trip, too! xx Karen
carrie@northwoods scrapbook says
Hey Sweet Cheeks!
Looks like you’re settling into the new world just fine. 😉 I swear you’d make an excellent realtor – or Chamber of Commerce person because you’ve got me sold! Lol
Love following your life in insta for more in the moment too. I”m SO jealous about your upcoming trip. That sounds fabulous!! Share lots of pics on insta too!!
Keep being beautiful. Love all that you share Babes. xoxo
Amy says
You are going to make friends in no time. You probably already have a bunch since writing this post. Being a Yankee, myself and from the Chicago area (where most business don’t close unless there’s +15 inches of snowfall), I can only dream of one day moving to a place that goes at a slower pace. You two are living the dream, Doreen;) And I can’t believe they are going to store that blue couch for you!! Now that is true southern hospitality. Happy Sunday xo Amy
Judy says
Doreen, so much beauty in one place! You sound like you are fitting in just fine by now. That sofa is devine. A person could probably get lost in that comfort! Beautiful things to see and sounds like you are liking your neighbors. As one of your northern neighbors, I do say there is something to be said for “southern hospitality”! Have a wonder week..xxoJudy
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
Lots of eye candy here, Doreen. I have to say one of my favorites is that set of well worn doors ; magnificent!
It’s funny. I often have pork for breakfast….bacon or sausage but it seems very strange to me to have a pork CHOP with eggs, lol. It’s all in what we are used to, I suppose. 🙂
It sounds and looks as if you two have been keeping very busy and are having a blast….like a second honeymoon or something! 🙂
Red Rose Alley says
These homes are so charming. Love that white fireplace! Finding a new place to live really takes a lot of thought, especially if you’re not from the area or no nothing about the people or their way of life, etc. As I get older, I need less traffic when I’m out and about, and often go shopping in the early hours just to avoid all the crowds. It sounds like there’s a lot of cultural events to see there, which is good. Outstanding restaurants is high on my list, and it sounds like you have an abundance of them there. And good shopping places!…….that will be wonderful with all the charming shops around there. You’re doing a great job planning and researching, Doreen. It can be stressful, so take some time out for yourself and treat yourself to a “me” day. : )
~Sheri
Linda says
LOL, I’m a toast or bagel girl myself, pork chops? Really? doesn’t go very well with morning coffee! Every once in a while I think I might want to leave New England but I don’t know if I really can…maybe move to be a bit closer to my kids. I’ve lived in NH my entire life….I imagine it is stressful but it all looks and sounds completely wonderful! I envy you! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!