The 2010 Census has been completed and the results are in! Wilmington NC is now the 8th largest city in North Carolina, up from 9th. While the area has experienced the same economic slowdown that is common in most areas around the country, Wilmngton NC experienced an increase in population of 40.4 percent from the 2000 to the 2010 census.

Even more incredible is the growth that Wilmington's neighboring town, Leland has experienced. Located just on the other side of the Cape Fear River, Leland is home to the areas newest golf courses and new home communities including Magnolia Greens, Waterford and Brunswick Forest all located just off of hwy. 17. Leland is the fastest growing municipality in North Carolina rising 600 percent since the last census. Leland residents not only enjoy lower taxes, but now have many of the amenities that you would expect to find living close to a large city.

All in all, it seems clear that there is something that draws people to the Port City and its surrounding areas. What it is, you'll have to decide for yourself once you visit!

What do you think it is? Great deals on real estate? The numerous clean beaches? The fun festivals? The ease of living here?

Stemmerman's Inn is a fun, chic but still affordable Inn in the heart of downtown Wilmington. Located on South Front Street, the riverfront and all of the great activities that downtown Wilmington has to offer is quite literally at your doorstep. If you want to experience the total feel of being at the Riverfront, this is the place to be! The history of the building is abundant, but the interior and the furnishings have a fresh, modern feel.

Check out their website for more details - http://www.stemmermans.com and let us know what you think!

Looking for a nice getaway in the grandeur of the historic district of downtown Wilmington? Check out the Port City Guest House. This place has fantastic rates and an incredibly warm atmosphtere. Whether you're a local looking for an in town getaway, or you're searching for a unique place to relax after explorng Wilmington and its surrounding beaches: this is a great spot!

Check out their website for more information at http://www.portcityguesthouse.com and please let us know what you think!

The only restaurant located ON the beach at Wrightsville Beach is having their Grand Re-opening on Monday, March 7th! Get your reservations in now by calling 910.256.5551. 

Enjoy the fresh seafood and great land lover dishes too, all with the fantastic views of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean! Now that the renovations are done, you'll be able to enjoy the views and food from inside the new and improved dining area. Oceanic is a favorite place for locals and tourists alike - so be sure to make your reservations ahead of time.

Located at 703 S Lumina Avenue, Wrightsvill Beach, NC 28480

Enjoy!

That's right! The Coastal Carolina's very own Holden Beach was voted one of the top 10 beaches in the nation by USA Today Readers.

Located in the history drenched Brunswick County, and almost 9 miles long, Holden Beach is a family oriented beach with hiking, boating and golfing all nearby. You will feel like you're miles away from everything, but you'll certainly never be bored. One of the best things about Holden Beach is that there are no commercial properties, so you're sure to find it relaxing.

Remember - Holden Beach is not just for summer months - If you come in October, you'll not only miss the crowds, you'll have the privilege of enjoying the Annual Festival by the Sea! With oysters cooked over a wood fire, a shrimp bog, barbeque, Italian sausages, funnel cakes and of course music, this is one heck of a Festival!

So, as you can see, Holden Beach is not only a great place to visit, it would be a great place for a second home or even and investment opportunity!

If you’re interested in finding out more about Holden Beach and possibly owning a home there, please contact us or reply!

Need something to do for this fine weekend in beautiful Wilmington?

Here's a list of some fun things going on around town that you might want to check out:

Wilmington Winter Wine and Beer Walk

Beginning at 1 pm. on Saturday, February 26 several downtown venues including Costello’s Piano Bar, The Eat Spot, Firebelly Lounge, The Fortunate Glass, Front Street Brewery, Hell’s Kitchen, Mixto, Nutt Street Comedy Room, Paddy’s Hollow, Tre Benzios and Wayfarer Delicatessen – will be offering two samples of adult beverages. A great time and also a great way to explore a new restaurant or two that you haven't yet visited! Hosted by the Downtown Business Alliance tickets are $15 or two for $25. The walk begins at 22 N. Front St., (you'll need to present your ticket, or purchase your ticket here) and ends at 6 p.m.. (Participants must be 21 years or older)

For more details call 216.374.8884 or email info@wineandbeerwalk.com or visit www.WineandBeerWalk.com

Full Belly Feast Fundraiser Event

Yes, it's as good as it sounds! The 9th annual Full Belly Feast is a fundraiser for the locally based Full Belly Project - a non-profit organization committed to empowering people in rural communities. With live music from Transtrum and art auction and of course international cuisine offered by A Southern Thyme Catering Co., Little Pond Caterers and Good Cookies. The event will be held at the Coastline Convention Center and begins at 6 pm. on Saturday, February 26. Tickets are $50-$60.

For more details call 910.452.0975 or visit www.thefullbellyproject.org.

An Evening at the Oscars Fundraiser and Party

Hosted by Cucalorus, the second annual Evening at the Oscars will be held at the Hilton Riverside in Downtown Wilmington beginning at 7:30 pm on Sunday, February 27. Receive the star treatment while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and bevereges from Manna while viewing the Academy Awards on the big screen. There will also be an Oscar pool and a curated silent auction. Tickets are available at the Cucalorus website and are $125 or 8 for $1,250.

For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.cucalorus.org.

Whatever you do this weekend, have a safe and happy weekend and let us know what you did!

Local Radio Station - 102.7 GNI is presenting the very first annual Sweet Taste of Wilmington Dessert Festival this Wednesday, February 23rd from 5 until 9pm at the Hilton Riverside at 301 Water Street in downtown Wilmington. Tickets are on sale now at the WGNI studio and admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

If you have a sweet tooth, you're a foodie or dessert junkie or you're just looking for something fun and delicious to do on Wednesday night, stop by and see who will be crowned the first ever "Dessert King!"

Angel The Cake Lady, Aunt Cake's, Barista Cafe & Cape Fear Bakery, Buck's Nuts, The Confectionary, Crazy Cake Chicks, Cupcake Cutie, A Delightful Design, Hot Pink Cake Stand Nye's Cream Sandwiches, Just Because Chocolates, La Gemme Fine Italian Pastries, The Melting Pot, SweeDeePie Cheesecakes, and Sunset Slush are among the many vendors competing for the prestigious title of the "Dessert King."

Please let us know if you have any questions about this event and what you thought if you went! : )

Located in the heart of beautiful South Harbour Island behind Wrightsville Beach, this spacious home features five bedrooms (including two master suites), five full baths and one half bath. The open floorplan, large decks, and lanai gve you the true feel of coastal living at its best! All the upgrades you would expect of a million dollar home - granite counters, wet bar, hardwood floors, elevator, media wiring throughout, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower and a professionally landscaped yard with an irrigation system. This home is practically new, having been built in 2007.

Check it out and let us know what you think!

The Cole Bros. Circus Big Top is a beloved tradition of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Held at the Wlmington Airport gounds - it's a must see for the event. You'll be sure to enjoy the non stop entertainment that the Cole Bros. Cricus brings in this two hour performance.

This year's attraction will include talented elephants, camels, clowns, fearless flyers, motorcycle maniacs in the "Globe of Death," teeterboard acrobats, trapeze, aerial gymnasts, and "The Human Cannonball."

Please Note that you can only purchase the tickets through the Festival office through April 6th. Starting on Thursday (the first show date), April 7th you'll have to go to the Circus Box Office on the airport grounds to purchase tickets.

It's no secret that interest rates have been at an all time low lately. Qualified buyers have been able to take advantage of these great rates on top of lower home prices and are probably quite happy with their overall investment.

But, as we all know, all good things must come to an end. These fantastic interest rates (while still great) are rising. So, if you're considering refinancing and it makes sense to - you might want to go ahead and do it. If you're considering buying - you might want to go ahead and get something under contract and lock in your rate as soon as possible because it's likely that the rate you see today, won't exist tomorrow.

And as always, stay on top of your credit score! Know it and make it better. You'll be happy that you did when you've saved thousands of money in interest thanks to the better rates available to higher FICO scores.

Got questions about specific rates, insurance, payments, etc.? Email us by going to the top of the page and clicking on the "Contact Us" tab.