The Wilmington area is a popular place to be, drawing new residents in droves.
According to U.S. Census data, the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical area has gained about 70,170 new residents since the 2020 census with the majority of those coming from in-migration.
But with so many people moving to and visiting the area, that means that many of the folks in our area “ain’t from around here.”
To help those who might have recently moved to the area and might not know the lingo or the local customs, we want to offer you a few pointers to make life a little easier.
Here are some tips and tricks for living in the Wilmington area.
1. Storms should always be taken seriously.
Those who have lived here for any length of time can tell you that it doesn’t have to be a major hurricane or even a named
storm to wreak havoc. Hurricane Florence, a category two storm, brought four days of flooding rains, heavy winds and storms. More recently, Potential Tropical Cyclone 8, an unnamed storm, caused significant flooding in areas of Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
It’s a good idea to always be prepared. Keep an eye on the forecast and ensure you have a stocked hurricane kit that includes flashlights, a battery-powered radio, batteries, canned goods and other items.
2. Grocery stores are busy on Saturdays.
Locals know that unless you go before the rooster crows, it’s best to avoid the grocery stores on a Saturday. That’s the check-in day for most beach rental properties, and many families will head straight to the grocery store to get stocked up for their stay. Locals schedule their grocery shopping on other days, especially from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
3. We wave at people we don’t know (yet).
There’s a reason they coined the phrase “Southern hospitality.” We’re a friendly bunch, but we’re also curious. Waving is our way of making your acquaintance. Feel free to wave back. You just might brighten someone's day.
4. The ocean is not the only body of water.
Yes, the Atlantic Ocean is a big calling card for this area. But there is much more to explore.
Begin by visiting the Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington or sit a spell at the Southport Waterfront. After taking in the scenic views of the Cape Fear River, or maybe even enjoying a river cruise, visit the area's many restaurants and shops.
There are also many creeks, such as Jinks Creek in Sunset Beach, and sounds, like Masonboro and Topsail (remember: it’s “Top-sul”) to explore. The boggy Carolina Bays, marshlands and ponds are beautiful and offer a great way to see local wildlife. But locals will tell you these are best from a safe distance because the local wildlife includes alligators, and they should be respected.
5. There is plenty here to keep you busy.
We might not have the hustle and bustle and nightlife of New York and L.A., but that’s part of the appeal. You will still find plenty to do — as long as it’s before 10 p.m.
Our warm weather provides more weeks to enjoy outdoor activities, like fishing, golf, or hiking at one of the area’s many trails. If you like festivals, we have them all year. Check out the N.C. Azalea Festival in April, the N.C. Blueberry Festival in June, the N.C. 4th of July Festival in July, and the N.C. Oyster Festival in October, and Southport Winterfest in December.
If you’re looking for culture, you can find it at places like the Cameron Art Museum and Thalian Hall, and if you want to dive into history, check out Moores Creek National Battlefield, Brunswick Town, or the Battleship North Carolina. There are also concerts, plays, and art exhibits. StarNews arts and culture reporter John Staton — a Wilmington native — puts together a list of stuff happening in the Wilmington area each week.
6. Fall is a great time to be here.
While summer is the peak time for tourists, fall is the favorite season for locals. It's the time when the weather is still nice enough to enjoy a day at the beach, and the beaches, restaurants, and shops we love become a bit less crowded. After a long four months, the "r" months return, which means it's also oyster season, though most locals will tell you to wait until late October or early November before indulging in those salty sea nuggets.
7. We don’t call it “Top-sale” Beach.
We admit that the name Topsail Beach can be a bit deceiving. It does, in fact, include the words “Top” and “Sail,” and many said seeing a ship’s top sail is how the area got its name. However, around these parts, we say “Top-sul.” Pronouncing it any other way will give away your non-local status quickly and get you some funny looks.
Regardless of when you arrived or where you came from, we're glad you're here, and we hope you fall in love with all of the reasons so many of us now call this "home."
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at rspencer@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New to Wilmington? 7 local customs and tips you should know
