Healthy Living by the Sea In Wilmington North Carolina

Wilmington North Carolina has become the mecca of living well in an old world setting with new age ideals.  Folks that live in the region have found that healthy living is indeed exemplified by the surplus of organic food resources, fresh regional seafood, innovative health food stores in Wilmington, NC, and favorable year-round temperatures providing an overall appeal of living the good life in one of the most interesting historical waterfront cities that has not only kept up with the trends but is setting them.  The population includes an interesting blend of retirees, artists, entrepreneurs and college students making this NC town come to life.  Wilmington NC real estate is selling quickly in communities such as Compass Pointe in Leland, not only because the city has a heartbeat of its own, but also because there are some incredible white sandy beaches and the Atlantic Ocean just 30 minutes away.

The oceanside city is rich in history lined with cobblestone streets adorned by Spanish-moss draped trees and antebellum architecture that will take you back in time while strolling through the 230 blocks of the downtown National Historic District that is bordered by the captivating Cape Fear River.  Health conscious residents can be found here every Saturday shopping for some of the freshest regional produce, home-baked goods, local seafood, art creations and an overall sense of community that thrives every Saturday from now through November 17th at the open-air Wilmington farmers market.  The Riverfront Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8am to 1pm, rain or shine on the first block of North Water Street stretching from Market Street to Princess Street, this incredible collection of merchants is one of the reasons healthy Baby Boomers have chosen to live in active Wilmington NC real estate in this premier locale.

The farmers market is one of the many reasons residents love living in Wilmington.  The large selection of vendors offering a wide array of organic foods, regional cuisine and fine art, is one of the reasons why this city has become the “hot spot” for those seeking a lifestyle enriched by its historical charm, fine eateries, rich culture and pristine white beaches.  It has become the place to live that literally has it all, especially those looking for living well.  Here are some of the offerings that draw thousands every season to the downtown farmers market:

GROWERS & PRODUCERS:

• Backyard Gardeners – Fresh berries, plants, herbs, annual and perennials.
• Beartrack Farms – Grass fed beef, eggs and pastured pork.
• Black River Organic Farm – Organic greens, veggies, berries, herb and sunflowers.
• Castle Hayne Farms – Fresh produce and handmade bouquet arrangements.
• Choco Geo – Delicious home-baked goods ranging from Tea Breads to scones. Other favorites include, brownies, baklava, peanut butter and brittle.
• David Mizerak Plants – Indoor and outdoor plants, landscape ideas and hanging baskets.
• Davis Seafood – Fresh seafood collection including Shrimp, Scallops, Crab Cakes, Fin Fish, Shucked Oysters, and Soft-Shell Crabs
• Flowers by Glenda –Plants including vegetables, and flowering annuals and perennials.
• Folk’s Cafe – Offers locally Roasted Coffee, hot and cold beverages and handmade empanadas.
• Gluten Free by the Sea – Gluten Free baked goods including Tea Cakes, Cookies, Muffins, Bread, Scones, and Focaccia.
• Great Harvest Bread Co. – Freshly baked breads, muffins, cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls.
• Hanchey’s Produce – Hydroponic & Field Vegetables, Berries, and organic greens.
• Lewis Farms –  Fresh Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, and Vegetables
• Lunchbox Pickles –Features pickles, cucumbers, okra and a variety of mustards.
• My Porch Dawg – Homemade dog goodies.
• Noni Bacca Winery – Locally made regional wines of all varieties.
• Orchidscapes.net – Landscaping plants, indoor plants and orchids.
• Panacea Brewing Co. – Kombucha
• Rita’s Wooden Spoon – Marinara & Fra Diavolo Sauce
• Shelton Herb Farm – Fresh herbs, lettuce, vegetables and bedding plants.
• Tarheel Beef – Meats selection of Beef, Poultry, Pork, and Rabbit.
• TREP Smart Smoothies – Vegetable, fruit smoothies, and shakes.
• Wholesome Greens – Mixed Microgreens living and packaged. 

Besides great edibles, plants, smoothies and organic greens, the market also features a unique collection of handcrafted items ranging from jewelry, stoneware, handbags to wood crafted artistry and provides the perfect one-stop shopping experience in this happening North Carolina town.  Here are some of the vendors featured weekly:

ARTISANS:

• Ada Art – Handmade Jewelry/Micro Macramé & Silver Filigree including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, rings, hatbands and headbands.
• Cabin Girl Designs – Unique Bags creatively designed, and hand sewn using Re-purposed & Up-cycled Marine Materials.
• Charlie’s Barn –  A wide collection of Woodwork/Reclaimed Wood offering birdhouses, feeders, benches, framed art, mirrors, pine cone flowers and even bat houses
• Full Circle Stoneware – Pottery collection featuring functional bowls and unique mugs.
• Jiri Kalina Home & Kitchen – Woodwork: Cutting Boards, Utensils, Rolling Pins
• Jordan Nason Photography – Framed original prints.
• Kritter Couture & More – Accessories for pets including collars, leashes and even bowties. Also Toys Pet Placements
• La Loba Earth Medicine – Hand-Painted Drums, unique jewelry and a collection of shells, beads, feathers and bones.
• Lativa Accents & Art – Handcrafted jewelry, featuring one-of-a-kind earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  Coffee Sack Pillows and ornate Christmas stockings can also be found here.
• Porch Time Products – A collection of bath, body and home products ranging from body wash to air freshener.  An eclectic blend of natural beauty wares.
• Portrait Art – Cards and prints are found here.

With a mission to create a place for local growers, farmers and artists to have a place to showcase and share their wares, the Riverfront Farmers Market has become more than a mission, it has become the place to shop and be seen in this incredible “not so country” chic town of Wilmington.

Young enthusiastic college students, active Boomers, and sun seekers have come to realize that living in this amazing region has something for everyone seeking a healthy lifestyle.  Whether it is surfing, sail boarding, fishing, water-skiing, scuba diving, or simply enjoying the fresh fish of the day while watching the sunset at the many delectable eateries found along the majestic beaches at the nearby communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Oak Island, every day is a new adventure.  Having the Atlantic Ocean only 30 minutes away is a major draw making this city one of the most sought-after destinations to live on the coast of North Carolina.

The atmosphere of good health radiates throughout the city and because of the demand for organic foods other options have popped up throughout the town making daily shopping excursions an adventure.  Wilmington has become a place where every day shoppers go local to find all the ingredients to prepare healthy and fulfilling fresh meals without leaving the confines of downtown Wilmington.  Here are new super food shopping venues available for the residents of Wilmington:

Lovey's Market - “Natural Foods and Café” located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road, Landfall Shopping Center is a superb place to shop from a wide selection of organic groceries and freshly made cuisine.In addition to a surplus of produce, this upbeat market offers a wide variety of healthy recipes on location and online, a wellness library featuring beauty tips, natural remedies, fitness guidance, and vitamin/minerals advice.  Their website is insightful and there are bi-weekly bargains offered to allow shoppers to save money and enjoy the benefits of this valuable resource downtown.

Another great venue available to promote healthy eating and community involvement is an innovative concept called the Tidal Creek Co-op located at 5329 Oleander Drive which was incorporated in 1982 as a consumer-owned co-op natural food store.  Here health-conscious shoppers can find some of the freshest regional produce and new age health items to fulfill the trend of healthy living in Wilmington.  With a mission to serve and connect the community, this amazing organization offers a comfy, affordable and sustainable economic model that invests in local commodities supporting the base of regional vendors.  They have stringent buying standards that seek out products that reflect reasonably priced food choices with fair trade practices.  The co-op also produces their own goods to resell to the community with the input of owners who contribute to this well-organized supplier of healthy food items and creations from local artists.

The store is open to the public daily but if shoppers desire to become owners they can do so for an annual fee of only $40.00!  It is a very progressive concept allowing discounts to owners, contributions to local charities and a cheaper yet healthy alternative to larger food chains.  The Tidal Creek Co-op also has a café that offers daily specials at the self-service hot bar, fresh salad bar, healthy smoothies, delicious homemade baked goods and “grab & go” food choices. The café is open daily from 8am to 9pm.  This is another great health food store in Wilmington, NC that keeps residents happy and healthy   living the ultimate dream of eternal bliss in this happening coastal town.

A short drive away from downtown, outdoor adventures abound on the pristine beaches of Wrightsville, Kure and Carolina Beach.  Sunbathed bodies exercise along the ocean surfing, kite-boarding, water-skiing or jogging along the powder white sand that embraces the shoreline.  There are always fun things happening on the beaches nearby Wilmington.  Great restaurants, concerts, art galleries, unique shops and annual outdoor festivals add to the overall appeal for those living in Wilmington NC real estate communities.

With all the conveniences of a big city this quaint, yet sophisticated historical seaport town of Wilmington offers superb medical care, the Wilmington International Airport only 4 miles away from downtown, the University of North Carolina Wilmington with excellent academics, and an average of 2,816 hours of annual sunlight.  The average high temperature is 74 while the low median is mild at 53 degrees allowing year-round outdoor activities which encourage the healthy lifestyle that prevails here.  Add the fantastic Wilmington farmers market, the unique health food stores in Wilmington NC, trendy Wilmington NC real estate developments and you will find that this coastal community is the place to retire and enjoy a life full of unforgettable memories?

If you’re exploring Brunswick County for the first time, ask for our complimentary Wilmington relocation information.