Welcome to the Newto News for May of 2026. My name is Zack Cockfield, and my team and I created Newtomedia as a way for visitors or new residents to get information about a city. Each month we bring together resources that will update you on the history, amenities, culture, future opportunities and all other things inside a city that make it unique. We also hope to be a resource for connecting you with people and businesses that can help you live a better life. If you find our efforts useful, please click on the links to get more information!

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Wilmington, North Carolina was founded in 1739 by English colonists and was named after Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington. The city played a significant role in the American Revolution, serving as a major port for the export of goods to England. During the Civil War, Wilmington was a key Confederate port until it was captured by Union forces in 1865. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Wilmington grew rapidly as a center of industry, particularly in the naval stores and shipbuilding industries. The city’s economy also thrived on trade with the West Indies and Europe. Wilmington faced racial tensions in the early 20th century, culminating in the Wilmington Insurrection of 1898, in which white supremacists overthrew the biracial city government. Despite these challenges, Wilmington continued to grow and develop as a thriving coastal city with a diverse economy and rich cultural history. Today, Wilmington is known for its historic downtown district, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene.

1. The top 10 industries that are hiring locally:

  • Technology
  • Healthcare
  • Finance
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Hospitality
  • Manufacturing
  • Construction
  • Real Estate
  • Transportation

2. The top 10 recreational activities the area is known for:

  • Hiking
  • Biking
  • Skiing
  • Golfing
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Boating
  • Wine tasting
  • Sightseeing
  • Shopping

3. Average low and high temperature for the month:

  • Low: 50°F
  • High: 75°F

4. Average precipitation for the month:

  • 3 inches

5. Elevation:

  • 5000 feet

6. Average home price:

  • $350,000

7. Average household income:

  • $60,000

8. The top 10 tourist points of interest:

  • National Park
  • Historic Downtown
  • Museum
  • Botanical Gardens
  • Zoo
  • Waterfall
  • Wineries
  • Amusement Park
  • Beaches
  • Art Galleries

The top 10 restaurants:

PinPoint Restaurant

Downtown Wilmington

PinPoint Restaurant offers farm-to-table New American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Its intimate setting provides a cozy dining experience.

Ashten’s

Midtown Wilmington

Ashten’s is known for its Southern-inspired dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a local favorite for comfort food with a touch of elegance.

The Basics

Historic District

An unpretentious eatery that serves Southern-inspired comfort food with a modern twist, located in the heart of Wilmington’s Historic District.

Benny’s Big Time Pizzeria

South Front District

This vibrant spot, owned by Chef Vivian Howard, offers wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and Italian-inspired dishes in a lively and colorful environment.

Catch

Midtown Wilmington

Catch specializes in inventive seafood dishes crafted by renowned local Chef Keith Rhodes, emphasizing sustainable and fresh ingredients.

Rx Restaurant and Bar

Downtown Wilmington

Located in a former pharmacy, Rx Restaurant and Bar serves Southern dishes with an upscale flair, using some of the region’s freshest ingredients.

Indochine

East Wilmington

Indochine is known for its lush garden patio and extensive menu that celebrates Asian cuisine, blending Thai, Vietnamese, and other Eastern flavors.

Port Land Grille

Wrightsville Beach Area

Located near the beach, Port Land Grille offers a menu of sophisticated surf and turf dishes with a warm and inviting oceanfront atmosphere.

Fork n Cork

Downtown Wilmington

Fork n Cork is a casual eatery known for its gourmet burgers and sandwiches, offering a creative menu with hearty portions and a friendly vibe.

Bluewater Waterfront Grill

Wrightsville Beach

Overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, Bluewater Waterfront Grill offers fresh seafood and a relaxed dining experience with picturesque views.

Current Events:

Jelly Roll - The Little Ass Shed Tour
Jun 07
Thu • 7:00pm

Jelly Roll – The Little Ass Shed Tour

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years
Sep 19
Thu • 8:00pm

Foreigner: Celebrating Fifty Years

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

The Doobie Brothers: Walk This Road Tour
Oct 05
Thu • 8:00pm

The Doobie Brothers: Walk This Road Tour

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Dierks Bentley: Off The Map Tour 2026
Jul 15
Thu • 7:00pm

Dierks Bentley: Off The Map Tour 2026

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

James Taylor & His All-Star Band
Sep 14
Thu • 7:30pm

James Taylor & His All-Star Band

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Earth, Wind & Fire
May 16
Thu • 8:30pm

Earth, Wind & Fire

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Koe Wetzel
Sep 11
Thu • 8:00pm

Koe Wetzel

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

Lauren Daigle
Jun 11
Thu • 7:00pm

Lauren Daigle

Live Oak Bank Pavilion

ZZ Top
Sep 17
Thu • 7:00pm

ZZ Top

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater