My adopted home state of North Carolina is a food lover’s fantasy land. There’s more outstanding barbecue than you can shake a rib at. Everywhere along the coast the fish shacks, oyster bars and sushi restaurants make the most of what’s caught on the line and in the net. Forests and fields deliver surprises to chefs from the mountains to the sea. And the beer scene—we can’t even go there right now, but do yourself a favor and come thirsty. Most of all, come hungry. Come to Wilmington hungry. This city in the southeastern corner of the state has a food scene that’s got its fair share of names and accolades, from James Beard Award nominees and winners to a AAA Four Diamond restaurant to faces you might recognize from Bravo’s Top Chef and a raft of up and comers. Break out the bib, put on your loosest pants, and get ready to feast. These are the eight must-eat restaurants in Wilmington (right now).

Whether you’re hungry for outdoor adventure or Southern cuisine, the beautiful community of Brevard, North Carolina has you covered. Brevard is an outdoor paradise. Hit the trails on a mountain bike or your own two feet and explore forests peppered with waterfalls, rivers and streams, stunning vistas, and abundant fresh air. Go fly fishing. Saddle up for horseback riding. Try your luck at gem mining. Enjoy bird watching. Paddle the French Broad River. Play golf. And so much more!

The coronavirus pandemic has hit the culinary industry especially hard. With restaurant dining rooms barred from operating at full capacity (if at all) and strict regulations in place on even to-go orders, restaurant workers are taking huge financial hits. The turbulent year of 2020 has also brought racial injustice and social inequality to light and finally garner more attention.