Discovering groovy, vintage, classic, and historical institutions.
Text by Jasmine Bible + Photography by Susan Kalergis
We set out to find intriguing stories of the past and present—establishments who honor the past while writing their own history. In our search, we found new businesses in old buildings, and old-school businesses in new buildings. Join us each week as we travel through the towns where Nest Realty offices are located, this week we travel to Wilmington, North Carolina…
Satellite Bar
120 Greenfield Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
satellitebarandlounge.com
Well, hello there groovy. The Satellite Bar in Wilmington, NC, is simply the coolest bar around. The once rundown supermarket is now a laid back, highly stylized bar and lounge. The exposed wood rafters glow above dangling Edison bulbs. Avocado and lime green vinyl chairs mingle with rustic wood lounge tables.
A taxidermied bear stands guard. Outside, vintage fiberglass chairs and 1950’s lawn chairs surround cornhole boards. Back at the bar a seriously impressive array of bottled beer awaits. We can’t get enough of the throwback vibe that Satellite is pouring.
Brushin Up
250 RACINE DR. #4, WILMINGTON, NC 28403
brushinup.com
Have a piece of furniture that’s begging for a makeover? Head to the artisans at Brushin Up. They can completely transform the look of a piece, taking it from dated to dreamy. They refurbish furniture of all shapes and sizes, primarily using Annie Sloan chalk paints. When you’re ready to try your own hand at refurbishing, Brushin Up offers various chalk paint workshops. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, the friendly staff will happily show you how to tap into your creativity.
Goody Goody Omelet House
3817 Market Street | Wilmington, N.C. 28403
goodygoodyhouse.com
Since 1977, this tiny dinner has been cranking out breakfast and lunch to the loyal locals of Wilmington, North Carolina. Their “keep it simple” motto has carried them through four decades of success. Hop onto a swivel stool at the bar, and watch as the crew moves seamlessly between the cooktop, counter, and register, like a carefully choreographed dance troupe. Order tickets fly, omelets are flipped, and biscuits are grilled and generously buttered. It’s classic, simple, goody goody food.
Elijah’s Restaurant
2 Ann St. Wilmington, NC 28401
elijahs.com
The property where Elijah’s Restaurant now sits dates back to 1829. Warehouses and docks filled the area, now known as Chandler’s Wharf, throughout the 19th century. A variety of goods were dealt, mostly tar, pitch, and turpentine. During the 20th century, the property went through multiple owners, until finally opening as Elijah’s Restaurant in 1984. The popular seafood restaurant has expanded over the years, including the Oyster Bar and outdoor patio. Diners can now enjoy fine wine and raw oysters, as they watch the sun set on the Cape Fear River.
Fifth & Castle
602 S Fifth Avenue, Wilmington, NC, 28401
facebook.com/fifthandcastle
Formerly a firehouse, the beautiful building now houses Fifth & Castle, a home decor boutique. The glossy red front door beckons you in, and pays homage to its historic past. Located in the Castle Street Arts and Antiques District of downtown Wilmington, the design shop is owned and operated by Meg Caswell, a popular interior designer and winner of HGTV’s Design Star, Season 6. The light-filled boutique is filled with fabulous finds. Vintage furniture mingles with modern textiles. Boldly patterned pillows line the walls, along with an extensive gallery of fabrics that are available for custom draperies and upholstery. The cool, coastal collection feels fresh, crisp, and inspiring.
Circa 1922
8 North Front St., Wilmington NC 28401
circa1922.com
Saunter into Circa 1922 for a swanky evening of wining and dining. The downtown Wilmington restaurant with a speakeasy vibe has been home to various businesses throughout the past century—a Cooperative Bank, then a First Citizen Bank, it went on to become an office supply store, a shoe cobbler, a hardware supply, a tire store, a realty business, and even batting cages. A massive door to the original bank vault can be seen at the rear of the restaurant. Presently the restaurant serves fresh seafood, sushi, and indulgent cheese and charcuterie plates. At the bar, mixologist Josh will create any classic cocktail you can imagine—a hurricane, Pimm’s cup, and a borage flower cocktail with a speared cucumber.
Cotton Exchange
321 N. Front Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
shopcottonexchange.com
In the early 20th century, Wilmington was home to one of the busiest cotton export companies in the world. Paddle-wheel boats ran supplies along the Cape Fear River to the Port of Wilmington. The Sprunt Building, on the corner of Front Street & Walnut Street housed a thriving cotton export business that exported cotton to England and throughout Europe. In 1975, local preservation efforts were made to adapt and utilize the Sprunt Building and adjoining buildings along the historicWilmington riverfront. Today, the collective of the eight beautifully restored buildings is now called The Cotton Exchange. Brick walkways and open-air courtyards connect the 30 unique boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants.
Check back next week when we visit Charlottesville, VA!
We shared this story with you in our Spring/Summer 2016 Issue of NEST Magazine. To view the full issue, click here!