Port City Rising

02/06/2026

Hot Wax Surf Shop has been a Wilmington fixture for 40 years, literally shaping the surf scene in the Port City. Hit the link below for the full story of their journey in building a community staple! 🏄‍♂️

After 40 years serving the Wilmington Surf Community, Michael Paul and his son Shaun reflect on their journey so far.

01/26/2026

Behind the pink façade of Wilmington’s most colorful coffee shop is the story of an incredible couple and their dream to make it all possible. Read the full story below!

A couple reflect on their colorful coffee shop’s first year in business.

01/26/2026

Behind the pink façade of Wilmington’s most colorful coffee shop is the story of an incredible couple and their dream to make it all possible.

01/09/2026

Very cool to see Port City Rising as an attributed source in Islands story about Pizzeria Don Luca being named Best “Hole-in-the-Wall” Pizza Joint in North Carolina!

Read our full story on Don Luca owner Alex White’s journey to opening one of the best Pizza restaurants in North Carolina below!

https://www.portcityrising.com/all/pizzeriadonluca-6zlng

01/04/2026

Happy 2026! New year, new local small business! Learn the story behind Wilmington’s newest surf-inspired clothing brand, and the pup who sparked it all.

A new surf & supply brand in Wilmington discusses how a Golden Retriever inspired their inception.

12/18/2025

It doesn't get more Mom and Pop than Mimi & Papa’s Gourmet Popcorn and Sweet Shop! New story highlights the incredible family behind Leland's popular popcorn and sweet shop!

Mom and Pop ice cream shop chats through their journey in becoming a community staple.

12/05/2025

As The Getaway Café & Provisions approaches its 4th birthday, owner AnnaLee Johnston reflects on the journey thus far, and what’s to come in the future!

A cafe in Marina Village creates community for Riverlights and beyond.

10/27/2025

Hidden Grounds has taken the Wilmington coffee scene by storm. Dinosaurs, cowboys, high energy music and a backyard oasis come together for an experience like no other. But how did the brand grow to what it is today? Read the story to learn more! 🦖🦕🤠

Hidden Grounds coffee experiences a meteoric rise through dinosaurs, cowboys, and coffee.

10/07/2025

From a singular $10 bill came one of Wilmington’s most beloved bakeries. Read the story behind the coziest spot in the Port City!

The story of a bakery (and schoolhouse) in Wilmington that continues to sell some of the best baked goods in the area.

09/21/2025

Learn the story of Pizzeria Don Luca as their owner pushes for positive change in the Brooklyn Arts District!

Local business owner speaks on his journey to creating some of the best pizza in Wilmington, and discusses the proposed “Social District” in the Brooklyn Arts District.

09/12/2025

New look, same spirit! Learn more about the new ownership and renovations to The Harp Bar!

New ownership brings improvements to a beloved Wilmington Pub.

09/08/2025

For over 30 years, Aussie Island Surf Shop has been at the heart of Wilmington’s surf scene. From welcoming first-time surfers to watching generations grow up through the shop, Dean Lassiter and Chris Jackson have created more than a business - they’ve built a community. Discover the story of Aussie Island and its impact on Wilmington below!

Aussie Island has been servicing the Wilmington area for all surf, snow, and skate needs for over 30 years. But I don’t think solely the title of “surf shop” properly does them justice. The shop is more than that, acting as a community center for all things surfing, skating, snowboarding, and ...