Port City Living

There's a place in Wilmington you've almost certainly walked, jogged, or paddled around — and most people have no idea what they're really standing on.Before it became one of the most beloved green spaces in the city, it was a rice plantation worked by enslaved people. Over the years it's been a millpond, an amusement park, a small-town zoo, and the backdrop for one very wild night involving a runaway circus elephant. And that scenic five-mile road you love so much? It was built by men in chains during the Great Depression.In this episode, I dig into the layered, unfiltered history of Greenfield Lake — the beauty of it and the weight of it — and why this old millpond just might be the reason Wilmington still has a soul.

It started with a mediocre hotdog at a brand new Sheetz and a gas station literally across the street — and it got me thinking. Wilmington already has well over 130 gas stations across New Hanover County alone, from the big national chains to the mom and pop stores that have been part of this community for decades. And yet somehow, more keep coming. In this episode I dig into exactly what is being built right now across this city, why our explosive population growth has made us a prime target for billion dollar convenience store chains, the surprising truth about how little money these companies actually make on gas, why prices differ from one station to the next and whether that should change, what happens to the little guy when corporate money moves in, and the unexpected reason why electric vehicles are actually accelerating the gas station boom rather than slowing it down. Check out my youtube channel and other fun stuff here:  https://linktr.ee/portcitylivingnc

 Wilmington has always had a creative soul — and in this episode I take you inside a thriving art scene that most people don't even know exists in their own backyard. I'll show you where to find it, why it matters, and make a passionate case for why supporting local artists is more important than ever as this city continues to grow and change. https://cameronartmuseum.org/https://www.artswilmington.org/https://www.instagram.com/acmeartstudios/https://www.theartworks.co/Find my youtube channel and other fun things here:   https://linktr.ee/portcitylivingnc

Born in 1892 with visions she couldn't explain, Minnie Evans spent decades as a gatekeeper at Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, North Carolina — painting dreams on scraps of paper and discarded window shades. Her work eventually captured the attention of the entire art world. Today her paintings hang in some of the most prestigious museums in the country. This is the story of one of Wilmington's most extraordinary souls — and why her legacy still matters. https://high.org/exhibition/minnie-evans/https://airliegardens.org/https://linktr.ee/portcitylivingnc

Wilmington, NC is one of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast. But does anyone actually work here? In this episode of Port City Living, we dig into the real economic story behind the city — the history, the hustle, and the hard truth. From the railroad that made Wilmington the largest city in North Carolina, to the wage gap that still exists today, to the biggest economic development announcement in regional history that was supposed to open in November 2025 and still isn't open — we're getting into all of it. Unfiltered. https://flyilm.com/wings-over-carolina-beach/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmington_and_Weldon_Railroad

Wilmington, NC doesn't just have festivals. It has an obsession.From the grandest flower show in the South to an internationally recognized film festival most locals have never heard of — this city celebrates harder than you'd expect for its size. And there's a reason for that.In this episode we dig into the festival culture of Wilmington — what it says about this community, what it means for the city's economy, and why the people who make these events happen deserve a lot more credit than they get.Whether you're a longtime local or thinking about making the move — this one will make you love this city a little more.🎧 Port City Living. Wilmington. Unfiltered.

You've heard of snowbirds. But have you heard of Halfbacks?They leave the cold winters and high taxes of the northeast, head straight to Florida... and then realize Florida is a lot. So they move halfway back. And somehow — every single time — they end up right here in Wilmington, NC.In this episode I'm breaking down the Halfback phenomenon — who they are, why they come, what surprises them when they get here, and what locals really think about it. Spoiler: we've actually been dealing with this since the 1800s. This isn't new. It's just louder now.Plus — Feast Wilmington is coming up on March 28th. If you haven't been, you need to go. I'll tell you why.This is Port City Living. Wilmington. Unfiltered.🎙️ LISTEN ON PODCAST: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts — search Port City Living NC📲 FOLLOW ALONG: Instagram: @billcorbettrealtor Facebook: Port City Living All links: linktr.ee/portcitylivingnc🏡 THINKING ABOUT MOVING TO WILMINGTON? 910-409-7818 Bill Corbett | Realtor® | Port City Living at Fathom Realty🔔 SUBSCRIBE — new episodes every two weeks. Because somebody has to tell you the real story about this place. Might as well be me.

 Welcome to Season 3. This Rants & Raves episode is all Wilmington: traffic, One Tree Hill, Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and K38. Billy and Brad keep it honest—what’s annoying, what’s great, and what’s worth knowing if you’re trying to understand the city beyond the hype. 

Join us as Brad and I talk about our childhood memories of Halloween, and we discuss horror movies that were made here in the Wilmington Area. What is your favorite horror Movie? Want to get involved in some Halloween events in the area? https://halloween-events-near-me.com/wilmington-nc/

Brad and I are back after a summer hiatus and we are joined by AJ Eisenhart of Goosehead Insurance Company. AJ is a second time around new comer to the Wilmington area...here for college a few years back, he has decided to return to the area and make Wilmington his home and Insurance his game! Listen as AJ asks Brad and I some questions about life in Wilmington.

On this episode of Port City Living we are talking with Sam Starks, Commissioner of Stonewall Sports here in Wilmington, NC and Woody Goff who is the Community Outreach Coordinator, and they are telling us all about Stonewall Sports, what the organization does for the community, and how they give back. I will also give you a little history lesson about where the name Stonewall actually came from. Also, if you want to join the fun that Stonewall Sports has to offer, we are going to tell you how to do just that. Join us for a very lively talk about balls, charity and "angels" in the outfield. https://www.facebook.com/StonewallWilmington https://stonewallwilmington.leagueapps.com/ Sam Starks: [email protected] Woody Goff: [email protected]

If you're not familiar with Burgaw, NC then you should be. The county seat of Pender Co, this is home to the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. We sit down with Mayor Olivia Dawson and have an awesome conversation about small town charm, blueberries, an imposture Santa and what makes Burgaw such a great place to live and raise a family. The Blueberry Festival is coming on June 14th and 15th. You don't want to miss it. Here are the links for more information: http://www.ncblueberryfestival.com/ https://www.visitpender.com/ https://www.burgawnc.gov/

On this episode of Port City Living - The Podcast, we are talking with my good friend David Maciborski - aka David Mac. Car enthusiast and traffic aficionado - he will be sharing his story about Wilmington's traffic from his point of view and educate us on EV - no, not elementary vaccinations.... Electric Vehicles. And we will give you a brief rundown of the various type of transportation in the Wilmington, NC Area. https://data1-wilmingtonnc.opendata.arcgis.com/

Brad and I talk about some Quirky, fun, informative "QUIPS" that Wilmington NC has to offer - Snow, Movies, Large Rotary Wheel - whatever that is.........Plus Trains and famous people. All packed in to this exciting episode! https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/2005/12/11/end-of-the-line/30251168007/

POP......No not Soda! POP stands for Plastic Ocean Project. Ya'll our planet needs your help and BONNIE MONTELEONE​ and TRICIA MONTELEONE​ are doing all they can to help clean up our oceans and educate people on plastics. Brad and I are talking to them, and they are giving us the 411 on the good, the bad and the scary facts about plastics on our planet and how WE all can help control what is going into our oceans! There is a Gala coming up on May 4th at the aLoft Hotel in Historic Downtown Wilmington. Tickets are still available and with each ticket you get a parking voucher for the deck and 3 (three) drink tickets!! You can get those tickets Here: https://www.plasticoceanproject.org/ and you can also find out how you can help too!

Since we love Azalea Festival so much, we thought we would give you a little commentary on the weekend events. Talk about some of our favorite things, how the events played out this year and share our overall love for Wilmington's most famous event of the year. Also, check out my Port City Living Facebook Group Page where you can see what these events looked like and see the incredible fashion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/portcitylivingnc

Wilmington has been home to the NC Azalea Festival since 1948. Set against the backdrop of gardens, historic homes and southern hospitality, this event is a beloved part of the Greater Cape Fear regions history. Join me and Brad as we chat with executive director Alison Baringer and 2024's Azalea Festival's President Andrew Nettleman. We talk about the how this festival started and some fun facts, how you can get involved and some new things that are in the works. *It is mentioned that you can vote to make the Azalea Festival Best Flower Festival, but unfortunately, the voting has now closed. But make plans to attend - get involved! Official Link: https://ncazaleafestival.org/ www.portcitylivingnc.com https://www.atlanticbay.com/bradbrown/

Thalian Hall is one of Wilmington NC's most treasured landmarks spanning 166 years. This theater, built in 1858, has been a stable for the performing arts in the community since its inception. Today we are talking with Shane Fernando, the new executive director of Thalian. We will talk about Thalian's history, where it's headed for the future and we will get to know Shane a bit Better. Link to Thalian Hall: https://tinyurl.com/28ptstkm

Wilmington NC is known to be Hollywood East or WilmyWood. The film industry has been using Wilmington and the surrounding areas for the backdrop of many amazing movies, tv shows and music videos for over 40 years now. We thought we would talk about some of the productions that stand out and discuss some of the experiences we've had with being in productions and our brush with the famous. PCL YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMWCvu_liC_h8IEVBkxno9A

Brad and I took a road trip down to gorgeous Southport NC. Listen to your fiasco of trying to get there. Also, I started the podcast with mispronouncing a word and we decided it was too funny not to edit out!! We crack ourselves up.....Southport is a CHARMING little town, and we had a great day visiting despite the heavy fog. Enjoy

Brad and I are talking about some of the history of Wilmington NC. Some of it older and some more recent. Also, Wilmington has produced some very famous people. Do you know who they are? Well, we're going to tell ya! Join us for History 101 - Wilmington.

Are you hungry? Because Brad and I are sharing some of our favorite places to eat around Wilmington and some of our favorite dishes at these places. Wilmington, NC has an awesome food scene and we love to eat....who doesn't? Sit back, relax as we take you on a food tour!

Port City Living - The Podcast. Welcome to the first episode of Port City Living - about life in Wilmington, NC. Brad and I thought we would start this exciting journey off by telling you a little about ourselves and our backgrounds and get to know us a little better.