Encore magazine will present the first annual Wrightsville Beach Restaurant Week from Oct. 23–30. 

The magazine began sponsoring Wilmington Restaurant Week in the fall of 2009 at the height of the recession, said editor Shea Carver, as a way to highlight local eateries. 

“We were seeing that even if people couldn't spend a lot of money on travel or vacations, they always make budgetary allowances to dine out and drink,” Carver said. “We wanted to maximize that idea for a week every fall and spring.”

Having successfully highlighted area restaurants for the past decade, Carver said that prior to Hurricane Florence, she was exploring options for an additional winter restaurant week that would be 12 days long instead of a week, allowing for more participation and less competition.

And when the hurricane forced the cancellation of last fall’s restaurant week, Carver said it provided the opportunity to do just that. 

“Then we decided to hone in on specific areas surrounding Wilmington during spring and fall, specifically Pleasure Island and Wrightsville Beach, in order to allow them a chance to shine on everything great in their corners of southeastern N.C.,” Carver said.

Fourteen restaurants are signed on to participate, offering prix fixe menus throughout the week. No advance tickets are necessary, but guests are encouraged to make reservations. 

Participating restaurants include: Brasserie Du Soleil, Bluewater Waterfront Grill, Boca Bay Seafood and Oyster Bar, CRUZ Restaurant, East at the Blockade Runner, Gulfstream Restaurant, King Neptune, Oceanic, Oceans at the Holiday Inn Resort, Pita Delite, Poe’s Tavern, South Beach Grill, Sweet n Savory Café and Waterman’s Brewing.

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