Easter 2025. I’m visiting my uncle and aunt in Leland, North Carolina. It’s my first trip of two to the United States in 2025. I haven’t seen them live since February 2020 just before the first lockdown and I haven’t travelled to this area since 2019. I’m flying with SAS and Delta. The itinerary: Brussels in Belgium – Copenhagen in Denmark – Atlanta in Georgia – Wilmington in North Carolina.  

I’m so grateful Philippe and Beverley come up with things to do in the area. On the Tuesday after Easter, they had in a little programme in store. 

A walk around USS North Carolina

World War II battleship USS North Carolina is displayed in Wilmington. You can visit, of course. But you can also walk around it. 

USS North Carolina (BB-55) was the lead ship of the North Carolina-class fast battleships and the first of its kind constructed for the United States Navy. Built under the constraints of the Washington Treaty system, her design was restricted in both displacement and armament. 

However, the United States invoked a clause in the Second London Naval Treaty to replace the original twelve 14-inch (356 mm) guns in quadruple turrets with a main battery of nine 16-inch (406 mm) guns in triple turrets. The vessel was laid down in 1937 and completed in April 1941, while the United States remained neutral during the early stages of the Second World War.

After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, North Carolina was mobilised for war. She was initially dispatched to counter a potential sortie by the German battleship Tirpitz, though this threat never materialised, and she was quickly reassigned to the Pacific to reinforce Allied forces engaged in the Guadalcanal campaign. 

There, she served as an escort for aircraft carriers and participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons on 24–25 August 1942, during which she shot down several Japanese aircraft. 

In September, she was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine but sustained no critical damage. Following repairs, she rejoined operations in the central Pacific, continuing her role in screening carriers during the 1943 and 1944 campaigns, including those in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands and the Mariana and Palau Islands. She also took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea.

While undergoing a refit during the initial phase of the Philippines invasion, North Carolina re-entered service in time to participate in the later stages of the campaign and was present during Typhoon Cobra, which caused severe damage to the fleet. 

In 1945, she took part in offensive operations supporting the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa and conducted numerous attacks on Japan. After Japan’s surrender in August, she was assigned to Operation Magic Carpet, transporting American personnel home.

In 1946, North Carolina operated briefly off the United States east coast before being decommissioned in 1947 and placed in reserve. Stricken from the Naval Vessel Register in 1960, the battleship was saved from scrapping by a preservation campaign and was converted into a museum ship in her namesake state. 

On 6 September 1961, North Carolina was officially transferred to the state. She was towed from Bayonne, New Jersey, to Wilmington by a fleet of nine tugboats on 25 September. 

During the journey, on 2 October, the tugboats lost control of the battleship in the Cape Fear River, resulting in a collision with a floating seafood restaurant. Despite the impact, only minor damage was reported. 

Once her berth—located across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, approximately 28 miles (45 km) from the river’s mouth at the Atlantic Ocean—was completed and the necessary repairs had been made, she was formally opened to the public on 29 April 1962 as a memorial to more than 11,000 North Carolinians who died while serving in the United States armed forces during the Second World War.

In 1964, the museum acquired a Kingfisher aircraft that had crashed in British Columbia during the war and was later salvaged and donated to the site.

During the early 1980s, when the U.S. Navy reactivated the four Iowa-class battleships, components were removed from North Carolina and other preserved battleships, including Alabama and Massachusetts, to supply parts no longer available in the Navy’s inventory. 

Most of these were engine room components. On 10 November 1982, North Carolina was designated a National Historic Landmark. At the time, she was described as being in near-excellent condition and still in her wartime configuration.

Efforts to maintain and restore the ship and its facilities have continued. In 1998, the museum launched Operation Ship Shape, a donation drive aimed at funding major repairs. These included replacing the deteriorated teak deck with new teak sourced from Myanmar, and addressing significant corrosion in the hull. 

By the early 2000s, some areas of the hull had been reduced from their original thickness of 0.625 to 0.75 inches (15.9 to 19.1 mm) to as little as 0.15 inches (3.8 mm). Instead of moving the ship to a drydock—a prohibitively expensive option—caretakers chose to follow the method used for the battleship Alabama, constructing a cofferdam around the hull and pumping it dry. 

Damaged hull plates were replaced, and the entire hull was repainted for better protection. In 2018, a walkway was installed around the ship to allow full perimeter viewing, funded by the SECU Foundation. This walkway is positioned atop the cofferdam used during the repairs. Work on the hull was completed in 2021.

By early 2024, the memorial and museum had become one of North Carolina’s most visited tourist destinations. In 2022 alone, nearly 250,000 visitors were recorded, marking the museum’s most financially successful year to date.

However, flooding caused by rising sea levels associated with climate change has become an increasing concern. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration tidal gauge located 0.5 miles (0.8 km) from the museum recorded a 9-inch (23 cm) rise in sea level between 1935 and 2023. 

The museum reported a dramatic increase in flooding, from only a few incidents in 1961 to 20 in 2011, and an astonishing 200 days of flooding in 2022. By 2024, waters from the Cape Fear River frequently breached seawalls, flooding car parks, walkways, and grassy areas, killing oak trees, and at times forcing temporary closure of the museum due to the inundation of its sole access road.

To mitigate these issues, the museum commenced a US$4.1 million construction project in January 2024, scheduled to conclude in September the same year. Rather than resisting the water, the strategy focuses on adapting to the changing environment. 

Plans include removing approximately 800 feet (244 m) of concrete and rock barriers and replacing them with a ‘living shoreline’ composed of earthen berms and native vegetation to reduce erosion and support local wildlife such as shrimp and blue crabs. Several acres of flood-prone parking will be removed, with a tidal creek and wetland—previously filled in before 1961—restored to hold and redirect water. 

The remaining car park will be elevated above the high tide level, and landscaping will include the planting of 100 trees and shrubs and 130,000 native marsh plants, which will filter stormwater runoff and support migratory and nesting birds. Funding for this project includes nearly US$2 million in federal and state grants, over US$1 million from the North Carolina state budget, and contributions from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

With projections indicating a further rise in sea level of approximately 1 foot (0.3 m) between 2024 and 2050, this project is expected to alleviate flooding until around 2039 to 2044. It has been designed with the flexibility to accommodate further modifications likely to be needed later in the 21st century.

Costco

Costco Wholesale Corporation is an American multinational retailer operating a chain of membership-only warehouse clubs. As of 2024, it is the world’s third-largest retailer and the largest retailer of beef, poultry, organic produce, and wine. ​

The company was founded in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman. Its origins trace back to 1976 with the establishment of Price Club in San Diego by Sol Price, a pioneer in warehouse club retailing. 

In 1993, Costco and Price Club merged to form PriceCostco, and in 1999, the company adopted its current name, Costco Wholesale Corporation. The headquarters are located in Issaquah, Washington. ​

Costco’s business model is centred on offering a limited selection of high-quality goods at low prices, primarily through bulk sales. A typical warehouse stocks approximately 3,700 distinct products, significantly fewer than the average supermarket, which allows for efficient inventory management and cost savings. 

The company maintains low overhead costs and caps markups on regular items at 14% and on its private-label Kirkland Signature products at 15%. This pricing strategy is supported by revenue from membership fees, which constitute a significant portion of Costco’s gross margin and operating income. ​

Membership is required to shop at Costco warehouses. As of 2024, the company has 136.8 million members. In the United States, annual membership fees are $65 for the Gold Star membership and $130 for the Executive membership, which offers additional benefits such as a 2% annual reward on eligible purchases. ​

Costco’s private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, was introduced in 1995 and encompasses a wide range of products, including groceries, clothing, health and beauty items, and household goods. The brand is designed to provide quality comparable to or better than national brands at lower prices. ​

Beyond retail merchandise, Costco offers various services to its members, such as discounted fuel at on-site petrol stations, optical services, pharmacies, and travel packages. The company’s food courts are known for affordable offerings, including the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, which has remained at the same price for decades. ​

As of 2024, Costco operates 890 warehouses worldwide, with 616 in the United States and Puerto Rico, and additional locations in countries including Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Australia, Taiwan, China, Spain, France, Iceland, New Zealand, and Sweden. ​

Costco’s approach to retailing—emphasising low prices, limited product selection, and a membership-based model—has contributed to its significant growth and loyal customer base. The company’s commitment to operational efficiency and value delivery continues to distinguish it in the competitive retail landscape.​

Costco Wilmington Warehouse

The Costco warehouse in Wilmington is located at 5351 Gingerwood Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405. It opened on 28 July 2006 and has since become a prominent retail destination for residents of Wilmington and surrounding areas.

The warehouse operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The facility offers a wide range of services, including a pharmacy, optical department, hearing aid centre, and a tire service centre. The pharmacy operates Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:30 PM, Saturday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and is closed on Sundays. The tire service centre shares the same hours as the main warehouse.

A notable feature of this location is its gas station, which operates Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM, and Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM. The station typically offers competitive fuel prices.

The warehouse includes a food court known for its affordable menu items, such as pizza slices and hot dogs. Shoppers can also find a variety of departments, including a bakery, fresh deli, fresh produce, rotisserie chicken, and fresh meat. Additional services include an AT&T cellular kiosk and an auto buying program.

Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp highlight the store’s quality products, excellent return policy, and friendly staff. Shoppers particularly praise the store’s bakery and the selection of organic foods. The store’s commitment to customer satisfaction and diverse product range make it a popular choice among locals.

I did not buy underwear, but a shirt and troursers.

Tidewater Oyster Bar

For lunch, we went to Tidewater Oyster Bar. On Tuesday, an oyster is $1.50. They have four types. 

Tidewater Oyster Bar is a seafood restaurant located at 8211 Market Street, Unit DD, in Wilmington. It is owned and operated by chef Robert Pickens, a Mississippi native who moved to Wilmington in 2005. Chef Pickens has an extensive culinary background, having worked as a chef on yachts and authored a cookbook on Caribbean cuisine. Before opening Tidewater Oyster Bar, he served as the executive chef at Eagle Point Golf Club for 17 years. ​

The restaurant offers a menu that highlights North Carolina seafood with Cajun and Creole influences. Signature dishes include oysters Rockefeller, seafood nachos, house gumbo, and a variety of po’ boys such as fried catfish, shrimp, oysters, and flounder. The establishment also features a traditional oyster bar with stool seating as a focal point. ​

Tidewater Oyster Bar provides daily specials throughout the week, including half-price wine on Mondays, discounted oysters on Tuesdays, and various other promotions. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a front patio that can accommodate larger groups. ​

Customer reviews on platforms like Yelp and Restaurantji are predominantly positive, with patrons praising the freshness of the seafood, generous portions, and attentive service. The restaurant maintains a high rating, reflecting its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. ​

Tidewater Oyster Bar is open daily for lunch and dinner, operating from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays and until 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. ​

Lewis Strawberry Nursery and Farm

As a last activity of the day, we went strawberry piccking at Lewis Strawberry Nursery and Farm. Half a bucket is $13 if you pick them yourself. 

Lewis Nursery and Farms is a fourth-generation family-owned agricultural enterprise based in Rocky Point, approximately 18 miles north of Wilmington. 

Established in 1953 by Everette Lewis, a veteran and plant pathologist, the farm has evolved from its initial focus on strawberries to encompass a diverse array of berry crops. 

Currently managed by Everette’s son, Cal Lewis, the farm cultivates 35 acres of tunnel-grown winter strawberries, 140 acres of spring strawberries, 400 acres of blueberries, and 55 acres of tunnel-grown blackberries. They are also conducting trials with long cane raspberries. ​

The farm’s flagship retail location is situated at 6517 Gordon Road in Wilmington. Open from late March through June and again from mid-November to December, this site offers a variety of activities and products. Visitors can engage in pick-your-own experiences for strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries, and explore a greenhouse stocked with perennials, annuals, vegetable plants, and herbs. 

The market also sells local produce such as tomatoes, asparagus, and watermelons, along with sweet treats including homemade ice cream, strawberry cookies, biscuits, jams, honey, and pound cakes. ​

Another retail location operates in Castle Hayne, offering strawberry picking and prepackaged berries. This site complements the Gordon Road market and provides additional access to the farm’s fresh produce. ​

Lewis Nursery and Farms has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation in North Carolina. Everette Lewis was a pioneer in introducing ‘plastic culture’ farming to the state in the mid-1960s and was the first to propagate registered and certified strawberry plants in North Carolina during the 1950s. The farm continues to lead in the production of high-quality berries, maintaining a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction. ​

The farm’s mission is “to produce the highest quality berries possible, in order to please our customers and to provide for our families and employees.” ​

Picking your own strawberries is fun and they were delicious. 

North Carolina 2025

1. REVIEW | SAS Scandinavian Airlines System – Brussels to Copenhagen – economy – Embraer E195LR.
2. REVIEW | SAS Scandinavian Airlines System – Copenhagen to Atlanta – economy – Airbus A330.
3. REVIEW | Delta Air Lines – Atlanta to Wilmington – economy – Boeing 717.
4. NORTH CAROLINA | Wilmington Riverwalk.
5. NORTH CAROLINA | Walmart Supercenter Leland.