For new buyers in Southeastern North Carolina, the first few months in a new home are a blur of unpacking, decorating, and discovering the neighborhood. While it is easy to default to the "Big Box" stores for convenience, the true flavor of our coastal community is found in its small businesses.

In 2025, our resolution is to keep our dollars local. Whether you are looking to fill your new garden beds in Hampstead, find a statement piece for your living room in Southport, or just need a caffeine fix in Jacksonville, here are the locally owned gems that deserve your business this year.

For the Green Thumb: Nurseries & Garden Centers

Forget the generic garden aisles. These local experts know exactly what grows in our sandy, salt-heavy soil.

The Plant Place (Wilmington): A staple for New Hanover County locals, their greenhouses on Market Street are a sanctuary. They are particularly known for their massive selection of houseplants—perfect for adding life to your new living room.

Pender Pines Garden Center (Hampstead): Family-owned and operated, this is the go-to spot for Pender County residents. Beyond just plants, their "animal park" makes it a fun outing for kids, and their team can tell you exactly which deer-resistant shrubs will survive in your specific zip code.

Grants Creek Nursery (Jacksonville): Serving Onslow County since the 60s, this 40-acre nursery is a powerhouse. If you bought a new construction home with a "blank slate" yard, this is where you go to buy mature trees and shrubs to create instant privacy.

Two Oaks Nursery (Ocean Isle/Calabash): For our Brunswick County clients, Two Oaks offers a curated selection of coastal-hardy plants that can withstand the salt air of the barrier islands.

For the Home: Decor, Hardware & Furniture

Turning a house into a home requires character, something you won't find in a flat-pack box.

Stevens Ace Hardware (Wilmington): Before you go to the orange or blue giant, try Stevens. Locally owned since 1933, they offer that old-school service where someone actually meets you at the door to help you find the right bolt.

Lanier Hardware (Burgaw): A legendary spot in Pender County. It’s part hardware store, part sporting goods store, and 100% local culture. It’s the kind of place where you go for a rake and leave with a fishing story.

Mad River (Southport): If you want that "Coastal Grandmother" aesthetic—effortlessly chic, breezy, and timeless—Mad River on Howe Street is the ultimate destination for high-end furnishings and gifts.

Salt Marsh Cottage (Swansboro): Located in the "Friendly City by the Sea," this boutique captures the essence of Onslow County living. It’s the perfect spot to find a unique housewarming gift or a nautical accent that doesn't feel cliché.

For the Fuel: Local Coffee & Eats

The Dragon’s Brew Cafe (Jacksonville): A veteran-owned favorite that roasts its own beans. It’s a community hub that represents the strong military connection of Onslow County.

Southport Coffee Co. (Southport): A must-stop for Brunswick County locals. Their seasonal lattes are legendary, and it’s the perfect pit stop before a walk along the waterfront.

Drift Coffee & Kitchen (Wilmington/Ocean Isle): With locations in New Hanover and Brunswick counties, Drift has set the standard for the modern "coastal cafe" vibe. Their avocado toast and flat whites are the best way to start a Saturday of house hunting.

Why It Matters

When you buy from these businesses, you aren't just buying a product; you are funding a neighbor's dream and keeping our local economy resilient.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we believe that being a "local expert" means knowing more than just the comps; it means knowing the community. We help our clients find homes that connect them to these vibrant local networks. If you are looking to plant roots in a community that values small business as much as you do, let’s start the conversation today.