Hot Mess Studios is one of a few great pottery studios in the Wilmington. They have group and…read moreindividual private lessons and parties for on wheel pottery, canvas painting, and piece painting. They have 3 speciality nights you can sign up for in advance. On Thursdays they do Ladies Night Sip & Spin where you get one hour 1 pot, throw as many as you like, keep what you like for just $10 more + wine. Fridays are "Filthy Fridays" where adults 16 and over can sign up for a 7 pm or 8:30 pm time slot and get 1 pot + 1 ball of clay with the option of more at $10 each. On Saturdays they do the same thing but it's family friendly sessions (ages 7+) from 1 - 6pm, and 16+ reservation only from 7-8 pm. They're closed Monday - Wednesday with an exception of private reservations in advance. If you have special time and group number requests I'm sure they can accommodate if you call ahead and plan. They're very responsive, professional and easy to schedule with. I did all my scheduling through email and received prompt responses. The gal running our lesson, Emma, was also so professional and sweet. She's great at what she does and I'd recommend any beginner taking lessons from her. When we arrived Emma greeted us at the door, walked us through the studio, showed us the process and helped us whenever we needed throughout the activity. I had a certificate for 2 hours, 2 people, and 4 pieces each. It was plenty of time and almost too much clay for two first timers, which is a good problem to have. I'm not sure if that special is still running but check their website to see active discounts - they run great deals, often, and are super affordable for what it is! I would highly recommend trying it out or giving as a gift!

Awesome studio, highly recommend that date night package. Fun place to take my wife on a date. Good…read moreatmosphere!

I highly recommend Art and Soul Expressions to anyone in Jacksonville NC and surrounding areas…read more They are so professional, the atmosphere is warm and fun and inviting. You will definitely have fun. Manica Walker is very talented and she exceeds expectations on gifts that I have ordered and if there is an issue she keeps you posted and the gifts the artwork are A-1 beautiful I go to Manica Walker for everything she has the space to host some of my events like birthday parties, I have gotten shirts made from Manica, diaper cakes for friends having babies black art and other artwork in my house and I cant not paint. and she doesn't make you feel like you can't do it she always gives us a picture but says art is your own creation you do not have to paint your painting like the picture she makes you feel like you can paint I started doing paint classes with her and I am excited to be working with her. Thank you, Manica Walker, for everything

10 out of 10 amazing experience. We plan to do this next beach trip. I recommend this for friends,…read morecouples, or even a person who just loves art and fun. Nancy did a wonderful job getting everyone setup and making sure our mixtures were done to our liking for our final projects.

Always have the best time here! Alex and Mo are amazing!!! I hope next time we have them again!read more

Came to Emerald Isle with 3 generations and wanted to have sometime with all and take home…read moresomething special for the memories. This was perfect. Only my daughter has any art experience- mom and I are clueless. Still, we did the select your own painting and it went well. The artist who was supposed to come had a flat tire, so the owner,Joshua, called to let us know he would be substituting and would be 10 minutes late. Thought it was super great that he did that, and didn't just cancel the class as it was really end of the tourist season and besides us three there was only one other person. He showed up with a very upbeat attitude. He ran the paint along for the other woman and helped us as needed. He was patient and very nice. It was a nice night and it made me feel creative which I haven't felt in awhile. Was fun and I recommend it. Fear not if you have no experience- Anyone can do it!

From the owner: "What's better than toasting to a good time with friends? To us, not much. Wine & Design is a fun…read moreway to create memories and masterpieces. Bring your friends or significant other, and enjoy a glass of wine during one of our two-hour classes. We'll provide the canvases and paint brushes as a local artist guides you through the evening, stroke-by-stroke. With a range of affordable private and public paint and sip parties for all ages, groups and talents, Wine & Design creates the most fun art experience for anyone wanting a fresh, surprising way to connect with the people in their lives. Are you ready for a little chardonnay and a lot of celebration? Then pick up the phone and get your art buzz on! Contact us to set up your party today.

He Said: A bar on this side of the island? Yes please. This is a great spot where you can sit at…read morethe bar, sit at some tables, or sit with your toes in the sand. Good selection of beers and I'm pretty sure they had liquors. We're staying nearer by next time to take advantage of this great spot. She Said: We don't stay at this end of the island very often, but we'll need to remedy that going forward because Tiki Bar is a Topsail treasure. Now that I've found it, it'll be impossible to stay away when we visit family here! Potty Points: 3/5 - functional and clean for what it is. You're not here for luxury potties.

I love the Tike Bar at North End. Such a cool island vibe. It's at the end of beach where you…read morecan't imagine anything being. Bartenders are really nice and bloody Mary's are great! You fell like a local when you go there. Clean bathrooms and an inside/outside area. They have games and even karaoke on Thursdays.

My second visit and they have increased one star. The stinky dog couch is gone, but watch where you…read morepark. Dog poop everywhere when you park on the street nearby, don't walk on the grass! Beers out of the cooler are super cold! Bartenders and owners are hard working and friendly.

A great place for drinks, arcade games and friends. I cant believe it is rated so poorly. I'm…read morefrom SF and this would be a hit on the West Coast.

We had a wonderful time painting a fall bouquet door hanger last evening at the Greenville Wine and…read moreDesign. Reagan, our class instructor/host was so accommodating and patient with our novice abilities. With her guidance we created door hangers to be proud to show off. This outing was a birthday gift for a dearly loved one and I must say it was a hit. Not only did it include the final product but wonderful memories of time spent together was an added bonus. This would make a perfect gift for any occasion, a team building exercise, girls night out, or just simply a fun time. You should give it a try!

From the owner: We are no longer just a Paint & Sip! We are a family owned local studio that creates all types of…read moreArt including resin-poured serving boards, light-up sabers, door hangers, and chunky knit blankets. Whether you are looking for a fun night out, team building workshops, or to bring the pARTy to you, we're the one you are looking for!

I love the new location and the aesthetic! The owner is funny and engaging. We had a great time for…read morea girls night out!

Great staff and studio, Josh and his team took great care of us. Open studio we picked from large…read moreselection then the artist gave us a canvas with a light sketch to work with very fun. Highly recommend

Geneva was THE BEST wedding planner!!! Our wedding developed into something I never could have done…read moreon my own in such a short amount of time. We chose an elopement with just my husband and me and our three boys but we still wanted all of the elements a standard wedding! Geneva pulled everything together so perfectly! From the outdoor, waterfront venue to the vintage themed bouquet to the perfect pastor and the photographer... plus ALL the little details in between that I never would have thought of. And it all fit within our budget!!!! She had everything run seamless and smooth and put personal touches on everything. This was no cookie cutter elopement and you could tell she puts every ounce of herself into each event to make it special, whether big or small. Thank you SO MUCH Geneva, we will forever use you to plan events and will recommend you to every person we meet!