Best Day Wilmington: Lauren Rogers

If you were to spend your version of a perfect day in Wilmington – ideal weather, nonexistent calories, an endless budget – what would you do? 

That’s what we asked LAUREN ROGERS, a Wilmington studio potter and ceramics instructor. 

Rogers says people often tell her she’s lucky to live at the beach. 

“That wasn’t by chance,” says Rogers, who is originally from the Virginia Beach area and has been in Wilmington since the end of 2014. “I’ve always been really driven to the coast and ocean and water and the rejuvenation of it.” 

Rogers first discovered the joy of ceramics when she took it as an elective class at East Carolina University. Her love for it quickly superseded her initial studies in photography, and she went on to double major in ceramics and interpersonal communications. 

A couple of years after graduation, an ECU friend of hers, JESS REEDY, was opening a ceramics and yoga studio in downtown Wilmington called Pineapple Studios and invited her to teach ceramics there.  

“I said, ‘Yes, I’ll go to the beach and teach pottery,’” Rogers says. “I’ve been here ever since.” 

She still teaches at Pineapple, now once a week, and since buying a house with her husband in 2020, has her own personal home studio and owns Lauren Rogers Ceramics. She also teaches one night a week at Leland Cultural Arts Center. 

“Everything I make is functional,” Rogers says of the various pots, mugs, bowls and vases she throws. “My goal is to send them off into the world … and bring joy to other people – to be a part of their habits and routines and peace while they’re drinking their tea and doing this or that. That’s special to me. A moment of peace.” 

Read on to see how Rogers would spend her best day in Wilmington. 

How are you starting your day?  

“Being a potter, my body tends to need some daily TLC. Nothing gets me moving like a little morning yoga, and for that, my number one spot is Pineapple Studios. Pineapple is a beautiful yoga and pottery studio – and yes, I do teach some of the pottery classes! – located in the Brooklyn Arts District of downtown.  I love the relaxed environment, phenomenal instructors, and if you’re lucky – you’ll be graced by the presence of the owner’s wonderful senior dog, Yogi.” 

Where would you go next? 

“After a nice workout, it’s time to fuel up at the best breakfast spot in town – The Original Salt Works. Salt Works has been serving the Wilmington area for over fifty years. This cozy, homestyle breakfast spot feels like a second home the moment you walk in. Whether you sit inside in the quaint dining room or on a beautiful day enjoy your meal outside beneath the old Spanish moss-covered oak tree, the atmosphere is as comforting as the food. If you’re lucky, the owner Bob himself will be at the grill, serving up breakfast with care – so be sure to say hello to one of the friendliest faces in town.” 

Would you bring anyone along with you? 

“I would absolutely bring my husband, Jared, along on all of my adventures.  Every moment feels richer with him beside me. He’s my best friend and favorite person to enjoy a relaxing, stress-free day with. Even though we’ve both lived in Wilmington for years, we rarely get the chance to truly enjoy our city alongside one another.  I love exploring our own ‘backyard’ together – simple outings, new spaces, and familiar places are always more special when he’s involved.” 

What’s for lunch? 

“I love Front Street Brewery for so many reasons – it’s more than just a great place to grab a drink. The welcoming environment and genuinely friendly staff make it feel like home – and it helps that their beer is fantastic! Their menu goes far beyond typical bar food, with a level of quality that really stands out. My go-to order is the gorgonzola walnut salad paired with the Riptide Raspberry Wheat Ale.   

Part of what makes Front Street truly special for me though, is the history I share with it. Eleven years ago, it’s where I met my husband. Once upon a time, Pineapple Studios was on Front Street, just down from the brewery. I would stop by after teaching my classes, and Jared was almost always my bartender. Front Street Brewery will always hold a special place in my heart.” 

How are you spending your afternoon? 

Any chance I get to head out to Wrightsville Beach, I take it without hesitation. There’s no other beach in our area with the same soft white sand and often crystal-clear, blue water – it’s something special every single time. Being there feels like a reset for my mind and soul – with the sounds, the salt air, and the gentle shifts in the ocean’s swells creating a kind of quiet magic. It’s also my biggest source of inspiration—as I try to harness some of that beauty in how I approach my pottery.”  

Where are you stopping for a snack? 

“One of my favorite spots to grab appetizers and drinks is Ceviche’s Panamanian restaurant. From the Brussels to the poke bowl to the ceviche, you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! Everything is incredibly fresh and full of flavor, and their drinks are just as impressive – always made from scratch with freshly squeezed juice. Nobody makes a better margarita than my good friend, and bartender, Greg! Ceviche’s is always an unbeatable combination that never misses.” 

How about dinner? 

“I love having dinner at King Neptune in Wrightsville Beach for so many reasons. Being just a block from the ocean, it already feels special – but the atmosphere, food, and drinks take it to another level. The clean, white minimalist space is stunning, especially with the handmade glass stingrays by Stan Harmon floating overhead, creating such a unique and immersive experience.  

The menu … highlights fresh, local ingredients from nearby farmers and fishermen, and every dish feels thoughtfully and artfully prepared. The drinks are just as impressive, made fresh and perfectly paired with the menu. What makes it even more meaningful to me is that many of the dishes are served on my own wheel-thrown plates – it’s truly an honor to be part of such a beautiful, locally rooted experience.” 

How are you spending the evening out? 

“A live music show at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is the perfect way to round out a beautiful day! It’s such a special place to experience your favorite musicians up close – where there isn’t a bad seat in the house. As the sun sets behind the stage and Spanish moss draped trees, the whole place feels magical; then the star-filled night sky takes over, and it’s an atmosphere that makes every show unforgettable.” 

Editor’s note: Responses were edited for clarity. 

To view more of photographer Aris Harding’s work, go to arisharding.com.

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