Best Day Wilmington: Brittney Wells Brown

What’s your vision for an ideal, no-holds-barred day spent in the Port City? 

That’s what we asked BRITTNEY WELLS BROWN, owner of Verzaal’s Florist & Events, for our January installment of Best Day Wilmington. 

Brown broke into the floral field at age sixteen when she took a job at a florist shop in her native Burgaw. She moved on to Verzaal’s in Wilmington, where she has been for the past eighteen years. She had her husband, BRANDON, purchased the business eight years ago. Her mother, RITA NANCE, also works there as a full-time designer alongside Brown. 

“It’s just really cool to have a small business I can raise my daughter in and have it be a family venture,” Brown says, adding that she enjoys being a part of local families’ milestones. “Everything is custom-made and … straight from our designing heart.” 

Here’s what a perfect day in Wilmington looks like for Brown: 

How are you starting your day?  

“A perfect day for me in Wilmington starts at Hidden Grounds Coffee on 2nd Street. I love the rustic outdoor vibe there – plants everywhere, the garden area, and the quirkiest mix of dinosaurs and cowboys. It’s such a relaxing spot to ease into the morning while I enjoy my favorite drink, the Dino Campfire. Nothing beats a good latte surrounded by greenery to set the tone for a perfect day!” 

Where would you go next? 

“I would head straight to The Plant Outpost, in the Cargo District – it’s a must for me. I’m a plant and flower lover through and through, so I always have to sneak in and see if there are any new additions I can take home. Once I get my plant fix, I’ll make my way to Verzaal’s Florist & Events. We always have a beautiful selection of fresh, unique blooms, and I love creating my own bouquet to enjoy throughout the week. Usually, tropicals pull me in. And the best part? We even have a drive-thru!”  

Who are you bringing with you?  

“I’d bring my husband and my little mini-me along. They always love hopping in the car for a day around Wilmington. And if it’s a nice clear summer day, we’re definitely heading straight to Wrightsville Beach. It’s our favorite place to unwind, enjoy the breeze, and spend some quality family time by the water.” 

What’s for lunch? 

“For lunch, it’s always Mess Hall. I can’t resist a good smash burger with bacon, grilled onions, and their incredible secret sauce – it’s ahmazing. I always get extra on the side so I can dip my hash browns in it. It’s truly one of my favorite lunch spots in Wilmington.” 

Where/how are you spending your afternoon? 

“I love treating myself to a deep-tissue massage with hot stones – I’ve been with the same massage therapist at Head to Toe Day Spa for years, and the atmosphere there is so refreshing. You truly feel like you’re in another world when you walk out. The best part is that it’s a one-stop shop, so while I’m there, I can go ahead and schedule my massage, hair, and nails all in one place.” 

Where are you stopping for a snack? 

“Boombalatti’s – oh my, the selections they have! My absolute favorite is the Chocolate Near Death Experience. I’m a chocolate ice cream girl through and through, and this one is next-level: rich chocolate ice cream, brownie chunks, chocolate syrup, and the best part – fresh walnuts on top. It’s a serious sugar high and the perfect ice cream fix.” 

How about dinner? 

“Outback Steakhouse is always a classic for me. Since I was a child, Outback was the spot – my family and close friends would meet there for a night out, and we were on a first-name basis with the staff. I could seriously eat a whole plate of their cheese fries with ranch or that iconic Bloomin’ sauce all by myself – just make sure it’s double-layered with cheese! And of course, the Alice Springs Chicken is my go-to: loaded with mushrooms, cheese, and bacon. That’s where it’s at.”   

How are you spending the evening out? 

“My husband and I are big fans of live music – if there’s a local concert happening, chances are we’re there! Having Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Wilmington has been such a great addition. We have seasonal tickets, and the atmosphere is incredible with the waterfront right behind the stage. We love reggae and country music, and thankfully, the venue brings in a great mix of both. We also frequent Greenfield Lake Amphitheater, another one of our favorite spots. And of course, we always make a point to support the local food trucks at the shows – it’s all part of the experience.”  

Editor’s note: Some responses were edited for clarity and length.   

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

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