Best Day Wilmington: Mel Reeck

If your schedule presented you with a free day in the Port City – no prior commitments, no budgetary considerations – how would you spend it? 

In WILMA’s new monthly digital feature, Best Day Wilmington, local businesswomen and leaders are telling us their version of an idyllic day in town. (And we’re taking notes.) 

Meet MEL REECK, who owns the downtown boutique fitness studio MEGAROUNDS: 

Tell us how you’d start the day.  

“I start with a moment of zen and strategy: a walk along the Cape Fear Riverwalk to watch the sunrise. It’s my mental calm before the rush. Then, it’s off to MEGAROUNDS Lagree + VersaClimber fitness in downtown Wilmington. My morning is a triple-shot of fitness: teaching a Lagree class, jumping into a Lagree class for my own sculpting and strengthening, and then teaching a VersaClimber cardio sweat sesh. I love starting the day with a great workout!” 

What’s next?  

“After teaching, I need to caffeinate for the rest of the day’s hustle. I head to Luna Caffe Roasters. They make the best cold brew, hands-down.”   

Would you bring anyone along with you?   

“I meet with my lead VersaClimber instructor right after classes. We grab our cold brews and use the time to strategize about the studio – her career goals, upcoming programming, and how we’re going to ensure our clients kick some booty in the next cycle of climbs.”  

What’s for brunch?  

“Brunch at Drift Coffee & Kitchen is a nonnegotiable ritual. For someone that works in fitness, I need to fuel my body. I order the Protein Brekkie bowl with a side of berries and an almond milk latte. I meet up with my fiancé to reconnect, iron out weekend plans, and of course, I’ll squeeze in some wedding planning. My best friend, her husband, and their baby are there, too. Nothing beats those Drift fluffy pancakes, which are crowd-pleasers for all ages.” 

How are you spending your afternoon?  

“After the morning crush and rush, the afternoon is dedicated to self-care and personal investment – my ‘repair’ work! This is essential to maintaining the energy required to run a business. I head to Nailology to get my nails done and catch up on the latest WILMA issue, enjoy a rejuvenating facial at Green Door Spa, and then stop by Oliver in Lumina Station for some focused, quality clothes shopping.” 

Where are you stopping for a snack and drinks?  

“I venture out to Wrightsville Beach to grab a fresh juice and a snack from Adapt Kitchen & Juice Bar. It’s the ideal early-afternoon reset – high-grade nutrients and a beautiful setting. From there, I walk out to the beach, dip my toes in the ocean and just breathe.” 

What about dinner?  

“It’s date night! We go to dinner at Covey. The food, drinks, and atmosphere there are truly next level.” 

How are you spending the evening out? 

“Following dinner, it involves drinks at Smoke on the Water. Watching the sunset from the deck is the most peaceful way to transition out of the day. I love ending the day by the water, mirroring the sunrise that started my entire day – a full circle of peace and perspective.”  

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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