Airlie Gardens
Wilmington
Airlie Gardens offers tranquility and natural delights all year long. Take a meandering stroll back in time among towering ancient oaks, southern magnolia and native palms. Wander along freshwater lakes, spying on tree-perched egrets and gracefully circling swans. Catch the sunset over scenic Bradley Creek and its ever-changing salt marsh. Airlie dazzles in spring when 27,000 flowering bulbs and over 250,000 azaleas create a festive garden party followed by the Airlie Arts Festival artists displaying their own riot of color and form. Summertime and the living is easy listening to jazz and folk music at the Airlie Concert Series. Autumn draws the community back to the garden for a low country tradition – the Oyster Roast. Finally, the New Year arrives as hundreds of antique camellias get ready to show off their exquisite flowers. Airlie Gardens
Arboretum at the New Hanover County Cooperative
Wilmington
Over 4,000 species of native and naturalized plants are at the New Hanover County Arboretum for the public's enjoyment. Our paved walks wind throughout 32 gardens on seven acres. Plants are contributed by the North Carolina State Arboretum, National Arboretum, local nurseries and residents, or purchased by the arboretum foundation. gardeningnhc.org
Brunswick County Farm Tours
Bolivia
The NC Cooperative Extension has compiled a brochure listing a variety of farms and a nature preserve for tours. Visit our website for the Brunswick County Agricultural Tour Sites. You will find this under Agriculture & Community Development section. ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick
Bald Head Woods Coastal Reserve
Bald Head Island
ncnerr.org nature.org
Brunswick County Botanical Gardens
Bolivia
www.ces.ncsu.edu/brunswick
Burgwin-Wright House Museum and Gardens
Wilmington
The Burgwin-Wright House is the oldest house museum in Southeastern North Carolina, built in 1770 by John Burgwin, planter, merchant, and treasurer of the colony of Carolina. The house was occupied as a residence until 1937 when The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the state of North Carolina bought it to restore. In 1950 it opened to the public as a house museum interpreting Wilmington's colonial elite. This Georgian style townhouse was built in 1770 for John Burgwin, merchant, planter and colonial official. Beautifully restored and decorated with furnishings of the 18th and early 19th centuries, the Burgwin-Wright House is the oldest museum house in Southeastern North Carolina. It is graced by handsome gardens. A formal, or parterre garden, a terraced garden and an orchard all featuring appropriate plants and trees. Behind this fine colonial home there is a free standing building which houses the kitchen and craft room. Open hearth demonstrations of colonial cooking are presented monthly in the outside kitchen. Burgwin-Wright House
Bannerman Vineyard
Burgaw
Grows six different varieties of native North Carolina muscadine grapes, including Carlos, Triumph, Nesbitt, Noble, Doreen and Magnolia. U-Pick business runs from the first of September until mid-October. Pender County Tourism
Cape Fear River Watch
Wilmington
Located in downtown Wilmington, NC, Greenfield Park and Lake is a beautiful recreation area for the whole family. A five-mile scenic path weaves through a natural garden setting surrounding the 90-acre lake. The park has an abundance of trees, flowers, Spanish moss, turtles, and waterfowl. Cape Fear River Watch operates canoe and paddleboat rentals for the City of Wilmington. Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. seasonally. Paddleboats and canoes rent for $5 for the first half hour, or $8 for the first hour. Bike rentals are also available cfrw.us
Coastal Eco-Charters
just over the line in Little River, SC
The Grand Strand's only charter boat service that specializes in personalized environmental education and inshore fishing. Interactive activities including, sein netting, guided beach walks, plankton tow, wildlife encounter, fishing, and explore sandbars. There is even an on-board microscope! Guided by State Certified Biology Teacher & U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain. Family-friendly. coastalecocharters.com
Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach
The Carolina Beach State Park Visitor Center and Exhibit Hall, located by the entrance to the park, offers environmental education programs and exhibits. The interactive maps and exhibits highlight the park's flora and fauna, but focus specifically on the carnivorous plants that are unique to their area. Spot the rare Venus flytrap and other species of plants. Wind your way through habitats along intriguing trails or enjoy fishing and boating. Covers 712 acres with five miles of hiking trails, and boat ramps, slips and fuel dock. Campsites, picnic areas, group camping. Free. Fee for camping, ramps and slips. Carolina Beach State Park
Carolina Beach Lake Park
Carolina Beach
A lovely setting for a picnic and the site of Pleasure Island's annual ''Light up the Lake'' celebration during the holiday season. 11-acre lake with four gazebos, playground and picnic area. carolinabeach.org/pages/parks_rec.html
Cabin Lake Recreational Park
Beulaville
A 167 acre county park located in the eastern part of Duplin County near the town of Beulaville. A 69 acre lake provides canoeing, fishing and swimming. RV hookups, camp sites, nature trail, picnic shelter and a bathhouse. duplinonline.com
Duplin Winery
Rose Hill
Oldest winery in the state of North Carolina. Makers of healthy muscadine wines from grapes native to NC. Also, producers of Resveratrol, an antioxidant suggested for helping prevent heart disease and cancer. Tasting, tours, gift shop and The Bistro Restaurant. Monthly dinner shows with outstanding entertainment are an added attraction beginning at 6:30p.m.; reservations required. Wine programs, receptions and private parties can be arranged. duplinwinery.com
Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve
Southport
175 acre coastal forest nature preserve located in a rural setting of Brunswick County. Boardered by Town Creek, Ev-Henwood posesses outstanding natural and cultural resources native plants and animals can be observed and enjoyed while walking seven miles of maintained trails. uncwil.edu/arboretum/evhen.html
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Visitors Center
Kure Beach
The Fort Fisher State Recreation Area's Visitor Center Collection includes loggerhead and other turtle shells, seashells, taxidermy mounts of native ducks and other birds, and a variety of other natural history and science specimens. This growing collection is housed and exhibited in the visitor center classroom. Four miles and 288 acres of undeveloped beach. Swimming area and concession stand Memorial Day-Labor Day. Nesting area for loggerhead sea turtles and nesting waterbirds. Hiking trails. Licensed four-wheel-drive vehicles may travel on the beach in designated areas for access to excellent surf fishing. A regional public beach access with restrooms, showers, and refreshment stand. Offers educational nature programs. Fort Fisher
Green Swamp Preserve
Brunswick County
http://nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/northcarolina/preserves/art5606.html
Greenfield Park and Gardens
Wilmington
A 158 acre city park, lake, many cypress trees, playgrounds, paddleboat, canoes, picnicking areas off South 3rd Street. Famous for the Azalea displays during the Azalea Festival. Considered one of the finest municipal gardens in the South. wilmington.nc.us
Halyburton Memorial Park
Wilmington
Halyburton Memorial Park contains a 58-acre nature preserve, a 1.5 mile walking and biking trail, picnic shelters and playground equipment, and a unique environmental education and events center. halyburtonpond.com
Herbert Bluethenthal Memorial Wildflower Preserve
Wilmington
Located on the campus of UNC Wilmington, the Herbert Bluethenthal Memorial Wildflower Preserve consists of approximately 10 areas of land. The site chosen for the Preserve includes a wide variety of plant communities which are representative of much of the greater southeastern North Carolina Region. The Preserve is open to the public during day;light hours every day of the week including weekends, and visitors are welcome. Parking id available, and a short wooded trail leads to the Preserve entrance. Once inside the Preserve, visitors will find marked trails and benches at convenient locations. Pamphlets, available at the Preserve entrance, describe many of the plants and plant communities. . The Preserve is dedicated to the preservation of the rich and varied flora of southeastern North Carolina and has been designed to provide a place of contentment and pleasure for those who enjoy and appreciate our native plants. uncw.edu/arboretum/bluethen.html
Indigo Farms Produce & Garden Center
Calabash
Night time hayrides are available by reservation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during October & November. Additional products and services include school tours of farms and animals in spring and fall with hay rides. You can pick strawberries and blueberries when in season. Products include asparagus, apples, beets, broccoli, beans, cantaloupes, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, greens, lettuce, pears, peaches, peas, spinach, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, tomatoes, and watermelons. ncagr.com/NCproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=1909
Jones Lake State Park
Elizabethtown
Jones Lake is one of the few remaining Carolina bay lakes, the origin of which has been a subject of speculation and debate. Family tent camping. Each site has a picnic table and communal water system. Bathhouse in center of campground with hot showers and electrical outlets. Swimming allowed. Boats, canoes and paddleboats for rent. Fishing with North Carolina license. Large picnic area beside the lake. Hiking trails. Free, Fee for camping. Jones Lake State Park
Lake Waccamaw State Park
Lake Waccamaw
One of the most unique bodies of water in the world. Animals found nowhere else on earth, rare plants and endangered animals. Boating (no ramp in park, two nearby), fishing and picnicking. Free. Fee for camping. Lake Waccamaw State Park
Myrtle Head Savannah Preserve
Brunswick County
nature.org
Masonboro Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve
Wrightsville Beach
Evidence strongly suggests that the first stretch of the continental American Coastline ever spotted and described by European explorers was the 8-mile long beach now called Masonboro Island. Masonboro is the largest undisturbed barrier island along the southern part of North Carolina's coast. Masonboro Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve
North Carolina Museum of Forestry
Whiteville
The Museum celebrates the natural history and cultural heritage of North Carolina's forests and forestry through interpretive and interactive exhibits, educational programming and the preservation of natural and man-made materials that demonstrate the on-going relationships of forests and people. naturalsciences.org
North Carolina National Estuarine Research Reserve
Wilmington
recreation.gov noaa.gov
North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Kure Beach
The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, one of three aquariums operated by the state of North Carolina, was established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina's ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. Non-living special collection materials include a growing collection of original bronze sculptures depicting marine and aquatic subjects, several works by sculptor Michael Van Houten, many lithographs, prints and posters, and research library focusing on marine education and conservation. ••• The 93,000-sq.ft state-owned aquarium showcases plants and animals of the Cape Fear River, swamps, estuaries, beaches and ocean. A half-acre freshwater conservatory, a touchpool, large ocean tank with sharks, moray eels, stingrays and more. Newest exhibits: seahorses, indoor salt marsh, sea turtles. Dive shows daily, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm. Feedings at 3 pm. Free programs include films and live animal presentations. Special activities may require reservations & fee. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
Old Dock Savanna Preserve
Columbus County
nature.org
Orton Plantation Gardens
Winnabow
Orton Plantation Gardens offer a self-guided, walking tour through an impressive set of formal and informal gardens covering 20 acres. Wildlife and bird life are plentiful on the former rice plantation. ortongardens.com
Oak Island Scenic Parks & Recreation Walkway & Nature Center
Oak Island
The walkway spans the Davis Creek and is a perfect opportunity to view an estuary system. Also connects to an extensive bike and walking path. Newly constructed 52nd Street Nature Center is an educational center where children and adults can learn about the environment. Touch pool, Animals and a Talking Tree Trail. Other facilities include the Oak Island Ocean Education Center at 49th SE Street & Beach Drive; Oak Island Skate Park at 49th Street, SE & Beach Drive; Oak Island Recreation Center at 3003 E. Oak Island Drive. Town Of Oak Island
Poplar Grove Historic Plantation
Wilmington
Poplar Grove Plantation preserves the homestead of James Foy, patriarch of a successful antebellum farming family, and the outbuildings and crafts typical of a 19th century working community. Poplar Grove is preserved through the efforts of the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation. ## 1850 Historic House Museum. Just a few minutes north of Wilmington, Poplar Grove is a wonderful experience for families, with plenty to see and do for young visitors. Tour the big house and tenant farmer's cabin, spend some time visiting the craft shops and learn about basket making and weaving. At the blacksmith's shop, find out why nails were so precious. ## Civil War Poplar Grove Plantation
Penderlea Homestead Museum
20 minute drive west of Burgaw
Housed in a modest two-bedroom retired and restored farm home, the museum offers a peak at the implements and small luxuries of daily life in 1930s, photos of early Penderlea farmers, and era curiosities.
Penderlea Homestead Museum
Roan Island
Wilmington
Nature outing through the conservancy. Check with the conservancy for guided tours. nature.org
Riverfront Park
Wilmington
Riverfront Park city park stretches for 250 ft. along the Cape Fear River at Water Street in downtown Wilmington. Benches, fountain, restrooms, landscaping, etc.
Singletary Lake State Park
Elizabethtown
Singletary Lake State Park
Silver Coast Winery
Ocean Isle Beach
Silver Coast Winery is in rural southeast North Carolina, just a few miles from beautiful beaches and in close proximity to many golf courses. A winding country road leads you to the vineyard and winery. A tasting room, tours, picnic areas, galleries and dining are available to our guests. Silver Coast Winery
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest
Elizabethtown
Covers 890 acres of managed forest. Authentic turpentine still, naval store, saps and tar used to waterproof ships. Talking tree trail, picnic shelter, restroom. Education programs by request. NCDFR
UNC-Wilmington: Center for Marine Science
Wilmington
This state-of-the-art Marine Science Research Center places its emphasis on deep-water ocean, barrier islands, and estuaries. The facility includes a visitor area/lobby with changing exhibits and information relating to marine science research. uncwil.edu/cmsr
Watersmyth Kayaking
Wilmington
We offer professional and certified kayak instruction and kayak tours. Classes in kayaking are offered for all skill levels. Our kayak tours take people to every aquatic eco-system in southeast NC. watersmythkayaking.com
Watha State Fish Hatchery
Watha
Warm water hatchery in North Carolina. Feeding fish. Catfish and Striped Bass being raised. Please call to determine the activity of the day. ncwildlife.org
Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve
Kure Beach
With a sum total of 1,160 acres, the Zeke's Island component of the North Carolina NERR is comprised of three islands, the Reserve site encompassing 42 acres of high ground on Zeke's Island, 138 acres of upland on North Island and 3 acres on No Name Island. A small parking lot and boat ramp are maintained by the state Wildlife Resources Commission on the shore of the basin area. There are no trails on Zeke's Island. Zeke's Island is open year round, but is accessible only by small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Zeke's Island Coastal Estuarine Reserve
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