
Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington North Carolina
Historic 1850s plantation offering festive holiday lights, a vibrant farmers market, and spooky ghost tours.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magical 'All is Bright' festival.

Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington North Carolina
Best Time
Experience the magical 'All is Bright' festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1850s plantation offering festive holiday lights, a vibrant farmers market, and spooky ghost tours.
"A beautiful and fun place to visit, especially during Christmas time for holiday spirit!"

🎯 Book Holiday Tickets Early
The 'All is Bright' festival is popular; book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
🐶 Farmers Market is Pet-Friendly
Bring your furry friend along to stroll through the Wednesday Farmers Market.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All is Bright Holiday Festival
Plantation Grounds
Dazzling light displays, festive decorations, and holiday magic for the whole family. A must-see during the Christmas season!

Wednesday Farmers Market
Plantation Grounds
Fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods. A vibrant community hub for shoppers and vendors alike.

Historic Manor House Tour
Manor House
Step back in time in the beautifully preserved 1850s manor, adorned with period decor and seasonal themes.

Halloween Ghost Tours
Manor House & Grounds
A spooky and engaging experience with guided tours and opportunities for self-exploration with EMF meters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Seasonal Magic & Markets
Historical Charm & Ghostly Tales
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Holiday Tickets Early
The 'All is Bright' festival is popular; book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
🐶 Farmers Market is Pet-Friendly
Bring your furry friend along to stroll through the Wednesday Farmers Market.
👻 Ghost Tour Fun
Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and interactive elements, but don't expect serious paranormal findings.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of designated photo frame areas make capturing memories easy and fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Holiday Tickets Early
The 'All is Bright' festival is popular; book tickets in advance to secure your spot!
🐶 Farmers Market is Pet-Friendly
Bring your furry friend along to stroll through the Wednesday Farmers Market.
👻 Ghost Tour Fun
Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and interactive elements, but don't expect serious paranormal findings.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Plenty of designated photo frame areas make capturing memories easy and fun.
☕ Warm Up with Treats
Enjoy hot chocolate, cocktails, and s'mores during holiday events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Poplar Grove Plantation for its festive holiday events, particularly the 'All is Bright' light festival, and its charming Wednesday Farmers Market. The historic manor house is a highlight, offering a glimpse into the past. While some wish for more detailed historical signage, the overall experience is considered fun and family-friendly, with ample parking and a pleasant atmosphere.
"Something fun to do around Spooky season. There was plenty of free parking, so that was a relief and following the signs to get to the meet up spot was very easy. The Plantation grounds were very pretty around dusk. But it’s the inside of the house that really steals the spotlight. The tour guides really know how to decorate for Halloween! The Ghost tour itself was very fun and engaging and they let you explore the house to do your own mini investigation with complimentary EMF Meters. Though don’t expect any serious findings. Being in a large group in such a small area you’ll have lots of background noise. But it’s all in good fun and was a great time! Though walking the grounds after dark did send a chill down my spine."
Allison Mickey
"Attended the Herb and Garden festival! Amazing place. Unfortunately the house and gift shop were not open the day we were there."
Denise Bramhall
"Great family oriented activities and beautifully decorated landscaped areas and fun stuff too. Best part was a number of photo frame areas to capture family & friends together ❤️ 💜 I recommend a few more staff ,maybe dressed in period clothing helping guests with directions to specific places, knowledgeable person to give historical info in the mansion, or at least signs to read or an app to download and listen to."
Brenda Lutz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poplar Grove Plantation is located north of Wilmington, NC. Driving is the most common method. From downtown Wilmington, take US-17 North. The plantation is well-signposted. There's plenty of free parking available on-site, which is a relief for visitors.
Public transportation options to Poplar Grove Plantation are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange for a ride-sharing service. The plantation is a bit outside the main city center of Wilmington.
Parking at Poplar Grove Plantation is free and plentiful, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds and events.
Walking to Poplar Grove Plantation is not recommended unless you are staying very close by, as it is located a short drive from the main Wilmington attractions.
Poplar Grove Plantation is part of the broader Wilmington, NC area, which offers attractions like the Wilmington Riverwalk and historic downtown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by event. For the 'All is Bright' holiday event, a family pack for 2 adults and 2 kids is $25, or $10 per adult and $5 per child. Children 2 and under are free.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events like the 'All is Bright' holiday festival, to ensure entry.
Operating hours vary depending on the season and specific events. The 'All is Bright' festival typically runs from late November through December. The Farmers Market is on Wednesdays. Always check their official schedule.
Discounts may be available for specific events, such as family packs for holiday light festivals. It's best to check the official website or event listings for current offers.
The Manor House and gift shop may not be open on all days or during all events, such as during specific festivals like the Herb and Garden festival. It's advisable to confirm their availability beforehand.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Poplar Grove Plantation offers a variety of activities including historical tours of the Manor House, seasonal events like 'All is Bright' and Halloween ghost tours, and a weekly Farmers Market. There are also spaces for kids to run around and enjoy games.
Yes, Poplar Grove Plantation is very family-friendly. They offer activities like bonfires, marshmallow roasting, Christmas movies, and plenty of space for children to play during events.
The plantation offers tours of its historic 1850s Manor House. While some visitors suggest more signage or an app for historical info, the guides are knowledgeable.
Poplar Grove Plantation has a rich history, including its role in local events and its atmospheric grounds that can feel chilling after dark.
The plantation grounds are described as very pretty, especially around dusk. They offer ample space for activities and are beautifully decorated during holiday seasons.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food trucks are often available during events, offering a variety of options. During the holiday season, you can also find hot chocolate, coffee, and Christmas cocktails.
While specific policies may vary by event, it's generally a good idea to check if outside food is permitted. However, with food trucks and vendors on-site, it's usually not necessary.
The Wednesday Farmers Market at Poplar Grove Plantation features freshly grown produce and handmade goods from local creators.
During special events like the holiday festival, there is a bar serving cocktails, as well as options for hot chocolate and coffee.
Yes, during certain events like the holiday festival, you can enjoy bonfires and roast marshmallows.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Manor House, beautifully decorated grounds during the holidays, and the scenic areas around the Farmers Market offer great photo opportunities. There are also designated photo frame areas.
Photography policies inside the Manor House may vary. It's best to check with the tour guides or staff on-site regarding restrictions on flash photography or interior shots.
For general photography, daytime offers good natural light. For atmospheric shots, dusk can be beautiful, especially with the grounds lit up during events.
During events like 'All is Bright,' the light displays create stunning backdrops. The Halloween ghost tours also offer a unique, albeit spooky, photographic setting.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites to protect the property and ensure visitor safety. It's advisable to check the plantation's official policy on drones before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
👻 History Buffs & Ghost Hunters
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit