Azaleas Northwest Corner of Manor House
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Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington North Carolina

4.6
·774 reviews·Wilmington, United States

Historic 1850s plantation offering festive holiday lights, a vibrant farmers market, and spooky ghost tours.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Holiday Season Evenings

Experience the magical 'All is Bright' festival.

CrowdHigh
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Azaleas Northwest Corner of Manor House

Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington North Carolina

Best Time

Holiday Season Evenings

Experience the magical 'All is Bright' festival.

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 1850s plantation offering festive holiday lights, a vibrant farmers market, and spooky ghost tours.

4.6
(774 reviews)

"A beautiful and fun place to visit, especially during Christmas time for holiday spirit!"

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

All is Bright Holiday Festival

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

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

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

Halloween Ghost Tours

Manor House & Grounds

A spooky and engaging experience with guided tours and opportunities for self-exploration with EMF meters.

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Seasonal Magic & Markets

Poplar Grove Plantation shines during the holidays with 'All is Bright,' a dazzling light festival. Outside of that, its Wednesday Farmers Market is a local favorite for fresh produce and handmade goods. Check their schedule for seasonal events!

Historical Charm & Ghostly Tales

Explore the historic 1850s Manor House, beautifully decorated for holidays and Halloween. Ghost tours offer a spooky glimpse into the past, with opportunities for self-guided investigations. The grounds themselves hold a chilling history.

Best Times

When
Holiday Season Evenings
Why
Experience the magical 'All is Bright' festival.
Crowd
High
When
Wednesday Mornings
Why
Shop the vibrant Farmers Market.
Crowd
Medium
When
October Evenings
Why
For a chilling Halloween ghost tour.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Top 18 Things to Visit in WILMINGTON, NC! - Full Adventure - PART 1 #wilmington #nc #adventure #visit #fyp
@user4682006817267
4.4K likes • 55.6K views

🎯 Book Holiday Tickets Early

The 'All is Bright' festival is popular; book tickets in advance to secure your spot! Instagram

🐶 Farmers Market is Pet-Friendly

Bring your furry friend along to stroll through the Wednesday Farmers Market. Instagram

fountain on Market Street hides a chilling past. Wilmington’s Kenan Fountain was built where the gallows once stood. Locals still whisper about the spirits that linger. Would you dare visit after dark? #WilmingtonNC #HauntedHistory #KenanFountain #GhostStories #HiddenHistory
@southern_bigfoot.71
3.6K likes • 54.1K views
⭐️All is Bright: A Holiday of Lights at Poplar Grove Plantation ⭐️ It’s their first year and it was absolutely wonderful! A family pack 2 adults + 2 kids is $25. Or $10 per adult and $5 per kid. 2 and under are free! Let the youngins run around, grab a beverage, enjoy the bonfire and roast a marshmallow! Grab dinner at one of the food trucks (these change each week), write a Christmas letter to...
wilmingtonmom
299 likes • 6.1K views

👻 Ghost Tour Fun

Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and interactive elements, but don't expect serious paranormal findings. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Plenty of designated photo frame areas make capturing memories easy and fun. Reddit

🔦LOCAL SPOTLIGHT ✨ Looking for some Christmas magic around the Wilmington/Hampstead area?? You’ve got to check out All is bright at Poplar Grove Plantation! 🤩🤩 The lights are beautiful and there’s fun for the whole family! 🛍️ Local vendors 🚚 Food trucks ☕️ Coffee & hot chocolate 🥂 Christmas cocktails 🎄 Tour the manor house 🎥 Christmas movies 🎅🏼 Santa and more! Open Thursday- Sunday (Santa ...
homewithhaley_
0 likes • 2.5K views

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! Instagram

🐶 Farmers Market is Pet-Friendly

Bring your furry friend along to stroll through the Wednesday Farmers Market. Instagram

👻 Ghost Tour Fun

Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and interactive elements, but don't expect serious paranormal findings. Reddit

📸 Photo Ops Galore

Plenty of designated photo frame areas make capturing memories easy and fun. Reddit

☕ Warm Up with Treats

Enjoy hot chocolate, cocktails, and s'mores during holiday events. InstagramReddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(774 reviews)

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

Festive holiday lights
Vibrant farmers market
Historic manor house tours

What People Dislike

Limited historical signage
House not always open

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Parking at Poplar Grove Plantation is free and plentiful, making it easy for visitors to access the grounds and events. Reddit

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. TikTok

Poplar Grove Plantation is part of the broader Wilmington, NC area, which offers attractions like the Wilmington Riverwalk and historic downtown. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular events like the 'All is Bright' holiday festival, to ensure entry. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Poplar Grove Plantation has a rich history, including its role in local events and its atmospheric grounds that can feel chilling after dark. Reddit

The plantation grounds are described as very pretty, especially around dusk. They offer ample space for activities and are beautifully decorated during holiday seasons. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit+1

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. Instagram

The Wednesday Farmers Market at Poplar Grove Plantation features freshly grown produce and handmade goods from local creators. Instagram

During special events like the holiday festival, there is a bar serving cocktails, as well as options for hot chocolate and coffee. InstagramReddit

Yes, during certain events like the holiday festival, you can enjoy bonfires and roast marshmallows. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For general photography, daytime offers good natural light. For atmospheric shots, dusk can be beautiful, especially with the grounds lit up during events. Reddit

During events like 'All is Bright,' the light displays create stunning backdrops. The Halloween ghost tours also offer a unique, albeit spooky, photographic setting. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poplar Grove Plantation is a fantastic destination for families. During events like 'All is Bright,' kids can enjoy running around, bonfires, roasting marshmallows, and even Christmas movies. Instagram+1 The plantation grounds offer plenty of space for children to explore safely. The Halloween Ghost Tours can also be a fun, albeit slightly spooky, adventure for older children. Remember to check the schedule for family-specific activities and consider the 'family pack' ticket options for holiday events. Instagram

👻 History Buffs & Ghost Hunters

For those fascinated by history and the supernatural, Poplar Grove Plantation offers a compelling experience. The guided tours of the 1850s Manor House provide insights into its past. Reddit The Halloween Ghost Tours are particularly appealing, offering a chance to explore the potentially haunted spaces and even use EMF meters for a self-guided 'investigation.' Reddit While the focus is on entertainment, the atmospheric setting and historical context are sure to intrigue anyone interested in local lore and ghostly tales. TikTok

🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies

The Wednesday Farmers Market is a must-visit for shoppers and foodies. You can discover a wide array of fresh local produce, baked goods, and unique handmade crafts. Instagram It's a great place to pick up souvenirs or ingredients for a delicious meal. During special events like the holiday festival, food trucks offer diverse culinary options, and you can enjoy festive treats like hot chocolate and cocktails. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Manor House

The historic 1850s Manor House at Poplar Grove Plantation is the centerpiece of the estate. Visitors can take tours that offer a look into the past, with the house often decorated to reflect different eras or seasonal themes. During the holidays, it's decked out in 'Victorian finest,' creating a cozy atmosphere. Instagram While some visitors suggest more detailed historical information, the guides provide insights into the plantation's past. Reddit The interior is a key highlight, especially for those interested in architecture and historical decor. Exploring the rooms feels like stepping back in time.

Seasonal Spectacles: Holidays and Halloween

Poplar Grove Plantation truly comes alive during its seasonal events. The 'All is Bright' holiday festival transforms the grounds into a dazzling wonderland with lights and festive magic, complete with food trucks, vendors, and entertainment. Instagram+2 For a spookier experience, the Halloween Ghost Tours offer a chilling exploration of the manor house and grounds after dark. Reddit These tours are engaging and even allow for self-guided mini-investigations with EMF meters, though the focus is on fun rather than serious paranormal findings. Reddit The plantation's ability to host these vibrant, themed events makes it a popular destination throughout the year.

Community Hub: The Farmers Market

Every Wednesday, Poplar Grove Plantation hosts a vibrant Farmers Market that has become a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Instagram Here, you can find a variety of freshly grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal goods directly from local farmers and creators. It's a fantastic opportunity to support the community and discover unique items. Instagram The market provides a lively atmosphere, making it a pleasant outing for individuals, neighbors, or even with a well-behaved pup. Instagram This weekly event highlights the plantation's role as a community gathering space beyond its historical significance.

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