Topsail Island Attractions | Poplar Grove Planatation
This 1850 Greek Revival house and plantation is one of the oldest existing peanut plantations in North Carolina. Today, costumed guides lead visitors through this lovingly restored mansion and recount the plantation's history. Skills important to daily nineteenth-century life, such as spinning, weaving, blacksmithing, and basketry, are frequently demonstrated, and visitors are invited to walk the estate's grounds and view the plantation's outbuildings, including a tenant house, an outdoor kitchen and more.
The 67-acre Abbey Nature Preserve has a 2.4-mile nature trail winding through woods and crossing over the mill pond. Once the original site of Poplar Grove's grist mill, the preserve is now part of the Coastal Land Trust and a wonderful escape from the city. Poplar Grove, dedicated to education, preservation and service to the community, maintains a busy schedule of activities throughout the year. Annual events include a Farmer's Market, a Halloween festival, an Herb and Garden Fair , and a Christmas All is Bright event. Check out our Annual Events chapter for details on these events or call the Poplar Grove plantation offices.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Poplar Grove Plantation is 9 miles north of Wilmington on U.S. 17 at the Pender County line. Farm animals, a gift shop, a playground and a picnic area, and wedding and party facilities are located on the grounds. Please visit Poplar Grove Plantation for hours, pricing and tour information.