North Carolina Bike Trails

In North Carolina there is no shortage of natural beauty. And we think that one of the best ways to see the numerous picturesque sights of our state is on bike. With a variety of biking terrains and options, from flat, easy rides along the beach to rugged climbs up steep mountain trails, there’s a route to match your mood and comfort level. 

Mountain bike trails and interesting rides beckon cyclists from all across our state and country. Here we are exploring North Carolina trails but there are plenty of interconnected trails like the Carolina Thread Trail, which extends into South Carolina or the East Coast Greenway, that links communities from Florida to Maine by trails. If these are more than you want to bite off, just rent a bike from your local outfitter any time of year and go out for some casual exploration.

The Ports of Call Trail is right in our own back yard. Take this route and traverse North Carolina’s long and varied coastline including two major sounds – the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds. The 300-mile route from Virginia to South Carolina passes through the major ports of the colonial era; Edenton, Bath, New Bern, Wilmington, and Southport among numerous other coastal communities.

Take a ride on the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail, and explore 15-miles of fun as you make your way through several parks and let your adventure take you to the Intracoastal Waterway. Or head down to Greenfield Lake Park and enjoy nearly 4 miles of paths meandering around the lake.  

If road biking calls to you more, be sure to visit the All Trails website for some of the best road biking trails in North Carolina. Trail Link is also a great resource for the abundant trails offered in our state and is a part of the rails to trails conservancy program. 

Scenic overlooks, picturesque towns, and great memories are all part of a North Carolina biking experience. Ready to finally make that move to the Wilmington area? Learn where you can build your dream home, in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Learning About The Rent to Own Process

The appeal of homeownership feels more powerful today than ever before. And if you are like many homebuyers, you’ll need to get a mortgage to finance the purchase of your new home. Traditionally to qualify you need good credit and cash for a down payment. There is however an alternate route to homeownership that we want to talk about here, the rent-to-own process and what that looks like. 

A rent-to-own agreement, in which you rent a home for a certain period of time, with the option to buy it before the lease expires has become a popular option for first time buyers. This agreement consists of two parts: a standard lease agreement and an option to buy. Lease-option contracts give you the right to buy the home when the lease expires, while lease-purchase contracts require you to buy the house. You pay rent throughout the lease, and in some cases, a percentage of the payment is applied to the purchase price. 

Non-refundable Upfront Fees. In a rent-to-own agreement, the buyer pays the seller a one-time, upfront fee called the option fee. This usually non-refundable fee is what gives you the option to buy the house by some date set in the future. This fee is often negotiable as there’s no standard rate, but typically it ranges between 1% and 5% of the purchase price.

Lease-Option vs Lease-Purchase. Different types of rent-to-own options are out there, and it is important to note the differences. Lease-option contracts give buyers the right, but not the obligation, to purchase the home once the lease expires. If you choose not to buy the home at the end of the lease, the option simply expires, and you can walk away without any obligation to continue paying rent or to buy. With a lease-purchase contract this is not typically the case. 

Purchase Price Agreement. Whether the buyer and seller agree on the purchase price at contract signing or at the expiration of the lease, your rent-to-own agreement should specify when and how the home’s purchase price is determined. As you pay rent throughout the lease terms, you’ll want to understand what portion of each payment is applied to the eventual purchase price. 

We hope this will help you understand that there are alternative ways to homeownership. And as always consult with a real estate professional who can help you find your perfect McAdams home. We offer specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Floor Plan: Introducing The Jackson

Boasting 2,042 heated square feet, three bedrooms and two and a half baths, The Jackson is the perfect home for any family. With its charming exterior and alternate elevations including front or sideload garage options, this home is sure to fit your family’s needs.

As you walk through the front door, your eyes are drawn past the staircase to the to the great room that connects to the thoughtfully designed kitchen and dining area. The open design seamlessly blends the living areas together and offers an optional fireplace as the main focal point, while easy access to the walkout patio extends the entertaining options. 

The Jackson’s upstairs offers a well-appointed owner’s suite, complete with two sizeable walk-in closets, dual vanities, close proximity to the laundry and an optional walk-in shower and soaking tub. Additionally, the upstairs includes two well sized bedrooms and a bonus room you could use as a rec room, home office or fourth bedroom. It’s easy to see why The Jackson Plan is the perfect home for you and your growing family! 

Learn where you can build your dream home, in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Dining in Leland, NC

Anyone familiar with Wilmington, NC knows how much growth the area has experienced, and Leland has benefited from this accelerated expansion. Many new restaurants and bars have recently opened and are minutes away from the communities we have developed. Here’s your guide for breakfast, lunch, wining, and dining around Leland. 

Bridgewater Wines + Dines. Located on 17S, near Walmart, Bridgewater Wines offers customers wines from around the world at all price points. They invite you to browse their extensive selection of wines in an inviting, comfortable environment or stay and enjoy a glass at the wine bar. This is a great place to relax and sample the specially crafted menu that not only pairs with but enhances the wines.

Brodee Dogs and Brew House. Located on Village Road, the family owned business offers gourmet dogs and burgers to go along with fries or onion rings,  topped off with an array of craft beer!

Cape Fear Seafood Co. Specializing in regional seafood, signature dishes, fresh ingredients and hand-crafted cocktails, this lunch and dinner restaurant offers a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Our State Magazine recognized them as one of five restaurants in NC to try Shrimp & Grits. From the saltimbocca to the kids menu, every appetite will find something delicious. Conveniently located in the Waterford Commercial Area.

Chingon Taqueria. Tacos + Margaritas + Snacks, this is not your average taco joint. Stop in Chingon for tacos, burritos, hurraches, sopes, quesadillas or freshly made margaritas. Located near the Walmart on 17S, Chingon is sure to be one of your favorite spots in Leland. 

Christopher’s Steakhouse and Seafood. Located in the Harris Teeter shopping center on 17S, Christopher’s is a locally owned and operated. They serve hand-cut steaks, fall off the bone ribs, made from scratch sides, and fresh-baked bread. Committed to customer service and satisfaction, Christopher’s guarantees you’ll taste and see the difference.

Farmhouse Kitchen. Located on 17S, in the Lowe’s shopping center, Farmhouse Kitchen offers breakfast all day. From eggs benedict to omelets, Belgian waffles to pancakes, to sandwiches and wraps, Farmhouse Kitchen welcomes anyone with an appetite. 

Leland Smoke House. Those looking for wood smoked barbecue and homemade sides in a casual environment, look no further than Leland Smoke House, located at the entrance of the Waterford shopping center. Priding themselves on real wood smoked barbecue and brisket that is bathed in hickory smoke for 12 hours, meat is the main event at Leland Smoke House. 

Papi’s Chicken. For those looking for “fast, casual and good”, Papi’s Charcoal Rotisserie Chicken wants to show the fun side of food and introduce you to Peruvian inspired flavors. They provide a welcoming community and exciting environment to create the best experience they can for their guests. Be sure to stop in and try some of their delicious sauces, you won’t be disappointed. Papi’s is conveniently located in front of Walmart on 17S.  

Pizzetta’s Pizzeria. With their Sicilian heritage and New York roots, the family wanted to bring traditional and savory Italian dishes to Wilmington, NC. Two short years later they opened a second location, inside Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC. Once you eat there, you are family. Mangia!

Shirley’s Diner. Next to the Piggly Wiggly on Village Road, Shirley’s is a local favorite. Lunch and dinner options for the whole family. From a variety of sandwiches to the shrimp plate or pork chop dinner, you’ll leave with a smile on your face.  

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar.  This Brunswick Forest restaurant grew out of a vision for a local establishment that families of all ages can enjoy a great meal, served up fresh with creative cocktails in an environment that exudes relaxation. The casual atmosphere with its friendly and helpful staff has made many patrons feel very much at home, be they locals or visitors.

Six Happiness. This Japanese restaurant has been in Leland for years, offering delicious lunch and dinner options. From sushi to hibachi and curry to bento boxes, Six Happiness in the Walmart Shopping Center is a great option for any family. 

Some of Our Favorite NC Waterfalls

Living in coastal North Carolina, you start to feel very fortunate to call such a beautiful place home. And as you venture West from Wilmington, that spoiled feeling continues as you visit numerous other scenic areas within our state. Visiting the mountains of NC can be enjoyed at any time of year, with every season offering its own reward. Autumn’s crisp air and vivid fall colors awaken our senses. Winter months offer new vistas and reveal hidden reminders of the past. While spring shows off with a parade of wildflowers and blooming trees, Summer offers visitors cool retreats among the forests and refreshes them with splashy streams and cascading waterfalls. Below are some favorite waterfalls and scenic overlooks in western North Carolina.

Many of NC’s waterfalls are in driving distance to Asheville or in close proximity to small mountain towns that make great getaway destinations worth spending a night or two. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway and other side highways to easily combine highlights from the Parkway with waterfall stops. 

A lesser-known drive near Asheville is the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway, start in Brevard and wind 15 miles to the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking opportunities to hike, picnic and enjoy some amazing waterfalls. Linville Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway offers exceptional overlooks and perfect photo opportunities with hikes that range from ½ to 2 miles. Or check out the highly recommended Crabtree Falls, Looking Glass Falls just down the road from Sliding Rock Falls is a very popular swimming spot. Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, is a must see if you only have one waterfall in Western NC to visit. Click here for a more complete list of Waterfalls of Western NC to explore, they offer an interactive map, driving directions and description. 

Scenic overlooks, picturesque waterfalls, stunning photos, and great memories are all part of the adventure and help you appreciate why it so special to call North Carolina home. Come see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey and enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. 

New Projects Coming to the Wilmington Area in 2022

Expansion is all around us. With our mild winter climate, active outdoor lifestyle and the new normal of employees working from home or remotely, North Carolina and the Wilmington area have seen significant population growth and subsequent development. Here are some projects coming to the area in 2022. 

Project Grace. New Hanover County is in the process of redeveloping a portion of the downtown block that includes the Public Library, a parking deck and adjacent lot. The design stage of the project and refinements are expected to be completed in January 2022. Floor plans for the new facility’s museum include a planetarium and immersive theater, as well as indoor and outdoor exhibit space. While the updated library includes reading terraces and a rooftop terrace to serve as an exhibit and event space. Learn more here. 

County Government Center Redevelopment. Work has begun on the New Hanover County Government Center site expected to be completed in the Fall of 2022. The newly designed facility will include county offices with Emergency Operations and 911 Center. The project also includes a park as well as private development on site to help generate tax revenue for the city and county. Learn more about this project.

ILM Terminal Expansion. Air service is growing for Wilmington residents and visitors as well, with additional routes and airlines coming to Wilmington International Airport (ILM). Plans for the airport include expanding the ticket lobby and ticket counters to new screening equipment and bag rooms, with another phase of expansion to include the TSA checkpoint and a new concourse adding gate seating and new restaurants along with retail space. Learn more about the expansion plans here. 

Learn about our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina. Click here for current incentives and see where we are building. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Indoor Activities for Family Fun

Although we typically have beautiful weather in southeastern North Carolina, the occasional cold and rainy days do occur; and when they do, it is wonderful to have indoor activities for the family to enjoy. Fortunately, Wilmington is brimming with possibilities for family fun, below are just a few of our favorite things to do around town. 

The Children’s Museum. Discover, play, and get hands-on learning through engaging and informative exhibits and activities. Families will enjoy the historic charm of downtown as pre-school to elementary aged children will find plenty of opportunities to explore and better understand the arts, sciences, and culture throughinteractive and age-appropriate activities. Get tickets and learn more here.

NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. Connecting you to the natural world, the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher offers visitors a chance to explore marine life and various aquatic environments like salt marshes, tidal pools, and an open ocean exhibit. Watch a family of otters play, feel stingrays glide past your finger tips, and come face to face with sea turtles and sharks. Plan your visit your visit today.

Wilmington Ice House. Ice skating and winter weather go hand in hand. The Ice house offers public skating, lessons and entertainment for the whole family. Warm up with some hot chocolate and let the kids play arcade games while you skate. Click here for information on available sessions. 

Jungle Rapids. If you are looking for a complete family entertainment center, Jungle Rapids is the stop for you. Although Jungle Rapids is known for it’s water activities and Go-Karts, they also have a large arcade with other indoor activities, there is sure to be plenty of ways for the whole family to have fun. 

Trampoline Parks. Flip N Fly is a 28,000 square foot state of the art facility with wall-to-wall trampolines. From foam pits, rope courses, basketball hoops and trampolines, Defy Gravity offers a park for extreme air sports. Click here for more information and hours. 

Bowling. Ten Pin Alley is not only home to bowling, but also billiards, an arcade and restaurant, what more could the family need on a rainy day?! Cardinal Lanes Shipyard offers kid programs and Cardinal Lanes Beach Bowl also has arcade games and you can enjoy food, drinks and beer. 

And for those days you don’t feel like leaving the house. Learn where you can build your dream home (that has that rec room you need) in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina. Click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

New Floor Plan: Introducing The Emerson

Boasting 2,758 heated square feet, four bedrooms and three and a half baths, The Emerson is the perfect home for any family. With its inviting front porch and multiple exterior options, this home is sure to wow family, friends, and neighbors alike.

As you walk through the front door, your eyes are drawn to the dining room that connects to the thoughtfully designed kitchen. The beautiful open design seamlessly blends the living areas and offers an optional fireplace as the main focal point and access to the walkout patio. The well-appointed main floor owner’s suite is complete with two sizeable walk-in closets, dual vanities, walk-in shower, and soaking tub. 

The Emerson’s upstairs offers three well sized bedrooms and a bonus room you could use as a rec room, home office or fifth bedroom. Bathroom three also offers an optional configuration depending on your family’s needs. If storage and space are your desire, then The Emerson is the home for you! 

Learn where you can build your dream home, in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

The New Year is right around the corner, brimming with possibilities. Resolutions and promises to yourself are abundant. This time is going to be different, and nothing is going to stop you from accomplishing your goals. Maybe you vowed to quit smoking, lose that pesky extra weight, travel more, or spend more time with friends and family. But what about your home – the place where we spend most of the year? In the spirit of new beginnings, below is a list of resolutions for your home that we hope will be easy to keep.

Make a Long-Term Plan. One of the best ways to make sure you’ll stick to your goals is to plan your tasks out in advance. Make a list of what you need to do to keep your home organized and consult it regularly to check tasks off the list. 

Clean Room by Room. Cleaning seems to be the very first start of the new year: whether it be putting away Christmas decorations, cleaning up needles that have dropped from your tree or cleaning after the party to ring in the new year. It’s easy to just to keep going and do a deep-clean of the rest of your home. Tackle rooms with the most foot traffic first. Vacuum, scrub, rinse and repeat throughout your home until it feels new again. Then every quarter do another deep clean. 

Purge Your Space. It’s great to start with cleaning but real change starts when you take it a step further and rid your home of items you no longer use. If something has sat in a closet for a year, you likely don’t need it. Be methodical, go room by room as to not get overwhelmed. Make a pile for trash and one to donate, your home will be less cluttered and you’ll feel better about giving to those who can benefit from your unused items. 

Cut down on energy use. You could install solar panels or buy an electric car, but those aren’t the only ways to make a difference and help the planet. There are other ways to reduce your carbon footprint and shrink your bills at the same time. Start by turning off lights when you are not using them and turn the taps off while you are brushing your teeth. Unplug appliances that aren’t frequently used like the toaster or coffee maker. You could install LED bulbs and low-flow showerheads. Turn the air conditioner up when you aren’t home and dial the heat down at night, just add an extra blanket to keep you warm. 

Budget for the Year. No one likes to think about cutting back, however being aware of your yearly budget will help you avoid overspending and allow you to save for those dream projects or a dream home in one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.

Unique Holiday Dishes

Part of the joy of the holidays is gathering with friends and family while sharing a meal. Food is the cornerstone of the season, and Christmas season is party season! Sure, you’ve got your traditional recipe favorites that are never to be tampered with (Mom’s pumpkin roll, for instance). But every now and then it’s fun to push tradition aside and try a new or unexpected recipe. Here are some alternative holiday recipe ideas that may even become part of your everyday meals. 

  • Christmas Tacos – A delicious seasonal spin on everyone’s favorite. Slow cooked short ribs along with pomegranate juice, chiles and cinnamon for a lively and intriguing flavor. 

We hope these recipe ideas have created full bullies and happy people. The real goal is to enjoy all the delicious food and memories brought surrounding the holiday table. To find the perfect home to enjoy the holidays in, see our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click here for current incentives. Or if you own a preferred lot, you can choose from our portfolio of floor plans to personalize with numerous design options. Contact us today to get started on your new home journey.