Pumpkin Carving Tips

Autumn is on our doorsteps, figuratively and literally – you can’t have Halloween without jack-o’-lanterns. Whether you are a beginner carver or out to win the neighborhood pumpkin carving contest, we hope the below hacks will guarantee you the best carved pumpkin on the block.  

Choosing Your Pumpkin. Choose a pumpkin with an intact stem – the greener the better. The stem provides moisture and helps the pumpkin last longer. Once you have selected your perfect pumpkin, be sure to wipe down the outside with a diluted bleach solution. This helps reduce microbes that lead to decay. Once carved you can spray again with diluted solution.

*Note: If kept out of direct light in a cool place, an intact pumpkin can last a month or more, once carved, the life expectancy goes down to between three days and three weeks. It is a piece of fruit, so the cooler you can keep it the better. 

Draw Your Design First. Using a dry-erase marker allows you to easily remove lines with a damp cloth to allow you to make changes to your design without causing confusion.

Open Pumpkin from the Bottom. Hollow out pumpkins from the bottom for a cleaner look. Do this outdoors or use plenty of newspaper because it’s a messy job. This makes placing and lighting the candle easier. 

*Note: When you separate the seeds from the goop, place them in a bowl of water, the seeds will float as the goop sinks. Pat the seeds dry and toss them in a little oil and cayenne pepper, roast at 350 degrees until brown (approximately 20 minutes) and enjoy.

Lighting. Use votive candles inside glass holders filled with a little water, so the candle will go out when it burns down (just be sure to put a hole in the top back of the pumpkin to allow smoke to escape). Use two or more candles for greater light. Or use a small string of battery-operated Christmas lights.

Ready to get festive?! McAdams Homes offers 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.

Leland Area Dining Guide

Anyone familiar with the Wilmington, North Carolina knows how much growth the area has experienced, and this popular destination has attracted chefs from all walks of life ready to offer up some of their most delicious recipes. New restaurants and bars seem to pop up all the time and we hope this growing list will be your guide to some of Leland’s tastiest offerings. 

Blossoms Restaurant at Magnolia Greens. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Blossoms Restaurant, tucked inside Magnolia Greens up Grandiflora Drive. Surrounded by the beautiful views of Magnolia Greens Golf Club, Blossoms Restaurant is open to the public, serving great food all day and all year long. They offer weekly food and drink specials. Be sure to get a bite and maybe even hit some balls at the range. 

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!

Brunswick Beer & Cider. Offering up lunch and dinner and of course refreshing ciders. Check out their pizzas made with beer infused crust, or their buttermilk fried pork chops. 

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.

Charlie Graingers Leland. Fresh ingredients, quality customer service and welcoming atmosphere make Charlie Graingers a great spot for a hot dog, brisket, or BBQ. And it is conveniently located in front of Walmart on 17S. 

Chicken Salad Chic of Leland. This Southern-style restaurant offers a range of delicious favorites made the freshest ingredients. With an emphasis on healthy options made with love, their menu caters to all tastes. 

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. 

Indochine Express. Enjoy a fast alternative to their flagship Indochine Far East Café in Wilmington. Their mission is to bring the best of Thai and Vietnamese cuisine to the local community and beyond.

Locals Tavern. This friendly watering hole where everyone knows your name is offering up tasty lunches and dinners, as well as your favorite drink. Be sure to stop in for Trivia Night, Karaoke or just catching a game with friends.

Leland Brewing Company. The team there is committed to crafting beverages that inspire people and bring the community together, one beer at a time. Located just across the street from Leland Town Hall, sits the 8,000 square foot brand new manufacturing and tap room facility. They pride themselves as being family and dog friendly, open 7 days a week, Sunday -Thursday: 12 pm – 9 pm, Friday & Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm.

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.

Miyabi Jr Express. For those appetites wanting hibachi style food, bowls, and sushi in a friendly atmosphere, this is the spot. Be sure to get some of their delicious ginger sauce, you won’t be disappointed. Miyabi Jr Express is conveniently located in front of Walmart on 17S. 

New Day Cafe. Located in the Waterford Shopping Center is a hidden gem at the end of the building serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Adults and children will surely delight in a wide range of items from omelets and benedicts to sandwiches, shrimp and grits, short ribs or ravioli and everything in-between. And they have cocktails too!

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!

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille. The ‘fresh not frozen’ approach is why these burgers and fries are award winning. Stop in at their Magnolia Greens location and build your perfect burger!

San Felipe Mexican Restaurant. This family-owned business has expanded to multiple locations and for good reason. They are serving up Traditional Mexican fare from fresh ingredients with excellent service. Be sure to visit for lunch or dinner.  

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. 

If you are like us, you’re ready to get out there to sample all of these tasty offerings. See one of our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina, click to view our 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.

NC Folktales and Mysteries: Devil’s Tramping Ground

North Carolina has a rich tradition of folklore, and it encompasses a variety of magical legends and unexplained natural phenomena – today we’ll explore a mystery in western Chatham County. The Devil’s Tramping Ground is a roughly 40-foot perfect circle devoid of most vegetation. 

Regional legend claims that Satan frequents this area on his nightly walks, pacing the circle as he contemplates his evil deeds. Though surrounded by normal vegetation, attempts to plant just about anything on the path through the circle have all failed and anything left there seems to mysteriously disappear. Locals have been unsuccessful in trying to transplant the wiry grass to other soils. Visitors have attempted to anchor sticks and other obstacles in the barren area, but morning always finds these obstacles cleared away.

Other theories have arisen to explain this strange landmark. Some believe it was an ancient meeting place for Native American tribes, who made the location bare with ceremonial dances. Others have tried to link the ‘Lost Colony’ to the site. While scientific explanations say this area may have been trampled down by horses used in operation of a mill. Soil samples concluded that the area may be sterile due to high salt content, as remains of natural salt licks were found in the area. 

If you are tempted to walk with the devil at night, you’ll find his tramping ground just ten miles from Siler City. Happy Halloween! 

If you are ready to come discover our beautiful area and experience this exciting North Carolina landmark for yourself, we invite you to 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.

Garden Calendar – October Checklist

October is the time-honored month for harvesting. Cooler mornings bring much needed relief from the intense summer heat, and the scents of pumpkin spice and apple cider helps us transition into the new season. For many gardeners, October might be the final vegetable collection of the year. For those who planted a fall and winter garden, this month marks the end of the summer vegetable garden. Not sure what you should be doing in the garden this month? Keep reading for tips on keeping your garden in great shape.

Planning. Prepare for your abundance of produce with canning supplies to preserve your harvest, recipes or sharing with friends and neighbors. Make a note of any productive or unsatisfactory varieties of vegetables that you planted and will be something to not for next year.

If you harvested seeds, make sure they are dried out by laying on newspaper and turning them often. Store dried seeds in glass jar or envelopes and store in a cool, dry, dark place.

Planting. Now is the time to plant garlic, shallots, and perennial onions. Also, plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodil, hyacinth, and crocus. 

Note: Place chicken wire on the ground over the newly planted bulbs to deter animals from digging them up. 

Pruning and Cleanup. Divide and relocate perennial plants that have outgrown their space to a new location before a hard freeze sets in. Add grass clippings and fallen leaves to your compost pile. Clean the lawn of any branches or sticks that make great kindling for evening fires. 

Water. Water any recently planted perennials deeply. Be sure to water your fall container flowers and plants. 

The Perfect Backyard. If you are ready to get your hands dirty. McAdams Homes offers specially curated communities in the Wilmington area, 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 get to planting.

Flooring Choices for Your New Home

There are few features in your home that combine form and function the way that flooring does. It literally lays the foundation for everything else that happens in your home. With so many options available, it is no wonder homeowners feel overwhelmed making this important decision. So, to help you navigate the world of flooring, we look at some of the most popular options out there – in the hopes of making the choice as stress free as possible. 

Hardwood Flooring. The two main types of this flooring are: solid wood, like the name implies consists of one solid piece of wood, while engineered wood flooring is a thin veneer of hardwood applied to plywood. Hardwoods are on the more expensive end of the spectrum; however, they are a good investment as they are long lasting and can even increase the value of your home. 

Stone Flooring. Like hardwoods, stone is another timeless material that looks classic and can add value to your home. Stone is durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic, which is good for bathrooms, kitchens, patios or anywhere you put it really.

Vinyl Flooring. This resilient flooring ranges from peel-and-stick tiles to luxury vinyl tile (LVT), a versatile and economic flooring option that mimics the appearance of natural materials like hardwood or stone. Although vinyl is a very affordable material, it is not suited for moisture prone areas as it is only water resistant, not waterproof. 

Carpet. Not only is carpet an acoustic and thermal insulator, but the soft texture also warms up a space and is comfortable under foot. The typical lifespan is 5-10 years and is likely not the best option for allergy sufferers. 

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile. A wise choice for either the kitchen or bathroom, the scratch, dent, stain and discoloring resistant material is waterproof and moisture resistant and have a long lifespan. 

Concrete. No longer just for your garage or patio. If you are looking for an industrial, modern statement in your home, concrete can be a cost effective and enduring material that can be finished to your liking. 

If you are looking for a home your family can enjoy for a lifetime, contact us today. We build 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. 

Crafts to Get You Ready for Fall

Fall has begun, mornings are getting crisper, the days shorter – and although we hate to see summer go, there is something magical about the warm colors and coziness of the new season. So, if you are ready to fill your home with autumn flair, keep reading below for some fun crafts for the whole family to enjoy. 

Pinecone Bird Feeder. This kid friendly craft just needs a pinecone, peanut butter, and some birdseed. Perfectmcas for the kiddos and the birds. Take a foil roasting pan and fill it with birdseed, covered gathered pinecones with peanut butter and roll around in the seed. Tie a ribbon to the un-peanut buttered top and hang in your favorite tree. Enjoy hours of viewing feathered friends. 

Easy Fresh Wreath. Eucalyptus and cotton stem join together perfectly to add an elegant rustic touch to your fall décor. With the addition of lights or Christmas ornaments, this wreath keeps looking good throughout the holiday season. Learn how to create this beautiful arrangement here.

Falling Leaves. Bring the beauty of the outdoors to your dining table by attaching leaf streamers to your ceiling or light fixture to create the effect of falling leaves. Get the how-to here.

Melted Crayon Pumpkins. This colorful, no-carve pumpkin decorating idea is fun and easy. Take unwrapped crayons cut in half and glue them to a real pumpkin (white or orange). Once the glue has dried, use a hair dryer to melt the crayons. This is best done outside on a garbage bag or tarp. 

Whether it’s placing some beautiful mums on your front porch or adding different textured pillows and blankets – no matter how you decorate for fall, we hope the above ideas was helpful in making your McAdams Homes a little more cozy. McAdams Homes offers 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.

NC Folktales and Mysteries: The Lost Colony

North Carolina has a rich tradition of folklore, and it encompasses a variety of magical legends and unexplained natural phenomena – and today we’ll explore one of the country’s most gripping historical mysteries, the Lost Colony. 

The story begins over 400 years ago and involves a group of English settlers that arrived on the North Carolina coast in 1587 with the hopes of starting a new life and establishing a permanent colony. Although they were not the first English explorers to make it to the New World, they were the first group to include women and children. 

Recruited by the explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, John White lead the group of over 100 people that included his pregnant daughter, Eleanor Dare, her husband Ananias Dare, and the Croatoan Indian chief Manteo, who had become an English ally during a previous visit in Britain. Not long after arriving on the island, Eleanor gave birth to the first English baby born in the New World. Her name was Virginia Dare. 

Shortly afterwards, Governor White sailed back to England to encourage and hasten efforts to resupply and reinforce the colony. His departure marked the last known contact between the English and the settlers in the new colony. Just after his arrival, a major naval war began between England and Spain, Queen Elizabeth I called all ships available to confront the Spanish Armada. It wasn’t until 3 years later in 1590, that White was finally able to return to the Americas. Upon his arrival, he found no trace of the colony or the inhabitants, just the word “Croatoan” carved onto a wooden post. White took the carving as a sign that the colonists had moved inland to Croatoan, the home of Chief Manteo’s people south of Roanoke on Hatteras Island. After several setbacks White was unable to find the lost settlers and died many years later, ignorant to the fate of his family and the colony.

There has been plenty of speculation about the fate of those settlers, some hypotheses hold that they tried to sail back to England on their own and got lost at sea, or that they met a bloody end at the hands of Spaniards marching up from Florida. The likely scenario is that they moved further inland and assimilated with native friends where they mixed families and endured for generations. 

If you are ready to come discover an area rich in history, we invite you to 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.

Garden Calendar – September Checklist

After a nice, hot summer and hopefully productive growing season, gardens are starting to wind down by September. Although warm weather is still hanging around the North Carolina coast, the days are getting shorter, while brisker mornings and cooler nights are becoming more common.

As the season begins to shift, so does our gardening focus, with a little bit of upkeep, planting, and planning, you’ll ease right into fall.

Planning. Houseplants that have been “vacationing” in the yard this summer should be brought in by mid-month. You want to give them a good blast of water all over before bringing them in to help remove any insects. Insects in the soil are probably not detrimental but more of a nuisance when brought indoors. For the first month after the move inspect your plants daily for any emergent insects and treat as needed.

Now is the time to decide which spring bulbs to plant, so you can get the best selection at your garden center. This is a great time to plan out your fall flower planters. Check out some of these fall showstoppers – heuchera, mums, asters, ornamental cabbage, and variegated ivy.

NOTE: As perennial flowers start to go dormant, mark their location or sketch out a map of your beds as a helpful way not to forget where things are come springtime.

Pruning. Allow plants to finish the summer growth cycle in a normal manner, now is not the time to encourage growth with heavy applications of fertilizer or excessive pruning. Plants will delay their dormancy process that has already begun in anticipation of the winter months ahead, and the new growth could be injured by an early freeze.

Mulching. Mulching is beneficial to gardens by enriching the soil, choking out fall weeds, insulating bulbs for winter and making your yard look fresh. 

NOTE: Bagged mulch is always available, but getting a truckload delivered is more economical. If you don’t think you can use a whole truckload, ask your neighbors if they would like to split a load.

The Perfect Backyard. If you are ready to get your hands dirty. McAdams Homes offers specially curated communities in the Wilmington area, 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 get to planting.

NC Boardwalks to Visit Before Summer Ends

Whether it’s in music, movies, or books, going down to the boardwalk is nostalgic and quintessential summertime experience. There’s something special about walking along the water, popping into an ice cream shop for a sweet treat, or hopping on a few rides as you soak in the salt air. Be sure to visit some of North Carolina’s boardwalks before summer ends!

Beaufort – Running parallel to Front Street along Taylor Creek, you can enjoy views of the marina and Carrot Island (where you may even see wild horses), or pop into Dock House for seafood and live music.

Wilmington – While it’s more of a ‘riverwalk’, this boardwalk gives you great views of Historic Downtown and the USS NC Battleship. Several restaurants, bars and boutique shops are sprinkles along the way, so be sure to pop in. 

Carolina Beach – This classic boardwalk is home to an arcade, amusement rides, ice cream shops and Britt’s Donuts. Carolina Beach offers the quintessential beachy boardwalk experience.

New Bern – Stroll along the Neuse River as you gaze at New Bern in the distance and enjoy a quiet, laid-back boardwalk experience. 

Washington – This boardwalk hovers over the Pamlico River, take a complimentary pontoon ride along the riverbanks, or browse the boutiques, antique stores and fantastic restaurants overlooking the river. 

Bodie Island Lighthouse – This walkway isn’t exactly a ‘boardwalk,’ but strolling through the marshes up to the historic lighthouse is worth it. You can climb the lighthouse at your own pace and take in the gorgeous natural surroundings of Bodie Island, the Atlantic Ocean, and Pamlico Sound.

Dry Falls – If you are in Western NC, head to Dry Falls where you can take a walkway that leads you to an amazing waterfall. Maybe not an actual boardwalk but great for nature lovers regardless!

Let us help get you started on your perfect home, contact us today. We build 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. 

Creating a Media Room in Your Home

At McAdams Homes, our aim is to offer our customers thoughtfully designed floor plans, while ensuring we provide you with the highest quality in new home construction. As we strive to meet excellence in every detail of your home, we want you to feel good about investing in it and your quality of life with ideas for a media room where the family can cozy up and unwind from the day. 

A media room is more than just a TV thrown up on the wall with some added speakers. This space has the potential to be a cinematic experience where audio and video meet in perfect harmony and you feel a part of the action. This room can be as complex or simple as you wish, depending on your budget, space, and needs. 

Choosing Your Space. Thinking about the actual room itself, a square room is less ideal than a rectangular room for audio quality. Opt for sound absorbing surfaces like carpet, and if hard surfaces are unavoidable, rugs and pillows can be used to temper hard reflective surfaces. Also, think about light and if you need window treatments if you want to watch a movie while the afternoon sun is shining bright.

The Centerpiece. Getting the perfect picture depends on the right type of TV for the environment. The most common technologies are LCD, LED, and plasma. Generally, plasma is rich in color but not as bright as the other two, making them ideal for rooms with more natural light. 

Note: the recommended position of the seating area from the screen is 1.5 times the diagonal size of the display.

The Sound. If this is truly a media room, the built-in speakers on your TV will not do. A 5.1 or 7.1 surround system – which means five or seven speakers and a subwoofer – offers the most immersive experience. Soundbars and wireless systems are also available as a nice aesthetic solution. 

If you are looking for a home your family can enjoy for a lifetime, contact us today. We build specially curated communities in the Wilmington, NC area, 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.