McAdams Homes – Blog

NC Folktales and Mysteries: Cape Fear Mermaids

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 legend that is just a couple hours up the road from Wilmington to the Raleigh area.

Chatham County in the heart of the piedmont, is where our legend takes place. Mermaid Point is the name of the location where the Deep River and Haw River meet to form the Cape Fear River.

The Cape Fear River was one of the early economic drivers of North Carolina and became a draw for settlers on its banks. In the 1700’s the town of Lockville was a budding settlement and a man named Ambrose Ramsey saw an opportunity. And so, he opened a tavern.

Ramsey’s Tavern sat right by the banks of the Deep River, a short distance upstream of where it joined with the Haw River. When Revolutionary War soldiers left the tavern at the end of the night, this confluence was on their path home, and in the middle of this broad channel was a long, white, sandbar. And it was on this channel that people claimed they saw the mermaids.

Mermaids were spotted multiple times throughout the war – but it’s notable that they were always seen after a long night of drinking, and during a particularly stressful time in America’s history.

Legend claims that the mermaids would sit on the sandbar at night, combing their long hair in the moonlight. Soldiers walking home from the tavern would see them laughing, singing, playing, and splashing in the water. If anyone called out to them or tried to approach, they would dive below the surface.

Why would mermaids swim so far up the river? The explanation was as follows: everyone knew mermaids were vain creatures. They swam up from the coast to wash the salt from their hair, so it would be shinier and more beautiful.

Ramsey’s Tavern stood until the late 19th century when it was destroyed in a flood. This was about the same time that the sightings of the mermaids stopped. It’s noted that the disappearance of the mermaids seemed to coincide with the building of the first of a series of dams and locks along the course of the Cape Fear, perhaps cutting off the path of the mermaids up from the sea.

As for that mermaid-drawing sandbar, sadly, it’s no longer visible. The construction of a dam raised the water levels in the area and the sandbar sank beneath the surface and with it the legendary mermaids of the Cape Fear River.

If you are ready to come discover our beautiful area and experience this exciting phenomenon 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 – August Checklist

As the August sun bears down on gardeners and their gardens, it can be difficult to keep plants thriving during the hot summer days. The best way to beat the heat is to perform maintenance tasks early in the day, water your garden regularly and as well as keeping yourself hydrated. Cooler temperatures are ahead and now is the time to start planting fall crops as we begin the transition into fall.

Planning. It’s hot out, so plan to do your garden chores earlier in the morning or late in the afternoon. This is a great time to make sure you have seed collecting envelopes, labels, or storage containers so that you can harvest the seeds of your best performing plants. If you are planning a fall vegetable garden, now is the time to buy seeds and start them indoors.

NOTE: Regularly check your garden center and nursery for an end-of-season clearance section. Sometimes there are straggly, discounted perennials, pots, or other garden supply deals that you can snatch up.

Pruning. Avoid pruning trees and shrubs since doing so this late in the season can stimulate new growth that will not harden off in time for the cold winter weather ahead. Delay pruning until the end of the dormant season early next spring. Pinch off herbs to promote a bushier plant and to keep them from going to seed.

Water. Deeply watering vegetable gardens is paramount as the root systems are well developed. Early morning is the best time to water as evening watering is less desirable because plant leaves that remain wet through the night are more susceptible to fungus diseases. Mulching plants will help to reduce water losses and improve harvest yields. Container plants or hanging baskets will need to be watered daily to keep them thriving.

Pick Your 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.

Spotlight: Leland Brewing Company

Anyone familiar with the Wilmington area knows that it has become a popular destination, not only for vacationers, but many people are flocking here to call this beautiful place home. It goes without saying that Leland has benefited from this expansion, and with the recent growth, residents of Brunswick County have benefited from many new restaurants and bars opening in Leland. No longer do you have to travel to across the river to Wilmington for tasty beverages. Our newest addition to the beer scene is Leland Brewing Company, 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 for Leland Brewing Company. 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.

Next time you feel the need to wet your whistle, be sure to visit and sip on some yummy brews named after some of the area’s unexplained phenomena. And visit their Facebook page to see scheduled food trucks and events.

If you are like us, you’re already thirsty and ready to find your favorite brew. We’d love to help you 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.

Summer – Home Projects

Summer means playing in the yard, swimming, ice-cold drinks on the porch, cookouts under the twinkling bistro lights. It is also a great time for home improvement projects. Make the most of the long days and warm weather with these easy projects that will turn your to-dos into ta-das without breaking the bank.

Pressure Washing. Winter weather can leave all sorts of dirt and grime on your home’s exterior and other outdoor areas. Pressure washing is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact on your home’s appearance. If you don’t own a pressure washer, renting from one of our local hardware stores is an easy process.

Note: As you clean your home’s exterior, direct the spray downward to avoid forcing water into cracks or seams. Use a lower pressure setting on surfaces that could easily be damaged, such as painted siding or wood decks.

Clean Your Gutters. Certainly not the most fun or creative home improvement project, however it is important one in protecting your home against summer storms. Blocked gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage and an increase in pests.

Backyard Oasis. Yard work is likely already on your to-do list this summer, and by adding a few additional projects you can make your outdoor space an extension of your home. Summer is a great time to plant perennials, lupines and hydrangeas are beautiful low-maintenance additions. Building a shed adds value to your home and also gives you a spot to put all your lawn equipment and hopefully help declutter other areas.

Declutter. Now that temperatures are warmer, it’s time to air-out and organize the forgotten places like our garages or sheds. This is a great way to earn some money on items you no longer use.

Ceiling Fans. Enjoy year-round savings as the fans create cooling breezes in summer and help circulate heated air to keep rooms warmer.

Replace AC Filters. Another not very fun activity but it takes far less time than cleaning your gutters and helps keep allergens, dust, and mold from circulating throughout your home when the AC is running.

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.

Garden Calendar – July Checklist

With warm evenings, extended daylight hours and consistently high temperature, your July garden is thriving and you are likely enjoying fresh tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and other bounty. The challenges you face now are keeping plants watered deeply and free of pests or disease. See our ideas below to help ensure your garden is staying lush and healthy even amid the summer’s hottest days.

Planning. Summer getaways are common, so while you are traveling plan to have someone tend to the basics of your garden, like watering. Reward those willing to spend time nurturing your garden with whatever they harvest.

NOTE: It’s hard to believe, but now is the time to start thinking about planning and planting for fall crops. Also, don’t forget about fall flowering plants for those pollinators we want to stick around.

Water. Deeply water vegetable gardens as needed. A garden needs one inch of rain or water each week. Early morning is the best time to water as evening watering is less desirable because plant leaves that remain wet through the night are more susceptible to fungus diseases. Mulching plants will help to reduce water losses and improve harvest yields. July heat can be brutal, some container plants or hanging baskets may need to be watered multiple times a day to keep them thriving.

Nutrients. Flowering and fruiting require a lot of energy so give plants an additional boost of organic fertilizer once flowering begins. You can fertilize one more time before the end of the season.

Plant. There is still time to plant heat loving field peas and lima beans. Towards the end of the month, sow seeds outside for beans, peppers, eggplant, broccoli, beets, kale, pumpkin, and squash.

NC Folktales and Mysteries: The Maco Light

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 just west of Wilmington. The Maco Light is a true North Carolina legend.

For those unfamiliar with the story, Joe Baldwin was a conductor who is said to have been decapitated in a collision between a runaway passenger car and a locomotive one night in 1867. Joe was alone in the last car when he realized his car had come uncoupled from the rest of the train. Knowing there was another train due, he ran to the back platform and franticly waved his lantern to warn the oncoming train. The engineer did not see the signal from the stranded car and Baldwin was decapitated in the accident. His head was never found, so Joe is doomed to swing his lantern forever, and search the tracks for his lost head.

It was said that after the collision railroad workers reported a pair of Maco lights that would appear together. Over the years, the Maco Light has been bright enough to fool many railroad workers into stopping their trains. To remedy the ghost’s schedule-thwarting attempts, signalmen at Maco used two lights, one red, and one green.

This tale has been passed from generation to generation and the apparition has been witnessed by scores of locals and even once by President Grover Cleveland, whose train was wooding and watering up at Maco in 1889. The president saw the two signal lights, asked about them, and got the full story of Joe Baldwin.

If you are feeling adventurous, the location of the accident is more difficult to find since the tracks have been removed, but the gravel rail bed and pilings remain at the spot of the old trestle. Say this ballad, and see if any light appears,

“They found Joe’s body,
They found Joe’s head!
They buried ’em both,
But he’s not dead!
On a dismal night in a dismal swamp,
You can see his lantern shine!”

Montessori Schools in the Cape Fear

Whether you are first time buyers or are looking for a little more room for your growing family, McAdams Homes offers thoughtfully designed floor plans and specially curated communities to fit all your family’s needs. Our communities are minutes away from everyday conveniences like shopping and dining, medical care, and entertainment. The Cape Fear region also offers great educational opportunities – here we’ll look at the Montessori schools in our area.

You might be asking, what is a Montessori school? And what is the difference between them and a normal school? At the core of the Montessori Method of education is the belief that a child who is fully engaged learns instinctively and effortlessly. The Montessori environment allows the child to act independently and to be a participant in their own education. When the child is allowed to make choices and see the results of these, their self-esteem and confidence are built creating a more self-reliant, happy, and independent child.

Dr. Montessori believed that a child’s full potential – physical, intellectual, and emotional – can be reached only if the child is given the opportunity to develop through the exploration of the environment. Rather than “teaching” concepts, the environment is designed to stimulate the child’s interests and learning capacities spontaneously. The learning process is experiential and investigative. Lessons are constructed to appeal to a child’s unique abilities and enthusiasms. In addition, special emphasis is placed on puzzles and problem-solving to help children build critical thinking skills. Dr. Montessori recognized that there are many ways of learning and information sharing – therefore Montessori classrooms offer a wide variety of activities and materials.

Learn more about the Montessori schools in the area by clicking on the links below.

Peace Rose Montessori – Wilmington.

Island Montessori School – Wilmington.

The Children’s Schoolhouse Montessori School – Wilmington.

Topsail Montessori – Hampstead.

If you are looking for a home that works perfectly for your lifestyle, contact us today. Stay up to date on the latest happenings by tuning into our Facebook page!

NOW LEASING – The Landing at Lewis Creek

If you missed out on the opportunity to live in The Landing at Lewis Creek, an amazing coastal community…don’t let the chance pass you by again! McAdams Homes is happy to announce that we will be leasing 17 new construction homes within this desirable neighborhood.

The Landing at Lewis Creek is an established community off Gordon Road in Wilmington, NC and we are pleased to offer a limited enclave of single-family homes for lease. These spacious family-friendly and roommate-friendly floorplans start at 1,792 square feet, with plans featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 – 2.5 bathrooms, and front-load garages, not to mention they are conveniently located near Interstate 40, I-140 and Martin Luther King Parkway, just minutes away from shopping, dining, Historic Downtown Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach and everyday conveniences.

The benefits of new home construction mean you will enjoy these modern design features:

Open Concept Floorplans
Chef’s Kitchen Opening to Living Area
Solid Stone Counters, Stainless Steel Appliances and Garbage Disposal
Washer and Dryer
9’ Ceilings
Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring Downstairs, in Hallways, Laundry and Bathrooms
Carpeting in Bedrooms
Black Hardware and Moen Plumbing Fixtures
Landscaping Maintenance Included in Monthly Rental
Fenced-in Backyards
Pet Friendly Homes
Enjoy a Lock and Leave Lifestyle

One-year leasing opportunities are limited in this popular community with monthly leasing starting at $2,395. Click for information on the available floor plans: Jackson and Lakeside. Direct inquiries to 910-900-7767, you can email manager@upswilmington.com or fill out the contact form here.

If you are looking for a home that works perfectly for your lifestyle, contact us today. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories, click here for current incentives and explore our specially curated communities in the Wilmington Area of North Carolina.

NC Folktales and Mysteries: Seneca Guns

North Carolina has a rich tradition of folklore, and it encompasses a variety of magical legends and unexplained natural phenomena – from fairies and Bigfoot in the mountains to mermaids in the Cape Fear and mysterious booms heard off the coast. We can’t be sure if anyone knows the real story behind these strange events, but we do know that these tales date back for generations and have played an important role in our state’s culture.

In this series, we want to share with you our favorite folktales and even pique your interest enough to dive more into the historical mysteries that continue to perplex us today.

For over 150 years, coastal North Carolina residents have reported witnessing mysterious booming sounds that have been powerful enough to rattle windows and vibrate buildings. While this phenomenon is not unique to the Carolina coast, they are however most common along our shores. Referred to as the “Seneca Guns,” the name is thought to come from similar ominous sounds that had been heard for centuries at Lake Seneca in NY, as described in James Fenimore Cooper’s short story, “The Lake Gun.”

Coastal North Carolina residents have several theories but spoiler alert, there is no definitive explanation for the booming noises. Ideas range from distant offshore storms, underwater earthquakes or shifting of plates, jets breaking the sound barrier or other military exercises, or even meteoric explosions. Some wilder theories claim supernatural reasons, like echoes of cannon fire from Civil War engagements. These fascinating and unnerving sounds for now remain a mystery.

Garden Calendar – June Checklist

With June bringing consistently warmer temperatures and the arrival of summer, new life is springing up everywhere. Outdoor planting is in full swing, and some plants are even reaching harvest time. Check out our June Garden checklist for things you can do in this month to help produce a rewarding lush landscape and bountiful harvest.

Maintaining. Monitor for pests and note how certain varieties of plants have been successful and which didn’t perform. Keep your observations in you journal so you can refer to them next year. Weed the garden regularly to keep the task easy and manageable. Freshen up and add mulch or a plant cover like phlox to bare soil to prevent weeds. Phlox forms a lush low-growing carpet of stunning flowers that not only suppresses weeds, it also attracts pollinators, win win!

NOTE: Garden flowers, whether annuals or perennials, benefit from “deadheading” after flowering. By removing the spent flower heads, energy is used to produce more flowers or foliage and roots. Many will produce another flush of blooms.

Water. After your vegetable garden is well established, it is best to water it thoroughly once a week rather than giving it a light watering every day. That way, a deeper root system is encouraged to develop, which will later help the plants tolerate dry weather. Control mosquitoes by eliminating all sources of stagnant water. Consider installing a bat house to encourage bat habitat, they eat mosquitoes!

Wildlife. Don’t forget about inviting birds to your backyard to help control insect populations and protect your plants. Fill up your birdfeeders, add a hummingbird feeder, fill birdbaths with clean water, and add a birdhouse to help provide a safe new home for nesting. Plant sunflower seeds for the birds to enjoy later summer.

Plant. Wilmington is in USDA Zone 8, affording us a long growing season. June is a great time to Continue planting direct-seeded, warm season vegetable crops such as beans, summer squash, cucumbers, asparagus, rhubarb, field peas and warm weather herbs like basil, and wildflower seeds.