Farm Fresh Recipes

One of the best things about summer is the abundance of fresh products locally grown in the Cape Fear area and offered up at some really great farmers’ markets. We invite you to visit the markets listed below where you can be inspired to try some farm fresh ingredients straight to your table. 

  • Riverfront Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM (rain or shine) on Dock Street in Historic Downtown, between 2nd Street and Water Street – you’ll find locally grown – locally produced – locally made goods and products. Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 
  • Wrightsville Beach Farmers’ Market – Mondays from 8AM to 1PM (May 16 – December 12, 2022) on the WB Municipal Grounds (adjacent to Town Hall), between Causeway Drive and Salisbury Street – you’ll find fresh, locally grown produce as well as other consumable vendors and a variety of crafters offering unique goods. Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 
  • Wilmington Farmers Market – Saturdays from 8AM to 1PM, year-round, rain or shine at 5329 Oleander Drive (in front of Tidal Creek Co-op) – they “exist to provide the best local produce, meats, eggs, bread, mushrooms, seafood and other staple food items that the shoppers want, and to generate income for our farms and families.” Go to Facebook for their latest updates. Free entry. 

Now that you’ve got your produce, cheeses, etc. Check out these recipes to get you started enjoying all the bounty of the summer. 

There’s no better place to enjoy these delicious meals than in a McAdams Homes. To find the perfect home and to start making lasting family memories 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.

Child-Proofing Your Home

At McAdams Homes, our aim is to offer thoughtfully designed floor plans of the highest quality. We strive to meet excellence in every detail of your home and offer a product that will match the growing demands of your family. Whether you’re planning to welcome a new baby, or you already have one crawling around, a home that’s carefully child-proofed can go a long way towards your peace of mind. Below are some tips on how to get your house ready, and remember, follow your intuition – you’ve got this!

Whole House. 

  • Cover your electrical outlets – typically at a baby’s level, these are tempting danger with fingers or other objects.
  • Secure heavy furniture – mounting bookcases and dressers to the wall prevents the risk of tipping over. 
  • Install door knob covers – this will prevent little ones from going into “no zones” like the garage or laundry area. 
  • Utilize baby gates – place gates near stairs or wherever needed.
  • Corner guards – use soft corner cushions to prevent bumps and bruises from low furniture edges. 
  • Remove hazards – put away anything hazardous like indoor plants, breakables, batteries, cords, and fireplace tools, just to name a few. 
  • Install cabinet locks – keep dangerous liquids and cleaners locked and secure. 

Bathrooms. 

  • Water temperature – set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or less to prevent burns.
  • Slippery when wet – use a non-slip mat in the bathtub or shower.
  • Install a toilet lock – not only will it keep toys from “swimming,” it’ll prevent your child from falling in. 
  • Cabinet locks – keep medicines, cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, razors, tweezers, hair dryers, etc out of reach.

If you are looking for a home to meet the growing demands your family, 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. 

Summer Fun in Wilmington, NC

Wilmington, NC offers year-round entertainment and attractions, but summertime is when this beautiful area really shines. Wilmington’s proximity to the coast makes it the perfect place for summer fun. Below are some area highlights to enjoy, whether the weather is cooperating or not. 

The Beach. An obvious choice, and with three island beaches in the area to choose from it’s easy to get your toes in the sand. 

Live Music. Dance the nights away with live music or concerts at one of the area’s many outdoor waterfront venues. Enjoy two live music venues on the beautiful Riverwalk of Historic Downtown Wilmington: Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park and Friday Night Live! on the Pier. Greenfield Lake Amphitheater is a magical venue offering an intimate show with a scenic backdrop. Or take in jazz on the grounds of the Bellamy Mansion Museum the second Thursday of each month May through September, on the lawn of the Bellamy at 6:30pm.

Indoors. Maybe you’ve had too much fun in the sun. Whether you’re looking to cool off indoors or get out of a pop-up shower, Wilmington has you covered. The Children’s Museum offers children the opportunity to discover, play, and get hands-on learning through engaging and informative exhibits and activities. The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher lets you connect to the natural world, giving visitors a chance to explore marine life and various aquatic environments like salt marshes, tidal pools, and an open ocean exhibit. Although Jungle Rapids is known for its water activities and Go-Karts, they also have a large arcade with other indoor activities.

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.

Garden Calendar – May Checklist

May is here and gardens are coming alive, this is a thrilling and busy month for gardeners. Planting season is in full swing, seedlings are popping, blooms are flourishing, and some cool-season crops are ready for picking. Check out our May Garden checklist for things you can do in this month to get you one step closer to a bountiful garden and lush landscape. 

Planning. If you kept up with your garden to-do lists, you should have a good idea of what is coming up this growing season. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to start a garden journal. Walk around your neighborhood, parks, or a neighbor’s garden, take notes and photographs to help identify them at a garden center. 

Notice any pests presenting themselves in your garden and note any traps or companion plants pairings that you can use to help combat them. This is a good time to visit nurseries and garden centers brimming with plants and all the supplies you’ll need. Now is a great time to be getting fruit plants or summer bulbs.  

Weeding. Pesky weeds are starting to make their way into the garden, and with a keen eye pull them early so they are easier to eliminate. Adding a few inches of mulch to your garden will help keep other weeds from propagating. 

Plant. Fortunately, here in the Wilmington area we experience a mild temperate climate and are in USDA Zone 8, affording us a long growing season. May is a great time to plant beans, okra, pumpkin, sweet corn, and watermelon. Plant only partial rows of beans and sweet corn so that successive plantings can be done every week or two. Sweet corn should be planted in paired rows or blocks for good pollination.

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.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game: Wilmington Sharks

When the weather heats up, there’s nothing like a day at the ballpark. The pop of the ball into a glove, the crack of the bat, the chatter of the players; there’s something special about the sights and sounds of the park on a warm summer night. Fortunately for the residents of and visitors to the Port City, the Wilmington Sharks invite you to come experience some great American pastime fun. 

Part of the Coastal Plain League (CPL), this collegiate summer baseball team plays its home games on Buck Hardee Field at Legion Stadium (also known as “The Shark Tank”), centrally located a just few minutes drive from Historic Downtown Wilmington and close to Leland, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. This wooden bat league is a great option for a family-friendly outing. 

Visitors to the ballpark are treated to a world-class experience. The Sharks have fan pregame giveaways and events, offer great group packages, tasty concessions, and of course, the beer garden. Join them for special game themed nights, which can include events just for kids, Jaws n’ Paws Night (where you can take your dog to the game), discounts for military members and other special groups, and other fun ballgames that coincide with contests, prizes, or even fireworks.

For over 25 years, the Wilmington Sharks have been entertaining sporting fans of all ages. Check out their home schedule here and be sure to get out there and cheer them on. Opportunities are available to be a host family and you can also watch games live from anywhere. 

If you are ready to get out there and root for the home team, 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. 

UPDATE – Wilmington 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 the area’s tastiest offerings. 

Porters Neck

Bridgewater Wines + Dines. 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.

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 kid’s menu, every appetite will find something delicious. 

K38 Baja Grill. Delicious drinks, fresh ingredients, and a relaxed beach vibe – K38 is offering up authentic Baja cuisine. Wait until you taste their chips and salsa!

Kornerstone Bistro. This neighborhood bistro, specializing in Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, offers award winning dishes and weekly specials. Be sure to check out their casual and inviting atmosphere. 

P.T.’s Olde Fashioned Grille. The ‘fresh not frozen’ approach is why these burgers and fries are award winning. Stop in and build your own today!

Pho Vanhly Noodle House. A longtime dream turned to reality, the chefs here are bringing Vietnamese, Loatian, and Thai cuisine to Porters Neck. Inspired by her mother, Vanhly – Pho Vanhly basically means, “mom’s soup.” So take in the intoxication aromas and enjoy an authentic experience. 

Tidewater Oyster Bar. Locally sourced and lovingly prepared so that you can taste the freshness of the sea. Dine in or order online, you’ll be sure to enjoy this succulent cuisine. 

Hampstead

Burney’s Sweets and More. Whether it’s the most delicious, glazed croissants or a breakfast sandwich you are craving – Burney’s if offering up some delectable delights!

Burrito Shak. A restaurant with the simple goal of putting quality ingredients into inspired recipes in a quick dining atmosphere. 

Jebby’s on 17. A staple of Hampstead, Jebby’s serves up daily lunch and dinner specials including chicken pot pie, shrimp ‘n grits, fried chicken and so much more. 

Nineteen Bar and Restaurant. Located at the Olde Point Golf and Country Club, this restaurant is open year-round to the public and offers a variety of lunch and dinner options. 

Sawmill Grill. This modest, homey diner is serving up breakfast, fried fish, and a whole bunch of other comfort foods. Enjoy home cooking and friendly service at this hometown staple.

Downtown Wilmington

Caprice Bistro. This bistro serves up delicious and authentic French fare in an intimate atmosphere. Be sure to indulge at the upstairs martini bar. 

The Copper Penny. This Downtown treasure offers an eclectic mix of food and an extensive selection of mixed drinks and beer options. Enjoy the laid back atmosphere as you enjoy lunch and dinner or drinks with friends. 

The Fork ‘N’ Cork. Gourmet burgers, next level mac-n-cheese, and other palate pleasing pleasures in this quaint, brick walled restaurant. 

The German Café. Set in a casual, welcoming environment, this family owned operation is serving up the best of German cuisine along with house-made deserts. 

Rebellion. Here you’ll enjoy great food and great libations. From the tray of nachos to the yummy wings and mouth-watering burgers, and the extensive list of whiskeys, bourbons and other spirits. 

Savorez. Latin American fusion dishes served in a snug, brightly painted space with a vibrant and friendly ambiance. The lobster ceviche won’t disappoint. 

Seabird. The dishes served at Seabird are creative, fresh, seasonal, unique, and delicious. Enjoy beer, wine, and handcrafted cocktails along with oysters, shellfish and other seafood locally caught by small scale fisherman. 

Midtown Wilmington

Double Happiness Chinese Restaurant. Serving up the most delicious and authentic Chinese dishes surrounded with traditional décor and formal touches with a welcoming ambiance. 

Flaming Amy’s Burrito Barn. “Hot, fast, cheap, and easy.” Their name and tag say it all! For an eclectic dining experience and gut busting burritos this is your spot.  

Indochine Restaurant. Thai and Vietnamese dishes served in an exotic, authentic setting with outdoor gardens and gazebos. 

Mac’s Speed Shop. Serving up Southern fare, live music, and cold drinks.        

Molly Pitchers American Grill. Come hungry, enjoy their extensive menu and get inspired by stories of women’s bravery in the face of opposition during the American Revolutionary War. 

Tandoori Bites. Welcoming staff and casual atmosphere, where you can enjoy classic Indian dishes. 

Carolina Beach

El Cazador Mexican Restaurant. Offering up authentic Mexican food and experience you will not soon forget. 

Havana’s Restaurant. Enjoy this cozy cottage setting as you dine on seafood and other assorted dishes. 

Hang Ten Grill. This laid-back, surf inspired hangout is serving up burgers, other handhelds, seafood, and weekend breakfasts. 

Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar. A great casual beachfront stop offering coastal cuisine with ocean views and live music at the Tiki Bar. 

Stoked Restaurant. This relaxed, full-service restaurant on the water offers a variety of delicious meals, dock access, and live music. Breakfast available on the weekend! 

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar.  This unique 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.

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.

Adding Smart Home Features

At McAdams Homes, our aim is to offer our customers creatively designed floor plans, while ensuring we provide you with the highest quality in new home construction. We strive to meet excellence in every detail of your home, so that you can feel good about investing in it and your quality of life with these smart home features. 

A smart home is a place that anticipates your needs and helps you fine-tune your environment through automated systems and AI technology. Below are a few tips to help make your home smart and hopefully make life easier and add convenience.  

Your Ecosystem. Think of this as the “brain” of the home. You’ll want to choose from the main ones likely: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Apple HomeKit. If your home is full of iPhones, iPads, or other Apple products the latter is an obvious choice. Alexa boasts the most compatible products and Google Assistant is great for responding to voice commands. 

Your Hub. Your smart home hub controls and connects all your devices from a centralized spot. The Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod, and Google Nest Hub Max are just a few of the options out there.   

Your Wi-Fi. Having a reliable Wi-Fi connection is crucial, as almost all smart home devices rely on it. Be sure to put your router in a good location and use boosters or mesh systems if necessary. 

Compatible Products. You’ll want to make sure your home products work with your ecosystem. Before making any purchases, at a minimum look for a logo that says, Works with Google Assistant, Works with Alexa, or Works with Apple HomeKit. 

Start Small. Smart thermostats, like Nest and Honeywell, are one of the most popular smart home features to add due to the ease of use and customization. Smart doorbells and alarm systems are easy to install and add peace of mind. From smart refrigerators to ceiling fans, to light bulbs and showers, there are smart products for everyone.  

No matter what smart home features you enjoy, 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. 

Garden Calendar – April Checklist

Spring is here, the bees are buzzing, and just as the birds are readying their spring nests, gardeners are eager to prepare their beds for new life. Check out our April Garden checklist for things you can do in the garden this month to ensure a phenomenal growing season full of bountiful crops and beautiful blooms.

Planning. Take inspiration from your dream board, hand sketches or some of these great design ideas and turn your garden dreams into realities! Before heading to the garden center, make sure to jot down any supplies you need, think about companion plant pairings or other seedlings you might want to use.

Visit Your Local Extension Office. Here you can obtain a soil test, learn about native plants, and get insight on organic pest control, as well as getting your gardening questions answered by an expert staff. Visit their website here.  

Weed Beds and Prune. Pull up weeds before they establish themselves. Prune flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming and cut back overgrown shrubs. This is also a good time to add organic matter to help improve soil conditions. 

Plant. The Wilmington area enjoys a mild temperate climate and are in USDA Zone 8, affording us a long growing season. April is a great time to plant begin planting beets, carrots, chard, lettuce, mustard, onion sets, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radish, spinach, and turnip. You can also start sowing sweet corn, cucumbers, summer squash, and bush beans, as well as herbs you want to use. You can also start seeds indoors for okra, pumpkin, cucumber, summer and winter squash, and melons. 

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.

Benefits of New Construction

At McAdams Homes, our goal is to offer our customers creatively designed floor plans, while ensuring we provide you with the highest quality in new home construction. We strive to meet excellence in every detail and provide an enjoyable and satisfying home buying experience. 

Here are a few benefits to new home construction:

Low Maintenance. New construction homes come with modern systems and appliances which are engineered to require less care and maintenance which can leave you worry free for several years, as there is a significant financial benefit of low-cost maintenance.

Move-In Ready. We offer amazing floor plans with incredible features that come standard in every McAdams home. You’ll enjoy granite countertops, 42” cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, premium plumbing fixtures, 9’ ceilings and crown molding throughout. 

Energy Efficiency. With modern building codes and the implementation of new technologies and building techniques, new home construction comes with the added benefit of energy efficiency, which reduces monthly utility bills. 

Warranty Protection. You can buy with confidence knowing the builder will cover the cost of standard issues during the warranty period. 

New Community. By moving into a new development, everyone is new to the neighborhood, and you can build a community of your own. 

Modern Floor Plans. Bright, open, and welcoming, our thoughtfully designed portfolio of floor plans fit your modern lifestyle. No need to take down walls or exhaust your budget with endless updates.

Amenities. Whether it’s a convenient location, walking trails, sports courts, or a clubhouse with pool, our new construction homes in our specially curated communities come with amenities for everyone.

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. 

Simple Cleaning Hacks

March is a great time for cleaning, organizing, and freshening up your house for the sunny and warmer summer months ahead. If you are anything like us, now that we have more daylight hours, those little dust bunnies that have been successfully hiding are getting pretty hard to ignore. Which means the dreaded spring cleaning deep clean is looming, but with some simple hacks, we hope to make this not such a big undertaking. Getting rid of winter dust, dirt, and clutter are not only good for your physical health but it can also help reduce the effects of seasonal allergies and improve your mental health as well. 

Steam Clean Your Microwave with Lemons. In a microwave safe container measure about ½ cup water, then add a halved lemon with juice and cook on high for 2-3 minutes so the liquid comes to a boil. DO NOT OPEN THE MICROWAVE; let the steam loosen food items. After your five-minute timer goes off, easily wipe off food residue.  

Cleaning Oven Racks. It can be annoying and messy trying to clean large oven racks in a smaller sink. So, give them a bubble bath. Line your tub with old towels so when you place the racks the tub doesn’t get scratched. Cover racks with hot water, dish detergent and let them soak for hours or overnight. Brush off any gunk with a brush or sponge, rinse and let dry. 

Use Vinegar. Vinegar has so many applications and can be used to unclog faucet heads, deep clean your washing machine and your dishwasher by placing a cup of distilled white vinegar on the top rack and running it. 

Wash Shower Curtain Liners. You can wash your shower curtain liner in the washing machine. Just toss it in with a couple of towels, and simply hang back up to dry. 

Keep Some Chalk Nearby. Chalk is very absorbent, making it a great stain stick. Just remove excess food and oil from your soiled garment with a clean towel – then cover the area with chalk. Before tossing in the laundry, just rub the spot with stain remover or laundry detergent, wash in warm water, and the spot will be gone.

To learn more about where you can get a sparkly clean McAdams Home click here for current incentives and enjoy living in one of our specially curated neighborhoods. 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.