Community Calendar

This cruise is available monthly on the first Saturday through October (excluding July 4th)

This morning, 90 minute cruise goes up the Northeast Cape Fear River to the upper reaches of the black water system of this storied river. Captain Doug Springer will share his extensive knowledge of the history of the area while you take in the flora and fauna along the river banks. The Northeast Cape Fear River is still largely unpopulated and looks much as it did when Wilmington was colonized in the late 1600s. We will cruise through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation.

This excursion is comfortable and memorable on our 49 passenger catamaran with 360 degree views. Photographers, birders, and nature buffs love the variety of wildlife and native plants that adorn the river banks. You may possibly see osprey, alligators, sea turtles, and river otters, just to name a few. Visit our full bar for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or for the best Bloody Mary on the river.

This is a 90 minute cruise $30. Boarding 15 minutes prior to departure.

Black Water Adventure – First Saturday of the month through October 10 AM
This morning, hour and three quarters long cruise goes up the Northeast Cape Fear River to the upper reaches of the black water system of this storied river. Captain Doug Springer will share his extensive knowledge of the history of the area while you take in the flora and fauna along the river banks. We will cruise through the Castle Hayne Aquifer and by the bluffs of the Rose Hill Plantation. Visit our full bar for a freshly brewed cup of coffee or the best Bloody Mary on the river.

This is a great cruise for photographers, birders and nature buffs. Bring your camera to capture the untouched beauty of this early morning adventure. $30. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to boarding.

Under the shade of the Magnolias and Oaks of Historic Poplar Grove is one of Wilmington’s longest running outdoor markets, now in its 18th year. Stroll the grounds of a pre-revolutionary war site, visit with the Artists of the Grove or sign up for workshops, order a specialty coffee or icy cold lemonade and shop for farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, food and beverages of all types as well as artisan crafted goods. We are family and dog friendly with loads of free parking and never a fee for the Wednesday market. The 1850’s manor house is open for touring as are The Shoppes at Poplar Grove, home to Grumpy Grandpa’s Coffee, Queen Esther Herbal Teas and The Hive on the Hill mercantile and gift shop. The market runs every Wednesday from 9-1 from May 20th until August 26th for the 2026 season. Poplar Grove is a non-profit organization dedicated to Education, Conservation and Preservation. Please visit our website at www.poplargrove.org to learn more or follow us on Facebook at farmersmarketpoplargrove or poplar_grove on Instagram to join in our journey.

Jack Johnson: SURFILMUSIC traces the journey from his early days making 16mm surf films with friends on Oahu’s North Shore to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in modern music. Through rare archival footage and present-day reflections, the documentary explores how surfing, filmmaking, friendship, and the ocean inspired the songs that launched his career and helped shape modern surf culture.

In Kingdom of the Evening, filmmaker and surfer Kepa Acero returns to Morocco 15 years after an unforgettable solo adventure to reunite with Yassine—now known as Snoopy Style, a beloved local surf guide whose life has evolved alongside the changing coastline of Taghazout. It's a moving story of friendship, memory, and the passage of time.

Then, lighten the mood with Fun Island, a charming travelogue from Wilmington filmmaker Jason Andre. When a dream surf trip takes an unexpected turn during the COVID era, two friends find themselves stranded in quarantine on the aptly named "Fun Island," proving that even the best-laid adventures rarely go according to plan.

Together, these films remind us that the best surf stories aren't just about chasing waves—they're about the people you meet and the memories you make along the way.

Under the shade of the Magnolias and Oaks of Historic Poplar Grove is one of Wilmington’s longest running outdoor markets, now in its 18th year. Stroll the grounds of a pre-revolutionary war site, visit with the Artists of the Grove or sign up for workshops, order a specialty coffee or icy cold lemonade and shop for farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, food and beverages of all types as well as artisan crafted goods. We are family and dog friendly with loads of free parking and never a fee for the Wednesday market. The 1850’s manor house is open for touring as are The Shoppes at Poplar Grove, home to Grumpy Grandpa’s Coffee, Queen Esther Herbal Teas and The Hive on the Hill mercantile and gift shop. The market runs every Wednesday from 9-1 from May 20th until August 26th for the 2026 season. Poplar Grove is a non-profit organization dedicated to Education, Conservation and Preservation. Please visit our website at www.poplargrove.org to learn more or follow us on Facebook at farmersmarketpoplargrove or poplar_grove on Instagram to join in our journey.

Join the knowledgeable guides from Cape Fear Bird Observatory and their partners for a family friendly fun nature walk! Meeting at the Greenfield Lake boathouse (near the tennis courts) for an informational session on the third Saturday of every month, usually beginning at 9:00 AM followed by a narrated 60 minute stroll around the lake looking at interesting birds, plants, mammals, reptiles, and other fascinating wild things. All are welcome! No registration required. Please bring sunscreen, insect repellent, water and comfortable walking shoes.

Under the shade of the Magnolias and Oaks of Historic Poplar Grove is one of Wilmington’s longest running outdoor markets, now in its 18th year. Stroll the grounds of a pre-revolutionary war site, visit with the Artists of the Grove or sign up for workshops, order a specialty coffee or icy cold lemonade and shop for farm fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, food and beverages of all types as well as artisan crafted goods. We are family and dog friendly with loads of free parking and never a fee for the Wednesday market. The 1850’s manor house is open for touring as are The Shoppes at Poplar Grove, home to Grumpy Grandpa’s Coffee, Queen Esther Herbal Teas and The Hive on the Hill mercantile and gift shop. The market runs every Wednesday from 9-1 from May 20th until August 26th for the 2026 season. Poplar Grove is a non-profit organization dedicated to Education, Conservation and Preservation. Please visit our website at www.poplargrove.org to learn more or follow us on Facebook at farmersmarketpoplargrove or poplar_grove on Instagram to join in our journey.

Please join this citizen science program and learn about pollinators and their habitats. All materials for the census will be provided; we need you to select a plant to watch and count and record the number of insects that visit that plant for a 15-minute period. Your information can then be submitted and become part of the data for the census.

A FREE pollinator craft will be available for children in The Children's Garden.

For more information about the GSEPC, visit the following site: https://gsepc.org/ The Great Southeast Pollinator Census -- Citizen Science at Work. You can signup for the GSEPC newsletter, review materials, watch a video, and check out The Great Pollinator Count, a children's book that introduces kids to the importance of pollinators.

History Buffs Dream Cruise!
Set sail through centuries of history on this immersive cruise led by acclaimed historian Dr. Chris Fonvielle. Each month, Dr. Fonvielle explores a different era of Wilmington and Cape Fear’s fascinating past — from early European exploration to the rise of the port city, to the dramatic battles and blockades of the Civil War. A gifted storyteller and local expert, Dr. Fonvielle brings depth, detail, and personality to every tale, all while cruising the scenic Cape Fear River.

Whether you are a lifelong history buff or just curious about the forces that shaped this region, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn while enjoying a relaxing, scenic cruise. Topics rotate monthly, so every trip offers a new perspective on Wilmington’s place in American history. Call our office for monthly topics.

Our boat, the Wilmington is a 49 passenger motor catamaran with a full bar with refreshments for all ages and a restroom on board. We offer 360 degree views of .our historic riverfront and the beauty of the river. This is a 90 minute cruise $45. Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure.