The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes with the season, every visit offers a new way to experience the native and beloved plant life of Wilmington in a perfectly tranquil setting. There is NO admissions charge to visit the Arboretum.
The Arboretum itself was formally opened in 1989, and continues to grow with new gardens and statue displays that are contributed by local artists and landscaping experts. Currently, the Arboretum contains 33 distinctly different gardens which include varying species that are either native to the Cape Fear area or thrive in the coastal Carolina environment.
Highlights of the gardens include an aquatic garden complete with a red wooden pedestrian bridge that stretches over a water-lily filled pond, a bog garden with gorgeous spring and summertime flowers, and a Japanese garden with intricate statues and specimens set against the Wilmington landscape. Kids will love the children's garden, which features a small but inviting yellow "clubhouse" with a wooden purple fence, brightly colored mushroom stools, and plenty of seasonal blooms, as well as the coy pond in the aquatic garden, which is always well-stocked with colorful gold, black and white coy fish.
Visitors are advised to keep an eye out for the statues and local works of art which are found throughout the Arboretum grounds, from the lemon yellow rabbit that hangs around the kids' clubhouse to the metal dragon that hovers above the pond.
While many of the statues and works are permanent attractions, visitors will find that every season brings a new dose of color and local species to admire at the Arboretum. The early spring and summer months are prime bulb season, clustered primarily next to the children's garden, while the summertime brings acres of azaleas and fragrant rose bushes. In the summer and fall, look for the diverse selection of edible plants in the herb gardens, as well as the hardy camellias, which bloom throughout the winter. The water lilies in the aquatic garden are a favorite attraction for visitors, but really, any garden located along the brick and cement walking path that winds through the Arboretum certainly holds its own charms.
Admission is free for visitors and residents alike, and a gift shop is located by the Arboretum's entrance, with plenty of goodies for every age, taste, and pocketbook size. Gift shop proceeds of sales going to benefit the non-profit Friends of the Arboretum which keeps the gardens looking beautiful, and sponsors community events and projects.
The Arboretum also hosts a number of seasonal art exhibits, as well as a very popular annual Master Gardener Association plant sale, which takes place in the prime Wilmington planting season, generally early April or late March. Here, plant shoppers can purchase a number of locally grown herbs, vegetables, flowers (including annuals and perennials), shrubs, trees, and even rose bushes, as they chat with master gardeners for advice on planting and long-term care. Open to the public, with several acres of plants available to purchase, this annual plant sale has become a must-see for local and regional gardeners everywhere.
Garden lovers will adore a leisurely tour through Wilmington's New Hanover County Arboretum, while families of all ages will appreciate the decadent blooms, well-appointed children's gardens, and intricate works of art that are scattered throughout the diverse and enthralling themed gardens. Open to everyone, with natural exhibits that change with every season, a visit to the New Hanover County Arboretum is truly a breath of fresh air for visitors who need to slow down, relax, and enjoy the Cape fear region's sunning local scenery.
Once you have your coastal recreational fishing license in hand, it’s time to start thinking about gear. Anglers will find tons of options when it comes to equipment for casting into the surf, from custom designed rods and reels at local tackle shops, to name brand varieties that are designed for multiple areas along the coastline. Here are just a few of the most popular gear options for surf fishermen. Keep in mind that there are endless options available, and your local bait and tackle store staff will be happy to point you in the right direction if you have any questions about what you’ll need for successful surf fishing in any given area along the North Carolina coastline.
Visitors will find an easy-to-get-to beach paradise at Oak Island, an expansive but peaceful retreat that's located an easy drive away from Wilmington, Southport, and other inland North Carolina communities. Both the main town and the island itself share the name of "Oak Island," and while the town extends slightly inland, encompassing the Cape Fear Regional Jetport, the rest of the community is cut off from the world by the long Elizabeth River, and a network of salty creeks and canals. This watery gap may not be particularly wide, but visitors will feel the change as soon as they cross over the bridge. Once ashore, Oak Island is a picturesque landscape of charming vacation rental homes, cool seafood restaurants and shops, and miles of ocean shoreline.
Mint Condition by Pier 42 Vacations – Your Ideal Beachside GetawayWelcome to Mint Condition, a striking and vibrant beach home with handsome ocean vistas, located in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, NC. Managed by Pier 42 Vacations, this enchanting getaway is just a 2-min. walk from the beach, offering two spectacular routes to the ocean, only one block away.Golf Cart Included for Summer 2025! May 17 - September 12, 2025This property includes a 4-passenger, street-legal golf cart for guest use in 2025. A valid driver's license is required to operate. Please Note: The golf cart is included at the owner's discretion and is subject to change each year. It is not guaranteed for bookings outside of May 17 - September 12, 2025.✨ KEY FEATURES???? Entire property ????️ 6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms: Comfortably Accommodates up to 15 guests!???? Just a 2-min. walk to 2 beach access points! Savor breathtaking ocean vistas from the Crow's Nest!????♀️ Private Pool with Optional Pool Heat! *See Important Information Below*????️ Entirely Equipped Kitchen - Everything you need to prepare at home and with modern appliances???? Entertainment for All Ages: Cornhole, Intelligent tv's in every room.???? Gas Grille: Available for Guest Use.????️ Totally Stocked: Beach Chairs, pool floats, pool basketball and various beach toys located in the garage for a fun filled day in the pool or at the beach!???? Outdoor Shower: Rinse off those sandy toes before jumping in the pool!???? Convenience & Comfort: Elevator Access, Free Parking, Washer/Dryer, High-Speed WiFi, and Keyless Entry????️ Your Ideal Beach Retreat Located in the heart of Ocean Isle Beach, Mint Condition puts you just steps away from the sand and the best local spots. ???? 0.2 miles to the Oceanfront Clubhouse with bathrooms, golf cart parking, and an oceanfront pool???? 0.5 miles to Ocean Isle Creamery & Sunset Slush⛳ 0.5 miles to River Country Mini Golf???? 0.5 miles to the OIB Pier???? 0.6 miles to Pelican's Perch Bar & GrilleWelcome to Mint Condition, your ideal beach getaway! This attractively decorated home offers everything you need for a anxiety-complimentary, calming stay. The entirely supplied kitchen is thoughtfully equipped with every appliance and tool you could wish for, making it a breeze to whip up home-cooked meals for your group. Prefer to be pampered? Appreciate meal delivery or indulge in an charming service from our Private Chef! (Additional cost applied, must be requested at least 2 weeks in advance).Spend your days relaxing by the private pool, engaging in a friendly game of water basketball, or unwinding on the balcony as the coastal breeze soothes your soul. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a friends' hideaway, or a special celebration, Mint Condition is designed to create memorable memories in a beautiful and comfortable ambiance.????BOOK NOW and experience the best of Ocean Isle Beach! ????COPY THE LINK TO EXPLORE OUR INTERACTIVE FLOORING PLAN:https://cam-media-llc.vr-360-tour.com/e/l-IBk99aQ5k/e????️ Sleeping Arrangements:First Floor-Room 1: Twin over Full bunkbedFull bath in hallway with one sink and a tub/shower.Room 2: King bedroom with master bath that includes a soaking tub and a walk-in shower.Room 3: Queen bed with master bath that includes a single sink and walk-in shower.Room 4: 2 sets of Twin Bunkbeds with a private bathroom that includes a double sink and a tub.Second Floor-Room 5: King bedroomFull bath in hallway with double sink and walk in shower.Room 6: Queen bedroomFull bath in hallway with a double sink and walk in shower.❗IMPORTANT INFORMATIONPlease know that the following is supplied in your price:Our cleaning fee includes both the cost of professional cleaning upon departure and the following items:White, fresh linens for each bed, made up prior to your arrival. A fluffy, white bath towel for each potential guest, as well as two washcloths. A hand towel for each bathroom sink. A bathmat for each shower/tub. Kitchen towels are supplied. Conveniences kits including eco-friendly products: dish soap, dish detergent, dish sponge, laundry detergent, shampoos, conditioners, body and hand soaps.A roll of paper towels for the kitchen. Bath tissue for each bathroom. Mandatory damage waiver, taxes, and processing fee are also supplied in your total.Note* Please know that amenities items are not necessarily meant to be supplied for the entire length of your stay, but helpful products in case you forget or run out!Age Requirement: Guests under 25 must receive pre-approval.Smoke-Free Environment: All Pier 42 Properties are smoke-complimentary zones. Family Animals are not allowed unless otherwise authorized at this property. Failure to acquire proper authorization will incur additional costs. Safety First: Fire pits and deep fryers are prohibited to ensure guest safety.Pool heating is an additional $100 per nighttime with a 3 nighttime minimum. If you would like to add pool heating to your stay, please request the service at least 2 weeks prior to your check-in date.Ample parking for up to 3 cars.❌CANCELLATION POLICY You may cancel any reservation and receive a full refund of all amounts paid if you notify Pier 42 Realty & Vacations in writing (by e-mail or letter) of your intention to cancel the reservation at least sixty (60) days prior to the check-in date. In the event that you cancel your reservation within sixty (60) days of your check-in date, for any or no reason, (including the failure to pay the final payment due 60 days before the stay), including inclement weather, you shall not be eligible for a refund of any payments made to Pier 42 Realty & Vacation Units.Check in is at 4 pm and Check out is at 10 amUnauthorized late check-outs will incur additional costs.When leaving the property, please make sure that all doors and windows are closed/locked. Please make sure that all appliances are turned off (stove, T.V., iron, etc.) Please set the thermostat accordingly: Please do not set the thermostat below 73 in the summer season or above 73 in the winter season. No unauthorized family pets on the property. There is no lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk. Kids must be supervised at all times.No diving or glass containers in the pool area. Elevator use: The elevator is for transporting a person(s) from one floor to another. Please do not utilize the elevator to transport groceries or suitcases without person(s) in the elevator. Kids are not allowed to utilize the elevator alone. Adult supervision is required. Ensure person(s) utilizing the elevator have a mobile phone on them during elevator use. Close accordion and main doors tightly on all levels. Do not attempt to open elevator doors prior to the call light turning off. Smoking, vaping or recreational drug use is not allowed on the property. Underage drinking is not allowed. Please respect neighbors by keeping noise levels at a minimum, particularly in the late evening until morning. Report any damage or maintenance issues to the property management company immediately.Our properties are individually owned, so please respect them as if they were your own. Do not exceed the max. capacity for parking spaces. Do not jump from balconies, windows, or furnishings. Be cautious of areas with steps or tripping hazards.
- Ocean Isle Beach
- 6 Bedrooms
- 6 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 15