It's easy to miss the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve. Located on the outskirts of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington's campus, this preserve was all but wiped away by the 1970s due to encroaching development. Thanks to the perseverance of local students and residents, however, the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve thrives as one of the most scenic and natural attractions that Wilmington has to offer. Especially attractive to budding botanists and foliage lovers, the preserve is a stunningly beautiful retreat that is close to Wilmington's thriving academic community, but feels miles away from the rest of the world.
The actions required to create the preserve were first implemented in the early 1970s. At this time, Wilmington with booming with professionals, businesses, new residents and students, and the college, UNCW, was undergoing mass expansion, and invading some natural areas that lay along the campus grounds. One of these areas was a rustic and meandering trail located close to Hoggard Hall, which had been used for the past decade or so as "training grounds" for botany, ecology and other natural studies where students could learn about the local flora and fauna. The trail was reduced significantly with the new development, but the portion that remained held one of the highest and most varied concentrations of local native plants found on campus.
Through correspondences with UNCW's chancellor, and a hefty donation provided by friend Janet Bluethenthal, the appropriately named Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve was formed, protecting a significant portion of the landscape, and allowing current and future students to continue to study its rare variety of local foliage.
Today, the preserve is open to students, faculty and the public, and is a hidden gem of a nature trail, guarded by towering pines and dense patches of forest, and a wide pine-covered trail leading through the preserve. The preserve itself consists of approximately 10 acres of terrain, mainly woodlands, with a wide range of plant species that are a solid representation of the plant life found in the region. Benches and marked trails are found throughout the preserve, and pamphlets are available at the entrance describing many of the more notable or prevalent varieties. In the summer, the small ponds and wooded areas light up with local wildflowers, and birders will find a number of local species in the midst of the action, including herons, ibises, and bright red cardinals.
There is no fee to access the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve, and parking is available for both students and non-students on campus near the Preserve's location on College Road. Visitors should note that while information is available at the entrance, there is no full-time staff manning the property. Visitors are asked to be respectful, take out what they bring in, and leave the preserve as pristine as they found it.
Though not very large, and only requiring an hour or so to explore in its entirety, the Bluethenthal Wildflower Preserve is nevertheless a fantastic excursion for adventure seekers who love to take a trip off the beaten path. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, and free to the public, this natural Wilmington locale is a breath of fresh air for nature-loving visitors.
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It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors believe that the unique structure, the aging exterior, and the long history only adds to the overall charm. A must-see local attraction for day trippers and weeklong vacationers alike, the Old Baldy Lighthouse is easily one of the most interesting and admired sites throughout all of Bald Head Island.
Shell Island may not be a familiar term for new visitors to Wrightsville Beach, but it’s certainly well-known among locals and historians who like to explore the original roots of the area. Referring to the northern tip of Wrightsville Beach which was once the site of a popular resort, “Shell Island” is still an attractive destination for shell-seekers, fishermen, beachcombers, and anyone who likes a little peace and quiet in this otherwise bustling beach town.
Managed by Brunswick Vacation UnitsLuxury Coastal Retreat – 4BR/4.5BA w/ Heated Pool, Spa & EV Charger!Welcome to your dream beach hideaway! This gorgeous 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom vacation home is designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation, ideal for families and groups looking to savor a anxiety-complimentary coastal escape.Roomy & Cozy AccommodationsKing Suite – Unwind in the extravagant king bedroom with a private en-suite with roku tv.Two Queen Bedrooms – Each offering comfortable beds and their own en-suite bathrooms.Bunk Room – Ideal for kids and groups, featuring two twin-over-double bunk beds for additional sleeping space.Additional Living Room on 2nd Floor – A great spot to relax, play games, or appreciate a movie nighttime.Entertainment & ConveniencesAll Roku TVs (in Master bedroom and sitting rooms) – Stream your favorite shows and movies in every room.Board Games & Cards – Plenty of options for family game nights.Miscellaneous Beach & Pool Toys – Keep the fun going with available sand toys, pool floats, and more.Pack 'n Play – Convenient for families with little ones.Outdoor OasisPrivate Heated Pool & Spa – Appreciate year-round swimming and relaxation.Gas Grille – Fire up the grille for a cookout on the patio.Beach Essentials – Includes chairs, an umbrella, and more for a ideal day on the shore.Modern ConvenienceEntirely Equipped Kitchen – Includes a Keurig, seating for 4 at the kitchen island and 8 at the dining table for memorable group meals.Elevator – Making access simple for all guests.EV Charger – Ideal for electric car owners.This exceptional home offers the ideal mix of luxury and comfort, with everything you need for an memorable vacation. Book now and start making beachside memories! The pool is open year round, however between April 1 - Oct 31 the heater will be on and typically keeps the pool water between 80-84 degrees depending on outside air temperatures and weather. There is no additional cost to heat the pool, but we can not guarantee the pool water temperatures due to the dependency of the weather and air temperatures. Please keep in mind that the heater only runs when the pool pump is running and typically the pump does not run at nighttime due to time schedule.*Please note, pools will NOT be heated November 1 - March 31*. If you want us to attempt to heat the pool during this time we can for a cost of $75 per day for your entire stay, but once again, we can not guarantee the pool water temperatures due to the dependency of the weather and air temperatures.The pool and/or spa is private and unattended, so swim at your own risk. All kids must be supervised in the water at all times by an adult. No food, drinks, alcohol, glass, etc are allowed in or around the pool. Pools are serviced regularly, however please keep in mind that due to the tropical nature of the island, it is not unusual to find unexpected debris and sand in the pool.We cannot guarantee the elevator will be working due to circumstances out of our control. Please read elevator instructions CAREFULLY before operating (found in the notebook at the home). User error will result in a $100 service charge. No kids are allowed in the elevator without an adult. Use at your own risk. PLEASE READ RULES / NOTES PRIOR TO BOOKING:If your check in date is on or between Memorial Day and Labor Day, your cleaning fee does include whole home linen and towel rental fee. Linen and towel service includes top and fitted sheets per bed, pillow cases, and 1 set of towels will be supplied per person (1 set includes: 1 body towel, 1 hand towel, and 1 washcloth), and a kitchen towel.If your check in date is before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, linens and towels are NOT included in the cleaning fee. We do offer them for an additional fee, or you can choose to bring your own linens and towels, or rent through a third event.**(Last min. bookings: We need at least 24-hour notice in order to provide linens).We highly recommend trip insurance and will not give any refunds for weather related trip interruptions or cancellations as well as any other situations that may cause you not be able to travel or use the property. If you cancel at least 60 days prior to your check in date, you will be refunded in full minus a non-returnable fee of 5% of the total reservation (cancellation fee). Cancellations within 60 days prior to check in will not be refunded.Due to homeowner severe allergies, some homes may not allow service or support animals. You must disclose and get permission for any service and or support animals PRIOR to booking.While you paid a cleaning fee, if you leave the home excessively dirty and don't follow check out procedures, an additional cleaning charge may apply that you will be responsible for paying.Supplied in your reservation is a security deposit insurance policy that can cover you for accidental damages to the home or contents, however all damages may not be covered and if denied, you will be liable / responsible for paying any damages in their entirety. You must be at least 26 years old to book and if your group is not related, the average age of all adults (not including kids) must be 26 years old or older. We do not allow people to book for other people, the person who makes and pays for the reservation must also stay in the home.Sorry, NO home events, prom events, weddings, rehearsal dinners, or any other events of any kind.NO Smoking inside or on/around the premise (you will be charged a $500 fee if this rule is broken).NO charcoal grilles, fire pits, or deep fryers are allowed on premise.Please be aware that there are exterior security cameras located on the premises directed towards the parking area and/or entrances for added security and tranquility of mind.Please note if there is a fireplace, it is decorative only and not to be used.We provide a basic starter pack of essentials for your first day including a roll of toilet paper in each bathroom, hand soap, a roll of paper towels in the kitchen, and a trash can liner per bin.While we do provide some items to get you started, here is a list of a few other things we want to remind you to bring:Bath Soaps/Shampoo/ConditionerToothpasteCondiments/SeasoningToilet paperPaper TowelsSuntan Lotion/SunblockClothes HangersGarbage BagsLaundry DetergentDish Washer DetergentBeach Towels
- Ocean Isle Beach
- 4 Bedrooms
- 4 Bathrooms
- Sleeps 12