A Poplar Grove Wedding

Pam Nelson and Trevor Balogh's beautiful August 14th wedding. Photography by Crystal Genes, from Charlotte. The music was a gift to guests at the reception. Click here http://crystalgenes.net/#/balogh/

Pender County Tourism Video

Pender County Tourism produced a wonderful video of Poplar Grove for their website http://www.visitpender.com/

30th Anniversary, The Artful Peanut, Art Show, Farming, Hammer In,

It was a beautiful day inside and out. The manor house offered a one day, special Anniversary Tour relating the story of Poplar Grove and peanuts. Creative Artists of Hampstead held an art show inside the Cultural Arts Center and on the lawn. Demonstrations and book signings took place throughout the day. Be sure to catch photos of the replica of a 19th century working wood shop made by the Wilmington Area Woodturners. It's amazing! Folks had a chance to sample boiled peanuts, a new taste experience for many. Stories were told and visitors learned a lot about peanut farming. Volunteers gave out more freebies (courtesy of the National Peanut Board). The Artist Blacksmith Association of North America held a Hammer In in the blacksmith shop.

The Artful Peanut, Saturday, July 31st, Opening Ceremony

Opening Ceremony at 9:30AM Poplar Grove Director Nancy Simon introduced speakers: Congressman Mike McIntyre, National Peanut Board Member Dan Ward and Pender County Tourism Director Monique Baker. Mr. Ivey Hayes, North Carolina's own (and favorite) artist unveiled "Peanut Harvest" and signed works sold in the gift shop. Cindy Rhodes played the hammered dulcimer throughout the day, a beautiful accompaniment. Incredibly creative bakeries Half Baked Confections, La Gemma, and Sugar on Front Street offered peanut butter banana tarts, cheesecakes and treats to die for. The Carolina Peanuts booth was HQ for peanut lovers. Volunteers passed out free t-shirts and other goodies, provided by the National Peanut Board. Anniversary cake donated by Sugar on Front Street.

Peanut-iest Day in the South

Saturday, July 31, Poplar Grove celebrated 30 years of being open to the public. These are the first photos from The Artful Peanut. So many people and organizations worked to make it a great day. Watch for more posts next week.

The Peanut-est Day in the South was generously supported by the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, the National Peanut Board and the North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. Thanks to their contributions visitors received free t-shirts, Nutty McBuddys and more plus, Poplar Grove now has a beautiful new display in the Forrest Lewis Building. Dan Ward, Danny McDuffie, Wilbur Ward and John Spruill educated visitors throughout the day.

A big thank you to the folks who worked behind the scenes: Bob Sutter and Betsy Owens of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association(people really enjoyed taking their photos in the "field"), Maria Mehok of the National Peanut Board, Tim Evans of Golden Grove (best peanut bars on earth!) and of course, Ivey Hayes who beautifully depicted the peanut harvest.

North Carolina Peanut Growers Association, Chief Executive Officer Bob Sutter

with the new display.

Classy - Chassis Album 4

Classy - Chassis Album 3

Classy - Chassis Album 2

Classy - Chassis Car Show July 10, 2010 Photos

It was a fabulous turn out for the car show! The cars and trucks were absolutely amazing ! Poplar Grove thanks everyone who worked to make the show happen, all the media, vendors, volunteers, all the folks that came out with their beautiful vehicles and everyone that attended. Here are 4 albums. More will be posted as they're received.

Family Day
&
North Carolina
Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
Award Ceremony
@
Poplar Grove's Farmers Market
Wednesday, June 16
8:00AM to 1:00PM

Presentation of Grant
12:00PM
The North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission has awarded a $30,000 grant to the plantation for improvements to the Farmers Market. Executive Director William Upchurch will present a four foot long check to Poplar Grove Director, Nancy Simon at the noon ceremony.



FAMILY DAY
All the usual delectible goodies
plus, lots to do and see !


10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Art, Gardening and Music Activities Free for Kids

Porters Neck & Hampstead Fire & Rescue are bringing a fire truck and an ambulance.


Pender County Master Gardeners offer a Gardening Activity for Children.

Cape Fear Area Rabbit Club will have live rabbits to brush, hold and pet. Did you know some rabbits even walk on a leash!

Cindy Rhodes plays the hammered dulcimer, anyone interested can give it a try. An award winning artist, Cindy has a special activity for children.

**Poplar Grove Activities
Hayrides for all ages($3.00)
Pony rides for the little ones ($5.00)
Hot Diggity Dogs & Beverages for sale
**Funds from the above "Poplar Grove Activities" support the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation.
Thank you for your support.


9:30AM
Cooking Demo and delightful lunch with WECT's Chef Skip Laskody
A Father's Day Feast
Roasted Pork with Fingerling Potatoes
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Romaine Salad
Blueberry & Peach Compote
Fee $30, Advance registration required,
call 910-352-5326.


11:00AM - 1:00PM


"Got to Be NC Big Cart"
Kids & adults will get a kick out of this Paul Bunyon sized shopping cart.

School's Out !
Come shop, browse, munch,
lunch, & enjoy!

Brick by Brick

The hard work continues for a second week, as Bob, Lloyd, Jimmy, David, Bob, Robert, Ryan and Russell improve the Poplar Grove yard in front of the Barn. Additional sprinklers were installed and a beautiful brick walk from the parking lot is being crafted. Poplar Grove is sure lookin' purdy! Thank you so much. You guys the World's BEST ! We Love Ya !

The Sod Squad

It was a big undertaking but thanks to hard working volunteers, it's almost finished. The project has moved along smoothly thanks to Bob Simon, Lloyd Bowman, Ken Kroeger, Bob Foy, Byron Rosbrugh, Gaylord Spaulding, Russell Morris, David Moore, Richard Hayes, Jimmy Taylor, Site Foreman Robert Foy and pacesetter Colleen Morris. Thank you, thank you, thank you from Poplar Grove Plantation, all the staff and members of the Board of Directors.

Volunteers Install Sprinkler System In Backyard

Poplar Grove is going green ! Volunteers including the Geriatric Crew, turned out yesterday (May 10th) to work on installation of a long awaited sprinkler system. Hooray !

The Arts at Poplar Grove Cooking, Jewelry, Painting and Music

Creativity for Adults

Poplar Grove is fortunate to have such a talented roster of teachers. Learn, create and have fun, join us !

• One Stroke Painting with Charlie
  Thursday nights


• Glass Bead Making with Cynthia
  Wednesdays at the Farmers Market
  Saturdays, too


• Hammered Dulcimer with Cindy
  Wednesdays at the Farmers Market


• Cooking Classes with Chef Fouros or Chef Skip
  Wednesdays at the Farmers Market

For information or to register visit www.poplargrove.com/classes.htm or call 910-686-9518 ext.26. Picture: Hand blown beaded bracelet and pendant by Cynthia Tucker of Sea of Glass.

It's a Kids' Summer !

CLASSES FOR KIDS
For Kids Classes information visit www.poplargrove.com
To register call 910.686.9518 ext. 26

Fun with Clay
Session 1: Tues. June 22 & Thurs. June 24
Session 2: Tues. July 20 & Thurs. July 22.
Ages: 8 - 15 years -
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Fee: $45.00 each 2-day session; includes all supplies.

Tennis Basics for Kids
Session 1: June 21 - 24
Session 2: July 12 - 15
Session 3: July 26 - 29
Session 4: Aug. 2 - 5
Ages: 4 - 5 years, Mon. thru Thurs. 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Ages: 6 - 8 years, Mon. thru Thurs. 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Fee: $35.00 per session

Creative Movement Camp
Session 1: Ages 8 - 12 years, June 28 - July 2, 10:30 AM - 12:00
Session 2: Ages 5 - 7 years; July 5 - 9, 10:30 AM - 12:00
Fee: $80.00 per session

Summer Art Camp
Session 1: July 26 - 30, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM each day
Session 2: August 2 - 6, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM each day
Ages: 7 years and up
Fee: $125.00 per session, includes all supplies.

For information and to register visit www.poplargrove.com/classes.htm

or call us at 910-686-9518 ext.26

Family Day at the Farmers Market

It's Family Day at the Farmers Market
June 16th, 8am to 1pm

Activities 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Shop, browse, munch, lunch, and enjoy!

In addition to the usual delectible goodies at the market,
Family Day offers the following special activities.

Porters Neck & Hampstead Fire & Rescue will display a fire truck and ambulance.
Pender County Master Gardeners offer a Gardening Activity for Children.
Cape Fear Area Rabbit Club will have live rabbits to brush, hold and pet. Did you know some rabbits even walk on a leash!
Cindy Rhodes plays the hammered dulcimer. Anyone interested can give it a try. An award winning artist, Cindy has a special activity for children.

Cooking Demo with Chef Skip
A Father's Day Feast
Roasted Pork with Fingerling Potatoes
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled Romaine Salad
Blueberry & Peach Compote
Fee $30, includes delightful lunch
Advance registration required
Call 910-352-5326 to register

** Poplar Grove Activities
Poplar Grove offers hayrides for all ages($3.00) & pony rides for the little ones ($5.00)
Hot Diggity Dogs & Beverages for sale
**funds from the above "**Poplar Grove Activities" help support the non-profit Poplar Grove Foundation.
Thank you for your support!

Classy - Chassis Car Show a Top Twenty Event !

For over two decades the best events across the Southeast have competed to receive the prestigious Top 20 Events designation. This year, the Southeast Tourism Society (STS) has named The Classy - Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market one of the TOP 20 EVENTS in the Southeast for July, 2010.

The Classy-Chassis Car Show & Country Flea Market will take place on Saturday, July 10th from 9AM to 4PM. Now, in its fifth year, the show features a dazzling display of vintage cars and trucks. Vehicles are judged by an independent panel, that awards plaques and trophies at the 3:00PM ceremony. Strolling around the plantation is a delight. With big grassy lawns and lots of shade, visitors can take in an antique tractor display or shop the country flea market. Throughout the day there's music, food, and an air conditioned ice cream barn where you can cool off, listening to the oldies.

Historic Poplar Grove is located at 10200 US Highway 17 North in Wilmington, North Carolina, a mile from the I-40 by-pass. Sandy beaches, wonderful restaurants, great shopping, attractions and accommodations are minutes away. For information visit www.poplargrove.com or call (910)686-9518. Join us on the beautiful plantation July 10th, as we re-visit the days when speed and performance were king.

Volunteers are Working Hard

Kirk Binning, David Moore and Charles Atkinson repair the fence in the pasture

Saturday at the Herb & Garden Fair

Just some of the Great Greens at today's Herb & Garden Fair !
Sunday, March 28th open from 10:00AM to 4:00PM. Spring is in the air, come on out and enjoy it !

Weds. April 7th It's Opening Day of The Farmers Market

Hooray ! Spring is here and it's time to get out to the Farmers Market for everything heavenly!

Opening Day Wednesday, April 7th, 8am to 1pm.

WOOL N' WOOD SHOW
Presented by
The Cape Fear Rug Hookers &
The Cape Fear Wood Carvers
8:00AM to 1:00PM Inside the Barn

On opening day April 7th, the Cultural Arts Center hosts the Wool 'n Wood Show, presented by The Cape Fear Rug Hookers and The Cape Fear Woodcarvers. The walls are a kaleidoscope of colorful hand hooked rugs, while hand carved items from birds to mini-houses are on display. Both groups will demonstrate techniques and, admission is free. A stunning collection of outstanding creativity and talent. If you appreciate art, you'll love the show.


LIVE MUSIC

By Cindy Rhodes
9:00AM to 1:00PM

Cindy Rhodes will play the hammered dulcimer for your enjoyment. Cindy performs her original music on the front lawn right in the middle of the market. Cindy, a generous artist, is always ready to describe the origin and workings of this lovely sounding instrument, as well as a mini-lesson. CD's are available.



FARM FEAST
Starts 9:30AM

Sign up for a gourmet cooking lesson with Four Star New York Chef Alexis Fouros, author of Feast for the Gods. You'll learn professional techniques for deliciously simple meals, exploding with fresh flavor. Lunch is included. Fee $30. Call 917-969-2430 to reserve a seat

NEW VENDOR
The market welcomes new vendor
La Gemma Fine Italian Pastries.
Look for their heavenly baked goods.


Here's some of what you'll find for sale on Opening Day.
Cacti
Aloe plants
Japanese maples
Loropetalums
Banana trees
Elephant ears
Geraiums
Ferns
Wave petunia hanging baskets
Bedding plants
Tomato & cucumber plants

Peach Tarts
Honey whole wheat bread
Strawberry scones
Blobs
Blueberry bran muffins
Raspberry cobbler
Asiago pesto bread
Oatmeal raisin cookies
Sourdough bread
NY rye bread
Cinnamon raisin walnut wheat bread

Salad greens
Sweet potatoes
Rutabagas
Onions
Kale
Butternut & spaghetti squash
Pecans

Fresh cut flowers, wine, seafood, beef, poultry, eggs,
pickled peppers, honey, goats milk cheese, Chef Skip's Seasonings,
doggie treats and shampoos, weathervanes, bird feeders, pottery, clothing, jewelry, scenic photographs, scherenschnitte, shawls, rugs, quilted decor, & lots more !



For the finest and freshest that North Carolina has to offer come on out to Poplar Grove Plantation Wednesday mornings and see what's fresh at Cape Fear's favorite Farmers Market. Everything at the Poplar Grove Market is locally grown or made. The market carries a fresh selection of in-season fruits and vegetables, plants, cut flowers, eggs, cheese, sausage, crab cakes, baked goods, nuts, pickles, herbs, honey, and a lovely assortment of beautiful crafts. From April 7th through December 15th the market is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. Located at 10200 U.S. 17 in Wilmington, at the Pender/New Hanover County, Poplar Grove is only a mile from the I - 40 by pass.
For the finest and freshest, local foods and goods, come to Poplar Grove's Farmers Market !
Call (910) 686-9518 ext. 26 or visit Farmers Market Information for additional information.

The seasonal Farmers Market Calendar for 2010 is as follows:

The 2nd Wednesday of Each Month
GRILLIN' IN THE GROVE
&
ASK A MASTER GARDENER
Wayne Batten fires up the grill and offers free samples of the day's market harvest. The Pender County Master Gardeners provide a free plant clinic to help solve your plant and



COOKING CLASSES
Each week you can participate in one of our excellent chef's
gourmet cooking classes.
Advance registration is required, see phone numbers below. $25 fee per person each class.

CHEF CALENDAR
Chef Alexis Fouros
To reserve a seat call (910) 969-2430
April 7 & 21
May 12 & 26
June 9 & 23
July 14 & 28
August 4 & 11
Sept. 8 & 22
Oct. 6 & 20
Nov. 3 & 17
Dec. 1 & 15

Chef Skip Laskody
To reserve a seat call (910) 352-5326
April 28
May 5
June 16
Aug. 18
Sept. 1
Oct. 27
Nov. 11
Dec. 8

Visit poplargrove.com or call the chefs for more information.


For the finest and freshest that North Carolina has to offer come on out to Poplar Grove Plantation Wednesday mornings and see what's fresh at Cape Fear's favorite Farmers Market. Everything at the Poplar Grove Market is locally grown or made. The market carries a fresh selection of in-season fruits and vegetables, plants, cut flowers, eggs, cheese, sausage, crab cakes, baked goods, nuts, pickles, herbs, honey, and a lovely assortment of beautiful crafts. From April 7th through December 15th the market is open every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM, rain or shine. Located at 10200 U.S. 17 in Wilmington, at the Pender/New Hanover County, Poplar Grove is only a mile from the I - 40 by pass.
For the finest and freshest, local foods and goods, come to Poplar Grove's Farmers Market !
Call (910) 686-9518 ext. 26 or visit Farmers Market Information for additional information.