Keys to the Community: Explore Brunswick Forest October 16–18

October 5, 2026
ISWebmaster
Promotional graphic for Brunswick Forest's "Keys to the Community" event on October 16–18, set over a sunset view of a pond with fountains and neighborhood houses.

Some decisions are best made in person. Choosing where to spend the next chapter of your life is one of them. That’s exactly what Keys to the Community is designed for. From October 16–18, 2026, Brunswick Forest is opening its gates for an immersive discovery weekend in Leland, North Carolina. Over three days, you can tour more than a dozen newly constructed homes, meet seven preferred builders, and experience the coastal lifestyle that has made this master-planned community one of the most sought-after addresses on the Carolina coast. 

If you’ve been dreaming about relocating to coastal North Carolina or simply want to see what all the excitement is about, this is the weekend to do it. Here’s everything you need to know before you go. 

At a Glance 

What Is the Keys to the Community Event? 

Keys to the Community is Brunswick Forest’s signature discovery weekend, a chance to move beyond photos and floor plans and actually walk through the homes, neighborhoods, and amenities that define coastal living here. Rather than piecing together separate appointments over several trips, you get a single, well-organized weekend that puts everything in one place. 

The concept is simple. Brunswick Forest gathers its preferred builders and opens more than a dozen newly constructed homes for touring, all while showcasing the trails, pools, dining, and recreation that residents enjoy every day. Whether you’re early in your search or ready to buy, the event is built to help you make a confident, informed decision. 

It’s also a low-pressure way to explore. You can tour at your own pace, ask builders direct questions, and get a genuine feel for the community’s rhythm. For anyone weighing a move to the coast, three focused days can replace months of guesswork. You can see what else is on the community calendar on the Brunswick Forest events page. 

Meet Preferred Builders in One Weekend 

One of the biggest advantages of Keys to the Community is the rare opportunity to meet seven preferred builders in a single weekend. In a typical home search, connecting with even two or three builders can mean multiple visits, scheduling headaches, and a lot of driving. Here, they’re all in one place, ready to talk. 

Brunswick Forest’s preferred builders aren’t chosen at random. Each has been selected for the quality of their construction, their design range, and their track record within the community. Because they build here regularly, they know the homesites, the neighborhoods, and the standards that keep Brunswick Forest cohesive and beautiful. That familiarity translates into a smoother experience for you. 

Meeting builders face-to-face also lets you compare approaches side by side. You can ask about floor plans, customization, timelines, included features, and pricing, then weigh your options while everything is fresh. It’s the kind of direct comparison that’s hard to get any other way. To learn more about who builds here, visit the preferred builders page. 

Tour More Than a Dozen Newly Constructed Homes 

At the heart of the weekend are the homes themselves. Keys to the Community gives you access to more than a dozen newly constructed homes, spanning a wide range of styles, sizes, and price points. From low-maintenance patio homes and coastal cottages to spacious single-family designs, you’ll see firsthand how much variety Brunswick Forest offers. 

Touring in person reveals things a listing never can. You can judge how natural light moves through a great room, how a kitchen flows into a living space, and whether a primary suite feels like the retreat you’ve been picturing. You can test how a floor plan matches your daily routines and imagine your own furniture in the space. Those details make all the difference when you’re choosing a home you’ll live in for years. 

Because many of these homes are move-in ready or nearing completion, the weekend is equally valuable for buyers on a timeline and those simply gathering ideas. If you’d like a preview before you arrive, browse current listings on the available properties page or watch a few new home video tours to get oriented. 

Inside the Featured Neighborhoods: Ibis Roost, Collingwood Cottages, and Trestle Ridge 

Keys to the Community shines a spotlight on three of Brunswick Forest’s standout neighborhoods, each offering a distinct take on coastal living. 

Ibis Roost is one of the community’s newest sections, taking shape on the southern end of Brunswick Forest. As a newer neighborhood, it represents a fresh opportunity for buyers who want new construction and the chance to settle into an area that’s still coming into its own. It’s an ideal stop for anyone drawn to the idea of getting in early. 

Collingwood Cottages offers detached coastal cottages built by Legacy Homes by Bill Clark, with a focus on low-maintenance living. Lawn care is included as part of the HOA, so residents can spend their weekends enjoying the community rather than maintaining a yard. With designs generally ranging from roughly 1,800 to 3,000 square feet, the cottages balance charm and space beautifully. You can follow progress on the Collingwood Cottages updates page. 

Trestle Ridge is Brunswick Forest’s collection of main-level living homes by Stanley Martin Homes, with 113 home opportunities and pricing that starts from the $400s. These thoughtfully designed floor plans emphasize single-level living, spacious primary suites, and flexible spaces made for the coastal Carolina lifestyle. Learn more on the Trestle Ridge neighborhood page. 

Seeing all three neighborhoods in one weekend makes it easy to compare and find the setting that fits you best. For the full lineup, explore the community neighborhoods overview. 

Experience the Brunswick Forest Lifestyle 

A home is only part of the story. What truly sets Brunswick Forest apart is the lifestyle that surrounds it, and Keys to the Community gives you full access to experience it. Spread across 4,500 wooded acres, the community is built around an active, connected way of life. 

During the weekend, take time to explore the miles of walking and biking trails, resort-style pools, fitness and wellness centers, and tennis and pickleball courts. Golfers will want to see the Cape Fear National championship course, consistently ranked among the region’s best. And The Villages town center keeps shopping, dining, and medical offices close to home, so everyday convenience is built right into community life. 

These amenities aren’t just perks; they’re where neighbors become friends. Walk the trails, chat with residents, and you’ll quickly understand why so many people describe Brunswick Forest as welcoming from the very first visit. To see everything available, browse the full amenities and lifestyle guide before you come. 

Explore the Area: Downtown Wilmington and Nearby Attractions 

Part of what makes Brunswick Forest so appealing is where it sits. The community is just about ten minutes from historic downtown Wilmington and roughly thirty minutes from the beaches of the Cape Fear coast. While you’re in town for the weekend, it’s well worth exploring the area beyond the gates. 

Downtown Wilmington offers a scenic riverfront, a celebrated culinary scene, and a lively arts, music, and theater culture. Stroll the Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River, browse local boutiques, and enjoy dinner at one of the many acclaimed restaurants. You can plan your outings using the official Wilmington River District guide from the area’s tourism authority. 

Beyond downtown, the region rewards exploration. Nearby beaches like Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Oak Island are easy day trips, and the surrounding Brunswick County countryside offers golf, nature preserves, and waterways to explore. Seeing the area for yourself helps you picture not just a house, but the full life that comes with it, which is exactly the point of the weekend. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

When is Keys to the Community? The event runs Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18, 2026. 

Where is it held? At Brunswick Forest in Leland, NC, about ten minutes from downtown Wilmington. The welcome center is located at 1007 Evangeline Drive. 

How much does it cost to attend? The event is free to attend. Reservations are recommended so the team can plan your visit. 

Do I have to be ready to buy? Not at all. The weekend welcomes serious buyers and curious first-time visitors alike. There’s no pressure, just an open invitation to explore. 

What will I see? More than a dozen newly constructed homes, seven preferred builders, three featured neighborhoods, and full access to the community’s amenities.

Reserve Your Spot for Keys to the Community 

Keys to the Community only happens once, and October 16–18 will be here before you know it. If you’ve been considering a move to the Carolina coast, this is the ideal weekend to see Brunswick Forest at its best, homes open, builders on hand, and the entire community ready to welcome you. 

Ready to reserve your spot? Request the Coastal Discovery Package to start planning your visit, or call the Brunswick Forest team at 888-342-1468. You can also email info@brunswickforest.com with any questions about the weekend. Your keys to coastal living may be closer than you think. Come find them at Brunswick Forest this October.