ELIZABETHTOWN — Greene’s Pond may be a mystery to most.

You won’t find it unless you know where it is. It has three different entrances, but even those are somewhat hidden by lines of tall trees. The curious and persistent visitor will, however, soon be rewarded with sweeping views of the gentle Cape Fear River and of the light leaping from ripple to ripple on an elongated pond.

Greene’s Pond, which is more akin to a lake than pond, is 147 acres of sustenance that lie on the land between Food Lion and the Cape Fear River in Elizabethtown. Created by the Greene family in 1961, the pond has, until now, been primarily used by the family and a few tenants. The Greenes recently decided, however, that the property begged to be used and appreciated by others, so they established Greene’s Pond Cabins and RV Park.

“We got the idea from a place in Walterboro, S.C. They have something similar there, and the idea was to put in (a boat) at Dublin and paddle down to the treehouse,” said Lane Greene, of Bladen Builders Supply.

The Beyond the Pond, River Tree House Cabin is a cottage, completely solar powered and built with natural materials, nestled among trees bordering the Cape Fear River. A screened porch with rocking chairs and a futon allows guests to take advantage of the breeze on hot days. Inside, rustic wood floors, walls and ceiling give the cabin a cozy retreat feel. An airy loft with air mattresses complement the outdoorsy construction.

Guests to the park can take advantage of 6 miles of nature trails and may find themselves unexpectedly in familiar terrority — Tory Hole Park.

“It really does come out there,” Lane reassuringly mused in response to skepticism. “I walked it myself.”

For those interested soaking a line, the pond is stocked with brim, gorilla bass — a large hybrid, Lane said, of southern bass and northern bass — crappie, and catfish. Kayaks and canoes are available for a lazy ride on the river, or a new pontoon boat will transport around the lake/pond passengers desiring more wind in their hair.

“It’s not just for people who rent the cottages,” informed Lane. “If you just want to take a break and come out and hang out for a while, you can rent the boats.”

The Greenes also constructed six RV camp sites equipped with power, water and sewer.

Both the house and the RV lots are available for rent weekly or for the weekend. Due to their immediate popularity, plans are in the works to construct three additional cabins overlooking the pond, including one king cabin. Lane reported that the Beyond the Pond, River Tree House Cabin is currently booked through July, and attributed its success to assistance they had received from Elizabethtown native Hope Campbell in getting the word out to RVers.

For information, contact the Greenes at 910-862-3177 or at Bladen Builders, or find information online at www.greenspond.com.

Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

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By Chrysta Carroll

ccarroll@civitasmedia.com