In between the beautiful beach communities of Surf City and Topsail Island and the historical western portion of Pender County you'll find Hampstead, NC. Hampstead was once a small fishing village and whistle stop alongside the Atlantic Coast Line RR. Legend has it that Hampstead got its name from George Washington in the late 1780s. It seems during one of Washington's many trips along the King's Highway he planned to spend the night in the area and feast on the abundant mullet caught in the Topsail sound. However, when he arrived, as luck would have it, the mullet were not running. Washington had to "feast" on ham instead and from that day on the area was known as "Hampstead", (pronounced :ham' stead). Now it is probably the fastest growing area in the state, as more and more folks are choosing to live here. Many neighborhoods front the waterway, more are along the numerous creeks and even more line the area's four golf courses.

Known as "The Seafood Capital of the Carolinas," Hampstead is home to many local seafood vendors and a growing number of popular restaurants. Travelers can enjoy everything from casual family dining to elegant but comfortable golf course eateries, and a few local hot spots in between! In addition, Hampstead presents a wonderful and diverse array of shops for area tourists. From eclectic boutiques to mainstream storefronts, Hampstead shopping is sure to please even the most discerning of tastes, both young and old alike. Whether you're looking for the perfect gift to take home to a friend or loved one, or just a wonderful memento from your vacation, shopping locally in Hampstead will most certainly get you to your final "destination!" At the very least, you'll want to be sure to mark your calendars for Mother's Day weekend, and join us that Saturday for the "Celebrate Hampstead" Festival, a favorite local tradition in which businesses and the arts collide for the benefit of the Greater Hampstead Chamber of Commerce and the Topsail Schools' arts programs.