“This is retirement,” Gina opens her arms to Gigi Marie Gourmet Foods and Wine. Gina and her husband, Santo, and daughter Marissa recently sold their popular restaurant, Santino’s, on Topsail Island. Gigi Marie Gourmet Foods and Wines is their idea of “retirement.” “I’m from New York,” chuckles Gina. “I don’t know how to slow down.” Located...
N.C. Visitor Spending Soars 15 Percent in 2022 Research shows a record $33.3 billion impact on state and local economies Raleigh, N.C. — Governor Roy Cooper announced today that the North Carolina tourism economy reached its highest level ever with travelers spending more than $33.3 billion on trips to and within the state. The previous record of $29.22 billion was set in pre-pandemic 2019. “Tourism...
Hike Holly Shelter Game Land May 16 HAMPSTEAD- Join Pender County Tourism and Naturalist Andy Wood on May 16, 9:30 a.m. for a one-mile hike into the Holly Shelter Game Land in celebration of the Year of the Trail. “The Holly Shelter Game Land is a treasure trove of plants unique to Southeastern North Carolina, as well as protected wildlife,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County Tourism Director. On...
Pender County Tourism Moves Travel Forward This National Travel and Tourism Week This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration BURGAW — National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward. ...
Sea Turtle Hospital News May is already shaping up to be a busy month for us, and the first turtle mama hasn’t even set flipper on Topsail yet. In case you’re visiting or are new to the area, May 1st was the official first day of turtle nesting season. We know there are moms out there just waiting for the right moment to literally start “digging in” to lay their nests. No nests or tracks have...
