The Cape Fear Hospitality & Tourism Sector Partnership is a new regional initiative designed to bring together hospitality, tourism, and economic development stakeholders to address shared challenges and leverage opportunities. This collaborative partnership spans across the Cape Fear region—including Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick counties—and serves as a proactive platform to ensure the long-term...
Each year, National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) reminds us of the powerful impact that travel and tourism have on our local communities, our economy, and our quality of life. From May 4-10, we join destinations across the nation in recognizing the important role tourism plays—not just in driving economic growth, but in connecting us to the people, places, and stories that make our communities special. This...
This week, we proudly celebrate National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the backbone of our economy — the small businesses that bring heart, creativity, and vitality to our communities. From the charming boutiques in downtown Burgaw to the coastal shops of Surf City and the farm stands of rural Pender County, our local entrepreneurs are more than business owners — they are our neighbors, friends,...
At Pender County Tourism, we know there’s something truly special about Topsail Island—and we’re not the only ones! Recently featured by Southern Living, our beloved island continues to shine as one of the best-kept secrets along the North Carolina coast. Stretching 26 miles, Topsail Island is home to three unique communities: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. Each one offers its...
April 19, 2025—America250 Program—The events of April 19, 1775, marked a turning point in history. The first shots of the American Revolution were fired in Lexington, Massachusetts—an act that would ignite the struggle for independence. Known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” this moment signified the beginning of open conflict between colonial militias and British forces. Just...
