One of the most significant benefits of tourism is its contribution to economic growth. Tourism generates revenue through various channels such as lodging, dining, transportation, and attractions. This influx of money supports local businesses, creates jobs, and boosts the overall economy of a region. Tourism is a primary source of income for many destinations, helping sustain livelihoods and fuel infrastructure development. Domestic...
The Annual Christmas Market is held every December in conjunction with the Annual Floatilla. Held in beautiful Soundside Park, the Market features unique and handmade gifts, food trucks, and entertainment. The market opens at 12 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. or later; food vendors remain open until 7 p.m. Be sure to stick around for the Annual Floatilla, expected to arrive at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. https://business.topsailchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/the-greater-topsail-area-christmas-market-1176390?sourceTypeId=Hub ...
Surf City, NC – The coastal town of Surf City is gearing up for a night of unforgettable music as country music legend Clint Black is set to take the stage at the highly anticipated Surf City Live NC event. The concert, scheduled for November 2, 2024, promises to be a highlight of the summer, drawing fans from across the region to experience the magic of live country music against the stunning backdrop of the North...
Labor Day weekend in Pender County, NC, is a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure, offering the perfect end to summer. The county’s pristine beaches, charming small towns, and scenic countryside provide a variety of activities to enjoy over the long weekend. Beach Bliss in Surf City and Topsail Beach For those looking to soak up the last days of summer, Surf City and Topsail Beach are the ultimate destinations....
Get ready for the Town of Burgaw's Movies in the Park, starting soon, which will be shown at Dees Park! Dees Park is located at 105 W Courthouse Ave. Burgaw Bring blankets, chairs, drinks, and snacks!
Welcome to This Week In Tourism, your essential guide to everything happening in Pender County, NC! Whether you're planning your next visit or looking to explore more of what our beautiful area has to offer, our weekly newsletter brings you the latest news, events, and insider tips. Stay up-to-date with exciting happenings, local attractions, and the best ways to experience the charm and adventure that make Pender...
Burgaw – Save the date for the Town of Burgaw’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner event on September 14, 2024. The theme is a “A Dance with Death,” set at a fictitious 1950s sock hop prom. Attendees are encouraged to dress according to theme to enjoy this interactive detective-style event. The Murder Mystery Dinner will take place at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot on September 24 at 7:30 pm....
Visit NC rolls out inaugural Trail Town Guide The Outdoor NC Trail Town guide celebrates towns across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The destinations featured in this guide are championing destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future...
Prioritizing accessibility is essential to ensure our destination is as inclusive as possible. Creating an inclusive environment is more than just a goal; it is a responsibility. As we strive to make our destination welcoming to all, prioritizing accessibility is crucial to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully experience and enjoy everything our community offers. Accessibility goes beyond...
2023 Visitor Impact for Pender County County spending Increases by 5 percent to $199.12 Million Burgaw, N.C. — Domestic and international visitors to and within Pender County spent $199.12 Million dollars in 2023, an increase of 5 % from 2022. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by VisitNC, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “Pender County is currently one...
RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 13, 2024) — Visitor spending continued to break records for North Carolina in 2023, according to data released Tuesday by the NC Department of Commerce. Travel spending statewide rose 6.9 percent to $35.6 billion in 2023 to set a record in visitor spending. That growth followed a record-breaking increase of 15 percent in 2022. Direct tourism employment also increased statewide by 4.8 percent...
Willard, NC — The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina is proud to announce a two-day benefit fine art show on October 4th and 5th called The Gallery In The Gardens. Celebrating the vibrant art and history of Pender and Duplin Counties, this exciting event will showcase as many as 200 original paintings by 14 talented local and regional artists, with a portion of the proceeds supporting The Gardens. Many of the...
Tickets are on sale now for the award-winning Ghost Walk, Ghost Walk of Pender’s Past, a haunting tour around Burgaw’s historic cemetery. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ghostwalkofpenderspast/2024. Tickets may also be ordered via phone with a credit card by calling 910-259-1278. Tickets are $15 per adult; admission for students ages 5-17 are $10 each. Children...
The Town of Burgaw's last Summer on the Square concert for the season is Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 pm on Courthouse Square! Jim Quick and Coastline will be our band of the night! Food trucks will be on site.
The planning process for 4 miles of new MST in Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County is nearly complete. Friends of the MST were instrumental in adding 1,600 acres to the site. The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with local land managers and partners, have developed a master plan for extending the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) over four miles in Holly Shelter Game Land. This MST extension will utilize Holly...
The Ghost Walk of Pender's Past is a family-friendly event that promises to be a ghostly good time. Come learn about Pender's Haunted History on the grounds of the Historic Burgaw Cemetery. Hear tales of ghostly sightings, pillaging pirates, historic haunted locations and more. Tours will start at 5:30 pm. Tours are expected to last roughly an hour. The last tour will start at 9:00 pm. Please dress according...
The Pender Arts Council is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship program to support local students with a passion for the arts. This scholarship is designed to help young artists in our community pursue their creative dreams, whether in visual arts, music, theater, or any other artistic discipline. To support this important initiative, the second annual Swamp Soiree on September 21st will serve as a fundraiser...
Burgaw – Mark your calendars for the hometown fall festival of the season! The Town of Burgaw Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is excited to host Autumn Fest again this year, taking place on October 19, 2024, in downtown Burgaw. This one-day festival is a family-friendly event that will look to attract those of all ages in Burgaw and surrounding areas. Autumn Fest features live music, entertainment, pumpkin...
North Carolina has climbed the ranks to become the fifth most visited state in the United States. This impressive ranking highlights the state's diverse attractions, from its stunning beaches and scenic mountains to its rich history and vibrant cities. North Carolina's tourism industry continues to thrive, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to experience its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural...
Welcome to the Pender County Connect Podcast, where we interview Pender County locals and business owners and learn about networking opportunities and events in Pender County. @penderconnect New episodes are coming your way! Stream our local interviews and chats on Spotify! Learn about locals, businesses, and opportunities in Pender and surrounding areas! #Pender #connect #podcast The Pender County Connect Podcast...
The Pender County Tourism team is excited to invite you to showcase your business in our 2025 Visitor Guide! This is your chance to put your accommodation, attraction, or service in the spotlight, reaching a diverse audience of locals and visitors eager to explore what Pender County offers. Our Visitor Guide is distributed widely across the county and beyond, ensuring maximum exposure for your business. Whether...
Moores Creek Battleground Association has received a grant from the North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative for a project to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NC First In Freedom Festival. America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. In 2026 the inaugural...
Currie, NC- Moores Creek National Battlefield invites you to join us for a special musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. The program takes place at 2 pm on Friday July 19 on the traffic island at Moores Creek National Battlefield. The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown was originally formed in 1976 by the County of York as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of the American Revolution. The Corps continues...
Raleigh, NC (July 9, 2024) – Every third Saturday in October will officially be GREAT TRAILS STATE DAY, thanks to the NC General Assembly’s 2024 Farm Bill that passed unanimously in both the NC House and Senate and became law last week with the Governor’s signature. This year, Great Trails State Day will occur on Saturday, October 19. GREAT TRAILS STATE DAY will celebrate North Carolina’s...
Moores Creek Battleground Association in collaboration with regional partners is actively planning a week of celebrating America’s 250th and the 250th Commemoration of the Battle at Moores Creek Bridge on Feb. 21-28, 2026. “The anniversary year is not that far away,” said Jim Buell, President of the Moores Creek Battleground Association. “We have assembled a list of active committee leadership,...
