Although our turtle mamas are still technically “on the clock” with the official nesting season continuing through August it’s their babies that are moving into the spotlight. With over a hundred nests on Topsail and the pitter-patter of tiny flippers, it’s time for a quick review of some of the FAQs for our island visitors. When will a nest hatch? By far it’s the question we’re...
CURRIE, N.C.- Two major park monuments, the Bridge Monument and the Grady Monument, were recently stabilized and restored with funding provided by the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). August 4, 2023, is the third anniversary of the historic legislation that is funding infrastructure improvements in national parks throughout the country. “The impacts of storms, specifically flooding events, has had severe impacts...
TOPSAIL BEACH- Join Chris Lener of Funky Fins and Pender County Tourism for the Year of the Trail hike on Aug. 9, 9 a.m. This family-friendly one-mile hike will explore the critters of the surf and how to care for our environment. “This hike will start and end at the Beach Access Number 9 in Topsail Beach,” said Pender County Tourism Director Tammy Proctor. “The hike will be led by Chris Lener, an...
CURRIE – Moores Creek Battleground Association in collaboration with regional partners unveiled the brands that will be used to market the year-long celebration of America’s independence in 2026. “America’s 250th anniversary will kick off nationally at Moores Creek National Battlefield,” said Jim Buell, President of the Moores Creek Battleground Association. “Under one marketing...
It seems we’re celebrating a lot of anniversaries recently. It started last year with the 100th anniversary of Canetuck Rosenwald School, now known as the Canetuck Community Center. That’s an amazing milestone. One hundred years of education, community involvement, and preservation. It’s a place where legacy is celebrated. The Canetuck School was built by Black families for their children’s...
Ali Guner, the owner of Baba’s Mediterranean Grill, celebrated the restaurant’s first anniversary in Surf City. But Guner brings years of restaurant experience. “In New York, we offered fine dining,” he said, noting his more than 20 years in the restaurant industry. The menu at Baba’s Mediterranean Grill is extensive and delicious. “Everything is made homemade,” said...
If you’re a regular reader of our hospital news you’ll remember that nesting mom “Madame X” gave us her thoughts on the struggles of surviving in today’s environment. That was a true survivor’s story. But what’s going on down below in those nests, where it all starts? Our Topsail Turtle Project volunteers are out before sunrise every morning looking for turtle tracks. Once...
The old saying is “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” In Pender County, we have several thrift stores that specialize in treasure. Our best thrift stores in Pender County benefit worthy causes and their proceeds go back into the community. Safe Haven of Pender County, located at 16406 US Hwy 17 in Hampstead, offers a wide variety of items, including furniture. All proceeds go to assist...
Take the Turtle Tracks hike with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center SURF CITY- Join Pender County Tourism and the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center for the Year of the Trail hike on July 11, 8 a.m. This family-friendly one-mile hike will explore the beach for turtle tracks. Learn about turtle nests and the care of our beaches. “This hike will start and...
Sea Turtle Hospital News We’ve often mentioned how our patients quickly train us to prepare and serve only the food that they like. Don’t like capelin? How about some nice mackerel. Love squid but freaked out by the tentacles? We’ll cut them off for you. But how do you explain that Kemp’s “Kaia” will only eat shrimp from Sneads Ferry? How does she know where that other shrimp we’ve...
CELEBRATE JULY 4th AT THE HANNAH BLOCK HISTORIC USO BUILDING Special Guest Wilbur D. Jones Jr. WILMINGTON, NC–Celebrate July 4th with Thalian Association Community Theatre at the Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center open house! The public is invited to join us between 12:00 – 5:00 pm when staff will be in 1940’s era costumes, serving free coffee, and doughnuts courtesy of Krispy Kreme...
The 1865 Society of Pender County, Inc. is announced its first Annual Juneteenth Celebration to be held on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on the grounds of the historic Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw. “The purpose of this Celebration is to educate, celebrate and engage present and future generations keeping alive the relevant culture and rich history and heritage of African Americans," said...
If you recently watched the Netflix series, Florida Man, you may recall Sonny’s (Anthony LaPaglia) bar on the waterfront. You can visit Sonny’s and enjoy more than a drink. It is The Sailfish at Marsh Creek Marina. The food is delicious, and you can sit by one of the most pristine marshes in North Carolina with a view of the ocean. Florida Man is not the only production that found Pender County a perfect...
The 1865 Society of Pender County, Inc. announced its first Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the historic Pender County Courthouse Square in Burgaw. "The purpose of this Celebration is to educate, celebrate, and engage present and future generations keeping alive the relevant culture and rich history and heritage of African Americans," said Karen Malloy,...
Sea Turtle Hospital News: An interview with a nesting sea turtle by Karen Sota Sometimes you’re at the right place at the right time, especially during nesting season here on Topsail. As luck would have it, after my 23 years with the hospital I’m fairly fluent in basic sea turtle and I got the interview of the year! I caught up with a mama loggerhead as she finished flinging the last few flippers of sand...
Noteworthy of things to do on your way here or on your way home Your vacation begins the moment you leave your driveway. Pender County Tourism encourages you to enjoy your travels. You will find that on your adventure to Topsail Island, there are many little gems you can discover. Here are a few suggestions for your consideration: Just off I-40, visit Johnson's Nursery, home of The Gardens of Southeastern...
Sea Turtle Hospital News May continues to be a busy month at our hospital with turtles being admitted with hooks, boat impact injuries and because they are just plain sick. That stuff isn’t fun. But what is fun is getting our first verified loggerhead nest on North Topsail on May 12. Our Topsail Turtle Project volunteers have been out since May 1 and will be pounding the early morning sand until the end of...
The sound of the waves, the warmth of the sun, sunscreen, a comfy beach chair, hat, or sunglasses. There’s one more item necessary for the day at the beach – a good book. The term “beach reads” is synonymous with fun, page-turning, books. While we in the Pender County Tourism office will discover new authors and intriguing storylines this summer in our quest for good beach reads, we return...
SURF CITY – N Sea Oyster Company today announced the launch of “Weekends at the Barn” at their Oyster Barn in Surf City. N Sea Oyster is one of the fastest-growing oyster and shellfish companies in the region whose oysters are offered in some of the finest raw bars in the country. “We built an amazing barn on our sound side property last year and started inviting friends and valued customers...
BURGAW – Pender County and the program Beach Clean, have been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The award honors innovative, effective county government programs that strengthen services for residents. “Beach Clean is a continuing project that is a collaboration with the Topsail Island Shoreline Protection Commission, Topsail Beach, Surf City, North...
“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...
