 Paradise Rediscovered
Considering a summer vacation on Topsail Island? Maybe you would like to even acquire a
place of your on one of America's most storied – yet for the most part nearly unknown to the outside world – barrier islands. Rediscover the paradise that is Topsail.
During the Civil War, blockade runners from the Confederacy plied
the local waters and a Union party raided the salt works at Sloop Point. Things quieted down for a few decades, except for an expedition digging a "gold hole" for Blackbeard's treasure in the
1930's. In World War II, the U.S. Navy decided Topsail would be a good place to test its rockets and from launchings of the Terrier and Talos missiles in the late 40's came the development of the Ramjet.
Observatory towers from that era still dot the island, the launching pad today is a motel patio, and efforts are underway 40 years later to save the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach, where rockets were once assembled.
Today,
Topsail Island
is divided into three towns, with two bridge links to the mainland.
The north end of Topsail Island is now the
incorporated town of North Topsail Beach. It still has many wide-open
spaces in between a variety of vacation homes, condominiums, townhomes,
and several major resort complexes.
Across the high span bridge is North Shore
Country Club, an outstanding 18-hole championship course and several
shopping centers.
In the middle of the island is Surf City. It
is Topsail Island's commercial hub with grocery stores, restaurants,
nightplaces, shops, miniature golf/waterslide and fishing on the ocean.
Surf City has a wide variety of vacation residences, including the affordable
Surf Condominiums, only a stone's throw from the heart of town.
Click
here to visit Topsail Greens --a public golf course located just 10
minutes from the beautiful beaches of Topsail Island.
Fishing/Watersports
If you are a fisherman, East Coast Sports on the causeway in "The Fishing Village" will have everything you need. Also, they rent and sell equipment as well as provide air for scuba divers. They will assist
with booking fishing or diving charters. Swing Bridge
Swing bridges are an endangered species on the ICW in North Carolina, but Surf City's has operated since the early 50's replacing
an early military-issue pontoon bridge at Sears Landing. It generally opens on the hour or whenever the spirit moves it. The Community, Then and Now
Go south to Topsail Beach on NC 50 and you will find an unspoiled
beach community-free from high-rises, and the hustle and bustle found elsewhere.
It does have a lovely downtown with gift shops, restaurants,
miniature golf, a skating rink and a museum on the sound-most within walking distance of each other.
The Topsail Coast also includes a number of worthwhile mainland destinations, Sneads Ferry (off NC
Hwy 172) is a true old-time fishing village on the New River, retaining much of its historical flavor, dating back to Colonial days. The heart of the old town is Fulchers Landing with
its seafood restaurants, commercial fishing vessels and photographic views.
Going south, sleepy Hollow Ridge was once the site of a World War II Army base called Camp Davis which hosted 100,000 soldiers
at its peak as an anti-aircraft training facility.
In Revolutionary times, a dirt tract paralleled the ridge down the coast, it is now present day U.S. 17.
George Washington once traveled this route, pausing to sleep (according to local legend) under a large oak tree, still standing in Hampstead.
Hampstead has grown from a rural hamlet to a major golf and retirement community, with several shopping centers within a growing commercial district. All three golf courses (Topsail Greens,
Belvedere, and Olde Point) are open to public play, a perfect break from fishing or playing on the beach.
All in all, Topsail has much to offer to visitors; it's more than just another stretch of sand. Jump off the fast track, and escape the rat race. Take a side trip to paradise via Topsail Island.
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