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Finding Life on Topsail:
A weekend getaway only 40 minutes from Wilmington

When the tourists and crowds of Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach become too much to handle, I always take a short trip up Highway 17 to Topsail Island for some fun in the sun. Who says a nice weekend getaway has to encompass a vacation hundreds of miles away? Taking full advantage of our beautiful North Carolina coast—while saving gas money and getting out of town in the meantime!—I have no qualms about utilizing the pleasant beaches and slow-paced surroundings of Topsail Island.

Here’s a few reasons why (as well as a few suggestions for planning an entire weekend amongst its sunny streets):

ACCOMMODATIONS
Luxury: For a luxury stay on Topsail Island that is both accommodating and unique, make reservations at The Pink Palace of Topsail, the island’s one-and-only oceanfront bed and breakfast. Every suite has access to a screened porch, three open-air decks and a hot tub. It’s a first-class vacation spot for families, as each suite sleeps up to 10 people, with five bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths. The Palace is open September through June, and weekly rentals are available all summer. Peak season rates are $3,300 weekly.

Cost-efficient: The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites in Sneads Ferry is just a quick drive over the high-rise bridge to North Topsail Beach, and perfectly situated to encompass scenic views of both the Intracoastal Waterway and the North Shore Golf Course Country Club. Depending on one’s choice of rooms, it can be quite cost-effective for all it entails: a large outdoor pool, free high-speed Internet access, coffee makers, two-line speaker phones, king-size beds, microwave ovens, whirlpool tubs and a complimentary hot breakfast bar, just to name a few. Government rates, AAA and AARP discounts, wedding and golf packages, and group rates are all available, and seasonal rates apply. It is open all year round.

Economical: Oceanfront overnight stays don’t always have to break a vacationer’s wallet. For a front-row stay at half the cost, the Jolly Roger Inn is located in the center of downtown Topsail Beach, conveniently situated upon the same premises as the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier. The motel houses 65 rooms, 10 of which are non-smoking, and some of which are equipped with a kitchen. Open year-round at 803 Ocean Boulevard, the inn offers daily, weekly and seasonal rates.

RECREATION
Luxury: For the ultimate in luxury relaxation and vacation exploration, take a trip to Topsail Island with the folks at Reliant Marine. Based in Wrightsville Beach, with other locations in Carolina Beach and Souhport, renting a boat for the day is the best way to experience the expansive 26-mile island with family or a special someone. From a center-console boat running $299 for the day to a tri-cabin motor yacht at $799 per day, getting out on the water offshore Topsail Island will be a memorable endeavor no matter what. Give Reliant a call at 256-0638 or visit them online at reliantmarine.com.

Cost-efficient: The surf on the East Coast might not be as impressive as that on the West Coast, but the shores of the Atlantic boast warmer water and longer seasons. The beaches running north to south, including Topsail Island, provide consistently better surf than the Brunswick beaches that have an east-west orientation. For a middle-ground recreational activity that isn’t free but also not too costly, consider renting surfboards for a thrilling day atop the waves.

I recommend Spinnaker Surf Shop in the heart of Surf City at 111 North Shore Drive. All-day rentals are $20, and half-day rentals are $10. There are many other surf shops in the area as well, including On Shore Surf Shop (409 Roland Avenue, Surf City), Bert’s Surf Shop (310 N. New River Drive, NC Highway 210), and Double Wide Surf and Skate Shop (14921 Hwy 17, Hampstead).

Economical: It’s my personal travel philosophy that adventure and discovery happen best when self-appointed exploration is indulged: no tour guides, maybe a map, and a lot of curiosity for a new culture. An excellent way to explore Topsail Island—while spending little and getting in some exercise—is to rent bikes for a good old-fashioned day of discovery. Comprising North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach, Topsail Island is enriched with gorgeous coastal scenery and a slow-paced, sea breeze-infused atmosphere that practically begs to be experienced on two wheels. Herrings Outdoor Sports at 701 New River Drive in Surf City offers bicycle rentals for $10 per four hours, $20 per day, $35 per three days and $50 per week.

NIGHTLIFE:
Luxury: “Live slow, sail fast, eat well” says the Mainsail Restaurant, serving Topsail for the past 14 years. The restaurant is located at 404 Roland Avenue in Surf City on Topsail Island, and its top-floor martini bar and lounge called the Commodore Room makes for a nice transition of drinks after dinner. The room offers a private entrance, private bar, dance floor and private bathrooms, holding up to 200 people for cocktail parties. Patrons will discover a variety of specialty martinis, fine wine and spirits, as well as a beautiful, 40-feet-long cherry hardwood bar. The wine list includes everything from house reds and whites to a $105 bottle of 2001 Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon.

Upcoming live music includes: a July 4th ‘80s Costume Party with prizes, Sammy O’Banion and The Mardi Gras Band from 9:30pm-1:30am on July 11th, and The Craig Woolard Band from 9:30pm-1:30am on July 18th.

Cost-efficient: Who knew such nightlife exists on Topsail Island? With a square footage of 4,000, not including an outdoor deck, Sandbar Saloon is the hottest place to be in Surf City when the sun goes down and the partiers are looking for a place to commune. The expansive bar and equally large dance floor provide the perfect backdrop to toss all cares to the wind and rock out all night long. Doors open every day at 7pm. The last Friday of every month is Band Night, while every Saturday hosts a dance party with DJ Starz. Wednesday and Sunday nights are for karaoke, with a dance party to ensue at 9pm.

Enjoy DJ Storm on Thursday nights and DJ Dirty Ernie on Fridays. Ladies always get in free, and guys pay no cover before 9pm.
Economical: With a DJ in the front and beer in the back, this little dive serves one purpose and one purpose only: to be a good ol’ fashioned watering hole. A small hut-like exterior and enough room to bust a move inside, Gilligan’s is the archetypical locals’ joint, where folks can meet up with friends and sing karaoke ‘til their heart’s content or simply drink the night away not too far from home. It’s well-kept while maintaining an air of not being too polished—a “come as you are” kind of bar that’ll prove to be the most bang for the buck.

Located right off Highway 50 in Surf City, it is actually a private club with a membership fee of $5 (although guests can be signed in by a member for the evening). Live entertainment is provided Wednesday through Sunday during the summer, and it is open year round.

If the plan is to make a night of it, hopping from place to place with drinking involved, I highly recommend renting the “Beach Buggy” to be a personal chauffeur for the night. It’s a 15-passenger shuttle bus that ensures a safe night out on the town.

SHOPPING
Luxury: Topsail locals and visitors alike will relish a day spent in the lavish Stephanie’s Jewelry Boutique at 13500 North Carolina Hwy. 50, Suite 103, in the Gateway Plaza in Surf City. Coveted items for sale at this family-owned-and-operated shop include gorgeous hand-crafted baubles from gold, silver, gems and semi-precious stones. Beautiful necklaces, pendants, rings and earrings are in abundance, with styles ranigng from vintage to traditional to ultra-modern (as with Stephanie’s line of Elle jewelry). Stephanie’s also carries wedding rings, guest books, Trinity candles, wedding bouquets and corsages for brides-to-be, as well as gift items like perfumed sachets and hangers, scented candles, made-to-order bath-and-body baskets and baby products. Not only is Stephanie’s a full-service jewelry store (providing expert jewelry repair and watch batteries), but it also carries antique furniture.

Cost-efficient: The Topsail Island Trading Company is a diverse clothing store and truly a one-stop shop, carrying clothing for the whole family in a variety of brands and prices. From fine jewelry to a Topsai Island sweatshirt, nautical clocks to precision weather instruments, the Trading Company has it all. The best part about making a stop here? They offer delicious homemade fudge that’s become quite the acclaimed delicacy in town, offered in 50-plus flavors. Gourmet dips and sauces, cards, gifts and cookbooks are also available. Topsail Island Trading Company is open daily at 201 New River Drive in Surf City.

Economical: It’s a must-stop for any beach vacation, be it a weekend getaway or a week-long family get-together: the local Waves, Wings or, in Surf City, Eagles. Here one will find the most unapologetically tacky yet irresistibly delightful trinkets around—from Southern-pride beach towels to Topsail Island koozies and keychains. An entire afternoon could be spent wandering its overstocked aisles, perusing the irreverent and crude to the kitschy and cute. There’s a useless must-have for everyone in the family to be found at Eagles—just don’t forget to pick out a new pet hermit crab!

RESTAURANTS
Luxury: If this restaurant was named for the legendary island of paradise now said to be at the bottom of the Atlantic, perhaps it is not far off the mark. Topsail Island’s hidden jewel and a beautiful fine-dining location, the Atlantis Restaurant is located in the St. Regis Resort at North Topsail Beach and is ideal for eating out in style. Patrons enter a glass elevator to the seventh floor where floor-to-ceiling windows provide an outstanding view of the northern strand of the island. The menu hails seafood, steaks and pastas, as well as unique appetizers and a children’s menu. The restaurant is easily able to serve large groups and has become a top location for holding special events. Reservations are recommended for dinner during the summer season.

Cost-efficient: A treasure to behold in Surf City is the new Thai Grille, an elegant yet affordable restaurant with a chic atmosphere and traditional Thai cuisine. Satay skewers, handmade spring rolls, and Massaman and Panang curries are all made from scratch from family recipes, epitomizing the restaurant slogan of “great food and good vibes.” Patrons will appreciate that curries can be spiced to taste—ranging from mild to atomic—and the delectable dessert menu, which includes Thai Fried Bananas, Caramel Toffee Ice Cream, and Sticky Rice with Fresh Mangoes in Coconut Milk.

Thai Grille has a full bar, a nice wine list and a varied selection of beer on tap. Located in the Surf City Gateway Plaza, it is open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday.

Economical: Located at 107 North South Shore Drive, parallel to the beach at Surf City, Mollie’s Restaurant is the perfect little midday stop or late-breakfast haven for beach-goers looking for a place to eat without having to get too spiffy. The food speaks volumes at any time of day, infused with the tastes of the sea. Breakfast is served until 11am on weekdays and until noon on weekends—I recommend the Sweet Potato Pancakes or Mollie’s signature Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict. Homemade biscuits are made fresh daily. Lunch menus include salads, sandwiches and mouth-watering burgers, while dinner offers a huge variety of fried and broiled seafood, as well as pasta, steak and chicken.

For proud fishermen who have had a successful day on the water, Mollie’s will even prep and cook to order any catch brought in for just $5.95 per person. It’s casual dining perfection, where kids are always welcome, and the food never disappoints. Mollie’s is open year round, daily in season from 7am-9pm, closed on Tuesdays during the off season.

BEACH SPOTS
Most popular: Extending 937 feet long with a 40-foot octagon-shaped terrace at the end, the Surf City Ocean Pier is undoubtedly the place where most beach-goers flock. Constructed in 1948, it is the island’s first ocean pier, owned and operated by the Lore family since 1973.

It offers a large variety of bait, a fully stocked tackle shop and beach store, a live-well tank for King fishing, plenty of lighting for night fishing, two large fish-cleaning stations, burgers on the grill, a screened-in dining area and an arcade game room for the kids. The beach area around the pier stays populated if only because people are there to enjoy this town landmark.

Most Family-Oriented: Most family-oriented beach: At the southernmost tip of Topsail Island lies Topsail Beach, a quiet beach community and smallest of the three towns that comprise the island. It is the quintessential family gathering place: relaxing, uncrowded and full of history. Adding to its family-friendly appeal is the fact that high-rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. Motels, restaurants, gift shops, a fishing pier and other businesses are peppered throughout the premises, including the only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (located on the sound near Town Hall). The arsenal building from Operation Bumblebee is now home to the Missiles and More Museum, providing an educational activity in which to partake either rain or shine.

Best Spot: Abundant parking when peak season brings an overflow of tourists. A playground for the kids to enjoy when they’ve had enough of the beach. Public restrooms nearby to allow for more time laying out before having to come in. A bar nearby for the adults. The County Line Beach is the best beach spot on Topsail Island not just for one of these reasons but for all of them combined. It’s a one-stop hotspot, a place to relax while eliminating the worries that can make a day at the beach, well, not exactly a day at the beach. Topsail Island will be best appreciated here, soaking in the rays of the Carolina sun, catching a tan and, on a good day, some Spanish or Blues.