TREASURES OF TOPSAIL
YOU GOTTA DISCOVER
ON THE COVER
Looking for a fun and intriguing adventure while vacationing in the Topsail Island area? Well, put on your eye patch and grab your spy glass, there are many quirky local attractions and nifty natural wonders just waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.
BY LORI BODKIN
THE MOOSE
RICK'S RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR
A stop at Rick’s Restaurant in Sneads Ferry wouldn’t be complete without encountering the iconic moose mounted on the wall. The moose makes a great conversation piece and is a quirky and fun photo op that adds a bit of humor to your trip. So, grab a seat, order some tasty seafood and snap a selfie with this unforgettable gem.
SHRIMP BOATS
SNEADS FERRY
Venture into this quaint fishing village and you’ll find the home of several shrimp boats that dock along the Intracoastal Waterway. You can often spot local fishermen unloading their catches, and there are plenty of opportunities to purchase fresh shrimp directly from the boats. Be sure to catch the beautiful sight of the shrimp boats silhouetted against the setting sun in the early evening for a picturesque gem.
THE MERMAID MURAL
THE SEA WITCH LOUNGE
Tucked away on the mainland side of Surf City, the Mermaid Mural at The Sea Witch Lounge is a local gem perfect for photos and celebrating the spirit of the island. The Sea Witch is a beloved watering hole, so after you capture your mesmerizing mermaid moment, kick back and enjoy a signature cocktail and some live music.
SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL
KAREN BEASLEY SEA TURTLE RESCUE AND REHABILITATION CENTER
The Sea Turtle Hospital in Surf City is a must-visit gem for animal lovers. This natural wildlife treasure is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured sea turtles. You can take a guided tour and even sneak a few snapshots as you meet some of the turtles in their care. Don’t forget to check out the sea turtle gift shop where you can purchase eco-friendly products that support the center’s mission.
TJ THE PIG
If you love animals or have a sense of humor, TJ the Pig is a must-see. This friendly little pig is often seen roaming around and has become a bit of a celebrity of the Topsail area. Located next door to DDT Outlet, The Rusty Relic is an upscale, yet affordable, collection of 60 vendors offering handcrafted art, collectibles, vintage items, furniture, gifts and more. Find a treasure, say hello to TJ and steal a snapshot of the island’s beloved, unofficial mascot.
THE RUSTY RELIC
SURF CITY TOWN MURALS
THROUGHOUT SURF CITY
Throughout Surf City, the walls of various buildings showcase a few stunning murals that highlight the island’s artistic gems. From vibrant beach scenes to underwater wonders, these murals are a delightful way to explore the town and get a taste of the local culture. Track one down for the perfect backdrop of a fun family photo or a sensational social media story.
THE TOPSAIL TOWERS
THROUGHOUT TOPSAIL
For history buffs, Topsail Island is scattered with a few of the most interesting gems of the past – the missile telemetry towers. During the 1940s and 1950s, the island was a secret site for missile testing by the U.S. military. Many of these missile tracking towers are still standing and serve as a reminder of the island’s pivotal role in history. See if you can capture a candid with one of the remaining towers. (Note: a few have been converted into personal or vacation residences.)
GIANT SHARK
DDT OUTLET
This giant gem of a shark has become an awesome, attention-grabbing landmark for many travelers on the island. A quick stop at DDT Outlet near Hampstead gives you a fun photo op and an opportunity to grab a decorative gem to suit your vacation style. If you want to see the largest collection of interior and exterior home décor around, DDT Outlet has “pretty much everything” … including a giant shark!
SUNRISE AND SUNSET
WATHING LOCATIONS
Topsail Island offers some of the most breathtaking gems of the sky, whether you’re an early bird or a night owl.
For sunrise, head to the eastern side of the island, where the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean. The beach near Topsail Beach Access, Surf City Pier or the far end of North Topsail Island are a few sensational spots for morning reflection and capturing a picture-perfect sunrise moment.
For sunset, head to the western side of the island. The boardwalk at Soundside Park in Surf City offers spectacular sunset views over the Intracoastal Waterway. Breezeway Restaurant, located on Topsail Sound, provides waterfront dining with gorgeous views of the colorful sunsets.
THE MOOSE
RICK'S RESTAURANT AND SPORTS BAR
SHARK TEETH AND SEA GLASS
STOLLING DOWN THE BEACH
Some of the most delightful treasures you can find while strolling along the beaches of Topsail Island are shark teeth and sea glass. The beaches are known for these tiny gems, making it a fun and rewarding scavenger hunt for all ages. Shark teeth are a rare and exciting find, while sea glass is a beautiful keepsake of the island’s glamor. Start a challenge to see who can find the biggest, the most or the most unique souvenir shark teeth and sea glass pieces, then share your pics with us.