Topsail Guide 
Hampstead isn’t the small, quiet community it used to be. Over the past few years, a lot has changed. New homes, more people, and more traffic. For many business owners here, that means good things — but also new problems. The Numbers: Hampstead & Pender County Are Growing Fast Here’s what the data shows: In … Read more
Date: Saturday, November 1, 2025 · Location: Soundside Park (517 Roland Ave, Surf City) Table of Contents Quick Facts Tickets & Schedule Parking & Getting There What to Expect (Music, Oysters, Vendors) Family-Friendly & Accessibility Pro Tips from Locals Stay Updated Quick Facts What it is: A ticketed Ocean Fest benefit with live music, local … Read more
Last updated: 1:42 p.m. ET — We’re tracking reports of smoke and a possible fire within or adjacent to the Holly Shelter Game Lands. Details are still coming together. This page will be updated as we verify new information with state and county officials. Table of Contents What We Know Right Now Official Sources & … Read more
Table of Contents Season Overview & Opening Dates Daily Limits and Enforcement How to Measure Your Catch How We Got Here: A Brief History of Regulations What Anglers Are Saying Top Spots and Seasonal Timing Around Topsail Gear and Techniques for Hook-and-Line Fishing Gigging Gear and Tips Recommended Baits and Lures Tides, Weather and Finding … Read more
Editorial note: Our family left for Topsail High School at 6:45 a.m. – our students didn’t step out of the car until 7:45 a.m., requiring an hour to travel fewer than 3.5 miles. Dozens of locals reported the same across Facebook groups and social media. Below is a round-up of what you saw, why the … Read more
Families heading to Topsail High School on Monday, August 25th should plan for a new morning car rider traffic flow designed to improve safety and reduce congestion along U.S. Highway 17. School officials shared a new traffic map showing the updated arrival and drop-off routes. Beginning tomorrow: All car riders must enter campus from Vista … Read more
Wednesday, August 20, 2025 — Morning Hurricane Erin makes its closest pass to Topsail Island today and while the storm’s core stays far offshore, the ocean will bring her largest impacts. We’re tracking tide timing, wind, and any surge-driven flooding issues that could pop near high tide — especially on the island’s north and south … Read more
Tuesday, August 19, 2025 — Morning update from the Topsail Guide Editorial Team. We’re actively monitoring Hurricane Erin this morning and pulling from the most reliable sources — NHC/NWS advisories and WECT’s weather coverage — to keep us all thinking practically. After 7+ years living in (and reporting for) Topsail, we know these systems can … Read more
This guide is for general information and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. In an emergency, call 911. On This Page Quick Contacts When To Go Where Care Near Topsail If You’re Visiting: What’s Best? For Locals: Back-To-School Readiness Seasonal & Common Issues In Topsail Respiratory Season & COVID County Health Departments Urgent Care: … Read more
With just one week before students return to Pender County schools, drivers through Hampstead are still feeling the squeeze of ongoing work on the $182 million Hampstead Bypass project. Lane shifts and overnight closures near Topsail High School and the Hampstead water tower have become routine, but as morning traffic ramps up for buses and … Read more