Topsail Guide 
Fall on the North Carolina coast means more than cooler breezes and open beaches. For locals and visitors alike, it marks the return of Autumn With Topsail, a three-day celebration of art, music, food, and community spirit. Now in its 36th year, the festival runs October 17–19, 2025, on the historic Assembly Building grounds in … Read more
The federal government shut down at 12:01 a.m. today after Congress missed the funding deadline, and the effects will be felt quickly across coastal North Carolina. This update focuses first on local impacts for military families, residents, and visitors in the Topsail area, then broadens out to statewide context. Immediate Impacts Around Topsail Town services … Read more
Tropical Storm Imelda, which formed near the Bahamas late last week, is now drawing closer to the Southeast coast with forecast models still showing a wide range of possibilities for its path. For communities in Southeastern North Carolina, including Topsail Island and Hampstead, the storm is already shaping daily decisions and raising questions about what … Read more
Table of Contents Introduction Historical reports of water problems County responses and known issues Impact of using tap water How locals have addressed the problem Who to contact for in-home upgrades Choosing and installing DIY reverse osmosis systems Conclusion Introduction Pender County’s coastal location and rapid growth have stressed the local water system. Residents of … Read more
Tourist season is over across the Topsail Area. Here’s how both mainland businesses on the US-17 corridor and island shops/services can stay visible this fall and winter – and why doing it now sets you up for a stronger 2026 seasonal push. Table of Contents The Post-Season Reality: Mainland vs. Island Why Google Reviews Matter … Read more
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