Island Hopper, Topsail Island, North Carolina

12/30/2022

As of January 5th 2023, we are officially closed. Thank you all for enjoying our home & making amazing family memories! ⛱️

10/03/2022

Looking to buy a beach house? This is your perfect location! ONLY feet away from the beach!

09/30/2022

Hurricane 🌀 Ian

09/30/2022

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=474305748069047&id=100064688766486

Update 7

Ian has now been upgraded to a Category 1 Hurricane and will begin its approach toward the Carolinas and bring a variety of impacts to the area tonight into Friday. The updated National Hurricane Center forecast has Ian making landfall along the South Carolina coast as a hurricane on Friday. Surf City is in a Hurricane Watch, Tropical Storm Warning, and Storm Surge Watch. The Town has implemented a State of Emergency as of 6 p.m., Thursday, September 29th and will implement a full activation of the Emergency Operations Center beginning at 7 a.m., Friday, September 30th. Town offices and facilities will be closed to the public, including the Surf City Community Center, however, phone lines will be active. For non-emergency police matters you may call (910) 328-7711.

Impacts are predicted to be the following:
• Up to hurricane force winds
• Storm Surge of 2’-4’ (inundation associated with the high tides during Friday are expected to be the worst during this event)
• Rainfall totals 3”-4” with isolated higher amounts possible (heaviest rainfall is expected during Friday and Friday night)
• There is a Slight Risk (2 of 5; the risk for isolated tornadoes will increase during early Friday morning and persist through Friday night)

Certain roadways in Town may become impassable due to flooding, so please plan accordingly. If sustained winds reach or exceed 45 mph over a 2-minute period, travel over the Surf City Bridge is strongly discouraged. Anyone who drives over the Bridge while these conditions are present will be doing so at their own risk.

The Town of Surf City offers many ways for our residents and visitors to stay informed of local happenings. CodeRED is used to provide mass communication of critical and emergency information to those signed up via telephone, text message, and email methods. If you are not signed up for CodeRED, click here of visit www.surfcitync.gov/codered to sign up today. Other ways to stay informed include the MySurfCity app (Apple and Android supported), the official Town of Surf City website (www.surfcitync.gov), and Facebook (www.facebook.com/surfcityncgov). In addition, the Town of Surf City has established the Emergency Alert Radio Station to provide continuous NOAA weather radio broadcast. That can be found on AM Radio 1670.

09/09/2022

Morning walks 🌞

08/30/2022

How things like this happen- I just stopped asking.
Thankfully the guys were honest, and replaced it. 🔨

08/14/2022

My nephews in Raleigh, shout out to Surf City! 👨‍🚒

08/02/2022

Respect the beach and you get to see things like this 🐢 🐢 🐢

07/03/2022

At this time, the Town plans to move forward with the 3rd of July Celebration at Soundside Park. We have moved past any threats associated with Tropical Storm Colin and are now monitoring normal summer weather patterns with expected rain showers and potential thunderstorms. Staff continues to monitor weather risks closely and coordinate with pyrotechnics company to ensure safety as a first priority.

Our current evaluations show we are in a “marginal risk” for severe storms today, which means a threat level of 1 out of 5. Isolated damaging winds seem to be our greatest threat at this time. The heat index will approach 100 degrees and the greatest thunderstorm potential will be between 2 PM – 9 PM, with a 60% chance of rain.

Staff will continue to monitor weather risks closely and keep you updated as we move throughout today and approach the event at 6 PM, however, we stress that you please remain weather aware and plan accordingly. We are looking forward to a great time and seeing everyone tonight at 6pm!

07/02/2022

07/02/2022

Whether it's suntanning, sharing an ice cream, or sightseeing, there's always something to do on the pier!

Visit abovetopsail.com for more photos and print information.

06/02/2022

On behalf of the Town of Surf City’s Beautification and Enhancement Committee (BEC), we are excited to share this commission opportunity, open to all North Carolina Artists with experience in outdoor murals, who are interested in submitting a proposal. The winning concept will capture the spirit of Surf City with a permanent installation on a public wall donated by The Town of Surf City.

The Beautification and Enhancement Committee reports directly to the Town of Surf City’s Town Council and is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the beauty of Surf City through beautification and enhancement projects like murals. The Public Art commissioned by the BEC will be located within the town of Surf City, creating a cultural destination for Surf City and the greater Topsail Island residents and visitors to the island.

Projected TIMELINE Pump Station, S. Topsail Dr. #1 Mural:
August 1st, 2022 Deadline for Submissions
August 16th, 2022 Winner Announced
August 30th, 2022 Pre- Installation & Site Prep Work Completed
September 12th, 2022 Installation Begins
September 23rd, 2022 Mural Completed*

*Dates contingent on weather

THEME:

This mural is about SURF CITY’S BEAUTY & CULTURE. We want to see what you bring to these walls, and we are open to your imagination.

Surf City has been the commercial heart of Topsail Island for over 60 years. The town has grown from a small fishing village that was home to a handful of families to a year-round community of around 1,900. Visitors enjoy Surf City as “the way the beach used to be,” quiet and serene. Surf City’s clean and uncrowded beaches have become the town’s main attraction where visitors can enjoy the sand on their feet and the peaceful rhythms of the ocean under a deep blue sky. West of Surf City, Topsail Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway separate the island from the mainland. This narrow body of water provides the perfect setting for canoeing, kayaking, water skiing and fishing.

The community’s history includes early American pirates, Operation Bumblebee during WWII, and recent history such as the beloved and iconic Swing Bridge.

The natural environment of Surf City and the Topsail Region create a strong community and cultural bond to the health and sanctuary of sea turtles, oysters, shrimp and crabs, as well as local inshore and off shore fishing.

Some thoughts to consider for mural content: Surf City history, summer fun, coastal landscapes, beach vacation, families, wildlife, swing bridge, Bumblebee Towers, sea turtle sanctuary, and/or sea and sound.

Concepts to avoid: anything perceived as political, religious, or vulgar

SITE LOCATION & DIMENSIONS:

The space that has been identified by BEC for public art is the concrete L-Shaped Wall that is located near the Surf City water tower. This wall screens the visibility of pump station from the parking lot and traffic circle.

The wall is L-Shaped consisting of two walls. (1) 41’ wall with its facade facing east, and (2) 17’ wall with facade facing north. There are two 9’3” pillars at each end of the (1) wall, with one of the pillars supports the east corner of the (2) north facing wall. The total surface is roughly 536 sq ft.

The walls are built with concrete block with a concrete stucco finish. The finish has some cracks, rusted bolts (structural), and blemishes. The wall is currently painted a soft blue green. This will be pressure washed and primed with a white primer appropriate for exterior stucco.

Please see below for photographs of wall, and sketch of dimensions

SELECTION PROCESS AND PROPOSALS:

The Artist selection process is informal. We encourage all interested Artists to submit a preliminary concept rendering that fulfills the theme of SURF CITY’S BEAUTY & CULTURE. Artist’s concept can include an interactive element. The Artist may submit more than one concept rendering. The renderings must contain sufficient detail to convey the artist’s concept in terms of content, style, colors, inspiration, etc. Please also include the proposed name of your concept.

Other than for the general theme itself, the BEC encourages Artists to have fun. We are looking to the artist’s creativity to propose his or her own original concept that best embodies and conveys the theme.

All proposals will be presented to the BEC for their consideration. the Committee will be voting on design, and application. Past exterior mural experience and references will be considered by the committee in addition to how well it fulfills the RFP.

If selected, the artist will be required to provide a more formal and scaled mock up of the mural, which will need to be completed prior to presentation to Town Council and formal awarding of the contract.

COMPENSATION:

The budget for Artist Compensation is $8040.00. This amount is based on a square footage mural rate of $15 a square foot. This commission is a gross lump sum and the artists expenses for paint, paint supplies, cleanup and protective supplies would be the responsibility of the artist. Community support and donations of materials will be led by the Committee to try and reduce the overall compensation amount.

The wall will be cleaned and primed white to create a clean, blank canvas. All additional paint and supplies will be provided by the artist. The town will also supply scaffolding to the artist if necessary.

The BEC is authorized to negotiate with the selected artist on all aspects of the installation proposal including, but not limited to installation schedule, liability insurance, wall preparation requirements, equipment needs, final concept details, city permits, and other provisions. The BEC is free to reject all concepts and to restart the process. The BEC will employ an intermediary to assist in coordinating selection and ultimately work with the artist to oversee the project through completion.

Once the artist has been selected, the proposal approved, and the contract signed, “Let the painting begin.”

Proposals will be accepted through August 1st, 2022

The Intermediary will be available to meet in person, Zoom or by telephone to discuss the theme in more detail, and to answer any questions you may have.

To deliver your submission by August 1, 2022, please visit this website and follow the directions under the “Call for Entries” tab: https://artexposure50.com

05/17/2022

Not my photo
But here is the Flower moon at the pier!

05/14/2022

After the rain... comes the rainbow, at least here in Surf City, North Carolina. 🌈 We expect a beautiful weekend ahead for all to enjoy some Topsail time! 🏖️

📷: Dave Allen, djaimages.com

04/22/2022

“The List of everything Topsail”
Part 1

SHOPPING
Mia's Marketplace
Coral Cottage
Salt Marsh Market
Topsail Trading Co - fudge, toys, gifts
Southern Emporium
Bumblebee
The Gift Box
Sandy Toes
Hometown Harvest
Several Beach junk shops
Carolina Decor and More -Resale
Our Yard Your Sale-Resale
The Orange Blossom-Resale

ATTRACTIONS/THINGS TO DO
Weds Farmers Market at Poplar Grove
http://poplargrove.org/farmers-market/
Google sunrise time, walk across to beach to watch sunrise
Missile Museum/Towers
Topsail Escape Room
Tiki Tour (history tours, sunset cruises, etc)
Sea Turtle Hospital
Putt Putt
Serenity Point
Ecological Marine Adventures - for kids
Topsail or Aquaholics Boat Rental
Batts Park playground and watch sunset
Five Star Stables - pony rides, petting zoo
Herrings offers kayak tours
Boat trip to Lea Island
Patio Playground mini golf
Axe throwing in Holly Ridge
Surf City jet ski rentals
Day trip to Shackleford Banks
Fly kites!
Golf-North Shore Golf and Castle Bay are two nearby courses.
North Topsail Surf & Paddle

Topsail Beach Skating Rink, Shipwreck mini golf, Patio Playground, Paradise Axe & Arcade, & there are quite a few playgrounds around depending on where you're staying.

Yoga
Dance
SUP
Sunrise yoga

GROCERIES, ETC
ABC Store
Surf City IGA (on island)
Food Lion
Walmart Grocery only
Publix
(the 3 groceries above are across the bridge and next to each other)
Seaside Gourmet Market
Andrews Produce Stand (and homemade ice cream)
Dollar General

Mani-Pedi
Massage
Float Therapy

Part 2.

DINING
Shaka Taco - our fave!
JM’s on the Water**
Hot Diggety Dog
Island Delight
SurfDog Bites and Booze
New York Corner Deli - our fave
Cora's Deli
Fast Fish- new
Diver Surfside Cafe
Sail In to Nutrition
Coastal Wings & Spirits
Margaritas Mexican - new
Agave Azul- Mexican
Surf City Line - Mexican
Sears Landing - our fave
Daddy Mac's
Fancy Sushi
Island Wok - new
Burrito Shak
The Peak**
The Corner - may be out of business?
Jebbys on 17 - our fave
Camino Real Mexican
Shuckin Shack - our fave
Santinos Italian/Pizza
Splash by the Sea-our fave
Beauchains
Crab Pot
Beach Shoppe and Grill $$$$- our fave
Low Tide $$$ - our fave

Daily Grind Coffee, ice cream, live music
Sea Blue Coffee, Ice cream, gifts.
Daybreak Donuts - fresh hot donuts
Sunrise Bagel Co.
Topsail Island Popcorn
Snow Factory
Sugar Island - baked goods, coffee, used bookstore
Quarter Moon - coffee, beer, wine, gifts, live music
Trailer Bar - live music, our fave
Gilligan's - live music, our fave
Second row - music beer, wine, gifts- out of business - now Scallywags.
Rick's Restaurant sports bar

Each Wednesday, April 13, 2022 – September 28, 2022 Artisan Market on Saturdays in October 8 AM – 1 PM   The Farmers’ Market at Poplar Grove provides an opportunity for local growers and producers to sell their goods directly to consumers. The market strives to promote local farmers & the use...

04/13/2022

04/12/2022

Picnic Haven and its founders LaRhea Burke and Cai Cee Murgo serve as a story of courage, community inspiration and the importance of relishing life’s special moments.

04/05/2022

Buy her books!

This is Joe Mayfield, who was a Navy Corpsman during the Vietnam War. Here he is with the USS Repose, a hospital ship stationed off the coast of Da Nang. Gathering information about the Vietnam era has been challenging, but Joe has been a great go to guy answering my questions about that time in our history. He's seen more and done more than most. Talking to him and others has been an eye opener and reminded me of how good I have it-How good we all have it. My hat is off, and loads of praise to him for his service to our country. The Blue House series starts with Topsail Island Tango, next (I'm working on it now) is The Sneaky Freaky. What the heck is that?

04/01/2022

03/24/2022

You've wanted Disney for a while, and now that we have the space, your wish is GRANTED! Leave the kids at home and come have some 21 and up fun with your favorite Wednesday hosts this week at Salty Turtle Beer Company and TheCove.STBC!

03/22/2022

Rain, sun and humidity, it's spring time at the beach! 🌈

03/20/2022

03/18/2022

Another brewery in the making! 🍻

It's on!! Site prep should begin shortly and ground breaking is just weeks away. We will share the progress of the build and answer what questions we can along the way. We are so grateful to be part of this community and look forward to pouring a beer for you soon. Cheers!

03/08/2022

Get your favorite local seafood delivered!

Hey y’all! One of our biggest requests from all the folks that vacation in Topsail Island is for us to be able to ship seafood to you guys. Well, now we can!
•
Our website ( www.surfcitycrab.fish ) now includes a web store where you can purchase some of our most common items, and have them shipped anywhere east of the Mississippi!
•
It’s still a work in progress, but the first few shipments have gone well. Let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see that isn’t listed yet!

EDIT: Yes we can ship to Virginia 😎

03/08/2022

We have a few days available for short stay in May
Please DM if you are interested!
Home sleeps 10
Yards from the beach
2.3 miles from Surf City Pier

No pets
Renters must be 25+

03/06/2022

Coastline Kölsch, what a beaut!
🌊
🌊
🌊
A take on the traditional German style, this golden brew is the perfect gateway for beer drinkers who want to get a little craftier. With slightly more body than the American lager and a firmer bitterness on the finish, it can be your new favorite refreshing ale.
📸:

03/04/2022

03/04/2022

Lent has begun. We offer Baked, fried, grilled, eat at one of our picnic benches or takeout we have lots of options!

03/04/2022

🦀

03/03/2022

Salty Turtle added even more outside space! Check out there progress below

03/02/2022

Creole Shrimp & Chicken Soup is HOT & READY for you to enjoy. 😊 Grab a cup for $6 & a bowl for $7 OR add a grilled cheese for just $6.99 more!

03/02/2022

Guess who is open for the season !!!

03/02/2022

"After a few visits to the area, here are some of the best things to do on Topsail Island that we think you’re going to love."

Click the link below for a good read!

https://www.nctripping.com/things-to-do-on-topsail-island/

Here are some of the best things to do on Topsail Island that you'll discover while exploring this awesome North Carolina beach destination.

02/15/2022

SEA URCHINS

More than 600 sea urchin shells of different species

02/05/2022

Woah! CONGRATS 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️🏄‍♂️

01/12/2022

We left Topsail in sandals, and then started to drive through a wintery mix, all the sudden we hit Virginia and it was white out snow conditions! One icy lane, snow, piled up on the roads, GPS taking us off i-95 to side roads, although beautiful, icy, slow moving, no lights, no gas, you can feel the frantic on everyones face and no place to stop to let the dogs use the restroom-
We were *SUPER* lucky! We only had 23 miles to the gallon left- found the 1 and only gas station left with gas, everyone in the same side road was all stopping in to attempt to fill up. We filled with Super - the only gas option left!- Made it back to i-95, finally around DC two lanes where opened and the roads where clear and smooth sailing after that!
Happy New Year!