North Carolina’s Barrier Island Vacation
The Topsail area of North Carolina has three communities on the island itself–North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. On the main land, there are two more–Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge.
Topsail Island is 26 miles long and 1,500 feet wide at its widest point. Two bridges connect the island to the main land. The mild climate all year long and the 26 miles of beach on the Atlantic Ocean, make Topsail Island a great vacation destination. Take a look at some of the things to see and on and near Topsail Island.
The Belle of Topsail
Is 55 feet long and a replica of an 1880’s double-decker riverboat. Take a cruise down the Intracoastal waterway at sunset that includes hors d’oeuvres and dancing. Drinks are extra and the cruise lasts for about two hours. They also offer a special children’s cruise that features a show by a trained dog. The cruise leaves at 4:00 PM and lasts for one hour. Choose the cruise to a sandbar where you will disembark for a barbecue. On the weekly pirate cruise, the ship is attacked and boarded by pirates complete with cannons.
The Missiles and More Museum
Is operated by the Historical Society of Topsail Island. See exhibits on Operation Bumblebee, the secret Navy’s guided missel program that was conducted on Topsail Island from 1946-1948, Camp Davis at Holly Ridge, a World War II antiaircraft training center during World War II,the V-22 Osprey Aircraft and the pirates who once plundered ships in the area.
Hammocks Beach State Park
Is located on Bear Island, just off of Topsail Island. The park is only accessible by ferry or private boat or by canoe and kayak on a special canoe trail. The park has primitive campsites near the beach along with 14 family sites and three group sites. Camping is allowed all year long and you have to pack everything into the site. Water and facilities are available except from mid November to mid March. Fishing is allowed with a Coastal Recreational Fishing License. The catch can include puppy drum, flounder, trout and blue fish. The park has covered picnic shelters and a concession stand and swimming is allowed in a designated area.
Image: SG
