According to Topsailbeach.org, the name Topsail (pronounced "tops'l"), originates from the 1700s when pirate ships hid behind the channel off this 26-mile island. They waited here and attacked merchant ships passing through. The merchants eventually learned about their hiding place and would look for the tops of the pirate ships' sails peaking over the dunes.
The endangered Loggerhead sea turtle calls Topsail its nesting home. The Topsail Turtle Project aims to protect the loggerhead and all species of sea turtles. This turtle hospital rescues and provides care to local injured and ill turtles. The hospital welcomes visitors during the summer months, and it runs an "Adopt a Sea Turtle" program which allows individuals and groups to donate money to care for and feed a specific turtle.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
822 Caroline Ave.
Topsail Beach, NC 28845
seaturtlehospital.org
Take your family or date out to the skating rink. It is typically open from early morning to late evening during the summer months. If skating is not your interest, try a game of miniature golf at Patio Playground, which also has an arcade. Nearby Surf City has several public parks with picnic areas, playgrounds and pier areas for walking and fishing.
Topsail Skating Rink
714 S Anderson Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
910 328-2381
Patio Playground
807 S Anderson Blvd
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
910-328-6491
Surfcasting on the beach is typical in Topsail. Fish for trout, flounder, drum and spots in the summer months. Charter fishing offers the chance to catch king mackerel, tuna, snapper, cobia and grouper. Cook your own catch or visit Sneads Ferry, the local fishing village for some fresh oysters, fish and shrimp.
To learn all about Topsail's history, visit the Missiles and More Museum. It is free, and its collection includes artifacts from prehistory to present. Exhibits include the Operation Bumblebee government project, Camp Davis, Native Americans, pirates and a natural history exhibit. As of October 2010, the museum was open Monday to Friday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. from April to May and September to October. It was open on Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m during the summer months. The museum offers educational and student tours as well as a lunch speaker series once a month.
Topsail Missile Museum
720 Channel Blvd.
Topsail Beach, NC 28445
800-626-2780
topsailmissilemuseum.org
