The symbolic start of the summer is almost here! Have you made your 2016 Memorial Day plans yet? If not, we highly encourage you to consider a Memorial Day holiday weekend (or more) at the beach on Topsail Island.
Why? Well, we have ten really good reasons! Read up on what there is to do and see in the Topsail area during your Memorial Day weekend. Try one or try them all. Oh and who doesn't need a little more sun, sand and surf in their life? Exactly.
Check out our Memorial Day Top 10 for Topsail Island!
1. Go to the beach, of course.
Kick your summer off right with miles of beautiful sand, sparkling waters and plenty of fun in the sun. Stroll the shoreline, go shelling, catch up on a good read, watch the sunrise or do whatever your little heart desires. Life is a beach here in Topsail, you know, and island life is calling you. Will you answer?2. Learn more about the military history of Topsail.
Topsail Island is steeped in fascinating history, military and otherwise. Given the holiday, why not explore what role Topsail Island has played in our nation's history? You'll be surprised at what you'll find. Operation Bumblebee, Women Air-Force Service Pilots (WASP) and pirates, oh my!You can learn more about Topsail Island's history here. You may want to add a trip to the Missiles and More Museum during your stay, too.
3. Take a day trip to the nearby cities of Wilmington and Jacksonville, NC.
Present day military and past military history come to life during your visit to each of these nearby cities. Both Wilmington and Jacksonville have a lot to see and do, and are only about 43 miles (in opposite directions) from Topsail Island.From the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, there is a lot to learn about military life past and present here in North Carolina. Jacksonville and Wilmington each have their own unique highlights, so be sure to try to get there during your stay on Topsail Island, if you can.
4. Enjoy a concert at Soundside Park in Surf City.
If you're here on Friday, May 27, plan to come on over to Soundside Park in Surf City for live music in a beautiful setting. The classic rock group Carolina Band brings music to your ears from 6-8p.m. You may also want to look at the Pops in the Park schedule, too. See you there!Visit the Topsail Chamber of Commerce calendar for a full listing of events any time you're in the area.
5. In honor of the start of sea turtle nesting season in May, visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.
What better way to celebrate the start of sea turtle nesting season on Topsail Island than with a visit to this local favorite? Learn, share and apply what you experience at the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center when it comes to protecting these threatened and endangered species. And they are really, really cute!Visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center's website for hours of operation, admission prices and everything sea turtle.
6. Cruise the local waters.
The Belle of Topsail has a cruise for everyone! Pets, kids, dolphin watchers, sunset admirers, pirates—you name it, they have it. Check out their Topsail cruise schedule and specialty cruises to see what they have to offer. It's one of the best ways to tour the island and local waters.7. Shop at a local market and get a taste of Topsail.
Topsail has some wonderful farmers' and beach markets for your shopping pleasure. Shop local, buy local! We highly recommend the Surf City Summer Market and the Farmers' Market at Poplar Grove Plantation.
Bring a taste of Topsail home to your vacation rental and make use of your amazing kitchen. You won't regret it!
8. Make the most of your Topsail vacation rental and have a Memorial Day cookout.
Speaking of Topsail vacation rentals, make the most of your kitchen or grill during your stay and cook up a Memorial Day spread to remember. Then sit back, relax and enjoy your Memorial Day celebration in true Topsail style. Yum!
9. Spend quality time with the ones you love the most and make memories that last a lifetime.
How often do you really take time out to do this? Not enough, that's for certain. Soak up the moments spent with your family, friends and loved ones in a beautiful setting. That's the good stuff! Cherish it. Relish it. Live in the moment. It will be gone before you know it.
10. Take a moment to remember the fallen and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today in our country.
Memorial Day is a wonderful time to celebrate, but it also holds meaning far beyond our own personal lives. Take a moment to reflect on those who have given us so much through their ultimate sacrifice.Have a safe, happy and meaningful Memorial Day!
What would you add to our Memorial Day Top 10 for Topsail Island?
