PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Invigorating

OOne of the many surprises of the pandemic years has been the massive increase in tourism in coastal North Carolina. For the last two years, more people than ever have been flocking to our beaches, and who can blame them? With more than 300 miles of stunningly beautiful beaches, combined with a long warm season, North Carolina is a magnet for beach lovers. The coast has seen not only an increase in year-round tourism, but also a rise in population as people ditch their city lives and move to the places they love. The Topsail area is no exception. Visitation is increasing, and newcomers are moving in. The real estate market is highly competitive, and new businesses are popping up. There’s new energy in town, especially as winter transitions into spring. Everyone is looking forward to a great upcoming season full of (mask-free) smiling faces and sunshine. At Topsail Magazine, we have been busy trying to keep up with all of the changes while at the same time honoring the area’s rich history and dedicated long-term residents. And we hope this Spring 2022 issue reflects that balance. We’ve got stories on Topsail-area icons like The Skate Barn, which has been welcoming skateboarders to the area for more than 25 years, and the Herculean efforts to save the offshore Frying Pan Shoals Light Station. We have a story about the history of The Gold Hole, in which corporate treasure hunters spent years digging for treasure on the beach, and a story about Earl and Inez Batts, the namesakes of the new recreation complex in Surf City.

On the other hand, we introduce you a business called Picnic Haven, founded by newcomers who started new lives on Topsail Island. For all of those RVers wheeling into the area, we give a rundown of the local RV parks. We also give you an update of the sometimes-shocking local real estate market. Perhaps along both lines, we recognize Howard Hess for bringing tennis to Topsail many years ago and then for bringing in the modern sport of pickleball.

The Topsail area is such a special and wonderful place. I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy it this spring. Meanwhile, we’ll be on the lookout for more great stories to bring you this summer.

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher Publisher@TopsailMag.com