Topsail Magazine Summer 2021 Isuue

SUMMER 2021

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COMPLIMENTARY

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TRAILER BAR LIVING SHORELINES ONSLOW BAY BOATWORKS OCEAN CITY BEACH

SMALL BUT

MIGHTY DISCOVERED AT AGE 4, 12-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ELLE GRAHAM OF HAMPSTEAD HAS ALREADY STARRED IN SEVERAL TV SERIES AND FILMS.

The Doctor Will See You Now. Same-day appointments, because your health can’t wait

Novant Health and New Hanover Regional Medical Center are making access to care safer and easier than ever before. Get an appointment within 24 hours for urgent primary care needs and urgent ob-gyn services. Plus get virtual care for virtually anything. And the peace of mind that comes with our proud commitment to bringing you the safest care possible.

NovantHealth.org/NHRMC

© Novant Health, Inc. 2021 05/21 • NH-682949W

Topsail Beach Real Estate

Contact one of our island experts today!

ACTIVE

2068 NEW RIVER INLET RD N • TOPSAIL

13 MARITIME DRIVE • SURF CITY

708 S ANDERSON BLVD • TOPSAIL BEACH

606 SEAFARERS COURT • HOLLY RIDGE

MLS 100242907 | 1+ ACRE | $4,190,000

MLS 100247239 | 4 BED | 3.5 BATH | $1,100,000

MLS 100249775 | COMMERCIAL | $900,000

MLS 100252358 | 3 BED | 3.5 BATH | $775,000

UNDER CONTRACT

4420 ISLAND DRIVE • N TOPSAIL BEACH

2308 S SHORE DRIVE • SURF CITY

MLS 100264001 | 5 BED | 5.5 BATH | $855,000

MLS 100262333 | 2 BED | 1 BATH | $525,000

118 SUMMER WINDS PLACE • SURF CITY 517 N NEW RIVER DRIVE A • SURF CITY MLS 100261234 | 3 BED | 3.5 BATH | $455,000

MLS 100246386 | 3 BED | 3 BATH | $449,000

SOLD

116 S SHORE DRIVE A • SURF CITY

307 FIDDLEHEAD COURT • HOLLY RIDGE

3730 ISLAND DR • N TOPSAIL BEACH

710 OCEAN BLVD • TOPSAIL BEACH

MLS 100238012 | SOLD PRICE $979,000

MLS 100248137 | SOLD PRICE $719,500

MLS 100251362 | SOLD PRICE $695,000

MLS 100250252 | SOLD PRICE $550,000

SANDY LEDBETTER 910-520-8683

JIM WILLIAMS 910-264-2117

STEVE SMITH 910-471-9889

PAUL FORNWALD 910-465-3109

MAUREEN SIDBURY 757-270-2171

MICHAEL FLUHARTY 240-500-4521

MISSY WRIGHT 304-543-4832

LEANNE CHURCHILL 910-333-7887

LINNEA BUTLER 928-951-1006

VICTOR MORGAN 410-271-5928

MARIAN GREEN 919-244-0931

MICHAEL BENTON 910-616-4598

MARGARET MILLER 716-392-6036

ASHLEY RIGLEY 910-548-9757

KEITH STATON 910-616-7117

LISA BRITT, BIC 910-200-4941

1 0 4 T R I T O N L A N E | S U R F C I T Y, N C 2 8 4 4 5 910-328-3000 T O P S A I L . I N T R A C O A S T A L R E A L T Y. C O M

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SUMMER 2021

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 3

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PHOTO BY SHAY PERNA

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

PHOTO BY JAMES STEFIUK

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

IN EVERY ISSUE

34 THE LASTING LEGACY OF OCEAN CITY BEACH

29 PEOPLE

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Singer/songwriter Hayden Laeknir uses music to spread happiness.

Developed amidst segregation in the 1940s, Ocean City Beach was a community on Topsail Island where Blacks could enjoy home ownership and life on the oceanfront.

42 FITNESS

By Pat Fontana

Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a beginner, there’s a yoga experience for you around Topsail Island.

52 NEITHER A TRAILER NOR TRASH

The Trailer Bar is one of North Carolina's most popular coastal dive bars, and it’s not what you think. By Kurt Epps, The PubScout

47 AROUND TOWN

The N.C. Coastal Federation teams up with local towns like Topsail Beach to preserve the soundside of the island, one living shoreline at a time.

62 SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Discovered at age 4, 12-year-old actor Elle Graham of Hampstead has already starred in several TV series and films. By Annesophia

Richards

57 ACROSS THE COUNTY

75 JUST FOR FUN

Onslow Bay Boatworks has consolidated its operations into a brand-new facility in Holly Ridge.

Paradise Axe and Arcade in Holly Ridge is a place for affordable family entertainment.

By Mike Johnson

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PHOTO BY ADAM HAWLEY - UNIQUE MEDIA DESIGN

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69 HISTORY

Lori Fisher shares the 25-year legacy of her Quarter Moon Books & Gifts.

CONTRIBUTORS

10 PUBLISHER’S NOTE 12 NEED TO KNOW 14 TAGGED 18 SPIRITS

Coconut Sunrise

22 WHAT’S COOKIN’

Grilled Bourbon BaconWrapped Scallops over Slaw

25 ONLINE EXCLUSIVES 26 WHAT’S HAPPENED 69 BUSINESS PROFILES

Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar; The Daily Grind Surf City and unWINEd Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie; Sweet Dreams Linens and Rentals

88 TIDE CHART 89 ADVERTISERS INDEX 90 CAPTURE THE MOMENT

DOING WH AT WE DO BEST

Since 1969

Century 21 Action, Inc. has been a Topsail Area/Southeastern North Carolina market leader for over 50 years. We’re known for delivering award winning quality service through the most knowledgeable, best trained, and experienced sales team in the region. Customer satisfaction is always our prima goal and it is pursued Relentlessly. primary Whether you’re Buying or Selling, put the region’s best Real Estate Team to work for you. #RelentlessResults.

 518 Roland Avenue Surf City, NC, 28445

 800-760-4150  century21topsail.com

About

Summer 2021 Issue — Volume 2, Issue 3 CEO/PUBLISHER: Justin Williams DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Sandi Grigg

Publishing Quarterly

COPY EDITOR: Molly Harrison

25,000 copies printed each issue 14,000 copies directly mailed to area homes

CONTRIBUTING GRAPHICS: Laura Glantz Paula Knorr Teresa Kramer Samantha Lowe Elizabeth Dale Niemann

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: George Jacob Brian Wilner

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Kate M. Carey Amy Conry Davis Megan Deitz Laura Glantz Adam Hawley Heather Till Yoga Nick Hobby Vicky Oliver Shay Perna James Stefiuk Unique Media & Design Yoga Divine

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Kathy Blake Kate M. Carey Ashley Daniels Kurt Epps Pat Fontana Sandi Grigg Molly Harrison Mike Johnson Michelle Macken Annesophia Richards Melissa Slaven Warren Brian Wilner

FOUNDER: B.J. Cothran

Want to advertise? ads@TopsailMag.com PUBLISHED BY: CAROLINA MARKETING COMPANY, INC.

Have a story idea? edit@TopsailMag.com Are you a writer or photographer? freelance@TopsailMag.com 910.207.0156 TopsailMag.com

©2021 Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. strives to bring correct, accurate information that is published in the magazine. However, Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any consequences resulting from errors or absences. Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. also cannot be held responsible for the services provided by any and all advertisers in our publications.

All material in this magazine is property of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. and may not be reproduced without authorization from the publisher. Topsail Magazine – A Carolina Marketing Company, Inc. publication is published four times per year and is distributed to residents and businesses in Pender & Onslow County, NC, to subscribers and to select areas of New Hanover County, NC. Interested in back issues, subscriptions or advertising?

Contact us at (910) 207-0156 or info@TopsailMag.com.

Topsail Magazine

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PO Box 1361, Leland, NC 28451 (910) 207-0156 • info@TopsailMag.com Reproduction or use of the contents in this magazine is prohibited.

TopsailMag.com

SUMMER 2021

A publication of Carolina Marketing Company, Inc.

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COMPLIMENTARY

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TRAILER BAR PRESERVING LIVING SHORELINES ONSLOW BAY BOATWORKS

Summer 2021

OCEAN CITY BEACH

SMALL BUT

MIGHTY DISCOVERED AT AGE 4, 11-YEAR-OLD ACTOR ELLE GRAHAM OF HAMPSTEAD HAS ALREADY STARRED IN SEVERAL TV SERIES AND FILMS.

Volume 2, Issue 3

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Topsail Magazine

About the cover: Photographer Laura Glantz captured our cover image of 12-year-old actor Elle Graham. A Hampstead resident, the young star is making her mark in the TV and film industry and is currently starring in the Disney Channel’s time traveling mystery series Secrets of Sulphur Springs. See Annesophia Richards’ story about Elle starting on page 62.

outfitting your coastal lifestyle

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627 South Anderson Blvd. Topsail Beach, NC 28445 910-541-0832 • SouthEndOutfitters.com

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F E AT U R I N G

A well-curated collection of resort apparel, fishing accessories, bicycle and stand up paddle board rentals for coastal living.

2 the R

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Savor t h e M o m e n t 701 S. Anderson Blvd. Topsail Beach | 910.328.6501 | BeachShopandGrill.com Summer 2021

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kate M. Carey CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A former Ohioan and Buckeyes football fan, I have my toes firmly placed in the sands of Topsail Island. I write fiction about people and the strange things they do for love and essays on the politics of everyday life. My work has appeared in Noctua, Indiana Voice, The Tishman Review, Panoply, Camel City Digest, Savannah Writers Anthology, and County Line Journal, and I am a guest columnist for Women AdvaNCe. My husband, who is an Episcopal priest, and I moved to North Carolina in 2015 and have adult children living in Ohio and Florida.

Mike Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I am a previous winner of the Piccolo Spoleto Fiction Open, two-time winner of the SC Fiction Project and former editorial director of Men, Ink. While my work has appeared in many reputable newspapers and journals around the Southeast, my silly and irreverent ravings can be found on my blog, Lunaphyte. I live in Hampstead with my wife and two children.

Shay Perna CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

I am a professional photographer based out of Sneads Ferry. I don’t call any particular place home since I’m a military brat and now a military wife and I haven’t ever stayed too long in one particular area. Through the years and seeing so many beautiful places, I became fascinated with photography. My love for it grew so much after I had my children that it led me to a job that I absolutely love! I specialize in families and couples, maternity, glamour and boudoir photography, and I pride myself in providing not just another photo shoot but an incredible portrait experience.

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Topsail Magazine

13741-E Hwy 50, Surf City Open 7 days a week at 11:30 All ABC Permits

Low Tide Steakhouse and Sandbar is among the best of Surf City's Restaurants and the only Steak House!

We have the finest meats and the only salad bar in the area. With our full service bar and amazing bourbon selection, you’ll be sure to find something you'll love.

Our fantastic caring staff will happily serve you in our upscale yet casual dining atmosphere.



910-803-0738

 LOWTIDESTEAKHOUSE.COM  @LOWTIDESTEAKHoUSE  MOOOO@LOWTIDESTEAKHOUSE.COM

Summer 2021

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

A Normal Summer Here’s to hoping the pandemic is ending!

Topsail Magazine Publisher Justin Williams' new puppy, Toby, slides up to the bar at Salty Turtle Beer Company; below, the two enjoying brunch at Sears Landing Grill & Boat Docks.

W

What a ride, huh? It’s been a year of firsts for a lot of us as we have traveled together through COVID-19. None of us really knew what to expect in March of 2020, but I think I am with most of you when I say that I couldn’t wait until restrictions were lifted with the safety of

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Topsail Magazine

a vaccine. Fast forward to May of 2021 and our governor lifted restrictions, leading us one step closer to normalcy. I, personally, am thrilled to get out and about more around our beautiful island.

As you see in the pics on this page, my new puppy, Toby, and I have been venturing around to a few places. We enjoyed brunch at Sears Landing and a nice pint from the Salty Turtle Beer Company. Be sure to follow Toby on Instagram ( TopsailToby) to see the dog-friendly places in our area.

Topsail Island and the surrounding area is such a great place to spend all or part of your summer.

While you’re here, I hope you find time to enjoy our summer 2021 edition of Topsail Magazine.

We’ve got a bunch of cool stories for you to read this time. You’ll learn about the legacy of Ocean City Beach and the history of Quarter Moon Books & Gifts. You’ll meet child actor Elle Graham and singer/songwriter Hayden Laeknir.

You can learn about the efforts to repair the Topsail shoreline, see where people are practicing yoga around Topsail and step into some local businesses, including Onslow Bay Boatworks and the ever-popular Trailer Bar. Whether you are local or visiting this summer, please be sure to patronize our advertisers and tell them you saw them in Topsail Magazine. Local businesses need your support and love to hear from you.

Thanks for reading Topsail Magazine.

Enjoy the summer!

Justin Williams Owner/Publisher

Publisher@TopsailMag.com

In the "favorite human” contest, you're definitely winning.

Visiing Pet Care Clinic Low cost preventative veterinary care, hours and services vary by location. No appointment necessary.

Dog Wash Self-service dog wash - Everything you need to wash and dry your dog.

Minus the hassle.

Buy Online, Pickup in Store

Live Small Pets

Buy online and pick up when it is convenient for you. Come on in, or we will bring it to your car. It is easy, fast, and best of all, free!

Stop in to nd your new feathery friend, cuddly companion or scaly sidekick!

Grooming

Deliver from Store

Regular grooming keeps your pets looking good and is important to maintaining their good health.

Shop online and we will deliver it right to your door!

 13500 NC Hwy 50 Ste. 106 Surf City NC 28445  910-803-2440

|

 petsuppliesplus.com

| 

NEED TO KNOW

New to the area?

Find more information and numbers at TopsailMag.com

Where are the nearest emergency rooms?

NHRMC EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT NORTH

151 Scotts Hill Drive Wilmington, NC 28411 (910) 662-9000 ONSLOW MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

317 Western Boulevard Jacksonville, NC 28546 (910) 577-2240 PENDER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

507 E. Fremont Street Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-5451

Where are the nearest drug stores?

REALO DISCOUNT DRUGS

15441 U.S. Highway 17, Suite 801 Hampstead, NC 28443 CVS/PHARMACY

13461 N.C. Highway 50 Surf City, NC 28445 (910) 329-0484 PUBLIX PHARMACY AT ARBORETUM IN SURF CITY

2765 N.C. Highway 210 E. Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 803-6010 WALMART PHARMACY

420 Fun Center Drive Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 803-6003

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Topsail Magazine

HARRIS TEETER PHARMACY

LOWES FOODS OF HAMPSTEAD

203 Alston Boulevard Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 329-0711

17230 U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-6300

JOHNSON DRUG HAMPSTEAD

FOOD LION IN HAMPSTEAD

17230 U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-2223

14564 U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-9703

CVS/PHARMACY AT HAMPSTEAD

PUBLIX AT ARBORETUM IN SURF CITY

14636 U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-2970

2765 N.C. Highway 201 E. Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 329-1000

VILLAGE PHARMACY OF HAMPSTEAD

WALMART NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET

14057 U.S. Highway 17, Suite 100 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 319-6050

420 Fun Center Drive Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 803-6001

CVS/PHARMACY

SURF CITY IGA

1309 N.C. Highway 210 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 (910) 327-2052

106 S. Topsail Drive Surf City, NC 28445 (910) 328-3961

SNEADS FERRY FAMILY PHARMACY

FOOD LION IN SNEADS FERRY

1016 Old Folkstone Rd #214 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 910-327-2454

965 Old Folkstone Road Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 (910) 327-2067

Where are the nearest grocery stores?

Where are the post offices?

FOOD LION IN SURF CITY

213 Holly Street Holly Ridge, NC 28445

13601 N.C. Highway 50 Surf City, NC 28445 (910) 329-1163 HARRIS TEETER

203 Alston Boulevard Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 329-0711

HOLLY RIDGE

SURF CITY

13567 N.C. Highway 50, Suite D Holly Ridge, NC 28445 HAMPSTEAD

121 Dan Owen Drive Hampstead, NC 28443

NEED TO KNOW

Customized plans to make

SNEADS FERRY

2001 N.C. Highway 172 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460 TOPSAIL BEACH

714 S. Anderson Boulevard Topsail Beach, NC 28445

Where are the town halls located?

Your Coastal Dream Home A REALITY

SURF CITY TOWN HALL

201 Community Center Drive Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 328-4131 TOPSAIL BEACH TOWN HALL

820 S. Anderson Boulevard Topsail Beach, NC 28445 (910) 328-5841 NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH TOWN HALL

2008 Loggerhead Court North Topsail Beach, NC 28460 (temporary location at: 1000 N. C. Highway 210 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460) (910) 328-1349

Kinco, Inc. C. Nathan King New Construction | Remodels | Additions

HOLLY RIDGE TOWN HALL

212 N. Dyson Street Holly Ridge, NC 28445 (910) 329-7081 HAMPSTEAD PENDER COUNTY ANNEX

15060 U.S. Highway 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-6704 PENDER COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

805 S. Walker Street Burgaw, NC 28425 (910) 259-1200

Building on your imagination

ONSLOW COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER

234 NW Corridor Boulevard Jacksonville, NC 28540 (910) 989-3000

How do I get cable, phone or internet access?

SPECTRUM

(844) 674-0398 AT&T

(888) 436-8638

 KincoInc.com  910-803-0695

CENTURYLINK

Find us on Facebook @KincoRealEstate

(910) 260-5830 See something missing?

Shoot us an email: New@TopsailMag.com

Call Today For Your Custom Quote Summer 2021

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TAGGED

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

#TOPSAILMAGAZINE

Tag, you’re it!

Keep showing us how you embrace the island spirit — share your moments, stories and snapshots by tagging @TopsailMagazine and adding #TopsailMagazine

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@reneelbeck  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@solecolette_  Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

@harperrose.boutique  Sneads Ferry, North Carolina

@topsailgetaway  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@blushandblaze  Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@camronlens  North Carolina

@lwsmith1015  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@miasmarketplace  Mia's Marketplace

@brittanieraquelevents  Topsail Manor

Topsail Magazine

@watermanswarehouse  Topsail Island

@coastal.box.and.board

@rudder.the.goldendoodle  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@kaylalouisephoto  North Topsail Beach, North Carolina

@surftosound_5k  Surf City, North Carolina Summer 2021

15

SOLD IN 2021

1402 S SHORE DRIVE PENDING | $1,650,000

4166 ISLAND DRIVE SOLD | $1,200,000

1719 N SHORE DRIVE A SOLD | $701,000

709 OCEAN BOULEVARD SOLD | $1,033,000

4258 ISLAND DRIVE PENDING | $1,329,000

106 N PERMUDA WYND DRIVE SOLD | $975,000

115 TROUT AVENUE PENDING | $695,000

1043 S ANDERSON BOULEVARD PENDING | $989,900

423 N NEW RIVER DRIVE SOLD | $570,000

1604 S SHORE DRIVE SOLD | $1,133,000

121 BEACHWOOD DRIVE SOLD | $565,000

103 SCOTCH BONNET CIRCLE SOLD | $637,900

1614 S SHORE DRIVE SOLD | $1,475,000

702 N SHORE DRIVE PENDING | $715,000

1716 S SHORE DRIVE A/B SOLD | $845,000

1112 OCEAN BOULEVARD PENDING | $540,000

SOLD IN 2021

129 A S ANDERSON BOULEVARD SOLD | $610,000

1343 CAROLINA BOULEVARD SOLD | $885,000

1821 N SHORE DRIVE SOLD | $720,000

914 S SHORE DRIVE SOLD | $1,425,000

110 BLAND DRIVE SOLD | $705,000

1003 N TOPSAIL DRIVE PENDING | $345,000

1034 CAROLINA BOULEVARD SOLD | $804,000

617 N ANDERSON BOULEVARD SOLD | $873,260

1506 S ANDERSON BOULEVARD PENDING | $579,900

924 OBSERVATION LANE SOLD | $840,000

114 SCOTCH BONNET CIRCLE SOLD | $629,000

922 OBSERVATION LANE SOLD | $899,900

123 S BOCA BAY LANE PENDING | $995,000

706 B S SHORE DRIVE SOLD | $625,000

639 MARITIME WAY PENDING | $1,200,000

1139 N ANDERSON BOULEVARD PENDING | $1,569,000

SPIRITS

Bring the Beach Vibes

This visually impressive layered cocktail is sweet, refreshing and perfect for summer.

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BY SANDI GRIGG

HO’S READY FOR SUMMER? I certainly am! Being cooped up for more than a year wreaked havoc on my social life, but now I am vaccinated and ready to sip some cocktails by the water with friends.

This cocktail combines grenadine, orange juice, rum and coconut cream.

Grenadine is one of my favorite syrups to use in cocktails. Most people think this cherry-flavored syrup is made with cherries, but it is actually made from pomegranates. Its sweet yet tart flavor goes great with the rum.

Orange juice is essential to any well-stocked bar as it pairs well with rum, vodka and tequila. If you want the best orange juice, you will want to squeeze it yourself, but for the sake of ease, this recipe just calls for bottled. Mixed with coconut rum, orange juice is super refreshing and, to me, reminiscent of the beach.

Coconut cream is thick and rich in coconut flavor.

You can substitute coconut milk for this recipe but it will not sit on top of the ice the way the coconut cream does. With coconut cream, the layers are much easier to keep separate until the cocktail is mixed. I also think coconut cream is a bit sweeter and more flavorful than coconut milk.

When I created this drink for friends, they thought it was very fancy and took a lot of time. Once they mixed it up and took a taste, they said it reminded them of a cocktail at a resort on the beach. It definitely has that salty-lips, sandy-toes vibe when sipping it.

Bring the beach to your home with this delicious drink, and if you feel comfortable enough to host guests, it will surely impress them.

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SPIRITS

COCONUT SUNRISE Makes 1 drink

INGREDIENTS 2 ounces grenadine 3 ounces orange juice 2 ounces coconutflavored rum 2 ounces coconut cream

METHOD Pour the grenadine into the bottom of a tall glass, then fill the glass with crushed ice.

Mix the coconut rum with the orange juice and tilt the glass while you slowly pour it over the crushed ice and grenadine. It will mix a bit but most of the grenadine should stay at the bottom for a heavily red color beneath the orangecolored liquid.

While the glass is still tilted pour the coconut cream on top for a creamy-white top layer.

Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.

Stir before sipping.

Summer 2021

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910-541-0095   20

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unwinedsurfcity@gmail.com

Summer 2021

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

Better with Bacon

Sweet sea scallops meet salty pork for the ultimate coastal surf and turf.

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BY SANDI GRIGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES STEFIUK

Everything tastes better with bacon, and it doesn’t get any better than grilled fresh sea scallops wrapped in bacon. Even better is brushing them with a sweet bourbon sauce on an open flame and serving them over cool, creamy slaw — it’s the ultimate summertime meal on the coast with friends.

Scallops are one of my most favorite types of seafood, and they are really easy to grill, as long as you don’t overcook them; otherwise, they get tough and rubbery. The key to this recipe is lightly grilling the bacon first so you are still able to wrap it around the scallop and let it get crispy as it finishes cooking.

It doesn’t matter what type of scallop you use as long as they are not bay scallops — those are too tiny. You want your scallops large enough to wrap the bacon around and get onto a skewer. I prefer the dry-packed sea scallops, but you can use frozen sea scallops, too, if you thaw them out first.

I created this recipe when my spouse and I were supposed to go to the Beer Bourbon BBQ Festival with another couple. That event was cancelled due to COVID so we all decided to come to our home and grill out. Being on the coast, we wanted seafood and decided on scallops. Keeping with the theme, we elected to grill them with a bourbon sauce. You can certainly broil or bake these, but it was more fun to have a beer with our friends while they were grilling.

The slaw is a simple creamy recipe that goes perfectly with warm, savory scallops. I set our outdoor table with summery plates, and the scallops, served right off the grill, were a hit.

This recipe is larger than an appetizer size but not quite a full meal. It’s more similar to a small plate or tapas portion. I hope you enjoy it!

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WHAT’S COOKIN’

Grilled Bourbon Bacon-Wrapped Scallops over Slaw Serves 4

INGREDIENTS For the Scallops

For the Slaw

1 pound sea scallops (12 large)

2 cups shredded cabbage

6 slices of bacon (halved)

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 cup shredded sweet onion

1/4 cup bourbon

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

4 skewers (If you use wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 15 to 20 minutes first.)

1/2 tablespoon dry mustard salt and pepper to taste

METHOD For the Slaw In a bowl mix all of the ingredients.

Cover and set in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

For the Bacon-Wrapped Scallops Preheat the grill.

Place bacon on a piece of aluminum foil.

Grill until soft and just beginning to brown. Remove to cool.

Wrap each scallop with a piece of bacon and secure onto a skewer. You should be able to fit three bacon-wrapped scallops per skewer.

In a small bowl mix the olive oil, bourbon, honey and balsamic vinegar.

Place skewers on a very hot grill, brushing each skewer with the bourbon mixture.

Brown first side (3 to 4 minutes). Flip and brown second side, brushing with the bourbon mixture until scallops are opaque and inside measure 130°F on an instant thermometer.

Serve the warm scallop skewers over the cool slaw and enjoy!

Summer 2021

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WINNING IMAGES

by Michelle Macken

2021 Pender County Nature Photography Contest Winners Announced Pender County Tourism and Pender County Parks & Recreation have announced the winners of the 2021 Pender County Nature Photography Contest.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER BOWDEN

“The competition in the 2020 Nature Photography Contest was outstanding,” said Zachary White, Pender County Parks and Recreation supervisor. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

A NEW WAY TO GET FIT Surf City Fitness offers a way for Topsail residents and visitors to work out close to home.

When Surf City Fitness opened in February 2020, the gym plugged a fitness gap in the Topsail community. Fitness enthusiasts now have a 24-hour, 5,000-square-foot gym within a five-minute drive for many area residents. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

FORE OUR FURRY FRIENDS GOLF TOURNAMENT

LIGHTENING THE LOAD

by Edward Wills

|

by Kate M. Carey

Topsail Island Bellhop Boys do all the heavy lifting of vacation move-ins and move-outs.

Vacationers know that a little help can go a long way in starting off a vacation on the right note. To help with all those trips in the searing sun, the Topsail Island Bellhop Boys are ready to step in | CONTINUE READING ONLINE

|

|

by Michelle Macken

Pender County Humane Society fundraising golf tournament was held May 15 at Olde Point Country Club in Hampstead.

In addition to golfing, there were opportunities to provide muchneeded support. | CONTINUE READING ONLINE Summer 2021

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WHAT’S HAPPENED

This year the Ocean-Friendly Establishments Give Back Grant awarded seven $1,000 grants to North Carolina OFEs who committed to implementing or reviving one ocean-friendly practice in their 2021 operations. Though all applicants deserved the support, the selection committee chose seven who submitted creative plans and goals that will make a large community impact and will help protect our oceans.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Historical Society Awards Scholarships The Historical Society of Topsail Island presented its annual scholarships on April 8. Lauren Coursey, a Topsail High School senior, was the first-place winner with her submission, A Digital Painting of Operation Bumble Bee. Tied for second were Pender Early College High School seniors Taylor Barnhill and Erin Harvey. Barnhill submitted a graphite drawing called Wilmington Weldon Railroad, and Harvey submitted an oil painting called Tower #3.

New Sandy Shores Medical Center and Urgent Care Opens in Surf City

Local Nonprofits Give Back to Certified Ocean-Friendly Establishments More than 240 North Carolina businesses are committed to being a certified Ocean-Friendly Establishment (OFE), striving to reduce their single-use waste and engage in environmentally sound practices, which has been far more difficult during the pandemic. This is why the OFE Committee, the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and Plastic Ocean Project (POP) teamed up to create the Ocean-Friendly Establishments Give Back Grant to aid certified OFEs impacted by COVID-19 in their efforts to stay sustainable.

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Initial funding for the grants was provided by the North Carolina Aquarium Society and Plastic Ocean Project, Inc., though plans for further fundraising are already underway to offer future grant support. Jeff Gordon Chevrolet provided a Chevy Bolt EV (electric vehicle) to deliver the grant checks spanning the 230-mile trek in true eco-friendly fashion.

To support future grants for local businesses, or learn more about the Ocean Friendly Establishment initiative, visit their website at OceanFreindlyEst.com.

Wendy Fletcher-Hardee Nominated for N.C. Women Business Owners Hall of Fame Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors member Wendy FletcherHardee has been nominated for the North Carolina Women Business Owners Hall of Fame.

The award honors North Carolina’s most successful female entrepreneurs and advocates who have made significant and enduring contributions to impact women’s entrepreneurial development in North Carolina.

As owner of Atlantic Trucking and Atlantic Mulch & Stone, Fletcher-Hardee has been a loyal member of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce and is now a great addition to the board of directors. The chamber wishes her the very best of luck in this statewide nomination!

Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar Ribbon Cutting On March 25, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar.

Opened in November 2020, Low Tide is located at 13741 N.C. Highway 50 in Surf City. The full-service restaurant specializes in prime or better steaks and is known for its salad bar with more than 26 items. The restaurant has a full bar, including an extensive bourbon selection and N.C. draft beers.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Sandy Shores Medical Center and Urgent Care at 13741 N.C. Highway 50, Unit A, in Surf City.

Staff present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony included owner Bryan Fulkersin FNP-C, Kayla Walker FNP-BC and Rebecca Cooper PA-C, along with other staff members and their families.

Karen Burton of the Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, Surf City Mayor Doug Medlin and Surf City Mayor Pro Tem Buddy Fowler were on hand as speakers. The new facility is at the opposite end of the new Low Tide Steakhouse and Sandbar. Sandy Shores’ staff enjoys taking care of patients across the lifespan in all aspects of acute and chronic issues. They also specialize in pediatrics. Their hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 12 pm.

The grant recipients represent a variety of OFE businesses and include: Adapt Kitchen and Juice Bar, Chandra Botanicals, Rx Restaurant and Bar, Slice of Life Pizzeria and Pub, Sharkbites, Trinity United Methodist Church and Wrightsville Beach Brewing Co.

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PEOPLE

Chords of Kindness Singer/songwriter Hayden Laeknir uses music to spread happiness.

BY KATHY BLAKE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAY PERNA

Summer 2021

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T

PEOPLE

The melodies drift from a Gretsch acoustic guitar, white with gold trim, across coffee shops, cantinas and sports bars from Sneads Ferry to Topsail to Surf City, the territory of a singer/songwriter who’s been around the globe and is, finally, anchored seaside. She sings almost every night, covers of artists from Jewel to Sinatra sprinkled with original compositions, and she’s developed a following, often seeing the same eyes

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her, it brings happiness to others.

“I think for a long time now, I’ve realized I want to be loved and show love and help people,” she says. “I know that sounds like some kind of humble bragging, but the most important thing to do is to help people, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever

“

watch the stage over an iced chai latte or blackened flounder dinner.

Hayden Laeknir isn’t native to these parts — she’s from Missouri — but she’s adopted it, found her callings and found her peace. Her voice is a bluesy, soulful folk blend that gives originality to her covers, but more importantly for

been. In music, I can help people smile and make their day better.”

With long hair, feather earrings and ample turquoise jewelry, Laeknir could be a holdover from the early ’70s peace-and-love era of folk trios in pass-the-hat bars. But she isn’t. She’s in her 20s, served active duty in the

I could reach other people, and make them smile.

It’s a medicine and healing in its own way. That was my aha moment.

Topsail Magazine

PEOPLE

U.S. Navy for five years and is in the Reserves. She’s seen Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, was on a ship off Japan and found an affection for Central and South America before the Navy set her down at Cherry Point.

“I was on the way out, so I started school at UNCW and I liked the area, and I thought I might as well stick around,” she says. “I started getting shows, and I was like, this is a good place to be a musician. I don’t want to

leave this wonderful place.”

Laeknir didn’t play guitar until she was in the Navy, and she found that it was therapy for her and a way to escape stress and calm down.

“And I could reach other people, and make them smile,” she says. “It’s a medicine and healing in its own way.

That was my aha moment.”

Her mission to spread caring and kindness has evolved into an identity and her brand. Her Instagram name became dropdeadkindness.

“It was so frustrating to me to hear how people say, ‘Oh, you’re drop-dead gorgeous,’ because it’s so superficial; a lot of people can’t help if they’re pretty or not,” she says. “But if someone could say about you, ‘Oh, you’re so kind,’ that’s a compliment. So, I have dropdeadkindness on my shirts and stickers and logos.”

Laeknir’s bookings started through Instagram when music became her Band-Aid. “I was having a rough patch in my life, and I knew someone else who was as well, so I created this Instagram account and said I’d put a song out,” she says. “And people started saying, ‘Can you cover this song? Or this one?’ I realized I can connect with these people and make them smile.”

She had never considered playing for a live audience but told herself she could do it. “And I did it. And I loved it. And people were clapping. And I’m still flabbergasted!” she says. “I can’t believe it.”

Songwriters know that lyrics and melodies can show up anytime, unprovoked, ready to be scribbled on paper with a G clef. Laeknir says she finds time during the day to “not use a lot of brain power, but to stay stimulated at the same time.” She takes her three dogs for walks. She swims.

She works part-time on a farm called Spring 2021

31

PEOPLE

WANT TO HEAR HER? Hayden Laeknir Website and schedule: dropdeadkindness.com Bookings: haydenlaeknir@gmail.com

Secret Sanctuary, where she mucks stables and tends to chores. And the music arrives. “Usually, it’s while I’m doing some mundane tasks,” she says. “Hopefully I have a guitar nearby.”

Laeknir’s songs are on YouTube, Spotify and wherever music is streamed. She says she’s written about 100 songs. “But most of them don’t see the light of day,” she says.

“Or they’ll ceremoniously get burned in the fire pit. A lot of times they’re about whatever’s going on in my head, but I’m not good at talking about the bad parts in my life, so writing is a way of expressing it. It just kind of comes out.”

Laeknir’s college path is toward being a physician’s assistant. If that

happens, she’d like to work in Central or South America. But she’ll keep playing music. She’s attached to her guitar, but also has a ukulele and plays a little piano and drums. She likes Willie Nelson because of how he writes.

She remembers waking up as a child, with her brother and sister, and hearing their dad play guitar.

“Way too loud,” she says. Her dad looks a bit like John Denver and likes to sing Denver’s songs. “He has the same hippie peaceful vibe,” she says.

She’s thrilled to possess that same musical talent.

“I love this whole music scene,” she says. “It would be cool to do this all the time. The gigs I play are great.

I’m pretty content right now.” 

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Topsail Magazine

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Summer 2021 33

THE LASTING LEGACY OF

O C E A N C I T Y

BEACH 34

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Developed amidst segregation in the 1940s, Ocean City Beach was a community on Topsail Island where Blacks could enjoy home ownership and life on the oceanfront.

BY PAT FONTANA PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY BEACH CITIZENS COUNCIL

Summer 2021

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t a time when segregation was the accepted norm and Black people were not supposed to own property, let alone beachfront property, Ocean City Beach was born and, indeed, thrived. The brainchild of a white man in Wilmington, Edgar Yow, the development on Topsail Island came out of the hard work and dedication of a Black man, Wade Chestnut, and his family and friends.

Yow was a lawyer in Wilmington who purchased land on Topsail Island after the military was done with it.

Previously, the entire island had been part of Camp Davis, which was active in missile testing and other activities 36

Topsail Magazine

during World War II. After the war, the government made the island available for private development.

Yow had a vision of African-Americans being able to purchase oceanfront property. He originally suggested the idea to his friend Dr. Samuel Gray, a Black physician also based in Wilmington. However, Dr. Gray was not able to devote the time it would take to establish such a community on what was then a fairly remote island. He mentioned the idea to his friend Wade Chestnut, who had an automobile repair shop on the north side of Wilmington.

Chestnut’s son, Kenneth Chestnut, says, “Dad was intrigued by the opportunity to develop this area. He left

the business and dedicated his life to developing Ocean City.” Not surprisingly, Yow faced some difficulties with his vision of encouraging Black people to own oceanfront property and faced criticism for what he was doing. Kenneth says, though, that this and later actions on Yow’s part showed Yow to be a kind and considerate man who stood up for others’ rights.

Chestnut and his wife built the first home in Ocean City Beach in 1949 and were joined by others, including Dr. Gray and Chestnut’s siblings. Along with Yow, they formed an integrated corporation, Ocean City Developers, Inc. They then built a restaurant in one of the towers left on the beach by the military and added a fishing pier to it in the 1950s. A hotel was also included in the development of the community, which originally encompassed Stump Sound and land along what is now

known as Island Drive.

Unfortunately, most of the homes were cinder block construction and were not built on pilings.

In October 1954, Hurricane Hazel devastated the area and “wiped everything out,” Kenneth says. Everyone rebuilt. And then more people bought land to build homes, although getting the money to do so was challenging at the time.

The Chestnuts organized and hosted a lot of activities, including an oyster roast, designed to entice more Black families to look at the possibility of owning property on the island, and the community began to grow. The owners emphasized that Ocean City was to be a familyfriendly environment, where everyone would feel safe and would be able to enjoy themselves without worry.

They faced some challenges. There were incidents of vandalism, as Kenneth says, because “people didn’t think AfricanAmericans should have the opportunity to buy oceanfront property or to be there.” Yow himself faced criticism for helping to establish a Black community on the island.

Wade Chestnut, right, sits with a friend at a house in Ocean City Beach. Chestnut left the auto repair business in Wilmington to dedicate his life to developing the Ocean City beach community.

Summer 2021

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“ It didn’t matter what color or what you looked like, people came together with the common interest of fishing.

Remembering the character of Yow and the challenges Ocean City Beach residents faced, Kenneth recalls a story about returning to the island from Wilmington as a young boy after a storm. He and his father were with Yow when they stopped at a small store along Island Drive.

“Mr. Yow asked if I wanted a soda,” Kenneth says. “He insisted. I said no. I knew I wouldn’t get served, but Mr. Yow insisted. He told the person behind the counter to give me a soda. That was an indication of who Mr. Yow was. It also tells you about the times we were in.”

The challenges also involved the lack of infrastructure.

There were not enough electric lines to power the development and no police force. Ocean City was developed long before North Topsail Beach came into existence, although it is considered to be part of the town now.

Residents chipped in the money necessary to install streetlights.

The Ocean City Fishing Pier was very popular. “People

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Topsail Magazine

were about fishing,” Kenneth says. “It didn’t matter what color or what you looked like, people came together with the common interest of fishing.” But then more hurricanes, Bertha in July 1996 and Fran in September 1996, totally wiped out the pier and the restaurant.

The community’s chapel, which still stands today, was another major component of Ocean City Beach. The families were very active in the Episcopal Church, Kenneth explains.

Built in 1957 and originally called St. Mark’s Episcopal Chapel, the chapel was renamed to honor Kenneth’s father.

Now known as the Wade Chestnut Memorial Chapel, it is still open during the summer for residents and visitors to the island.

Ocean City was also home to a camp for Black children beginning in the 1950s, since they were not allowed to participate in summer camps that were designated for white children only. Camp Oceanside thrived on the grounds of the chapel until it closed in 1985.

Top left and below: Multifamily gatherings and events were common in the close-knit community of Ocean City.

Top right: Camp Oceanside, built in the 1950s, welcomed Black children until it closed in 1985.

Today, the Ocean City Beach Citizens Council, with Kenneth as its treasurer and Carla Torrey, daughter of William Eaton, the original contractor for the development, as its president, advocates for the community and hosts events such as the Jazz Festival.

During normal times, the festival would bring in around 2,000 people including performers from across the country,

plus vendors, food trucks and artists. For 10 consecutive years, until 2020, the festival raised money for the community and helped educate people about Ocean City and its history. Jazz Festival will continue in the future; visit oceancityjazzfest.com for updates.

Events have been the norm for Ocean City since the beginning. As an active, close-knit community, the Summer 2021

39

homeowners would share dishes at gatherings. Many of the been designated as an official stop on the Jacksonville Onslow women would go crabbing, with the kids carrying the baskets African-American Heritage Trail. Commemorative street and nets, all having to make their own path through the sand signs were installed about six years ago to mark the areas to get to the inlet. They would then make crab gumbo and that encompass the Ocean City Beach community. deviled crab to share with their neighbors.

Kenneth Chestnut moved back to the island when he The culture of Ocean City remains retired, after spending many years in the same today, even though the makehis professional career in different up of the residents looks a little areas of the country. He is happy to be WANT TO LEARN MORE? back home, he says, because it’s “a different as the days of segregation are To learn more about Ocean City Beach and gone. With its adventurous beginning great place to be.  upcoming events, visit oceancitync.com and rich heritage, the community has

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Topsail Magazine

Summer 2021

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FITNESS

Topsail’s Yoga Scene Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or a beginner, there’s a yoga experience for you around Topsail Island.

BY KATE M. CAREY

Sunrise yoga on Topsail Beach with Yoga Divine.

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Topsail Magazine

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA DIVINE

W

When most people come to Topsail Island, they want sunny days, long walks on the beach and cool nights enjoying an evening breeze under bright stars.

And yoga. Lots of people want yoga.

There are several yoga studios in and around Topsail Island offering a variety of styles and experiences, from online classes to in-person studios to private yoga instruction on the beach or at your home. Yoga classes also can be found at several local fitness centers and the Surf City Community Center.

Yoga Alliance, the largest nonprofit association of the yoga community with more than 100,000 registered teachers, certifies and registers yogis. For example, an RYT 200 or 500 teacher means they are registered, and the numbers refer to hours of training. The letter E after a yoga teacher’s name

stands for experienced, referring to additional post-graduate teaching hours.

If you’re planning a family reunion, wedding party or special friends’ day, try LEA ISLAND YOGA or SANCTUARY YOGA, both of which bring the yoga practice to you, though several local teachers also offer private yoga sessions.

“Let us whisk you away by boat to an uninhabited island for beach-front, gentle yoga, a meditative walk exploring the island and light organic refreshments," says Fallon Iris Cattano, a 500 HR E-RYT YACEP (Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider). “We accommodate small and large groups and can also offer private yoga sessions on the beach at your location.” Learn more about this option at leaislandyoga.com.

FITNESS

Summer 2021

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FITNESS

Topsail-area yoga instructors, left to right, Heather Till of Heather Till Yoga, Tabetha Holyfield of Yoga Divine and Janet Koehler of Yoga on Topsail.

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OM CLICK In and around Topsail Island, you can find a practice that fits your yoga desires. Here’s a recap of the websites mentioned in the story. Check them out for more information about local yoga. yogaontopsail.com leaislandyoga.com yogadivinepurpose.com hampsteadyoga.com justbreathewithus.com heathertillyoga.com megangallek.com sanctuaryyoga.us

PHOTO COURTESY OF YOGA DIVINE

PHOTO COURTESY OF HEATHER TILL YOGA

If you prefer indoor yoga, several studios offer will accommodate you with small classes ranging from gentle yoga and restorative yoga to pre- and post-natal yoga to vinyasa, hot and power yoga.

If you like the heat, Tabetha Holyfield, E-RYT 200 founder of YOGA DIVINE, offers 90-minute Bikram yoga in a room heated to 95 to 108 degrees F with a humidity of 40 percent.

“Yoga is my heart, and I teach so I can help others find theirs,” she says.

Holyfield also offers yin and yin-yang flow classes at her studio. Go to yogadivinepurpose.com to learn more.

Seeking a more vigorous session?

Power yoga and Buti classes are available from MEGAN GALLEK, RYT-500. “Yoga has changed my life so much and I love sharing that with others,” she says. Learn more at megangallek.com.

While most people know yoga as a physical practice, all of the teachers praised its mental, emotional and spiritual health properties.

“Yoga benefits both mind and body,” says Janet Koehler of YOGA ON TOPSAIL, E-RYT 200. “I strongly believe yoga can be very beneficial to those with anxiety and depression. I have experienced it myself and in

FITNESS

“

others. I believe it builds self-confidence and overall healthier self-image.” Learn more at yogaontopsail.com.

“I often see my students finding relief from years of chronic pain, anxiety and stress,” adds Heather Till.

“It’s common to hear them say things like, ‘I feel like I’ve had a massage from the inside-out.” Learn more at heathertillyoga.com.

Several instructors offered advice for those who want to create a home practice, including: Be disciplined, start with small goals, commit to 10 minutes a day and “discover the

I strongly believe yoga can be very beneficial to those with anxiety and depression. I have experienced it myself and in others. I believe it builds selfconfidence and overall healthier self-image.

PHOTO BY NICK HOBBY

harmony that unites your mind and body.”

“Simply practice without concern about the results,” says Trish Blanchard, an RYT 200 Teacher and a Certified Goddess Yoga Instructor from SANCTUARY YOGA. Find out more at sanctuaryyoga.us.

Till advises to think about creating a Rest and Rise Ritual: “For instance, spending 5 to 15 minutes first thing in the morning doing a short breathing/ meditation practice and a few simple movements that get your body/mind centered and ready for the day.” 

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 SCAN ME or visit TopsailMag.com/newsletter to subscribe to Topsail Area Lifestyle Summer 2021

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AROUND TOWN

Repairing the Shoreline

North Carolina Coastal Federation teams up with local towns like Topsail Beach to preserve the soundside of the island, one living shoreline at a time.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE M. CAREY

Constructing a living shoreline project in Topsail Beach.

Summer 2021

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Jackie James

CoastalCarolinaReal@gmail.com

Jeff James

CarolinaCoastContracting@gmail.com 48

Topsail Magazine

13775 NC-50 Ste 401, Surf City, NC 28445

H

AROUND TOWN

Hazel. Fran. Matthew. Florence.

Hurricane names remind Topsail Island dwellers how nature can devastate coastal living. King tides and weather changes erode at the shorelines. Daily shifting sands are commonplace on the island, and over time the island needs a little preservation help.

All three towns on Topsail Island want to protect the beloved coastal areas, and in recent years, state and federal funds have helped restore beaches from hurricane damage.

Most visitors see the impact of beach nourishment on the restored dunes. The erosion on the sound side of the island is less visible but equally as important to mitigate. This year the Town of Topsail Beach began investing in living shoreline projects.

“We were looking for ways to focus on the impact of erosion on the sound side of the island,” says Christina Burke, assistant town manager of Topsail Beach. “The town was awarded a $1.66 million grant to be used on storm resiliency projects, and the living shoreline projects will come out of that grant money (along with other projects).”

As rising sea levels, king tides (a term for especially high spring tides), boat wakes and development created more erosion on the sound side of the island, the town created a partnership with North Carolina Coastal Federation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to coastal environments, to build three living shorelines in the coming year.

The Coastal Federation describes living shorelines as “environmentally friendly shoreline stabilization techniques that help reduce shoreline erosion while protecting and restoring valuable salt marsh and oyster habitat at the same time.”

Living shorelines can reduce wave energy and erosion.

They encourage plant and sea life habitats to grow and help with stormwater runoff, says Burke who manages the projects with input from the Beach Inland Sound Committee, a citizen advisory board.

“The Coastal Federation will evaluate, identify and install vegetation along three demonstration projects as an environmentally friendly way to reduce soundside erosion,” Burke says. “They’ve been a huge help to educate us on what can be done to protect the sound.”

Tracy Skrabal, coastal scientist and manager of the southeast regional office of North Carolina Coastal Federation, says that living shorelines can often be less expensive than solid bulkheads to stabilize shorelines and are environmentally friendly.

To build a living shoreline, recycled oyster shells are mixed with cement to create a block about 2 feet long, and marinestrength net bags full of recycled oyster shells are placed on top of the blocks.

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AROUND TOWN

“Oyster sills, like the Rocky Mount Access project, will Malpass lives adjacent to the Rocky Mount Access and has attract oyster larvae, and within a year many new oysters will seen the fragile vegetation deteriorate and erosion damage live on the structure,” she says. the shoreline.

Skrabal credits the progressive town administration and “The town-funded living shoreline will extend across my community members for choosing three sites and three entire property’s shoreline to provide enough of a sample for contractors to showcase examples of living shorelines. The study and demonstration to encourage private property shoreline projects are education and demonstration areas open owners to do the same,” Malpass says. “It is my hope that this to the public to show how erosion can be slowed and habitat will become a better fishing and crabbing spot as well as an increased both above and below the water line. The Coastal aesthetic one. By conversation with visitors to the access, I Federation will use the sites to provide free training for marine will encourage private duplications of this effort.” contractors. The three contractors for the projects are Sandbar Up the shoreline, Cozort is a member of the town’s Beach Oyster Company (sandbaroystercompany.com ), Ennett Marine and Inlet Sound Committee, which gathers information to Construction (ennettconstruction.com) help town managers be good stewards and Restoration Systems of coastal improvement projects. Their (restorationsystems.com). research helped Cozort learn about Restoration Systems began building shoreline preservation. the first living shoreline in March.

“It was eye-opening to me to learn Recycled oyster shells are mixed with all that needs to be taken into cement to create a block about 2 feet consideration to preserve this fragile long, says Grainger Coughtrey, project island,” he says. “I’ve really enjoyed manager. The cement and oyster shell learning and meeting people. It’s blocks are molded off site, then placed in remarkable the commitment this town the mud about 3 to 4 feet from the has made and what it has done relying shoreline. Marine strength net bags full on planning ahead and good of recycled North Carolina oyster shells management without borrowing are placed on top of the blocks. money.”

Depending on weather conditions, about An avid fisherman, Cozort will begin two weeks are required to complete the his own living shoreline project later this structure, and then native marsh year by planting the appropriate native grasses are planted along the shoreline. marsh grasses to create more habitat for Tracy Skrabal, Morgan Rudd and Gaps in the structure allow for easy crabs, small fish and crustacea. He Grainger Coughtrey add marsh grass to the living shoreline in Topsail Beach. kayak access to Banks Channel. intends to install a reef structure of some The 110-foot shoreline structure type next year. “I’ve seen on my own looks a bit like a serpent, resting in the clear water waiting property that almost 6 feet of shoreline has eroded,” he says. for marine life. Oysters, like clams and other shellfish, are a North Carolina’s coastal environment is unique as it is the natural filtration system removing excess nitrogen and other only state with both deepwater reefs and low reefs in salt particles from the water. Adult oysters can filter as much as marshes along the estuary shorelines. Since the 1880s, 50 gallons of water a day creating a better habitat for plants oysters have been harvested from its waters and shipped as and marine life. far west as California, according to the Coastal Federation.

Topsail Beach and the Coastal Federation share the goal of To learn more about oyster farming, see the winter edition of educating property owners to learn about living shorelines.

Topsail Magazine (topsailmag.com/love-your-local-oyster/) or Two local property owners have joined the movement – visit a working farm on the North Carolina Oyster Trail Howard Malpass and Jack Cozort. (ncoysters.org/oyster-trail/). 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LIVING SHORELINES? For property owners or others who want to learn more about living shorelines, contact North Carolina Coastal Federation via nccoast.org.

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Summer 2021

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NEITHER A TRAILER NOR TRASH The Trailer Bar is one of North Carolina’s most popular coastal dive bars, and it’s not what you think.

BY KURT EPPS, THE PUBSCOUT PHOTOGRAPHY BY LAURA GLANTZ

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Topsail Magazine

PUB SCOUT

E

veryone on Topsail Island talks about The Trailer Bar, but what’s the appeal of this place, I wondered.

I mean, there are no taps. There are no pint glasses either. If you want your beer poured, you’ll get a plastic cup.

And if you want any food, you’ll have to go next door to the Friendly Mart.

I asked my good buddy Nicole Schmidt, owner of the classy craft beer taproom The Crooked Lotus in Sneads Ferry, and she said, “I love, love, love The Trailer Bar!” That’s when I knew I had to go.

You could be forgiven if you think The Trailer Bar in Topsail Beach is a real trailer. It isn’t. It’s “stick-built,” and it began life as a putt-putt, which a quick glance at the entry will reveal.

You could also be forgiven if you anticipate it being a “dump.” It did garner top dive bar honors in N.C. at one time, and there’s something especially appealing to many folks about dive bars.

So, on a rainy Thursday afternoon at 2:30, it was just my crew of three that commanded a corner of the small bar.

It was empty, and we actually didn’t see the affable bar gal Jan until she came out of the cooler area.

There was a beer list, but naturally, The PubScout’s first question to her was, “How many beers do you have available here?”

“Oh, ah don’t really know, honey,” she answered in her charming Southern accent. “But I do know I just keep filling that dang cooler up like it’s a hungry stomach.”

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PUB SCOUT

I didn’t think Dave, Harry and I would be depleting it ourselves on this afternoon, but within 20 minutes the place started to fill up, led by Marilynne and John, and within 40 minutes, there were no seats left at the bar and the tables were almost filled.

“We come down here a few times a year, and any place I rent has to be within walking distance of The Trailer Bar,” said Marilynne, sitting at the bar with her partner, John.

That her last name was Pabst augured well, so I asked her about that regular rental requirement. And that began a conversation that involved beer, motorcycles and wrestling (regarding John’s son, not Marilynne)

— three of The PubScout’s favorite subjects.

Folks who, we surmised, had never met previously were interacting, conversing, chatting, laughing and taking pictures with each other and just enjoying the place and each other’s company. We sure did. We chatted up two “twenty-somethings,” Carly and Sarah, who were just as friendly as could be. Ditto John at the bar (who’s a friend of mine, though he didn’t get me my drinks for free). Ditto self-described “Fifth Wheel” Melanie and her entire party.

“Why do you come to the Trailer Bar, Melanie?” I inquired.

“Weird sh*t on the walls,” she replied.

It was as good an answer as any, I suppose.

And with some music coming from the jukebox — it’s a dive bar, folks — I took a stroll around to see some of the weird sh*t. The first one I came to said: “Your pants say Yoga, but your butt says McDonald’s.” Not that weird, but dead on the money for a dive bar, I guess.

Then I studied the ceiling. Little murals they all were, some of local businesses, some of sports teams and some dedicated to “Makin’ Bacon,” but all were paid for as a result of owner Tom Trevathan’s desire to re-do the ceiling of the bar he bought 12 years ago with a newer, fresher look.

The ceiling is a striking feature at The Trailer Bar. The ceiling tiles have been purchased by certain entities, with the cost going to the tile artist and a local charity.

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Topsail Magazine

He hit upon the idea of having an artist do these mini murals to various entities. Those entities would pay a fee — part to go to the artist and the rest to a neighborhood charity, as per Trevathan’s plans.

Carly from Jacksonville was sitting in her favorite spot under her favorite mural of the Pittsburgh Steelers. One business named O’Brien’s had four painted ceiling panels dedicated to its name. There are still some mini-panels for sale along the borders, should anyone be interested.

Smaller, they go for just $55, but the same deal — some to the artist, most to charity.

Trevathan himself was not there during my visit, but Jan said he comes in faithfully every day for happy hour.

Maybe my crew will go up later next

time and get a chance to meet him.

Now that we’re official members ($2 a year for this private club), we’ll be warmly greeted, I’m sure.

So will you, if you go, but in the meantime, expect The Trailer Bar to be packed for the season, after having weathered the COVID storm and remaining afloat. Just a block off the

beach with some serious outdoor space for music and conviviality in the warm weather, The Trailer Bar will appeal to many visitors who want a bar with a sense of “family.”

Oh, I almost forgot! Have Jan make you a Trailer Trash cocktail.

It’s a “secretly guarded” recipe, but it does use orange vodka.

Whether you’re a faithful local or a regular visitor, you’ll find The Trailer Bar an appealing, welcoming place to quaff and socialize. Given the friendly clientele and charming Jan, socializing will not be a problem. 

WANT TO GO? The Trailer Bar 1701 N. New River Drive, Surf City (910) 542-0777 thetrailerbarsurfcity.com

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It’s about trust.

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NUMBER OF CLOSINGS 2016

CLOSED BILLIONS 6364

$1.4 Billion

2017

7023

$1.6 Billion

2018

7124

$1.7 Billion

2019

7964 9820

2020 Hampstead 14889 US HWY 17 (910) 270-8880

$2.1 Billion

Topsail/Surf City 326 North New River Drive (910) 328-5626

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$2.6 Billion Sneads Ferry 1350 NC HWY 210 (910) 327-2441

ACROSS THE COUNTY

On the Move

G

Onslow Bay Boatworks has consolidated its

operations into a brand-new facility in Holly Ridge.

BY PAT FONTANA PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

Growing up in Hampstead, Brad Knight started building boats at age 13 by helping his dad. An airline pilot, Knight’s father grew a side venture in the early 1980s into a business that became known as Carolina Coast Marina. Knight followed in his father’s boat-building footsteps and started his own boat business, Onslow Bay Boatworks, in 2005.

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ACROSS THE COUNTY

For years the Onslow Bay Boatworks operation had been scattered among several sites in Hampstead and Wilmington. In September 2020, with business on the increase and with a need for more space in a single location, Knight and his team opened a new, 50,000-square-foot facility on Betty Taylor Wood Drive in Holly Ridge.

After his father’s business closed and after graduating from college, Knight spent some time in the spa and bathtub business, but he was drawn back to the boating business and decided to launch Onslow Bay Boatworks. The company had been operating partially out of leased space in Wilmington, where parts for the 41’ boats were assembled and trucked to the Hampstead space, which was partially owned and partially leased. As business grew, Knight decided it made more sense for everything to be under one roof, in a facility that the company owned.

“The Holly Ridge location was not too far from our existing shop (in Hampstead), so our current employees could still travel there without any problem,” Knight says, adding that “it was also the only place where we could find the amount of land we needed with the necessary utilities.”

The boat-building business has thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knight chalks that up to people not going on vacation and looking to “enjoy where they’re living.”

In the Topsail area that typically means Onslow Bay Boatworks currently builds center console boats ranging from 27' to 41' in Holly Ridge.

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Topsail Magazine

ACROSS THE COUNTY

being near or on the water.

Onslow Bay Boatworks' boats are designed for the “avid offshore fisherman” and “built for the ocean,” the company claims.

“They are unsinkable and built to withstand anything a fisherman can put it through,” Knight says.

Onslow Bay’s customers include some new boaters, but most are primarily seasoned tournament and offshore anglers looking for a step up from their current vessels. Most customers know what they want, but Knight says he has had to tell a few that “I don’t think this is the boat for you.”

In addition to locals, customers also come

WANT TO KNOW MORE? Onslow Bay Boatworks 400 Betty Taylor Wood Drive, Holly Ridge (910) 803-0332 onslowbayboats.com

Summer 2021

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ACROSS THE COUNTY

Brad Knight (far right) and the Onslow Bay Boatworks team.

from neighboring areas in North Carolina, such as Raleigh, Fayetteville and Greensboro. Many of those customers have a second home or frequently vacation in the Topsail area.

Knight notes they have sold boats from the Great Lakes to Texas and as far away as Mexico. Onslow Bay builds a 27’ 60

Topsail Magazine

Offshore Edition, a 27’ Offshore Edition XS, a 33’ Tournament Edition, and a 41’ Tournament Edition, all center consoles.

They are working on a 37’ model and then plan to add a 25’ to 27’ boat to the mix.

Knight says that the new facility in Holly Ridge is working well for their business. They have ample room for safely maintaining proper distances and they “wear personal protection equipment anyway,” he says, so they are able to continue working during the pandemic. In fact, as their boat business is booming, and they will be adding to their 22-member team as demand increases.

Onslow Bay does some service work for boat owners as well. In addition, they have an online shop offering boat gear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and other boat-related items.

Knight and his team at Onslow Bay Boatworks are happy to be in their new facility in Holly Ridge and are excited about what the future holds for them and for offshore boaters. 

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Stop in and shop our bevy of beach-inspired items from house wares to hostess gifts and hilarious whatnots. We promise you that shopping at Coral Cottage will make you giggle, blush, laugh out loud and pray that your stay could last just a bit longer.

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Book the Southern Roots Food Truck for your next event! Our whimsical “rollin kitchen on wheels” serves up a farm-to-fork Americana menu with a savory Southern avor. And be sure to visit our restaurant, Southern Roots Grille, to enjoy our full home cooked menu!

 910-803-0773  Southern Roots Food Truck  552 East Ocean Rd, NC-50, Holly Ridge, NC

Summer 2021

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Discovered at age 4, 12-year-old actor Elle Graham of Hampstead has already starred in several TV series and films.

BY ANNESOPHIA RICHARDS

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Topsail Magazine

PHOTO BY LAURA GLANTZ

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Summer 2021

he may be young, but Hampstead’s 12-year-old Elle Graham is making a big mark on the television and film industry. With a collection of acting roles already under her

belt, this young star is currently starring in Disney Channel’s new time-traveling mystery series Secrets of Sulphur Springs.

Graham landed her first role at age 4 simply by accident. Her mother, Emily Graham, was auditioning for a commercial and brought Graham along, but to everyone’s surprise it was the younger Graham who stole the spotlight and nabbed the part. Soon after, she was cast as a drug addict’s daughter in the crime thriller Captive, and in doing so proved to all that she was a little girl with a mighty talent.

“My mom said when I was younger, I never really liked to play with toys but would instead always dress up in costumes and perform or do karaoke or puppet shows,” Graham says. “She told me that when I went into the audition for Captive, I walked in and told them exactly what scene I wanted to do

“ 64

Topsail Magazine

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

I love getting to meet new people, working with the cast and crew, trying new food and going to all these different places and walking around to explore everything.

first so that I could sit, and then which scene I wanted to do next because I wanted to stand. I was being really bossy at only 4 years old, but I’m not like that now!”

Graham’s impressive resume also includes roles in Swamp Thing, Stranger Things and The Hunger Games. Her characters tend to center around the darker, scarier side of the film industry, a trend she can’t quite explain but thoroughly enjoys.

“I think I’m a pretty happy person, and I just look happy all the time, but I love playing those dark roles,” she says. “It’s really fun playing something so different from how I am in real life.”

Another similarity in Graham’s previous credits is the fact that the majority of her costars have all been adults. Secrets of Sulphur Springs will be the first project Graham has done with kids her own age, and she loved the new experience.

“At first it made me nervous to meet all the new kids I was going to be working with,

because I’ve been around adults my whole life, but now I love it,” Graham says.

In Secrets of Sulphur Springs, Graham plays the role of Savannah Dillon, a girl who disappeared without a trace decades ago and whose ghost now haunts a hotel inhabited by 12-year-old Griffin Campbell and his family. The series is set in the fictional Louisiana town of Sulphur Springs and was filmed last year in New Orleans.

Deviating from Disney’s characteristic fairytale style, the series offers viewers a suspenseful mystery full of twists and turns yet is still family-friendly.

“I felt a lot of connection with my character Savannah, because we’re both kind of happy people, and she’s very bubbly,” Graham says. “But she’s also a lot braver than I am, I would say. I’m used to the dark and scary stuff, so some of those scenes weren’t too hard for me, but what actually was hard sometimes was when I had happy scenes and had to laugh and make it sound authentic.”

According to Graham, crying on cue can also prove quite tricky. To accomplish this feat, she oftentimes watches sad videos right before shooting a scene and then keeps running those sad thoughts through her mind as she performs. Graham says another big challenge is getting up early in the morning for work, something she isn’t fond of at all.

However, nothing can deter her from continuing to enjoy every bit of the acting experience.

“I love getting to meet new people, working with the cast and crew, trying new food and going to all these different places and walking around to explore everything,” Graham says.

When filming on location, Graham leaves behind her father and four siblings at home in Hampstead. Her mother often travels with her and stays for a few weeks at a time, then her

grandmother will come stay with Graham so that her mom can return home to be with the rest of the family.

The longest Graham has ever been away from home was during the filming of Secrets of Sulphur Springs, which filmed for two months before production paused at the start of the pandemic and then resumed with COVID precautions in place. Time away from home and family can be

difficult, but Graham and her mother both agree it’s all been well worth it.

“It’s been pretty surreal because we’re a family with five kids, and my husband and I work full time, so this has been a wild adventure,” Emily says.

“I think if you see your child have a passion for anything, you’re just going to support them however you can, so that’s just what we’ve done. Everywhere she’s been, she’s really been surrounded

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Elle Graham, far right, and her cast mates in Secrets of Sulphur Springs can be seen on Disney+.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DISNEY

by people who want to support her, and we’re super proud of her. Plus, she’s about as easy-going a kid as they come, so I think I’m pretty lucky with that.”

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Topsail Magazine

Graham is currently working on another movie, and she’s hopeful a second season of Secrets of Sulphur Springs will also be in her future.

Working with the Disney Channel felt like being a part of a true family, she says, and getting to do so again with the same group of fellow young actors would be truly special.

“When you first meet me, you wouldn’t guess that I’m actually a little shy, especially with other kids,” says Graham. “During our first table read for Secrets of Sulphur Springs, I didn’t talk to any of the other kids at the beginning. Then we all started singing the same song, and we started talking, and now I just love them all so dearly.

They’re my best friends.”

You can watch Elle Graham in Disney Channel’s series Secrets of Sulphur Springs streaming online now on Disney+. 

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HISTORY

An Open Book Lori Fisher shares the 25-year legacy of her Quarter Moon Books & Gifts.

BY ASHLEY DANIELS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY UNIQUE MEDIA & DESIGN

L

Lori Fisher is proof that your life story can always have

an unexpected new chapter.

The owner of Quarter Moon Books & Gifts in Topsail Beach originally moved here in 1992 from Boca Raton, Florida, by way of her hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota.

She had retired from the mortgage banking industry after her daughter, Lauren, was born. Pining for the change of seasons, Fisher’s family moved from the sauna that is Florida to the four seasons of the North Carolina coast – minus the harsh winters of Minnesota.

Summer 2021

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NewRiveRPotteRy.com

WILMINGTON (910) 791-7522

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Topsail Magazine

Downtown Wilmington

Carolina Beach

5744 Market St. • HWY 17 (1 Mile N. of 1-40)

Market Street

Jacksonville College Rd.

OPEN

MON-SAT 9-9 SUN 11-6

Raleigh

!

N U F g in p op h S Ft. . ..

Sq f. o 0 60,00

5744 Market St.

1 Mile North of I-40 Overpass

HISTORY

“I had been a stay-at-home mom and, once we got up here, I was kind of ready to find something to do,” Fisher says. “So I went to work for a property rental company, worked that for one season in 1995 and decided that it wasn’t what I wanted to do. Then I saw a little ad in the paper.”

That for sale ad was for a little bookstore called Quarter Moon, owned by a couple who retired to Topsail Island from Winston-Salem, North

Carolina, and only had the store open for a season in May 1995.

“After a season, they decided it really wasn’t what they wanted to do for their retirement,” Fisher says.

But it’s just what Fisher wanted to do.

“My husband and I drove down to look at it, and the minute I walked in, I’m like, ‘Yep, this is what I want to do,’” she says. “I had no retail background; I just love to read books.

But I had no clue as to what I would be doing, and the couple was great.”

The original bookstore was in a small, rented space on Anderson Boulevard in Topsail Beach; Fisher bought the couple’s inventory and carried the name, inspired by the Emmylou Harris song “Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town.” When she found out that the former owners were working with book distributor Ingram Content Group, Fisher and her husband flew to its headquarters in Tennessee.

“I contacted Ingram and told them that I don’t really know anything about this and I’m hoping you can help guide me,” she says. “They were great. They gave us a tour of the facility and pretty much taught me what I needed to do.”

Given that Quarter Moon has been around for 25 years, it’s safe to say that Fisher learned the right things to make a successful business. And the evolution has been extraordinary: from beefing up the sale of just books to add coffee and gifts in that small space to buying a bigger building down the street in 1999 and sharing it with a friend who ran Pat’s Porch Antiques for a time.

Unfortunately, just a couple of years

Quarter Moon owner Lori Fisher

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HISTORY

later, Fisher’s friend’s husband passed away and she decided to move to Atlanta closer to where her children live, so Fisher bought her share out and expanded her inventory. And did she ever! Since then, Fisher has added to her shelves unique coastal gifts, cards, home accessories and women’s apparel. In addition to the store’s abundance of bestselling books in all 72

Topsail Magazine

genres, Quarter Moon also has an Indie Next List section, featuring Southern writers. There’s also a coffee and smoothie bar and, as of 2013, a wine bar.

“It’s evolved into a lot more than what I had pictured,” Fisher says. “We also do live music in the evenings.”

Quarter Moon also offers a book exchange, in which customers can bring in used books in good condition for a dollar credit each toward other used books.

“What I’m most proud of here are the relationships I’ve built with my customers over the years,” she says. “In 25 years I’ve seen a lot of children grow up, and every year I look forward to visiting with people that I’ve known for such a long time and only get to see once a year. I feel like I’ve really bonded with a lot of people and I consider them very dear friends.”

In fact, she tells of one family from Pennsylvania who summered in Topsail Beach, and each year, the young daughter would ask Fisher to pick out a book for her. She’s now a student at Yale.

Fisher’s daughter was one of her first employees at the age of 9. She went on to earn a master’s degree in public health from UNC Chapel Hill and now works as the director of the wellness programs at her alma mater’s School of Medicine.

Fisher has a staff of about eight to 10 at Quarter Moon, depending on the season, including a full-time wine bar manager and her longtime friend Claire Braxton, who has been working at Quarter Moon for the last 20 years.

“She’s a book nerd and she orders a lot of the stationery,” Fisher says fondly. “We sell lots and WANT TO VISIT? lots of greeting cards, and Quarter Moon Books & Gifts people always comment on is located at 708 South Ocean our choices.”

Boulevard in Topsail Beach.

However, Fisher is ready For more info, visit for the next chapter of her quartermoonbooks.com life. The bookstore is or call (910) 328-4969. currently for sale.

“I want to sell it so that the bookstore continues on,” she says. “I’m not selling it just to be done. I want to make sure it goes to the right person.”

Depending on when the bookstore sells, you may or may not find Fisher when you visit Quarter Moon Books & Gifts.

But you will find her spirit living on in this legendary Topsail Beach shop. 

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Topsail Magazine

JUST FOR

FUN

Paradise Axe and Arcade in Holly Ridge is a place for affordable family entertainment.

BY MIKE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY OLIVER

Summer 2021

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Topsail Magazine

You may know about Paradise Axe and Arcade along Sound Road in Holly Ridge, but you probably have no idea about the former life of the cinderblock building that now houses the

monstrous arcade. Designed in 1941, it is one of the last buildings standing from Camp Davis, a World War II camp and a major anti-aircraft artillery training facility. This particular building

was the officer’s club and hosted popular morale-boosting USO shows, which brought national stars like Joe Louis, Rita Hayworth and the Rockettes to Holly Ridge. A mural and other memorabilia adorn the walls to honor the camp’s history, and the arcade hosted Camp Davis’ 75th anniversary several years ago.

Today, the amusement center offers an old-fashioned arcade, competitive axe throwing, a concession stand, pool tables, air hockey and games, all at affordable prices.

Dorothy and Richard Royal founded the arcade due to community need.

“My family was concerned about how many kids in Surf City and Topsail we were losing to opioids. It was just

Dorothy and Richard Royal opened Paradise Axe and Arcade as a place for kids in the Topsail area to have affordable, clean fun.

Summer 2021

77

“

We couldn’t figure out why these young people chose drugs over going outside to play, and then we realized the key area missing was play.

78

Topsail Magazine

overwhelming,” says Dorothy Royal. “We lost three on our road to overdoses. We couldn’t figure out why these young people chose drugs over going outside to play, and then we realized the key area missing was play.”

Royal says she’s had grandparents come in and tell her, with tears in their eyes, that this was the first time that their grandchildren have put down their phones and played a game with them.

The Royals designed Paradise to be affordable for just this reason. She estimates that a family of four might

spent $50 per visit at Paradise. She credits her daughter, Rockell, and son, Colt, for keeping prices affordable by learning to repair broken electronic games, for example. This allows Paradise to buy lower-cost games at auctions and then return them to working order.

The arcade is popular with everyone from neighborhood kids who ride their bikes to the center to senior citizens wanting diversions from everyday routines. It has approximately 100 games and 10 axe-throwing (really hatchet) lanes. Amidst a cacophony of dings,

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Summer 2021

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Sea-to-Table Outdoor Dining Daily Drink Specials Live Music

508 Roland Ave. Surf City, NC 910.541.0930  80

Topsail Magazine

beeps and honks, the attractions range from the games of yesteryear to those of today — driving games, flipper games and shooting games and tables for air hockey, darts and Foosball. In the arcade, tickets earned playing games can be redeemed for toys, stuffed animals, candy and other prizes.

“I love to come here and I like to win the prizes,” says Kamden Hickey, 13, of Holly Ridge, a repeat visitor.

“It was fun. It’s something we can enjoy together,” Kamden’s older sibling, Kohen, says.

“My favorite retro game is here, and that’s hard to find,” adds their sister, Kaiya Axe throwing is a phenomenon that has swept the country for the last several years, and it is an activity that can be enjoyed by a novice or the experienced competitor.

Paradise strictly enforces safety rules, Royal says, including staying behind the yellow line when someone is throwing, tossing one axe at a time and wearing closed-toe shoes (in case an axe drops). Anyone younger WANT TO PLAY? than 18 must have a signed permission slip Paradise Axe and Arcade from a parent, and anyone 127 Sound Road not following the rules Holly Ridge will be asked to leave.

(910) 803-2300 Each session includes a paradiseaxeandarcade.com lesson from the staff. This fall, Paradise hopes to offer competitive Saturday leagues for ages 10 and older.

Another offering of the arcade is a party room that also can be used as a classroom and for corporate events. The 5,000-square-foot party room is equipped with Dutch doors, allowing a food truck to pull up and serve customers who are inside the room. Some companies that have booked the room for corporate events say it is a fun alternative to the typical meeting or corporate event. The room also has seen divorce parties, military retiree and promotion parties and team-building events.

Stressing that they want the arcade to be a community center too, the Royals also host fund-raising events with proceeds being split between the organizers and the arcade. Other actives include allowing a local homeschool network to use the room for art classes.

All in all, the Royals just want people to come to Paradise to enjoy affordable family fun. 

Serving Topsail Island for Over 25 Years!

Summer 2021

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   

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Topsail Magazine

Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar

Business Profile

BY MOLLY HARRISON

A

PHOTOS BY ADAM HAWLEY — UNIQUE MEDIA DESIGN

n exciting new addition to the Topsail area as of November 2020 is Low Tide Steakhouse and Sandbar, an authentic steakhouse with all grilled meats. Owned and operated by two couples, Trey and Kristen Cummings and Sal and Jeri Soutos, it’s a full-service restaurant specializing in prime or better steaks, including hand-cut rib eyes, bacon-wrapped filets and NY strips. They also serve seafood, chicken, hand-ground burgers, quesadillas and wings, and one of their specialties is the fresh salad bar with more than 26 items. The restaurant has a full bar, including an extensive bourbon selection and N.C. draft beers.

The name Low Tide is drawn from Topsail Island history. In researching the area, Sal found that prior to World War II, when Topsail Island was only accessible by boat, the mainland residents frequently traveled to the island to picnic on the shores of the Atlantic.

He also discovered that local farmers drove livestock across the waterways at low tide to graze on wild beach grass.

“We figured it was a wonderful way to pay homage to our local history and tie in our cuisine,” Sal says.

The owners of Low Tide are new to Topsail Island.

The Cummings, who have been in the restaurant business since 2003 and have owned their own restaurant in North Carolina since 2006, decided in 2020 that it was time for a change. After Kristen was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020 and their other restaurant was doing take-out only because of COVID, they decided to fulfill their dream of opening a steakhouse in Surf City, where they loved to vacation. They put their house on the market and said, “God has a plan! If it sells, we move, if it doesn’t, we stay.” The house sold in August 2020. Trey stayed up late one night convincing their friends Jeri and Sal to go into business them, and they agreed!

The Soutos had been living in Surf City permanently since 2019. Jeri grew up in the little town of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, where her parents own a small eclectic restaurant named Sam’s Pizza.

Sal, originally from New York, had lived in North Carolina most of his life, working in accounting and IT. The family had vacationed in in Surf City since 2005 before moving there full time.

The two families closed on the business in September 2020 and worked on it themselves, along with their kids (Camden, 13, Ryder, 7 in the Cummings family and Elise, 15, and Evan 13, in the Souto family) to open November 2, 2020.

Opening during the off-season and during COVID was nervewracking at first, but everything has worked out fine.

“We have been very well received in the community and our expectations have already been exceeded,” Kristen says.

Something that surprises diners is that the chef comes out to take the food order, giving the diner a direct line of communication with the kitchen and ensuring the food is cooked to perfection.

Proud to be a family owned and operated business, Low

Tide Steakhouse aims to serve high-quality food while building a team that’s like family and being a positive force in the community.

“We operate very much on a mom-n-pop basis and the people who work at Low Tide are our extended family,” Jeri says. “Thankfully, we have been blessed with some of the most reliable, loyal employees we could ever ask for.”

The entire staff is focused on creating a place where diners feel welcome and comfortable. As Kristen says, “Food brings people together, and we want to be the kind of place where people love coming together, locals and tourists alike!”

Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar 13741-E N.C. Highway 50, Surf City (910) 803-0738 lowtidesteakhouse.com Summer 2021

83

New Vs. Refurbished Computers Written by The Computer Warriors, Inc. Our clients often ask us if refurbished devices are good or worth buying. We want to dispel the negative association with the term refurbished when it comes to tech. Refurbished devices are more common than you think, and you can often find certified refurbished or open-box deals in stores. This article will explain what these terms mean.

Wilmington \ Jacksonville \ Leland \ Camp Lejeune 84 Topsail Magazine

Business Profile

The Daily Grind Surf City and unWINEd Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie

I

f you are looking for an adult and kid-friendly place to hang out in Surf City, here’s a fantastic place for both.

The Daily Grind Surf City and unWINEd are under the same roof yet offer completely diverse experiences.

After moving here from Ohio in 2009, owners Jeremy and Tracey Shugarts first focused on getting their six children settled into the local school system. Shortly after, in May, 2010, they opened The Daily Grind Coffee Shop.

In 2012 they opened the Daily Dip Ice Cream shop with 48 flavors of North Carolina-made ice cream. In 2015 they combined the coffee shop and ice cream shop into one operation.

In November of 2019 the Shugarts moved The Daily Grind to its current location on N. Topsail Drive. The Daily Grind now offers much more than coffee and ice cream. Customers can choose from hot and iced lattes, frappuccino, healthy smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, doughnuts, Italian ice, pastries, milkshakes, sundaes, banana splits, cakes, muffins and more.

Indoor seating is available at tables in

the spacious dining area or on one of the comfy couches, and the music is always upbeat.

The shop also sells t-shirts, novelties, gifts, local artwork and collectibles, so you could actually grab a supercomfortable Tommy Bahama beach chair or gifts for the people back home while you stock up on bags of coffee from one of their eight blends.

Having traveled the world for years, the Shugarts had always looked for local places where they could go and enjoy themselves and listen to live music. With this thought in mind, in May of 2020, they opened unWINEd Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie.

Along with an inside bar, this venue has a spacious deck that seats 80. On a corner stage, they offer live music seven days a week and two acts on Saturday and Sunday (the schedule of performances is posted on Facebook @ unWINEdatthegrind). It’s a real treat to listen local musicians as well as some regional acts on the outdoor patio while enjoying a nice beverage and tasty fare. unWINEd offers 40 wines and 30 beers,

BY BRIAN WILNER

with some on draft, and full meals as well as snacks. The menu includes a variety of appetizers, charcuterie plates, paninis and a variety of pizzas. If a beer or wine is not your style, then you can grab an ice cream or coffee and enjoy the music.

Being involved in the community is very important to Jeremy and Tracey.

Whether it is supplying the community with coffee and hot cocoa at the annual Christmas tree lighting or sponsoring the Surf City Youth Leagues, they love being part of the Topsail community.

They hope to see you soon — they have a seat saved for you, inside or out!

The Daily Grind Surf City 114 N. Topsail Dr, Surf City (910) 541-0471 the-daily-grind-surf-city.business.site unWINEd Wine Bar, Beer & Charcuterie 114 N. Topsail Dr, Surf City (910) 541-0095  @unWINEdatthegrind

Summer 2021

85

NORTH CAROLINA

The Town of Surf City would like to invite you to explore all that our town has to offer!

- Parks & Facilities - Special Events - Athletics & Programs -

For more information visit us at

SurfCityNC.gov Su

86

Topsail Magazine

Sweet Dreams Linens and Rentals

Business Profile

BY MICHELLE MACKEN

S

weet Dreams Linens, the Topsail area’s premiere vacation linen service and beach rental equipment outfitter, has new owners. Matt and Jacki Smallwood purchased the company from Scott and Angela Erickson in May of 2021 and plan to continue the company’s mission of helping property owners create 5-reviews and visitors get the most from their vacations.

“We are proud to expand upon Sweet Dreams’ incredible growth with new opportunities, additional products and offerings and continued outstanding service,” Jacki says.

Sweet Dreams provides vacation linen services to property owners and to guests whose property does not provide linens as an amenity. In addition to rental linen services, they offer a full lineup of rental extras including beach gear, baby equipment, home needs, pet items and more.

Scott Erickson started the company in 2006 after he recognized the need for professional linen services for Topsail’s vacation property homeowners and vacationers. At the time he was a professional vacation rental property manager with Century 21 Action, Inc., and back then, most vacation properties did not provide linen service as a property amenity; guests either had to bring their own or find a rental service.

Sweet Dreams originally serviced Century 21 Action exclusively, but it is now servicing an ever-increasing variety of property managers (Treasure Realty, Myers Realty, Landmark Sotheby, Island Real Estate, Seashore Realty and more), a very large number of VRBO/Airbnb properties and individual vacationers. When Angela joined Scott in the operation eight years ago, their combined efforts fueled incredible growth — the company has grown by more than 1,000% based on their dedication to delivering outstanding service.

The Ericksons also created a family-oriented business in which every teammate is part of the extended family. They maintained expectations of excellence from everyone while supporting each person 100% with their needs, opportunities and challenges.

So, when they were ready sell Sweet Dreams, the Ericksons knew that finding owners to maintain the level of customer service and team culture they had created was of the utmost importance. They hand-picked the Smallwoods out of a long list of potential new owners.

“Matt and Jacki bring extensive small business experience, growthfocused leadership and extreme understanding about the customer experience to the Topsail area and Sweet Dreams Linens,” Angela says.

One aspect of the business the Smallwoods appreciate is being able to use their business to help others.

For instance, because Sweet Dreams has such a high standard for outstanding products, they always retire their linens and rental items from circulation well before most of us would at home. The retired goods are typically donated to local charities, churches, animal hospitals and domestic violence shelters. After the earthquake devastation in Haiti, Sweet Dreams donated thousands of pounds of bed and bath linens to the relief efforts.

The Smallwoods are excited to be living in the Topsail area and contributing to the quality of its visitors’ vacations. They have four daughters, a grandson and another grandchild on the way, and they love boating and spending time outdoors Sweet Dreams Linens with the kids. and Rentals “I’m really happy to be living here,” 51 J H Batts Road, Surf City says Jacki. “It’s such a beautiful area (910) 328-5312 with a great family environment.” sweetdreamslinen.com

Summer 2021

87

NEW RIVER INLET TIDES

July D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

August Low Tide

PM Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM

PM

Height Time Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft) (EST) (ft)

D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

September

Low Tide PM

Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM

PM

Height Time Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft) (EST) (ft)

D a t e

High Tide AM Time (EST)

Low Tide PM

Height Time (ft) (EST)

AM Height (ft)

Time (EST)

PM Height Time Height (ft) (EST) (ft)

1

1:28

2.9

2:15

2.7

7:56

0.1

8:19

0.5

1

11:55

2.6

--

--

6:05

-0.2

5:48

-0.1

1

3:36

2.2

4:22

3.1

9:31

0.6

11:01

0.8

2

2:21

2.7

3:12

2.8

8:43

0.2

9:25

0.5

2

12:26

3.7

12:59

2.5

7:07

0.0

6:52

0.1

2

4:35

2.3

5:14

3.3

10:28

0.5

11:50

0.6

3

3:14

2.5

4:06

2.9

9:29

0.2

10:27

0.5

3

1:30

3.5

2:09

2.5

8:11

0.1

8:03

0.3

3

5:27

2.5

6:02

3.4

11:22

0.4

--

--

4

2:36

3.2

3:20

2.5

9:15

0.2

9:17

0.3

4

6:14

2.6

6:45

3.6

12:32

0.5

12:11

0.3

5

6:58

2.9

7:26

3.7

1:11

0.4

12:58

0.1

5

3:41

3.1

4:24

2.6

10:13

0.2

10:27

0.3

6

7:41

3.1

8:06

3.8

1:48

0.2

1:43

0.0

6

4:41

2.9

5:19

2.8

11:04

0.2

11:27

0.3

7

8:23

3.3

8:47

3.8

2:25

0.1

2:29

-0.1

7

5:33

2.8

6:06

3.0

11:48

0.1

--

--

8

9:07

3.6

9:29

3.7

3:03

0.0

3:16

-0.1

9

9:52

3.7

10:12

3.6

3:41

-0.1

4:06

0.0

4

4:07

2.3

4:55

3.0

10:14

0.2

11:23

0.5

5

4:58

2.2

5:41

3.1

10:57

0.2

--

--

6

5:47

2.2

6:23

3.3

12:13

0.4

11:39 AM

0.2

7

6:32

2.2

7:04

3.4

12:58

0.4

12:21

0.2

8

7:15

2.3

7:43

3.5

1:40

0.3

1:02

0.1

9

7:56

2.3

8:22

3.5

2:20

0.2

1:43

0.1

8

6:19

2.8

6:47

3.2

12:19

0.3

12:26

0.1

10

10:40

3.8

10:58

3.3

4:22

-0.1

4:58

0.1

10

8:36

2.4

9:00

3.6

2:58

0.2

2:23

0.1

9

7:00

2.7

7:25

3.3

1:05

0.2

1:01

0.1

11

11:32

3.9

11:49

3.1

5:06

0.0

5:55

0.2

11

9:16

2.4

9:39

3.6

3:36

0.1

3:04

0.0

10

7:38

2.6

8:00

3.4

1:47

0.1

1:33

0.1

12

9:58

2.5

10:18

3.5

4:13

0.1

3:47

0.1

13

10:41

2.5

10:59

3.4

4:51

0.1

4:32

0.1

14

11:27

2.6

11:42

3.3

5:30

0.0

5:22

0.2

15

--

--

12:17

2.8

6:10

0.0

6:17

0.2

16

12:29

3.1

1:12

3.0

6:54

0.0

7:18

0.3

17

1:22

2.9

2:11

3.2

7:42

-0.1

8:26

0.3

18

2:19

2.8

3:12

3.4

8:35

-0.1

9:36

23

7:26

2.7

8:02

4.2

1:44

-0.1

1:23

24

8:21

2.8

8:53

4.1

2:35

-0.2

25

9:13

2.9

9:42

3.9

3:24

-0.2

12

--

--

12:29

3.8

5:55

0.0

6:57

0.3

13

12:46

2.9

1:31

3.8

6:50

0.1

8:06

0.5

14

1:51

2.7

2:40

3.7

7:53

0.2

9:19

0.5

15

3:02

2.7

3:49

3.7

9:03

0.3

10:27

0.5 0.4

11

8:14

2.6

8:34

3.5

2:26

0.1

2:05

0.1

19

1:23

3.1

2:02

2.3

8:04

0.3

7:54

0.4

20

2:21

3.0

3:04

2.6

8:56

0.2

9:03

0.4

16

4:13

2.7

4:55

3.8

10:13

0.3

11:28

17

5:18

2.9

5:53

3.8

11:19

0.2

--

--

18

6:14

3.1

6:44

3.8

12:20

0.3

12:17

0.1 0.1

21

3:20

3.0

4:03

2.9

9:47

0.1

10:12

0.2

22

4:19

3.0

5:00

3.3

10:37

-0.1

11:17

0.0

23

5:16

3.0

5:54

3.7

11:27

-0.3

--

--

19

7:04

3.2

7:30

3.8

1:06

0.2

1:09

0.3

20

7:49

3.4

8:12

3.7

1:48

0.2

1:57

0.1

-0.4

24

6:11

3.0

6:47

4.0

12:17

-0.1

12:16

-0.4

21

8:31

3.5

8:52

3.6

2:26

0.1

2:41

0.1

2:18

-0.4

25

7:05

3.0

7:39

4.3

1:15

-0.3

1:05

-0.5

22

9:11

3.6

9:30

3.4

3:02

0.2

3:24

0.2

3:11

-0.3

26

7:58

3.0

8:30

4.4

2:10

-0.4

1:55

-0.6

23

9:50

3.6

10:07

3.2

3:36

0.2

4:06

0.3

27

8:52

2.9

9:23

4.4

3:05

-0.4

2:46

-0.5

24

10:28

3.5

10:44

2.9

4:09

0.3

4:49

0.4

25

11:08

3.4

11:23

2.7

4:43

0.4

5:33

0.6

28

9:46

2.8

10:16

4.2

3:59

-0.4

3:39

-0.4

26

11:50

3.3

--

--

5:20

0.6

6:21

0.7

27

12:05

2.5

12:38

3.2

6:00

0.7

7:15

0.8

26

10:04

2.9

10:29

3.7

4:11

-0.2

4:03

-0.2

27

10:55

2.9

11:15

3.4

4:56

-0.1

4:54

0.0

28

11:45

2.9

--

--

5:39

0.0

5:47

0.2

29

12:00

3.1

12:36

2.9

6:22

0.1

6:41

0.4

30

12:46

2.8

1:28

2.9

7:05

0.2

7:40

0.5

31

1:33

2.6

2:22

2.9

7:48

0.3

8:42

0.6

29

10:42

2.7

11:11

4.0

4:54

-0.3

4:34

-0.3

30

11:41

2.6

--

--

5:49

-0.2

5:33

-0.1

31

12:07

3.7

12:43

2.6

6:46

-0.1

6:36

0.1

28

12:54

2.4

1:33

3.1

6:48

0.8

8:16

0.9

29

1:52

2.3

2:34

3.1

7:45

0.8

9:20

0.9

30

2:57

2.3

3:36

3.2

8:49

0.8

10:17

0.8

*TIDE CHARTS ARE ACCURATE TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE. IF YOU ARE CHECKING TIDES FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES, PLEASE VERIFY THESE TIMES WITH ANOTHER SOURCE.

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Topsail Magazine

ADVERTISERS INDEX

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1-800-Pack Rat..............................................800-722-5728 66 Access Realty..................................................910-329-9800 BC AnA Builders, Inc............................................910-329-9819 BC Beach Furniture Outfitters, Inc..........................910-803-0455 81 Beach Shop & Grill..........................................910-328-6501 7 Carolina Coast Contracting................................910-328-6400 48 Century 21 Action, Inc.....................................800-760-4150 5 Coastal Carolina Real Estate.............................910-329-1133 48 Coastal Home Store.........................................910-821-1390 70 Coastal Insurance............................................910-754-4326 40 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage................910-328-5626 56 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage — Holly Hobbs....415-748-8227 82 Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Advantage — Tanner Gray.....910-547-9618 28 Computer Warriors...........................................910-238-2277 84 Coral Cottage boutiques...................................910-599-5115 61 Crew Insurance................................................910-329-3691 74 Curtis Media Group................................................................ 41 DDT Outlet......................................................910-329-0160 15 East Coast Sports............................................910-328-1887 38 Edward Jones - Karen Jerabek...........................910-270-3634 55 EmergeOrtho...................................................910-332-3800 46 Future Homes.................................................910-270-3313 32 Harmony Pet Spa.............................................434-426-5678 73 Inis Spa..........................................................910-328-3988 76 Intracoastal Realty Corporation.........................910-328-3000 67 Intracoastal Realty Corporation — Topsail Area Agents....910-328-3000 3 Intercoastal Mortgage, LLC — Derek Arthur........910-338-1748 51 Keller Williams — Angie Wilkie Team................336-451-9519 79 Kinco, Inc.......................................................910-803-0695 13, IBC Landmark Sotheby’s International Realty...........910-328-2276 16, 17

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Lewis Realty Associates, Inc. — Beth Dudley.....910-470-5481 18 Linen & Leather Interiors..................................910-803-0048 74 Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar........................910-803-0738 9, 83 Mia’s Marketplace............................................910-803-0316 73 New River Pottery............................................910-791-7522 70 NHRMC and Novant Health..............................910-254-1033 IFC Oliver’s Photography........................................910-650-4633 76 P & L Palms....................................................910-742-8286 18 Pet Supplies Plus............................................910-803-2440 11 Pierpan Dentistry.............................................910-270-1222 68 Quarter Moon Books, Gifts & Wine Bar...............910-328-4969 65 Rainbow Garden Preschool & School Age Care....910-233-8594 89 Seaside Gourmet Market..................................910-803-0155 70 South End Outfitters........................................910-541-0832 7 Southern Roots Grille.......................................910-803-0773 61 Surf City Dental...............................................910-329-0298 79 Surf City Pet Hospital......................................910-329-4700 45 Sweet Dreams Linens & Rentals........................910-328-5312 33, 87 The Crab Pot...................................................910-541-0930 80 The Daily Grind Surf City..................................910-541-0471 21, 85 The Topsail Island Trading Company..................910-328-1905 27 Topsail Home Watch........................................910-616-3394 74 Topsail Realty by Carolina Retreats....................844-567-9779 24 Topsail Steamer...............................................910-328-2645 73 Town of Surf City.............................................910-328-4131 86 Treasure Realty................................................800-762-3961 IBC Unique Media & Design Inc..............................910-526-7926 68 unWINEd........................................................910-541-0095 20, 85

Land & Residential V A L U A T I O N S Since 1983

C. Nathan King & Associates Appraisals

CONTACT US

 KincoInc.com  910-803-0695 Find us on Facebook @KincoRealEstate

Summer 2021

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CAPTURE THE MOMENT

FINLEE AT TOPSAIL BEACH Photo captured by Camryn Barwick HAVE YOU CAPTURED THE MOMENT? If so, email your photos to capture@topsailmag.com.

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Topsail Magazine

Sales and Vacation Rentals The leader in vacation rental management and oceanfront sales on Topsail Island

Experts On and Off The Island

Find Your Treasure TreasureRealty.com | 800-762-3961 1950 NC Hwy 172 Sneads Ferry, NC 28460

14061-B NC Hwy 50 Surf City, NC 28445

2000 New River Inlet Rd North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

SummerSince 2021 1990 91 Trusted Local Experts Serving Topsail Island and Mainland Communities

Whether you BUILD, BUY, or RENT...

Let A’n’A Builders and Access Realty be

Your Key to Coastal Living!

Featured Home Builder

Over $22 Million SOLD

Commercial & Residential Builder Call us at 910-329-9819

Sales, Rentals, & Property Management Call us at 910-329-9800

in Summerhouse on Everett Bay!

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in the last 18 Months!

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