Take a tasty trek with us on the Topsail Sweet Tooth Trail. This hike will begin on the mainland in Surf City.
Our first stop is Mia’s Marketplace. Yes, this locally owned and operated shop features beautiful clothing, home décor, and jewelry, however, take a hike to the rear of the shop to their fabulous candy shop. Do you remember Penny Candy? Mia’s offers a wide variety of unique candies, in addition to chocolates and salt water taffy.
Just a few doors down from Mia’s Marketplace in the Treasure Realty shops is Coral Cottage Boutique. Becky and her staff feature delicious cookies and sweet treats.
Follow your sweet tooth over the Surf City Bridge and travel north on North New River Drive. At the corner of Roland Ave. and North New River to the left is The Bakery at Xanadu Market where you will find baked goodies, including cakes, muffins, croissants and more.
Back to North New River, to the right is Snow Factory. This unique rolled ice cream is incredible to watch being prepared, but when you select your own toppings, it is superb.
Be sure to detour one block over to Sugar Island Bakery on N. Topsail Drive where you will find out of this world baked goods.
Across from Sugar Island is a shopping district with two stops. The first stop is Topsail Island Popcorn Factory. This shop features sweet and savory popcorn in a myriad of flavors. Can’t decide? No problem! Take home a tin!
In the same shopping district is Daily Grind Coffee, Donuts, and Ice Cream. This shop, which has a sister shop on the mainland in the Gateway Plaza, features delicious brews, cold brews, smoothies, muffins, fritters, and ice cream.
Across North New River Drive is the Topsail Island Trading Company. While they are located only a few blocks from the beach, they will tell you, “What beach? I’m here for the fudge!” and you will agree when you sample any flavor of their fabulous fudge!
Just a little further north, visit Bumblebee Gifts. They have a great selection of chocolates and you can’t leave without buying the sea salted caramel!
Near Bumblebee Gifts is Island Delights Restaurant. While this 50s style diner features out of this world burgers, they serve banana splits, sundaes, and ice cream. Be sure to drop a quarter in the jukebox while you’re there!
We’re going to loop back toward the beach to Island Crush Italian Ice where you’ll find flavorful refreshment. Go to the Beach access and turn right to Tiki Turtles Ice Creams and Mocktails
Now we’re going to do an about face and head south. On the trek we are going to stop at Fractured Prune. This shop in Surf City offers a wide selection of flavors. The donuts are warm and tasty. Now, let’s cross beachward to Pelican’s Snoballs of Surf City. Let’s watch the waves and enjoy an icy sweet treat.
Now, let’s hike on down to the Town of Topsail Beach. We’re traveling to Twisted Sisters Bake Shop where you will enjoy pie in a jar, cakes, and more.
Double back now and we’re going shopping at Quarter Moon Books, Gifts, and Wine Bar. This is a warm and inviting independent bookstore with goodies, wine, coffee and more. Kick back from your trek
