SURF CITY- Pirates are returning to Topsail Island on April 29. As part of the Year of the Trail celebration, a band of pirates will lead the Pirate Treasure Hunt Hike in Soundside Park, 517 Roland Ave., Surf City. “Pirate legend and lore is a part of Pender County’s history,” said Tammy Proctor, Pender County Tourism director. “It’s only fitting that a troupe of pirates take us along...

Every customer who has passed through the doors of Sugar Island Bakery knows that quality ingredients make a quality-tasting product. The bakery, which features delicious cookies, cakes, pies, and snacks, now offers quality house-roasted coffee. “I had my first cup of coffee in my early 20s,” said Shawn Smith, the roaster and creator of flavorful blends. “I was in the Army, in the mountains of...

Sea Turtle Hospital News March 10, zero dark thirty. All of our turtles were rudely awakened at 4 a.m. when the lights went on and our volunteers arrived to pack up 18 lucky patients for a ride to the Gulf Stream. A mix of greens, Kemp’s, and loggerheads were waving their release papers in the air, anxious to get into their seats (tanks) in our van and head north towards Swansboro where their boat awaited. This...

Sea Turtle Hospital News We’re open for tours! After several months devoted to caring for cold-stuns plus the patients over-wintering with us we’re happy to be able to welcome visitors again. During the month of March we’ll be open on Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. You will still need to purchase tour tickets in advance through our website www.seaturtlehospital.org. You can...

TOPSAIL BEACH- The Historical Society of Topsail Island, Missiles and More Museum, and Pender County Tourism will present the Topsail Beach Top Secret Hike on March 11, starting at 11 a.m. This hike is the third in a series of monthly family-friendly hikes in celebration of the Year of the Trail. Hikes will be offered every 30 minutes with the last hike stepping off from Missiles and More Museum at 2 p.m. “This...