Surf City Live NC, a premier music event, is dedicated to bringing top-tier entertainment to the beautiful coastal community. The event has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors, offering a unique blend of live music and ocean breezes. There’s nothing like the atmosphere of one of these concerts! Amazing artists, incredible vibes, and surrounded by your friends! Experience it all at Surf City Live...

Explore Pender County, NC: Adventure and History Welcome to Pender County, North Carolina, where the charm of small-town hospitality meets the excitement of big-time adventure. Nestled along the Atlantic coast, Pender County offers a diverse array of experiences that cater to every traveler. From the pristine beaches of Surf City and Topsail Beach to the historic streets of Burgaw, this vibrant region is a haven for...

Burgaw, North Carolina, is a hidden gem for those who love the charm of vintage, thrift, and antique shopping. The quaint town offers a delightful mix of small-town charm and unique finds. With its rich history and Southern hospitality, shopping in Burgaw is an experience that connects you with the past while supporting these great local businesses. Burgaw is home to well-curated vintage, antique, and thrift stores,...

The woodpeckers eagerly peck away at the giant trees while squirrels scurry about as one strolls through the peacefulness and beauty of nature found in Currie, NC. A trail passes by a grassy savannah heading towards Moores Creek. The area is a unique eco-system containing carnivorous plants and perhaps an elusive alligator or two, but amid the wonder of nature, mounds of dirt appear that cast a shadow over what was...

The Cape Fear region of North Carolina, known for its picturesque landscapes, charming towns, and coastal beauty, has long been a favorite destination for filmmakers and television producers. This area, which includes Pender County and the nearby city of Wilmington, has been the backdrop for numerous films and TV shows, creating a significant impact on local tourism and visitor spending. The Appeal of the Cape Fear...

A day at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina and The Garden Center at Johnson Nursery could look like this: 1st stop: Explore The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina's signature garden! These gorgeous gardens have winding pathways filled with beautiful and diverse plants, shrubs and trees that will leave you in awe. Recently named the 11th Proven Winners® Signature Garden®, The Gardens' is...

Trail Towns of Burgaw, Hampstead, & Topsail Island Located in the heart of Pender County, Burgaw is a trail town where Southern charm meets outdoor adventure. It’s known for its historic downtown, vibrant community events and recognizable landscapes from a wide variety of films and television shows. Pender County, with its barrier islands, marshes, riverine wetlands, and longleaf pine savannas, is a paradise...

One of the most significant benefits of tourism is its contribution to economic growth. Tourism generates revenue through various channels such as lodging, dining, transportation, and attractions. This influx of money supports local businesses, creates jobs, and boosts the overall economy of a region. Tourism is a primary source of income for many destinations, helping sustain livelihoods and fuel infrastructure development. Domestic...

The Annual Christmas Market is held every December in conjunction with the Annual Floatilla. Held in beautiful Soundside Park, the Market features unique and handmade gifts, food trucks, and entertainment. The market opens at 12 p.m. and ends at 6 p.m. or later; food vendors remain open until 7 p.m. Be sure to stick around for the Annual Floatilla, expected to arrive at 6 p.m. It is free and open to the public. https://business.topsailchamber.org/event-calendar/Details/the-greater-topsail-area-christmas-market-1176390?sourceTypeId=Hub ...

Surf City, NC – The coastal town of Surf City is gearing up for a night of unforgettable music as country music legend Clint Black is set to take the stage at the highly anticipated Surf City Live NC event. The concert, scheduled for November 2, 2024, promises to be a highlight of the summer, drawing fans from across the region to experience the magic of live country music against the stunning backdrop of the North...

Labor Day weekend in Pender County, NC, is a delightful blend of relaxation and adventure, offering the perfect end to summer. The county’s pristine beaches, charming small towns, and scenic countryside provide a variety of activities to enjoy over the long weekend. Beach Bliss in Surf City and Topsail Beach For those looking to soak up the last days of summer, Surf City and Topsail Beach are the ultimate destinations....

Get ready for the Town of Burgaw's Movies in the Park, starting soon, which will be shown at Dees Park! Dees Park is located at 105 W Courthouse Ave. Burgaw Bring blankets, chairs, drinks, and snacks!

Welcome to This Week In Tourism, your essential guide to everything happening in Pender County, NC! Whether you're planning your next visit or looking to explore more of what our beautiful area has to offer, our weekly newsletter brings you the latest news, events, and insider tips. Stay up-to-date with exciting happenings, local attractions, and the best ways to experience the charm and adventure that make Pender...

Burgaw – Save the date for the Town of Burgaw’s annual Murder Mystery Dinner event on September 14, 2024. The theme is a “A Dance with Death,” set at a fictitious 1950s sock hop prom. Attendees are encouraged to dress according to theme to enjoy this interactive detective-style event. The Murder Mystery Dinner will take place at the Historic Burgaw Train Depot on September 24 at 7:30 pm....

Visit NC rolls out inaugural Trail Town Guide The Outdoor NC Trail Town guide celebrates towns across the state who are dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their destination while fostering a strong sense of place. The destinations featured in this guide are championing destination stewardship, accessible outdoors and responsible recreation to sustain our towns and trails for future...

Prioritizing accessibility is essential to ensure our destination is as inclusive as possible. Creating an inclusive environment is more than just a goal; it is a responsibility. As we strive to make our destination welcoming to all, prioritizing accessibility is crucial to ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully experience and enjoy everything our community offers. Accessibility goes beyond...

2023 Visitor Impact for Pender County County spending Increases by 5 percent to $199.12 Million Burgaw, N.C. — Domestic and international visitors to and within Pender County spent $199.12 Million dollars in 2023, an increase of 5 % from 2022. The data comes from an annual study commissioned by VisitNC, a unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina. “Pender County is currently one...

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 13, 2024) — Visitor spending continued to break records for North Carolina in 2023, according to data released Tuesday by the NC Department of Commerce. Travel spending statewide rose 6.9 percent to $35.6 billion in 2023 to set a record in visitor spending. That growth followed a record-breaking increase of 15 percent in 2022. Direct tourism employment also increased statewide by 4.8 percent...

Willard, NC — The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina is proud to announce a two-day benefit fine art show on October 4th and 5th called The Gallery In The Gardens. Celebrating the vibrant art and history of Pender and Duplin Counties, this exciting event will showcase as many as 200 original paintings by 14 talented local and regional artists, with a portion of the proceeds supporting The Gardens. Many of the...

Tickets are on sale now for the award-winning Ghost Walk, Ghost Walk of Pender’s Past, a haunting tour around Burgaw’s historic cemetery. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ghostwalkofpenderspast/2024. Tickets may also be ordered via phone with a credit card by calling 910-259-1278. Tickets are $15 per adult; admission for students ages 5-17 are $10 each. Children...

The planning process for 4 miles of new MST in Holly Shelter Game Land in Pender County is nearly complete. Friends of the MST were instrumental in adding 1,600 acres to the site. The Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, with local land managers and partners, have developed a master plan for extending the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) over four miles in Holly Shelter Game Land. This MST extension will utilize Holly...

The Ghost Walk of Pender's Past is a family-friendly event that promises to be a ghostly good time. Come learn about Pender's Haunted History on the grounds of the Historic Burgaw Cemetery. Hear tales of ghostly sightings, pillaging pirates, historic haunted locations and more. Tours will start at 5:30 pm. Tours are expected to last roughly an hour. The last tour will start at 9:00 pm. Please dress according...

The Pender Arts Council is proud to announce the launch of a new scholarship program to support local students with a passion for the arts. This scholarship is designed to help young artists in our community pursue their creative dreams, whether in visual arts, music, theater, or any other artistic discipline. To support this important initiative, the second annual Swamp Soiree on September 21st will serve as a fundraiser...

Burgaw – Mark your calendars for the hometown fall festival of the season! The Town of Burgaw Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department is excited to host Autumn Fest again this year, taking place on October 19, 2024, in downtown Burgaw. This one-day festival is a family-friendly event that will look to attract those of all ages in Burgaw and surrounding areas. Autumn Fest features live music, entertainment, pumpkin...