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 Town of Burgaw's last Summer on the Square concert for the season is Thursday evening, 6:30-8:30 pm on Courthouse Square! Jim Quick and Coastline will be our band of the night! Food trucks will be on site.
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...
North Carolina has climbed the ranks to become the fifth most visited state in the United States. This impressive ranking highlights the state's diverse attractions, from its stunning beaches and scenic mountains to its rich history and vibrant cities. North Carolina's tourism industry continues to thrive, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to experience its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural...
Welcome to the Pender County Connect Podcast, where we interview Pender County locals and business owners and learn about networking opportunities and events in Pender County. @penderconnect New episodes are coming your way! Stream our local interviews and chats on Spotify! Learn about locals, businesses, and opportunities in Pender and surrounding areas! #Pender #connect #podcast The Pender County Connect Podcast...
The Pender County Tourism team is excited to invite you to showcase your business in our 2025 Visitor Guide! This is your chance to put your accommodation, attraction, or service in the spotlight, reaching a diverse audience of locals and visitors eager to explore what Pender County offers. Our Visitor Guide is distributed widely across the county and beyond, ensuring maximum exposure for your business. Whether...
Moores Creek Battleground Association has received a grant from the North Carolina’s America 250 NC initiative for a project to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the NC First In Freedom Festival. America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. In 2026 the inaugural...
Currie, NC- Moores Creek National Battlefield invites you to join us for a special musical performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. The program takes place at 2 pm on Friday July 19 on the traffic island at Moores Creek National Battlefield. The Fifes and Drums of Yorktown was originally formed in 1976 by the County of York as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of the American Revolution. The Corps continues...
Raleigh, NC (July 9, 2024) – Every third Saturday in October will officially be GREAT TRAILS STATE DAY, thanks to the NC General Assembly’s 2024 Farm Bill that passed unanimously in both the NC House and Senate and became law last week with the Governor’s signature. This year, Great Trails State Day will occur on Saturday, October 19. GREAT TRAILS STATE DAY will celebrate North Carolina’s...
Moores Creek Battleground Association in collaboration with regional partners is actively planning a week of celebrating America’s 250th and the 250th Commemoration of the Battle at Moores Creek Bridge on Feb. 21-28, 2026. “The anniversary year is not that far away,” said Jim Buell, President of the Moores Creek Battleground Association. “We have assembled a list of active committee leadership,...
Welcome to another exciting episode of BrewShots, where we dive into the heart of craft beer culture, explore the best brews, and meet the passionate people behind them. This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Pender NC, your ultimate guide to discovering the charm and beauty of Pender County, North Carolina. Surf City Brewing Company a veteran-owned craft brewery in Surf City, NC with great beer and a relaxing...
In the community of Willard NC is a quiet country retreat nestled on 63 acres of land called Penderosa Rescue and Sanctuary. Penderosa Rescue & Sanctuary is committed to giving farm animals and horses of all breeds that have been mistreated, neglected, or undesired, a loving and healing home. Their intention is to offer them a safe space where they can heal and rebuild trust, accompanied by compassionate and rehabilitative...
Each year, the vibrant community of Burgaw, NC, transforms into a bustling hub of excitement and celebration during the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. This beloved event, which has become a cornerstone of Pender County’s cultural calendar, continues to grow in popularity and success, drawing visitors from near and far to celebrate one of the region’s most cherished fruits. A Fruitful Celebration The...
Join the 1865 Society of Pender County for a Juneteenth Celebration The 1865 Society of Pender County invites you to join us for another great day of family fun, entertainment, and education as we celebrate Juneteenth in Pender County. The festival begins at 10 am and continues throughout the day, culminating in a soulful Gospel concert at 4 pm. This event will feature a variety of activities for all ages, including...
Whether you're exploring the great outdoors, participating in community events, or simply soaking up the sun on a sandy beach, Pender County offers you a wonderful summer experience! No matter how you choose to spend your summer, Pender County has something for everyone. The combination of outdoor adventures, engaging community events, and relaxing beach days creates a perfect summer getaway. Come and discover...
Moores Creek National Battlefield, located near Currie in Pender County, North Carolina, is a historical gem that offers visitors a unique and enriching experience. Here are several compelling reasons why you should consider visiting this significant site: 1.Historical Significance: Moores Creek National Battlefield is the site of the pivotal Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, which took place on February 27, 1776, during...
Moores Creek National Battlefield is planning some exciting programs for this summer on Saturdays! Saturday Summer Programming begins on Saturday, June 22, and will continue through Saturday, August 4 at 11 am each Saturday. In addition to the listed programs, park staff and volunteers will also be providing historic weapons demonstrations on Saturdays. June 22 - Outlander Tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield...
The North Carolina Blueberry Scholarship Pageant is an annual event that takes place in Burgaw, North Carolina, around the North Carolina Blueberry Festival. This pageant aims to celebrate the local blueberry industry and its impact on the community while also providing educational scholarships to deserving young girls. Here are some key aspects of the North Carolina Blueberry Scholarship Pageant: Scholarship Opportunities:...
North Carolina Blueberry Festival 2024 The North Carolina Blueberry Festival will be held from June 14 to June 15, 2024, in downtown Burgaw, NC. The charming streets of Burgaw will be transformed into a vibrant festival ground, offering a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. Blueberry and BBQ sales will begin in the Family Dollar parking lot Kick Off concert begins on Friday at 7 pm with live music,...
Pender County, NC, offers some stunning beaches along its coastline, perfect for a relaxing day out or a weekend getaway. Here's your ultimate beach guide for Pender County: Visit and Stay at our Topsail Island Beaches: Topsail Beach: This southernmost town on Topsail Island offers pristine beaches with calm waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and beach combing. Don't miss the iconic Jolly Roger Pier...
