The Missiles and More Museum, located in Surf City, North Carolina, is a fascinating destination that delves into the area's rich history, particularly its involvement in military operations during World War II. Here's more about the museum: 1. History: The museum focuses on the history of Topsail Island, with a particular emphasis on its role during World War II. During the war, Topsail Island was a highly...

Visit Pender: Where Coastal Beauty Meets Southern Hospitality Pender County offers a variety of attractions and activities that make it worth a visit. Here are some reasons why you might consider visiting Pender County: Natural Beauty: Pender County boasts beautiful coastal landscapes, including pristine beaches, scenic rivers, and lush forests. Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Hampstead are popular destinations for enjoying...

Pender County, NC, offers a serene and romantic setting for a quiet weekend getaway. Here's a suggested itinerary for your romantic escape: Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation Check into a Cozy Inn or Bed and Breakfast: Start your weekend by checking into a charming bed and breakfast or inn. Pender County has several options that offer a cozy atmosphere and personalized service. Picnic at Moores Creek National...

Pender County Museum Re-Opened after being closed for months renovations to the museum with new exhibits and an Open House on Thursday, February 8, from 1 to 4 pm. The building that the museum is home to is the first brick house built in Burgaw in 1917. The house is also known as the Burton-Noel House. The home was donated to the Pender County Historical Society in memory of Kate Buck Noel. The two new exhibits...

The Pender County African American Heritage Trail is a collaborative effort between communities and historians to educate residents & visitors on the rich African American History in Pender County. The trail features prominent locations, events, & people. Our Pender County African American Heritage Trail focuses on locations throughout Pender County that are important to our culture and history. Historians...

With locals and visitors calling Burgaw “Blueberry town” and its culture built around all things blueberry, the Town of Burgaw and its community will celebrate with its annual tradition as the North Carolina Blueberry Festival will host its Annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Blueberry pancakes, sausage, and beverages will be served from 8 am to 11 am. This event is always...

The upcoming 248th-anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge Currie, NC- On Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be commemorating the 248th Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. Park staff, park partners, volunteers, and other living historians will be offering a variety of programs and demonstrations throughout the weekend. The...

Pender County events receive Excellence Awards BURGAW - Pender County events and festivals took home honors from the NC Association of Festivals and Events (NCAFE) Annual ShowFest in Charlotte. NCAFE recognizes outstanding events and festivals from across the state. “We are thrilled to announce, that Ocean Fest and Burgaw’s New Year's Eve Blueberry Drop are the 2024 NC Association of Festivals...

Pender County Tourism partnered with Visit NC at the recent New York Travel and Adventure Show. These travel shows allow visitors to discover new travel options, learn the latest travel tips and advice, personalize your itinerary with destination experts, and maybe save big on your next trip. The Travel & Adventure Shows are the industry’s premier travel booking and planning events held throughout the United...

Moores Creek Battleground Association in collaboration with regional partners is actively planning a week of celebrating America’s 250 th and the 250 th Commemoration of the Battle at Moores Creek Bridge on Feb. 21-28, 2026. In 2026 the inaugural North Carolina First in Freedom Festival will celebrate more than 250 years of our Nation’s story and culture viewed through the lens of historical North Carolina...

We are very excited about this year's 2024 Visitor Guide! With more printed guides, we look forward to the 2024 guide being increasingly distributed locally, throughout the state, in the NC Visitor Centers, online, and more! View this year's guide here: 2024 Vistors Guide

The North Carolina Blueberry Festival will host its annual Blueberry Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. The breakfast will be taking place at the Burgaw Fire Station, located at 109 N Walker St., On Saturday, February 10th, 2024. Blueberry pancakes, sausage, and a beverage of choice will be served from 8 am to 11 am, for $10 per person- Children under the age of 5 eat with a $1 donation. Tickets may be purchased in advance...

It was another fantastic New Year's Eve Blueberry Drop & Fireworks Display in Downtown Burgaw, NC! Thank you to all who came out to ring in their new year a little early with us. We had a fantastic time with great music provided by ACE Party Band, food trucks, fireworks of course the lowering of the biggest blueberry in NC! It was a record crowd in attendance helping celebrate the new year in Blueberry...

2023 New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop to add Fireworks Display BURGAW – Ring in the New Year in Burgaw! The Town of Burgaw, Pender County Tourism, Pender County Parks and Recreation, and the North Carolina Blueberry Festival will celebrate its 6th Annual New Year’s Eve Blueberry Drop powered by W. O. Grubb Crane Rental. “The annual Blueberry Drop has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success in...

Ghost Walk Awards Non-Profit Partners BURGAW – The Ghost Walk of Pender’s Past gifts its non-profit partners with proceeds from this year’s event. Stephanie Key, the Ghost Walk's artistic director, and the Pender County Tourism Office were pleased to award three non-profit partners with the earnings from the event’s October 2023 proceeds. All proceeds from the Ghost Walk are divided...

Celebrating the Holidays in Pender! We have all the great holiday events for you to enjoy giving you a merry and bright holiday experience! Happy Thanksgiving, Fill your table and your plate when visiting your family or your favorite local restaurant this Thanksgiving. Ready to enjoy bright & colorful Christmas lights? The epic lighted grounds celebration is back for its second year at Poplar Grove’s...

BURGAW – Tickets to the Burgaw Holiday Homes Tour are on sale now, the Pender County Historical Society announced today. The Burgaw Holiday Tour of Homes is set for Dec. 2, from 3-7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 for children ages 5 and under. “We will feature 11 sites, including 9 homes, the Historic Pender County Jail/Tourism Welcome Center, and the Burgaw Presbyterian Church on this year’s...

With Halloween behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to the upcoming holiday festivities. On Veterans Day weekend, a ceremony to honor our military will take place in Burgaw at the Historic Train Depot on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. That evening, turn your attention to the heroes of the Revolutionary War at the very site where the first victory was won by those seeking independence from British rule. Moores Creek...

TOPSAIL BEACH- The Topsail Beach Top Secret Hike was among the most popular hikes during the Year of the Trail celebration in Pender County. Due to popular demand, The Historical Society of Topsail Island, Missiles and More Museum, and Pender County Tourism will present the Topsail Beach Top Secret Hike again on Nov. 4. Hikes will step off from the Missiles and More Museum at 10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. ...

For the sixth year in a row the Ghost Walk: The Ghosts of Pender's Past was a sell-out on Oct. 28. "Its success can only be attributed to the almost 100 volunteers who make this event happen," said Stephanie Key, the Walk's artist director. Key is quick to add, without volunteers from the Historical Society of Topsail Island, the Pender County Historical Society, the Pender Arts Council, the...

Clint Smith, Brian Hemenway, and Reynaldo Gomez opened Surf City Brewing on Friday, Oct. 13. It’s not an unlucky thing for the community. The veteran-owned and operated brewery calls this area home and in 2019 they developed a business plan to bring high-quality beer in a community-friendly atmosphere. “This is home,” said Rey. “We’re engaged with the community.” “We...

34th Autumn With Topsail Festival October 20th, 21st & 22nd, 2023 The Autumn With Topsail Festival is held on the grounds of the Historical Society of Topsail Island and the Assembly Building which houses the Missiles & More Museum in Topsail Beach, NC. The festival features an Artists’ and Crafts Court with over 100 regional artists displaying and selling their work. Enjoy exciting live musical entertainment,...

We love every turtle that comes to us for care and hopefully a second chance. But right now a sizable adult loggerhead lady has stolen our hearts. “Titanite” was rescued from a research pound net on July 15th and it was immediately apparent that she had been the victim of a brutal shark attack, and a fairly recent one at that. She was missing a portion of her right front flipper, had large bite marks in...

Ocean Fest, To Surf & Protect October 13 & 14 Surf City, NC - FREE admission! An Award-winning, Nonprofit eco-friendly, surf, arts, & music festival. Ocean Fest continues to strive toward educating the community about the ocean and the ecological threats that exist for our marine environments while teaching and incorporating ways we all can better protect those environments. Ocean Fest is a two-day...

Take the Turkey Trek at Miller’s Pond Park ROCKY POINT- Have you ever called a wild turkey? It’s almost Thanksgiving and it’s time to learn how to call a turkey. Join Pender County Tourism and Pender County Parks and Recreation for the November family fun hike in celebration of the NC Year of the Trail and learn to gobble like a turkey along the way. The Turkey Trek hike will begin in the...