Wilmington, Hampstead, Holly Ridge, Topsail, Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville

The new Surf City Visitors Center on Topsail Island opened yesterday. Located on the ocean front, the structure was moved from its former location in Camp Davis in the early 1950's. A picturesque spot, with the Surf City pier as a backdrop, the site was home to Cindy's Oceanside Restaurant until August 2007. A total renovation of the building makes available meeting space for small groups, as well as a wonderful venue for weddings, receptions, baby showers, and other community events. The SC Visitors Center will also provide a central location on the island for tourists to stop in, chat with locals and learn about all there is to do and see do on Topsail Island. Flanked by Daddy Mac's Restaurant and Buddy's, and across the street from Bank of America (the only bank on the island) the center is centrally located at the intersection of Roland Avenue and North Shore Drive and is within walking distance to the island's shopping and restaurant district. The center will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Considering the fact that Hurricane Hanna was touted as such a big deal a couple of weeks ago, this nor'easter was more damaging (to the beach). As the storm came ashore on astronomically high tides, the intracoastal waterway (normally a quarter mile from our back garden) rose to spill into the sound and then into our marsh. Amazing! We walked out to the beach yesterday, just at high tide and we were stunned to see the huge waves. There was a great deal of debris in the water, from stairs and sand fencing, so there is going to be a bit of cleanup over the next few weeks. High tide this a.m. was still being pushed by the storm but this effect will subside as we move through the day. We will be out this afternoon taking a look at our oceanfront dune line and will post back later or tomorrow about our observations. We always keep in mind that Mother Nature giveth and Mother Nature taketh away, particularly when you live on an island!

Tasting with Topsail

The Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, and the director of the premiere fall event on Topsail Island, Patrice Beauchaine, will host the Second Annual Tasting with Topsail on September 20, 2008 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Assembly Building in Topsail Beach.

Join us and sample all the best of these NC wineries: Shelton Vineyards, Dobson; Raylen Vineyards and Winery, Mocksville; Duplin Winery, Rose Hill; Saddlerock Malibu Family Wines and select wines from across the US. After having tasted, you will be able to purchase a selection of the wines by the case or bottle.

To complement the wine, delicious Topsail fare from area restaurants, II Beauchaines, Mainsail Restaurant and others, will also be available for sampling. It is a fun afternoon with guest artists, including renowned painter Ivey Hayes and music by the Chris Luther Trio.

Tickets are $25.00 advance or $30.00 at the door. Call the Topsail Chamber office at 910.329.4446 for information.

Pictured above is one of our favorite places to stop at the Famer's Market held in Poplar Grove each Wednesday. Mary Wootten (the owner and chief cake designer) has one of the most original ideas, combining popcorn, peanuts and chocolate candies to make delicious "cakes". Also in the market are pickles, vegetables, plants, peanuts, grapes, orchids, wines, candles, handcrafted jewelry, breads and cookies and the most fabulous fresh cut flowers. Visit Mary's new website at www.poppincakes.com and tell 'em we sent you!

If you would like to know about some of the other events being held in our area over the next month, take a look at our newsletter, "Living on Topsail Time." Here's the online link http://www.box.net/shared/yy78ettcqf

Every Wednesday, starting in the Spring and continuing through December, Poplar Grove Plantation is the site of the Farmer's Market. One of the vendors is Colleen Bannerman representing Bannerman Vineyard, the only vineyard located in Pender County. Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of speaking with Colleen AND buying some of her vineyard's muscadine grapes. Awesome! Bannerman Vineyard supplied the grapes used to make many of the Duplin County wines for years and now she and Scot make a number of muscadine based wines. We spoke with our team members when we returned to the office and all have agreed that making a trip to Bannerman Vineyard would be a great way to spend the afternoon. On September 27, the North Carolina Muscadine Festival will be held in the Duplin County Events Center in Kenansville. There will be more than 20 North Carolina wineries represented, all celebrating North Carolina's state fruit. Visit the website for all the details! www.muscadineharvestfestival.com.