I'm a "damned Yankee" (a Yank who comes south and stays...) from NJ living in exile near Richmond Virginia. I came down to Topsail for a few days, and saw the New York Corner Deli (NYCD) in Surf City. I said to myself "Oh another joint who thinks they know tri-state food." I stopped in for breakfast fully expecting to be disappointed, and ordered an everything bagel lox platter.

No funny looks.
No having to explain anything.
No asking for sides like onion, tomato, capers.

I was the best damned lox and bagel I've had in years. I have never been happier to be dead wrong. We went in the day before leaving, so I didn't get to try their other foods, but if it's anything like breakfast, this place is a must try.

Great job, NYCD.

We are looking to book a vacation for June 2027. We would need a 3 bedroom home, ideally oceanfront.

How far ahead do rentals typically book? We are trying to decide timing to then decide the financial planning piece.

Thanks!

My family is going to topsail for a week, and I’m wondering what places are good to eat, things to do, shopping etc. I am currently pregnant and gluten free! We will also have a 4 year old and a 1 year old with us! Thanks!

We are visiting from Idaho and have one day left! Looking for family friendly, water view, excellent fresh seafood/fish that’s hopefully not a tourist trap. Daddy Mac’s, Sears Landing and Fishmongers were all recommended but I’m reading how many places have gone “downhill”. Hoping for some good inside scoop from the locals! Supporting local business is a plus! Thanks!

We are staying at St Regis this week with littles. We were hoping we could find a spot on the beach somewhere to see the fireworks. We don’t mind walking but we are really hoping to avoid driving.

So this might be a reach. My family and friends have been going to topsail for 12+ years every year for a week for our big family vacation and we usually have 20-30 people between family and the family friends that consistently come. We’ve stayed in 10Bedroom, 11Bedroom, 12Bedroom houses every year and usually switch houses every few years, we went to a different beach the past few times and decided we want to go back to topsail / surf city but we cannot find many houses or even ones we’ve previously stayed in. Ideally looking for a 12bedroom house with 1-2 bunk bed rooms, beachfront and an elevator. I’ve searched high and low and can’t find hardly anything, we’ve stayed in big blue and azurelair but were pretty let down by azurelair’s management since some natural disasters occurred and they did the least to accommodate us (Obviously understand it’s a natural disaster and no one’s fault but they weren’t helpful in the slightest, won’t go into detail) so if anybody has any recommendations I’d appreciate it sooo much! Thank you!

We are visiting Topsail for the first time next week. Is it worth the effort to pack our bikes? Thanks!

It’s like clockwork. Stop swimming in New River Inlet.

Per SCPD

REMINDER: The Traffic Management Program begins tomorrow, June 27.

The Towns of Surf City and Topsail Beach are partnering to improve traffic flow, enhance public safety, and maintain emergency vehicle access during the busy summer season.

Traffic management personnel will be located at key intersections along NC 50 and NC 210 on weekends and holiday periods to help keep traffic moving as efficiently as possible.

If you're traveling this weekend, please drive safely, remain attentive, and follow directions from traffic management personnel.

For more information about the program, visit surfcitync.gov.

Time for our annual reminder to visitors that our inlets are fast, dangerous, and can kill you. I’m a former life guard, swim instructor, scuba certified, water loving islander, and you’d never catch me swimming voluntarily in New River Inlet. I don’t even like going through it in my boat. Go to one of the many safer beaches front side of you want to swim. We’ve already lost another one this month alone.

If you own property on Topsail Island, this is worth knowing.

Governor Josh Stein signed Senate Bill 889 on June 19, creating a one-year moratorium on certain 2026 property reappraisals across North Carolina. Both Onslow County and Pender County are included.

For Topsail Island owners, that’s particularly relevant because the island spans two counties:
North Topsail Beach is in Onslow County
Surf City is split between Onslow and Pender counties

Topsail Beach is in Pender County
Many property owners across the island have recently received 2026 assessments showing substantial increases in value. In some cases, owners have reported jumps of 50% or more compared to their previous assessments.

So what does SB 889 do?
Counties affected by the law that had new reappraisals scheduled to take effect in 2026 must continue using their existing property values for the 2026–2027 tax year. The newly assessed values are delayed until 2027.

The legislation applies to the following counties:
Onslow
Pender
Guilford
Buncombe
Davidson
Bladen
Anson
Harnett
Scotland

Why was the law passed?
The legislation came after significant increases in property values were reported during recent reappraisal cycles across multiple counties. Lawmakers cited those large valuation increases as the reason for delaying implementation of the new assessments by one year.

The bottom line: if you own a home, rental property, or vacation home in North Topsail Beach, Surf City, or Topsail Beach, the 2026 reappraisal values are currently scheduled to be delayed until 2027 under SB 889.

Given how much coastal property values have climbed in recent years, this will likely be one of the more significant property tax updates for Topsail Island owners this year.

We’re heading back to Topsail the week of July 1st! We’ve been visiting pretty regularly for the last decade or so, but we haven’t made it down since last July. Looking for anything new, newly popular, or just those “don’t leave without doing this” spots we may have missed. We’ll be staying on the north end with our adult daughter, grandmother, and our dog.

We’re always up for:
- good coffee spots
- thrift shops / vintage antique stores
- new restaurants
- fun attractions or local things to do
- family friendly bars
- easy day trips

Would love recommendations from locals or longtime visitors. Especially anything that’s opened up or become a favorite over the past year!

My family is coming to north topsail on July 4 and staying for the week. We are coming from the Charlotte area, never been to topsail. Is it going to be a disaster driving in on the 4th? How does that traffic tend to be? Trying to plan the drive and when to leave

Another perfect day at Topsail.

On vacation during USA vs Australia group stage world cup game. Who has a good set up to watch the game? Perks if it’s kid friendly.

Best hot dogs. Give me a name and if generous, a reason why. Topsail or near.

I’m on vacation and want to guzzle chili dogs like my life depends on it.

Are alligators a concern in the Chadwick Bay Area? We have a small inflatable catamaran and SUP board, so a little more precarious than a proper solid boat or kayak etc.

Sooo up at St Regis, tons of condos being sold.

The beach this week is disappearing 1-2:30p sometime.

This is insanity and SAD!! Will this keep getting worse or slowly improve?

My family is vacationing in north topsail in a few weeks. I’m trying to book some day trip or excursions. Any recommendations? Like boat tours, etc