The Local Area

THE BEST OF ISLAND
LIVING IN THE COASTAL SOUTH

Blackbeard himself knew the 26-mile-long barrier island was the hidden gem of North Carolina as he launched his attacks in the 1700s from the shallow inlets of Topsail Island. In the years since, folks have found Topsail Beach, North Topsail, and Surf City equally as desirable as the infamous pirate. The coastal island is a beacon for those that wish to wind down, reconnect, and thrive. It’s “a place to enjoy the beach in its purest, simplest form—without the crowds or chaos of some popular coastal towns.”*

Conveniently located equidistant between Topsail Beach and Surf City, ACCOLADE is also perfectly situated within walking distance of two beach access locations. Living on Topsail Island offers a rural beach feel while still offering a variety of shops, restaurants, coffee shops, microbreweries, and bars. The best mornings start at Sunrise Bagel Company and Daybreak Donuts, a short distance from ACCOLADE. From there, choose from countless adventures to pursue. Visit Soundside Park featuring a big playground and places to picnic, fish, and a kayak/boat launch. Walk along the Surf City Pier. Tour the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center. Take a Tiki Tour boat tour or an Eco Tour with Ecological Marine Adventures. Rent a boat. Hit the 50 South Surf Shop. Take lessons at the Surf City Surf School. There's something for everyone.

^{*Topsail Beach, Best Little Beach Town in America by TripAdvisor}

Topsail Beach, Best Little Beach
Town in America by TripAdvisor

Boating and fishing are legendary on the island—the waters off the coast are teeming with marlin, flounder, grouper, trout, crab, clams, oysters, and scallops. Just visit Stump Sound, the seven-mile lagoon filled with some of the best oysters, notorious for their salty taste and putting them at the top of oyster-lovers’ must-haves. Even loggerhead turtles know the island is an ideal place to bring their family—for hundreds of years they’ve laid their eggs on the sea turtle sanctuary’s beaches and dunes. In late summer and early fall, the hatchlings make their way back to the ocean.

The network of health professionals and medical centers near the island and within the neighboring communities provide exceptional medical care, including Novant Health. The public and private schools available near the island are highly rated. It’s the ideal spot to make the move to island life with the local community infrastructure that will suit you and your family’s lifestyle. Mouthwatering local seafood, full beach activities, a mild climate, and overall quality of living that’s second to none—ACCOLADE is a must see for beach lovers.