Pender County

805 S. Walker Street
Burgaw, NC 28425-7620
910.259.1200
www.pender-county.com        

Founded in 1875, Pender County was named after a Confederate general by the name of William Dorsey Pender. Conveniently located and easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US highways 17 and 117, Pender County’s beautiful and family-oriented beaches are a popular vacation and relocation destination. Other natural attractions including beautiful rivers and lush maritime woodlands enhance the area’s beauty.

Whether you enjoy fishing, boating, kayaking or land-loving activities such as sunbathing, antiquing, fine and casual dining or golfing, Pender County has everything you’re looking for and more. The following highlights some of Pender County’s popular coastal communities.

Hampstead
Hampstead, known by many as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas,” is a burgeoning commercial area and suburban community as the city of Wilmington lies only a short drive away. Popular for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle but not too far, Hampstead offers the small-town appeal many seek.
           
The community’s history has deep roots, just like the tree that lies not far from were George Washington is reported to have stayed overnight at a local tavern. Another popular historic site just a few miles south on Hwy 17 is Poplar Grove Plantation, where interpretive exhibits and a bevy of annual events showcase the splendid farm where a cash crop of peanuts grew into big bucks for the region.

Hampstead started as a small fishing village and a simple whistle stop alongside the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. Now it is one of the fastest growing areas in the state with its proximity to the best beach towns and all the large city comforts.

Contact the Hampstead Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 211, Hampstead, NC 28443, 800.833.2483, www.hampsteadchamber.com. Details, Pender County Tourism, PO Box 177, Burgaw, NC  28425, 888.576.4756, www.visitpender.com.

Surf City
Surf City, a community shared between both Pender and Onslow counties, population approximately 1,447, is located in the center of Topsail Island. It is the largest of the three barrier island towns and the island’s commercial center. Incorporated in 1949, Surf City was the first official municipality on Topsail Island. Citizens who moved to the island following World War II and the military’s departure founded it. This relaxed beach town is still a hub for shopping and entertainment but maintains its family friendly atmosphere. The town’s catchphrase says it all, “big enough to be competitive, but small enough to be happy.”

The young and young at heart enjoy pastimes such miniature golf, the Soundside Park and the beautiful beaches. Bike paths make navigating Surf City a true pleasure from spring through fall and even some of the temperate days of the coast’s mild winters. Entering town via NC Highway 50, you’ll cross the Intracoastal Waterway over one of the last swing bridges in North Carolina, a sort of working antique unique to the area. The swing bridge generally opens on the hour and offers a prime vantage point from which to view the sound or watch the huge sailboats and yachts pass through. Great memories are made in Surf City, where beach bikes and well-worn flip flops are still the main mode of beachtown transportation.

Contact the Town of Surf City, 214 N. New River Drive, Surf City, NC 28445-9821, 910.328.4131, www.surfcity.govoffice.com. Details, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, 800.626.2780, www.topsailcoc.com.

Topsail Beach
Topsail Beach (population approximately 500 permanent residents) boasts white sandy beaches with beautiful sunrises and sunsets as part of its unique coastal appeal. Located on the southern end of Topsail Island, Topsail Beach encourages beautification and conservation of the island environment, making it a true retreat for those wanting to escape the stress of big cities. The seaside community, with its quaint shopping district and uncrowded beaches, is family-oriented. For family fun, take the kids miniature golfing or grab a fishing rod and cast out near the inlet.

One of the most treasured features of Topsail Beach is the work performed in the area by the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, the first facility of its kind in the state dedicated to helping the magnificent sea turtles that choose the North Carolina coast on which to nest. Another attraction, the Topsail Island Museum, details the unique relationship Topsail Island had with the military during and just after World War II.    

New residents will also be wowed by the popular fall festival, Autumn with Topsail. Since 1988, Topsail Beach has played host to this autumn affair with a juried artists’ court, live entertainment, pancake breakfasts, horse & carriage rides and more. You’ll fall in love with Topsail Beach for its history, its natural beauty and its easy-going lifestyle. Contact the Town of Topsail Beach, 820 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445-9831, 910.328.5841, www.topsailbeach.org. Details, Greater Topsail Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-626-2780, www.topsailcoc.com.

Education

Public Schools, K-12
Pender County Public School System
925 Penderlea Highway
Burgaw, NC 28425
910.259.2187
www.pendercountyschools.net

The Pender County School District, one of the fastest-growing school districts in the state, consists of six elementary schools, one primary school, four middle and four high schools and serves more than 6,500 students K-12. Information regarding each Pender County school is located on the school system’s website

Higher Education
Cape Fear Community College
411 N. Front St.
Wilmington, NC 28401-3993
910.362.7000
http:/cfcc.net

Cape Fear Community College of Wilmington, with a convenient satellite campus in Hampstead, is among the largest of North Carolina’s 59 community colleges. More than 25,000 people attend classes at CFCC every year. CFCC has 60 technical programs in a wide range of areas to give students hands-on training to get a job right after graduation.

The community college also offers a college transfer program where students can earn the first two years of a bachelor’s degree at a fraction of the cost of attending a four-year college or university. The growing community service course offerings include arts and crafts, sailing, kayaking, motorcycle safety and safety. In the college’s Center for Business, Industry and Government, low-cost classes are offered in computer training, construction, foreign languages, leadership and management.

You'll find more details regarding Pender County utility information, post office information, statistics, workforce information, etc., in the print edition of the NCRELO Guide.