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

Founded in 1875, Pender County was named after Confederate general 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. Details, Pender County Tourism, PO Box 177, Burgaw, NC  28425, 888.576.4756, www.visitpender.com.

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 where George Washington is reported to have stayed overnight at a local tavern. 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. 

Surf City        
Surf City, a community shared between both Pender and Onslow counties, is located in the center of Topsail Island, a barrier island part of the Southern Outer Banks. It is the largest of the three island towns and the island’s commercial center.

The young and young at heart enjoy pastimes such as miniature golf, the Soundside Park and 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. Contact the Town of Surf City, 214 N. New River Drive, Surf City, NC 28445-9821, 910.328.4131, www.surfcity.govoffice.com. 

Topsail Beach        
Topsail Beach 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. 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. Contact the Town of Topsail Beach, 820 S. Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC 28445-9831, 910.328.5841, www.topsailbeach.org. 

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 16 schools and serves approximately 7,900 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 Street
Wilmington, NC 28401-3993
910.362.7000
www.cfcc.edu

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 and motorcycle 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.