My two trips to the Barrier Islands – Top Sail, specifically – were lovely. There was a tropical storm that didn’t quite hit both times (a bit of rain), but it cleared out the crowds and opened up to lovely, hot late September days.
Top Sail (say Top-sul) is a newer holiday destination, a long but narrow strip of beach. Prior to World War II, the only access was by boat. During the war, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee, the beginning of the US space program. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public, who developed into a residential area.
We stayed on the southern end, a pleasantly sleepy and quiet area (when not in peak holiday season). Beaches have very soft white sand and generally consistent wind.
- **Beach Shop and Grill is a high end dining option, with great cocktails and southern-ish cuisine.
- Topsail Beach Fishing Pier, accessible for a fee, is a great way to get a look at back at the island.
- **Peak Taphouse and Kitchen, mid-island in Surf City, has a big beer selection and tasty thin crust pizza (cracker like, almost a Flammkuchen)
- **Sears Landing, across the bridge in Surf City, was fun! As long as you’re happy with fried food, you’ll be happy. Cheerful crowd.
On the way from Wilmington, a good food option before reaching the island is **Tidewater Oyster Bar – it’s not overly fancy, has an extensive menu (including Grilled Oysters), and gets food out to you quickly.
