Climate
The climate in the area is typically seasonal and generally mild. Summers are warm with lots of bright sunny days that are great for all outdoor activities. Winters are short and mild. Spring averages a temperature in the 60’s with scattered showers ending as quick as they start. Fall brings cool sea breezes and an average temp. of 65 degrees.
|
MONTHS |
AIR |
WATER |
Spring |
March |
54°F |
49°F |
|
April |
62°F |
63°F |
|
May |
70°F |
66°F |
Summer |
June |
77°F |
77°F |
|
July |
80°F |
79°F |
|
August |
79°F |
77°F |
Autumn |
September |
75°F |
77°F |
|
October |
65°F |
68°F |
|
November |
57°F |
60°F |
Winter |
December |
49°F |
55°F |
|
January |
45°F |
45°F |
|
February |
47°F |
45°F |
Discovering Topsail
Topsail (pronounced “TOPS’L) Island is one of the best-kept secrets among East coast beaches. Topsail is a 26-mile long barrier island like no other in the world, the last of the rural beaches, where families can vacation as a family and renew those bonds so often ignored in the rush of everyday life. Close your eyes and feel the warm summer breeze caress your face as you listen to the wind and the rhythmic rumble of the breaking waves, the scream of a gull as he dives for a minnow, the laughter and splashing of the children in the surf. Smell the salt air and fresh coffee brewing as you watch the morning sun rise bright and streaked on the horizon. Life here is total relaxation. Miles of white sandy beaches for quiet walks or just relaxing in this quiet family area may be just what you are looking for.
Activities are abundant on and off the island. Swimming, sun bathing, shells and sharks tooth hunting, dolphin watching, deep sea charter fishing, fishing piers and surf fishing, jet skies, miniature golf and go carts, kayaking, biking, rollerblading, scenic boat and airplane tours; scuba and snorkeling, sailing, tennis and water skiing. There are four championship courses nearby to challenge the golfer with the greatest finesse.
Casual attire is the rule everywhere on Topsail. Island cuisine not only caters to the seafood lovers, visitors have choice of ethnic, gourmet or traditional American selections. You’ll be telling your friends for a long time to come, “what a treat”.
Legend
Topsail Island has quite a past. Legend has it that Topsail got its name from the way the pirates would lay in wait for unsuspecting merchants ships by hiding behind the island with only their top sails showing.
Speaking of pirates, Topsail is also said to have once been a favored spot of one of the most notorious pirates of all - Blackbeard - and that he sailed his fleet into Topsail Inlet in the early 1700's. In terms of history though, there does seem to be evidence to support that William Teach, aka Blackbeard, did have some roots here, but no proof. It does make for interesting reading though, and the tale of Blackbeard can be found in detail in Blackbeard: A Tale of Villainy and Murder in Colonial America by Margaret Hoffman. Fact, fiction or both - you decide.
What is true though is that Topsail has a significant place in the history of aviation. In fact it is said that Topsail is to jet flight what Kitty Hawk is to propeller flight. Just after World War II, Topsail Island became a secret missile test site for the U.S. Government. Known as Operation Bumblebee, the project was responsible for the development of the ram jet engine. Some of the original missile observation towers still dot our coastline and remind us of a proud past. More artifacts from this era as well as a video of actual footage of the missile firings can be found at the Missiles & More Museum on Channel Blvd. In Topsail Beach.
There are many more legends, fables and truths about Topsail's history but nowhere will you find a more comprehensive and interesting depiction than in Echoes of Topsail: Stories of the Island's Past by David Stallman. In his book, Stallman explores fables such as the gold hole, the tunnel from the Assembly Building to the ocean launch pad as well as facts, folklore, and stories shared by those who live here.
