I'm thinking of going to Topsail Beach this summer with my hubby, 14 year old son, two adult sisters and three nieces ages 9 and 12 and 32. We like the looks of the laid back atmosphere at Topsail, but with younger kids we also like to do a few things, especially in the evenings.

Is there any putt-putt golfing close for the kids? Any good 'real' golf courses for my hubby? How far would we have to drive to shop and do a little sight-seeing? I've read about the USS North Carolina battleship--is that close enough to drive? How far is Cape Fear? And is Cape Fear worth the drive to spend a few hours?

Any additional tips would be appreciated, especially some good restaurants in and around the area. We love seafood!

There is a minigolf course just before the main bridge to the island in Surf City. There are standard beach shops and a cool bookstore on the island. For real shopping, you'll want to drive 30 minutes to downtown Wilmington. Worth it.

Eat at Beauchaines, Mailsail, and Sears Landing. Stop at New York Deli for breakfast or sandwiches.

And for yourself, schedule a massage at the beach-beauty-parlor-looking 'A Beautiful New You.' The massuese there rocks and she's cheaper than any big city spa I've been to.

Know that the charm of Topsail is that there really ISN'T much to do there. That's the point.

GypsyHeart, thanks so much for all your help! I love the fact that the place is so laid back, I HATE places like Myrtle Beach---way too crowded, so we should be happy at Topsail! And thanks for the tip about the massage, that would be a great thing for me and my sisters to do while Hubby watches the kids!

I have vacationed at Topsail for forty years, since I was eight. It is very laid back, an opposite of Myrtle Beach or Ocean City, MD. There are two putt-putts that I know of, one near the swing bridge and another in downtown Topsail Beach near the Jolly Roger pier. This part of the Carolina coast has several golf courses and golf course communities. A couple of fishing piers serve the island.

For eats, II Beauchaines and Mainsail are best. Mollie's serves a fine breakfast. Riverview Cafe in Sneads Ferry has the best Carolina fried seafood fare. There's a very good Mexican restaruant located in a strip mall just outside the Wilmington city limits from Topsail on Route 17 but I have forgotten its name. Yogi's on Route 17 at Holly Ridge serves a combination of Italian and seafood. It is run by the Paliotti family, who have been running restaurants at Topsail for over forty years.

Cape Fear is about an hour's drive and the suburbanization between Wilmington and Wrightsville can be a bit maddening. Fort Fisher is down Cape Fear way as is a North Carolina Aquarium that my kids enjoy. The Wilmington waterfront at the Cape Fear River is lively. Nearby is the USS North Carolina.

As for realties to rent from, I prefer Ward's and Century 21 but dislike dealing with Topsail Realty.

Nah. Rent from Bryson. They rock.

www.brysontopsail.com

Brysons are good people as well. Their selection is not as large as Centruy 12 or Ward's.

Again, thanks for the tips, that is why I love this site!!! I've used it many times and have always gotten excellent tips and advice! GeorgeW, thanks for the advice about not using Topsaid realty and all the other helpful tips, since you have vacationed there for forty years I'm sure you know what you are talking about.

The last time I used Topsail Realty 1) both porch picnic tables were a dangerous shambles of cheap wood and rusty nails and 2) they were less than forthright regarding maid service, which is part of North Carolina law.