Topsail Island

***G and I are praying for all those affected by Hurricane Florence. The hurricane hit three days after we left and we are heart broken to see all the devastation and loss. If you would like to donate to relief efforts this is a helpful article with local organizations.***

The first part of the trip can be found here. We chose Topsail Island because I goggled "most charming beach town" and Topsail came up. It even beat out Saugatuck, MI which is one my favorite towns so I knew the article was legit.

Also, fun folklore! Topsail (pronounced TOP-SUL) Island is said to be named Topsail because pirate ships hid behind the island with their topsails visible from the sea.

After two long days of driving we were more than ready to see the ocean. To hear the waves crashing. To smell the salty air. To see pelicans. It was so worth it!

We grabbed lunch at Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar and enjoyed a North Carolina beer. This place had such a fun, beachy vibe so it was the perfect spot to kick off a week at the beach!
 

G and I tried hushpuppies for the first time and were obsessed with them ever since. I also had scallops and there is just nothing better than fresh scallops.

We stopped at Walmart after lunch for groceries and then it was time to check in. We stayed at St. Regis Resort (and booked through VRBO) and loved it.

I only rent a place after reading ALL the reviews. This place had excellent reviews so I wasn't surprised that we loved it. The condo was gorgeous and spotless.

It was decorated so beachy and happy.

The decorating touches just made us feel at home and so comfortable.

 

The view didn't hurt either.

The pool was awesome. On this day there was caution tape around the cabana because a band was setting up soon. The pool was packed with people drinking and dancing to the live music on Labor Day which was a blast.

Here is our condo from a distance. It was big, well maintained and the top floor had a restaurant with killer views.

We unpacked and then headed to the beach! We were beach bums for a couple hours. The water was like bath water and the waves were so refreshing. I love the ocean so much.

After a good three hours we came back to the condo and poured wine and fixed up cheese and crackers and sat on the balcony and enjoyed the view. HEAVEN!

The next day we took a long walk on the beach.

The houses were all so colorful and pretty.

We didn't drive anywhere on our first full day. We hung out at the beach all morning. Went up for lunch and then back to the beach (and swam laps in the pool) all afternoon. We threw in a pizza for dinner and watched Chopped.

Stay tuned for part 3!