Area Attractions

Burgaw Railroad Depot - The old railroad station dates back to 1850 and is believed to be the oldest standing depot in North Carolina. Recently renovated, the depot provides administrative office space to the Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce, Pender County Art's Council, and the Southeastern North Carolina Food Systems Program, The Depot has transportation museum, visitor's center, a banquet room, conference room, dock area and a Incubator Commercial Kitchen. Private and elegant, the depot is the perfect location for executive retreats, private parties, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, board meetings and more. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Civil War Trail. For reservations and tour information contact the Burgaw Chamber at (910) 259-9817.

Pender County Museum -The area's history is depicted at the museum through displays featuring such items as photographs, documents, furniture, quilts,  and paintings. The museum contains the Mattie Bloodworth Room, which features a collection of WWII Veterans remembrances,  such as medical equipment, clothes from the 19th century, family bibles, and civil war information.  The museum, operated by the local historical society, is located at 200 W. Bridgers Street, Burgaw. (910) 259-8543

Pender County Courthouse - Three stories high, the Pender County Courthouse is one of the most attractive historical buildings in downtown Burgaw. Originally built in 1885, the stately structure holds a mixture of Georgian and Colonial architectural features. Located in the heart of town, the courthouse square is popular with walkers and joggers

Atkinson & Currie - Located in western Pender County, these two communities feature Beatty's Bridge scenic crossing on the Black River, river canoe tours & Point Caswell, where you will see the remains of an old river community. Accessible via Highways 53 & 210.

Fishing - The 26-mile Topsail Island coastline as well as the Intracoastal Waterway, rivers and inlets provide year-round fishing, whether you are surf casting, pier fishing, or fishing by boat. Here are some tips. Piers are centrally located in North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach. In addition, there are several full service marinas ready to serve those with their own boats. For deep-sea fishing, charter boat rentals are available throughout the community.

Hampstead - Located on the coast of southeastern Pender County, Hampstead features fishing, golf, and historic Civil War sites. Accessible via Highway 210.

Holly Shelter Wildlife Management Area - In the eastern portion of Pender County, the Holly Shelter Wildlife Management Area is a 48,795-acre hunting preserve stocked with deer, bear, and other wild animals as well as exotic plants and flowers. For hunting regulations, call the Wildlife Management Office. 7471 Shaw Highway, Rocky Point (910) 259- 5555.

Loggerhead Turtle Exhibit - This exhibit, located in the Surf City Town Hall, includes a mocked turtle nest as well as lighted pictures and displays featuring the Loggerhead Turtle, a protected species native to the area. (910) 328-4131

Loggerhead Turtles - Topsail Island is a nesting ground for the Loggerhead sea turtle. These 250-400 pound giants come ashore in the mid-May to mid-August period to nest and lay their eggs. During the critical nesting period, however, there are some strictly enforced regulations: you can't approach a nesting turtle. It is a violation of federal law to interfere with nesting or hatching process.

Maple Hill - Located in the northeastern portion of Pender County, Maple Hill is the home of several historic points of interest that date back more than 125 years: the Bannerman House, Isaac Jones Cotton gin, Bryant Wooten Log Cabin, and the White Oak Primitive Baptist Church. Accessible via Highways 50 and 53.

Missile and More Museum - Located in the historic Assembly Building, this museum features "Operation Bumblebee," the original U.S. Missile project that operated on Topsail Island during the 1940s. Artifacts from those early missile days as well as a color video of missile firings help acquaint the visitor with this nation's early involvement in missiles. Open April through mid-October; November through March by appointment only. (910) 329-4446 or 1-800-626-2780.

Moore’s Creek Battlefield - This 86-acre National Park Service site commemorates and preserves the land where the Revolutionary War battle of Moore’s Creek was fought in February of 1776 between loyalists and patriots of North Carolina. The only original remains are the bridge site and a stretch of an old road. About two hours are needed to tour the battlefield and see exhibits and audio-visual program at the visitor’s center. A one-mile walking history trail enables you to see much of the battlefield and see a video presentation on the battle. Highway 210 in Currie, west of Burgaw. (910) 283-5591, Web Link

Penderlea Homestead Museum - Located in the northwestern portion of Pender County, the Penderlea Homestead Museum is housed in one of the first homestead projects developed in 1934 under President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal.  The homestead project was to provide penniless tenant farmers, bankrupt farm owners and unemployed ex-farmers during the Great Depression with means of making a living.  Providing for self-sufficient rural communities also eased the burden of over-crowded cities.  The museum is located at 284 Garden Road.  Visits are by appointment, 910-285-3490.

Topsail Island - On Pender County's eastern seashore, Topsail Island has 26-miles of clean unspoiled beaches. Besides relaxing on the beach and enjoying the ocean, the island offers fishing, golf, horseback riding, a skating board, a skating rink, water slide, airplane rides, arcades, restaurants and lodging. Accessible by Highway 17 and N.C. 210/50.

Watha - This community just north of Burgaw is the site of several cemeteries that date back more than 150 years. One, Garriss Cemetery, is the final resting place of newsman David Brinkley's family. Accessible via Highway 117 & I-40.