Kitchen Cabinets in Carolina Beach, NC

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Carolina Beach residents met with developers on Wednesday to discuss the options of a possible hotel.

Harmony Hospitality is a property management group. The group has plans to build a 100-foot Embassy Suites Hotel in Carolina Beach.

After hearing opposition from neighbors, they presented two other options Wednesday night:

A 50-foot Holiday Inn Hotel with 134 rooms or a 50-foot condominium with 55 units.

Developers want to show other plans because they hope to work alongside the community’s needs.

“We do want to work with the community and get their feedback, and we want to develop something the community is going to be proud of,” Zachary Brigman, General Manager, Embassy Suites in Wilmington

Neighbors were still not completely satisfied with the alternatives given at the meeting.

“I would prefer a smaller hotel within the zoning laws. Understanding that people have the right to develop how they want to but taking into account that it’s a small town and a small town vibe and that needs to remain,” says Rachel Berg, a Carolina Beach resident.

The current zoning law in Carolina Beach says a building over 50 feet would need town council approval.

Plans have already been submitted for the 100-foot Embassy Suites Hotel.

Neighbors say they didn’t know plans had been submitted to the town council, and they feel blindsided.

“I think going around behind the community’s back is smoking mirrors. They’ve been doing this with the town well over the year, so they know what they’re doing,” David Cole, a resident of Carolina Beach.

Developers held a meeting last year, this second meeting was another opportunity for residents to give feedback.

“We understand ultimately the town will listen to their people and if the people are not in favor of the project then we know it’s not going to move forward so we also want to make sure we have other options available to us,” said Brigman.

Residents were given the option to fill out a questionnaire, which the developers say they will take into consideration before meeting again with the town council.

“We are doing the survey to get their feedback so we can get back to the drawing board,” said Brigman.

It will likely be another three years before any of the plans become a reality.

Copyright 2025 WECT. All rights reserved.

Any way you slice it, North Carolina has lucked out as a state. With its charming mountain towns, bustling cities, and quiet sandy beaches, North Carolina makes the cut on any travel list—and we just love exploring every trail-blazing destination, one by one. While summer is high-time for coastal vacations, fall provides a welcome respite from the sweltering heat at our very favorite North Carolina beaches. (Winter and spring getaways in these seaside towns are just fine by us, too.) We've narrowed our list of the best beaches to visit in North Carolina to these few incredible spots you need to add to your bucket list. You'll want to sit back and enjoy the sunset at these sandy spots all year long.

Nags Head, North Carolina

With its classic Outer Banks feel, Nags Head is a great destination for any beach-lover. There's a mix of on-the-beach relaxation (pet-friendly!) and off-the-beach amusements, such as go-kart tracks, a handful of mini-golf courses, a number of ice cream shops, and good restaurants. Horseback riding on the beach is a popular attraction in the area for visitors, with different excursions and locations to explore! While you're there, visit Jennette's Pier, Jockey's Ridge State Park, or the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Most people prefer to book one of the many rental properties in the area; so take a look at Twiddy & Company to start your search.

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Wrightsville, North Carolina

Located just east of Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach is made up of two small islands connected by Shell Road. The small coastal town is home to the second oldest Yacht Club in America, built in 1884. The beach is known as a great destination for watersports, such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and surfing, and Johnnie Mercer's Pier that extends 1,200 feet out into the Atlantic Ocean for great fishing. Vacation rentals are popular here, but you can book a room at the Shell Island Resort for oceanfront views and beach access with umbrellas and chairs for rent. Head to Dockside Restaurant for a relaxed Carolina seafood spot perched right on the water's edge.

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Topsail Island, North Carolina

Topsail Island is a 26-mile long barrier island off the coast of North Carolina made up of the communities of Topsail Beach, Surf City, and North Topsail Beach. Its small population (only around 500 full-time residents) and no high-rise development rule helps maintain its natural beauty. In fact, up until World War II, the island was accessible only by boat. Now, two bridges bring visitors to its relaxing beaches and charming attractions. Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs along Topsail's beachfront from mid-May through August, to the delight of marine life enthusiasts. And the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City is a great place to learn about the island's preservation and conservation initiatives. Additionally, Topsail used to be rumored as the location of Blackbeard's treasure, reeling in treasure hunters for years searching for the prize in the maritime forests. This island is so full of history and intrigue that it's hard to pass up a trip to one of its small seaside towns as a quiet weekend getaway or exciting family trip!

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Oak Island, North Carolina

This bustling seaside town is a major summer spot on the southern tip of North Carolina, about 60 miles northeast of Myrtle Beach. In the 1950s, a hurricane wiped out the area, leaving only five buildings standing; but Oak Island has rebuilt to become a popular getaway destination for those desiring a family-friendly beach with a small-town feel. The town has miles of sandy beaches with piers for fishing, ramps for boating, plenty of water activities, and charming restaurants and shops. It's the perfect place for a relaxing, old-fashioned beach trip that's no-fuss and fancy-free.

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Emerald Isle, North Carolina

Located at the western end of Bogue Banks, a barrier island, Emerald Isle gives visitors 12 miles of shoreline and views of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Crystal Coast. The town's only oceanfront hotel, the Islander Hotel & Resort, is a great place to consider for a weekend getaway; but there are plenty of quaint rentals and condos that are just perfect for a family vacation. Make sure to stop by Big Oak Drive-In & Bar-B-Q for its amazing shrimp burger and old-fashioned milkshakes. Whether you want to fish from the pier, relax on the sand, or explore the antique shops, there's something for every member of the family.

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Bald Head Island, North Carolina

There are no cars are allowed on Bald Head Island, but visitors are able to move around with golf carts or bikes. The island is only accessible by ferry from nearby Southport. The majority of the island's 12,000 acres are undeveloped, with the exception of coastal rental residences and the highly acclaimed Bald Head Island Club golf course. That means that you can anticipate the 14-mile stretch of the shoreline, which includes South Beach and North Beach, to be largely calm and peaceful during your visit. It's also a terrific site to see some of nature's most beautiful creatures. The island is home to over 260 bird species, as well as other animals like alligators and foxes. Beachcombers and seashell hunters will appreciate the opportunity to find little treasures washed ashore.

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Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Cape Hatteras National Seashore, which stretches for about 70 miles, is renowned for its pristine beaches and the striking black-and-white striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. The historic lighthouse is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen to visitors (who can climb to the top) in 2026. Also, there are opportunities to observe sea turtles (during their nesting season) coming ashore or hatchlings clumsily finding their way into the sea.

Corolla/Currituck Beach, North Carolina

Corolla/Currituck Beach is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Currituck Sound on the other along the Outer Banks' northern coast. Visitors for its tranquility and opportunities to explore the Currituck Beach Lighthouse and historic district. But this area is best known for the wild Spanish Mustang horses that freely roam the island. And visitors can even sign up for guided tours to get a closer look at the wild, majestic creatures.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

The Carolina Beach Boardwalk is a classic American promenade—with a pedestrian-only walkway that features bars, restaurants, arcades, bike and surfboard rental shops, and even an amusement park—that beach-goers have been enjoying since the late 1800s. Don't leave without getting a couple hot and fresh donuts from Britts Donut Shop, which has been cranking out the excellent sugary treats since 1939. Even more entertainment can be found nearby at the Carolina Beach State Park, which offers a variety of hiking paths, including the Flytrap Trail where visitors can see the native Venus flytrap plant.

Kure Beach, North Carolina

There's the sand and surf at Kure Beach, of course, and then there's the Ocean Front Park and Pavilion, which hosts music concerts, open-air markets, and other entertainment. Kids can also enjoy the pavilion's playground, making it a family-friendly venture. Even more, visitors can cast a line off the fishing pier, play disc golf at Joe Eakes Park, and learn about the state's military history at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

Topsail Island sits about 40 miles northeast of Wilmington. The 26-mile-long barrier island off the North Carolina coast is home to three charming seaside towns: North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach. This destination is easily accessible by car, or you can fly to a nearby airport and take a shuttle. That's a fairly recent development, as the laidback island wasn't accessible except by boat until World War II.

Topsail makes an ideal summer getaway as it rarely gets crowded even during the peak season. Each of the three main towns provides a fun and laid-back beach vacation. With its maritime forests and natural landscape, water surrounds North Topsail Beach on three sides and offers dog-friendly shores. Surf City, located in the middle of the island, is the most commercial destination, offering many dining options, shopping, and community events. On the island's southernmost end, Topsail Beach is an old-school coastal town with untouched sands and unbeatable views.

According to local legend, Topsail got its name centuries ago when pirates hid their boats in the channel between the island and the mainland. Only the tops of the boats' sails were visible to ships approaching from the Atlantic. Rumor has it that Blackbeard's treasure is still buried somewhere on the island. Though you aren't likely to find buried treasure, there are plenty of reasons to venture to Topsail Island, North Carolina, for your next vacation.

What To Do In Topsail Beach, North Carolina

If you're lucky enough to snag a beachfront rental, you'll likely spend a lot of time sunning, shelling, and building sand castles on the beach. If not, there are dozens of public access points along Topsail Island (most parking lots charge an hourly rate). The beaches here are known as a hot spot for shark teeth; visit during low tide to find them. North Topsail Beach has 4x4 access onto the beach off of River Road. An access pass must be purchased before entering. Other beaches allow beach driving at some locations for fishing purposes only; this requires a pass and may be seasonal.

Pack a picnic and spend an afternoon at Richard C. Peters Town Park in North Topsail Beach, or hop in a kayak to explore the sound, inlet, and ocean surrounding the town. In Topsail Beach, set up your chair at Serenity Point to catch a breathtaking sunset.

northtopsailbeachnc.gov; 3962 River Drive, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

northtopsailbeachnc.gov; 465 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460

Topsail is best known for its sea turtle preservation and conservation efforts. Throughout the 26 miles of coastline, loggerhead sea turtles come ashore to nest and lay eggs from May through August. While you're here, visit the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. Visitors can take a tour of the facility and help with the rehabilitation efforts of the turtle patients. Check the website before you go since the center's hours change by season.

seaturtlehospital.org; 302 Tortuga Lane, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-329-0222

Cast a line off the Surf City Ocean Pier, another point of interest here. Rods and crab traps are available for rental. Check the pier's webcam to see a sneak peek of the day's conditions before heading out.

surfcityoceanpier.com; 112 South Shore Drive, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-328-3521

Tuck's Water Shuttle makes regular trips to Lea-Hutaff Island, an undeveloped barrier island of more than 5,000 acres that serves as a sanctuary for wildlife and a prime nesting spot for sea birds. Book a sunset cruise for spectacular views on the water.

The whole family can join in a unique marsh adventure using dip and cast nets through Ecological Marine Adventures. Classes generally take place from June to August, but check the group's website for scheduling. They also offer kids' classes and camps. The adjoining Topsail Aquarium offers night-time ghost crab hunts and has a touch tank aquarium with horseshoe crabs, bamboo sharks, and other marine life.

ecologicalmarineadventures.com; 106 North Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-265-4491

topsailaquarium.com, 106 North Topsail Drive, Surf City NC 28445; 910-515-9751

Plan to visit another popular attraction, the Missiles and More Museum, and learn about the island's history during WWII. The museum is in a historic building used by the government for a secret missile operation in the 1940s. Exhibits also cover pirates and the natural history of the area.

missilesandmoremuseum.org, 720 Channel Blvd., Topsail Beach, NC 28445; 910-328-8663

No family beach trip is complete without a round of mini-golf. Topsail Island has two courses to choose from: the pirate-themed Shipwreck Point Miniature Golf and an old-school mini-golf course and arcade called Pirates Turf.

Ocean Fest's big event is in the fall, with a two-day live music festival in Surf City that raises funds to benefit the ocean. The nonprofit also holds a retro surf competition with vintage boards during the festival and other events throughout the year, like a family-friendly fair and parade in May. All are designed to "Surf and Protect" Mother Ocean.

Where To Eat In Topsail Beach, North Carolina

Topsail Island has plenty of options for fresh seafood and waterfront views. Dine at the Beach Shop and Grill for classic Southern dishes made with sustainable and organic ingredients from local farms. The first-come, first-serve patio within sight of the beach welcomes dogs and features live music. Splash By the Sea specializes in popular seafood favorites and pizzas in a relaxed setting (though shirts are required). Their patio also offers ocean views and live music.

beachshopandgrill.com; 701 South Anderson Blvd., Topsail Beach, NC 28445; 910-328-6501

splashbythesea.com; 790 New River Inlet Road, North Topsail Beach, NC 28460; 910-328-3044

Satisfy your shellfish craving at the Shuckin' Shack Oyster Bar in Surf City, and wash it down with a rum cocktail or craft beer on tap. In addition to steamers and shooters, they offer fried fish and sandwiches.

theshuckinshack.com; 13460 NC-50, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-803-2037

Named for the island's history of driving livestock across waterways at low tide, the Low Tide Steakhouse & Sandbar is known for its excellent surf and turf menu. Try the steaks, grilled fish, or burgers topped with bourbon-smoked bacon. They also have an extensive bourbon list and serve weekend brunch.

lowtidesteakhouse.com; 13741-E NC Highway 50, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-803-0738

For a low-key dinner back at the beach house, stop at Topsail Steamer and pick up all you need for your Lowcountry boil. Their seafood steam pots feature shrimp, clams, crabs, oysters, and even lobster tails, depending on your family's preferences. Just steam and eat.

topsailsteamer.com; 302 South Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC 28445; 910-328-2645

Where To Stay In Topsail Beach, North Carolina

You'll find no shortage of old-school hotels on Topsail Island, though many families that want to spread out opt for weeklong beach house rentals. For something in between, rent a two-bedroom condo in the Sea Coast Suites, which has nearby beach access and an ocean view.

The Saltwater Suites in Surf City are a hybrid between a hotel and a condo building. The 24 tastefully decorated suites include a kitchenette and washer and dryer, as well as a balcony with ocean views. The hotel's newest project, Saltwater Resort, with a saltwater pool and two-story event space, is a few blocks away.

saltwatertopsail.com; 910-886-4818

Another favorite of visitors is the Island Inn in Surf City. It's located directly across from the beach, has a pool, and is within walking distance of the town's shops and restaurants. They even allow dogs (with a fee).

topsailislandinn.com; 202 Goldsboro Ave., Surf City, NC 28445; 910-328-2341

CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you think great seafood chowder only comes out of New England, think again.

A North Carolina restaurant is beating the competition and are doing what few homegrown restaurants ever will -- going national.

Michael's Seafood first opened in 1998 on Carolina Beach -- a lifelong dream for Michael and Shelly McGowan. It was a small spot in a strip mall with an even smaller kitchen for Michael, who is a classically trained chef. There wasn't even enough space for a fryer.

"We don't have a fryer. I'm going to make the chowder I always wanted to make," Michael McGowan said.

Kurt Vanscoy who is the chief operating officer of Michael's Seafood, says McGowan did exactly that. "He made chowder the way he learned how to make in Rhode Island and he brought it to Carolina Beach, and the rest is history."

Today, the restaurant is no longer in a strip mall, but still making chowder.

"To this day, we still make it in single-hand small batch containers. We just make it in multitudes of hundreds now," Vanscoy said.

Those batches are even earning three world championships.

"So, we are a little restaurant in Carolina Beach going up I-95 to Rhode Island to compete with the big boys in their backyard, and we won. Then, we went back in 2010 and won again. Then we went back in 2011 and we won again. They retired us, put us in the hall of fame, sent us back down 95 and said don't come back," Vanscoy said.

Michael sadly passed away from cystic fibrosis in 2012.

His family not only carries on his dream, they are expanding it. His famous seafood chowder has gone national.

"We got into Harris Teeter, 280 across the country, butchers markets, seafood markets," he said.

It's also carried by Sysco, the world's largest food distributor.

This unprecedented success is not taken for granted.

"It's highly unusual," Vanscoy said. "I say this in jest, but we shouldn't be here. We are a small company that is growing like crazy we just happen to have the best chowder in the world."

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CAROLINA BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - It’s white, fluffy, and may be bad for your health.

Sea foam is now added to the growing list of things impacted by forever chemicals, known as PFAS, in the Cape Fear region.

Samples of sea foam collected by researchers with Clean Cape Fear along New Hanover and Brunswick County beaches show extremely high levels of PFAS, according to a study called Going Upstream: The Environmental State of our Waterways.

“Our area has some of the highest levels of recorded PFAS in foam,” Emily Donovan of Clean Cape Fear said.

Donovan says the chemicals can sit on top of the ocean, like oil on water.

Just as bubbles form in a bubble bath, when the chemicals are agitated by the waves, they create foam that sits along the coast.

Sea foam occurs naturally in the ocean, however, instead of an off-white, brownish color, PFAS sea foam is a bright white and resembles shaving cream.

NC State Senior Research Scholar Jeffrey Enders, who analyzed the data, says the PFAS sea foam samples have upwards of hundreds of thousands to millions parts per trillion of PFAS. For context, federal drinking water standards have a 4 parts per trillion limit for forever chemicals in drinking water.

“Those levels are a surprise,” Enders said. “There’s probably dogs that walk along the beaches that lick it and eat it. I wouldn’t want my dogs eating it and I wouldn’t want my kids playing in it.”

Enders team found some of the highest PFAS observed are known Chemours-specific compounds.

Chemours has a manufacturing facility in Bladen County and has been held responsible for contaminating waterways in the Cape Fear for years.

“Sea foam is a symptom to an underlying problem,” Enders says. “If you don’t change things it’s just going to continue to get worse. The sea foam is already incredibly contaminated. The only way to make it better is to stop it at the source.”

Donovan is calling on state legislatures. Currently there is no drinking water standards at the state level in North Carolina.

“There’s no excuse at this point for state regulators to allow PFAS to be discharged in bodies of water when we know that we have been severely contaminated for decades and when we add to that burden, it’s putting everything here at risk,” she said.

Copyright 2025 WECT. All rights reserved.