(CC) Surf City Beach by Michael Helms/Wikimedia Commons
Surf City is a small town on Topsail Island, North Carolina. In spite of its quaint nature, Surf City is very active. You will find that the sense of community quickly extends to visitors and tourists. Bike paths run through the town, making it possible to park your vehicle and bike around the island to take in various sightseeing opportunities. There is plentiful beach access for water sports, frequent river sightseeing tours, and opportunities to rest, relax and rejuvenate.
Relax at Inis Spa
The Inis Spa offers physical and spiritual healing. Visitors to Surf City may treat themselves to a relaxing spa massage that incorporates aromatherapy and hot stones, or undergo an invigorating Swedish massage. A Reiki treatment balances the energy flow within the body. The most intriguing massage is the Sacred Lomi, which provides a time-honored Polynesian treatment complete with breathing exercises, pressure point manipulation, and energy flow stimulation. In 2009, prices for the Sacred Lomi start at $100 for 75 minutes. All other massages start at $40 for 30 minutes, but prices vary, depending on the length and type of your massage. While there, you may also choose to undergo beauty ministrations, such as facial acne treatments or a deeply hydrating skin treatment.
Inis Spa
208-J N. New River Drive
Surf City, NC 28445
(910) 328-3988
inisspa.com
Book a Sightseeing Tour
At first glance, the Belle of Topsail looks like the kind of riverboat that traveled the Mississippi during the time of Mark Twain. It is actually a replica outfitted with modern equipment and amenities. You may rent this riverboat for weddings or simply book a two-hour river cruise for a scenic sightseeing tour of the island. This tour comes complete with light snacks; drinks are available for purchase.
Cruises vary, depending on the extra features and time periods you choose. In 2009, a two-hour cruise starts at $25 for adults and $15 for children over 12, while a one-hour sightseeing tour without hors d'oeuvres starts at $12 for adults and $8 for children older than 12.
The Belle of Topsail
111 N. New River Drive
Surf City, NC 28445
(910) 328-1621
belleoftopsail.com
Enjoy Water Sports at Public Beaches
Surf City visitors take advantage of the ample public beaches. There are more than 29 public points of access, which are located off 9th Street, North Shore Drive, Broadway Street, Goldsboro Avenue, Roland Avenue, Greensboro Avenue, South Shore Drive, and Windward Drive. Handicapped water sports aficionados will find accessible beach access off 9th Street at 2111 North Shore Dr., and also 200 South Shore Dr. at Kinston Avenue. The beaches are excellent for surfing, swimming, body boarding, and taking long walks along the dunes. You may bring your leashed dog, but be sure to clean up after your pet.
About The Author
Based in the Los Angeles area, Sylvia Cochran is a seasoned freelance writer focusing on home and garden, travel and parenting articles. Her work has appeared in "Families Online Magazine" and assorted print and Internet publications.
