Topsail Island, North Carolina
Just received an invitation to my great nephew's graduation from high school . That's Mikey on the left. Actually, the invitation is to their lake house at Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia, for a week of my favorite things....family, fun and food! It looks like there will be a group of us going from Kansas City, Denver, and St Louis! Should be around 22 of us ready to celebrate Mikey's graduation!
This whole group met at North Carolina's Topsail Island 1 1/2 years ago to celebrate my sister and brother-in-law's 50th wedding anniversary. One week at the beach with 30 of my favorite people, a chef from Raleigh to cook for us, and perfect weather!
Topsail Island has a rich and varied history. Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated during the 1700’s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters.
Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.
Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Treasure hunters
searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.
During the war, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront.
Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. Many of the original military structures are still standing.
Incorporated in 1963, the Town of Topsail Beach boasts a friendly, family oriented style of beach living. High rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged, and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. There are over 1200 homes, but only about 500 year-round residents.
Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.
Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Treasure hunters
searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.
During the war, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront.
Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. Many of the original military structures are still standing.
Incorporated in 1963, the Town of Topsail Beach boasts a friendly, family oriented style of beach living. High rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged, and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. There are over 1200 homes, but only about 500 year-round residents.
The seasonal influx of tourists increases the population to about 7,000, which helps sustain the town's motels, restaurants, gift shops, fishing pier and other businesses. The only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, is located on the sound near Town Hall. The arsenal (Assembly) building from Operation Bumblebee now houses the Missiles and More Museum as well as a meeting room that is available for rental.
All this and more truly make Topsail Beach a wonderful place for a visit.
All this and more truly make Topsail Beach a wonderful place for a visit.
The house we rented for the week was a four story wonder.....ground level was like a mud room, equiped to handle just about anything you might drag in off the beach. There were game rooms and a small kitchen and bar area and a bathroom along with bedrooms that the teenagers claimed immediately. There was also a hot tub right outside the door.
The 2nd story was comprised of 2 more bunk rooms and several lovely suites. The families with little children occupied this floor to be near the kids.Third floor was made up of 4 more suites and the laundry room, which ran non-stop!
Finally, the top floor.....one huge room with giant kitchen area, a well equiped bar area, 2 large dining areas and a living room area with giant flatscreen television and excellent sound system.
That giant room can and did seat all of us for meals! Speaking of meals...Chef Toy cooked for us everyday at lunch and dinner. What a treat! Not only cooked, but cleaned up!
Needless to say, I am really looking forward to this next gathering. I will be co-hosting the
1st Annual Somerset Ridge Art in the Vines the weekend of June 13. Then on Monday, we are out of here! Smith Mountain...hold on to your hat, we are on our way!
Mimi's Panini
This Panini is a family favorite. When we had our 1 st annual Panini contest, this is the panini my daughter Cindy entered.....so we will call it Cindy's Panini. You will love it! It's for dessert!
1Angel Food cake, loaf style
1 package Brie Cheese
1 jar Nutella, the Chocolate Hazelnut spread
Softened Butter
(No calories here!)
Slice the angelfood cake into 3/4" slices. Spread half of the slices with Nutella, top with slices of Brie, then the other slice of cake. Butter both sides of the panini, place in hot cast iron skillet, turning to brown both sides and melt the brie....OMG!
