Visit Pender NC

06/20/2025

Summers are for the Beach

☀️ Hello, Summer!

The first day of summer has arrived in Pender County — and there's no better place to soak up the sunshine! From the sandy shores of Surf City and Topsail Beach to kayaking our scenic waterways, exploring farm trails, and dancing under the stars at local festivals, summer here is one unforgettable adventure after another.

🍷 Sip on something sweet at our local vineyards
🎣 Cast a line and reel in a fresh catch
🎨 Discover arts, music, and coastal culture
🚴‍♀️ Hit the trails or relax on the porch

Whether you're chasing sunsets, sea turtles, or summer treats, Pender County is where your summer story begins.

06/16/2025

Save the Date - 2025 Summer Programs!

Moores Creek National Battlefield is planning some exciting programs for this summer on Fridays and Saturdays! Starting on Friday July 4 and continuing through Friday July 25, Moores Creek National Battlefield will be offering guided tours at 10 am and 2 pm on Fridays. Our Saturday Summer Series begins on Saturday June 28 and continues through Saturday August 9 at 11 am each Saturday, except July 19, unless otherwise listed.

Saturday June 28 - Join us for a guided tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield. The tour is approximately 3/4 of mile and lasts around 90 minutes. Tour meets at the visitor center. The tour meets at the visitor center.

Friday July 4 - Join us for a guided tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield at 10 am and 2 pm. The tour is approximately 3/4 of mile and lasts around 90 minutes. Tours meet at the visitor center.

Saturday July 5 - Why are North Carolinians known as Tar Heels? Join Ranger Adam Credle for a special program on the naval stores and discover why North Carolinians are known as tar heels. Program meets at the park amphitheater near the visitor center.

Friday July 11 - Join us for a guided tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield at 10 am and 2 pm. The tour is approximately 3/4 of mile and lasts around 90 minutes. Tours meet at the visitor center.

Saturday July 12 - Bagpipe Music - In the early morning hours of February 27, 1776, bagpipes broke the still night air as the Loyalists began advancing across Moores Creek Bridge. Join Ranger Jason Howell for a program focused on the bagpipes and its role at Moores Creek Bridge. Program will include the playing of a couple of songs. Program meets at the park amphitheater.

Friday July 18 - Join us for a guided tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield at 10 am and 2 pm. The tour is approximately 3/4 of mile and lasts around 90 minutes. Tours meet at the visitor center.

Friday July 25 - Join us for a guided tour of Moores Creek National Battlefield at 10 am and 2 pm. The tour is approximately 3/4 of mile and lasts around 90 minutes. Tours meet at the visitor center.

Saturday July 26 - "What's in a Name? - the Black River Road - Join Ranger Jason Howell for a program focused on difficult history of the colonial road inside Moores Creek National Battlefield. Program meets at the beginning of the Black River Road near the Visitor Center parking lot.

Saturday August 2 - Join Moores Creek National Battlefield for a special "Outlander Day."

10 am - Join Hunter Ingram, the Assistant Director of the Burgwin-Wright House for a special presentation on Outlander in the visitor center theater. The program will last approximately 45 minutes.

At 11 am, join Ranger Jason Howell for a special tour of the Moores Creek Battlefield focused on the connections and differences between the actual events of the Moores Creek Bridge battle and the version told in Diana Gabaldon's book "A Breath of Snow and Ashe." The tour meets at the visitor center. Guided tour is 3/4 of a mile and lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Saturday August 9 - Why are North Carolinians known as Tar Heels? Join Ranger Adam Credle for a special program on the naval stores and discover why North Carolinians are known as tar heels. Program meets at the park amphitheater near the visitor center.

If you have any questions about these programs, please reach out to park staff at 910-283-5591. We hope to see you here for our summer series!

Image is of a park ranger standing on the Black River Road pointing towards Moores Creek.

06/16/2025

06/16/2025

06/12/2025

3...2...1...it's almost here and Saturday can't come fast enough! We are so excited to bring you this awesome lineup of bands, contra dancers, cloggers and jam musicians...tickets are $15 online at www.poplargrove.org and close out at midnight Friday...tickets will be available at the gate on Saturday (Gates open at 10:00 am and The Asheville Mountain Boys hit the stage at 11:00 am sharp) and are $20 with kids 12 and under free. We are rain or shine and if a downpour or some boom-booms come up you can head on into the big barn where the full service bar is or the Agriculture Museum and join the dancing fun! We'll see you Saturday, June 14th for our first ever Bluegrass in the Grove, hosted by Dear Maribella and sponsored by T-Mobile Fiber...

06/12/2025

Come out tomorrow as The Pink Slips Band takes over our Alive After Five summer concert series! 🎶

Join us at Hampstead Kiwanis Park from 6:30–8:30 PM for great music and delicious food from Poor Piggys BBQ and Catering, Fusion Blue Zones Cuisine, and Surf's Up Hawiian Ice.

Don't miss this free, fun, family-friendly event!
Learn more at: pendercountync.gov/1854/Hampstead-Alive-After-Five

06/10/2025

Celebrate , and learn more about the work of the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center!

As we celebrate , we’re shining a spotlight on one of the ocean’s most critically endangered species-the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle🐢

Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles are not only the most endangered of all sea turtle species, but also the smallest typically weighing between 75 and 100 pounds as adults. Their diet consists of jellyfish, crabs, shrimp, fish, and mollusks.

Although nesting in North Carolina is rare (but not impossible- we currently have a nest on Topsail Island), Kemp’s Ridleys are frequently seen swimming along our coast. These turtles are known for their unique mass nesting events called arribadas, where thousands of females come ashore to nest at once.

We regularly care for Kemp’s Ridleys at our hospital and are honored to play a role in their conservation.

Be sure to join us later today as we dive into one of the major threats facing Kemp’s Ridleys in our oceans. Stay tuned!

06/09/2025

Visit Pender: Where it's Beaches & Blueberries!

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a long-awaited vacation, Pender County is your perfect summer escape.-
https://mailchi.mp/72a681a2fcea/visit-pender-where-its-beaches-blueberry-season

06/06/2025

Celebrate 22 Years of Blueberry Fun at the North Carolina Blueberry Festival!

Join us this summer as the North Carolina Blueberry Festival returns for its 22nd annual celebration in charming downtown Burgaw, centered around the town’s historic courthouse square.

Festival Weekend Highlights:

Kickoff Concert – Friday, June 20th: The fun begins at 7 PM with entertainment featuring the legendary beach music group, The Tams.

On Saturday, June 21st, Festival Day, the festivities run from 9 AM to 10 PM, offering a full day of fun for all ages.

This beloved event is free to the public and showcases:

Over 175 artisan vendors

Fresh, locally grown blueberries

A variety of children’s activities

Beer and wine garden

Delicious festival food

Live performances, including a headlining set by the crowd-favorite Chairmen of the Board—and much more!

Get Involved:
Festivalgoers are invited to participate in a variety of exciting activities, including:

The popular Blueberry Recipe Contest

A scenic Blueberry Farm Tour

The energetic 5K Run/Walk

The family-friendly Tour de Blueberry cycling event

A classic Car & Truck Show

For the comfort and safety of all attendees, pets are not permitted at the festival. However, service animals specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities are always welcome.

There’s truly something for everyone at the North Carolina Blueberry Festival—come celebrate summer with us!

For more information, email: [email protected]
Or visit: www.ncblueberryfestival.com