Topsail Island is a 26-mile island located along North Carolina’s southeastern coast that are believed to have been named for their early population of pirate ships, whose topsails were often visible from the open seas. In World War II, the island was home to an anti-aircraft training base that was converted into the Operation Bumblebee guided missile development base during the Cold War. Today, the island is home to three quaint communities offering locally-owned businesses, such as the Jolly Roger Fishing Pier, the Queen Jean headboat, and a number of restaurants and gift shops. Family-friendly attractions include the Topsail Island Skating Rink, the Patio Playground putt-putt course, and the Missiles and More Museum, which preserves the island’s military history.

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