Bryson & Associates of Topsail Island, NC

Learning to live with CHANGE is the key to adjusting to island life. Every day brings new scenery, a different sky or sunset; I seem to avoid the sunrises. Shells that covered the beach yesterday are gone today, swept almost clean by the receding tide. Fishing yesterday may have been a bust but today, you fill your pail or net in a short period of time. Rough waves crashing onto shore give way to a peaceful ocean that seems more like a calm lake. Topsail Islanders learn to change with the tide and enjoy the many phases of island life.

The early settlers here even built their small cottages on logs or timbers making them fairly mobile. As the fall storms caused the dunes and beaches to change due to erosion and accretion, they just rolled the logs back or forward depending upon what was necessary to stay out of the water. It was an ingenious way to deal with this sometimes harsh environment. Sometimes I wish that we could do that now.

Topsail has been home to native Americans, pirates, soldiers during World War II who pioneered the U.S. missile programs and some hearty, beach-loving souls who came in the late 1940’s. Much history about this area has been collected and preserved in the Missiles and More Museum on the southern end of the island. 

Hurricanes are certainly an annual threat but must be accepted as a part of island life. The forces of nature can be awesome and sometimes unfortunately catastrophic; we’ve seen it in action. Residents are familiar with preparing for the really bad storms, watching the weather forecasts and praying as the ‘big’ ones brew in the Atlantic. I think it makes us appreciate the beauty and style of life here even more.

Islanders are naturally friendly and hospitable. Social life is pretty much what WE make it. It is not an insult to be invited for drinks or dinner at almost the last minute! Those are usually the best get-togethers. Formal events are rare. Island life is a celebration of  friendship and being alive!  It’s true that some services or necessities are a bit inconvenient because we are somewhat remote but that adjustment seems to happen quickly for most people. It amuses us when someone asks the location of the nearest Walmart, McDonalds, or movie theater. Every year it seems that more ‘civilization’ moves closer but we actually take some pride in being able to say "Well, there’s one about 40 miles from here".

Get some sand in your shoes and come visit Topsail Island, NC. We feel like we’ve found the best place to live or vacation in the world. Experience barrier island living for yourself! Cross the bridge and your world becomes a better place.

About the author: Sterleen Bryson has lived on Topsail island for over 20 years and is co-owner of Bryson & Associates, Surf City, USA.