Topsail-Island.Info specialty writer, Jack Robinson, weaves a wonderful tale concerning one of the island’s local Privateers.

Captain Burns shared a colorful and often “misplaced” history with Topsail Island. He was landowner, businessman, captain of a great ship and a Privateer. Getting to know Captain Otway Burns will also lend a another peak into the wonderful history of coastal North Carolina.

If you enjoy seafood at all, chances are you’ve probably come across an activity calling “shucking”, or “cleaning” some of our popular shellfish. It’s fun to go out with family or friends and try your hand at it, especially if you’ve never done it before.

But have you ever wondered just what exactly that ’stuff’ is? Or what are you eating for that matter?

Here’s some answers we’ve all wondered about!

Topsail Island, NC - Just looking at this painting of carefully detailed, bright carousel horses takes me back in time when I couldn’t wait to see the mighty steeds fiercely galloping to catch up with one another. What a grand time that was. Sometimes, I would just stand outside the gate watching the circus carousel twirl endlessly, flaunting generous-sized mirrors encircled with dazzling colored lights twinkling to music that never missed a beat.

Lisa Rodriguez, a Vernon, CT native has returned for a second year to mentor this year’s crop of summer interns. As this year’s leader she’s taken on additional responsibilities for the care of the turtles and declares: “we had it easy last year!” Also, the turtle flyer being distributed by many of our local realtors is making an impact.

Topsail Island Sea Turtle Hospital intern Carolyn Odenwelder of Haverhill, MA sings a sea turtle lullaby to little green Carter. The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Beach, NC is OPEN until the end of August.

Lilmar is wrapping up her “Turtle Talks” at the Surf City Community Center.

Bailey Brame, a Durham native, returns this fall to Wellesley College in Massachusetts as a junior majoring in Economics, knowing now that sea turtles are priceless. Turtle Talks continue every Wednesday through August and we’re gearing up for our Labor Day Weekend Yard Sale.

Alyson Boswell from Wilson, NC, returns a 2nd year to intern at the sea turtle hospital.

Learn photography from the masters. John Pagliuca, Margo Pinkerton, and Arnie Zann do more than just teach you, they take you and show you the A - Z’s of what makes a great photograph.

Happy 232nd Birthday America. Let freedom ring, boom and sparkle! This year’s 4th of July celebration was nothing less than spectacular as the Topsail area celebrated the independence of our nation.

It’s summertime and there are a host of things to do around Topsail Island. Whether you are young or “younger”, learning about bugs, bees and butterlies is a fun thing to do!

Check out our library to learn more about these beautiful creatures.