As the in-season crowds fade, a quieter side of the Coastal Carolinas emerges, inviting you to explore its towns, beaches, and unspoiled landscapes at a relaxed pace.

Small Towns to Discover

While the port city of Wilmington is the most recognized, our smaller coastal towns offer quiet charm in the off-season.

Hampstead

Known as the “Seafood Capital of the Carolinas,” this once-upon-a-time fishing village is now home to a growing art scene. View the latest exhibitions and participate in hands-on classes at local studios and galleries. The paved trails of Hampstead Kiwanis Park are excellent for leisurely walks on cool days.

Interested in living in Hampstead? Check out our available homes and lots in East Wynd.

Surf City

A bustling hub for visitors in the summer months, Surf City offers laid-back charm to locals in the winter months. Many restaurants and shops stay open year-round, making it an inviting spot to dine and browse without the seasonal rush. Discover the island’s unique history at the Missiles and More Museum and enjoy water views at Soundside Park along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Enjoy quick access to Surf City, only a short drive from Holly Ridge and our available homes in Summerhouse on Everett Bay.

Burgaw

Stroll streets lined with old-growth trees in the historic district, where the Pender County Courthouse and Burgaw Train Depot are familiar backdrops for films and TV. Loop through town on the scenic Osgood Canal Greenway with a stop to glimpse local heritage at the Pender County Historical Museum. The off-season is perfect for browsing antique shops and visiting the winery just outside town.

Just minutes from the heart of Burgaw, Kingbird is one of our standout communities worth exploring. Already found a lot you love? Let Hagood Homes bring your vision to life.

Nature Escapes to Explore

The mild year-round weather of the Coastal Carolinas invites exploration of untouched nature throughout the region.

Moores Creek National Battlefield

A premier destination for a winter walk, this Revolutionary War site features a paved trail that winds through a longleaf pine forest, with historical markers along the way.

Photo courtesy of the Wilmington Star-News

Holly Shelter Game Land

For a hearty adventure, explore one of the largest undeveloped areas in coastal North Carolina. Its gravel paths wind through pine savannas and shrubby bogs, offering superb wildlife viewing in the cool, bug-free winter months.

Salter’s Lake Trail

This gentle path meanders through a pine savanna, leading to its namesake tea-colored lake. The winter landscape is perfect for spotting its star resident: the legendary Venus flytrap.

Enjoy Uncrowded Beaches

During the peaceful off-season, mild weather creates ideal conditions for enjoying the raw beauty of the coast.

With its famously wide shores, Topsail Island is perfect for walks even at high tide. Stripped of summer’s greenery, layers of wind-swept sand and dunes provide stunning backdrops for amazing photos.

When the tide recedes, this barrier island delivers some of the area’s most spectacular shelling, with Scotch bonnets, jingle shells, and sea glass dotting the hardpack sand. As dogs are allowed year-round, it’s a pet-friendly haven in the quieter off-season months.

During cooler months, serene nature and a welcoming atmosphere await in Pender County. To talk about owning a home here, connect with a member of the Hagood team today.