Guide to Surf City: Things to do, places to eat and what to know about parking
A beach community located in the heart of Topsail Island, Surf City's beaches are the main attraction. There are 39 public beach accesses, and four of those have restroom or shower facilities. In addition to enjoying a quiet day on the beach, the area is known for boating, fishing and water sports.
The Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center: Learn more about sea turtles and how they are cared for at this state-of-the-art facility. Reservations are required for tours, 302 Tortuga Lane, 910-329-0222.
Shipwreck Point Golf: Enjoy miniature golf with a pirate theme, 107 Charlie Medlin Drive, 910-329-4653.
Surf City Pier: This pier extends 973 feet and offers pier house with a tackle shop, souvenirs, and a grill, 112 South Shore Drive, 910-328-3521.
Guide to Wilmington-area beaches: Things to do, places to eat and what to know about parking
Maine Lobstah Shack: Enjoy Maine lobster in traditional lobster rolls or in other dishes, like bisque, grilled cheese, or mac and cheese, 411 Roland Ave., 910-548-6789.
Sears Landing: Walk or cruise into this restaurant on your boat and enjoy 'Southern Coastal Casual' cuisine. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 806 Roland Ave., 910-328-1312.
Santorini Greek and Italian Bistro: Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean with pizza, pasta and gyros at this local restaurant, 205 S. Topsail Drive, 910-541-2759.
'A drastic change': How Pender County is growing and planning for the future
Time: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 1 to Oct. 31.
Rates: $3 hourly or $5 hourly depending on the location of the parking lot; hourly and weekly rates available.
More information: Visit the website, www.surfcitync.gov/2576/Visitor-Parking.
Renee Spencer is the community engagement editor at the StarNews. Reach her at rspencer@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Things to do, places to eat, parking in Surf City, NC
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Hamilton Spectator
9 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Montreal Grand Prix fans stuck paying turbocharged prices for accommodation
MONTREAL - Paula Wadden has been a huge Formula One fan ever since she got hooked on the Netflix show 'Drive to Survive' a few years ago. But the Halifax-area health-care worker says watching the Grand Prix in Montreal this weekend comes with high-octane prices. The Montreal hotel where she's spending the first part of the week doubles in price for the weekend. Instead, she'll spend the weekend at a hotel outside the city, near the airport, for about $600 a night. 'The tickets (prices) are OK, it's the accommodation and the means that are getting expensive,' she said Tuesday in Old Montreal. 'I don't know how the average Joe can afford it.' Wadden said the trip, which she's taking with her daughter and her daughter's partner, will cost $6,000 to $7,000. And that's despite the switch in hotels and the decision to save money by driving the 12 hours from Halifax rather than flying. While looking up hotels online, she said she saw even more eye-watering hotel prices ranging between $1,200 to more than $2,000 a night, as well as $4,000-per night Airbnbs. The Grand Prix is Montreal's biggest tourist event, expected to attract some 350,000 visitors and generate $162 million for the city, according to the head of Tourisme Montreal. Yves Lalumière estimates average hotel room prices on Grand Prix weekend at $600 to $800 per night — although some wealthy CEOs will pay $8,000 for a suite. 'This year's prices will probably stabilize quite a bit, maybe a two to three per cent increase over the previous year,' he said in an interview. 'But the last five years I've seen an increase year after year, and a substantial increase as well.' A ticket package for the three race days starts at $360, according to the Canadian Grand Prix website — though well-off fans can pay much more. Packages with perks such as VIP concierge service, reservations at popular restaurants and parties, and access to areas such as pit lanes and paddocks can run in the tens of thousands of dollars. However, Lalumière noted that the city also offers plenty of free entertainment, including a Grand Prix party on Crescent Street. And he said hotel room prices are still 'very competitive,' especially for those paying in U.S. dollars or euros. Crowds, meanwhile, are not only growing but also becoming more diverse, he said. 'I think F1 has done a great job in selling the sport over the media,' Lalumière said. 'And, therefore, now you're attracting a lot more ladies, you're attracting a lot more young people as well to the race.' Black-and-white checkered banners were already fluttering on St-Paul Street in Old Montreal on Tuesday, as tourists lined up to photograph a Formula One car on display outside Max Bitton's racing-themed store, Fanabox. Bitton said he brought in the car as a gift to fans after last year's Grand Prix, which was marred by mishaps on and off the track that left a bad taste in some fans' mouths. Those issues included traffic headaches, flooding from rain, fans turned away from a practice session they were led to believe was cancelled, and restaurants ordered to suddenly close their patios on one of the busiest evenings of the year. 'I'm trying to give back because last year was so tough,' Bitton said. While Grand Prix fans are generally well-off, Bitton also worries about rising prices, especially now that the city has imposed tougher new rules on short-term rentals for primary residences. Next year, the Grand Prix will be held from May 22 to 24, which is outside the June-to-September window in which primary residence rentals are allowed. 'A lot of the fans love to flock here because of the heritage and they love this place,' Bitton said. 'They're willing to pay more but at some point it doesn't make sense.' At Bitton's store, tourists said attending the Grand Prix was costly, but worthwhile. Max Harrison, from Bournemouth in southern England, said he managed to find a spot in a hostel for about $40 a night early in the week. For race weekend, he's spending $200 a night to stay in a room in an Airbnb shared with several others. 'It's a bit much, you can tell they've spiked (the prices),' he said. He believes 'Drive to Survive' has brought new fans to the sport, which means prices will only continue to go up. But for him, it's worth it to check the Montreal Grand Prix off his bucket list. 'The championship this year is looking really close, so it's going to be a really good race,' he said. 'And Canada is a beautiful place and I've always wanted to come.' Denise Beevor and Mark Omerod, from West Sussex in England, say they're spending 'a small fortune' for a 10-day trip that includes Sunday's race as well as stops in Quebec City and Mont-Tremblant. 'I think, particularly since COVID, it's important to have things to look forward to and to take memories away with you, and you can't replace that,' Beevor said. 'Possessions come and go, memories don't.' The CEO of the greater Montreal hotels association said the occupancy this weekend is expected to be around 90 per cent, similar to last year. Dominique Villeneuve said the industry was prepared to meet the demands of Grand Prix weekend 'enthusiastically and with the same professionalism that characterizes our industry.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .

Refinery29
a day ago
- Refinery29
There Are 5 Kinds Of Las Vegas Travelers — Which One Fits Your Vibe?
Viva Las Vegas — just like the celebrity who popularized the phrase, Las Vegas is an iconic destination, one that's buzzing with energy the moment you arrive. But what's lesser known: the city is incredibly multifaceted, with an endless variety of experiences to be had — and without the $$$ price tag. Are you an eccentric dreamer craving for something that's unique, artsy, and immersive? Or do you prefer to be pampered? Or perhaps you're a party-seeker looking for the city to live up to its reputation. The ultimate question now is this: How do you want to spend your time? We pinpointed five traveler profiles and planned budget-friendly things to do for each one. (Also, did you know: Vegas has free transportation options, including the ARIA Express Tram and the Mandalay Bay Tram to take you to different stops along the Las Vegas Strip, and the Downtown Loop shuttle, which goes off the Strip and stops at destinations, like the Arts District and Fremont Street.) Keep reading to find the Vegas vibe you want; your perfect getaway awaits. The Life Of The Party You see vacation as an opportunity to let loose (although, let's be honest, that's your vibe every weekend). You're familiar with Vegas' reputation, and that's part of the draw. You're here for the late nights, loud music, new friends, and next-morning brunch recaps. To you, rules are meant to be broken — or at least bent — and if you were a TV character, 'YOLO' would be your catchphrase. Feel sand in your toes at Kassi Beach Club A free beach club in Vegas sounds like an oxymoron, but it does exist. Kassi Beach Club at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas brings Mediterranean vibes to the desert with a sandy setup, live DJs, and an all-day pool party. General admission is free for all guests (but seating and cabanas must be reserved in advance). Drink cocktails while suspended in mid-air at LIFTOFF Grab your girlies and strap in for a bar experience like no other. At LIFTOFF at AREA15, you'll sip specialty cocktails before being strapped into a floating bar that lifts 100 feet into the air. Beautiful views and booze, what could be bad? Tickets are $20, but to get the best value for your money, purchase a Level 1 Access Pass — AREA15 is filled with experiences and attractions you'll enjoy and this pass gives you access to nine of them. Take a booze cruise (on land) There's no boat, but rather, a souped-up party bus cruising along the Strip. This two-hour tour by Pregame Excursions is $50 and includes free-flowing drinks (BYOB is also welcome). Pickup and drop off are at Palms Casino Resort. Dance all night at Ghostbar Ladies first is just good manners, but on Friday nights, it's also the place to be. There's no cover charge at Ladies First, which takes place at Ghostbar, the rooftop bar at Palms Casino Resort. 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You can drive the 13-mile scenic loop and take your time on one of the many hikes that begin within the park. It costs $20 per car and during the busy season, October through May, there's a $2 timed entry fee for reservations between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or hike from the Visitor Center — popular ones include the at-times strenuous Calico Hills trail or the milder 2-mile Moenkopi Loop. Do it this way, and entry is only $5 per person. Detox in a salt cave at the LINQ Spa Escape the intensity of the Strip while relaxing in a Himalayan salt cave. The Spa at The LINQ Hotel + Experience offers its ' Crave the Cave Experience,' which gives guests a day pass to its spa facilities. The co-ed space also has an eucalyptus steam room and whirlpool. Robes and slippers are included all for $60. Spend the day at a wellness resort A stay at Canyon Ranch can be a splurge, but there's a way to visit its location inside The Venetian Resort Las Vegas for a little over $100. A day pass for non-hotel guests is $125, but if you book a service for over $100, you can enjoy its massive wellness space for the entire day. We found a gel manicure or spa pedicure that costs $109 each, and while, yes, this is expensive for a nail treatment, it's actually not when it also includes use of the fitness center and all its spa amenities. An experiential rain room with multi-sensory showers and an igloo experience filled with cool air and arctic mist are just some of the unique offerings. SWAP Challenge your strength on a rock climbing wall Not ready to splurge on a spa day? Visit Canyon Ranch to climb its 40-foot tall Rock Climbing Wall. Shoes and helmets are provided and all you need is some muscle (and courage). Choose from either 25 minutes for $39 or 50 minutes for $69. The Spectacular Showgoer Your prized possession is your scrapbook of playbills from every Broadway musical you've ever seen. You're a bit of a romantic and if you're secretly hoping for a meet-cute on your flight over. You can belt out every word from every musical, and you can go on and on when you're passionate about something…like the differences between a show and its film adaptation. Vegas has been on your bucket list — the show options are plentiful, and you'd be happy to see a performance morning, noon, and night. Take in the fountains of Bellagio This magical water show is mesmerizing; even better, it's free. The 1,000-plus fountains in front of Bellagio perform a hypnotic dance, set to music and a choreographed light show. The show is either every 30 minutes or every 15 depending on the time and day. It's the perfect backdrop for a kiss, proposal, or grand gesture. Question reality at Limitless You're already a member of Shin Lim's fan club from his AGT days, and now you can see him in person. Shin Lim's Limitless at the Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is more than magic — it's mind-boggling. No rabbits in hats, but rather, mentalism and illusions, all with impeccable sleight of hand, interwoven with his engaging storytelling and vibe-setting music. Even in a large theater, audience members seated all over can get involved. Tickets start at $65.49. See a Broadway show Hit after hit, straight from Broadway, is making an appearance on the stage at The Smith Center. Each show has a very limited run, so check what will be there during your trip. Upcoming shows include & Juliet, Suffs, and Some Like It Hot. Even if you've already seen it, we know you love nothing more than hearing your beloved showtunes. Matinee tickets start at just $34.50 for select shows. Get weird (and loud) with Blue Man Group The Blue Man Group at Luxor Hotel and Casino is a Vegas staple, performing there since 2000. Loud music, banging drums, visual storytelling, and lots of lights are all part of this show where the Blue Men delight, all without words. Tickets are available starting at $32.25 plus fees. Rowdy it up at Absinthe Bawdy burlesque, crazy contortionist, titillating theatrics — all in one place: Absinthe. Enter the Green Fairy Garden and give in to the dark side as this madcap crew of exhibitionists are unapologetically raunchy, so be prepared to get rowdy. Avoid online ticket fees by visiting the box office directly at Caesars Palace. Tickets start at $135. The office opens at noon Sunday through Thursday and 10:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturdays. The Gamer Girly You're an admitted Type-A personality. As the group planner, this entire Vegas trip came together because of you. You might be a lawyer or on your way up the corporate ladder. You're extremely competitive in that when you're confronted with a challenge, you love to face it head-on. You have a tight group of friends for whom you'd do anything, and they love you for your fearlessness. But they also slightly fear you when things don't go your way. Hit a hole-in-one at Rock N' Roll Themed Mini Golf The Strip has a handful of mini golf options, but for only $11.95 per person, KISS: By Monster Mini Golf at Rio Las Vegas is the best deal out there. You can rock and roll all night, and party every day, and take a shot into Gene Simmons' outstretched pink tongue aka the band's most iconic symbol. Think neon and laser lights, imagery inspired by KISS, and of course, their music, for 18 holes as you lead the way to victory. Feed your need for speed at Grand Prix Plaza Race go-karts at the brand new Grand Prix Plaza and let your competitive side take the wheel. After your qualifying session, the race is on for a winner. Beyond the track, you can learn about the history of F1, build your dream team to construct your own virtual F1 car, and then have a 4-D experience racing it down the Strip. Regular adult tickets are $79, but if you visit the day of and purchase onsite, you can buy tickets as low as $37 for a self-timed, 15-minute on-track experience. Live out your game show contestant fantasy You love shouting out trivia answers at your TV and now you can show off your skills outside the confines of your living room. Inside the Forum Shops in Caesars Palace is The Great Big Game Show. There are three studios that look just like the sets of real game shows and you can grab up to 14 friends to compete. Choose to play the Original game, which is a mix of fan-favorite mini-games, or go with Trivia Showdown. There's an actual host and a declared winner at the end — as there should be. Games are $41.99 per person. The Eccentric Dreamer Your crystals are packed, and you're ready to immerse yourself in Vegas' lesser-known side. You enjoy the transformative power of travel and plan to journal about your time there. You are a right-brained creative thinker who doesn't set limits. You know your way around a vintage store and can spend hours at an art museum. Expressing gratitude is a daily habit. Linger and enjoy massive floral wonders Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens is a free must-see in Vegas. Wander amongst the 14,000 square foot gardens where each season brings a new theme. The current summer exhibit, Glam Menagerie: A Surrealist Summer, is surrealism at its finest, as you explore this European garden party where whimsy and opulence collide. Step into the desert and behold Seven Magic Mountains Ten minutes south of the Strip is Seven Magic Mountains, an art installation by famed Swiss artist, Ugo Rondinone. These seven colorful towers stack more than 30 feet high and are awe-inspiring when set against the backdrop of the Nevada desert. The site is free to visit and has ample free parking. Mural hop in the Downtown Arts District Head downtown and at every turn you'll find a vibrant mural upon a wall. Stroll down alleys, question the artist's intention, and take some Insta-worthy pictures. Explore this area and admire the murals created by artists from around the world. Connect with nature at the Arte Museum Are technology and nature at odds? Eternal Nature at the Arte Museum sets out to show their fundamental similarity: eternity. Let that sink in as you explore this multisensory museum with hyper-realistic exhibits. There are even natural scents, tailored to each artwork. You'll have moments for reflection, deep thoughts, and awakening of the senses. It's a stunning visual journey for all. Visit on a weekday to get the lower priced tickets for $50 (Friday to Sunday tickets are $60). While it's designed as a 90-minute experience, you can spend the entire day here. See Earth like never before at the Sphere Sphere is Vegas' newest landmark and this entertainment venue has been the talk of the town. Seeing a concert here can be pricey, but ' The Sphere Experience ' starts at $99 and includes famed director Darren Aronofsky's Postcards from Earth, a visually mind-blowing 4D film about our planet. Prior to the show you'll meet Aura the robot and explore cutting-edge tech installations. Remember: Vegas is many things, but it doesn't have to be expensive. No matter your vibe or budget, the city has experiences that suit your personality — so pick your archetype, pack your bags, and let Vegas show you a good time.

Business Insider
a day ago
- Business Insider
I've lived in Florida for over 25 years. These 6 small towns probably aren't on your radar — but should be
Mount Dora feels like a storybook escape. If you love small towns with character, Mount Dora is a dream destination. This Central Florida gem, located about 40 minutes north of Orlando, is known for its antique shops and beautiful waterfront views. Take a scenic boat tour, browse the charming boutiques downtown, or grab a bite at one of the many locally owned restaurants. In my opinion, the town also hosts some of the best festivals in the state, like the Mount Dora Arts Festival and the annual Christmas Light Festival, which transforms the entire downtown area into a sparkling, magical wonderland. Cedar Key is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway. If you're looking for a quiet, unspoiled coastal getaway, Cedar Key is a great option. In my opinion, this tiny island town on Florida's Gulf Coast is like a smaller, less touristy version of Key West. Colorful stilt houses line the waterfront, many restaurants offer fresh seafood, and the sunsets are unreal. There isn't much in the way of nightlife or attractions, but in my opinion, that's part of the charm. It is a place to relax, kayak through mangroves, and soak in the simple beauty of Florida's Nature Coast. Alys Beach feels like a Mediterranean destination. Alys Beach feels like a slice of the Mediterranean on Florida's Gulf Coast. With its unique white architecture and upscale luxury vibes, this coastal town looks like it belongs in Europe instead of Florida. Located on scenic County Road 30A on Florida's panhandle, Alys Beach known for its upscale boutiques, great restaurants, and an exclusive, peaceful atmosphere. I recommend strolling through the town and grabbing dinner at George's. Afterward, head to the top deck for a drink with beautiful views. Seaside is a stunning beach town on the panhandle. Seaside offers a nostalgic, small-town feel filled with charm and beautiful beaches. Famous for being the filming location for "The Truman Show," Seaside is a picture-perfect beach town along the Florida panhandle. With its pastel-colored homes, white picket fences, and town center filled with food trucks and local shops, it's a great spot for a getaway. Tarpon Springs is full of Greek culture. Known for its Greek culture and sponge-diving industry, Tarpon Springs is an experience unlike any other in Florida. Located just north of Clearwater, this town is a must-visit for foodies. Enjoy authentic Greek food along the sponge docks, learn about the town's history, and explore unique shops selling natural sea sponges and Mediterranean imports. I recommend taking a boat tour to see the sponge divers in action. Fernandina Beach has so much to offer. Located on Amelia Island in Northeast Florida, Fernandina Beach is a small town with a blend of history, beautiful beaches, and a lively downtown area. It's also known as the birthplace of the modern shrimping industry, so the seafood here always tastes fresh. The town's historic district features 19th-century architecture, charming little stores, and great restaurants.