Browsing Boutiques and Galleries 

Most of the boutiques and galleries on the island are located in Surf City or Topsail Beach. From upscale boutiques to small galleries, there are many options to find unique handmade items inspired by the coast. However, you should be sure to check the business hours before heading out, as some businesses on the island close down during the late fall and winter months. 

The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar

This business is a new addition to the local community. With stunning local artwork adorning the walls, comfortable seating, and a great wine selection, The Locals Art Gallery and Wine Bar is already a popular spot to hang out. You`ll find a selection of talented artists from the area who are inspired by Topsail Island`s beauty. 

If you`re looking for a painting that captures the natural wonder of the coast, you`ll want to consider buying one of the pieces for sale. For visitors heading back to the mainland, opting for a beautiful painting of Topsail Island to hang in your home will be a reminder of your trip. You`ll be able to bring a little bit of coastal charm back to your home. 

The Blue Gracias

At this local shop, you`ll find an assortment of local and vintage artwork and other unique items. The Blue Gracias is beach-themed, so you`ll find plenty of options that reflect the beauty of the island. Whether you`re looking for home decor or original artwork, you`ll find a curated selection of beautiful, coastal-related pieces. 

The shop also tries to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible since it takes inspiration from the beautiful local scenery of the island. You`ll find many rustic pieces made from recycled or all-natural materials. 

Tommy J Designer Jewelry

Though this is a local jewelry store, the designers are internationally recognized for their work. If you`re looking for custom jewelry that is infused with coastal style, you`ll appreciate the large selection at Tommy J Designer Jewelry. From necklaces in the shape of a seahorse to contemporary rings with nautical hook designs, there are many styles and products available.

This shop also has products available for a range of different budgets. If you`re looking for high-end custom jewelry pieces, there are options for you. There are also more affordable options if you`re looking for the perfect piece to remember your visit. 

Seacoast Art Gallery

Located in a cute pink cottage, the Seacoast Art Gallery has a collection of artwork and handmade items for sale. It`s been a local spot to get artwork for years. Inspired by the beauty of the coast, there are a ton of items to peruse as you browse this shop. From watercolor paintings of the beach to handmade ceramics, there`s sure to be something that catches your eye.

Supporting Local Artists at Craft Fairs

If you visit Topsail Island during the summer, you`ll want to check out the Topsail Beach Craft Market. This local craft fair has been a popular weekly event for years. It`s open every Thursday starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 

Topsail Beach Craft Market

Showcasing local vendors, you can find handmade crafts and artwork at this market. The craft fair usually holds about 25 vendors, so you`ll find a varied selection of different goods and styles. Plus, it`s a great way to support local artists and small businesses during your stay on Topsail Island. Some of the handmade items you might come across while browsing the market include coastal-inspired jewelry, wind chimes, stained glass, ceramics, toys, keychains, and more.

If you`re planning on staying multiple weeks on the island, you should consider checking out the market every Thursday. There are always new products available, and you may find new vendors that weren`t at the market the previous week. 

Where Should You Stay on the Island?

There are many luxury vacation rentals on the island, so how do you know where you should stay? If you`re looking for upscale accommodations, it`s easy to find exclusive beachfront properties all over the island. Thanks to the miles of sandy beaches, there are plenty of secluded retreats available in all three towns on the island–North Topsail Beach, Surf City, and Topsail Beach.

However, finding the right luxury vacation rentals will depend on a few factors. For starters, you`ll need to consider your budget. If you`re looking for high-end amenities, like private beach access, you`ll need to consider how that will affect your budget. Typically, beachfront homes will be quite expensive. Other amenities that could affect the price of the rental include size, outdoor features (private pool, hot tub, etc.), and upscale interior furnishings. 

You should also consider the location of luxury vacation rentals. At North Topsail Beach, you`ll be far away from the art community. This side of the island is mostly residential. So you`ll have a lot of privacy for a relaxing vacation, you`ll have to go farther to explore the local arts and crafts scene on the island. Most boutiques and art galleries are located in the busier Surf City town. The craft fair is also located at the opposite end of the island in Topsail Beach. 

While there are plenty of upscale accommodations with high-end amenities in Surf City, it`s one of the busiest places on the island. If you want to be near the bars, restaurants, and shops, then you`ll like the vibe of this city. However, If you`re looking for privacy, there are more secluded retreats in Topsail Beach. At this end of the island, you`ll find laid-back and family-friendly neighborhoods while still being close to the local art scene.

Topsail Island is a coastal paradise that draws in many visitors eager to experience the beauty of the ocean and sandy beaches. Many local artisans capture the coastal beauty of the island in paintings, crafts, and other items. If you want to bring home a memorable souvenir from your trip to the island, you should consider checking out the local art scene. There are many local artists and makers who have a variety of products for sale. If you want to be close to the art scene, there are many luxury vacation rentals available in Surf City and Topsail Beach. You can check out our selection of available properties to ensure that your next vacation to Topsail Island is perfect.