Lately it feels like I'm working for the weekends, and boy, do I know how to fill them up! From family events to wedding errands, having a weekend off feels like a vacation in itself. Luckily for us, Mitch and I are getting a mini-getaway trip with my family to Topsail Island this weekend.

While we had planned it over text, we happened to be talking about it later and Mitch asked, "So what's the deal with Top Sail?" I was like, what? Topsail? He said, "Yeah, Top Sail." Clearly he's not from North Carolina! For those planning a visit or just chatting about it over brunch, save yourselves from looking like an outsider and call it Top-SUL. You're welcome.

Topsail Island was historically named for the top of the sails that would alert sailors that pirates were waiting to ambush in the island's inlets. Sailors would spot the top sail, the only part of the ship visible over the dunes, and turn their ships to avoid the area, saving their precious cargo. These days, it's more of the serene, family-vacay type. Plant your chair, dig into a good book and lose a few hours to island time. The island stretches 26 miles down the coast of North Carolina and holds three towns: Topsail Beach, Surf City and North Topsail Beach.

Even though we'll only have two days away because of Mitch's late schedule, we plan to make the most of it before busy weekends come full swing. Get ready for photo overload - we're on the verge of a wedding shower, bachelor/bachelorette weekends, and more weddings to round out the latter half of summer. Here we go!

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