Huge 450 Pound Fish Washes Up On North Carolina Beach

When my dad shared this story with me I was a little confused why a 450-pound fish made him think of me. But he told me to keep reading and then it made sense. The 430-pound fish washed up on Topsail Island of the North Carolina coast. And this is a place I visit frequently. But even without the Topsail connection, it's still an incredible story. The deceased fish washed up on North Topsail Beach. It's an ocean sunfish that weighed 453 pounds and measured six feet long from nose to tail and eight feet from the bottom to the top of the fin according to ABC 11.

I'm glad I wasn't floating in the canal when this 450-pound fish swam past!

One of my favorite places to visit this time of year is Topsail Island. I'm lucky enough to have a free place to stay so I make the trip a few times a year these days. That combined with the fact that my friend who I often visit is involved in the local music scene. Following her around to shows has given me a chance to try many restaurants and bars in the Topsail Island area. I just got back from a quick weekend trip out there. So I wanted to share some of my favorite restaurants and eats on Topsail Island. One is just off the island but a new place I tried that I had to shout out!

The line may be long but I promise it's worth it! My absolute favorite is just the unlimited chips and salsa. And it will only cost you $3. The salsa is some of the best I've ever tasted. Grab a beer and enjoy. And you can't go wrong with the meals either. During this visit I opted for a bowl. The special taco was Mahi Mahi and it looked incredible!

This was my first visit to Oval & Ale which is located a few minutes off the island in nearby Hampstead. Their pizza features made from scratch pinsa dough for the crust. I tried both the Caprese margarita pizza and the prosciutto and arugula. Both I would highly recommend. You can dine inside or outside with patio games, an outdoor bar, and live music.  I'll definitely add this to my agenda for the next trip! 

This is one of the best all-around dining experiences I've had in Topsail. I love any sort of waterfront dining and that's exactly what this is. I've had the pleasure of dining on their second-story patio which provides a gorgeous backdrop for a delightful meal.

No beach trip is complete without some ice cream! Througout my years going to Topsail I've tried many. Surf City Scoop, located in Topsail Beach on the south end of the island is my new favorite!

While it's more for the drinks, I do love getting a glass of wine and sitting on their huge patio. The charcuterie plates and huge and the panini's a great lunch. Paired with a wonderful wine and beer selection, it's the perfect spot to relax!