Hampstead, NC, once a small fishing village alongside the Atlantic Coast Line RR, is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Many neighborhoods front the waterway, more are along the numerous creeks and even more line the area's four golf courses. The land side of the sound is officially referred to as Topsail Township and includes many small unincorporated communities and the larger community of Hampstead. There are still quaint fishing shacks on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway, though most are being replaced by much larger homes as new people move into the area. Hampstead, and in fact all of Pender County, is seeing growth and change come quickly, and farmlands once used for blueberries and tobacco are growing houses and neighborhoods as development of the area increases.
Every September, Atlantic Seafood contributes about 5,000 lbs. of fish to the yearly Spot Festival, the event of the year in the town. There is also a marina, a full-service boat yard and lots of golf courses. History is everywhere, mostly related to marauding pirates. Topsail Inlet was a frequently used entrance to Topsail Sound, a hideout for Blackbeard, Steede Bonnett and Captain Kidd.