Coastal Plains Raceway

 

Coastal Plains Raceway

Jacksonville NC 28540

An NHRA Sanctioned 1/8 and 1/4 mile asphalt dragway, this raceway also features a 4/10th mile paved Tri Oval Raceway that brings the excitement of NASCAR-sanctioned racing to the heart of Coastal Carolina. The NASCAR Weekly Racing Series showcases local and regional stars.

Barnes and Noble and Jacksonville Mall

Jacksonville Mall

308 Jacksonville Mall
Jacksonville, NC 28546
910-577-0120

Store Hours
Sun 9:00AM-9:00PM | Mon-Thu 9:00AM-10:00PM | Fri-Sat 9:00AM-11:00PM

 

Don't forget that we do have Barnes and Noble conveniently located in the Jacksonville mall here in Jacksonville, if you get bored and want something to do go browse through some books and find a cup of great coffee and relax, or go shopping at the mall!

More USO Events Coming Up!

September 1, 2012 - Pooch Parade - Jacksonville Center

Come out with your pooches and walk to raise money for the USO of North Carolina Jacksonville Center. Flier to come!

 

September 15, 2012 - Tunnel to the Towers 5K Run - Jacksonville Center

Our Second Annual Tunnel to the Towers run will be held on September 15, 2012.  The proceeds of the event will go to the USO-NC Jacksonville Center and Stephen Siller Foundation.

 

October 18-20, 2012 - Haunted Downtown Ghostwalk - Jacksonville Center

Come out and see the oldest continuously serving USO be transformed into a Haunted House from October 25-27 from 7-11pm. Cafe specials will be available all three nights. On Saturday bring out your hand made jack-o-lanterns and scarecrows to be judged between 5:30pm-7:30pm. For more information call 910-455-3411 or go to www.haunteddowntownghostwalk.com.

November 22, 2012 - Thanksgiving Feast - Jacksonville Center

Come out and enjoy a delicious homecooked Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings at the USO of North Carolina Jacksonville from 10:30 AM-5PM. For more information call 910-455-3411.

Fashion Show at the USO

August 11, 2012 - Fashion Show - Jacksonville Center

Is your fashionista side looking for something new and fun to do in Jacksonville? Come out to the USO of NC Jacksonville Center on August 11, 2012 where we will host a fashion show! Clothing for women and men will be showcased with a special edition of back to school clothes for kids. Tickets will be on sale soon and will be $12 adults and $6 for children ages 2-10 years old. Tickets will include lunch. Support the Troops in style! 

If you or your children are interested in being a model please contact Marisa Reeder at 910-455-3411 

National Night Out

August 7, 2012 - National Night Out - Jacksonville Center 

Come on out for a night of family fun at The River Walk Park in Downtown Jacksonville. The event is a cooperative effort between the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Police Department. The event will feature childrens' activities and educational displays for the adults. There will also be live on-stage entertainment and a gala fireworks display to cap off the evening.

USO Of Jacksonville North Carolina Event

USO-NC Jacksonville is partnering with the Kangaroo Express July 21st in Morehead City from 10am-4pm for their "Roo Carnival" to kickoff their "Salute Our Troops" campaign. The carnival will be held outside and will include kid's activities, food & drink, and lots of fun! Last year Kangaroo Express stores raised $2.5 million to support military-related charities including The USO, Wounded Warrior Project, N.C. National Guard Soldiers and Airment Assistance Fund. The campaign will begin June 27th and go through September 4th, during which time the stores will collect donations, host events, and highlight community support of nearby military and veteran populations.

Kangaroo Express stores are run by The Pantry, Inc. a Cary-based company with more than 1,600 stores across 13 states. This years donations will benefit the USO, Wounded Warrior Project, and National Guard funds in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and the U.S. Veterans Corps. "Salute the Troops" was an overwhelming success last year thanks to the passion and commitment of the Kangaroo Express employees who brought the campaign to life, rallying communities and the customers they serve to support our military and their families. Their hope is to continue that excellence, building on their legacy of commitment and gratitude for the sacrifices requred to protect our nation and preserve our freedom. For more information please visit Salute Our Troops. It's time to get your ROO on!

Equine Country

This 200 acre property features a lighted horse arena, a party barn, an expansive stable, a general store and tackle shop, horses for rent, carriage rides, trail rides, and riding lessons, hunt seat or Western style.

For further information:
Telephone: (910) 347-4511

Topsail Beach

Situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina, the Town of Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center.  The Island is just off US Highway 17, about half-way between Wilmington and Jacksonville. 

Topsail Island has a rich and varied history. Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated during the 1700’s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters.

Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.

Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Local farmers are said to have driven their livestock

An observation tower from Operation Bumblebee

across the waterways to graze on wild grass. Treasure hunters searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.

During the war, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront.

Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. Many of the original military structures are still standing.

Incorporated in 1963, the Town of Topsail Beach boasts a friendly, family oriented style of beach living. High rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged, and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. There are over 1200 homes, but only about 500 year-round residents. The seasonal

influx of tourists increases the population to about 7,000, which helps sustain the town's motels, restaurants, gift shops, fishing pier and other businesses. The only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, is located on the sound near Town Hall. The arsenal (Assembly) building from Operation Bumblebee now houses the Missiles and More Museum as well as a meeting room that is available for rental.

All this and more truly make Topsail Beach a wonderful place for a visit or a lifetime!

Polka Fireworks Dinner and Dance

Polka Fireworks Dinner and Dance at SywanykS, Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6 to 9 PM

July 20, 2012

Location: Sywanyks 222 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville NC
Time: 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM
Contact: Eddie Kubica
Phone: (910) 382-3840

Polka Fireworks Dinner and Dance at SywanykS, 222 Henderson Drive, Jacksonville, NC Friday, July 20, 2012 from 6 till 9 PM.
Join in the fun...dinner and dance for only $12.00 a person. Includes all homemade Polish Food, Stuffed Cabbage, Kielbasa and Pierogi. Dinner is 6 PM followed by live Polka Music and Dancing from 7 till 9 PM. Call Eddie for more information (910) 382-3840.

Ricochet - Performing Onslow County Fair Grounds

August 19, 2012

Location: Onsow County Fairgrounds
Time: 2:00 PM
Contact: Pat Walker
Phone: 910-545-9333

Country Music Artist "Ricochet" Performing Live @ Onslow County Fairgrounds. This event will mark the end of the Second Annual Vietnam Veterans Memorial Motorcycle Rally which will be open to the public. Tickets will be on sale starting July 1, 2012 for $20.00 per person, 12 & under are FREE and all Bikers & Riders participating in the Motorcycle Run on Saturday, August 18, 2012 will get in FREE.

Onslow County Museum

Onslow is one of North Carolinas oldest counties and its past reflects a rich and varied history. 

Created in 1734, it was named for the Honorable Arthur Onslow, who served for many years as Speaker of the British House of Commons. It goes without saying then that Onslow is rich in history, from its beautiful historic districts in Swansboro, Richlands, and Jacksonville, to the oldest USO in the world.
Jacksonville for example, is in the middle of a renovation of its downtown sector, converting aging historic buildings into beautiful examples of North Carolina heritage, inviting commerce and tourism to the downtown area. The Onslow County Museum is an informative start in your historic tour of Onslow, highlighting American, Native-American and prehistoric artifacts from the county. From there you might visit some of our historic structures such as the Pelletier House and Wantland Spring on the edge of the New River in Jacksonville. Said to be Jacksonvilles oldest surviving structure, the 1850s home of Rufus Pelletier is built in the Greek revival style and is owned by the Onslow County Historical Society. Another notable historic building is the Jacksonville United Service Organization on Tallman Street. Opened in 1942 in accompaniment to Camp Lejeune and supporting bases, the USO is the oldest continuously operating USO in the country. Tours of the facility are free of charge and open to the public, and when given advance notice, a speaker can be provided for larger groups.
Historic Swansboro and Richlands are quaint districts alive with history, Swansboro being listed on the National Register of Historic Place and Richlands offering a walking tour of the downtown area. For a journey into the Carolina past, or for more information on any of the historic sited listed above, call Onslow County Tourism at (800) 932-2144.