See you at the Sea View Pier

Whether you are a stubborn old-timer who calls still calls it "Salty's" or you are so young you have only ever known it by it's current name, Sea View Pier in North Topsail Beach is gearing up for another busy summer on the island.

Located at 124 Fishing Pier Lane, the family oriented establishment is ready for an increase in fishermen and walkers strolling up and down the nearly 1000-foot pier.

Known by many as "that place with the big guitar on the wall outside," there is a bottom floor pier house store, which is soon going to expand to full-time hours. Fishing fees are available in the form of a season's pass, which runs $190 for an individual and $300 for couples. King fishing runs $300 a person per season or $25 per day. A single day of individual fishing runs just eight dollars.

One floor above the store is the Sea View Grill. Aside from also selling fishing passes there; the grill prides itself on serving three meals a day. When the Advertiser visited the grill for lunch last week, we were met by "The Amys" - Amy Cale and Amy Conner who were taking care of the meals that day.

"We serve breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m., but we might start serving it all day if there's enough demand," said Conner.

Conner just moved to North Topsail Beach a few months ago after living many years in West Virginia, and has taken a liking to the area.

"I grew up around the cold weather, the ice and the snow. So it didn't take much to get me to move here. I knew I was going to like it. I miss my Gammy, who practically raised me, but other than that, I'm right here at home. With the beach right there under the pier, I imagine we'll have some company here soon," joked Conner.

The pier boasts that it has the best hamburger on the island. It also has selections of traditional Southern beach food, like hushpuppies, slaw, omelets, barbecue hot dogs and onion rings. They also take special care to make sure the staff knows what they are doing in the kitchen.

"We batter all of our own food here. We are really getting the hang of our hushpuppies," said Cale.

Cale, who is also a new mother and a military wife, has been living in the area for three years, and is also anticipating her first summer working at the pier.

"They tell us that pretty soon, we're going to have two lines of customers out the door," said an excited Cale.

Although, they were the only ones working on this slower day, the Amys wanted to make sure that people knew that there will be more staff available to help them when the season gets busier. Aside from owner Greg Ludlum, there are also grill employees Janie and Esther working under Grill Manager Lisa Poe.

Although, there is officially no alcohol allowed on the pier; the grill is stocked with tap beer and chilled wine.

There is also an official "no dogs" policy for the pier. But rumor has it that there might be some flexibility on this issue. Calling ahead and asking about an exception for a specific dog might not be a bad idea.

Unlike most piers houses, the walls inside the Sea View are covered in art. Wood burnings created by local artist Janie Mumpower are there to be enjoyed and there to be sold.

The pier currently stays open until 6 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. In two weeks, the pier goes to a 10 p.m. schedule. The schedule is always available for change.

As Conner reminds everyone, "When spot season picks up, we're gonna live here."