Social Sips

Just off Topsail Island near the sea turtle hospital and the ever-popular Salty Turtle Beer Company, a bright and breezy oasis has emerged – one that’s shaking up more than just daiquiris. Surf City Social, the town’s first frozen daiquiri lounge, is the brainchild of MISTY LaPOINTE, a woman whose heart beats for small business, community, and a frozen cocktail.  

“I grew up working in a family business that my grandparents started,” LaPointe says. “As a young girl, I learned early on the heart of a small business – how much work goes into it, how your customers really become family, and how it connects community.”

That early exposure to entrepreneurship never left her. After a successful fourteen-year career in retail and corporate training, LaPointe stepped back to focus on family life as part of an active-duty military household. But the dream of owning a business never faded. “My husband and I always knew we wanted to open something of our own,” she says.

That “something” became Surf City Social, which opened in July under the umbrella of Sea Mist and Grace, a name that holds deep personal meaning. “I kept thinking, ‘What two things do I need in my life that keep me refreshed?’” Lapointe explains. “Number one, that’s living by the beach – I need that saltwater on my face. And then I need a whole lot of grace in my life. Sea Mist and Grace just felt right.” 

The name also serendipitously includes both her name and her daughter’s; a sign LaPointe took as confirmation that she was on the right path.  

Surf City Social is more than a daiquiri bar – it’s a community hub. “I wanted a spot where people could come together, have fun, and meet new people,” LaPointe says. “We’re a tourist town, but we didn’t have many places where locals and visitors could really connect.”

The lounge offers a rotating menu of frozen daiquiris, with mango and classic strawberry topping the popularity charts. LaPointe’s personal favorite? “Definitely the strawberry lemonade mix,” she says with a smile.

But it’s not just about the drinks. Surf City Social hosts private events – everything from bridal showers to corporate gatherings – and offers public workshops such as candle making, pottery, and painting. “Thursdays through Saturdays, we usually host at least one two-hour fun class,” LaPointe says. “We try to bring a variety so it’s not the same every week.” 

The space is designed with intention, reflecting LaPointe’s background in design and merchandising. “Pink is my favorite color,” she says. “I wanted it to be light, fresh, and bright – a little fun spot where you feel good the moment you walk in.”  

Attached to Surf City Social is Sea Mist and Grace’s boutique and tanning spa, which offers hydro massage and red-light therapy in addition to traditional tanning. “We didn’t have a spot to tan in town,” LaPointe says. “My friends and I were driving to Hampstead and Wilmington. I knew it was something the community needed.” 

The boutique features locally sourced items, from High Tide Candle Company’s hand-poured candles to jewelry, hats, and T-shirts. “I love supporting local,” LaPointe says. “That’s always been important to me.”   

Even the food options reflect that ethos. While Surf City Social offers popcorn and chocolates from local vendors, guests are encouraged to bring in food or order from nearby restaurants via QR codes. “You can grab a daiquiri and tap a QR to order from Smash Burgers, Margherita Pizza Co., Gigi Marie’s, or the Peak Taphouse,” LaPointe says.  

As Surf City Social heads into its first full beach season, LaPointe is buzzing with excitement. “We missed the bulk of last summer, so this is our first real season,” she says. “We’ve got a fill-your-own option so people can take their daiquiris to the beach. I think people are going to love it.” 

Looking ahead, LaPointe dreams of expanding – maybe even going mobile. “That depends on town ordinances, but I’d love to have a daiquiri cart right on the beach,” she says. 

For LaPointe, success isn’t just about sales – it’s about soul. “I want every person to leave feeling better than when they came in,” she says. “We’ve got crazy traffic and crazy lives. Whether it’s tanning, … shopping, or sipping a daiquiri, I want people to come in, breathe a little easier, and leave with a smile.”

To view more of photographer Daria Amato’s work, go to dariaphoto.com

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.