Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that a new and unique business has landed in Surf City. The Picnic Haven, started by Cai Cee Murgo and LaRhea Burke, offers customizable, sunset beach picnics. You heard that right. They’re curating picnic packages in hopes of creating unique memories on the beach.
Meet the Owners
Cai Cee, a resident of Holly Ridge, moved here in 2008 from Raleigh and has a four year old son. She will celebrate seven years of marriage in November with her spouse, and relocated here to go to school at Cape Fear Community College. While earning degrees in cosmetology and medical office administration she fell in love with all the restaurants Topsail now has. “Everyone is so caring and nice. I love how the community comes together all the time and is very kind to one another. “
LaRhea is a resident of North Topsail Island and a mother of a nine year old boy, who had never been to a beach or this area before moving here in April 2018. Neither had I, so we share this in common. What she loves about Topsail is that even though it’s populated with lots of people in and out, you still feel community and closeness. She has quite a personal testimony too: she’s gone from being a voiceless victim of domestic violence to a business owner, who pieced herself back together. The people here have been a source of ongoing support, from meeting in passing to creating personal ties.
Picnic Haven is Born
The awesome duo got the idea to launch the service from an airbnb experience they had seen, and wanted to recreate it in the Surf City community. They opened not too long ago on July 2, 2021, and are so excited to be starting a new adventure and bringing something unique to the area.
“I love people. I hadn’t actually done this before, but I enjoy decorating and creating things and being led by joy and happiness,” LaRhea expressed.
Upon setting out, she shared they encountered challenges with project management, such as getting organized and focusing on needs. In addition, weather conditions and seasonal changes make their dream a challenge, but she wants people to know this business is a product of believing.
What’s Next?! Tiny Space. BIG hearts.
The ladies said this year they plan to offer sunset pop-up picnics. There will be options to add items like charcuterie board boxes!
Next year, they hope to foray into morning brunch picnics!
What are you waiting for?!
Support locals and book your own personal beach experience:
Where?
214 N. Topsail Drive, Surf City, NC, 28445
P: (919) 454-9271
Book online: thepicnichaven.com
Email: thepicnichaven.surfcity@gmail.com
Follow them on Instagram: @picnichaven.surfcity
Follow them on Facebook: The Picnic Haven
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Great article.