Looking to plan a trip for next April for myself and two couples.

We're wondering which of the barrier islands in NC/SC/Ga would be best.

We're looking for the least resort type island we can find.

Thanks for any help.

Jekyll Island, GA, is fairly lightly developed. There are several hotels, including the historic Jekyll Island Club, walking/biking trails, and the GA Sea Turtle Ctr. We stayed there a couple of years ago, and thought it had a good mix of open space and amenities.

I've never been to Sapelo Island GA, but I'm intrigued by the idea of going there someday. Most of the island is a nature reserve, and there is one town, Hog Hammock, where there are a few B&Bs. the residents are trying to preserve the Gullah culture and keep out development. http://www.gacoast.com/sapelo.html

Hunting Island State Park SC is not developed; you could try a cabin there http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/pa...park/1019.aspx
There's also a house on VRBO that says it is located in the park http://www.vrbo.com/9214

For least 'resort-like' (right up my alley, btw) Check out www.ncbrunswick.com. Oak Island is the most populated w/the most amenities, Holden Beach the least.

Pawleys Island
Sullivans Island
IOP
Fripp Island
Jekyll Island
Edisto Island

In that order are my picks.

I prefer Topsail Island, NC. However, do not expect to be able to swim in April. The water will still be a bit too cool. In April, you are still at the mercy of the occasional cold front. I have found that May is a much better and predictable time to vacation at the Carolina beaches.

If you want to splurge, try Little St. Simons Island.

http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com/

I can second GeorgeW on Topsail Island, but if you want the least resort-ish island you can find, Ocracoke comes to mind. April will likely be cool and windy, but that has it's own beauty.

Sydney
We've been to many of the barrier islands NC/SC/GA and truly enjoyed them all. The Outer Banks is probably our favorite. Nags Head and Hatteras being our favorite. It will only be around 60 in April around 65 in SC and around 68 in GA. You can check your temps at: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/w...=303513&refer=

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Now I just have to get everyone to agree to something!

If you end up in Georgia, don't miss a day trip to Cumberland Island, where you have to walk everywhere and you may very well not see anything but wild horses and deer (even on the beach!) during that walk!