We're planning to go back to MB and would like to explore more beach areas and eateries. We loved the feel of Huntington Beach State Park - what other beaches would you recommend? We also loved the feel/food of Murrell's Inlet. Could you recommend other areas up or down the coast? Other small towns or local festivals to experience?

When?

If you aren't staying at a place on the beach you may be limited to public access areas. The food in Murrell's Inlet and Pawley's doesn't get any better. Huntington Beach is certainly the prime place for shelling according to DD--and is limited by at least having to have a pass. Georgetown doesn't have a beach, but has good food and shopping--and if you have kids, a pirate ship voyage!

I'm a Pawleys guy but thought I meght mention Calabash and Shallote NC. Just across the border in NC. Used to have great food. No beaches but great food and interesting towns.

http://ncbrunswick.com/

We're planning on either May or sometime in the Fall. We've heard a few comments about Litchfield or Pawley's beaches - are they similar to Huntington? We will be staying in MB on the waterway/condo, so we will drive to explore/do daytrips. We're planning on just relaxing at a beach/seeing historical areas/try new foods/small-town shopping. We have driven the road from Charleston to MB, so are a little familiar with some areas - would Wilmington be do-able for a long daytrip?

Wouldn't even be a long day trip to Wilmington--an hour. Huntington is a state park so it limits access to those that pay to get in. It is definitely less crowded. As I said above, you won't be able to get into Litchfield (at least Litchfield by the Sea--not sure about North Litchfield) unless you are staying there. Pawley's Island beaches would be limited to public access but would be fun and nice.

To add on, and be specific, if you go to Pawley's, turn to the right and go to the end of the road for the large public beach there.