We will be spending a few days in the OBX as a side trip on our way back to FL from Boston in Oct., after spending a couple of days in the eastern shore of MD. We are also interested in Beaufort/Morehead City and Wilmington, NC and Beaufort, SC. Is this too redundant? We are a retired couple and just want to see the sights and we prefer quiet to bustle. We have done Charleston and Savannah many times and don't need to stop there although will do St. Augustine, FL bcs we've never been. Time is not a huge issue but 10-14 days is our tentative timeframe. After MD, I was thinking of stopping in Corolla, Manteo, Ocracoke, Beaufort/Morehead City, Wilmington, Beaufort,SC. We aren't interested in Myrtle Beach. Would you suggest 1 or 2 nts in which places? Thanks so much.

Jaqueline, I see you are considering some of my favorite places for stops. In Beaufort, NC there is a small very walkable downtown with an excellent maritime museum. The waterfront is charming and very relaxing. There are some shops and several excellent restaurants. I like the Beaufort Grocery, the Spouter, and Front Street Grill. For simply prepared seafood, The Net in Beaufort or The Crab's Claw in Atlantic Beach. Go to the Blue Moon for some unique food and coffee. The Bistro by the Sea is very good, but do make reservations. They are essential.
For overnight, I recommend the Inlet Inn or the Beaufort Inn. Beaufort has a ton of very good b and b's if that is more your taste. If you want to be on the beach, I like the Windjammer on Atlantic Beach. All oceanfront, microwaves and fridges. Ask for a # 1 unit, which will give you two sides of view.
Wilmington is much more urban, but also has imminently walkable downtown and Wrightsville Beach is just wonderful in October. I like to stay on the beach at the Holiday Inn. It is very good. My favorite restaurants there are Elijah's in town, PortLand Grille at Lumina Station, the BridgeTender just as you cross over to Wrightsville. Go to the Causeway Cafe for breakfast. October is a beautiful time to see the NC coast. Lots of fishermen and retired folks down there enjoying the slower pace and fabulous weather.
Beaufort, SC is also a favorite place. I stay at a friend's house when I visit, but I can recommend the Rhett House B and B. Lots of choices, but book ahead. Beaufort is very popular for fall weddings and many of the cute b and b's will be full. I like Blackstone's for breakfast and Plum's for dinner there.
Don't miss any of these wonderful towns. They are all worth the stop.

PS St. Augustine has many lovely b and b's and I rarely find it crowded in October (I will be visiting there then myself). My favorite place to stay is the Casa Monica and my favorite restaurants are the Gypsy Cab Co, La Parisienne, and The Manatee Cafe (vegetarian, whole foods, funky)

I have not tried Stardust in Morehead City, but I have it on very good authority that it is an excellent restaurant.
714 Shepard St., Morehead City; 252-726-0080, www.stardustfinedining.com; reservations accepted)

Stellar starters include the Seared Ceviche Martini ($7.50), seared fish marinated in lime juice and spicy salsa; Fried Green Tomatoes ($9.50) with shrimp remoulade; and Grilled Quail ($9.50) with blackberry pinot noir sauce.

The day’s two fresh catches are offered as either Sauteed Fish ($21.95) with stone-ground cheese grits, a fresh vegetable ragout, braised greens with bacon, beurre blanc and green tomato chow chow; or Grilled Fish ($21.95) with herb-roasted potatoes, fresh vegetable ragout, creole tartar sauce and cucumber onion salad. Shrimp and Grits ($21.95) and Crispy Sauteed Chicken ($18.95), plus a steak and a shellfish complete the offerings.

You guys are great! Thanks so much for your input

I would suggest the Sanderling Inn in Duck NC, just south of Corolla. Stop in Manteo proper to look around the shops, but I don't think I would stay there.

Beaufort NC is very quaint with lots of historical homes and B&B's. Definitely worth a couple of nights if you include Morehead. Go across the Intracoastal Waterway to Atlantic Beach and head to the end of the island to Ft Macon State Park too.