What beach would you recommend for a couple for a week in late April? Not looking to swim, obviously, that time of year. Just want somewhere we can rent an ocean-front small cottage or condo, and be by ourselves.

You've got lots and lots of choices, but for a quiet beach that's almost all cottages, I like Ocean Isle Beach just south of Wilmington, N.C.

I would go to the outer banks. There are several small towns on Hatteras Island...Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Hatteras Village. There is plenty of solitude, but yet, there are touristy things (going to lighthouse) and restaurants within a short driving distance. If you go and want a place to eat, try Pops...it's a dive, but they had great seafood. The rental prices are very inexpensive during that time of year. Let us know what you decide or if you need further help!

Ocean Isle Beach is nice. I also especially like the beaches in the central part of Bogue Banks, on the southern NC coast. The towns at the ends of the island -- Atlantic Beach and Emerald Isle -- are too crowded and busy for what you're looking for, but some of the smaller places in between are nice and peaceful. I'm thinking in particular of Pine Knoll Shores, Salter Path, and Indian Beach. They're pretty quiet, especially at that time of year before the summer rush, but you're also a short drive across the bridge to Morehead City on the mainland in case you need to pick up anything you can't find at the small grocery stores and drug stores on the island. There are also a couple of good, small mom-and-pop seafood restaurants in those tiny towns if you're into that (plus more dining options in Atlantic Beach and Morehead City). (And don't know if you're interested at all, but there's a nice, small state-run aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores on the sound side of the island that I enjoy very much).

Thanks for the suggestions--all of them sound like just what I'm looking for. Now to make a decision.

Do any of you have web addresses for cottage/condo rentals?

For Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Salter Path, Bogue:
www.emeraldislerealty.com
www.atlanticbeachrealty.net

Try a1vactions.com They are terrific and it is a listing sight where you don't go through a real estate company but work directly with the owners of the property making it less expensive. They rent out all over US and we have used them for MArtha's Vineyard and Hawaii. Sister used them for Florida condo which worked well too!

The Litchfield/Pawley's Island area of South Carolina is very nice. Not at all touristy and loaded with low-country charm.

We enjoyed Kiawiah. Nice beach, quiet.Close enough to Charleston for day trip.