(Restaurant at far north end of Wrightsville -- great hush puppies and crab cakes, lovely views and a nice deck in good weather)

Depending on how much you want to spend, I can't think of a better place to stop that the Sanderling Inn in Duck on the Outer Banks. It is right on the beach, no other hotels nearby (just houses) and it has wonderful restaurants.

I have not been to the Sanderling and my information may be 'way out of date but on AOL boards a while ago, the Sanderling was described as getting shabby while still being expensive. It may have been renovated by now but you might want to post a question on TripAdvisor.com

I may be in the monority here but I am not a big fan of Topsail. I live north of there and I avoid it at all costs! However, the Outer Banks are a little more crowded but you will be hard pressed to find a resort atmosphere. Most little towns on the NC coast have house rentals, there aren't many resorts (as that seems to be what you are looking for.) Sorry, I'm not much help but I'll keep thinking...

As a previous poster suggested, if you go to SC, there is Litchfield, Wild Dunes, and Kiawah. Those are resorts.

Julie, please rethink the hotel room and reconsider the condo idea.

Most condo complexes are run like resorts: front desk check-in, bellman, valet parking, daily maid service, room service, multiple pools, include linens, beach chairs etc., but have the convenience of full kitchens, living rooms, balconys, and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms if needed.

The price of a condo is similar to that of a hotel but the money you save in meals makes them the better deal. You don't have to eat out every meal which adds up quickly.

At the very least, the kitchen will allow you to pack your cooler for lunch so you don't have to get off the beach to go find food.

Pretty sure the Sunspree where she booked is much like you describe.

Any more Topsail Tips? This July I'll have my fifth vacation there and it is my idea of the perfect getaway. Very quiet compared to a lot of other Atlantic coast beaches I've been to. I appreciate the lack of floodlights (for the protection of the nesting turtles.)

I wouldn't want the peace and quiet to go away and be replaced by a "scene," but it's good to know about any new places to eat - I read Shane's comment about the new restaurants and look forward to checking them out. Info welcome.

My son worked at the Holiday Inn Sunspree in Wrightsville Beach and I've stayed there; I can attest that it is a very, very nice place. Please be aware of the speed limit on Lumina Dr. in Wrightsville Beach (the main drag). We've found it to be very well-monitored by the local police and they don't hesitate to hand out tickets for speeding.
We enjoyed the Blue Water restaurant (I think that's the name) in Wrightsville Beach.
lots of places to eat in Wilmington; it's very crowded in the summer.

SugarPlum, the Ward Realty web site has announced the selling of the Soundside building for $ 3,000,000. If the nedw owners plan to open a restaurant, I feel sure that it will have to wait a while. Soundside was a very successful restaurant for two decades but I believe the owners suffered from burn-out, a common ailment of people in the restaurant business.

GoTravel, just a side comment: for families with younger children, a condo is much the more convenient, inexpensive route, because you can do Cheerios and PB&J's in your own kitchen. But for a true vacation for the person who makes the PB&J's and cleans up the Cheerios, a motel is the thing! ;-)

Shane, my Sneads Ferry friends have good things to say about the Atlantis, which has opened in the space at the top of the St. Regis. However, I think that restaurants will always struggle there because the location is so far north.

They also like the Green Turtle (second location) that has opened at the Villa Capriani.

We're going back in July for a week - can't wait!

I'll be at the Casablanca (actually it is colored yellow) in Surf City with my family the week of July 4. Really looking forward to a week of recharging and relaxation.

Julie - You MUST eat at the Oceanic - yes, yes, it's a little expensive, but we have discovered every year we go there - it's well worth it! Someone mentioned Blue Water Restaurant - Very good as well.

I'm normally a Wrightsville guy, but am hitting Topsail this year; great atmosphere...

The best place to stay to me would be Angel by The Sea. It is ocean front and a great bargain. Very Simple and clean and the best view of the ocean.
Favorite restaurant is the Green Turtle when they have live entertainment. It is on the waterfront and you can dine outdoors. The rental is also on a quieter area of the island
in Surf City that has nicer beaches with softer sands. Barbecue is big in NC and country ham.