We will be staying at the Avista which is on the north end I think in the Cherry Grove section.
Anyway, just wondering if there is a 'quick' route in or if following 501 to 22 to 17 is the best way.
Thanks!!

From 22 get on 31 (Bypass?) to skirt around the "back" of MB to 9 to 17. Takes you around the business of downtown MB.

First of all, there is no quick way to the beach from I-95.

TrvlMaven has a pretty good idea. However, If I were coming to the north end of the strand from I-95, I'd do this:

Take Hwy 74 East from I-95 just before you cross the NC/SC border. 74 is a decent 4 lane divided highway. Then take 701 South (at or near Whiteville NC) through Tabor City. Then pick up Hwy 9 East (another good 4 lane divided highway) which takes you all the way to Hwy 17 South and NMB.

Thanks to you both for the ideas.

Beach dweller: does your route work if we're coming from south on 95 (from FLA) or is it out of the way to go that far north?

Beach dweller: forgot to add--could we just take 9 from around Dillon all the way to 17?
The reason I ask is in the past when we've been to MB the traffic coming in (on 501) was really heavy so just looking for a less traveled route.
Thanks again!!

No, his way doesn't work coming from the South.
I think 501 to 22 to 31 is the best way from the south.
From I95 get off at the Rte 321 exit to get to 376/501. You are 1 1/2 hours from NMB there.