Hi there! My husband and I are in desperate need of a weekend away for fun! We have three children and just would like a little getaway w/out them for a change (never happens!) Our interests are: exploring new areas, shopping, beaches, relaxing, reading, exercising, swimming. We are in our mid thirties and live in Michigan. We thought of flying down to the Carolinas or somewhere close to there near the beach...what romantic towns come to mind???? It would be a short stay, maybe three days or so and we would rent a car. Budget friendly appreciated, not sure of the exact price range but I am always finding good deals for nice spots! I usually do Priceline for my hotels, would consider a B & B with a Pool? if the price was right. Walking distance to a town with shops would be great! We are not ones to just sit by the pool the ENTIRE day! Thanks a ton....love any suggestions you can give us!

I personally love Charleston. It has so much to do even if the weather isn't beach perfect. If you are thinking of coming down now, it is still pretty cool here certainly not ocean swimming weather, yet. Lots of information here about your hotel choices...and ohmygoodness, the restaurants.

I also like Beaufort, NC. Getting there can be a bit of a challenge, it is about a 2.5 hour drive from Raleigh, but it is lovely. The Inlet Inn would be a nice spot to stay.

Enjoy your visit to the Carolinas.

It's clear that there is a certain desperation in your message that implies you want to travel in the very near future. If that is the case, beach weather anywhere north of Jacksonville is unlikely, and is not guaranteed until you reach the Miami area. For that matter, many pools might not even be open at hotels or motels.

Away from the beach, I think of Asheville or a smaller town called Hendersonville, either of which is a pleasant destination with good choices of places to stay, including B&B's.

If you still hanker for being close to the beach, weather or no, then I would recommend something like Fernandina Beach, Charleston, or Savannah. Good luck.

Hi there! Thank you for the reply, we are thinking of coming in Early May timeframe...We have been to HH Island and loved it! Keep the ideas coming...

Great ideas, thanks a ton, I loved Asheville when I visited there about 5 years ago. Not too much desperation, just EXTREMELY tired of this LONG Michigan winter! Heading down to Florida with the kids in tow beginning of April and wanted to do something wwith just us for a long weekend. Thank you again..I will start researching these ideas and hotels/motels etc.

It is so funny....when I think of this area, all I can think about are all of the romantic scenes in my head from the many great Nicholas Sparks novels I have read!