southport or wilmington for one night
 

my husband and i will be outside of myrtle beach for one night----which town would be more interesting to spend a night? we like to walk, see the sights, bike, be near water--which has more characters---good, cozy restaurants? And any suggestions for lodging?

i only forgot one thing---the towns-----wilmington or southport unless there is another more interesting and not too far from MB -- as we have to fly out the following afternoon

Go to Charleston, SC. Definitely more interesting than Wilmington and Southport combined and it is an easy drive.

What part of MB? Hop on SC 31 and head south.

Where are you flying out of ? For the things you mention, I'd likely also make the trek to Charleston.

Sigh ... here it is, again with the "not Wilmington; go to Charleston" response.... a poster asks specifically about Wilmington, and some responders immediately say no, you want Charleston.

Well, okay, I might go along with you in this case: Charleston is larger and has much more to see, and in this case, it's only 1/2 hr. more driving time.

But if you've already seen Charleston, cathee, and still want comments on Wilmington vs. Southport, here's the deal:

Wilmington is, to begin with, a little easier to access (you get to Southport via a 2-lane, winding road for at least 1/2 hr. or more from the interstate). But mainly, it's much larger, has more to offer re: shops, cafes, antique stores, other sights, esp. down along the riverfront. There are some B&Bs in that area of the town (try Tripadvisor's B&B finder for your date) as well as the usual motels on the outskirts. Otherwise,it has some historical sections w/old houses, a battleship to tour, and it's right next to Wrightsville Beach (which you may not be interested in if you've been in Myrtle Beach all along - but it's there).

Southport is a very small, somewhat quaint and sleepy little town - nice enough, and it does have some good little shops, etc. too. There's a riverfront park of sorts, but it's the sort of place people tend to pop into for a morning browzing plus lunch. If you are staying on a beach nearby or Bald Head Island, it's good for rainy-day excursions, etc., but you have to be a dedicated small-town lover to make it a destination.

Re: biking, however - I do not know which location offers more in the way of bike-exploring. Anyone else?

Sigh...my mistake, I thought the poster was asking for suggestions in addition to Southport or Wilmington.


Sigh...

Between Wilmington and Southport, I'd choose Wilmington if staying overnight and stay downtown. The trip between downtown and the beach is rather unattractive and usually heavily congested.

Which is why I asked to clarify where she was flying out of ? That could make a huge difference in where I would ultimately suggest. If she is flying out of MB, then I'd go to Charleston. Between the two she mentioned, I prefer Southport, we rarely go up to Wilmington these days. HKP, which would you go to (all things being equal) of the 3 ? Please be honest.

Honestly? I'm less crazy about Charleston than many people are (on the Charleston-Savannah choice, I come down on the pro-Savannah side) although I think it's a good destination for most tourist reasons. And I'm probably a little more fond of Wilmington than average people would be - it takes a little more work to mine its attractions. If I actually had a beach rental for a week or more, I'd probably prefer to be closer to Southport, just because it's not so bustling. It's all in what you want.

But if you pay my way, I'll go anywhere!

BTW - I missed the flying-out-of part in the follow-up post. No question you can get more places from Charleston than Wilmington, but it's not really clear whether they're already booked in and out of MB or where or what.....

Even the portion of MB would effect my answer...

we are visiting St James Plantation for 2 nights--flying in and out of myrtle beach---since we're already on the coast, we want to turn it in to a 5 day getaway. We could drive back and forth to Charleston. I had actually thought of that, but not sure about the drive. What kind of drive is it? INterstate? We are also thinking about booking something on the beach for a couple of nights. If we do that (instead of the driving to Charleston) which area beach is nicest---has accomodations, restaurants, etc.? Thanks for all of the suggestions.

Depending on when you are traveling & where, booking on the beach may be difficult. After Mem. Day many places will require a week long stay, particularly those right on the Beach. Since the fires a few weeks ago in MB, I would hesitate to make any suggestions.

The fires in Myrtle Beach did not effect any accommodations anywhere including the accommodations at Barefoot which is where all 70 houses were destroyed.

Charleston is a mostly highway drive (17 South to Little River then SC 31 south to 701 South to 17 South) and it is a nice drive. It should take two hours.

However Wilmington might be a little more convenient for this trip but Charleston is definitely worth the drive.

Charleston isn't on everyone's top ten places to visit just because they have a good PR machine. If you've never been definitely go.

FWIW, it will take you an hour to get to St.James Plantation from the airport.

Downtown Charleston is about an hour and twenty minutes from the airport.

That's good to know GoT. How is that 'aftermath' going ?

I would still go to Charleston.
GT, which airport is an hour and twenty minutes from downtown Charleston? I am positive that MB is further than that, and don't think the Charleston airport is that far? Just curious.

Havee now googled and see that they will essentially be at Southport. Wilmington would certainly be a nice and close drive.

If we do stay in the Wilmington area---it looks like on the map that there are several beach areas on the coast--which one would be a good choice for a couple of nights?

Wilmington's very old and historic beach is Wrightsville.