Welcome suggestions for a beach vacation.
 

My husband and I would like to spend a few days in July on the beach. We are thinking of North Carolina to minimize the drive. We are not interested in a lot of activity or nightlife. Our main purpose is to enjoy the beach, and some quiet time. It would be nice if we could have accomodations with a small kitchenette, if possible. I would appreciate any suggestions of places away from the mega resort areas. Thanks.

Sherry, <BR> <BR>You may want to consider the outer banks--specifically Duck or Corolla, and more specifically, I've heard the Sanderling Inn is very relaxing. If you're approaching from the North the area can be fairly easily accessed from the Virginia Beach area. This northern part of the outer banks is less crowded & more isolated than the more famous areas such as Nags Head; however, the rest of the outer banks are a fairly easy drive (and/or ferry ride), with great lighthouses along the way. <BR> <BR>Further South, you might consider Topsail Beach or check into renting a house on Sunset Beach. Sunset Beach is South of Wilmington near the NC/SC border. Sunset is an island with nearly no hotels or commerce--very peaceful, and although it's only about 20 minutes away from North Myrtle Beach, you'd never know it. <BR> <BR>The above choices are designed to keep you away from the "mega resorts." <BR> <BR>Have fun!

Hi Sherry, <BR> <BR>I would suggest the Outer Banks near Cape Hatteras or Ocracoke Island. You can only get to Ocracoke by ferry, so there isn't as much development there. <BR> <BR>I don't know of rental properties, but there has been several discussions on it here, so a search (if it works) should bring up information.

Sunset Beach, NC, mentioned above, is just the ticket. Their main rental company is 910-579-9900. They offer apts. and small condos, and since the island is only a few hundred yards wide, it's an easy walk to the beach from anyplace. Be aware that on the hour, they close the bridge to allow small boats to pass ... takes 15-20 minutes. There is zero nightlife ... unless you're a teenager and into Myrtle Beach, SC, about 20 minutes south. Closest town is Calabash, with some places to eat. There is also a Food Lion (with wine) about 5 minutes away. This is not a food mecca, but you can get fresh produce at Holden Bros. on Hwy. 17, if you wish to cook. We spend a week there each summer, and the beach is nice. You have to take your own party. Have fun.

Thanks everyone. I knew I could count on someone on the Forum. I am going to do a search about these areas. Sounds just like what we are looking for. I usually do not put off vacation things this late. Also, we have never been to the beach areas in N. Carolina, but have heard good things. Thanks so much. I appreciate it.

Ocean Isle is another good choice down near the border of South Carolina. I think it's mainly houses, but sounds a lot like what you're looking for.

Brian in Atlanta: <BR> <BR>I thought of Ocean Isle too (and have stayed there at a neat little hotel whose name I have forgotten), but did not mention it in my post above due to what I've heard about some serious beach erosion problems from the last several hurricanes. Can you shed any light on that? Have you been there recently? I remember some great times spent with the sea turtle rescue people at night watching hatchlings make their way from nests in the dunes to the water.

Sherry, Sunset Beach, NC is in excellent shape ... no hurricane damage at all from Floyd or more recent storms. I know there was severe damage at some of the other beaches. SS Beach has also recently completed construction of new condos, some with 2-bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, some smaller, and all within two blocks of the beach. But I would not wait too long to lease one ... this is a popular place, but private and quiet too. If you go, hope you'll enjoy, and after your trip, please post some comments to guide others.

Chuck, unfortunately I haven't been in a few years, so I can't confirm or deny the erosion reports. <BR> <BR>But I will stop recommending it until someone can refute it. Nothing would be worse than showing up at the beach and finding it not there!

Sherry, my family has vacationed for about the last 15 years at Atlantic Beach, NC, and we love it. It is on an island with several other beach communities, Indian Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle. The beach is nice and wide, the restaurants are excellent, grocery shopping is varied and very acceptable. One of the best things we like about the area is it is close to Beaufort, NC, which is a little shipping village - only about 5 or 6 miles away. Beaufort has incredible restaurants (Beaufort Grocery Company, The Spouter, many others) and the greatest little antique shops you've ever seen if you like that. Atlantic Beach is also a leisurely drive away from one of the NC Aquariums. <BR> <BR>It is not close to Myrtle Beach - which is a plus in my estimation.

I haven't done a search of the 'net tonight myself but I remember lots of the real estate companies in that area also do a lot of rentals (in addition to, and possibly much more than, sales). We rented through a real estate agent name Margaret something and the condo we had was beautiful and the price was excellent. You can probably find lots by searching the real estate company sites. Also, although we had a full kitchen there were so many good restaurants we never had one dinner in the condo. We were near the golf club near Top Sail Beach and the building was right on the beach. I will try and find the web-site and post it if you're interested.