wanderluster

lovestogo (and all)
Still looking for condos in both places.
There a few available in Carolina Beach
but we really prefer Wrightsville also.

To the OP(if still around)-would be interested in knowing what you found.

Also, regarding Carolina Beach, is it to Wrightsville as N.Myrtle Beach is to Myrtle Beach, as an extention of it?

wanderluster

topping for any other ideas, please?

voiceofreason

As far as activities at Wrightsville Beach for kids, there is no boardwalk or mini-golf type atmosphere if that is what you are looking for. It is mostly homes, rentals and some local restaurants. If you want activities for the kids you would have to drive into Wilmington for that (Jungle Rapids.

Carolina Beach is not an extension of Wrightsville Beach. Carolina Beach is at least a good 30 minutes from Wrightsville Beach. Carolina Beach has gone through some big changes over the last couple of years. It used to be not so desireable. Definitely not a Hilton Head or a Myrtle Beach though.

Shell Island has always been a disaster. It was closed for a long time after the hurricanes in 96. That whole side I was told was man made and used to be covered entirely by water. Just a matter of time until it falls in.

wanderluster

Dear voiceofreason, thank you very much for your informative reply.

I've found a couple condos with availabilty in Carolina Beach, but I too have read it's lost some of its appeal. I have also been concerned the condos are too far from the *boardwalk* type area for after dinner activities.

So of the two, it still sounds like Carolina Beach is better for teens?

Are you (or is anyone) familiar with Carolina Beach's Pelican Watch? (It has an indoor pool) Anyone know of an on line map showing the properties(I've been searching for days!)

Thanks much for your help.

voiceofreason

If you stay in Carolina Beach you will have closer access to the Aquarium and Fort Fisher. You could even take the ferry over to Southport.

Have you been over to Tripadvisor.com? Check out the Carolina Beach board over there. You might be able to get the info you are looking for. Good Luck!

wanderluster

Hi voiceofreason,
There are some condos available in Carolina Beach, but I've been reading lots on tripadvisor forums that it's not what it used to be. Since we've never been, I'm not quite sure what *that* is. We just want a place at the beach where we can all relax, enjoy the sun (hopefully!) surf, a few good restaurants and a little amusement type stuff would be nice(putt putt, arcade, boardwalk type stuff).

Forums on trip advisor say Carolina Beach is greatly lacking now, that it's *day* is long gone. Some even describe it as *scary*! ???

Can anyone please give an updated opinion? The Courtyard there is full, The Holiday Sunspree in Wrightsville is full, too.

Please, can anyone advise? Go with the Caroline Beach condos (cheaper) or Blockade Runner?

Thank you once again for your kindness and help.
Due to family situations, this is a terribly last minute trip, but we all really need it ---

downunder05

Wanderluster-- you might want to keep checking availability for the Sunspree. If you go to their property website, they do release more rooms as people cancel their reservations. We just found a room that was previously unavailable for the week of July 5. Good luck!

wanderluster

Thanks downunder, will continue trying.

At this point though, we're thinking Carolina Beach Condo, for both financial and space purposes.

Still open to feedback from anyone.
Thank you.

lovestogo

Do you have to go to one of these 2 beaches? If not, you should consider Surfside Beach or Garden City Beach SC. These are both family beaches south of Myrtle. Close enough to MB to take advantage of all the activities, but not as crowded.

voiceofreason

wanderluster,

Sorry I didn't respond sooner, I had family in town.

I agree, it sounds more what you are looking for is in the Myrtle Beach area. Wrightsville and Carolina Beach just don't have the amusements you are trying to find. Carolina Beach did have a small amusement park at one time but it was torn down. The closest thing to Wrightsville Beach is a place called Jungle Rapids (junglerapids.com), they have a waterpark, arcade, go carts etc. It would probably be a 15-20 minute ride from Wrightsville.

If you must decide between the two though, personally I would keep trying to find something in Wrightsville Beach. Carolina Beach has never appealed to me, but that is just my opinion.

d1footballmom

I just tried Station One Condos for a last minute trip, no luck. I had to take Blockade Runner. I'm headed there next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

TrvlMaven

I just returned from a week at Carolina Beach. There is an arcade at the "boardwalk" (two streets), a small putt-putt course, movie theatre (we saw Pirates for $5 matinee, two days after opening); kayaks, ski-doos, fishing, sailing charters, aquarium, Fort Fisher, ferry to Southport. There's a lot to do--rent bikes/boogie boards. Nice restos, lots of teens around the pier area. Courtyard and Atlantic Towers are both close to pier area.

wanderluster

Thanks voice of reason and others who replied:
We couldn't find anythng in Wrightsville or Carolina Beach so ended up in N. Topsail. It was a nice long weekend, and a mini trip report is under the heading Topsail, Nc.
Thanks again for your help.

jspence

The Hilton on the river (Wilmington) is really nice. You want a room on the river side...walking distance to shops and restaurants and a 15 min drive to beach.

I recently stayed there and found it quite nice.