AGC

I am looking at spending a few days at one of these locations and wanted to know the pros and cons of each place. I have never been to SC or NC and don't really know where to go. I was thinking Hilton Head, SC and as for NC I have no idea. I would like to be near the beach and also like the small town tours. I have two little ones so a laid back vacation is what we need

Thanks

ventoGT

I am going to Hilton Head last week in August--my family has had a house in Sea Pines for the last 14 years. I love it, and the last week in August is great because all of the tourists have left and all of the shops are still open, weather is great, etc. Never been to a NC beach so can't vouch for that, but I love Hilton Head. Laid back, stuff to do, great food, and great weather.

My $.02

tlark

Our family just got back from NC and a few RL members live in these beach areas, although I cannot remember whom. Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach, pretty laid back alright. Go rent a large umbrella & chairs, they set it up every morning in front of your condo and you just hang. I would suggest getting a condo w/pool too in case the kids get tired of the beach. My kids are 8 & 10 and I can't drag them out of the surf, they love it. Drive down and take the ferry to Southport and hang for a day as well. Don't know about H-head but you can't go wrong either way. Oh, I hear US air flies non-stop to Wilmington NC for Newark.

Regards.

TrackJunke

What about Charleston?

Michael S.

Charleston is a great city to visit! Lots of history, carriage drawn tours, everything within walking distance, and a pretty decent nitelife, if that interests you. I don't know much about the beaches in the area, but I love spending time in Charleston.

There's a really nice hotel called Charleston Place that sits right in the middle of the historic district. It's a bit pricy, but very nice.

sptschoice

check out myrtle beach lot's to do!!!

BobbyT

Outer Banks is nice for a family vacation, but the water is a bit cold and rough compared to Gulf of Mexico resorts. Hilton Head has gentler waves and warmer water, plus lots of great golf. Charleston has a wonderful historic quarter with great restaurants along with Fort Sumter (where that unpleasantness between the States began--known down south as the War of Northern Aggression). Asheville NC up in the foothills has a cooler climate, the Biltmore House, which was the largest private residence in the US in its day, with landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame and Grove Park Inn, also worth a visit. Plenty to do and see in both of these states, depending on your preferences.

tsjoel

I was in your shoes about 10 years ago after deciding to find another vacation spot. We had been going to hilton head. Some one told me to try the Outer banks. It is a great place. You need to go up between duck and corrolla to get away from the crowds. We always stay in a plan called Pine Island. We usually get a different house every year and and every one of them is awesome. We have 5 families with 26 total people and have never felt crowded in the houses. When you go to the beach there usually is no one withing 50 ft of you and that is during the high season. If you are looking for rides and a boardwalk this is not the place for you.
Here is a link to some homes. Resort quest is another good agent. Good luck


some rentals

tsjoel

I guess I dont know how to do the hyperlink so here is the whole address.

http://www.elanvacations.com/book/re...t=1&SM=0&spec=

greglionb

Here's a second nomination for outer banks. In terms of finding properties/hotels, start searching on/in Nags Head, and then work your way North/South from there.

Very laid back, but with enough restaurants, etc. that you don't get completely bored. Only challenge can be getting there...

greglionb

Outer Banks Visitors Bureau

993inNC

Any of the areas mentioned would be fine. Topsail Beach is another laid back area. Depending on the age of the little ones, Myrtle Beach would be cool.....more to do than you'll ever have time for. It is very busy and crowded this time of year though. Wilmington/Wrightsville/Carolina Beach would be an all around good area (and I am not biased in any way, I love California!). There is plenty to do, see, eat.....and is between Topsail and Myrtle by about an hour each opposite way. Charleston is a nice place to go, but I wouldn't with young kids, its more about the history and architecture. Plus the area just outside the historic Charleston is literally the "hood", that is unless you get to "isle of Palms" or farther out.
I'll all depend on what you want to do and see......and spend! Good luck and have fun!

Chaos

Charleston is amazing !!!

Norske

I have a home in Myrtle Beach and live in Raleigh. Wrightville Beach is very crowded from now until after Labor Day. Myrtle Beach has lots to do for all, amusement/water parks, golf, etc. plus great beaches.

Hilton Head is more upscale than either Wrightsville or MB. But also is very nice. Great beaches, great golf, etc.

Charleston is a wonderful town with lots of history plus very friendly people, great antique shops and the beaches are close.

In HH and MB, you can easily get accomidations on the beach.

I think you would enjoy all very much.

have fun.

AOW162435

Depending on your budget, take a look at Bald Head Island. This is a beautiful, private island off the coast of Southport, NC and can only be accessed by ferry. My family used to vacation there in the mid to late '80s, and when it came time to get married, my wife and I chose the island. There are no cars, no commercialism, and none of the usual seaside resort riff-raff. It is peaceful, clean and allows for total and complete relaxation.

We are headed back there in a month or so for a sanity check. The biggest problem is that there are no Porsches on the island...

Andreas