USVI-On-Line

My sister and I are looking at renting a place on the Carolina coast (most likely North) for the Memorial Day holiday. I have searched and searched and found quite a bit of availabilty but I know that won't last.

I've had a few suggestions for Carolina Beach, Wilminton, Emerald Isle (?) etc. and I am finding a decent amount of availability on VRBO but honestly I have no idea what area is "better" than the next.

We'd be looking for a place that could accomodate 4 adults and one child and first row would be nice but isn't necessary. We just want to be near the shore and are not really interested in golf (mini or otherwise).

Any help, suggestions and advice would be great! Thanks, all.

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I second Jorge, be very careful if you got to the Mrytle Beach area. There are nice places to be found, but you could easily get stuck in either a "spring break" atmosphere or worse. Especially on Memorial Day weekend, I would not advise it.

We absolutely love Bald Head island. You will pay more, but it is a lovely place. We are going there this summer, it is our 3rd time. We would be going to St. John but it is my parent's 50th anniversary and we can't take everyone there due to a variety of family reasons (disablilties).

There are also a lot of nice places in the Outer Banks of NC, but once again, there are parts that are more commercial (though not as bad as Myrtle Beach).

Good luck, you are doing your research so I am sure you find a nice place.

Not in NC, but we loved Folly Beach in SC. Close to Charleston and kind of funky and hip and there is some great dining in Charleston.

Hey there...Yes, Jorge is right, I live in Wilmington and its a pretty cool place...I am a native( not too many of us left)..if you could give me an idea about what you guys like to do I could probably offer a few ideas..Like Jorge said there is a vast difference in certain places...Also what kinda bucks are you talkin' about?... Mem. week-end is opening season...Let the Games Begin, but there are lots of places in between that might work...If you want PM me and I'll be glad to opine,... no charge of course! ''
..I'm partial to Coastal NC....left and wandered a while and then came back... as we say just "too much sand in my pants!" It has a little bit of everything if you know where to look... gotta go, new puppies to take out, know what I mean?!...
PS..I also have a neighbor who used to own a gallery on "The Banks" and he is also a font of info..
Later, Boats

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Nice. Thanks, everyone! I do know we want to stay away from the MB area, just for the sake of being a little quieter and more relaxed. Like I said, we don't really need the golf thing, or a pancake house (one every block in MB, right?).

Jorge, I had actually looked at Sunset Beach so that might be a good place to start.

Boats, thank you-- you will probably be getting a PM from me. We are probably just looking to rent for the weekend, which I know some rentals will not allow (they want to make $$ for the entire week, I understand). I guess we're just looking for a family environment, nothing packed with things to do. My sister and her family live just outside Fayetteville but will be picking us up from Raleigh the Friday before the weekend so that's where we'll be coming from.

Thanks again!

Been vacationing in the Outer Banks for 40 years. It's changed a lot during that time, but still tugs at my heart. Check out Corolla or Avon, NC. Not as commercialized at Nags Head/Kill Devil Hills/Kitty Hawk.

We love Seabrook Island in SC...a bit pricey but just awesome. It is a gated island (doesn't bother me)...very quiet and beautiful...danger- it's addicting...

We really enjoyed Corolla a few years back. There is very little to do outside the beach and relaxing. I remember having a hard time finding somewhere to eat dinner in April.

Hi, I saw this post and had to respond, I grew up going to the outerbanks with my parents almost every weekend, my dad loved to fish. There is so much to choose from.
I took my husband down a couple of years ago. It has changed so much, but it still has it's charm. The National Seashore is a must see. AVON, is small fishing village and Nagshead has more to do. Buxton area is also nice and climbing the lighthouse is a great experience. One thing to consider, make sure you ask if you need 4 wheel drive to get to your house you rent. Some do require driving on the beach. I think up towards Duck, this can happen. Also be careful about the ocean if swimming. The undertow can be quite fierce and there is a drop off in some places. I don't want to scare you but there are sharks there. Also, a great place to see is the Sand Dunes, it is near the Wright Brothers memorial. Great place to take the kids. They will have so much fun climbing up the Huge Sand Dunes. Let me know if you have any questions. The Best thing is to get a map and see where you rental options are and how close they are to the things you want to see. The outer banks is a big area and it takes time to drive down there. Mostly 2 lane roads.
Sandy

Thank you, everyone. I appreciate all the help and suggestions- I knew I was asking in the right place.

I'll let you know where we end up-- we're not super concerned about attractions. With a two-year-old we'll just be glad to go to the beach and hang out as long as he'll tolerate.

Thank you, again!

We went to Emerald Isle last year and I was just looking at rentals for a week in April before I came here. PM me if you want a little information. We found the initial blast of houses to be somewhat overwhelming (sounds like st John), but ended up very happy with what we found.

Have fun!