The Go Go's Had it Right: "Vacation, Had to Get Away!"

May 5, 2010 3:06 AM

Where to spend a tranquil beachfront week in July (coming from Rocky Mount, NC)?

Through the miracle of generous grandparents, I've been bestowed a kidless week this July and want to make the most of it. I'll be flying the kids down to Grandma's from Boston to Rocky Mount, NC, dropping them for a week, then I'll fly with them home.

Planning on having BF meet me in NC but from there? Looking for beach/hotel/resort recommendations.

Criteria: must be located on a beach (I don't even want to have to cross the road to get there), we're willing to drive up to 8 hours from Rocky Mount, NC to get there, while I do appreciate 4-star amenities in accommodations (and am willing to pay $400 nightly for any spa-type resort), I'm equally cool with plain Jane motels. Really want to avoid "good ole boy" clientele and LOTS of little kids flying kites next to me on the beach. We wanna really relax, maybe kayak, see a few lighthouses, but not needing activities.

Hearing wonderful things about Outer Banks, but I know nothing of the area. But will go to SC, anywhere within 8 hours.

All suggestions for a kick-ass, relaxing, away from the kids vacation are greatly welcome!

posted by dzaz to Travel & Transportation (7 answers total)

Head straight east on 64 to the Outer Banks; there are wonderful places in Kill Devil Hills/Kitty Hawk/Nags Head, it's not nearly as overloaded with folks as the Crystal Coast and the SC beaches, and it's lovely. For even fewer people, head up the coast a bit more towards Duck (can't speak to accommodations 'cause we've never stayed there, but it's a gorgeous area to visit).
posted by tigerjade at 4:40 AM on May 5, 2010

I haven't been there in a long time, but Bald Head Island, NC is great. It's on the NC side of the SC border at the mouth of the Cape Fear river. You take a ferry over and there are no cars...everyone drives around on golf carts. There are house rentals and I am not sure they would fit your budget, but there is a lighthouse, a marsh and creek for kayaking, a maritime forest, beautiful beaches and best of all, is is very relaxing. Even if you are not right on the beach, there isn't a whole lot between you and the ocean in a rental house...no hotels, no tacky shops, etc.

I can't recommend this place highly enough.
posted by murrey at 5:03 AM on May 5, 2010

I spent a week at Pine Knoll Shores, NC last year and could not believe how few people were around. The whole beachfront is private homes (most available for rental), which really kept the crowds to a minimum. I highly recommend renting a house.
posted by something something at 5:16 AM on May 5, 2010

Rent a small house at the Other Banks. If you are looking for restaurants and bars stay up near Kill Devil Hills. If you want more of a quiet laid back vibe where you grill dinner on the deck most nights, stay at the north end of the island near Corolla. Although a small house on the beach at the Corolla end may be tricky as they tend to be much larger houses at that end of the island.
posted by COD at 5:31 AM on May 5, 2010

Sunset Beach, right on the SC/NC border. It's tranquil, sweet, not super expensive.
posted by tacoma1 at 6:01 AM on May 5, 2010

Response by poster: odinsdream...where are the beach huts?
posted by dzaz at 7:55 AM on May 5, 2010

Ocracoke Island is part of the Outer Banks, but it's off the beaten path. When I went there the only way to get to the island was on a ferry. I don't know if they have built a bridge yet.
posted by iurodivii at 11:55 AM on May 5, 2010