Atlantic Beach, NC. Need Info

[FayeW]

We have a week through skyauction that we planned to use for Myrtle Beach for March Break. I check availability daily, but nothing is coming up for that time period yet, and I am getting a little nervous. I found availability for that week in Atlantic Beach, NC and the resort gets very good reviews (other than the rudeness of the staff ). Can anybody give me any info about the area and attractions etc? We gave some thought to flying to Florida, but we have a trip planned for Nov/05, and really just want to go somewhere warm and within ( reasonable) driving distance. NC is about 13-14 hours from us, and as long as the temperature isn't -25 with the windchill, I'll be happy!

Any info, links, etc would be really appreciated!

 

[Bojangles]

Wait for something in Myrtle Beach to open up. I wouldn't go to Atlantic Beach.

 

[bcvgal]

Can you find anything in the Ocean Isle or Sunset Beach area. Atlantic beach is nothing like Myrtle but it depends on what your wanting to do. If you want just the beach then Atlantic is fine but if you want some shopping,lots of restaurants,etc then so futher south. Also try for Wrightsville Beach. It's great and it's near Wilmington.

 

[MB MinnieGirl]

I live in Myrtle Beach, so of course I say come on down!

I agree with the poster that said Wrightsville Beach would be a great option if Myrtle is not. It's about 1 hour from us.

Ocean Isle and Sunset are also nice, but very little to do there aside from the beach itself. If that is what you like then it would be great. If you are looking for attrractions, choices in restaurants, nightlife, etc., then you probably wouldn't be too happy. In March those beaches (aside from Wrightsville Beach perhaps) will also be even more quiet - which can mean desolate since the tourist season hasn't officially begun.

If you need any information on the beaches in the area, PM me and I will be happy to mail you some. I work for Strand Magazine and we publish all the rack cards and tourist publications in the area.

Have a great trip no matter where you go. And if you are in Myrtle Beach enjoy !!

~~~Kelly

 

[heart4pooh]

I live in Carteret County, where Atlantic Bch is. First off, sorry somebody was rude to you. Most people are really friendly here. This is a real laid back place. I feel blessed to live here year round. It's usually warm here by March, but not a guarantee. It's not all fancy with shows and shopping. We've got some great and unique restaurants, though. Do a search for Carteret County and let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Lucky4me]

We LOVED Atlantic beach!

There isn't a whole lot to do there compared to Myrtle, but you can still have a great vacation. I love quiet little coastal beach towns.

If you do go make sure to have a meal at "Sanitary" restaurant. Yes that's it's name. (!) They had great food and have been in that spot on the water forever.
They make a squash casserole to die for and the seafood is fresh. I was introduced to authentic hushpuppies at this place. I think those, like grits, are an acquired taste.

We went on a boat ride to see wild ponys on some island, forgot the name. That was really interesting. They are beautiful.

We went in October so except for Halloween, not much was going on. I imagine it picks up a lot in the spring and summer. The beach itself was very nice.

The people were very nice to us everywhere we went. True Southern hospitality.

 

[2BOYMOM]

I guess it depends on what you want in a beach trip. Myrtle Beach is okay, if you want all hustle and bustle. We love Ocean Isle Beach, but there's not alot going on, very laid back. My entire family rents a house there every summer. I haven't been to Atlantic Beach in a few years, but when we take our camper for week-end trips several times a year, we go to Salter Path which is very near Atlantic Beach (on the same island). Like a previous poster said, Morehead City is great for seafood. The Sanitary Fish Market is great. Morehead City is very close to Atlantic Beach. Just all depends on what you are looking for.

 

[zurgswife]

My dad lives in that area and we did a day trip to Atlantic beach this summer....didn't look like tons of stuff to do...but the beach was very beautiful...

 

[Tarheel Tink]

I live and work in Carteret County- come on down! Try www.crystalcoast.com to get some more information.

If you do eat at Sanitary Seafood Restaurant, ask for Rochelle as your server- she's excellent! In Beaufort some great restaurants are The Net House and Beaufort Grocery. Beaufort also has some interesting places to see and visit (I suggest the Beaufort Mariner Museum). The aquarium in Atlantic Beach is being remodeled and is unfortunately closed for the next year I believe.

Some people like to take the ferry from Cedar Island over to Ocracoke and drive up to Cape Hatteras and the Outer Banks but that is best for an over-nighter.

If you enjoy art, both Morehead City and Beaufort have several nice galleries.

If you do come, have a wonderful time!

 

[FayeW]

Thanks for all your responses! We aren't really stuck on any particular destination. I originally picked Myrtle Beach because the weather was more likely to co-operate and more of the area attractions would be open. Actually, I'd really like to go to Williamsburg, Va but most of the attractions there are seasonal and don't open until May. (Please correct me if I'm wrong, I'd be delighted to change our plans!)

We aren't planning any "commando" type touring, but if we are making the effort to travel I would at least like the option of being able to see some of the sights. I don't want to go somewhere and find out that everything worth taking the time to see is closed for the season.