Where to visit on NC coast (Charlotte, Raleigh: live in, restaurants, bars)

[McHumkin]

My husband and I (no kids) are trying to plan a weekend trip this summer (early) to an NC beach. We live in CLT and want to find a nice weekend getaway. We want something in the southern part of the state (no outerbanks). We're looking for a nice beach, some stuff to do (a couple restaurants/bars), and warm water! A quaint, clean little beach town would be great. We'd like to make the trip in less than 6 hours. (4-5 would be ideal). I haven't really been to NC beaches since I was little and just not sure which one would be best. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[dsobotta]

Originally Posted by McHumkin

My husband and I (no kids) are trying to plan a weekend trip this summer (early) to an NC beach. We live in CLT and want to find a nice weekend getaway. We want something in the southern part of the state (no outerbanks). We're looking for a nice beach, some stuff to do (a couple restaurants/bars), and warm water! A quaint, clean little beach town would be great. We'd like to make the trip in less than 6 hours. (4-5 would be ideal). I haven't really been to NC beaches since I was little and just not sure which one would be best. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

You're about 5 hours away from Emerald Isle. Our daughter who lives near Charlotte takes I85 and cuts over to 421S then follows that to Siler City where she picks up 64E which turns to US1 N just before it hits I40 east in Cary.

Stay on I40 east until exit 373, then follow Route 24E following the signs first to Jacksonville and then to Swansboro.

Don't drive over 5 mph over the speed limit once you get off I40. This route lets you avoid the nasty traffic that is often between Raleigh & Durham. You only end up on the Raleigh beltway for about 9 miles.

Emerald Isle is a quiet family beach area. If you need more quaintness, Swansboro is just a few minutes away, and Beaufort is only 35 minutes.

Here's my Emerald Isle (http://coastalnc.org/emeraldislenctravelguidecd - broken link) and Swansboro travel guides to get you started.

Here's a picture of the beach I snapped on the morning of May 3.

[robert-del-Gatos]

Originally Posted by McHumkin

My husband and I (no kids) are trying to plan a weekend trip this summer (early) to an NC beach. We live in CLT and want to find a nice weekend getaway. We want something in the southern part of the state (no outerbanks). We're looking for a nice beach, some stuff to do (a couple restaurants/bars), and warm water! A quaint, clean little beach town would be great. We'd like to make the trip in less than 6 hours. (4-5 would be ideal). I haven't really been to NC beaches since I was little and just not sure which one would be best. Any suggestions would be appreciated!

One thing-- warm water. I wouldn't expect the ocean to be warm until July. The ocean temperature is always a few months behind the seasons. It stays warm through October.

Emerald Isle is a good one to go to. Restaurants and activities are in nearby Cape Carteret, Swansboro, and a bit further, in Morehead City and Beaufort. I suggest Beaufort as a day trip; very historic, nice waterfront, and a good nautical museum.

[desperate grandparents]

Originally Posted by dsobotta

You're about 5 hours away from Emerald Isle. Our daughter who lives near Charlotte takes I85 and cuts over to 421S then follows that to Siler City where she picks up 64E which turns to US1 N just before it hits I40 east in Cary.

Stay on I40 east until exit 373, then follow Route 24E following the signs first to Jacksonville and then to Swansboro.

Don't drive over 5 mph over the speed limit once you get off I40. This route lets you avoid the nasty traffic that is often between Raleigh & Durham. You only end up on the Raleigh beltway for about 9 miles.

Emerald Isle is a quiet family beach area. If you need more quaintness, Swansboro is just a few minutes away, and Beaufort is only 35 minutes.

Here's my Emerald Isle (http://coastalnc.org/emeraldislenctravelguidecd - broken link) and Swansboro travel guides to get you started.

Here's a picture of the beach I snapped on the morning of May 3.

Your advice on Emerald Isle and Restaurants are wonderful. Don't quite posting your recommendations. We live in the Midwest but visit Fayetteville often to see our granddaughter and want to go to the beach this summer. Thanks again

[dsobotta]

Originally Posted by desperate grandparents

Your advice on Emerald Isle and Restaurants are wonderful. Don't quit posting your recommendations. We live in the Midwest but visit Fayetteville often to see our granddaughter and want to go to the beach this summer. Thanks again

I plan to keep posting. There are still lots of spots to visit.

Today the sky is as blue as it ever gets, nice breeze, and temperature in the lower seventies.

We are having a spell of great weather. You might enjoy checking out my restaurant site.

Also if you want the best piece of fish on the Crystal Coast, try one of the grouper specials at Riverside Steak and Seafood. So far they have never let me down.

When you come down, send me a private message and I'll send you directions to my favorite stretch of beach, the least crowded and easiest to get to, and the best one for shells. That's more than one beach.

There are also some interesting things about the beach in a blog that I kept last year.

Well time to head to the beach. Have a great day.

[McHumkin]

Thanks! We love Emerald Isle. Your information was helpful. We hope to visit again soon!!