I was just at The Winds in Ocean Isle Beach for a wedding (in November.....don't ask). I'm not a high end person, but I thought it was borderline run down. The HVAC unit in our room was crazy loud and kept waking me up. "Resort" is overselling it. Certainly not full service, if that's what you're looking for.

I do agree that the beachfront location is nice, as is the availability of suites. There is a pool and hot tub, and my husband enjoyed the hammocks they have around the property.

It's a bit of a hike, but on our way home we took the ferry to Fort Fisher Aquarium, then drove up to Wilmington. Kids would probably like that. Ferry was a fun little diversion.

Are you looking at The Winds on OIB? It is a very quaint little 'resort' -- great for a very low key vacation. The suites are nice and you are truly oceanfront, no long hikes to schlep your stuff out onto the sand. Of course, it doesn't have the foo-foo beach and pool service that you might think of with many big-time beach resorts.

OIB is like a less-crowded Bethany/Rehoboth. Lots of single-family homes and people who come out every weekend or rent for a week. Several restaurants, ice cream, putt-putt on the island. Bot and jet ski rentals to cruise or fish. It's a pretty good haul from the island to Myrtle, but if you have a rainy day there are plenty of 'family attractions' and shopping there. OIB also puts you close to Southport and Bald Head, which are charming. Bald Head is another great family beach vacation spot - different vibe than your standard beach town, and has lots of resort activities (golf, tennis, nature stuff, pools).

I found a cute little hotel online (and then another) in this area. We've been to all the DC/NJ local beaches, OBX, Kure, but not Myrtle Beach. Is the town cute? What did you do that was fun there when not at the pool or beach?