Anonymous
03/09/2014 12:25
Subject: Re:Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
OP here. Thank you again very much to everyone for the suggestions and detailed info on the various beaches. It's really been very helpful. As of right now I think we're trying to decide between two rental houses - one on Holden Beach and the other on North Topsail Beach. The one on Holden is in a busier area where we could walk to things, whereas the one on North Topsail is further removed and quieter. Same price, similar sized houses, both have a pool (which somehow got added to the list of desirable features), but they have a different feel. It's a tough decision, as I think different family members may be looking for different things from their vacation, and as none of us vacation often we all want every aspect to be "ideal". 
To me, the beach itself in North Topsail looks (from the photos) to be pretty and wider with more space to spread out even if there are others around... For those who know the areas, is this true, or would I be just as happy with the beach in Holden?
To me, the beach itself in North Topsail looks (from the photos) to be pretty and wider with more space to spread out even if there are others around... For those who know the areas, is this true, or would I be just as happy with the beach in Holden?
Anonymous
03/08/2014 12:38
Subject: Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
The Brunswick County Beaches do not have high rise buildings. With a large
group such as yours, it may be important to access a grocery store within 5 to 10 minutes from the beach and you can do this on Holden, Oak Island, Caswell, Sunset and Ocean Isle Beaches. Bald Head Is, while a deluxe atmosphere does
not allow cars and commercial businesses are at a minimum, by design.
An interestingly, all these beaches mentioned face South, not East.
We seem to avoid some of the rougher weather patterns in Sept and Oct.
Pawleys Is in SC is similar to these beaches. Not packed with people or commercial businesses. All these beaches are near dining, grocery stores, beach related stores but are not, per se, on the beach itself. I prefer Holden or Sunset Beach NC for a large family with diverse needs.
Former summer vacation rental property manager in Brunswick County.
group such as yours, it may be important to access a grocery store within 5 to 10 minutes from the beach and you can do this on Holden, Oak Island, Caswell, Sunset and Ocean Isle Beaches. Bald Head Is, while a deluxe atmosphere does
not allow cars and commercial businesses are at a minimum, by design.
An interestingly, all these beaches mentioned face South, not East.
We seem to avoid some of the rougher weather patterns in Sept and Oct.
Pawleys Is in SC is similar to these beaches. Not packed with people or commercial businesses. All these beaches are near dining, grocery stores, beach related stores but are not, per se, on the beach itself. I prefer Holden or Sunset Beach NC for a large family with diverse needs.
Former summer vacation rental property manager in Brunswick County.
Anonymous
03/06/2014 12:51
Subject: Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
Hilton Head is low key if you stay in the non-fenced in area, ie the public beach near the Piggly Wiggly.
Anonymous
03/06/2014 09:20
Subject: Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
OP, if you decide to go to the Brunswick Co. NC beaches, I can recommend some rental agencies. We go there every summer.
Anonymous
03/06/2014 01:05
Subject: Re:Looking for low-key beach recommendations in NC, SC
Thank you so much to everyone for the recommendations and suggestions!! I did a bunch of searching tonight, and identified some rentals in a few different of the recommended places that might work well for us. Thanks especially to the PP who posted the links to the informational pages on the New Hanover and Brunswick beaches - that was exactly the type of info I needed to help me focus on particular areas! I'm not finished looking at everything just yet, but feel like I have a lot more ideas and options now. Thank you again!!