Wilmington, North Carolina, is an ideal location for those seeking a vacation spot that isn't built around tourism yet provides enough attractions to keep sightseers busy. Battleship North Carolina, the Arlie Gardens, and Screen Gems Studios provide plenty of distraction, but the real attractions are the nearby Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure beaches. Travelers looking for a seaside experience in Wilmington will find a few beach-side, cabin-style options to choose from.
An authentic 1950s boarding house transformed into a bed and breakfast, the Beacon House in Carolina Beach also offers cottage options. Its two Caribbean-style cottages are a three-to-four minute walk from the beach and come in two- or three-bedroom varieties. Each cottage features beds, full furnishings, bathrooms with showers, full kitchens, satellite TV, linens, microwaves, and outdoor sitting areas. Barbeque grills are available, and the cottages are pet friendly. There is a two-night minimum (three nights during holidays), and rates vary per cottage and season, ranging from about $135 to $300 per night as of March 2010. Book online or over the phone.
The Beacon House
715 Carolina Beach Ave. N.
Carolina Beach, NC 28428
877-BEACON-6
beaconhouseinb-b.com
These petite cottages are within walking distance (half a block) from Kure Beach and feature a view of the beach's pier. Cute and tropically styled, these cottages range from one-room efficiencies to three-bedroom cabins (book the two bedrooms well in advance, as there is only one two-bedroom cottage available). Each cottage features full beds, bathrooms with showers, full furnishings, kitchens, and parking. Laundry is available on-site for a small fee. Smoking and pets are not allowed. There is a three-night minimum, and charges and fees apply. Rates vary per cottage and season, roughly $135 to $185 dollars per night as of March 2010. Book online or over the phone.
Palm Air Realty
133 Fort Fisher Blvd. N.
Kure Beach, NC 28449
910-458-5269
palmaircottages.com
For Wrightsville Beach vacationers, WB Surf Inn offers 1940s bungalow-style ocean-view cottages within walking distance of the beach. Features include full beds and furnishings, claw-foot bathtubs, kitchens, front porches, linens, dishwashers, on-site laundry, gas grills, parking, and hammocks. WB Surf offers beach items such as surfboards and bicycles for rent. Smoking and pets are not allowed. Daily rates start at $345 per night (as of March 2010) and vary throughout the season, and weekly rates are offered. Reserve over the phone or via email.
WB Surf Inn Cottage Rentals
5 E. Atlanta St., 25 W. Henderson St.
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
910-616-5171
wbsurfinn.com
For those seeking a more exclusive vacation, Figure Eight Island is a five-mile long oceanfront community of white sand dunes and blue waters located minutes from Wrightsville Beach. Figure Eight Realty offers oceanfront vacation rental homes on the island, from three to six bedrooms. The homes are fully furnished and feature beds, private baths, full kitchens and dining rooms, garages, and Internet access. Some houses are available nightly whereas others require a weekly commitment. Prices start at $350 per night (as of March 2010) and vary based on houses and seasons. Book via email.
Figure Eight Realty
15 Bridge Rd.
Wilmington, NC 28411
800-279-6085
figure8island.com
