Where to Go to the Beach????

You just have to make sure your little one doesn't go too far in! That and use plenty of sunscreen. Oh, and my kids seem to attract a lot of sand spurs. And my youngest complained about the shells in the waves hurting her feet- we solved that one with beach shoes. Also, it helps to have a bathroom nearby. I like taking my kids to the aquarium- either at Ft. Fisher or in Manteo. But my kids have a great time just playing in the water and building sand castles. Boats are always neat, too, so you could go to the battleship in Wilmington.

A lot of rental companies have weekend deals for the fall. When I look, I just google "Wrightsville Beach rentals" or whatever beach you want to go to. I've always stayed at houses at the beach instead of hotels, so I can't help you with that, but I have seen ads in the Sunday paper for weekend beach packages at hotels.

Remember that your son will still get REALLY tired, so it may be best to not plan much, but just go with the flow. I do one activity a day with my kids when we're there; otherwise they get crabby and ruin MY fun! Have a great time!!!

Please Watch the weather channel for Hurricanes! We are deep into the season & there is a lot of activity this year.

We like Myrtle beach & the Ripely's Aquarium, Barefoot Landing (shopping food kid stuff) and Alligator Adventure.

We use http://www.grandstrandvacations.com/

But we rent a full week, I dont think they do weekends. We usually stay in (quieter) N. Myrtle, Cherry Grove beach & it is just minutes from the action.

I know there is an aquarium closer to Wilmington, http://www.ncaquariums.com/

My friend just got back from Carolina beach & said it was really nice. Serch hotels in the area & ask about AAA discounts or specials.

P

Hi G.: I just came back from Wilmington and had a super fabulous time. I mostly stay with my sister but when I want just private time with my kids and husband I stay at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Hotel. They have their own private beach, a nice clean playground, nice swimming pools, full breakfast in the morning and many more amenities. 2+ hours and you are having a fabulous time. Oh! Almost forgot, there is a wonderful beach with minimum waves at Oak Island. My children were in heaven.

Just a couple tips I have learned (mine is only 1 though).

*I tried taking an old tarp we have b/c it is silver colored (shielding sun) on one side and large for her to lay on and play.... b/c she does NOT like the ocean water! :( Also then I can try to minimize the amount of sand on our 'stuff'.

*Be careful about going this weekend b/c Hannah is directed right at SC I know, and I am sure the waves in NC will be a little wild still too.

*If he goes in the water, I personally would want a life jacket no matter what just b/c the undertoe ?sp. can be very dangerous, but make sure to be holding on to him closely either way.

*My little girl got very scared of how fast it would come in and then that 'crashing' sound. So I would ease into it.

*Strollers are definitely a no go. You can't push or pull them no matter how hard you try on the sand.

*Definitely enter the beach through a little section that has a walkway with an outside shower. That way you can all get cleaned off before leaving. A good bathroom would also be good in case he is getting potty trained.

*I am sure you know about the swimmer diapers instead of regular. They hold in poop and water! ;)

*Maybe bring some kind of toys for him to build a castle and/or a bag to collect seashells first thing in the a.m.

I am sorry if this isn't good info. for you b/c he is in a way different developement than she is. So, he will probably be way more on the run and enjoy it more. ;)

Have fun and no matter how it all goes down, or if you are unprepared, just remember to be thankful for the opportunity to travel and see God's wonderful gifts, and provide this kind of life to your little one. ;)

Blessings,
Amanda

Go to Myrtle Beach(that's were we are heading to for next 1 wk) :) Its fun there because most of the resorts have indooor activities too, so you can go swimming even in the middle of night, or soak in the hot water jacuzzi all day long on a rainy day. And even a nice place in a good resorts doesn't cost more than $100/night!