What to Bring:
Most renters bring their own sheets, pillow cases, blankets, towels, beach chairs, etc. Alternatively, there are several companies that will rent linens and towels for the week for about $200. They will deliver linens to the house and pick them up upon your departure. For an extra fee, they will even make up the beds before you arrive. If you are interested in the linen service, let me know.
The large kitchen is well stocked with service for 20. It is equipped with a flat-top stove, oven, microwave, toaster oven, 2 coffee makers, blender, dishwasher, and refrigerator/freezer with ice maker and filtered water. There are plenty of pots, pans, casserole dishes, mixing bowls, muffin tins, etc.
The house is also equipped with a washer and dryer, as well as an iron and ironing board. There is a clothes line in the carport for hanging wet beach towels and bathing suits.
Recreation:
Of course, the main attraction is the beach and building sand castles and collecting shells. Our house also has its own private pool (can be heated for a surcharge of $40/day or $250/week). On the island, there is a miniature golf course and tennis courts. You can also rent bicycles or charter a fishing trip. The Museum of Coastal Carolina is also located on the island.
Just off the island, you can find go-cart racing and more miniature golf. The Silver Coast Winery is only 15 minutes from the island and offers tours and tastings. Myrtle Beach is only 45 minutes away and has everything from water parks to outlet malls to the NASCAR Speedpark. It is also home to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Atlanta Braves Class A minor league baseball team.
We are at the dead end of a lightly traveled street, so bike riding is a safe activity. Inside, there are toys and board games for younger kids.
Restaurants:
There are a number of restaurants on the island, and more on the mainland. We do have a few favorites. For dinner, Roberto's Ristorante, just off the island, is our favorite. The Bang Bang Shrimp makes a great appetizer. The fish is always wonderful. If you are a beef person, the Fillet Mignon is hard to beat. And the pizza is great (we often have them prepare 2 or 3 that we freeze and bring home). Roberto's also has a full bar.
Calabash, the 'Seafood Capital of the World,' is only 6 miles from Ocean Isle. For dinner, we love The Boundary House. We have never been disappointed there. Capt. Nance's offers the typical fried fish and shrimp and the prices are decent. Also, the hush puppies are outstanding.
For breakfast, we like the Purple Onion Cafe in Shallotte. It's a 15 minute drive, but the giant pancakes, blueberry biscuits and raspberry croissants are fantastic.
Always fun are The Giggling Mackerel with its rooftop Tiki Bar and Sharkey's, both on the water.
