Richelle-September will be quiet. The local kids will be back in school (Aug 28th) and the restaurants will quiet down. You picked a great month to get married! I lived in CB for 4 years until 2 months ago when we relocated to AZ. I have mentioned that I am homesick and living vicariously through all of you who are visiting! About the "change"...lets face it, how is it that things cant change? I think the reflection on the change is made by people who spent a great deal of time there when they were younger. Rides get older, buildings (especially on beaches) get weathered and the condos will eventually take over. CB is really fighting too much change and I believe, it is still a very quiet, personable beach that will provide you with a lot of quality time with your husband. Yes-the beach can be walked in its entirety but it will take some time depending on where you are staying. The north end of the beach and the south end are like different worlds but make your preference yourself. I have read a lot of posts where people are suggesting dining. I cannot stress enough to try the Hula Grille on the boardwalk. The food is wonderful. Stay away from Michaels which has turned into low grade dog food. DOwntown ILM has wonderful entertainment and restaurants. If you need any more info, feel free to email me! I hope you have the Anniversary of a lifetime!

(sromaldini@gmail.com)

Thanks for the tips! There are some great pictures of Carolina Beach on webshots.com that you could put on your desktop to help your homesickness :)

We're staying at the north end very near the pier.

The north end of CB is very nice. The area just north of the pier is undeveloped and has a very wide beach. You will see people camping and 4x4ing. We went in peak season, and only saw 2 tents, so it should be pretty deserted then. Some mornings we had the beach all to ourselves... it was wonderful!

We vacationed 2 weeks ago, and stayed in an oceanfront home about 2 blocks from the pier. The pier has a great tiki bar on the second floor with a pool table and jukebox. The first floor is a 24 hour diner where you can get hamburgers, hotdogs, etc.

Unfortunately, we passed by Hula Grille, but never got a chance to eat there. I have heard great things about it. The bar across from the Sea Witch (I think?) is very nice. They have live bands on the weekends, and a great tropical setting, with palm trees and lights.

Also, there's a great coffee shop on the Boardwalk. Their Iced Mochas are to-die-for, and you can go right next door and buy fresh-made doughnuts.

Enjoy!

Richelle-I used to live on the intercoastal right across from the north end. I lived in DOlphin Bay and you could throw a rock at our dock from the left side of that end of the beach. Its the T shaped dock with the boat slips.

Gnodule-I LIVED at the Sea Witch! Just ask Bev-the woman who is most often confused as the owner. They do more of a bar business and they get some great bands in there like The Breeze-check their website and see if they will be there while you are there Richele-you will have a blast!

Thanks for the input on pics-I will definately check it out (with a box of kleenex!)

Be sure to look into a great electric boat tour I found. see www.Nostalgiatours.us for more information.

LOL-we heard that boat go by every night! It doesnt seem like a very long trip but it always sounded fun-