What you mentioned is what people do. OIB is a laid-back family beach...residential...no attractions to speak of - just beach fun. You can drive half an hour to Myrtle to get some activities. Best wishes.

Thanks for the information, I guess I was asking more specifically does anyone have suggestions on the best places to do these things. I read one gentleman's comments about fishing off the pier instead of going on a chartered boat trip. Its those things that I can't seem to find. When I have traveled other places you can either pick up a guide book, visit the chamber, etc, and get a wealth of "tips". We are excited about he relaxing part and definitely aren't crazy about the highly commericalized areas; hence, the reason we are coming to Ocean Isle.

So I guess if anyone has any specifics to add that would be great otherwise we will come and wander. Much thanks.

B

You are going to love OIB!!! Here is just a few things you can do-for the kids there is the turtle watch program and the museum of coastal carolina, putt putt either on the island or go a short drive to calabash and play putt putt there. There are 2 ice cream places(my fav is the breakers right beside the pier-absolutely great hamburgers too) and fishing off the pier-Im not certain but i think if you have your own poles it is 5.00 but you can rent poles as well. For our family it is what ISNT there-the noise the traffic that makes OIB out favorite. Does your rental have a pool? That will make it fun as well, although I love being at the beach too. Last year we got to see 2 huge sea turtles during our stay which was really something. You can rent Kayaks, Jet Skis and go parasailing as well from a rental agency on the island(I cannot remember the name!!ugh!) We also take a day for sightseeing and got to Southport, take the ferry to Fort Fisher and look around there and visit the North Carolina Aquarium which was a hit with our daughter when she was younger. The kids will love the ferry ride too. If you dont want to ride the ferry back you can drive back to OIB via 17 starting in Wilmington and see the other beaches along the way(Kure, Carolina and some others.) There are shops at OIB as well, the normal ones you would see at Mrytle Beach. OIB also has a community center and on Wednesday there are activities for the kids as well, you can drop them off and then come back to get them, I had NO worries about this. There are also free beach concerts on Friday nights, varying music styles, but all good. For us, it is a welcome retreat since it is so laid back. You will not see the crowds. Plus Myrtle beach is just 45min away. I hope you enjoy your stay. If all this doesnt answer your questions you can always call the OIB town hall I know that they will be more than happy to send you information.

The Community Center on the ocean on East First Street offers free children's camp type activities M-F from 10:00 until 12:00. Ages 3 years thru 10 years. Each day has a different theme:

Monday- Sea Turtles

Tuesday - Tropical (mermaids,seahorses)

Wednesday - Beach games and shells

Thursday - Pirates

Friday - Fish

Each day has games, music, dancing, crafts, art, and some surprises. Parents are required to stay with their children.

The program begins June 2 and ends August 22.

I have found something that may help you. It looks like a visitor guide but I dont know if they have it online only or at some of the rental agencies. It is

www.insiders.com/wilmington and you can click on Ocean Isle Beach. I havent got a chance to look at it yet, but I think sometimes just going here helps me more!

as said before, you can go into Myrtle Beach or even North Myrtle for the "crazy" stuff to do, and spend money. Myrtle beach has the Hard Rock Park just opening. But when you want to "come home" to peace, quiet, sitting on the deck just listening to the waves, you will enjoy OIB.

If you have boys, tell them to take a plastic football to throw around in the water. My guys, big and little, love doing that.