I grew up in NC. Our family went to Carolina Beach during the 70's and 80's for our trips. All five of us stayed in a tiny motel called "Paradise Inn". While it wasn't really paradise, it felt like it to us.
It has since been destroyed and replaced, but the memories we had on that beautiful island have not.
I'm able to afford a better set up these days...and one that doesn't require the stay of one week that you have to book the previous year.
This gem fits the bill.
And the owner, Jeanette, knows how to deliver.
She takes amazing care of her home.
It's pricey, and it's worth every penny.
The close access to the beach is the deal-maker. You can sit on the porch and enjoy, and you can walk out to the beach in no time.
She offers boogie boards, bikes (tandem too!), and so much more. She randomly texted one day and offered to serve us a special drink at about 5 PM one day.
She offers many amenities to upgrade the experience, but you don't have to take advantage of those in order to have a wonderful time.
Great memories for me and my 80-year-old father there.