North Carolina Bound - Any input appreciated!

[Carol and Banjo]

DH, Banjo & I are heading to coastal North Carolina this spring for a few weeks to see if it's a place we'd like to relocate to.   Although we're big ski buffs and do enjoy the winter....we're realizing that we'd both prefer a milder climate.  We can always come back here to visit and ski if the mood strikes.   I'm wondering if there are any DK'ers out here who live in or near any of the coastal areas of NC.   I'd appreciate any info or tips you could give me.   Although we aren't looking for beach (hurricane prone) property, we'd like to be within easy driving distance.   We'd also love to find a nice "dog friendly" town.

We plan to stay in the Beaufort area and travel north and south of that point to check out different towns.

Would love to hear from anyone who has any info on nice towns/beaches in NC!   Thank you!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

My SIL lives in Wilmington, NC and it is beautiful there. She lives and works closer to the city, but there are lots of nice beaches available. My DH loves that area, but it is too hot for me. I love the cold :) We vacation there every year at Oak Island, NC and have a great time. Good luck!

[Carol and Banjo]

We're planning to visit Oak Island and the Southport area....I think it's in the same vicinity!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

You will have a great time! My SIL has a beach house there, but no dogs allowed. What a meanie!

[ERIC A. NATER]

I visit the Coast from time to time, but not enough to suggest a place to live.  However, I can tell you that you will only have to drive about six hours to the mountains to ski.  The ski slopes here are very similar to yours, and you can also just come if you miss snow!

[Joan, Louie and Mila]

The Ashville NC area is a popular retirement area. Not a coastal area but 4 hours to Beaufort SC. I really liked it there and it has a lot to offer. PLUS it is a very dog friendly city. Very laid back, Dogs everywhere...Welcome in the hotels and restaurants etc... It's in the mountains, has skiing/ snowboarding in the winter, isn't sooo hot in the summer because of the mountain air.

My parents retired to Calabash , NC which is very nice but very HOT...and very busy in the summer.

Sounds like a fun trip...enjoy your search!

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

No advice but it sounds very exciting!! Good Luck:)

[Lindsey, Lee, Whopper and Simba]

I was born and raised in Charleston, SC...I know you are looking in NC but lots of people fall in love with Charleston and my parents absolutely love it there if you're open to SC too.  They were both originally from the NY/NJ area. 

[Carol and Banjo]

I spent hours online yesterday looking at SC....DH feels it's just too far south....but we did love Charleston and Beaufort SC looks awesome!    Who knows.....maybe once down there we'll spend a couple of days further down into SC.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

How about Greenville, SC?  Only 2.5 hours from Charleston, but close to mountains also.  DH grew up there. I love Greenville (it is slightly bigger city though).

[Carol and Banjo]

I would love to check out SC.....Beaufort and other areas....that will have to wait til next trip.  Greenville looks very nice!

[Joan, Louie and Mila]

http://www.cbsnews.com//stories/2009/05/17/sunday/main5021054.shtml

 

Now I want to move!!!

Good luck in your search...exciting 

[ERIC A. NATER]

I have to agree with Joan.  Asheville is a great place and very Dog friendly.  I live just a couple of hours North of Asheville, and if I had to live anywhere else in the State, it would be in the Asheville area.  Very beautiful area, with all kinds of outdoor activities,with plenty of opportunities to include Dogs.  Also, over 250 restaurants in town with many Dog friendly outdoor facilities.  You should give it a visit, the Coast is very hot in the Summer.  We are at a higher elevation here, and most homes do not have or need air conditioning.  Asheville will get an occasional Snow, but Winters are pretty mild, and Summer is quite pleasant.