First time visitor to Ocean Isle........... (Sunset Beach, Shallotte: to rent, buy, movie theater)

[kmdivy]

Hi all, I will be a first time visitor to Ocean Isle at the end of July. Now I know that it is a quiet area, that is fine with me. But I would like as much info about places to go and things to do in and around the area. Where is fav places to eat, things to do? It is hard finding things about Ocean Isle on the net, mostly I can find places to rent, but that is about it. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
How is the beach? Lots of good shell collecting?
Thanks

[gonetocarolina]

Originally Posted by kmdivy

Hi all, I will be a first time visitor to Ocean Isle at the end of July. Now I know that it is a quiet area, that is fine with me. But I would like as much info about places to go and things to do in and around the area. Where is fav places to eat, things to do? It is hard finding things about Ocean Isle on the net, mostly I can find places to rent, but that is about it. Any info will be greatly appreciated.
How is the beach? Lots of good shell collecting?
Thanks

I lived about 3 miles from the island of Ocean Isle Beach for about 4 years and loved it. It's one of the most laid back beach areas around -even in the height of tourist season, it's still not that congested.

The beach has been restored in the past few years, and is very nice. Last time I was there ( a few years ago), there was a lot of small bits of shells and pebbles on the beach from the restoration project. I'm assuming that it has settled down by now. I've heard that the beach restoration was a success. There may be parts of OIB that are good for shell collecting, but in my many trips there, I didn't think it was that spectacular. I've heard you have to go early in the morning, so that may be the deciding factor.

The restaurants right in the Ocean Isle Beach causeway area have changed so many times, I can hardly keep track - don't know what is there now. However, a little further down the road -at Sunset Beach - there is a really nice seafood restaurant called Twin Lakes. It is on the waterway, near the bridge that goes over to Sunset Beach Island.

There is a Jamaican restaurant in OIB general area that has been there for at least 10 years or so - have heard it is good. I think the name is "The Sugar Shack".

OH! And let's not forget Joey O's Pizza on Rt. 179, classified as OIB. They have some of the best pizza I've ever tasted - great pasta dishes, too.

Here is a link to the "Concerts on the Coast" schedule ( free concert series):
Ocean Isle Beach CONCERTS ON THE COAST

Anything more than that, or restaurants, ice cream, or miniature golf..... you'll probably have to drive from 10-20 minutes - to go either up into Shallotte or down to Little River/ N. Myrtle Beach area. There's a small movie theater in Shallotte. And of course, there are numerous bars dotting the whole area, if that's your thing. N. Myrtle Beach is not that bad of a drive, and there are loads of things to do there. That way you get to stay in a less congested area, and are pretty close to drive to the major tourist places. One more thing comes to mind... there is a planetarium in the OIB area, too.

[karmarun]

I just got back from Ocean Isle last week. The beach is very clean and not congested. Not many shells at all. I was at the beach each day from about 10 to 2pm. You can fish off of the pier, ride the bananna boat or para-sail right from that area. You can also rent bikes and jet skis. If you play golf you have many options.
The best place to eat is the Sugar Shack. It's right behind the gas station at the only traffic light in town. I recommend the ribs! If you are staying at a place where you can cook you should go to Calabash and buy shrimp right off the boat. Take them back to your place and steam them with some beer and Old Bay...they are the best! Enjoy your trip! I'm jealous - I won't be back in the area until September.

[mmhicks]

I second the Twin Lakes recommendation! Also, there is a new amusement complex in nearby Shallotte I believe. planetfuncenter.com Have a great trip!!