Four day weekend near Wilmington - suggestions?
 

This is a last minute mother-daughter trip. DD had purchased a ticket to ILM as part of a vacation with her boyfriend but they have broken up. To help her make use of this ticket, I have offered to fly there for a mini-vacation. DD does not want to run into her ex-boyfriend in Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, so I would like to drive either north or south along the coast to a destination likely to have a spa or hotels nice enough to have such amenities. I have never been to this area and don't want to spend more than 90 minutes driving because it is a short trip. I like areas with historical buildings and/or scenic beauty and she likes lots of activity, especially the beach. Please help!

For anyone iterested, I found a hotel on one of the Brunswick Islands south of Wilmington. Most lodging in this area is weeklong rentals during the summer so I was happy to find that Ocean Isle Beach offers three properties on the beach where one can book a shorter stay. I booked the Islander Inn and was quite pleased with the rate, location and amenities. You must bring your own beach towels however and chair rental is available by an independent vendor on the beach.

There was a very nice spa in town where we enjoyed facials and massages. There is a winery (Silver Coast) nearby that had tastings and tours. Jetski and boat rentals are avilable at the marina on the intercoastal waterway. We were not able to take the jetski out to the ocean. Nearby Calabash had a charming minigolf course and restaurants offering local cuisine as well as a more upscale seafood restaurant featuring more variety (Boundry House). A movie theater in Shalotte provided a rainy day activity.

Wilmington offered a pleasant half day of walking along the Cape Fear riverwalk, touring historic homes and enjoying local beers at atmospheric pubs in the historic riverfront area. Boat rides and tours of USS Battleship North Carolina offer more sighteeing opportunities.

All in all a very pleasant trip.