Visit the Carolinas

North Carolina and South Carolina make for the perfect family-friendly getaway. Here are some ideas.

 

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

 

Several family-friendly condominium resorts along the Grand Strand offer military discounts of up to 20 percent. For example, stay at any of the nine Oceana Resorts or the Springmaid Beach Resort, and you’ll get a 15-percent discount off the best available rate. Or enjoy a 20-percent discount at SeaSide Resort and Horizon at 77th. For a night on the town, check out the Wild 4 Hypnosis Comedy Show at Big Laughs Theatre. Flash your military ID and get your ticket for half off. Click here for a full list of Myrtle Beach military discounts. For more information about Myrtle Beach vacations, call (800) 356-3016.

 

Outer Banks, N.C.

 

Whether you’re idea of a beach vacation is a simple cottage, a luxury condo, or a spacious multi-bedroom home, Southern Shores is sure to have the property you’re looking for. The company offers discounts (which vary by property) to military members and anyone 60 years old or older. “Most discounts are around $100 to $200 or 10 percent off a weeklong rental,” says Robert Kissell Jr., a marketing specialist for the company. “These are solid savings and great deals for great people, and they don’t expire — but nab them before prime weeks become booked.” Call (800) 334-1000 for information.

 

Prefer a full-service resort? Check out Sanderling Resort’s “Heroes Welcome,” for military and public service families. Sanderling Resort, in the town of Duck, invites current and former servicemembers with a special rate of $119 — plus a 20-percent discount on food, spa, and retail purchases. (No discount on alcohol.) The offer is valid through Feb. 28, 2015. Call (877) 697-4613 for information or reservations.

 

Randolph County, N.C.

 

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Photo courtesy of Randolph County Tourism Development Authority.

 

The towns of Asheboro, Archdale, Randleman, Trinity, and Seagrove collectively call themselves the “Heart of North Carolina.” This is where you’ll find the world’s largest natural habitat zoological park; the nation’s largest private collection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles at American Classic Motorcycle Museum; a plane flown by Orville Wright, at the North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame; and the handmade pottery capital of the U.S. Servicemembers are offered a complete menu of military discounts on attractions, hotels, dining, and shopping throughout the area (with new offers constantly being added). For example, several hotels offer military rates of $79 or under, dining discounts include a free chocolate sundae, and you’d better prepare for a scare at Spookywoods (but with 50 percent off admission, the price of your ticket will not terrify you). Learn more by calling (800) 626-2672.

 

For more military discounts in the Carolinas, check out “The Carolinas,” with discounts in Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks; “Come on Inn,” with discounts in the Blue Ridge Mountains; and “Vacation on theEastern Shore,” with several South Carolina offers. Most of the offers in these previously published articles are still valid — but check first.