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• Classic-Fiction

• “39-21-46,” the Showmen

• “Carolina Girls,” General Johnson & the Chairmen of the Board

• “Double Shot (of My Baby’s Love),” the Swingin’ Medallions

• “Girl Watcher,” the O’Kaysions

• “I Love Beach Music,” the Embers

• “Myrtle Beach Days,” the Fantastic Shakers

• “Summertime’s Callin’ Me,” the Catalinas

• “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am?,” Bill Deal & the Rhondels

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Down in Georgia, Tybee Island is popular with families for its wide, peaceful beaches and handful of moderately priced hotels and restaurants, just a stone’s throw from downtown Savannah. It’s also a great place for crabbing – try your luck on the rock jetty off the far north end of the island. About 1½ hours down the coast is the Cumberland Island National Seashore, with untouched beaches and 50 miles of hiking trails through deep, spooky maritime forest and marshes overhung with Spanish moss. Camp out and watch the stars above the swaying palmettos, or stay in the nearby village of St Mary’s. Beware of gators.

Emily Matchar

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

From Raleigh, head east on Hwy 64, or fly into Virginia’s Norfolk International Airport and go south on Hwy 168.

DO

Broadway at the Beach

This city-sized outdoor mall has over 100 stores, plus dozens of bars and restaurants, an IMAX, mini-golf and a fake lake. 483-444-3200; www.broadwayatthebeach.com; 1325 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC; 10am-11pm summer

Discovery Diving

Dive spooky shipwrecks in the “Graveyard of the Atlantic” with this Beaufort-based scuba shop. 252-728-2265; www.discoverydiving.com; 414 Orange St, Beaufort, NC; half-/1-day dive $65/105

Jockey’s Ridge State Park

Walking these dunes feels more like being in the Sahara than North Carolina. Watching the kite-fliers is an activity in itself. 252-441-7132; Milepost 12, Nags Head, NC; admission free; 8am-9pm summer;

Kitty Hawk Kites

This outfitter has locations all over the Banks, and offers hang-gliding lessons in Jockey’s Ridge State Park. 252-449-2210; www.kittyhawk.com; 3933 Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC; beginners lesson $89

Ocracoke Island Hammock Company

The island is rightfully famous for its hammock makers; this shop’s wares are woven on-premises from thick, white cotton. 252-928-4387; 201 British Cemetery Rd, Ocracoke, NC; 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, varies on weekends

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

Unwind on miles of pristine beaches and hiking trails, or train your binoculars on the 365 species of birds. 252-473-1668; www.fws.gov/peaisland; Hatteras Island, NC; admission free; daylight hrs

Ripley’s Aquarium

This 87,000-sq-ft aquarium, in the Broadway at the Beach complex, features a great white shark display and a huge touch tank full of skates and rays. 800-734-8888; www.ripleysaquarium.com; 1110 Celebrity Cir, Myrtle Beach, SC; adult/child $19/10; 9am-9pm;

Shackleford Banks

From the Beaufort boardwalk, catch a water taxi to the uninhabited Shackleford Banks sandbar for an afternoon of watching wild horses. 252-728-7555; www.islandferryadventures.com; Beaufort boardwalk, Beaufort, NC; round-trip $15

Wheelie Fun Scooter Rentals

The best way to tour Ocracoke Village’s quaint side streets is by scooter. 252-928-6661; Anchorage Marina, Ocracoke, NC; rental per hr $30

Wrightsville Beach Supply Company

This surf outfitter offers both private and group lessons in the fairly gentle waters of Wrightsville Beach. 910-256-8821; www.wbsupplyco.com; 1 N Lumina Ave Wrightsville Beach, NC; 2hr lesson $60

EAT

Black Pelican

Fish entrees and wood-fired pizza rule at this cozy, converted lifesaving station. 252-261-3171; www.blackpelican.com; Milepost 4, Kitty Hawk, NC; mains $11-22; 11:30am-9:30pm

Howard’s Pub

This rambling wooden building decorated with license plates is popular for oyster sandwiches, ribs, beer and live music. 252-928-4441; www.howardspub.com; Hwy 12, Ocracoke Village, NC; mains $7-24; 11am-10pm Mon-Fri, to midnight Sat & Sun;

Lee’s Inlet Kitchen

Lee’s has been serving deviled crab and hush