Weekend Getaway: Holden Beach

It's a place of porches, rockers and hammocks. It is not a place of high rise hotels, condos and outlets. If peace, relaxation and a family atmosphere are important to you Holden Beach is the perfect weekend getaway. Actually it's better if you do it for a whole week and weekend! I love the feel you get when your car climbs the bridge from the mainland and get your first glimpse of the island in Brunswick County. Your worries and fears melt away. I can almost hear the surf right now and feel the warm rays of the sun. Just let the day pass away. When you get bored you can treat yourself to ice cream and putt-putt. That's as exciting as it gets on Holden Beach. Of course, when you've finished your book on the beach you can plunge into the crazy world of Myrtle Beach which is not far away to the south or Wilmington to the north. Holden Beach used to be the home of the late voice of the NC State Wolfpack Wally Ausley. When Wally wanted excitement he would watch State versus Carolina on the hardwood. When he wanted peace he said: "Nothing quite says relaxation like Holden Beach." One word of caution this weekend. There will be significant delays in Johnston County on I-40 eastbound which takes you toward Holden Beach. The work on the US 70 Clayton bypass will reduce eastbound travel to one lane from 9:00PM Friday to Noon Sunday. So hit the road early and enjoy a beautiful and healing weekend at Holden!