Travel Planner: Wilmington, NC

Period furnishings adorn suites of this impeccably restored 1750 rice-plantation manor house-turned-country inn. All of the rooms are lovely, with rich fabrics and views of lakes, woods, or creeks. Use of a beach-house club a short drive away is part of the package, as is a full breakfast at the elegant Carriage House Club; guests also have golf privileges at eight nearby courses. The resort is approximately 2 mi south of Brookgreen Gardens on U.S. 17 (turn right at the Litchfield Country Club entrance and follow signs). Pros:

shared condos are ideal for a group of friends getting together.

shared condos can be awkward if staying with people you don't know. www.litchfieldplantation.com. 35 rooms, 3 suites, 9 two- and three-bedroom cottages. In-hotel: restaurant, pool, tennis courts. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.

From the regal live oak-lined driveway to the Pawleys Island hammock placed by the river, you know you've arrived in the Old South. Period furnishings adorn suites of this impeccably restored 1750 rice-plantation manor house-turned-country inn. All of the rooms are lovely, with rich fabrics and views of the Waccamaw River, creeks, rice fields, or woods; the Ball Room suite, with its 360-degree views and two-person Jacuzzi tub, is the clear winner. Stay in the Blue room for a chill; the ghost of former-owner Dr. Tucker has been known to appear. Use of a private Pawleys Island beach house is part of the package and allows for fun in the sun along with a luxurious stay. There is also a small pool with a view of the rice fields. A full breakfast at the elegant Carriage House Club ($$$), which serves dinner Tuesday to Saturday as well as golf privileges at eight nearby courses are also included. The resort is approximately 2 mi south of Brookgreen Gardens on U.S. 17 (turn right at the Litchfield Country Club entrance and follow signs). Pros:

historic property, beautiful grounds, shared cottages are good for groups; beach house is a huge bonus.

rugs and furniture a little worn; loud chorus of frogs at night; box TVs are an eyesore; no Wi-Fi in the rooms. www.litchfieldplantation.com. 35 rooms, 3 suites, 9 two- and three-bedroom cottages. In-hotel: restaurant, pool, tennis courts, gym. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.

At NASCAR SpeedPark you can drive on seven different NASCAR-replica tracks. The cars vary in their sophistication and speed; to use the most advanced track you need to be a licensed driver. The 26-acre facility also has racing memorabilia, an arcade, and miniature golf. NASCAR drivers often make scheduled appearances, so call ahead. Lines at attractions are shortest on Monday. www.nascarspeedpark.com. Admission: $32 unlimited day pass or $3 individual tickets. Hours: Open daily 10am, closing hrs. vary, call to confirm.

Entering this plantation-chic high-rise resort, with its airy wicker furniture, giant palms, and mahogany details will take you away from the hubbub of Myrtle Beach and straight to a tropical locale. Green-and-gold guest rooms have plush carpet that makes them quiet and serene, perfect for watching the waves break on the beach. The spa, which offers a full range of treatments, is top-notch, and the health club has well-maintained, state-of-the-art machines. The golf and tennis clubs are both on-site, as is a marina with charters and personal watercraft, boat, and kayak rentals. Pros:

striped hammocks swing near the dunes with views of the ocean; several pools and water features are available.

the hotel is located near a construction site; some rooms have a view of either the parking lot or bare earth and bulldozers. www.myrtlebeachmarriott.com. 400 rooms. In-hotel: restaurant, pools, tennis court. Credit cards accepted. Rate includes: Breakfast.

Geared to families, business travelers, and golf enthusiasts, this hotel oozes luxury. From the rich wood and sumptuous carpet in the lobby to the manicured lawns and amenities, the newly built Marina Inn is a little slice of paradise. Rooms and suites are large and afford views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The hotel features a large outdoor pool with pool bar and hot tub, an indoor pool and hot tub, as well as Ping-Pong tables, fire pits, and badminton on the lawn. A Ruth's Chris Steak House is on the property, and the hotel houses the Anchor Café and WaterScapes Restaurant. Pros:

the lobby boasts comfy couches good enough to grab a nap on.

the proximity to U.S. 17 Bypass is a concern, and construction across the street and on the property detracts from its peaceful feel; there's no easy way to the beach. www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com. 235 rooms. In-room: safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: pools, gym. Credit cards accepted.

Hawaiian Rumble is the crown jewel of Myrtle Beach miniature golf. The course hosts championship tournaments, and is best known for its smoking volcano, which rumbles and belches fire at timed intervals. Admission: $8 for one round, $12 for two rounds until 5pm. Hours: Daily 8am-1am.

This luxury golf resort includes more than 325 one- to- four-bedroom condominium units along fairways as well as in the 62-unit, 14-story North Tower, which overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway. Furnishings in each unit vary, but all have been tastefully decorated and have all the amenities of a hotel, including daily maid service. The waterfront pool covers an acre of land and is said to be one of the largest on the east coast. The Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment center is just across the inlet. Pros:

pretty views of the Intracoastal Waterway surround the resort.

getting to the beach and the ocean requires driving across a busy highway. www.barefootgolfresort.com. 387 condos. In-hotel: restaurants, bar, golf courses, pools. Credit cards accepted.