Plan a weekend visit to Wrightsville Beach, N.C., three ways: On a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
BUDGET
Getting there: US Airways frequently offers one-way rates from $99 (21-day advance); $106 (two-week notice); $131 (one-week notice) to $156 walk-up. Flight connection in Charlotte required.
Stay: Sandpeddler Motel & Suites offers contemporary one-bedroom, one-bath condo suites with kitchenette. Suites feature a private balcony with Atlantic Ocean views, outdoor swimming pool and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests are steps away from the beach, fishing and dining. Nightly rates through Dec. 23 are $69; $99 Friday, Saturday; 15 Nathan St., 1-800-548-4245, www.thesandpeddler.com.
Eat: Mike & Katy's Causeway Cafe is the local favorite for breakfast and brunch. The menu at this classic beach diner includes Belgian waffles ($5.79), omelets ($7-$10), and French toast ($4.29), as well as seafood, burgers, salads and wraps. Open 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m. daily; 114 Causeway Drive, 910-256-3730, www.wbcausewaycafe.com.
Experience: Stop into the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History, a turn-of-the-century cottage, to learn about the history of the island and its people. Free; 303 W. Salisbury St., 910-256-2569, www.wbmuseum.com. Shop, dine and relax at Lumina Station, a shopping village by the beach featuring a charming collection of locally owned boutiques and unique restaurants and cafes; 1900 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, 910-256-0900, www.luminastation.com.
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MODERATE
Getting there: During frequent sale periods, round-trip rates start from $218; 10-day advance purchase; Delta, nonstop.
Stay: One South Lumina is located oceanfront and within walking distance to many restaurants, beach stores, ice cream shops and a grocery store. Tasteful accommodations are one-bedroom condo suites with living, dining and kitchen areas and a master bedroom. Oceanfront suites are $95 Sunday-Thursday; $110 Friday, Saturday. Ocean-view suites are $85 Sunday-Thursday; $95 weekends; 1 S. Lumina Ave., 1-800-421-3255, www.onesouthlumina.info.
Eat: Stop in at Brasserie du Soleil for lunch (11:30 a.m.-5 p.m., except Sundays) or for a couple's dinner (daily from 5 p.m.). This authentic French bistro (tight table seating) serves simple, hearty food. Lunch sandwiches $9-$11; entrees $9.50-$15. Dinner entrees from $18-$24.50; 1908 Eastwood Road at Lumina Station, 910-256-2226, www.brasseriedusoleil.com.
Experience: Enchanted Airlie at Airlie Gardens is held on most weekend evenings from Nov. 25-Dec. 21. This holiday light display is best enjoyed with a stroll through the gardens to enjoy holiday flowers, festive lights, musical entertainment, a display of a large garden model train and more. Advance tickets required (no gate tickets available) for each of the two viewing times per evening, 5-7 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; $5 adults (plus $5 parking); $4 children 4-12. A carload ticket is $22; 300 Airlie Road, 910-798-7700, www.airliegardens.org.
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SPLURGE
Getting there: Round-trip economy class rates from $450 require a one-week advance purchase; Delta, nonstop.
Stay: The award-winning oceanfront Holiday Inn Resort offers complimentary amenities such as an airport shuttle, on-island shuttle, on-site dining (kids eat free), fitness center, heated indoor pool, outdoor pool and kiddie pool, two outdoor whirlpools, a playground, bike rentals and a KidSpree Vacation Club (4-12 years) with organized activities. Room-only rates (Atlantic or Intracoastal views) range from $129 to $249 for a two-room suite; 1706 N. Lumina Ave., 1-877-330-5050, www.wrightsville.sunspreeresorts.com.
Eat: The award-winning 22 North Restaurant suits this funky little beach town with its relaxed atmosphere and a frequently changing chalkboard menu based on the best local sources. Service is upbeat and the cuisine is Southern comfort with tastes of Cuban and Creole. Entrees to $30; 22 N. Lumina Ave., 910-509-0177, www.22north.net.
Experience: The Cape Fear coast is a diverse area with intricate ecosystems to discover. Take a two-hour guided eco-cruise with naturalist Capt. Joe Abbate to Masonboro Island (the largest undisturbed barrier island along North Carolina's southern coast) and Bradley Creek and learn about salt marsh function, wetland plants, shorebird and water bird habits and characteristics; $35 per person ($4 parking). This tour and others leave from the Blockade Runner Dock at 275 Waynick Blvd.; 910-200-4002, www.capefearnaturalist.com.
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Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.
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