Deal alert! Wrightsville

We like to travel to the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area because it's usually civilized and it's near. Hop on Interstate 40, and you're less than two hours away if you live in the Triangle...not much more than three hours even if you're as far west as the Triad.

That said, seven firms are offering special discounts for booking through mid-March. They include the Holiday Inn Resort, Shell Island Resort and the Blockade Runner.

Here's the link: www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com/Wrightsville-Beach/Winter-Highlights2/Special-Offers?cmpid=Email_3061

What's sweet about the southern barrier islands is how warm it can be even in midwinter. A long weekend does wonders for a harried marriage or an overly busy family.

Go for it!

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Deal alert! Oceanfront efficiency

Pay $40 per night for an $80 efficiency at The Whaler Inn Beach Club. It’s a deal through The News & Observer’s dealsaver.com site. But hurry. You have to make the purchase – up to five nights -- by midnight Saturday.

We’ve never stayed at The Whaler, but it’s been around forever and has a good reputation. The oceanfront hotel is in Pine Knoll Shores, just down the road from Atlantic Beach, on the Crystal Coast. It boasts an enclosed swimming pool and game room, if you’re taking the children.

There are a number of restrictions. It’s only for Sunday through Thursday stays. The deal is subject to availability, but fewer than 30 nights have been booked of a total of 300 available.

Click here for all of the details.

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A Crystal Coast freebie

One of our favorite times to spend at the beach is the late fall and winter. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. The crush of tourists is long gone...which makes long, quiet walks on the beach that much easier. The weather is usually pleasant, and sometimes even warm. And here's a treat: Cottage rental rates are at their lowest.

Here's one better. Bluewater Vacation Rentals is repeating its offer of one night free when you rent a cottage or condo for three nights. The deal is good from December 15 to January 6. You must pick from a selection of rental properties and then call 866-976-3512 to make the  reservation. And you must mention the 4-for-3 promotion.

Actually, there are a growing number of families that have started a tradition of spending Christmas or New Year's at ocean's edge. Some of the rental companies even offer Christmas season vacation packages that include a Christmas tree delivered to your cottage door! Be careful, though, since rates can be higher during the holiday weeks than the rest of the winter season.

We're old-fashioned enough that Dec. 25th has to be at home. But we've spent more than a few January 1sts in the salty air.

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