Myrtle Beach, SC & Wilmington, NC

Duration: 7 Days | Meals Included: 6 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

Wilmington, NC Sightseeing Tour

Step back in time and explore Wilmington, NC - home to North Carolina’s largest historic district! Uncover hidden stories and local legends as you delve into the city's rich history, spanning from the Colonial era to WWII. Learn about folklore, Civil War tales, and fascinating customs that shaped the region. There's so much to discover on this guided tour!

 

Bellamy Mansion Museum

Bellamy Mansion, designed by architect James F. Post for Dr. John D. Bellamy, is a striking 10,000-square-foot estate built between 1859 and 1861. This grand residence, showcasing Greek Revival and Italianate styles, was crafted by skilled enslaved workers and free Black artisans. Explore its 22 rooms, five levels of the main house, the original slave quarters, and the formal gardens—planted by Eliza Harriss Bellamy post-Civil War, with five original magnolias still standing from around 1870. Discover the mansion's rich history and architectural splendor as you tour this historic gem.

 

Sunset Cruise aboard Cape Fear Riverboat

Set sail on a relaxing 1 1/2-hour sunset cruise aboard the Cape Fear Riverboat! As we glide along the river, take in the picturesque views of downtown Wilmington’s waterfront and iconic landmarks. Sit back and unwind with a drink from the onboard bar, and enjoy light snacks as the evening sets in. This is the perfect way to cap off your day with serene river breezes and stunning sunset views!

 

Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is a truly unique destination, home to North Carolina's oldest standing lighthouse. Accessible only by passenger ferry and completely car-free, this charming island offers a step back in time. Join a guided tour led by a local historian and delve into the rich history of Bald Head Island, from its role in the American Revolution and the construction of North Carolina’s first lighthouses, to its significance during the Civil War and the island's modern-day development.

 

Brookgreen Gardens

Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, Brookgreen Gardens was created to preserve native flora and fauna while showcasing art in a natural setting. Today, it stands as a National Historic Landmark, featuring the world’s largest collection of American figurative sculpture in an outdoor environment, along with the only zoo on the Carolina coast accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Visitors can stroll beneath centuries-old live oak trees, admire national art exhibits, explore historic sites, and discover native wildlife at the zoo.

 

Barefoot Landing

Discover Barefoot Landing, a one-of-a-kind shopping, dining, and entertainment destination nestled along the picturesque Intracoastal Waterway. With a scenic 27-acre lake as its backdrop, Barefoot Landing offers a blend of stunning views and an exceptional variety of attractions to enjoy, both day and night. Immerse yourself in the charm of a quaint Southern village while exploring its unique shops, restaurants, and lively entertainment options.

 

ICONIC at the Alabama Theater

ICONIC is a cutting-edge production, blending stunning stage performances with breathtaking aerial acts. Featuring cutting-edge visuals and a state-of-the-art video wall like nothing else along the Grand Strand, ICONIC brings together unforgettable music, comedy, and an electrifying mix of Country chart-toppers, Classic Rock anthems, Broadway hits, and Pop power ballads. With dazzling new costumes, a reimagined set, and a celebration of beach life, this show creates a unique connection between the audience and performers. ICONIC takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey through the most legendary music of the past and present.

 

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach offers an array of unique specialty shops, where you'll find treasures beyond the ordinary mall experience. From one-of-a-kind gifts and accessories to stylish resort wear and distinctive regional crafts, there's something for everyone. When you're ready to dine, choose from over 15 restaurants, including favorites like Carolina Ale House, Paula Deen's Family Kitchen, Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, Landry's Seafood House, and many more!

 

Legends in Concert

Legends in Concert is a world-renowned live tribute show, offering an unforgettable entertainment experience. With an award-winning cast of talented tribute artists, dynamic singers and dancers, and a rocking live band, you'll be transported through the music of both today's biggest stars and legendary icons of the past. Plus, the lineup changes four times a year, so there's always something new to see!

 

National Museum of the Marine Corps

The National Museum of the Marine Corps stands as a proud tribute to U.S. Marines—past, present, and future. Located on a 135-acre site next to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, this impressive 120,000-square-foot structure, under the command of Marine Corps University, was designed to evoke the iconic image of the Iwo Jima flag-raisers. Inside, world-class interactive exhibits and cutting-edge technology immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of Marines in action, surrounded by irreplaceable artifacts that bring their heroic stories to life.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day one is included at Casey's Buffet

Dinner is served buffet-style and features BBQ pork, fried chicken, baked chicken, chicken & pastry, catfish, clam strips, fries, green beans, mac & cheese, sweet potato souffle, cabbage, boiled potatoes, corn, blackeyed peas, turnips, collards, baked beans, green peas, lima beans, rice, mashed potatoes & gravy, chicken salad, coleslaw, potato salad, pan fried okra, rolls, hushpuppies, cobbler, cherry cheese cake, banana pudding, ice cream, and bread pudding. Meal also includes soft drinks.

 

Lunch on day two is included at Havana's Restaurant

Lunch will be served buffet-style and features a cottage salad (spring mix topped with cucumbers, tomatoes, bacon, mixed cheese, and croutons), chicken (romano cheese & panko encrusted chicken topped with a lemon butter caper sauce), fresh catch (the freshest fish filet sourced by the restaurant team), seasonal vegetables, and rice. Also included are mini mousse for dessert, along with soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

 

Dinner on day three is included at Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

Dinner is served family-style and features Southern fried chicken, beef pot roast, Georgia fried catfish, green beans, creamed potatoes, poppy seed tossed salad, baked mac & cheese, cobbler, and non-alcoholic beverages.

 

Lunch on day four is included at Brookgreen Gardens. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Turkey and cheese sandwich

• Ham and cheese sandwich

• Salad with ranch dressing

Boxed lunch is served with chips, cookie, and a water.

 

Lunch on day seven is included at Devil Dog Diner at the Marine Corp Museum. Boxed lunch choices are:

• Ham and chedddar sandwich on a pretzel roll with honey mustard

• Turkey and swiss sandwich on brioche roll with cranberry aioli

• Roast Beef and provolone sandwich on a hoagie roll with horseradish cream

• Garden Salad with romaine, cucumber, & tomato, with lemon herb vinaigrette dressing on the side

Boxed lunch is served with potato chips, fruit, cookie, and a beverage.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Brookgreen Gardens: Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes for your visit (closed-toe shoes are recommended).

• Bellamy Mansion: Audio tour requires visitors to use their smartphones (play the audio tour through your phone's speaker or use your own earbuds); paper option is available.

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

• Baggage handling at hotels is included.

 

Accessibility:

• Bellamy Mansion: The Carriage House Visitor Center, which includes the gift shop, is fully accessible along with the restrooms. The 5-story mansion and 2-story slave quarters are only accessible by stairs. Guests who cannot navigate stairs can still enjoy the mansion’s rich history with a 30-minute video tour of the site, ensuring everyone can experience its grandeur.

• Walking Tour on Bald Head Island: The tour covers a flat, approximately half-mile route. For guests with mobility concerns, a golf cart will be available to enhance accessibility.

• Brookgreen Gardens: Wheelchairs are not available; guests who require a wheelchair or other mobility equipment should bring their own or rent from a local company. 

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Days 1 & 2: Hampton Inn Wilmington Downtown (Wilmington, NC)

Hotel has an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Days 3-5: Avista Resort (N. Myrtle Beach, SC)

As one of North Myrtle Beach's leading oceanfront hotels, Avista Resort provides outstanding opportunities to experience a memorable vacation. The resort features indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, a lazy river, and fitness room. Enjoy a bite to eat at their onsite restaurant, or explore the local restaurants, shops and amusements just blocks away on Main Street. Each oceanview 1-bedroom suite includes private balcony, separate living room area with sofa bed, and fully-equipped kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, stove, coffee maker, pots/pans and dishes/utensils), and hair dryer.

 

Day 6: Hampton Inn Dumfries-Quantico (Dumfries, VA)

The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include coffee maker, mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.