Holden Beach

Holden Beach, NC is quite possibly one of my favorite places on earth. It’s my “happy place.” Having grown up in the Midwest, you wouldn’t think that I would adore the beach as ardently as I do, but the ocean waves captured my heart long ago and like the rolling tide, I’m ever drawn back to it. Truly; I’ve only just returned from Holden for a family vacation and am already plotting a return trip.

I’ve visited my fair share of beaches and Holden is still my favorite, mostly because it is the epitome of “laid back.” Many people like the beach for the shopping, dining, family activities such as putt-putt and colossal water parks, maybe even the night life (depending on where you go), and so forth. If that’s your M.O., this vacation spot probably isn’t for you. Holden’s main attraction is the beach itself and that’s how I like it: just me and the sea. I’m strictly in it for the ocean, sand, and sun. …Ok, a good book and a refreshing beverage are pretty nice too.

It’s not to say that there aren’t stores and restaurants or anything. However, instead of being over populated and commercialized, it has a small town atmosphere with produce stands, shops, and places to eat that have plenty of character and panache. Each time I visit, I always stop at my three favorite establishments: Lucy’s where I always find some sort of jewelry piece that I can’t live without; The Kd Morris Art Gallery and Wine Shop which is full of beautiful creations. This is where I purchased my first real painting and work of art from the owner herself. And last but certainly not least, Beaches-n-Cream who has the most wonderfully scrumptious homemade ice cream. …I like to visit them more than once haha.

Of course there are plenty of other attractions; those are simply my favorites. Kendall, my hubby, likes to go fishing both on the surf as well as the charter boats. My in-laws like the other shops, the small waterslide park, and the fact that it’s not terribly far from all the Myrtle Beach excitement (about 40 minutes away). Courtney, my best friend, loves to eat at the Boone Docks restaurant, which I happen to think is pretty tasty as well.

Indeed, Holden is a sandy, quiet little haven. I can’t wait to get back and put my toes in the ocean again.