SNOW STORM in NORTHEAST and MIDWEST SENDS NORTHERNERS SOUTH

Snow and ice is pelting the North and Midwest and the harshest, coldest winter in 15 years is predicted for Canada. So, it's no wonder that many northerners are turning their attention to heading south.

Right now, there are great values to be found in seaside communities- especially for Canadians who are enjoying a dollar that's worth more today than it has been for decades.

Many with a passion for fishing are heading to the Cape Fear coast around Wilmington, North Carolina. They are setting up camp in two small, friendly beach towns - Carolina Beach and Kure Beach. Both offer reasonably-priced accommodations and they are great places to drop a line.

Carolina Beach offers surf fishing, bottom fishing, shell fishing and deep sea fishing. The Carolina Beach Fishing Pier is open to the public and has a tackle shop, grill and arcade.

At nearby Kure Beach, the Kure Beach pier has an international reputation among fishermen as one of the best places to pier fish for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sheepshead, flounder and blues.

Accommodations in the two towns include beachfront motels, bed & breakfasts, and an oceanfront hotel.

Non fishermen will find fun in the sun there as well because there's plenty to do. Check out CarolinaBeachGetaway.com and KureBeachstories.com.

For some northerners, the Wilmington area is not far enough south, so they head for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, an especially great destination for a family vacation or a golf getaway.

Winter vacation headquarters there is Sands Resorts which has over 1,650 guest rooms at its six-oceanfront properties. There are indoor pools and whirlpools, a spa, oceanfront restaurants and lounges, a health club, massage therapy, concierge services, and a kids activity program. There's even an on-staff PGA Professional.

Learn more about the Sands Resorts online at www.sandsresorts.com or call Sands Resorts at (800) 260-8676.

If golf is it for you, then there's no better place to take up temporary residence than the Grand Strand.