This bed and breakfast is unique in that it only has one private suite of rooms. Guests have the entire upstairs, which includes a bedroom with a four-poster, queen-sized bed, a living room with a queen-sized sofa bed, a TV and VCR/DVD and a private bath. Guests also have use of the deck, hammock and gardens. For a relaxing paddle, launch a kayak or canoe from the new floating dock, or, if that's too ambitious, lounge with a good book in the sun room and enjoy the water views. A full country breakfast is served on the weekends, and continental breakfast is offered on weekdays. Fresh local fruit, vegetarian or meat dishes, and blueberry muffins made with locally picked blueberries are some of the house specialties. The Bed and Breakfast at Mallard Bay is within walking distance of Harbour Village Marina, close to local golf courses and only a few minutes' drive from the beach, restaurants and shopping.

Treat yourself like royalty and stay at The Pink Palace, Topsail Island's only oceanfront bed and breakfast. This is a great vacation spot for families, as each large suite can accommodate up to 10 people. All suites have access to a screened porch, three open-air decks and a hot tub. Sip your morning coffee and watch the sun rise from a relaxing rocker, hammock or swing. The Palace is open September through June, and weekly rentals are available all summer.