Capt''n Jeff
Definitely Charleston S.C., Beaufort, N.C. From there you can pick outside Hatteras or inside on the IC.
Both boater friendly, historic, and worth the time to explore. I did the trip a few years ago in April, definitely worth watching the weather rolling across the southern states. Blowing like a bear with waterspouts and chop coming into Beaufort at 2 a.m.
GPS was a big help!
From Beaufort we went out to Atlantic City which was also a trip coming in at night. The Casinos are like fireworks. Entire facades a fantastic light display. Atlantic City itself was a bummer.
Bob
If you want company email me a little closer to departure.