Best Italian Restaurant less than 15 min. from Whispering Pines

After a great canude day on the Lumber River, we ate dinner at La Cucina Italian Grill - I can declare it the best Italian restaurant in the Carolinas.  I wish it were less than a 4-hr. drive to Whispering Pines.

I'm glad we got back to the park so I can get rid of my constricting clothing.  We are lucky we got seated as it's not a large place and reservations are suggested.  This was definitely dining, not just eating.

If anyone wants more info, please message me.  I haven't been this happy eating Italian (real Italian) food in a VERY long time.
Thank you Sunset Beach for having them.

:) Cheri