Experience the 2020 Holden Beach Concert Series this Summer

May 1, 2020 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Do you and your family have a family vacation planned for Holden Beach this summer? If you do, then you don’t want to miss out on experiencing the 2020 Holden Beach Concert Series and happening every year beginning in May and continues through the beginning of September. Staying with us in one of our Holden Beach vacation homes will keep you and your family near the fun. Let’s look below at the line up for this year’s concert series in Holden Beach.

2020 Holden Beach Concert Series Schedule

May 24^h – Steve Owens and Summertime
May 31^st – Band of Oz
June 7^th – Cat5 Band
June 14^th – The Extraordinaires
June 21^st – North Tower
June 28^th – The Main Event Band
July 5^th – The Tams
July 12^th – Jim Quick & Coastline
July 19^th – Blackwater Rhythm & Blues
July 26^th – The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
August 2^nd – Carolina Breakers
August 9^th – Too Much Sylvia
August 16^th – Tim Clark
August 23^rd – The Entertainers
August 30^th – Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot
September 6^th – The Imitations

A Little More About the Concert Series

If you and your family have never attended one of these concerts, then you are in for a treat. These concerts are free to participate in, and it’s where you can dance together and have a great time with friends and family. There will be available for purchase refreshments, so be sure to bring some extra cash with you. Bring your beach chairs or towels and sit back and enjoy the evening together.

If you still haven’t booked your next summer vacation yet, there is still plenty of time to do so. We have many vacation rentals that will accommodate your family no matter the size. We hope to see you and your family this year as you enjoy the beach and these fantastic concerts here in Holden Beach!

Things to Do on a Rainy Day Near Holden Beach

March 31, 2020 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit this year and wonder if there is anything to do on a rainy day? Look no further as we can tell you about all the things you can do while on vacation. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals can keep you and your family close to the fun and indoor activities. Let’s look below at what you can do while it may be raining while on vacation near Holden Beach.

Planet Fun

One way that your family can enjoy some fun on a rainy day while on vacation to the beach is to check out Planet Fun. Located in Shallotte is where you will find this fun center that the kids will be talking about for years to come. What you’ll be able to do when you visit is cosmic bowling, bounce house fun, laser tag and an arcade. The food that is located at Planet Fun are not only your classic arcade or bowling alley food but also specialty food, seafood and steak entrees too. Let the whole family experience spending the day at Planet Fun while it may be raining or even on a hot day too.

Museum of Coastal Carolina

Another great place you and the family can head to on a gloomy day is over to the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Located in Ocean Isle Beach is where you will be able to find this fun museum for a lot of learning. Some of the things that you will be able to explore are the Changing Tides Gallery, Waterways Gallery, Sea Shore Gallery, Ocean Reef Gallery and Coastal Plain Gallery. Learn how rain and the ocean all work together and learn about what things you may be able to find on the beach like shark teeth. This is a great location that you can take the family to for all ages because you never know what you might learn as an adult too. Admission to the museum is $9.50 per adult, $8.50 per senior, $7.50 per child and ages 2 & under are free. Don’t miss this adventure on your next vacation.

Play Board & Card Games

If you don’t feel like leaving your vacation rental, then why not bring some board games or card games with you on vacation. We understand that you’re on vacation and you may not want to leave the house in the rain. Instead play a game of Go Fish or how about a game of Life to bring the family together. Another family favorite when it comes to games played at home is JENGA because who doesn’t love to be on the edge of their seat waiting to see if you will be the one to knock the tower down? Just enjoy the day with the family making new memories at your vacation rental!

While there are many other things that you could do near Holden Beach when it rains, we wanted to mention these few. If you haven’t booked your vacation to stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new traditions while on vacation at the beach!

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Don’t Miss These Fun Events Happening this March in Holden Beach

March 1, 2020 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you and your family coming to Holden Beach this March for your vacation? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the fun things happening in the area. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun and action. Let’s look below at a few of the events that your family can enjoy on your next vacation to Holden Beach.

Mardi Gras by the Sea Parade & Festival

Have you and your family ever experienced Mardi Gras by the Sea before? If you haven’t, then you are in for a fun treat. On Saturday, March 7, 2020 beginning at 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Middleton Park in Oak Island is where you will find this fun parade and festival. If you think that you may have missed Mardi Gras, you haven’t as we celebrate it here in March. This year you will be able to come and enjoy the parade by the sea at 1:00 pm and then afterwards you can enjoy some live entertainment, food and more. Don’t miss this fun event with the family this coming up weekend!

Run for the Arts 5K

Do you have anyone in the family who likes to run for fun? IF the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the Run for the Arts 5K happening on Saturday, March 14^th at 10:00 am at Holden Beach Park. This is a fundraiser that will be helping out the Brunswick Arts Council and is one that you won’t want to miss. There will also be a community art project that you can work on as well and will be held until 2:00 pm. What a fun thing that you can join in on while on your vacation by participating in the run and then in helping the community paint a mural.

While there are other fun events happening in the area during the month of March, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next family vacation to stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, then now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you come and have the time of your lives this March!

Holden Beach Vacation

Book Your Vacation Direct & Save Money

February 1, 2020 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you and your family wanting to book your next vacation to Holden Beach this year? If so, then we suggest that on February 5, 2020 you book direct with us and not using a third-party vacation rental site. Did you know that many of the third-party vacation rental sites will tack on additional fees onto your reservation just for using their site? This can vary between each vendor but who wants to spend an additional 5% to 20% on their vacation. This year Alan Holden Vacations wants to make sure that your family are getting the most out of your money when it comes to vacationing here on the island. Let’s look below at some information on why you should Book Direct with us!

What You Should Know About Booking Direct

This year February 5, 2020 is the 3^rd Annual Book Direct Day in which it was created to help educate vacation rental guest on the different benefits of booking directly through an owner or Property Management Company vs using a Third-Party agency such as VBRO and Airbnb. While you may notice that these big-name companies may seem like they will help save you money at first, you will soon find out that they will charge you a fee just to use their website. Some of the fees can range from 5% to 20% of the total cost of your vacation rental which for some may be more than you want to budget for.

You may ask yourself, “What does this vendor do special if they charge me an extra $600 for the rental?” We can tell you they do absolutely nothing. It’s just another tactic for them to get you to continue to use their website just to book your vacation rental. Some of the other third-party vendors don’t know the ins and outs of each individual property and can’t answer any questions you may have. They won’t be able to send out maintenance if you should have a problem occur while on your vacation and they won’t be able to recommend what to eat locally. We at Alan Holden Vacations can tell you all about each property we manage and want to make sure our guests are happy with their stay.

Why Should You Book Direct with Us?

When you book your vacation direct with us at Alan Holden Vacations, you will be able to speak with one of our vacation specialists who are very knowledgeable, local, who lives, works and enjoys what Holden Beach has to offer. We are able to give you our personal recommendations when it comes to the best local dining spot, play, shop and visit with different businesses around the area. Our office is located in Holden Beach so if you should have any problems arise, we can get it handled quickly!

How Can You Book Direct with Alan Holden Vacations?

Booking your vacation directly with us is as simple as 1, 2, 3. We encourage all of our guests to book their vacation through our secure website, www.holden-beach.com or by contacting us at 1-800-720-2200. Rest assure that you will never be charged with a hidden fee and we will always provide you with the best rate available on our professional managed vacation rentals. We don’t want you to have to pay for anything extra for just using our site to book your vacation. We understand that saving money when having a family is the best way to enjoy your vacation!

Are you ready to plan your next vacation today? Make sure you Book Direct with us at Alan Holden Vacations today to have the best vacation year after year!

local events

Fun Events Happening Around Holden Beach

January 1, 2020 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you and your family coming to Holden Beach next month? If the answer is yes, then we have to tell you all about the fun events that are coming to the area. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep you and the family close to where the action is happening. Let’s look below at a few of the fun things happening around town so your family can make new memories.

Run Holden Beach 2020

Do you like to run or have a runner in the family? If yes, then why not sign up to join in the Run Holden Beach 2020 race on Saturday, January 18^th from 7:00 am to 10:30 am. Here you can run with some breathtaking views that you won’t want to miss in the early morning hours. This year the race has changed courses and so you may find that this course is better. If you’re not a runner but you’d like to come check it out, why not cheer on some of those runners instead. Get the whole family involved and enjoy the event!

Hidden Battleship Tour

This event is perfect for those who have always dreamed of being in the Navy or wanting to get a closer look at the Battleship in Wilmington. Join in this fun and unique event where you will tour the Battleship for 4 hours and you will be able to take a peek in what it was like to live on the ship. You will be able to see the Captain’s Quarters and so much more and is something that you may not be able to experience ever again. This event is happening on Saturday, January 4^th from 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm and is something that you will want to check out with the family!

Explore Bald Head Island

Have you ever been over to Bald Head Island before and have wanted to learn a little more about it? If you have then you have to check out this fun Bald Head Island Guided Tour on Tuesday, January 28^th from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. The cost for this event is $25 per adult and $20 per child (3 – 12) and does not include the ferry ticket. What a fun way to learn more about this island and you will get to experience the Lighthouse Service and more.

While there are other fun events happening around Holden Beach during the month of January, these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to Holden Beach yet, go ahead and do so now. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful and happy new year!

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Surprise the Family with a Vacation to Holden Beach this Winter

December 1, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you looking for a gift that will make the family happy this winter? Why not surprise them with a vacation to Holden Beach this winter. There are many things that your family can do while in town. Staying in one of our Holden Beach rentals will keep you close to the fun on the island. Let’s look below at how you can surprise your family with a vacation to Holden Beach this winter.

Scavenger Hunt

One way that you can surprise your family this Christmas is to leave a little clue for each family member. Then on those little clues you will continue to have them search the house for their surprise gift. After they have gone through all of the clues, you hand them each something that they would need for the beach. This is a great way to get the family pumped for their gift and then tell them where you are going for a week.

Keep it a Secret

Another great way that you can surprise the family with a trip to Holden Beach, is you can keep it a secret. Have them pack their bags as if you were going to take a small trip to a destination close to you. This is a great way to surprise them as they won’t be expecting to travel to the beach considering its winter. Not only will it be a great surprise for the family but will get you excited to sneak away from life just for the week.

Gift Under the Tree

Surprising any family member with a vacation to Holden Beach during the winter months, is always fun. You can write on a piece of paper where you’re going and wrap it up in several boxes. They will have to continue to guess what’s in the box and it will be fun for everyone. Be sure to record them as they are unwrapping the gift because seeing their reactions is what every parent wants to see for years to come.

There are many other ways that you can tell your family about the surprise vacation to Holden Beach this winter, but these are the few we wanted to share. If you haven’t booked your Holden Beach rental to getaway for a week to the beach, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you get to explore what Holden Beach has to offer in the off-season!

Holden Beach Vacation

Book Your Next Vacation to Holden Beach this Year

October 31, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you looking to go on a relaxing vacation the beach but not sure where to go? Holden Beach is a great family vacation spot that many loves to visit year-round. With the warm weather for most of the year and the amount of fun your family can have while vacationing here, it’s the perfect location for all. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep your family close to where the fun is at. Let’s look at a few reasons as of why you need to book your vacation to Holden Beach below.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Going on a vacation where you can explore the outdoors is what many families are looking for. Heading to the beach at any time of the year will allow your family to enjoy the great outdoors. Spending time at the beach building sandcastles with the kids or soaking up the sun sitting watching the kids play. Some other fun things that your family can enjoy are the Shallotte River Swamp Park, go fishing with the Holden Beach Fishing Charter or heading to nearby towns and explore. Rent bikes if you didn’t bring them with you and go on a daily bike ride with the family. There is so much that you can do outdoors with the family when you take a vacation to Holden Beach.

Relieves Stress

For many adults, they head on vacation and yet still bring their work with them. Instead of bringing your computer or work phone with you, leave it at home. You are on vacation and you’re here to relax and enjoy time with the family. Spending time at the beach while you are on vacation can help relieve stress you may have from life at home. Sit back on the beach with a book in your hand, an umbrella to sit under and just let go. Just enjoy your time away from work, school, the kid’s activities and just life at home while you are visiting Holden Beach.

Sunrises & Sunsets

Another great reason that you need to book your next vacation to Holden Beach is the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. While many want to sleep in while on vacation, having younger kids may prevent this from happening some days. Instead, make a pot of coffee and go sit on the deck of your vacation rental and watch the sunrise happen. The sunsets are just beautiful as the sunrises and you can watch them from your vacation rental or watch them with the kids on the beach. Be sure to take a camera with you so you can capture the beauty that you will witness.

While there are many other reasons as of why you need to book a vacation to Holden Beach, these are just a few that we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next Holden Beach vacation rental yet, now is the time. We hope that your family can get away and come enjoy the beach life here on the island.

local events

Fall is a Great Time to Visit Holden Beach

September 25, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Are you and your family looking to head to the beach this fall to experience what the weather is like? Many families love to visit the North Carolina Southern Coast during the fall months because the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the sand. Staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals will keep you close to the beach and to where some of the fun fall festivals are happening. Let’s look below at where your family can enjoy some fun at some of the festivals happening around on the North Carolina Southern Coast.

Sunset at Sunset Festival

Head over to nearby town Sunset Beach to experience their very own fall festival. The town of Sunset Beach is hosting a community block party where your family can enjoy lots of food, fun and arts & crafts. This is the 13^th year that the festival has been going on and many locals love heading to it for family quality time. From getting to listen to some amazing music all day to trying new food from many local restaurants, there’s always something for everyone. Don’t miss coming to this fun day being held on October 5^th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm in Sunset Beach!

39^th Annual NC Oyster Festival

Don’t miss this year’s annual NC Oyster Festival happening in Ocean Isle Beach this year. This happens to be the 39^th year that they have been hosting it and we can tell you that you won’t want to miss out on any of the fun. On October 19^th and 20^th your family can get to experience this amazing festival that will have lots of fun things for everyone in the family. From listening to live music to eating your weight of oysters there is something for everyone. And don’t go home empty handed as you explore the arts and crafts from the local vendors that will be at the festival this year. Take home one of their treasures to remember your trip to Holden Beach or give as gifts for Christmas this year. No matter what this is a festival you don’t want to miss!

Wilmington’s Riverfest

Coming back for another year is Wilmington’s Riverfest happening by the waterfront in downtown Wilmington. This fun 2-day event is one that many families who live on the North Carolina Coast love to head to every year. From getting to try new foods from many of the local restaurants to getting to watch fireworks like it’s the 4^th of July. We can guarantee that no one in the family will be bored. This weekend long festival will be one that you won’t want to miss with the family. Plus, there will be a street fair, kids’ zone and much more! Just think of heading to Wilmington for the day as you explore the other festivals happening around the area.

Vacationing to the North Carolina Coast during the month of October is fun for the whole family. There is something for everyone to enjoy besides soaking up the sunshine on the beach and it’s fun to explore new places too. If you haven’t made your reservations to get away for a week or even a small getaway, now is the time. We still have plenty of Holden Beach vacation rentals that will keep your family close to all the fun festivals. We hope to see you this fall as you explore and experience what it’s like to come to the beach during the fall months!

Things To Do

5 Kid-Friendly Activities Perfect for the Beach

July 26, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Summer for kids means only one thing, it’s time for the annual trip to Holden Beach. Holden Beach is a great place to take your family vacation every year and get to spend as much time on the sand. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation homes will keep you and your family close to the beach. We have a few kid-friendly activities that are perfect for playing on the beach with the family below.

Tic-Tac-Toe Fun

Who doesn’t love a good classic game of tic-tac-toe with the kids? But this game is even more fun when played in the sand. All you need is a stick to help draw the squares in the sand and some seashells that the kids collected from the beach to use as the X & O. What a great game to play with the kids and have a friendly game with them. Think of how much fun they can have with learning how to play the game in the sand!

Musical Towels

Another great activity that can be played on the beach and with the whole family would be musical towels. Have a towel for each member of the family and lay the towels out on the beach in a circle. We also recommend that you bring a small radio or a smartphone with speakers so you can play musical towels. Play just as you would play musical chairs but only on the beach soaking up the sun!

Build Sand Animals

Instead of building the perfect sandcastle build sand animals instead. What a great way to challenge your kids to build their favorite animal in the sand. What you will need to build these beautiful animals in the sand are a bucket, shovel and your kids’ imagination. You can always split into teams and see what family member has made the best sand animal together. What a great way to spend time with the family on the beach where everyone can be in on the action.

Play Sand Skeeball

Have you ever gone to an arcade and played skeeball? This version is a little more fun and entertaining as you are playing in the sand with the kids. You will need to have a small ball that the kids can roll down the sand to go into the holes. Next you want to dig 10 holes into the sand that will be in the shape of a triangle and roll the ball down the “lane”. Be sure to assign each hole with a point value so that you can tally up who won.

Build a Sandman

Since snow is a rare sighting at the beach during the summer, it’s time to build a sandman instead. This is the kid’s version of a snowman but building out of the sand on the beach. Make sure that each child has a bucket and a shovel to help build their sandman. For the eyes and other features that you will find on a snowman you can find right there on the beach. Grab a few shells for the eyes, smile and buttons down the sandman. Find a piece of driftwood for the nose and hands. And finally, if you happen to find some seaweed, use that as the scarf on their sandman. Take a picture with each kid sitting or standing next to their creation and take a picture to help remember the fun they had.

There are many other fun kid-friendly activities that you can do on the beach, but these were a few to share with you. If you haven’t made reservations for your next beach getaway, check out what Oceanfront vacation homes are available. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories with the few kid-friendly activities listed above!

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Don’t Miss These 4th of July Events

July 1, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July will be here and that means so is your family vacation. Many families love to come to Holden Beach every summer to celebrate the birth of our country with their friends and family. Staying in one of our Ocean Front vacation homes will help you stay close to where the fun will begin. Let’s take a look at what some of the fun things that you and your family can do while you stay with us below.

Ocean Isle Beach July 4th Festival

If your family is looking for a fun July 4th festival then head over to Ocean Isle Beach on Thursday, July 4^th where you can watch the 4^th of July Parade. The parade will begin at 10:00 am and you will be able to see the spectacular decorated floats & golf carts, If you would like to watch the fireworks, head over on July 3rd to the Ocean Isle Beach Pier to view them. Don’t miss the fun that Ocean Isle Beach has to offer you on your next family vacation to Holden Beach.

4th of July in Southport

The City of Southport has an amazing 4^th of July celebration that will begin on July 1^st and ends on July 4^th, 2019. Your family will be able to enjoy several different things such as the Flag Raising Ceremony, Veteran’s Recognition Ceremony and so much more. There will be plenty of things for the kids to do as there will be entertainment, games and even a pancake breakfast. Make this a tradition to visit every year as you celebrate this festival.

Fireworks in Wilmington

If you are looking for a great fireworks show, then head to nearby Wilmington on July 4th. There are several different places where your family can sit down and relax to watch the annual 4^th of July fireworks. One of the best places to sit and watch them would be at Battleship Park. Bring a blanket or towel to sit down and enjoy the amazing display. The firework display will begin around 9:00 pm so come and grab a quick bite to eat and find the perfect spot by the waterfront to watch the fireworks display. What a fun evening to spend in nearby Wilmington with the family.

While there are many other events happening along the North Carolina Coast, we thought you’d enjoy these. If you still haven’t found a place to stay for your vacation, then check out some of these Ocean Front vacation homes today. We hope that your family has a wonderful vacation and a safe 4th of July!

2020 Holden Beach Concert Series Schedule

A Little More About the Concert Series

Planet Fun

Museum of Coastal Carolina

Play Board & Card Games

Mardi Gras by the Sea Parade & Festival

Run for the Arts 5K

What You Should Know About Booking Direct

Why Should You Book Direct with Us?

How Can You Book Direct with Alan Holden Vacations?

Run Holden Beach 2020

Hidden Battleship Tour

Explore Bald Head Island

Scavenger Hunt

Keep it a Secret

Gift Under the Tree

Enjoy the Great Outdoors

Relieves Stress

Sunrises & Sunsets

Sunset at Sunset Festival

39th Annual NC Oyster Festival

Wilmington’s Riverfest

Tic-Tac-Toe Fun

Musical Towels

Build Sand Animals

Play Sand Skeeball

Build a Sandman

Ocean Isle Beach July 4th Festival

4th of July in Southport

Fireworks in Wilmington

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39^th Annual NC Oyster Festival