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 4th where you can watch the 4th 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 4th of July celebration that will begin on July 1st and ends on July 4th, 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 4th 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!
Summer may be here for many but did you know that May is the start of the sea turtle nesting season here on the coast? Each year many loggerhead sea turtles come to our shoreline in late spring to lay their nests? And when you stay in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, your family may get to see a nest or two. Let’s see what you need to know about the sea turtle nesting season here at Holden Beach below.
When Will We See a Sea Turtle Nest?
Here at Holden Beach, we have many volunteers who will begin searching the beaches in hope of finding a loggerhead sea turtle nest. May 1st through the end of October is when your family may get to see a turtle nest. If you are walking at night on the beach, you may find a mother sea turtle laying her eggs in a nest she built. This doesn’t happen just at Holden Beach, but happens along the shorelines in several states.
Help Protect our Loggerhead Sea Turtles
Holden Beach takes protecting our loggerhead sea turtles very serious we would like to continue to make their nests on our coast. Each morning you will see that there are local volunteers who look for a new nest or a turtle who may need help. With each new nest they find, they mark it with stakes, ribbon and even a warning sign to help protect them. It will normally take each nest to hatch around 60 days or so and so they are closely monitored until they do. We do however have a few things that you need to remember while you are on vacation during turtle nesting season:
If you happen to see a sea turtle mother or their nest, please keep your distance from them.
When you are venturing on the beach at night, please leave your flashlights off or if you happen to see a turtle, don’t shine it on them. They use the moonlight to help guide them back to the sea.
Make sure that you bring your beach equipment back to your vacation rental after a nice day at the beach. We don’t want the turtles to get caught in them while they are on the sand.
Please keep the beaches clean from any trash or plastic on the days you spend at the beach. We like to keep our beaches free of trash to help with the new hatchlings as much as we can.
If you happen to see a mother who is in distress, injured or any unmarked nests, please contact the Holden Beach Turtle Patrol today at 910-754-0722.
While there are many other things you can do to help protect the nests and hatchlings while you are on vacation, these are the most important that we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t made your vacation reservations, check out our Holden Beach vacation rentals today. We hope that you and your family will be able to see a sea turtle on your next vacation to Holden Beach!
Have you ever vacationed in Holden Beach during the summer, then you are missing out on some fun! Each year the Holden Beach Concert Series begins at the Holden Beach Pavilion under the Holden Beach bridge. This series offers our guests free live performances by local musicians every Sunday night at 6:30 pm. The series begins on May 26th and ends on September 1st, 2019. And when you are staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, then you will be close to the fun for your next vacation. Let’s look at the line up for this year’s Concert Series below.
2019 Holden Beach Concert Series Lineup
May 26th – Steve Owens and Summertime
June 2nd – Carolina Breakers
June 9th – The Embers featuring Craig Woolard
June 16th – Blackwater Rhythm and Blues
June 30th – Jim Quick and Coastline
July 7th – The Tams
July 14th – Gary Lowder & Smokin Hot
July 21st – The Entertainers
July 28th – Big Time Band
August 4th – North Tower
August 11th – Tim Clark
August 18th – Too Much Sylvia
August 25th. – The Extraordinaires
September 1st – The Imitations
Fun with the Family
If you have never attended one of these concerts, then you
have been missing out on fun with the family. Here you can dance together and
enjoy time outdoors with the ones you love and can just enjoy the live music. There
will be refreshments available for purchase during the live entertainment, so if
you haven’t eaten dinner yet, there will be a few things there to grab. What a
great way to start out your vacation with your family.
If you still have not made your summer vacation reservations to Holden Beach this year, now is the time. We have plenty of vacation rentals that will work for all size families who want to come and enjoy the beach. We can’t wait to see you and your family this coming up season!
Are you and your family going on Vacation to Holden Beach and you are wondering where you can get the best coffee at? We can tell you that we know where the best spots to grab a cup of coffee or two from in the area. Many locals like to get their daily dose of caffeine at these places and we thought that we’d share them with you. If you are staying with us in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, you won’t be too far away from any of them. Let’s look at our top picks for the best places to get coffee while on vacation in Holden Beach.
Cappuccino by the Sea
Cappuccino by the Sea has been open for over 25 years and is not like any other coffee shop around. Here you and your family can come in, paint some pottery, shop and enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea. Fresh coffee is made every morning and afternoon and they serve Columbian coffee. Also, in the summer time while the weather is hot, you can get served cold coffee along with coffee ice cubes. You may notice that if your coffee will get stronger as the ice melts, but for many it only makes the coffee better. They do serve other drinks as well such as Chai Tea, Frappuccino, Lemonade and hot chocolate. Don’t miss this gem on your next vacation to Holden Beach.
Café Ahora
For those days where you just want a nice cup of coffee and munch on a little treat, then we have the perfect location. Café Ahora is located just before you come onto the island on Holden Beach Road. In a quaint location you will be able to find several different coffee options for you to choose from. From a hot cup of coffee to a Cold Brew to even smoothies, there is something for everyone in the family. And treat yourself to a little treat such as a Chocolate Chunk Cookie or a muffin. They also do offer specials for their customers as well which is why many of the locals love this coffee shop.
Jumpin’ Java Espresso
Jumpin’ Java Espresso is located in nearby town, Shallotte
and is known to many as to have some of the best coffee around. They offer many
classic options such as Caramel Lattes, Americano, Daily Brews and Caramel Macchiato’s
for you to enjoy. They also offer cold options and frozen drinks for you to sip
on. And let’s not forget about their signature drinks that everyone raves about
such as their German Chocolate Cake, Monkey Business, Milky Way and the famous
Shallotte’. Jumpin’ Java Espresso also has other drinks such as Hot Chocolate,
Italian Soda, and Smoothies for those who don’t drink coffee. Don’t miss this
coffee shop while you are on vacation or leaving to go home.
OIB Surf & Java
If you are looking for another great coffee shop in the area, then head on over to Ocean Isle Beach for a different kind of coffee shop. OIB Surf & Java is like no other coffee shop out there are you cannot only get coffee, but you can also shop for surfing things. They are locally owned, and it happens to be a favorite spot for many of the locals to flock to. They do offer different and unique flavors of Lattes and Frappes and for those who don’t care for coffee they have smoothies and tea for you. With so many different options for you to choose from, it’s hard to pick just one. Get a little shopping done while you enjoy your coffee or treat by looking at clothing, surfboards and more. Come check out why the locals love this little shop!
While there are many other options for coffee shops in the area, these are the few we’d thought that you would enjoy. If you are still on the hunt for a place to stay this year for either Spring Break or for the summer, then check out our Holden Beach vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to the area!
Headed to the sandy beaches of the North Carolina Coast for your vacation this year? Nothing says vacation like spending the day at one of our beautiful beaches. When staying in one of our Holden Beach vacation rentals, having the right beach bag essentials will help make your vacation much better. Be sure to check your “beach bag” must have list before you leave for your trip to guarantee you’ll have a good time.
Must Have Beach Bag Items
Beach Bag
Having the right beach bag can make ALL the difference in the world. Sure, you
can throw all of your items into any old bag, but did you know that all beach
bags were not created equal. We suggest looking at the size, water and sand
resistance, security and stylish when searching for your bag. We have found
that even using a backpack, diaper bag or an even a large utility tote bag
works perfect for a beach bag.
Beach Towels
Pack a towel for everyone in your family whether
you are going to sit in the sun or swim in the ocean. Bringing an extra towel
with you is always a good idea especially if you have little ones with you.
Having a beach towel with a different design can help each member in your group
remember which one theirs is. We also suggest that you make a pocket or two for
your beach towels too. Just sew a few pockets on one end of the towel to keep a
few things handy like sunscreen or your sunglasses.
Sunscreen
With the southern sun on Holden Beach, sunscreen is a must for any beach bag. Use a sunscreen that is designed for your beach activities such as waterproof, sport, high SPF, etc.). Dermatologists recommend that you use a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF while you are enjoying the sunshine. And don’t forget to Reapply throughout your day as we don’t want you to ruin your vacation the very first day your here with a sunburn. If you do happen to get a little more sun than you planned, make sure to have some aloe in your bag as well.
Water Resistant Phone Pouch or Plastic Bag
Between the water, sun and sand, the beach is
filled with many things that can damage your phone. Bringing a water-resistant
pouch to the beach can be a lifesaver for many. If you come on vacation and
realize you don’t have one, a sandwich bag or Ziploc bag will do the same as
the phone pouch. They will keep your phone protected from the elements at the
beach and you can even use it while it’s in the bag or pouch.
Mesh Bag for Sand Toys
When you go on vacation with kids, bringing
toys to play in the sand is a must. But we understand that bringing back the
sand into your car or vacation rental can be a hassle. If you pack in your
beach bag a mesh bag such as a laundry bag or a bag specifically for beach toys
can help eliminate the mess. Just throw the sandy toys into the bag, give it a
good shake or two and leave the sand behind at the beach. You should be able to
find these bags at any store or you can purchase them online too.
Hat & Sunglasses
Bringing both of these items can be very useful
for anyone who visits the beach. The sun in the south is a lot warmer than it
would be up north, and so we want to make sure you are protected. Having
sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun bright rays and will offer you
some relief when trying to keep an eye on your little ones playing. Whether you
have a floppy hot or a baseball cap, you will be happy that you brought these
along with you. Be sure to pack one for each member of your family.
Reusable Water Bottle
When you are spending the day in the sun and at the beach, you will want to stay hydrated as well. Throw a few water bottles in the cooler or bring a reusable bottle such as a Yeti Cup or an insulated bottle as they will keep your drink ice cold all day long. The sun and salt will dry you out so make sure that you have enough water to go around for everyone in your family for the whole day.
Baby Powder
You may not have thought that this would be a must,
but it is whenever you go to the beach. Whether you are staying in a vacation
rental or you decided to drive your car to the beach access, sand will be all
over you when you leave the beach. So, bringing baby powder in your beach bag
will magically get the sand off of your body without irritation and leave a
nice scent too. This is perfect for everyone in the family and not just the
kids.
Fitted Sheet
Many years ago, we learned of an easier way to
keep your food and beach items sand free. Bring a fitted sheet with you from
home that you can prop up on the beach. Use the cooler, beach bag, and a few
other things to help keep the area clean. If you have younger kids that don’t
like the feel of the sand, this is a way they too can enjoy the beach without
the upset of getting sand in their mouths, or even the food.
There are many other items that you can pack into your beach bag for your next trip to Holden Beach, but these are the must have items we thought you should have with you. If you are still looking for a place to stay for your next getaway or vacation, then check out our Holden Beach vacation rentals today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you enjoy the North Carolina Coast!
Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it and now is the perfect time to plan a romantic getaway to Holden Beach. With the hustle and bustle that can happen after the holidays, it’s the ideal time to reconnect with your partner for a little getaway. This year instead of planning a night of dinner and a movie, then make your Valentine’s Day getaway a romantic one that your loved one will never forget. We have come up with a few easy steps to plan your perfect Valentine’s Day getaway.
Find & Book the Perfect Vacation Home
The first step that you can’t leave out would have to be to find and book the perfect romantic vacation rental. Holden Beach offers visitors a variety of beautiful and well-appointed vacation rentals that you can choose from. Many of our home’s features oceanfront views, pools, hot tubs and sound front views that will help set the mood for romance. If you are a little worried that you won’t find the perfect location, don’t be. We have vacation rentals close to the area’s best attractions or if you’d like to be a little more secluded, we have those as well. Don’t forget that you are spending the weekend away from the busy life back home, so find a rental that will help the two of you escape for some relaxation.
Plan a Surprise
There is one way that you can inject some real
passion into your getaway is to plan a surprise for you loved one. The surprise
doesn’t have to be extravagant but make it simple and yet sweet such as having
champagne and strawberries ready, or having flowers delivered to your vacation
rental. Another sweet surprise you can do is to schedule a couple’s massage at
a local spa. Think about what your partner likes and plan a surprise around
that or a few things. No matter what you decide to plan, they will be surprised
either way.
Go on a Couple’s Adventure
Holden Beach holds an endless amount of exciting and fun things to do in the area with your loved one. Whether you are staying with us for a weekend or a week, there is plenty of time to enjoy a little fun. When you are planning what romantic adventure, make sure to pick the things you’d like to do as a couple. Some of the things you can do is taking a walk on the beach, taking a deep-sea fishing trip or go taste some wine. There are many locations where you can take a day trip to say Myrtle Beach or to Wilmington, the possibilities are endless here.
Dine Together
Your Valentine’s Day getaway has to include a romantic dinner. Here at Holden Beach you will be able to find several local restaurants that you may want to give a try. If you are into seafood, then we suggest Castaways Raw Bar & Grill or Dock House Seafood & More. There are many options that are available in Holden Beach and many more options in the surrounding area. No matter what you are in the mood for to celebrate Valentine’s Day, there is something for you and your loved one here at the beach.
Disconnect
Sometimes on of the hardest things that many of
us can’t do is disconnect from the outside life, but since you are on your
romantic getaway set the technology away. Don’t worry about posting a picture
or two of what you’re doing on Instagram or other social media accounts but
enjoy your trip kid free and technology free. Holden Beach is quiet during the
month of February so you will be able to enjoy the slower pace on the beach.
While leaving your phone behind at your vacation rental may be difficult
especially if you have children, just take a moment away from social media and
enjoy the peace and quiet. We promise you will be glad you did.
Now that you have everything you need to plan your next romantic getaway to Holden Beach this Valentine’s Day, it’s time to book your trip. If you would like to learn more about what Holden Beach vacation rentals are available, please check out our inventory or give us a call today. We hope that you and your loved one will enjoy taking this romantic trip away from the busy life at home and enjoy each other!
2019 will be here before you know it so, now is the time to plan your next family vacation. The temps might be cold outside right now, but soon it will be perfect beach weather. Take advantage of planning your next vacation to Holden Beach early to get the most out of your vacation. It’s always nice to have your vacation planned so that when it’s vacation time, you can enjoy.
Budget
The first thing that you will want to get a handle on is your budget. Planning a vacation can take a lot of time, but knowing you can afford it helps. With a little bit of budgeting and knowing when you’d like to go can take a bit of financial stress off your plate. To get things started, have a family meeting to see what everyone would like to do on vacation. For example, if you’d like to go out to eat a few nights, then add that into the budget. Purchasing gift certificates before you leave for vacation will help keep you on track. You will be able to relax a little more when you are on your vacation.
Vacation Rental
One of the many advantages of booking your next vacation to Holden Beach now is you will have a plenty of vacation homes to choose from. With many locations all over Holden Beach, you are able to find the perfect home that suits your family’s needs. No matter what you are looking for whether it’s oceanfront or second row home, we have the perfect home just for you. Here are a few other advantages of choosing a vacation rental rather than staying in a hotel:
Location – We are able to offer more options than a hotel can offer. If you’d like an oceanfront home rather than the “standard” view, then it’s yours.
Kitchens – All of our vacation homes offer you the perfect kitchen for your vacation needs. Here you will be able to fix all your meals for a big family or small family.
Size – When you vacation, size does matter when it comes to vacation rentals. Instead of having a small hotel room where everyone has to share the same room, you will be able to accommodate your whole family.
Amenities – Many of our homes have pools, hot tubs, outside grills, and other fun things for you to do to make your vacation more relaxing. Vacationing in a home is so much more pleasant than a hotel and you won’t miss out on the fun.
Plan Your Activities
When it comes to planning out your activities for the whole week, we know that many families like to think ahead. Sometimes your plans can be hindered if it rains, so always having a backup plan can help. There are so many different activities in the area for you and your family to take advantage of. From heading over to the Shallotte River Swamp Park to going Deep Sea Fishing, there is something for everyone to do. If you’d like to head into Wilmington, it’s a short 40-minute drive to explore there or maybe head to Myrtle Beach which is 40 minutes for more fun. Planning these activities ahead of time will help you save time and possibly money in the long run.
Now that you and your family have come up with a plan to go ahead and plan your 2019 family vacation, it’s time to book it. With the ease of being able to book your vacation online, we want to help you make this vacation the best it can be. If you should have any questions about what house will be right for your family, please check out our Vacation Planner today. We hope that you and your family will be able to find the perfect Holden Beach vacation rental for your next vacation and look forward to seeing you soon!
Are you and your family wanting to come to the beach during the month of December for a fun vacation? If the answer is yes, then we have the perfect vacation rentals for you. Staying in one of our Oceanfront vacation homes next month will help you get in the spirit of Christmas this year. Instead of worrying about how to get your home ready for the holidays, you can instead come to Holden Beach and relax while enjoying these events. Let’s look at why you should head to Holden Beach in the month of December.
Sandy Paws Parade
Do you like to bring your pet with you on vacation? If so, then staying in one of our Pet-Friendly homes can help you get in the mood to enjoy the Sandy Paws Parade. On Friday, December 7, 2018 you can come celebrate the holiday season with your pup on our pet-friendly beaches. Bring your pup out for a short stroll as part of the doggie parade. The parade will begin at Town Hall at 2:00 pm and after the parade you and your pup can head over to the Holden Beach Pavilion. Here you will get to have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa and your pups. What a fun way to start out the holiday season with your pets and family!
Holiday Crafts
Are you still searching for that perfect gift to give to a loved one or a friend? We know that you and your family can head over to the Holiday Craft Market on Saturday, December 1, 2018 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Oak Island Recreation Center. Here you will be able to find some pretty unique gifts that we know someone will love. Handmade gifts are always the best to give to someone because it means it came from the heart. Not only are you helping out a local artist, but you are also finding that perfect gift for someone you love. There will be coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies for you to enjoy that will help make this year’s holiday market the best!
The Holiday Parade is On
For those who would like to come see a different kind of parade, we have the perfect one for you. Come to the Southport Marina in Southport on Saturday, December 8th beginning at 7:00 pm. Here you and the family will be able to see the best holiday parade on the water around town. Be sure to bring a chair, a blanket and find that perfect spot to view along the historic banks of the Cape Fear River. You will see boats of all sizes dressed up in their finest holiday decor and witness the twinkling lights on the water and the sky. Cheer for your favorite decorated boats judged by many and students from the Southport Elementary School Art Class. Come early so you can enjoy one of the many activities that will be happening in town!
Find that Candy Cane
On Friday, December 14, 2018 you and your family can come to the Bill Smith Park in Southport and hunt for candy canes. Be sure to bring a flashlight because we don’t want to have a Flashlight Candy Cane hunt without one. What fun would that be if you couldn’t find any? Here you will be able to find candy canes, green and red eggs on the softball field. And to help you warm up a bit after spending some time to find the goodies, there will be hot chocolate and even a visit with Santa. This can be a perfect photo opportunity for all those who don’t want to wait in the line for Santa at the mall. Come and enjoy a little outdoor fun while on vacation this year!
There are many other holiday activities happening in the Holden Beach area and we thought these might help sweeten the deal in coming during the holiday season. If you are still searching for that perfect pet-friendly vacation rental or another Holden Beach vacation rental, we still have availabilities. We hope that you and your family will be able to join in the fun activities while you vacation this December with us at Alan Holden Vacations!
Make a new holiday tradition with the family by spending Thanksgiving Day in Holden Beach this year. The first of November marks the start of the holiday season, where everyone in the family makes their Thanksgiving Day plans. They try to figure out if it should be at someone in the family’s home or elsewhere. Instead of trying to figure it out, make plans to spend Thanksgiving in Holden Beach this year in your Second Row vacation rental. Let’s look at why you must spend Thanksgiving in Holden Beach this year.
Family Time
When you think of Thanksgiving, you think of spending as much quality time with your family. A lot of families have made coming to Holden Beach a tradition each year for Thanksgiving because if you are staying in one of our vacation rentals, there will be plenty of room for everyone. Staying home can sometimes be a little stressful, but when you spend a holiday in Holden Beach it’s more relaxing. Spend the day cooking in your vacation rental or go out to eat instead.
Fall Weather
Fall will have officially made its way to Holden Beach and we have to say that the temperature will make enjoying the beach better. While the weather has a little chill to the air, it’s still much warmer than living up north. One of the most amazing times to visit Holden Beach is during the fall months. The weather during the day seems to warm up for you and your family to get plenty of sunshine and play in the sand. And at night the air has a small chill to it, but not so much to where you wouldn’t want to take a walk on the beach with a loved one. This is the perfect time of the year to come celebrate Thanksgiving with your friends and family.
Gorgeous Views
Even during the off-season, Holden Beach is nothing short of beauty. Spending Thanksgiving watching the waves roll in and out from your oceanfront vacation rental is what everyone dreams of. You may happen to see some fishing boats off in the distance or people taking pictures on the beach for their Christmas cards. With 12 miles of beach and beauty, how could you not want to vacation here? Take a stroll along the beach or have your family’s holiday pictures taken out on the beach. There are a ton of things that you can enjoy while you vacation here.
Black Friday
After Thanksgiving, while the Christmas music begins to play, go shop for some of those Black Friday Deals. We know that most everyone likes to make sure they get the best deals on their Christmas shopping. While you can find some pretty amazing deals at the outlet mall in Myrtle Beach, you can also find some great deals at some of the local shops too. Don’t forget that purchasing something from one of the local artists or stores will make the best gifts.
There are many other reasons why you should spend Thanksgiving here in Holden Beach, but there are just a few we thought you would enjoy. If you and your family want to spend Thanksgiving here, please look at what Second Row vacation rentals are available today. We can’t wait to see you this holiday season!
If you are planning on coming and visiting Holden Beach this fall, then you don’t want to miss the 38th Annual NC Festival by the Sea. This event is held every year in late October in Holden Beach, NC. Staying in one of our oceanfront vacation rentals will keep you close to where the fun and activities are being held. This year the festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, October 28th.
This event is held by the Greater Holden Beach Merchants Association and is a 2 day event that you and your family can enjoy. Not only will you get enjoy a parade on Saturday to start out the festival. And did you know that this is the only day during the year that you are able to walk across the bridge to Holden Beach? How awesome is that?!
Fun for the Whole Family
Just besides the parade, you and your family can enjoy so many different things happening during the festival. If you have children, there will be a children’s area that is just for them. Not only will there be something there for the kids, but there is something for everyone. The food will be amazing and there will be over 100 Arts and Crafts Vendors for you to shop from. This is the perfect way you can get Christmas gifts for everyone on your list! And if you want to hear live music there will be plenty of that for you to enjoy.
And just when you didn’t think you could have any more fun, there will be enough things for you to do during the weekend. If you are still searching for that perfect vacation rental for your vacation or getaway, allow us at Alan Holden Vacations to help you with your search! We hope that you will make coming in the fall a yearly vacation to Holden Beach!
