Best Places to Get Coffee in Holden Beach

March 18, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

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!

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Must Have Items for Your Beach Bag

February 18, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

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!

Holiday accommodations

Holden Beach is the Perfect Valentine’s Day Destination

January 22, 2019 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

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!

Holden Beach rentals

Plan Your 2019 Vacation to Holden Beach Today

December 29, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Plan Your 2019 Vacation to Holden Beach Today

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

Plan Your 2019 Vacation to Holden Beach Today

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!

Holiday vacation rentals

Enjoy a Fun Vacation to Holden Beach this December

November 28, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Enjoy a Fun Vacation to Holden Beach this December

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

Enjoy a Fun Vacation to Holden Beach this December

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

Enjoy a Fun Vacation to Holden Beach this December

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!

holidays in Holden Beach

Spend Your Thanksgiving in Holden Beach

October 26, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Spend Your Thanksgiving in Holden Beach

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

Spend Your Thanksgiving in Holden Beach

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

Spend Your Thanksgiving in Holden Beach

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

Spend Your Thanksgiving in Holden Beach

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!

Festival By The Sea

The 38th Annual North Carolina Festival by the Sea

September 27, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

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!

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Come to Holden Beach for Labor Day Weekend

August 18, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Come to Holden Beach for Labor Day Weekend

Summer is coming to an end soon and that means the start of school for the kids. Don’t end the summer without having a Labor Day weekend getaway to Holden Beach this year. There are several great activities and events happening in and around Holden Beach Labor Day weekend. And staying in Holden Beach in one of our oceanfront vacation rentals will keep you near where the fun is happening. Let’s look below at what there is going on for the holiday weekend.

Ocean Isle Beach Concert

Want to attend a free concert in the nearby town, Ocean Isle Beach? Head to the Museum of the Coastal Carolinas on Friday, August 31st at 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. See the Entertainers which have been sharing beach music with others for over 30 years. What a great night filled with fun, dancing and entertainment with your family. Don’t miss out on this fun night to spend with friends and family, dancing the night away!

Art Festival in Oak Island

Come to Holden Beach for Labor Day Weekend

Do you like the arts or purchasing handmade goods? If you do, then go to Middleton Park in Oak Island for the 28th Annual Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Craft Festival. This is happening on Saturday, September 1st from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. There will be more than 100 artists and craft vendors there where you can shop for those gifts or for items for your home. From pottery, stained glass, woodcarvings to garden items there will be something that you can find at this craft festival. What a great way to grab some handmade Christmas gifts this year!

Oak Island Labor Day Surf Off

Come to Oak Island Labor Day Weekend for the 15th Annual Labor Day Surf Off happening at the Oceancrest Pier. This is happening on Saturday, September 1st from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There will be different categories for all ages and abilities. What a fantastic way to spend the day at the beach than to watch a surf off of local surfers. Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, beach chairs and towels with you! You don’t want to burn while you watch these guys shred some waves!

Holden Beach Summer Concert

Come to Holden Beach for Labor Day Weekend

Come celebrate the final concert in the Holden Beach Concert series for the season on September 2nd. Gather at the Holden Beach Pavilion at 6:30 pm for you to enjoy some fun, music and dancing. Join the Imitations for some good fun with everyone while you enjoy a free concert before heading home. Bring your beach chairs with you and a few bottles of water or soda and just enjoy the time you have down at the beach with your friends and family. Don’t miss out on this fun loaded night in Holden Beach this year!

While there are many other things that you could be doing while at the beach for Labor Day weekend, these are a few we thought you’d enjoy. If you still don’t have a Holden Beach vacation rental for the week we do still have availabilities. We can’t wait for you to join us in celebrating Labor Day in Holden Beach!

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Take Advantage of Our Summer Specials

July 8, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Holden Beach Implements Beach Renourishment Project

Summer feels like it has just begun in our area and with it only being July and there are still plenty of vacation home rentals for the rest of the summer! Many love to flock to the beach every summer and Holden Beach isn’t any different. The area has so much to offer whether it is happening in our town or surrounding areas you will enjoy your vacation.

A Coastal Dream is a newer property that we have to offer you and we have availability in July and August. Not only is this a new construction, but you also have access to a pool! This is a beautiful home that makes you feel like this is home sweet home and not only has granite in the kitchen but it has details that will make you want to stay here for years to come! “A Coastal Dream” is perfect for larger families or families who want to bring friends along to stay for the week! You can sleep up to 8 and comes with 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths. This home does have close beach access but does not allow pets and is a non-smoking property. Don’t let this one slip away from you this summer!

Waters Edge 431-B is available the last two weeks of July into August and is a smaller family or if a couple wants to head to the beach for a week to enjoy some relaxation. This property has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and sleeps 4. If you book any vacant week in July or August 2018 you will receive $300 off the regular weekly rate! Waters Edge 431-B is a condo and you will have an opportunity to walk to the beach, you will have covered parking which whenever it rains will help and has an easy walk to the fishing pier. Please note that this property does not allow pets and is non-smoking. Don’t let this deal pass you by!

Carolina Dreaming is one of our oceanfront properties and has so much to offer you. If you book any vacant week in 2018 you will receive $500 off the weekly rate. What an amazing deal! Who wouldn’t want to wake up and walk out onto one of the covered porches and have coffee looking at the ocean. This home has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms which can sleep 11 people! What a perfect property to have a family vacation to help end the summer and it’s perfect for a larger family. Not only is the property oceanfront but it also has an elevator, an enclosed outside shower and has a private walkway to the beach. This property does not allow pets and is non-smoking.

Blue S'kai Vacation Home

Blue S’kai is another beautiful property that we have to offer you. With 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms that sleeps 15 people can sleep all you need. And with the special of book any vacant week in August or September 2018 you will receive $400 off the regular weekly rate. With an open floor plan that allows you to spend time in the kitchen and still can see others who are relaxing in the living room. This is a newly renovated property and you will be able to experience beautiful views of the intercostal waterway, ocean and marsh. Who wouldn’t want to see that every morning? If you have kids or possibly “big kids” then they will love you more if you book this property because it includes a game room. There is so much more that this house offers you.

We do have other properties for you to be able to book for the rest of the summer into the fall that we’d love for you to check out. We want you to want to come back for years to come!

Rip Tides

Rip Tide Awareness Week

June 6, 2018 Alan Holden Vacations Leave a comment

Rip Tide Awareness Week lasts from June 4-10, 2018. The following information about rip tides and currents is from the NOAA site and is quite valuable. It’s important to know what to do if you or a family member encounters a rip tide (also called rip current) so you’ll be able to disengage from it and return to safety.

For families that are vacationing at the beach, it is important to realize the dangers of rip currents before swimming in the ocean. The majority of fatalities from rip currents each year are people visiting from other areas.

Rip Tide Awareness Week
Rip tides are powerful currents of water that move away from shore and are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers, especially for non-swimmers. According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 80 percent of surf beach rescues are a result of rip currents. In addition, more than 100 people die annually from drowning when they are unable to escape a rip current.

Rip tides form when waves break near the shoreline, piling up water between the breaking waves at the beach. One of the ways this water returns to sea is to form a rip current, a narrow jet of water that moves swiftly offshore, roughly perpendicular to the shoreline. Under most tide and sea conditions the speeds are relatively slow, however when wave, tide and beach conditions are right, the speeds can quickly increase to become dangerous to anyone entering the surf, even the most experienced swimmers. Rip currents can be very narrow or extend in widths to hundreds of yards. The seaward pull of rip currents varies from just beyond the line of breaking waves to hundreds of yards offshore.

Some of the clues you can use to identify rip currents include:
~ a channel of churning or choppy water,
~ an area having a notable difference in water color,
~ a line of foam, seaweed or debris moving steadily seaward,
~ or a break in the incoming wave pattern.

These clues may or may not indicate the presence of rip currents. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average person. If you are concerned about the possibilities of rip currents occurring in the surf, it is best to ask an on-duty lifeguard before entering the water.

If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly. Never fight against the current. Swim out of the current in a direction parallel to the shoreline. When out of the current, swim at an angle away from the current and toward the shore. If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore. If you are unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by waving your arms and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, don’t become a victim yourself. Many people drown each summer while trying to save someone else from a rip current. Get help from a lifeguard if one is available. If not, have someone call 9-1-1. Throw the rip current victim something that floats such as a life jacket, cooler or inflatable ball.

It is important to note that under any conditions rip currents can occur and beachgoers should know how to swim and to heed the advice of beach patrol before entering the surf. When areas of rip currents are marked with signs, respect the signage and avoid the area.

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