Do you and your family need a change of scenery this fall from life at home? If the answer is yes, then allow us to share with you why you need to take a vacation to the Charleston area this fall. This year has been quite a year for many and has made some new adjustments as well. Staying in one of our Charleston area vacation rentals will allow you and your family to enjoy your stay on the coast. Let’s look below at why you should take a vacation even while Learning and working remotely.
Learn Virtually While on Vacation
This year learning for many students will be different compared to previous years. Instead of heading back to school in the classroom, they will be learning from home virtually. Because of this change, that only means that you and your family can take a vacation while your kids are still in school. You will find that each one of our homes comes equipped with complimentary WIFI for you to enjoy. So instead of learning from home, come to the beach and learn all while enjoying your vacation to the Charleston area.
Work from the Beach
Another thing that has changed for many parents is working from home instead of the office. While many still had to go into the office because they were essential workers, many will remain home until 2021. This can be a wonderful thing because now you and your family can still take a vacation to the coast. Instead of sitting at home, hearing the kids fight about who has the remote, you can be enjoying your time at the beach. Work from the living room or deck of your vacation rental. Take a long lunch break and enjoy time with the family on the beach. No matter what working while on vacation is better than any day at home.
While there are so many other things that are exciting about the kids learning virtually and you work from home, these we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay with us in one of our Charleston area vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you relax this fall on the South Carolina Coast!
Are you and your family traveling the Charleston area this fall and are looking for something to do? Then look no further as you can take advantage of fishing right here on the Coast of South Carolina. Staying in one of our Carolina One Vacation Rentals will keep you and your family close to the action. We have come up with a guide on where you can go fishing together this fall in the Charleston area.
Edisto Island
When you vacation on Edisto Island this fall, there are
several places that we can recommend. Not only is fishing during the fall
months fun, but it’s also relaxing too. Edisto Beach State Park will allow the
family to experience some saltwater fishing together and more. Admission into
the park is $8 per adult, $4 per child (ages 6-15), and free for kids five and
under. Another great location on the island is to head over to the Botany Bay
Plantation Heritage Preserve. This area is open, and we do recommend that you
bring plenty of sunscreens and bug spray with you. If you have younger kids
with you, then this may not be the place for you. There are also plenty of
charter boats to take advantage of as well that you don’t want to miss.
Folly Beach
Folly Beach is an excellent location to not only vacation at but to go fishing too. Known to many as the “laid back” island is where you will find some great places. Head over to the Folly Beach Pier as you soak up the sun and catch the fish. Depending on the time of year that you go will depend on the price of parking. Daily fishing on the pier is $5 per adult, Kids 12 & under are $3, seniors (60 & up) are $3, and Active Military are $4. You can also rent a rod and bait for the full day of $10 plus a $25 deposit. Think of the fun you and your family can have while on vacation to Folly Beach and enjoy a little fishing too!
Isle of Palms
Just a short drive from Isle of Palms is the Mount Pleasant Pier that has the same pricing for daily fishing. Not only is there the pier but there are also shops close by to where you will be able to do a little shopping too. Another great option is doing a charter fishing trip. There are many in the area, and we can tell you that each one offers you a great time on the boat while you make new memories.
While there are many other fun locations in the Charleston area to fish at this fall with the family, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your fall vacation to stay with us in one of our Carolina One Vacation Rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you enjoy the cooler weather and the great fish this fall!
Do you and your family have a vacation planned to stay in one of our Edisto vacation rentals this 4th of July? If you do, then we want to share with you what you can do while staying with us. While this 4th of July may be different than other years, there is still plenty to do in the area. Edisto is a great family-friendly destination that has many families wanting to vacation here more and more every year. Let’s look below at what you and your family can do while you are on vacation in Edisto.
Explore Fort Sumter
One of the things that are great about vacationing in the
Charleston area is the available fun things. You’re in luck because Fort Sumter has
officially opened to visitors, and they are open daily. While some of the park
sites inside the fort will be closed, your family will still be able to explore
the fort. Fort Sumter is approximately an hour from Edisto, but we promise that
this is an experience like no other.
Learn to Surf
Another fun activity that your family can do together this 4th of July is learning to surf. Edisto Beach surf lessons are available and are suitable for all ages. They do offer a weeklong class for your family or kids to enjoy. In these lessons, you will learn how to ride your first wave to learning how to stand up on the surfboard. Think of the new memories that your family will make while learning to surf together.
Shelling Excursion
Do you have someone in the family who loves to collect shells? If you do, then why not schedule a Shelling Excursion with the family. On the day you do this excursion, you will be able to head over to Otter Island, which happens to be a family favorite. Please note that this fun adventure will take place only during low tide. Make sure to bring your own water (for drinking), towels, snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray. Also don’t forget to bring your phone, camera, and binoculars. What a fantastic way to spend the day with your family on this excursion!
While there are many other fun things your family can do this 4th of July, we wanted to share these. If you haven’t booked your next family vacation to stay in one of our Edisto vacation rentals, now is the time. We look forward to seeing your family as you celebrate the 4th of July in Edisto this year!
Enjoy your Vacation at the beach with these helpful tips!
Stick Figure Family Vacationing
Staying connected while practicing responsible physical distancing strategies is important. Here are a few ways to relax, recharge and enjoy your next vacation while still practicing physical distancing.
Physical Distancing At the Beach
Wave a boater’s hello to friendly passers by while keeping a healthy 6 feet apart. When you head down to the beach for the day try to walk a little bit further down from the beach access, space your chairs or towels a few feet apart from each other. Practicing physical distancing at the beach takes a little extra time but it is always worth it!
Activities that practice Physical Distancing:
Grab a book to read while at the beach
Collect Seashells
Build a sandcastle
Go Fishing
Water Sports like kayaking and paddle boarding
Have little ones? Bring a kiddie pool to fill up with ocean water and let them play. This helps if the water is packed with people and it also helps during times that currents are too strong for the little ones to play safely.
Practicing Social Distancing while on vacation.
Mask
In the “New Normal” this is now a sign of respect. By wearing a mask you aren’t protecting yourself from others germs but protecting others from your germs. If everyone wears a mask than we are all more protected.
Make it stylish and fun! You are living through a historical moment in our world history, have a DIY project day with the family and make your own vacation themed masks. Instead of matching family shirts this year do fun masks and share them on your social media. We would love to see what creative fun styles you come up with!
Gloves & Hand Washing
If you are wearing gloves, be sure to change them frequently. The best analogy that I think we can all relate the easiest to is pretending your gloves are sticky on the outside. Try to avoid cross contamination. Little “regular motions” are easy to forget, like grabbing your sunglasses or using your cell phone while grocery shopping.
Its important to keep your hands extra clean & wash them frequently. When you’re out and about bring a small portable bottle of hand sanitizer with you to use after touching communal surfaces.
Nature Trails
Retreating to nature is a great way to stay active while practicing social distancing however, in beautiful places nature trails can sometimes be a bit crowded. It’s important to keep your distance of 6 ft. apart. Be mindful of community spaces with community benches, picnic tables and bathrooms. If you do use these facilities, wipe them off before you sit and when you’re finished with a disinfectant wipe.
Dog on the beach practicing social distancing.
Pets
We love our furry friends and we know everyone always wants to pet them however, right now may not be the best time to allow passers by to stop and give your pup snuggles. Their coats, their collars, their leashes and vest are all things that collect germs that can be transmitted to you or others.
Keyless Entry
At Carolina One Vacation Rentals we offer a contact-less check in process. Our properties offer keyless entry with a remote check in process. to help promote the importance of physical distancing and keep our staff and guests as safe as possible.
We want your vacation to the Charleston Beach area to be as worry free as possible! With mindfulness and a little extra thought, you can not only enjoy your well deserved vacation but also do your part to help prevent the spread of this vicious virus. Learn more about COVID-19 in the Charleston Coast Area: LEARN MORE
Are you and your family vacationing in Charleston this summer and are looking for some free things to do? We at Carolina One Vacations can give you the scoop on what you can do for free in the area. When you stay in one of our Isle of Palms vacation rentals you will be close to some of the fun. Let’s look below at what three things your family can do for free while on vacation.
Visit the Charleston Tea Plant
Has your family ever been to a tea plant before? If not, then you are definitely in for a treat while on vacation to Charleston this summer. You can go to the only tea garden in North America and enjoy a free tour of the factory at Carolina Tea Plantation. Learning how the tea is made to having the opportunity to look at the whole process is something fun for every family. After you finish up the tour, you will be able to sample several different flavors of tea in their gift shop. What a great activity that your whole family will enjoy and learn a thing or two as well!
Waterfront Park
Another great location that your family can visit while you’re on vacation to Charleston is visiting Waterfront Park. Here you and the family will be able to see the pineapple fountain that may remind you of a particular cartoon character but more elegant. Swing on the pier while you are spotting dolphins in the water nearby. The views at this park are absolutely breathtaking and can be a great location to let the kids enjoy some fresh air. Be sure to bring a camera or your phone to capture the beauty of this park!
Visit the Angel Oak Tree
Charleston is known for having a lot of history, and the
Angel Oak is one you can’t miss. You and your family will be able to take a
drive to visit the 1500-year-old Angel Oak, which has been reported to be the
oldest living structure on the east coast. This tree is located on Johns Island
but is only a short drive away. Take pictures of the tree and marvel in all its
beauty and structure!
While there are many other things that your family can do for free in Charleston, these are the three we wanted to share with you. If you haven’t booked your summer vacation to spend it with us at Carolina One Vacations, now is the time. We look forward to seeing you and your family this summer, making new memories!
A fun look into the past of how the most popular vacation destinations on Charleston’s Coast came to be!
In times of chaos and uncertainty it’s sometimes reassuring to look into the past and see what we can learn from our history. It’s also important to escape the chaos by making time to do the things that bring you joy. Tend to your garden, read for pleasure, hang up those pictures that have been sitting in the corner for ages, enjoy a meal with your family and remember that this too shall pass in time. So without further ado, here is your mental escape from the news and bombardment of this crisis. I hope that just for a moment you’re able to relax your mind and enjoy some of the rich history that our beautiful slice of Charleston has to offer.
At Carolina One Vacation Rentals we are so fortunate to be able to call Folly Beach,Wild Dunes,Isle of Palms, and Edisto Island home. The Charleston Coast is a mixture of history and beauty, with it’s lush landscapes and historic monuments like the Morris Island Lighthouse or the McLeod Plantation located near Folly Beach.
Isle Of Palms& Wild Dunes
If you’re staying in the Isle of Palms area make time to skip on over to Fort Moultrie roughly 5 miles away located on Sullivan Island. While you’re there you can’t miss seeing the Sullivan Island lighthouse frequently referred to as “Charleston Light”. This lighthouse is a must-see, with it’s distinct shape it stands out as one of the most modern lighthouses on the Carolina Coast. Construction on the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse began in 1960 when a unanisome town voted to build it in fear that the Morris Island lighthouse would not last due to severe erosion but fortunately they rallied together to save this lighthouse and created a new one!
Sullivan’s Island is located just south of Isle of Palms and north of Folly Beach. The rich history of Folly Beach is that of legends, myths and folklore. Records in Folly Beach date back all the way to 1696 before the Civil War when it was deeded as a royal grant and named “Coffin Island”
Folly Beach
“Coffin Island ” which we now know as Folly Beach and some now refer to as “The End of The Earth” was known for its isolation and that it was frequented by pirates and northern soldiers. The northern soldiers later dubbed the area to be jungle-esque and named it “Folly” which means dense foliage. This area is bursting with stories of shipwrecks, pirates and bootleggers! Folly Beach may be most popularly known as the inspirational muse behind the classic link in Porgy and Bess written by George Gershwin in the 1930’s “ SummerTime and The Livin is Easy”. This classic line was later loosely covered by the popular beach band Sublime, making Folly Beach an Iconic summertime getaway for all laid back beachgoers.
Edisto Island
If we head a little further south, we’ll find the beautiful beaches of Edisto Island. The history of Edisto possibly dates back to 2000 B.C. where historians believe people lived on the Island and off the rich land. The state park in Edisto Island is a must-visit when you plan your next trip! It is located off State Cabin Road and if you look closely while walking the trails, you can see the rich history of the Island amongst the shell midden.
The wealth of this island can be dated back to the 1600s and is due to fertile fields for growing rice. This crop brought an abundance of wealth to the area and was one of the most successful exports in the 1700s. The past of Edisto Island isn’t perfect, the island has weathered many storms but it always survives and remains as a perfect getaway for hard-working members of society to escape the chaos and relax on the water.
In the 1900s the area made the profitable decision to connect to the rest of South Carolina by establishing a drawbridge, this would help grow their wildly popular truck farming and seafood industry that we know and love today. In the mid- 1920’s Edisto Beach was fully established, it was a simple area built on fishing and a laid back lifestyle, for all that knew of it, it was a perfect paradise escape.
For centuries the Charleston Coastline has remained a got to destination for weary travelers looking for a little bit of peace and relaxation. The calming melody of the oceans waves and the subtle hint of salt in the air will be here for centuries to come. This moment in our history shall pass in time and we will remain a beacon to all those future travelers, who are looking to escape the chaos and enjoy a well-deserved beach vacation.
Do you feel overworked? Overwhelmed? Maybe even a little like you’re in need a major vacation. Well, if you are an American worker, you are not alone. The Center for Economic and Policy Research estimates that 25% of Americans don’t take a vacation anymore, and that number jumps up to 31% if you work a minimum or low wage job. If you’re like a lot of people, not taking a vacation may not have much to do with your amount of vacation time, but with the fact that you feel guilty taking any time off of work unless it’s for an emergency.
Maybe you’re in the middle of a huge project, or maybe you don’t feel “comfortable” taking some time off. Either way, it’s time to get out of that mindset and enjoy a much-deserved vacation! There are houses for rent in Charleston, SC and beach bungalows at Summerville that are calling your name. If you’re feeling guilty about taking time off, you won’t after you read this.
Happy workers are more productive
If you’re already feeling a bit down in the dumps over problems at work, we don’t need to tell you how much a bad mood can ruin your day. Different studies have shown how vacations can benefit individuals, and those effects can have trickle down benefits for your company. Imagine starting your average work week on a Monday after a normal weekend. Now imagine starting your week after you’ve had a three day weekend relaxing with your friends and family. Happy workers have a brighter outlook on the day, are often more productive, and can even have an easier time thinking of fresh ideas to benefit the company.
Do you feel like you and your significant other aren’t communicating as well as you used to? Can you not remember the last time you and your kids sat down and just had time to talk? You aren’t the only one that’s feeling stressed from your daily work load, your spouse and kids can feel just as burned out as you do by their daily routine. Some time off from work or school can help you reconnect with the people that mean the most to you in life.
Vacations are good for your health
Remember when we were talking about how a vacation can leave you feeling refreshed and ready for work? There’s something about vacations that can have a transformative affect on people, and some believe that the reasons may be medical. A study on people who are at high risk for coronary heart disease found that men that failed to take annual vacations were 32% more likely to have a fatal heart attack. Stress is no joke health-wise, and a buildup of it could lead to a variety of stress-related health problems.
Are you looking to start 2016 off feeling your best, performing better at the office, and improving your family life? If so, take a vacation. No seriously. The holiday season can be a festive time, but it can also be a stressful one as well. Think of all the things you have to do this time of year. You have to worry about finding gifts in overcrowded malls and stores, deal with inclement weather if you live in areas prone to that, deal with daily stressors at work and at home, and interact with your extended family.
Over the course of the six week season, it makes sense that you might leave it a little more stressed than you were when you entered it. Plus, we can’t rule out other facets of health either. During the holiday season, many of us will throw caution to the wind when it comes to food and drink in the name of merriment. By the time January 1st hits, you might find that your clothing quite doesn’t fit as well as it did over the summer.
Taking a vacation now can help you offset some of the negative aspects of the holiday season and allow you to start the New Year off right. Need some more motivation? Here are several reasons why you should take a vacation as soon as possible:
You May Lose Them at the End of the Year
Are you the type who likes to save their days until the end of the year. More companies are adopting a “use them or lose them” policy. Therefore, it might be a risk to save your vacation days until later in the year. A new project could come up or there may be a round of layoffs that eliminates your ability to take off.
You’ll Be More Productive at Work
Taking a week off from work may seem like the opposite of being productive, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to a survey conducted by Expedia in 2012, 34% of professionals came back from the holidays feeling refreshed and more able to work. Think about it. If you’re relaxed and rested, wouldn’t you able to work more efficiently?
You Will Live Longer
Studies have indicated that people who vacation more live on average 20% more than those who are chained to their desks. Let’s say you spend a week in one of the many great Isle of Palms vacation rentals in South Carolina. Wouldn’t you want to live longer just so you could come back? In all seriousness, vacationing improves stress levels and reduces inflammation, which is responsible for a host of different chronic conditions.
You Will Have a Memory You and Your Family Can Enjoy
If your household is like most households in America, you probably spend too little time together and that time is spent looking down at your mobile devices. Vacations allow families to reconnect and provide a memory that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. If you want to make an investment in improving your family life, a vacation may provide to pay excellent dividends.
If you are already planning your summer vacation, you’re smart! A lot of people book their rentals anywhere from three to six months ahead of time, or even longer, depending on the location – and Isle of Palms, SC is a popular place for vacation rentals. There are many reasons that so many people come here, from the proximity to Charleston to the beautiful beaches. Here are some of our personal favorite activities to check out on Isle of Palms during the summer:
Isle of Palms County Park
What summer vacation at the beach would be complete without a trip to the beach? Isle of Palms County Park is one of the best places to catch some rays, look for shells or go swimming, but it also has a lot of other advantages. The park has year-round amenities including a boardwalk, changing area, restrooms, a sand volleyball court, a playground, and a picnic area. Along with all of these, the park offers seasonal lifeguards, beach rentals, outdoor showers, shopping, and food and drinks.
Golf
Wild Dunes Resort offers two impressive courses designed by Tom Fazio, the reputed and award-winning golf course architect. The Links course has the distinction of being Fazio’s first solo course design, and has just been renovated to include new greens and cart paths, as well as some changes to individual holes. The Harbor course features some of the most spectacular use of water in the golf world, and weaves between backwater, ponds, and the Intracoastal highway. The resort also has a practice area for those who need to get back into the game.
Capers Island
Capers Island is an uninhabited barrier island located just north of Isle of Palms and Dewees Island. It is accessible only by boat, but don’t let that stop you! There are several different ways to reach the island, the most common of which is to take a boat tour. You can also kayak over and, if you’re adventurous, camp overnight (with a permit).
This island is known for its starkly beautiful Boneyard Beach, so named for the bleached dead tree stumps, trunks, and limbs lining the water. On top of that, there is a ton of unspoiled wildlife to experience here, including palms and salt marshes, raccoons, deer, and dolphins, ospreys, eagles, egrets, herons and pelicans, alligators, and tons of different varieties of fish and crabs.
Charleston Shopping
If you are more of an indoorsy type, heading to nearby Charleston to check out the shopping scene might be more your thing. There are a number of malls and outlets in the area, in general, but if you are looking for the best, most unique selection of haute couture, antiques, and fine dining, King Street is the place to be! This is one of the most famous shopping destinations in the city, and offers notable stores such as the following:
George C. Birlant & Company, an antiques store with a reputation for the highest quality furniture, silver, and ceramics since it was founded in the 1920s.
While in the neighborhood, check out Blue Bicycle Books, a used book store with over 50,000 titles and a particularly good collection of books about Charleston.
Head to the Finicky Filly and House of Sage for youthful, stylish clothes, or check out Anne’s for timelessly elegant clothing designs.
Copper Penny will be your next stop, as you look for a pair (or pairs) of shoes to go with your new outfits.
Don’t forget to hit up some of the art galleries like Corrigan or Sylvan Gallery on your way through the area!
If you aren’t shopped out after King Street, make sure to stop by the Charleston City Market, which features a variety of local artists and their crafts. It’s one of the major cultural stops that proves that you’ve actually been to Charleston!
Special Events
One of the great things about Isle of Palms is that there is always something going on! There are tons of local cultural events happening here, in Charleston, and in other adjacent areas. If you come off-season in February, the island participates in the Lowcountry Blues Festival, an event that is held in many different locations in the close vicinity of Charleston. In June, there is a sandsculpting contest, and in July we hold a 5k beach run and fireworks for Independence Day. In October, there is a Connector Walk/Run, which benefits a local child abuse prevention charity, as well as other charities for children. If you are looking for local live music, check out the Windjammer, a beach club featuring a steady stream of musical acts in a variety of different styles.
If you haven’t secured a vacation rental on Isle of Palms for the summer yet, start looking now! Carolina One offers beautiful, convenient, and comfortable rental properties for your vacation, so check out our listings or call us at (843) 202-2000 for more information today!
If you live anywhere in the Northeast for Mid-Atlantic, you are probably still digging yourself out of snow right now. These areas were hit hard by Jonas, and the snowstorm triggered heavy snowfall, high winds, and heavy flooding in some shore towns. Some areas got as much as 30 inches of snow. If you have tired of Old Man Winter’s antics and are ready for summer, it is never too early to get started looking for a summer rental. There are many places to check out, but we are partial to Isle of Palms SC vacation rentals as they offer beautiful Southern architecture, pristine beaches, and a whole lot of Southern charm as well. Here are a few tips to help you find an affordable vacation rental.
Book Early
Most vacation homes see spots filled up well before Memorial Day – in fact, it is not out of the question to see coveted times of summer booked months in advance. Therefore, if you have a specific time in mind for when you want to visit Isle of Palms, begin as early as possible. At the same time, if you have more wiggle room, it might be advantageous to book early as well as you might get a better deal. Some rental owners and their agents would prefer to get a spot filled than play the waiting game. This could mean that they’re more willing to settle at a lower price.
Don’t Be Afraid to Negotiate
It never hurts to negotiate. In many cases the owner or agent will have a number in mind that they’re willing to go down to if needed, but you should be prepared to walk or pay the asking price as some aren’t willing to budge. Still, if you can save money doing so, it can’t hurt to try.
Book a Vacation Rental outside of Town or off the Beach
There’s no question that beachfront property has its perks, but it comes at a price. If you don’t need to have a place on the beach or right downtown and are just looking for a place to relax, you might be able to save a significant amount of money booking a vacation rental in a less sought after location.
Choose a Less Popular Week and Earn Extra Perks
Isle of Palms is a beautiful place to visit all-year round. If you’re willing to visit at an off-peak time, you may be able to get extra perks as motivation for signing up for that week. It’s not unheard of to have your pet fees waived or even have your groceries paid for to entice you to book an off-peak time that may not get as much interest.
Consult an Agent
Various vacation rental sites will only provide you with the listings; they will not give you recommendations, inside information, and details about Isle of Palms vacation rentals as an agent would. An agent could keep an eye out for special deals and good owners whom they’ve worked with in the past. It might be a good idea to consult one, especially if you’re not from the area.
