Best Beaches in the South

September 24, 2014 openvacadev Leave a comment

The southern states of the U.S. are known for their delicious barbeque, love of football, and country music. However, that is not all they have to offer. Many of the most wonderful beaches in the entire country are located in the south. Check out our list of some must-visit southern beaches!

Outer Banks of North Carolina

A favorite vacation destination for visitors along the eastern seaboard of the United States, the Outer Banks is a great place to visit with the entire family as it has a laid back feel with plenty to do at the same time. Local seafood, watersports, and a bit of history are some of the things that make this area special. After a fantastic morning on the beach, visitors can spend the afternoon learning about the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills.

Carolina Beach, North Carolina

This is a favorite beach for many Carolinians living in the middle or western region of the state due to is accessibility via Interstate 40. Carolina Beach boasts the same southern North Carolina charm as its Wrightsville Beach neighbor to the north but is much less crowded. Sink your feet into the sand in your own personal space at Carolina Beach. The time you save looking for a parking spot will make the trip well worth it!

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

For those looking for an upbeat and exciting atmosphere with a bit of nightlife, North Myrtle Beach is the place for you! The vacationer with the resort lifestyle in mind will find what he or she is looking for in North Myrtle Beach. North Myrtle’s family friendly beaches will make you and your loved ones feel right home with their southern charm. The beach’s historic night life is known for being the home of “shag” dancing and that fun loving vibe has rubbed off on the entire area.

St. Augustine, Florida

This historic Floridian beach town really has it all. A bit of history, uncrowded beaches, culture, and sports galore. You could spend a week in St. Augustine and still not even come close to being able to say that you “did it all.” The variety of restaurants, shopping, and golf courses available to those in the area is truly unmatched.

There are hundreds of beautiful beaches in the south. Use this list as a guide, but don’t let it stop you from checking out all of the awesome beaches and beach towns the southern United States has to offer!

North Myrtle Beach

5 Reasons North Myrtle Beach Is an Awesome Fall Getaway Spot

September 17, 2014 openvacadev Leave a comment

When you think of getting away this fall, you might not imagine the beach to be an optimal choice at this time of year, but if you’re heading to North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina you will see it’s actually the perfect time to go! The diverse and great number of activities to keep you and your family busy, paired with the beauty of the coastline, which is still a great place to take a stroll or have an afternoon picnic at this time of year when the temperatures can still hang around the lower 70s. Check out these 5 reasons why a North Myrtle Beach vacation would be a great fall destination for you and your family!

Barefoot Landing

One of the most popular destinations in North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing practically has it all. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing has a plethora of dining and shopping options, interspersed with attractions like a 7D Cinema, Mirror Maze, Alligator Adventure and a Barefoot Carousel. This massive complex of entertainment is perfect for everyone in the family, at any time of day. Come early and get your shopping fix, or come back in the evening for bountiful nightlife options. Walk around the outdoor boardwalk and if the fall air gets too chilly you’re only steps away from the next exciting venue! For more information, click: here.

Golfing

If golf is your game, then there’s no better place to head this fall than to North Myrtle Beach! With more than 80 championship golf courses along the coast from Little River to Georgetown, SC, more than half of them are in North Myrtle or within a 20-minute car ride. This makes the area a mecca for scratch golfers and professionals alike! And the fall is the perfect time of year to tee off, with weather in the low-mid 70s during the day, it’s not too cold to require a heavy jacket but not blistering hot either, keeping everyone cool and happy on the course.

Restaurants.

North Myrtle Beach is home to many phenomenal restaurants that will make your fall getaway a delicious affair. With everything from local seafood to fine dining, even dinner and a show, North Myrtle Beach has you covered when it comes to easily finding a delectable meal.

House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach

The House of Blues, one of the most well-liked music arenas in the country, has a location in the heart of North Myrtle Beach. With big-name acts, comedians, murder mystery dinner theaters, and many other events, HOB in North Myrtle is a top-notch source of entertainment for your fall vacation. To find out what’s going on at the House of Blues during your fall getaway, click: here.

Activities for the Entire Family

No matter the season, family-friendly activities are in abundance in North Myrtle Beach. The local aquarium, themed amusement parks, horseback riding, mini golf, and much, much more will keep your fall getaway days full and action packed, and will keep the younger members of the family happy with hours of fun!

So when you’re ready to head out and enjoy the last little bit of nice weather before Old Man Winter comes knocking at our doors, head to North Myrtle Beach and enjoy a beautiful Atlantic Ocean sunrise, lots to do and see during the day, and plenty of places to enjoy a night out on the town. So, what are you waiting for? Book your fall getaway today!

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Best Hidden Gems to Visit on Your St. Augustine Vacation

September 1, 2014 openvacadev Leave a comment

When visiting the nation’s oldest city, there’s no doubt that there are options everywhere you look to eat, visit, experience history, culture, and have a little fun. The following are a few “hidden gems” of St. Augustine that might be a little harder to find, but are worth the search:

Romantic Dinner for Two

Tucked away just a block off of St. George Street in the heart of the historic district, Collage is one of St. Augustine’s hidden gems for a romantic dinner for two. The fine-dining hideaway offers customers an eclectic menu with international influences. Couples who decide to take their date night in style at Collage will experience an unmatched, award-winning meal in a memorable, quaint, atmosphere. For more information, click: here.

A Taste of History for the Kids

Most people see the Colonial Quarter as simply a collection of historic buildings to tour, but St. Augustine visitors would be remiss if they didn’t dig a little deeper and discover opportunities to experience a little more of the city’s historic culture than what meets the eye. Afternoon Tea, located in the 18^th Century British Colony part of the Colonial Quarter, provides this experience. Ladies dressed in colonial dresses guide you into a room in the De Mesa-Sanchez House, usually just observed from the outside windows, and sit you down to an intimate tea party table. The ladies guide you through what a low tea would have consisted of for proper ladies, sharing history, manners, and their favorite teas and pastries with each other and the lucky visitors who are able to partake in this unique 18^th century experience.

Step Back in Time

Ice Plant, a restored historic St. Augustine building, was once an ice plant that now houses one of the city’s newest, most popular restaurants. At first glance, many visitors to the city would never know there is a culinary experience waiting for them behind the walls of the industrial structure. A large moustache above the windows might indicate, however, that something might be going on inside that is worth checking out. As you walk through the door, it’s like being transported back into the 1940’s. From the copper cups, to the bartenders in suspenders, and everything in between, it’s an experience right out of another decade…a must-see while on a St. Augustine vacation. For more information, click: here.

Not Your Average Tour

While learning historical facts and stories of many of St. Augustine’s most famous landmarks and stops, ShutterGuide puts a spin on the traditional tour by leading attendees in photography. Guided by professional local photographers, the two-hour tour begins near the bayfront and concludes by the famous Flagler College. The photographers will work with participants to capture the perfect shot of a good portion of St. Augustine’s most notable places. For more information, click: here.