Archive for October, 2009
Area Lifestyle, Local Real Estate, Vacationing
 Drive down Ocean Blvd during the warmer months, and you’ll notice a few things: throngs of people are cruising down the street. They look wide-eyed at the hotels, shops & bright neon displays beckoning them to enter. These folks are clearly from the North, and most of them seem to be from Ohio. But why? What is it about the Buckeye that falls so easily in love with the Palmetto?
Though it’s impressive to see how many Ohioans vacation here each year, what’s more impressive are how many eventually purchase vacation homes on the Grand Strand. When I began to research & compare the stats on SC & OH, respectively, I found a few trends that help to explain this. Here are some of the larger points:
- An average Ohioan’s income is slightly larger than a South Carolinian’s, though general living expenses are lower in SC. [1]
- Houses here are also (on average) a little less costly, and the homes tend to be newer. [1]
- Retirees find the Grand Strand to be more welcoming to their generation & lifestyle needs. [2]
- A recurring influx of tourists guarantees a yearly economic stimulus, which yields job opportunities in the service industry for almost anyone wanting to work full or part-time.
Purchasing a vacation property on the Grand Strand has many perks. We’re only about an 11 hr drive from most places in OH, and direct flights from Akron to Myrtle Beach are very reasonably priced. Many who choose to relocate here during retirement do so because of SC’s relative proximity to the Northeast. Remember, Florida is another 10-14 hrs in the car! It’s important to look at all the ‘little draws’ we have here on the beach ~ great shopping, dining & recreation ~ to get a larger picture of what the ‘big draw’ actually is. Value.
Browse our MLS listings and our featured properties to find out exactly what this means in terms of dollars & cents. You work hard for your living & for your family’s well-being; it’s only natural for you to want (and feel entitled to) the best value in a vacation home. Whether you’re renting, purchasing or considering the Interval Ownership program, Beach Realty is committed to matching families with the perfect vacation property. It’s more than a roof and a place to sleep between beach trips ~ it’s a lifestyle that we cherish, and we invite you (Buckeye or not) to do the same.
Tags: Beach House, Beach Realty Properties, Interval Ownership, Vacation Home
Area Lifestyle, Our Favorite Things, Vacationing
 A South Carolina vacation means many things to families. Fun in the sun, on the beach & in the ocean brings us together. Camping trips made to one of our many beautiful parks becomes a story told year-round. But few will make the journey to the Carolina coast without grabbing a couple of fishing poles, doing our best to catch dinner. The Beach Realty family knows that going home empty-handed is no fun for anyone, so we’ve done our best to find you the best fishing charter in the Surfside, Garden City & Murrells Inlet area. Get ready to fill your cooler with the best catch the Atlantic Ocean has to offer!
Welcome aboard the Offshore Account, which docks conveniently at the Marlin Quay Marina in Murrells Inlet. Captain Joseph Dunway is a Coast Guard certified Master Captain, and his vessel is also certified by the U.S. Coast Guard. Featuring the latest in seafaring technology, the Offshore Account is a 36′ Express well-stocked with top-of-the-line Penn International tackle. Dunway shares his passion for fishing with families each year, leading folks to the abundant waters just off the coast. You will have the opportunity to catch Sailfish, Marlin, King Mackerel, Tuna, Wahoo & more.
Several charter packages are available, ranging from half-day trips to a full-day Gulf Stream deep-sea experience. Be sure to call ahead and ask about the deep-drop Swordfish expeditions as well. Here are basic rates* for an Offshore Account adventure:
- Half Day ~ $795
- ¾ Day ~ $1150
- Full Day ~ $1500
- Gulfstream ~ $1995
*It is customary to tip the crew as you would anyone in the service industry (ie 15-20%)
Be sure to pack a lunch, plenty of sunscreen & refreshments ~ when you board the Offshore Account, you’re sure to work up an appetite while building lasting memories with your family. A day on the ocean is known to have therapeutic properties, and every family deserves an experience that will bring them closer together. Beach Realty is committed to helping you create the perfect vacation for you & your family. Let us find the vacation home that fits you best, and let a day on the ocean take care of the rest!
Offshore Account Sportfishing Charters
@ Marlin Quay Marina
1508 S. Waccamaw Dr.
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843.651.4444
864.238.0871
Map it »
Tags: Charter Fishing, Fishing, Murrells Inlet, Vacationing
Featured Properties
This month, Beach Realty is proud to feature The Ocean Star, one of our premiere vacation properties located in Garden City Beach, South Carolina. 1758 S. Waccamaw Drive is a second row, raised beach home, fully loaded with modern features & amenities. At just over a year old, this stunning vacation home promises many years of enjoyment for the discerning investor.
Named The Ocean Star for its decor’s theme, this luxurious vacation home boasts some incredible features. Designed to provide you & your family with the lifestyle you deserve, these amenities are state-of-the-art. Stainless steel appliances, two side-by-side fridges, two ovens, large pantry, full sink & a breakfast bar round out a modern kitchen. The granite counters are spacious ~ entertaining is an option this space makes easy. The six bedrooms have their own full bathrooms, plus a partial bath for guests.
Two stories of covered porches boast a beautiful view of the area, and overlook the decadent backyard. You may end up hanging at the house more often than you think ~ a regulation volleyball court, heated pool/jacuzzi & wet bar are right out back! Some other luxury features include:
- Beautiful hardwood floors
- An Elevator for easy 2nd story access
- Outdoor enclosed shower
- Wainscoting throughout for Old World charm
- Spa & Hot Tub
It’s easy to see what makes this such an attractive property. We’re certain that should you decide to rent this home when not in use, we will be able to do so easily. With the ability to accommodate two families, this is sure to be a desired vacation home rental. Beach Realty has been fortunate to acquire these fantastic vacation properties, and is eager to help you find the one that fits you & your family best. To schedule a tour of the property, contact us today!
Tags: 2nd Row Home, Beach Realty Properties, Garden City, Pool
eNewsletter
 Our Family Welcomes Yours To The Beach
October 21st 2009
Our Family Welcomes Yours To The Beach
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Welcome to our monthly e-newsletter which we have designed to coordinate with our website and blog.
Vacation Home Rentals
Let Beach Realty’s concierge-level services take all the worry out of your next vacation. Take a moment to view the many beautiful vacation homes in Surfside Beach, Garden City, and Long Bay Estates and find the perfect home for your family. A destination guide will point you to the best eats, treats and places to beat the heat when you do visit us. Beach Realty is committed to making your family’s vacation everything you want it to be. Please view our luxurious vacation homes at www.SCBEACHREALTY.com and let us help you plan your next beach vacation.
Sales
Beach Realty has extensive knowledge of the real estate market and specializes in the resort investment properties in the South Strand area, particularly Garden City and Surfside Beach. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, Beach Realty’s intimate market knowledge and experience of the South Strand is incredibly valuable. Our approach to real estate has been to listen to our clients and learn about their needs and wants. We believe it is paramount that we provide our clients with the maximum amount of information to assist them in making sound real estate decisions. Beach Realty values relationships and will work diligently to help make our customers dreams become a reality.
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Tags: Beach Realty Properties, eNewsletter, Vacation Home Rentals
Area History, Area Lifestyle, Vacationing
 Vacation home owners on the Grand Strand are uniquely positioned to enjoy a variety of coastal living. Just a few miles south of the Garden City/Surfside Beach communities is Murrells Inlet. This historic area of the Carolina coast has attracted visitors from around the world for centuries, and continues to thrive as a Lowcountry niche community. Though tourism is its main industry today, Murrells Inlet’s past is checkered with the exploits of pirates, plantations, explorers & adventurers.
Spanish sailors were the first to rediscover the inlet that had been home to several Native American tribes. These 16th century pioneers made their way down the East coast of the continent, all the way to the Bahamian islands. Yet something attracted them to what would become the Murrells Inlet area, and many would follow. Later, pirates loved the area for the clandestine salt marshes, where they hid & waited to plunder exporting ships on their way to England. These ships carried cotton, dyes and especially rice, the main cash crop of the Lowcountry.
Rice plantations were the dominant sources of commerce in the area; the owners’ wealth far surpassed that of the famed cotton barons of the American Southeast. This era brought many to the area, and even after the Civil War (and the beginning decline of the rice plantations) visitors flocked to the inlet because of its beauty and seclusion. A train to Georgetown would lead folks to a steamboat at Wachesaw. Then a buggy ride to a rustic getaway began a legacy of rich memories that continue today as people keep coming back to the Lowcountry.
These days, visitors to Murrells Inlet come for the local culture, an authentic Southern experience. The tourism industry, which is steeped in coastal fishing expeditions, thrives today. Fantastic views of the inlet & marshes can be seen from the many great restaurants that dot Hwy 17, and state parks & sculpture gardens are just a few more miles south of the famous eateries. Check out our previous post on Brookgreen Gardens & Huntington Beach State Park for more info on these great getaway spots!
Murrells Inlet is also known for its unique vacation homes, and Beach Realty is proud to offer some fantastic properties in the area. Visit our featured properties page to see some of these great vacation properties. There are so many reasons families choose this special part of the Lowcountry for their South Carolina vacations. Be sure to check back with us for more featured blog posts on our favorite spots to relax, fish, eat & have fun in the beautiful Murrells Inlet community.
Tags: Brookgreen Gardens, Fishing, Huntington Beach, Murrells Inlet, Vacation Home, Vacationing
Area Lifestyle, Our Favorite Things
 Surfside Pier has long been a landmark on the Grand Strand. Families gather year ’round to fish, relax, play & take a break from the everyday at this local hotspot. For over 20 years, Jack & Margaret Cahill’s Nibils Restaurant has been a big part of what makes this spot so popular. Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner, Nibils is known for both southern cuisine & charm. Specialties like she-crab soup, hushpuppies, prime rib & crab-stuffed shrimp populate a menu that will not disappoint, nor break your bank. And if value isn’t enough, just wait until you see the view!
Large bay windows overlook the oceanfront vista, and locals & tourists alike claim that the spectacular view has healing powers. Patrons will find that the atmosphere is further enlivened as owner Jack Cahill, who often stops by to visit with diners, exudes warmth & hospitality. At Nibils, you’ll feel like a local who’s in on the secret. Listen to what visitors from around the nation have said:
“My husband and I got away for a vacation and time together. I prayed for a wonderful time since we had little. Everything I hoped for was in Surfside and that definitely includes Nibils!” ~Bloomington, IN
“For years now we have been coming down to Surfside beach and we always stop at Nibils for breakfast on the last day of our trip. The food is fantastic and the staff are nice and welcoming and treat you like family.” ~Nicholasville, KY
“I just got back from my trip and Nibils was my favorite of all the places we went to eat. It was like eating at home but on the beach. Beautiful view, it really kept my 4 year old amused while eating. Great place for kids.” ~Clinton, Tennessee
The Cahills are also known for catering events, and often bring their sense of simple yet exquisite cuisine on the road. Stop by the Surfside Pier to meet their family & sample their wonderful fare ~ you’ll be glad you did! Have a great Nibils memory? Share it with us in our comments section below.
Nibils Restaurant at Surfside Pier
11 South Ocean Blvd.
Surfside Beach, SC
843-238-5080
Tags: Dining, Nibils, Restaurants, Surfside Beach, Surfside Pier
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