Book in 10 days & Save 10% on your vacation home rental. Select Homes Only, contact us for more details.

Offer good for a limited time and applies to new reservations only. Some Restrictions Apply.

Pamper Her

A couple of days on the beach can do some real damage to her skin & hair. Why not treat her to a day at the spa? You can take the kids out for a round of frisbee golf while she relaxes. She’ll look & feel great, and you’ll earn some major ‘brownie points’.

We recommend Absolutely Fabulous Salon. Located in the heart of Garden City (and just steps from our Garden City vacation rentals), this is a full service salon. They’ll pamper her with any of these great services:

• Hair
• Nails
• Massage
• Skin Care
• Waxing

A beautified mom is a happy mom. Contact AbFab Salon today to surprise her with a day of pampering she deserves. It’s an investment with guaranteed returns!

Given Her A New Look

Nothing compliments that new hairstyle quite like a new outfit. Good news! We’ve got a solution that wont break your bank. Just head to one of our two Tanger Outlet locations. Each complex features brand-name stores, selling at discount prices. Retailers include (but are not limited to):

• J. Crew
• Brooks Bros.
• Lane Bryant
• Nine West
• Liz Claiborne

With over 100 retailers ~ including specialty shops selling accessories, home goods & more ~ we’re gonna bet that mom will want to make a return trip to the outlets. Who knows? After that massages & manicure, she may be in the mood to pick up a few treats for you & the kids!

(Go For The Trifecta With) Dinner & Dancing

Your Beach Realty vacation rental is just minutes from Ragtops & Roadsters in Murrells Inlet. This wonderful new South Strand venue promises an evening of fun for you & the Mrs. R&R hosts Fontinello’s Italian Cuisine, a real “Old Country” style restaurant. They feature traditional Italian & Sicilian fare, including table-side Caesar Salads and their delicious Crème Brûlée! Reservations recommended.

When you’ve finished your romantic dinner, head back to the “Speakeasy Room”. It features a great bar & lounge with an authentic 50s theme. There’s plenty of room on the dance floor, and you may find yourself returning to hear the classic sounds of both the DJ & the live house band. Each play a wide variety of classic Soul, Blues, Rock and R&B. The only place like it on the Grand Strand!

Garden City & Surfside Beach have many ways to keep every member of your family happy. The Beach Realty family is here to guide you to the best our community has to offer. Let’s put mom first ~ it’ll keep everyone happy!

Today, we’re helping all the dads out there fin some of that elusive peace-of-mind. How? By giving you our top picks of the many great golf experiences in the Garden City & Surfside Beach areas.

Midway Par-3 (East Course)

Located just off 29th Ave. S in Myrtle Beach, this simple, fun course has been a popular favorite since 1974. With green fees generally around $20 (or less), this is a no-brainer for the novice looking for a “quick 9 holes” of golf. Most holes are 110yds or less, and the course is even lit at night. Midway Par-3 is just steps away from the pier, as well as the Myrtle Beach State Park. Perfect for an afternoon of play, for less than the cost of a movie & a bucket of popcorn!

Tupelo Bay Golf Complex

Ok. This is easily one of the most fun places to visit when you’re in the Garden City & Surfside Beach area. Adults play for only $18, and will find this quick par-3 quite enjoyable. Open pretty late (and lit at night, of course), Tupelo Bay defines “fun for the whole family”. They even have frisbee golf! If you haven’t played, do yourself a favor and try it out. There are golf schools available ~ perfect for junior to work on his game while you work on yours! Tupelo Bay also features a driving range & mini-putt course. You’re only minutes from almost any of Beach Realty’s Garden City vacation rentals, and there’s plenty of great dining in the area as well.

Indigo Creek

Located in Murrells Inlet, Indigo Creek is a short, fun course that will challenge you in all the right ways. Just 10 minutes south of Garden City & Surfside Beach, the all-Bermuda grass course is known for it’s “tricked-out” holes. Work on your short game, pitching & hazard-avoiding for around $50 per round. Their one-day golf school has consistently won awards, and the beautiful surroundings will bring you back time-and-again!
Golf Digest’s 1998 Places to Play gives Indigo Creek 3 Stars.

TPC Myrtle Beach

This Tom Fazio-designed course is located in Murrells Inlet, and is a must-play. You’ll get the feel of a real tour course at TPC Myrtle Beach. In fact, it has hosted the PGA Senior Tour Championship. Golf Digest has given it the coveted 5-star rating, making it the only such course on the Grand Strand to receive such an honor. Rates vary from around $58 to $97, making it a great value for such a prestigious course. You’ll love the layout, too. Clubhouse attendant Will O’Brien remarks, “There aren’t that many homes at all, which is really rare in golf today. Most of the time you’re in nature. It’s not your typical setting of houses being almost on top of the greens.”[1] Even better, you’re only minutes away from Murrells Inlet’s many great restaurants, State Parks & Gardens.

Prestwick Country Club

Saving one of the best for last, we must recommend Prestwick Country Club for several reasons. Featuring one of the nicest layouts on the South Strand, Prestwick could easily be considered a “Top 10” course. Though a little more pricey (avg. green fee is around $110), you’ll know where that money goes. The rare Love Grass fairways will give you a taste of Scotland. The signature #5 hole (195yds, par-3) is a rewarding challenge as well. Beach Realty features several fantastic Garden City vacation rentals within 5 minutes of this incredible course!

Part of what draws families to the Garden City & Surfside Beach areas each year is the communities’ layout. The close proximity of vacation rentals to attractions, dining, shopping & activities make planning great vacations here a cinch.

We’re here to help. Want more great tips on how to find the best the beach has to offer? Subscribe to our eNewsletter. It’s free, offers great tips on area attractions, vacation rental specials & more!

Beach Bargains ~ January
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Valentine Weekend Special
Plan your romantic beach getaway today!!! Receive a $50 dinner gift certificate for arrivals in the month of february 1-877-98-sunny (78669)

* This special promotion only applies to new reservations with arrivals in February and cannot be combined with any other discounts. 3 night minimum required.

25% ~ January/February 2010 Special
Start the New Year off right! 25% DISCOUNT OFF the weekly advertised rate for any available dates – January 1, 2010 through February 28, 2010 PLUS RECEIVE A FREE GIFT at check-in!

A perfect opportunity to book that winter getaway for less. Valentine’s Day by the beach? How about a February golf getaway? You’ll love seeing an Atlantic sunrise over breakfast at one of our featured vacation homes. Come see the beach that brings families back year after year. more info »

Beach Bargains ~ December
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Special Offers
The weather may be cooling down, but we’re benefiting from the warmth of coastal living. You can experience this fantastic lifestyle with us ~ just take a peek at some of the great vacation rental opportunities we’re featuring this month.

You’ll also benefit from exciting new specials. Make the beach vacation of your dreams a reality. We’re working tirelessly to bring coastal luxury to you & your family this holiday season. Browse these deals and start planning your next great vacation ~ we’ll keep it warm for you.

25% ~ January/February 2010 Special
Book now & save 25%. Stay in one of our luxurious vacation homes during January/February 2010. Save 25% on the already low weekly rate. Here is your chance to beat the wintertime blues ~ rates are already off-peak, and this special means more $ in your pocket.  More info »

30% ~ Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon Special
Those of you interested in participating in the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon this coming February have the opportunity to stay in style for less. Save 30% on the already low advertised rate for registered participants. This promotion includes the premiere linen package & gift-bag, as well as a complimentary 12-pk of bottled water. More info »

Beating The Traffic Blues

You wake up, get the kids ready for a day of fun at the water park, and pack the car. Everyone’s talking about which ride they’re going on first, how much funnel cake they’re going to eat. The excitement is palpable! You checked the map, and it’s only 7 ½ miles away! 45 minutes later, you’re only four miles closer. Now it’s gonna be impossible to find parking. And the line at the “big ride” is now an hour long. Sound familiar?

The Grand Strand is 60 miles long, with basically two main highways running North-South. While there are alternative routes, vacationers are often unsure of their reliability. We get used to using the same roads, and we all know that MapQuest has an uncanny ability to give weirdly unhelpful advice. What’s more is that this area continues to expand rapidly. Over 250,000 new visitors rotate through the area each weekend during peak season! And we all know that city planners are typically years behind on improving the existing routes.

Tip: Plan at least a few activities at destinations that can be reached by foot, bike or boat. It saves on gas, includes everyone in a shared experience, and is healthier. Beach Realty is happy to help you with bike or boat rentals, so don’t sweat bringing extra gear. Plus, most of our vacation properties are within walking/riding distance of several great local attractions. Our beaches are at your backdoor, and there are plenty of great places to eat that wont require gassing up the caravan!

Don’t Diss Grandpa!

Anyone see The Simpsons a couple of weeks ago? The fam goes to an amusement park, Grandpa Simpson in tow. Soon, however, he’s left on a park bench alone while the rest of the beloved clan heads for a live aquatic show. The moment a stranger sits down to talk to ol’ Abe, he is nearly beside himself with joy: “You want to hear more? (to self) Play it cool, Abe. Play it cool!”

Vacationing with the Grandparents can be a rewarding experience for both you & your kids. But remember, retired folk tend to be on a much different frequency & schedule than others. This can result in unforeseen problems. The kids might be used to waking up early. Grandpa likes to eat dinner at 5pm. You may be used to running around all day with the children, but grandparents tend to get worn out earlier.

Tip: Plan “rise & shine times” that work for everyone. And stick to it! Believe it or not, “Pop-Pop’s” preference for an early dinner can be a bonus: getting to a restaurant before six o’clock generally means less time waiting for a table. Planning consistent bedtimes has other benefits, too (more on that later).

Tip: If you plan on having a grandparent spend the day with the kids, make sure they have a written list of any health/medical concerns. This is more overlooked than you might think. Remember, grandma loves to spoil junior with treats (just make sure she knows about his peanut allergy!). Also, make sure to give them a written letter of permission to make medical decisions in case of an emergency here you cannot be reached. Those situations may be few & far between, but even one such instance can turn a vacation into a nightmare pretty quickly.

Never Underestimate The Power Of The Nap

Ever hear the saying, “I need a vacation from my vacation”? Recreation exhaustion is no joke! It might be tempting to let some of the “house rules” slide on the road. Indulging the kids with some freedoms they might not get at home is fine. Some rules, however, are not made to be broken.

Tip: If you or any of your family are accustomed to afternoon naps, don’t disrupt the tradition! Trying to squeeze in one more hour at the beach or amusement park can have a domino effect on your mood. Changing sleep habits can also affect your appetite and ability to concentrate (behind the wheel, while watching the kids swim, etc). Include nap time in the daily activities. You’ll all get along soooo much better!

What?! No Coffee Maker?! You Gotta Be Kidding…

Very little disturbs me in this world more than having my morning ritual re-arranged due to a lack of proper amenities. As we’ve written about before, most hotels skimp on room amenities like cookware & appliances. And don’t get me started on hotel-brand coffee. Yech!

Tip: Find a vacation rental property that has (roughly) the same amenities you do at home. It’s more than a convenience, it’s a mental thing. When you come in from a hot day at the beach, and all you can think about is that frosty-cold Strawberry Daquiri, that blender will be your best friend! Fortunately, most Beach Realty vacation homes are well-equipped with such modern appliances. And that morning cup-o-joe? When traveling, I tend to bring my own beans with me (yeah, I’m that guy). If you’re not quite as obsessive as me, no worries. Give us a heads-up before you arrive, and we’ll make sure you’re well-stocked on your Sumatra, my friends!

How Not To Break The Covenant That Is “The Rental Agreement”

Nothing will sour a vacation memory more than returning home to find additional “damage & improper use” charges on your credit card. The Beach Realty family has worked hard with our vacation home owners to ensure this does not happen. But we get it. Who likes to read wordy contracts? We’re only gonna be there for a week, right? Just make sure the lights come on when we hit the switch, and we’ll promise not to break the stereo. Though Beach Realty vacation rentals must meet a high standard for us to list them, not all are created (or rented) equally.

Tip: When you’ve narrowed your search of the perfect vacation rental, be sure to ask us to review the rental agreement with you before making your decision. Vacation home owners who rent seasonally here in the Garden City Beach area can be particular about who occupies their home (even for just a week). A relatively brief review of the agreement over the phone can save you from potential headache (and additional fees) later.

We feel certain that we have a Garden City Beach vacation home that you & your family will love. But finding the right rental is just the first step to creating lasting memories. A little homework before your trip can save you big bucks, and make the whole experience better. Beach Realty is dedicated to helping you create those memories that have made our area the “family beach” of choice for decades.

Hotels are the epitome of ‘streamlined’. The rooms are the same. The towels are the same. The pre-packaged off-brand coffee is the same. That faint industrial perfume lingering in the air lets us know exactly what we are getting the moment we step into their carefully manicured, antiseptic lobbies. And for some, this is comforting. No surprises, right? Well…here are a few things that we found surprising about the great “deal” a hotel stay is supposed to be.

A family of four, staying in an averagely-priced hotel for one week will pay between $700-$800, before taxes and fees. That’s for one room, with two beds, during “off-peak” season. You’ve got a place to sleep & shower and park your car. Now consider this: the hotels don’t have a kitchen, so that means you’re eating all of your meals in diners, drive-thrus & restaurants. Average lunch for a family-of-four? $40. Multiply that by one week, and you’ve already spent $1000. And what about breakfast & dinner? And snacks? It really adds up!

Now imagine that you spent that same money on a one-week stay at one of our fantastic vacation homes. Everyone has their own room, their own bathroom, their own personal space. Did we mention the fully equipped kitchens? With a little careful planning, helped by Beach Realty’s concierge-level service, you can save a considerable amount of money on your vacation. And there’s something about being able to return to a real home after a day of play on the beach. Many of our our guests request to stay at the same properties each season, forming a bond with the place that has hosted so many great memories.

It’s about more than saving money. Cooking meals together shouldn’t stop just because we’re “on vacation”. After all, a family vacation is one of the rare opportunities we have to enjoy our meals. No rushing off to school, to practice, to our jobs & responsibilities. Did I mention how much healthier it is to cook? An average “vacationer” eats well over 3,000 calories a day. Much of this is on fast-food, junk food and the like. Having a vacation home equipped with a good kitchen is not just convenient, it’s responsible! Next time you find yourself looking for vacation accommodations, contact us to find out how we can give your family the luxury they deserve.

It’s pretty easy to see why folks flock to the Carolina coast during the winter. These “Snowbirds” enjoy an incredibly mild climate ~ average highs for December-thru-February are over 60°. Seriously! Ask any local, and they’ll tell you with a smile that we regularly see January days reach into the 70s. This temperate climate allows locals & visitors alike to enjoy the local parks and beaches year-round. And there’s plenty to do during the holiday season. Here are a few of our favorite holiday events & happenings in & around the Garden City and Surfside Beach area…

Nights of a Thousand Candles ~ Brookgreen Gardens

Sculpture garden & preserve Brookgreen Gardens hosts this event each December 4-5; 11-12 & 17-19. The event features live entertainment: concerts, theatre, and performances of all kinds take place on the beautiful garden grounds. The sculptures & their surroundings are decorated for the occasion ~ candles & colored lights adorn the gardens, enchanting visitors each season. Voted one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society, Nights of a Thousand Candles will renew the magic of the holidays for you & your family.

Legends In Concert

Right in the heart of the South Strand is Surfside Beach, SC. Known as the “Family Beach”, this part of the greater Grand Strand area has much to offer. Among our favorite spots is the famous Legends In Concert theatre. Legends offers visitors to experience a one-of-a-kind live show: backed by a full orchestra & band, expert ‘impersonators’ help re-create legendary concert experiences. This season, they’re featuring Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Alan Jackson, Frank Sinatra & Blues Brothers tributes. The show is family-friendly, and children ages 3-16 can receive a discounted admission. This is a no-miss event, and a certain hit with your family this holiday season!

So why haven’t you made your way down South for the Winter? The weather’s great, there’s plenty to do, and did we mention rental rates are generally at their lowest during this time of year? Some restrictions will apply, but contact us to find out how we can help you plan your family’s next best Winter vacation!

Offer good for a limited time and applies to new reservations only.

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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