Isle of Palms: A Place the Whole Family Can Enjoy

by carolinaone_marketing 21. March 2016 05:04

Are you thinking about taking a summer vacation the whole family can enjoy? There will be a number of factors that will go into your decision-making. You'll have to consider budget, how you want to travel, the time of the season you can go, and your only personal interests. Any parent will tell you that finding something to do for the entire family can be difficult, especially if the kids are a little bit older. Luckily, if you've always thought about visiting the Lowcountry, Isle of Palms offers a wide variety of activities the whole family can enjoy.

 

If you have never visited Isle of Palms before, please know that it is only 12 miles away from downtown Charleston, SC. A short drive will take you to the heart of the Palmetto City where you can experience world-class restaurants, historic attractions, shopping for the whole family, sports, the harbor, and more. But that is only one part about what makes Isle of Palms so great. There are plenty of things to do on the barrier island as well.

Eco-tours

 

Barrier Islands Eco Tours was the number one listed attraction on Trip Advisor as reviewers thought that the captain and guide were both incredibly knowledgeable and they got to see wildlife and vegetation that they wouldn't otherwise see on the barrier islands. There are a number of other charters available too depending on your interests and what you would like to see. If you or your children are into the outdoors and you don't get seasick, an eco-tour could be a fun day out the whole family can take part in.

 

Thomson Park

 

Take an afternoon ride to Thomson Park in the Breach Inlet, which offers a fun, but quiet adventure. Did you know that Thomson Park was the site of a Revolutionary War battle? Although the water is not safe for swimming, you can go a walk with the family, go fishing, or just take in some sun. The Breach Inlet is located between Isle of Palms and Sullivan Island. Isle of Palms County Park is another place to check out if you would like to get some time in outdoors.

 

Paddle Boarding, Wave Sports, and More

 

Are you a fan of water-based activities like paddle boarding, parasailing, jet-skis, and more? There are a number of companies in the Isle of Palms area that offer affordable lessons and equipment rentals to ensure you get your rush on the water. If you have ever wanted to jet-ski on the marshes or intercoastal, you can do it here in Isle of Palms, SC.

 

Check out Isle of Palms rentals today at CarolineOneRealEstate.com. We offer beautiful vacation rentals at a variety of budget levels, and we can help you find the best rental for your dream vacation in Isle of Palms. Don't wait. Summer will be here before you know it. Count down today by searching our vacation rental listings today.

 

 

 

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Will Charleston Be the Top Place to Visit in 2016?

by carolinaone_marketing 22. February 2016 09:44

Each year, Travel + Leisure creates a list of the world's best cities. The rankings for the list take into account various criteria, including sights/landmarks, culture/arts, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, shopping, and value. Online and print readers of the publication can participate in the survey, and they are asked to rate each city based off these factors on a 1-5 scale. With so many wonderful cities in the world, it would be understandable to see a new "best city" crowned each year. Yet for the past three years, Charleston, SC has been honored as the top city in the United States and Canada. For the 20th annual rankings that were announced last July, Charleston was named the top city in North America and second best city in the world.

 

What Makes Charleston a Consistent Favorite among Residents and Tourists?

 

First and foremost, it's a city with passion.  Sean Brock was featured in a recent "Parts Unknown" that focused on the culinary scene in Charleston. He was joined by host Anthony Bourdain and Bill Murray, a man who can live anywhere but chooses to call Charleston his home. Brock's restaurant Husk was listed as one of the reasons why Travel + Leisure readers chose Charleston as the best city in North America.  Brock has a renowned respect for the Lowcountry, and you can see it in his culinary expressions. He is one of many people in Charleston who loves their city and wants to show others the rich heritage and history that make it a city unlike any other.

 

Second, there are so many things to do. Are you a fan of the beach? Charleston, SC and its surrounding communities offer world-class beaches with beautiful weather year-round. It features mesmerizing architecture throughout the city, and it is home to a number of historical attractions including Fort Sumter.  Charleston also has a wide variety of antique shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, bookstores, and many other establishments that will fill your time when you come for a visit. Charleston blends modern amenities with Old World Southern Charm for a unique experience that is sure to delight you and your entire family. 

 

 

Act Now if You Want to Get a Vacation Rental for Late Spring or Early Summer!

 

Are you thinking about staying in the Charleston area? Carolina One is pleased to offer luxury vacation rentals in Isle of Palms and Folly Beach. Both beach communities are within close driving distance to Charleston, SC, and each offers a unique experience in its own right. Isle of Palms is a barrier island just north of Charleston Harbor that provides families with a luxury resort island experience right in the Lowcountry. Folly Beach is also known as the "Edge of America" and features a number of outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy. Although we don't know if Charleston will be number one when the next list is announced in July, we can guarantee you'll have an amazing time if you choose to come down to the Lowcountry. Check our listings today to learn more about our houses for rent in the Charleston, SC area

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5 Great Activities to Check Out on Your Isle of Palms Vacation

by carolinaone_marketing 17. February 2016 04:58

 

porch with view of Isle of Palms

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

 woman with colorful shopping bags

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!

Four Reasons Why You Should Take a Vacation as Soon as Possible

by carolinaone_marketing 30. December 2015 08:38

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. 

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Enjoying the Foods of the Low Country

by carolinaone_marketing 23. November 2015 09:40


Earlier this month, Anthony Bourdain focused one of his episodes of CNN'S Parts Unknown on the great city of Charleston. If there is something that the Low Country is known for more than anything else, it could be its legendary cuisine. Bourdain had conducted a show in Charleston once before, but he felt that he didn't get it done right the first time. For example, he had champagne with his oyster pie.

For the purposes of the episode, Bourdain met with a number of different chefs and celebrities in order to fully capture the Low Country cuisine. He spent a majority of the episode with Chef Sean Brock – a culinary superstar who is the executive chef of Huck and a previous recipient of the James Beard Award for Best Southeast Chef. You might have seen him on The Mind of a Chef if you were a fan of that show.

The biggest star seen on the show was Bill Murray. Bill Murray is a part owner for the Charleston RiverDogs. He is also an active member of the Charleston community. Murray, Brock, and Bourdain discussed some of the nuances of Low Country cuisine and the laid back lifestyle that makes Charleston, South Carolina such a wonderful place to visit. If you want to relax by the beach, check out amazing historical attractions, and eat some of the best food in the country, Charleston has it all

What Is Low Country Cuisine?

 

As Chef Sean Brock pointed out, one could say that Low Country cuisine is America's first cuisine. It has connections to New Orleans cuisine and Cajun cuisine, but it is certainly a cuisine of its own. It comprises the food cultivated by farmers and chefs along the South Carolina coast and into Georgia. We call it the Low Country because it is the area of South Carolina below the Sandhills. Any part of South Carolina above the Sandhills is appropriately called the Up Country.

The Low Country and Up Country are somewhat different in regard to cuisine. The Low Country incorporates much more in the way of seafood. Some of the cuisine's most famous dishes include She-crap Soup, the aforementioned oyster pie, shrimp and grits, crab cakes, Lowcountry boil, and Frogmore stew. Seafood is typically offered at most meals as it is readily available and fresh. This is why you won't find as much seafood-heavy dishes in the interior parts of South Carolina. Before refrigeration and modern forms of shipment, you couldn't get seafood in these parts because of the spoilage risks.

Besides seafood, vegetables, beans, Charleston red rice, and grits are all major components of Low Country cuisine.  You can also find baked mac and cheese, black-eyed peas dishes, fried okra, and much more. Whatever your diet preferences are, you're sure to find something you like in the Low Country.

If you are looking at vacation rentals in Isle of Palms, SC remember to bring your appetite when you come to the Low Country. In addition to the amazing beaches, Southern hospitality of the residents, and beautiful architecture, people come to the Charleston area for the delicious food. Consider Charleston, SC for your next vacation spot for a culinary experience like no other. 

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