Carolina Skies

Hilton Head Island is beautifully perched off the coast of South Carolina and is teeming with activities that are bound to excite and delight every member of your family. A popular tourist destination, Hilton Head is overflowing with pristine sandy beaches and gorgeous nature preserves that are perfect for outdoor adventures and exploration. Whether you are heading to Hilton Head for the gorgeous scenery or as a getaway from a hectic lifestyle, you are sure to find this island more relaxing than you ever imagined.

Hilton Head offers beachgoers more than twelve miles of sparkling white sand that borders on the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. You can find bustling beaches that are ripe for people-watching or more secluded areas that are perfect for a romantic stroll in the sand as the water gently brushes against your feet. One of the biggest differences between Hilton Head and other vacation destinations is that although the beaches are public, in most cases the access areas are private. Therefore, it is important to note in advance or ask a knowledgeable local where the best access points are so you do not end up wandering aimlessly in search of your desired beach.

There are quite a few beaches for such a small island, but two of the best for families and activities are Driessen Beach and Islander Beach Park. Driessen has the most amenities of all the area beaches, including a boardwalk, pavilion, playground, and easy to find metered parking. However, both of these beaches are great places to catch some sun, build sandcastles, and play in the waves of the ocean. Those who are looking for a more private beach experience will want to try Burkes Beach. It does not have any of the facilities the more popular beaches have but is great for anyone who wants a quiet afternoon for reflection near the water.

If you or anyone in your family is interested in marine life or wildlife, Hilton Head can certainly provide some interesting and worthwhile sights. Bottle nose dolphins are frequently spotted along the shore throughout the summer since this is where they come to catch their meals. For a more informative experience, outlets for dolphin-watching excursions can easily be found at several of the public marinas. Another local is the loggerhead turtle, which is an endangered species that buries its eggs in the soft sands of the Hilton Head beaches. Although it is rare to spot one of these giants, anyone with a strong interest can participate in a late night Turtle Watch that is offered by the Coastal Discovery Museum.

For views of the numerous four legged creatures that stalk the Island, make your way to the Sea Pines Forest Preserve for an informative, nature-based horseback or walking tour. Some of the animals you are likely to see include deer, minks, otters, and possibly even a few wild boar. It is unlikely, however, that you will see the elusive bobcat, which is usually only found in the forest preserves and the underdeveloped areas of Hilton Head Island.

While Hilton Head is a great place to escape from stress and relax on the beach, it is also the perfect place for duffers to hit some of the most beautiful links in the country. The scenic courses and rolling greens have been designed by some the games best, including Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, and George Cobb, so get ready for some interesting shots and difficult holes. There are an abundance of courses here, but one public course that certainly should not be missed is Harbour Town Golf Links, the most sought after course on the Island and the number one course in South Carolina.

Hilton Head Island is bound to have an attraction that suits your tastes and provides for a memorable and exciting adventure. For your next vacation to the Island, consider Hilton Head vacation rentals for your lodging needs. They are ideally situated not only near the sparkling sand and warm waters, but they are also close to the numerous attractions that are on your itinerary. Enjoy all the amenities of home in a location whose breathtaking beauty will melt all your stress away by staying in a vacation home or condo for your next trip to the coast.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hilton-head-vacations-52137.html

After months of debate and hours of research, you have finally settled on the perfect vacation destination for you and your family. Spending your week-long getaway on the beautiful Hilton Head Island off the coast of South Carolina is a decision that you certainly will not regret once you step foot on the scenic and breathtaking shores of this vacation paradise. So pack your bags and get ready for a trip full of rest, relaxation, and activities that are bound to delight every member of your family.

Although you have determined where you want to spend your vacation, your dream trip cannot get underway until you have decided what kind of lodging would be ideal for your family. Hotels may be the first consideration, but you think back to your last vacation when the kids complained for hours about being bored when it was raining and how you felt like you were always rushing out the door when it was sunny. After much research and thought, you decide to look into vacation home rentals for this vacation.

Stumbling upon home after home, it is becoming abundantly clear that the amenities many vacation rentals offer are exactly what you need for the most relaxing trip you have ever experienced. There are plenty of bedrooms so everyone can have their own room, avoiding the sibling space conflicts that always seem to arise, and there are extras that can provide entertainment during down times. You can find homes that have numerous TVs and DVD players, game rooms, fully-stocked book shelves, and kitchens that would please a gourmet chef. Forget about the time before bed when everyone is complaining about nothing to do, instead you will have peace and quiet as your family enjoys the amenities of your vacation home.

While having extras inside the home for those times when outdoor activities are impossible is a great option, it is certainly more important that you stay near the pristine sand beaches and the warm ocean water to experience the vacation you imagined. You can find a variety of oceanfront homes, condos, and villas that offer the most spectacular views of the ocean throughout the house and on their decks and patios. Simply step out onto your patio and slide into one of the lounge chairs to soak in the breathtaking sights and calming sounds of the water.

Dozing off to the sounds of the waves crashing ashore is the perfect way to rest after a long day at the beach, but spending your afternoon at the beach is bound to be a more pleasing experience for the kids. In your vacation rental, you can avoid the stress of packing everything up, rushing out the door so you don’t miss out on any of the prime spots, and lugging everything to the beach. Since your vacation rental is just steps away from the one of the most beautiful beaches on the Island, you can make your way down to the water at your own leisure. And if you happen to forget any essential items, one individual can head back to the rental to pick it up, all the while remaining in constant sight of the other family members.

Views of the ocean and marshland, amenities such as wireless internet and a pool table, and easy access to the attractions you want to visit are just some of the features you will enjoy with Hilton Head vacation rentals. Sit back and enjoy the gorgeous scenery or head out for a round at one of the numerous golf courses sprinkled throughout the Island. Everything you need for an exciting adventure is at your fingertips, so take advantage of all this amazing Island has to offer by choosing accommodations that make it easy to experience the Hilton Head vacation you have been planning and imagining for months.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/hilton-head-vacation-rentals-52138.html

Offering southern hospitality in a stunning beachfront setting, Folly Beach should be more than just a day trip on your next visit to coastal South Carolina. While most people flock to nearby Charleston for the ambiance and history, making Folly Beach a footnote on their vacation itinerary, this picturesque barrier island is actually the perfect centerpiece for getaway filled with relaxing pursuits.

Stretching for six miles just off the coast of South Carolina, Folly Beach combines the excitement of a waterfront vacation destination with the historical beauty of Charleston to provide an all-around amazing trip to anyone who steps foot along its shores. The waves of the Atlantic invite visitors outside for an afternoon on a soft sandy beach, while the wonderfully preserved atmosphere and buildings of the Old South are just a 15 minute drive away in Charleston. With surf, sand, sea, and history at your beck and call, you simply could not ask for anything more from an island oasis.

Should the sunshine and pleasant weather draw you towards the waterfront, the place to be is the Folly Beach County Park on the west side of the island. While you will certainly find plenty of sandy strips throughout the island, this soft expanse features not only 4000 feet of ocean frontage, with 600 feet designated for swimming only, but also 2000 feet along the Folly River for a distinct waterfront experience. Picture-perfect on 100 acres of highland, you can easily enjoy a day of sunning, swimming, surfing, and strolling in the sand as all of your cares melt away.

For those who prefer high-powered excitement on the Atlantic, Folly Beach is also teeming with watercraft rentals to make your adventures that just more memorable. Jet ski rentals are always popular, as are kayak rentals for those who want to explore the shoreline at a slower pace, but a more memorable excursion awaits when you set out with Reel Screamer Charters. Perfect for families, they combine bird watching, dolphin watching, shelling, and sightseeing around the Morris Island Lighthouse to provide a day of scenic beauty away from the crowds at the beach.

Beyond the waterfront adventures, Folly Beach offers fine southern cooking and ambiance in its many delightful restaurants. A cozy corner where you can mingle with the locals and enjoy a hearty breakfast, the Lost Dog Café is the perfect place to refuel before a long day of sun and sand. For delicious, uniquely-prepared seafood in a festive and inviting atmosphere, be sure to hit up the Folly Beach Crab Shack and relax on the outdoor deck for spectacular views and amazing food.

Since Charleston is one of those places in the country that everyone must see at least once, schedule a day or two to soak in the style and grace of this rich city. Overflowing with pre-Revolutionary War buildings, stunning antebellum homes, cobblestone streets, and the fragrant aroma of jasmine and wisteria, you can’t help but feel as if you have been swept away to another place and time. While you could simply wander around town and catch a glimpse of many historical sights, consider purchasing a Heritage Passport ticket for access to five fine homes and the Gibbes Museum. You can also contact the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for advance information about tours and special events.

In a land where schedules fall by the wayside and the water dictates the pace of the day, you simply cannot help but forget all of your worries in Folly Beach. Slightly off the beaten path and teeming with dramatic scenery, you can enjoy the very best of this island wonder in a Folly Beach vacation rental that nestles against the soft sand and offers easy access to waterfront delights. In addition to the breathtaking ocean views and gentle breezes that only serve to remind you of your stunning setting, Folly Beach vacation rentals are also only a stone’s throw away from the plantations, houses, museums, and ambiance of beautiful Charleston. Always well-rounded with nary a dull moment, Folly Beach invites you to experience its wonders from a cozy vacation rental that looks and feels just like home.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/make-folly-beach-your-relaxing-home-base-near-charleston-114263.html

Folly Beach is an island wonder that is tucked between the boundless opportunities of the Atlantic Ocean and the spectacular beauty of historic Charleston, South Carolina. In a place where southern hospitality harkens back to a simpler, less stressful, time, you can leave all of your worries on the mainland and become one the laid-back locals in a Folly Beach vacation home rental.

While most people know Folly Beach as the closest sandy wonder to Charleston, and the perfect place for a day trip, this six mile long barrier island is an entertaining and inviting vacation destination in itself. With extensive ocean frontage and soft sandy beaches, it is the perfect place to throw down a towel and experience adventures beyond compare. Swimming, sunning, jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking are always on the menu, while fishing from the Folly Beach Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier is a local favorite for not only the big catches but also the stunning views of the “Edge of America.”

If the beaches aren’t enough to draw you in, or you think that Folly Beach is still only good for a day of excitement, then consider the scenic beauty and utter relaxation that await when you venture away from the everyday. The little pleasures in life, such as strolling the sand at sunset and watching the dolphins frolic in the waves, take center stage and the lack of tourist attractions becomes a gift since you can then focus on the great outdoors. When you spend your time appreciating your surroundings, rather than scurrying from one activity to another, only then can you truly enjoy your time away from home.

Although some people can spend their entire vacation at the beach, most of us need that little something extra to keep our attention and complement our other activities. Charleston may not seem like anything little when you read about its many historical wonders, and it certainly isn’t, but it is the perfect side note for an all-around amazing trip. By combining the beachfront adventures of Folly Beach with the striking houses, museums, and plantations of Charleston, you can get everything you always wanted out of a coastal South Carolina getaway in addition to a little more relaxation than you imagined.

With Folly Beach and Charleston so close together and each offering different forms of beauty, you may not think that it makes a big difference where you make your home base. However, Folly Beach is the logical choice for anyone who wants to escape from the crowds that flock to Charleston, which is considered one of the top places to visit in America, and surround themselves with a serene beach setting. In a Folly Beach vacation rental, stunning ocean views, gentle breezes, and endless waterfront entertainment are at your fingertips and all of the comforts of home only serve to make your stay that just more convenient.

Folly Beach vacation rentals are also the perfect option for soaking in the southern charms of this quaint island. As you become acquainted with the slower pace of life, you can take advantage of all the little things your home away from home has to offer in the way of relaxation. The private patio and rocking chairs are perfect for ending the day on a high note, while the sights and sounds of the dolphins, pelicans, and ocean are an arousing alarm clock and invigorating way to begin your morning. Meals on the screened in patio and evenings around the cozy kitchen are just the beginning of fulfilling family getaway where you always feel right at home.

Picturesque, entertaining, and always an adventure, Folly Beach is more than just a place to swim in the ocean and enjoy the delights of Charleston; it is a distinct and charming city where beautiful scenery comes to life and waterfront excursions always seem just a little more perfect along its lovely shoreline. Whether you need to getaway from it all on an island paradise or you simply want something slightly off the beaten path, Folly Beach and its many vacation home rentals invite you to experience a one-of-a-kind retreat that is sure to have you coming back for years to come.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/vacation-rentals-articles/folly-beach-vacation-rentals-114264.html

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter, the nights are getting a bit chilly, and the leaves are starting to change color. Starting in October and usually lasting for about six weeks, leaves will be changing to red, orange, yellow, brown, and other hues too numerous to mention.

Whether you’re a seasoned “leaf peeper” or planning your first fall foliage tour, the questions are the same. Where do you find the most vibrant colors? Which scenic highways and byways provide the best opportunities for your viewing pleasure? Where are the best places to see the show?

The best places to see brilliant autumn colors and awe-inspiring mountain vistas are right here, in the western mountains of North Carolina. The hills and mountains in and around Asheville are world-renown for their “fall color show”. This area is consistently ranked high on “Best Places to Visit” lists because of it’s natural beauty and southern charm. Many believe that autumn is the best time to be here.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a perennial favorite. Breath-taking panoramas and leaf-carpeted forests are abundant in this timeless oasis. But, if you’re the one driving, keep your eyes on the road. The stunningly beautiful sights along this drive can be a big distraction. And, at those elevations, you do not want to run off the road. Stop at the designated “scenic overlooks” to take your turn gazing, or switch drivers occasionally if you can. During leaf season the Blue Ridge Parkway can become a little crowded. If you want to get off the beaten path you might consider the drive through Hickory Nut Gorge, or The Pacolet River Scenic Byway.

In early October the leaves start to change in the higher elevations along the parkway, beginning around Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. Along the parkway you’ll find campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, waterfalls, and recreation areas. The parkway also passes right through Asheville, so there is a wide range of exciting tourist destinations and shopping nearby.

Popular destinations north of Asheville include Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls along US 221 near Boone, Craggy Gardens on the Parkway, and Roan Mountain, on the Tennessee border. To the west you can raft down Nantahala River, see the highest dam this side of the Rockies at Fontana Lake, or hike up Cold Mountain, made famous by the book and movie of the same name. Also west of Asheville are the towns of Cherokee and Maggie Valley, offering a diverse range of native crafts and eclectic shops. To the southeast, near Hendersonville, you’ll find Lake Lure, (where Dirty Dancing was filmed), and Chimney Rock Park,which Boasts one of the highest waterfalls in the state, at 404 feet.. And southwest of Asheville, near Brevard, are several popular diversions such as Dupont State Forest, Looking Glass Falls, and the Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site.

Closer to Asheville, colorful views abound at Mount Pisgah or Graveyard Fields along the parkway. Magnificent views and aesthetically pleasing architecture combine at Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn. To see a wide variety of native foliage up close, stop in at the North Carolina Arboretum, just off the parkway at mile marker 393 or The Botanical Gardens of Asheville, near UNCA.

Driving through is a good way to see lots of color, but you may get more out of it if you immerse yourself fully in the experience. As mentioned earlier, you could take a hike or go rafting under the multi-colored canopies. You might enjoy a scenic train ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Dillsboro, or if you want a completely different perspective, you might find consider flying above it all in a hot-air balloon. Remember you may have to book most of these excursions in advance.

If you plan an overnight visit, remember that local lodging becomes quite crowded as well. Consider making reservations in advance or planning your trips for Sunday through Thursday, if possible. You might even want to stay at places a bit farther away from the more frequented routes.

Items you may want to bring along include a warm jacket, a camera, extra food, drinks, a cooler, a map, a cellphone, and maybe binoculars. And remember to top off your gas tank occasionally.

The North Carolina mountains are definitely the place you want to be when the leaves are changing. But be warned, once here, you may never want to leave.

James Rice
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-best-places-to-see-spectacular-fall-leaf-colors-63171.html

Located near the northern end of the Outer Banks, Duck is a quiet beach town that offers stunning stretches of sand and numerous opportunities for adventure off its shores. If you are searching for a relaxing vacation destination without any of the glitz and glamour that can overwhelm your peaceful and serene getaway, then Duck, North Carolina is the perfect place for you.

Although Duck Beach is only a few miles long, it makes wonderful use of every grain of sand along its breathtaking expanse of unspoiled coastline. In addition to the spectacular scenic beauty, visitors will find that the beach is rarely crowded, meaning they never have to fight for a prime sunning spot from which to begin their adventures. While swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding are all popular in the waters off Duck Beach, the shelling here is excellent since the Outer Banks extend further into the waters of the Atlantic than anywhere else in the state.

For those looking to experience an exciting offshore adventure, there are numerous nearby outlets offering jet ski, boat, and kayak rentals in addition to parasailing and scuba diving expeditions. Set out on an outbound excursion and explore the sound at your pace aboard a kayak or get your feet wet with a brand new experience during a surfing or hang-gliding lesson. No matter what kind of adventure makes your heart beat a little faster, you can enjoy it all in Duck.

When you need a respite from the sun and want to stretch your legs a little, head to the Scarborough Faire Shops for a shopping experience unlike any other. Rather than a large, impersonal shopping complex, the shaded boardwalk, complete with massive oak trees, and the quant boutiques blend seamlessly into the small town atmosphere of Duck. Browse shops that offer a range of items from clothing and unique pottery to specialty foods and kitchen items. And when you need to re-energize after a long day of perusing the various stores, head to one of the excellent eateries such Elizabeth’s Café for top-notch cooking and wine selection.

To learn more about the coastal environment, head out on one of the 60-minute walking tours offered by the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (also called the “Duck Research Pier”). This internationally-recognized facility conducts research to evaluate the ocean’s impact on the coast and provides informative and specialized tours at 10 am from mid-June through mid-August. Since the free tour makes its way over sand trails that can be difficult to navigate, be sure to dress appropriately.

Although it is located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the finest attractions in the Outer Banks and certainly should not be missed. While you can take on the seemingly endless dunes from any location or angle, the 1.5-mile Sand Trail is a best bet for excellent views and easy accessibility since it originates out of the parking lot of the visitor’s center. If you are feeling up for a challenge, try to tackle the Soundside Nature Trail, located on the south side of the park, for an intense climb that culminates in spectacular views of the coast. However, any roll or run down the side of a dune will also get your heart-pumping and leave you absolutely speechless.

Duck has everything you need for a relaxing getaway without any of the frills to distract you from its pristine and stunning natural beauty. For the ultimate accommodations located near a picturesque sandy beach and the gentle melody of the Atlantic, consider a Duck North Carolina vacation rental that comes complete with all the comforts of home. Enjoy amenities such as a washer and dryer, wireless internet, and plenty of space in an environment that is more stunning than you ever imagined. To experience the tranquil waterfront adventure you always wanted, browse a wide selection of Duck NC vacation rentals today to find the one that matches all of your needs.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/duck-north-carolina-the-outer-banks-at-their-best-101068.html