Trip Down Memory Lane

For an afternoon of history, one of a kind cars and lunch at a diner that takes you back to the 50’s, drive down to Murrells Inlet and visit the new Ragtops and Roadsters vintage car museum.
The display of cars changes but when we were there they had a 1917 Budweiser Beer Ford Model T delivery truck as well as my favorite a 1952 Jaguar. What a beautiful car! Every car has its history posted beside it. Take the time to read them; I’m sure you will learn something new and interesting. I know we did.
For the car collector, the museum also has several cars for sale. So take your checkbook, you just might be taking a “new” car back home with you!
After viewing the cars take a trip down memory lane at the recently opened 50’s style diner inside the museum called Woody’s. Enjoy the memorabilia and jukebox music while waiting for your order. Sandwiches, salads, and wings are highlights of the menu. For a real treat have an old time ice cream float. I opted for the orange soda float-Delicious!

Enjoy!
Debbie

Wine Tasting at it's Best

If you are a wine lover or just love being outdoors, add the LaBelle Amie winery on your list of things to do while in town. Located off Hwy 90, the LaBelle Amie winery is locally owned and home to monthly festivals, daily wine tastings and a very unique gift shop. Their gift shop offers wine related novelties, jewelry, and of course wine! For all of the at home chefs and grill masters, be sure and check out the gourmet spices, dressings, and sauces. My favorite is the Wasabi Ginger Dressing, wonderful for tuna steaks!
LaBelle Amie Winery welcomes you to walk thru the grounds of the former tobacco plantation, enjoy a picnic, or sit on a rocking chair on the covered porch area and escape with a glass of their private labeled wine. Guided tours of the vineyard are also available in advance and are a must for history buffs.
Inside their gift shop is a wine tasting bar where you can sample their wines. If your tastes sway towards the white wines, try my favorite, Phillippe-“High Maintenance”. They also offer a variety of muscadine wines which is a nice change from your usual whites and reds.
Their monthly festivals are a favorite spot for locals to enjoy live music, good company, and excellent wine! Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and plan to spend the afternoon. They also have several bonfires planned for the winter. Visit their website www.labelleamie.com for a complete list of festivals and business hours.
Before leaving, take time to meet Bella, the winery mascot. A beautiful white border collie, Bella is one of the main attractions of the winery. She always seems to find us for a game of catch with her tennis ball and enjoys being the center of attention.

Enjoy and Cheers!
Debbie

Christmas at the Beach

Although we probably won’t have a “White Christmas”, there are still plenty of festivals, shows, and decorations to put you in the Christmas mood while you are far from home. I would like to share my favorites with you that I look forward to every year.
I kick off my holiday season with the Intercoastal Christmas Regatta held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The festivities start at 5:00 at the Little River inlet, traveling south to their finishing point at Petes Landing in North Myrtle Beach around 7:00. The parade can be viewed along the waterway at various restaurants and marinas. My friends and I normally enjoy it from Filets Restaurant by the swing bridge. We arrive early, grab a table by one of the fire pits, and enjoy a wonderful evening of hot chocolate and great appetizers while “judging” the decorations on the boat. Be sure to bring a unwrapped toy with you as the regatta benefits area children on Christmas morning.
My one, can’t miss event of the season, Nights of a Thousand Candles starts Dec. 5th and runs thru Dec. 20th on Friday and Saturday nights 3:00-10:00.
For an amazing evening of lights and music, take a trip down to Pawleys Island to Brookgreen Gardens for this mystical event. The sculpture gardens are transformed into a magical wonderland of illuminated garden paths, sparkling live oaks, and live entertainment. We make an entire evening out of it, enjoying roasted oysters and homemade soup, getting a front row seat for the one-man rendition of A Christmas Carol at 7:30 and sipping on a glass of wine while listening to the hand bell choirs. A remarkable experience not to be missed!
And last but not least, the holiday season isn’t the same without a hometown Christmas parade and a Santa sighting! North Myrtle Beach hosts their Christmas parade on Saturday December 6 at 5:30. Stop in at the International Café for a bowl of homemade chili and hot cocoa while waiting for the bands, floats, and of course the man of the hour, Santa!
Enjoy your holiday season and feel free to share some of your favorite Christmas traditions at the beach!

Happy Holidays,
Debbie

Snowbird FAQ

Shoveling snow, maneuvering icy roads, paying high heating bills? Escape the dreads of winter and come live at the beach with Southern Coast Vacations. While your neighbors are bundled up in 3 layers of clothing, you can be strolling down the beach or sitting on your oceanfront balcony with a good book in hand.
For our repeat snowbirds, thank you for staying with us and feel free to call us anytime to book your stay again for next year. For the “rookie” snowbirds who are looking at wintering with us for your first time, ask yourself what are you looking for in a winter rental? Internet access, laundry facility, pets allowed? We offer all of this and more. Please read over the following commonly asked questions to assist you in your winter getaway. If you find that your question has not been addressed, please feel free to contact us.

Where are your properties at?
We have properties from as far north as Cherry Grove to the far south as Garden City. We have oceanfront condos, condos on golf courses, and townhomes and houses that are just a short walk to the beach.

Do I have to pay all of my rent up front?
If you are staying for one month, you will pay your rent, taxes, and fees upon booking. If you are staying for multiple months, you will pay your first months rent and fees upon booking. You will then pay your monthly rent prior to the first of each month.

What are the benefits of staying for multiple months?
Many of our homeowners offer a discount if you stay for multiple months. If you stay 90+ days you do not have to pay sales tax on your rent.

What additional fees are there?
We charge a one time departure cleaning/linen fee/reservation fee. The charge varies depending on the property.

What linens are included?
We provide fresh sheets for each bed and towels. Kitchen towels are included but not dish clothes.

Do you have internet ?
Many of our properties are equipped with internet service. Please let our vacation specialists know if you will need internet service so that they can reserve the appropriate property for you.

Will I have phone service?
Many homeowners do provide local phone service for their guests. Long distance phone calls are not available from local property lines. If it is need our staff can ask the homeowner for any special requests.

Do you allow pets?
We have several dog friendly properties that are just a short walk to the beach. None of our oceanfront properties allow pets.

Where will I get my mail?
As our properties are all individually owned, we recommend that you rent a mailbox from the post office while you are here.

Is cookware provided?
The homeowners provide basic cookware for your stay. Dinnerware and silverware are also provided. Some units include wine glasses and extra cooking utensils but if there is something special you require, please bring it with you or ask our staff if it can be arranged.


Extras you may want to bring with you
· Extra blankets
· Iron-not all units provide them
· Beach towels
· Trash Bags
· Mixing Bowls/Serving Bowls
· Baking Dishes
· Colander
· Cleaning Supplies

Surf Fishing!

Today I went surf fishing with my father and brother. We got up early and grabbed some coffee and spent the morning on the beach. Here is a photo I took with my phone. It was a little overcast early but the temperature got up to the mid 80's, and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

We caught about 2 dozen fish, mostly blues but we pulled in a flounder, a spot tail, and a couple other species I could not name.

This is just another reason to come join us for your winter vacation!

It was a great experience, and I recommend when you come to this area you bring your fishing poles. Let me know if your heading out and I may join you!