(TGA) - Hi, I am planning a vacation for the end of August and given what my family enjoys I thought of South Carolina. Can you direct me on the area(s) I should concentrate my efforts on researching? I don't think I'm interested in Myrtle Beach though we're just not into "touristy" crowded places. My kids are 8 & 15. It has to be at the end of August because of my son's football schedule. Price is my #1 priority, money is tight but due to some circumstances, I feel it's important we get away as a family to relax together.
1. inexpensive, is under $1000 wk doable to rent a house on VRBO or a motel/hotel with efficiency? try to save on meals.
2. nice clean beaches, good for shelling (a must!)& swimming
3. my son likes historical places (thought of Charleston)
4. activities other than the beach (saw there is an aquarium, working farm, plantations) Enjoy nature/learning experiences.
5. not overly crowded or "modern" like ambiance & character
Thanks for your replies!
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The end of August is a good time to be traveling on a budget.
Rental rates at the beaches go down in mid-August when children in SC go back to school. I suspect you can find a one-bedroom - or maybe even a two bedroom - that is within your budget.
VRBO is a good idea, because renting directly from the owner is usually less expensive than going through an agent or manager.
Save money by staying OFF the beach. Beach front is very expensive. Since our islands are mainly long and narrow, nothing is ever more than a short stroll or bike ride to the beach.
Charleston is wonderful for a history buff. You can pick up maps and discount coupons at the Visitor's Center, and design your own tour of the historic district. Walking around is FREE!
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The beaches closest to Charleston are the Isle of Palms, Sullivan's Island and Folly Beach. Each of these are about 15 minutes from downtown historic Charleston. Sullivan's does not have very much to rent. IOP (Isle of Palms) has lots of homes and condo's to rent and has 2 very small hotels.
There is also the gated resort community of Wild Dunes on IOP. Some of the condos there may fall into your price range since it is late in the season - check and see. Most areas of IOP are only a few blocks wide, so as mentioned before, staying on the beach is not necessary.
Folly Beach is similar to IOP as far as rental availability. All 3 are clean, family beaches, wide sand beach at low tide. Still a sandy beach at high tide, just not as wide. IOP and Sullivan's do not allow any alcoholic beverages on the beach or any glass items. Folly Beach does allow alcohol and thus gets more of the college crowd.
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This could be a real treat if you can swing a little more than $1,000, you might thoroughly enjoy Kiawah Island...
www.beachwalker.com/WestBeach/oceanwood3.html
These are great little houses, right across the street from Kiawah's 10 mile beach, fall rates begin August 14!!! Save money by cooking in most meals and doing picnics at lunch.
Kiawah is very green, miles of bike trails, only 40 minutes into Charleston and is only a short drive to the shrimp dock at Cherry Point in Rockville, the Angel Oak, the Tea Plantation and the Winery...
http://www.angeloaktree.org/
http://www.bigelowtea.com/plantation.aspx
http://www.charlestonwine.com/
There are picnic tables at all the above, so it's a great family drive. Kiawah is also only about 40 minutes to the plantations, so that's easy, as well.
If the family is interested in kayaking, my friend Ralph can help (yes, it's for beginners) you go see the dolphins...
www.kayakcharleston.net
Yes, Kiawah might be the place for you!!!
Edited: 10:03 pm, yesterday
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thanks very much! glad to hear the end of August is off season. So the Charleston area is where I should be looking around?
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Yes, the ladies on this board are the best of any on TA. Keep asking your questions. I read over 10 forums and you will get the best advise here.
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