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June 20, 2023June 20, 2023

A Few Day Trips to Explore this Summer

Caucasian family in car windows on beach

Is your summer vacation just around the corner, and you’d like to have a day to explore other areas? Look no further because we have a few locations perfect for traveling to the day. Carolina One vacation rentals allow guests to enjoy a flexible stay in one of our beautiful vacation homes. Let’s look at the day trips we wanted to share below.

Beaufort, SC

Street with houses in historic district. Beaufort, South - Carolina, USA.

Beaufort, SC, is a beautiful and quaint town in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Not to be confused with Beaufort, NC, this town offers some of the best charms in the area. Some of the things you can do here are shop the Historic District, explore the Port Royal Boardwalk, and even check out a few of the local restaurants. Beaufort is approximately 75 miles from Charleston, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Edisto Beach.

Hilton Head Island, SC

Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA lighthouse on the coast at twilight.

Hilton Head Island is your spot if you want to travel further for some historic scenery. They are known for their incredible beaches, golf courses, and tennis, to name just a few. Located about 100 miles from our area, this will take about 2 hours to get to, but it’s a doable day trip. Some places to check out at Hilton Head Island are the Coastal Discovery Museum, local restaurants, and the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Fort Sumter National Monument

Fort Sumter has been around for over 200 years and is a favorite among locals and visitors. It is not accessible unless you take the ferry about, and it’s on an artificial island. While the fort has no entrance fee, you must pay for the ferry ride on over. This is one of the shortest day trips to the area, but it is one you don’t want to miss!

Edisto Beach, SC

Oak Tree Tunnel Dirt Road to Botany Bay Plantation in Editso Island South Carolina SC near Charleston.

If you’re staying in Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, or Charleston, Edisto Beach is another favorite of the locals. This summer, they have many different things to do, like the 2023 Edisto Invitational Billfish Tournament, Edisto Beach Music & Shag Festival, and their weekly Bingo Tuesdays & Thursdays. Other things you’ll be able to enjoy are the beaches, local restaurants, and Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve.

The summer offers so much flexibility for all who stay with us, and we promise that one of these day trips mentioned above will allow you to make new memories. If you’re looking for a vacation rental here on the beautiful coast of South Carolina, call us. We can’t wait to hear what you did on your summer vacation!

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023

Our Ultimate Vacation Rental Packing List

open luggage showing clothes neatly folded into it along with a pair of headphones and a neck pillow

Now that you’ve booked your family vacation to the Charleston area, it’s time to start planning what to pack. We know it can be overwhelming when packing for the whole family, but we want to help plan what to pack. Carolina One vacation rentals do provide linens and a few starter amenities in each vacation rental for you. Let’s look below at a more detailed packing list to get you ready for your next beach vacation.

What We Provide in Our Vacation Rentals

For our Isle of Palms, Wild Dunes & Folly Beach properties, we provide all linens, bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths per person for maximum home occupancy. We also provide a start supply of products, including one roll of paper towels, one sponge, dishwashing soap, three trash bags, three dishwasher tablets, and two kitchen towels. Each bathroom will have one roll of toilet paper and at least 1 bar of soap. Each full bathroom will include one small shampoo, one small conditioner, and a small bottle of lotion. If your property comes with a grill, then we will provide one tank of propane to use with the grill.

For our Edisto properties, we provide bed linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels for the advertised occupancy of the home, along with bathmats for each full bathroom. You will also receive a complimentary tote bag filled with starter items like one roll of paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap, and a liner for each trash can.

Rental Home List

Toilet Paper
Paper Towels
Napkins (or you could use paper towels)
Coffee Filters
Sponges
Laundry Detergent with dryer sheets
Dish Detergent for dishes and dishwasher
All-purpose cleaner
Trash Bags
Foil and Plastic Wrap
Storage Containers & Ziplock bags

Hand Soap for bathrooms and kitchen
Tissues
First Aid Kit
Clothes Basket or Hamper for dirty & clean clothes
Water Bottles
Disinfectant wipes
Spices, Non-Stick Cooking Spray, or Oil
Nightlights
Sound machine for the kids
Items for your baby (like pack-n-play, bedrail

Beach Things

An African American family of four packing their car for a trip to the beach or pool, with cooler, umbrella and toys. The teenage boy is carrying pool noodles and the 10 year old girl is watching the father put a picnic basket into the car.

Sunscreen
Aloe/Aloe Lotion
Beach Umbrella
Beach Chairs
Beach Towels
Beach Blanket (or a fitted sheet works best)
Cooler
Boogie Boards

Floats or rafts (for the pool if vacation rental has access to them)
Beach Toys for the Kids
Books
Sun Hats/Sunglasses
Sun Shirts (light color shirts to help shield the sun)
Towel Clips (clothespins work too)
Bluetooth Speaker

Toiletries & Personal Belongings

Glasses or Contact Lenses, including solutions
Deodorant
Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Body Wash
Shampoo & Conditioner
Haircare Products
Razors & Shaving Cream
Makeup

Hairdryer or Hairstyle tool
Brush/Comb
Hair Ties (Scrunchies, bands)
Face cleaner
Insect Repellant
Hand Sanitizer
Moisturizer
Medications/vitamins
Pain relievers

Clothing & Accessories

Young Asian woman packing a suitcase for trip at home.

Underwear
Sleepwear
Undershirts/bras
T-shirts
Dress/Casual Shirts
Jeans/Pants
Shorts
Dress (if you’d like to enjoy a night out)

Swimsuits/cover-up
Leisure Shoes
Walking Shoes
Sandals/Flip-Flops/Water Shoes
Purse
Beach Bag/Tote
Dress Shoes

Miscellaneous

Microfiber towel
Laptop/Tablet (plus chargers)
Waterproof Phone Case
Insurance Cards
Flashlight with batteries
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards

Cash
List of Emergency Contacts
House & Car Keys
Camera w/Memory Cards
Phone Chargers
Drivers License

There are many other things that you can pack with you to bring to your vacation rental, but these are the main items we thought you’d want to know about. If you haven’t booked your next stay with us at Carolina One vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how this packing list helped you prepare for your next vacation!

March 31, 2023March 31, 2023

Don’t Miss These Summer Events in the Charleston Area

Background with teal color paint boards, sun hat, sunglasses and starfish with the words saying Don't Miss These Summer Events

Can you believe that spring is here and before you know it, summer will be here too? It’s hard to believe that it was cold just a few weeks ago in most of the US, but now the warmer months are here to stay. Staying in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to some of the action. Look below at what events you don’t want to miss in the Charleston area this summer.

Charleston Carifest

Two young ladies celebrating Bahamian Caribbean Festival with blue background and blue covered railings

If you’re looking for a little Caribbean vacation but don’t want to travel outside the states, check out the Charleston Carifest. This annual festival brings Bahamian Carnival Culture to the SC Coast, filled with music, parades, costumes, and more. Plus, you don’t want to miss being able to try some of the fantastic Caribbean food, such as jerk chicken, conch fritters, and Bahamian crawfish. Don’t miss this Caribbean festival from June 29^th – July 1^st, 2023, with the family!

Movies in the Park

Family with adults and kids watching a movie outdoors on blankets and pillows laughing

Are you staying in an Edisto Beach vacation rental and looking for something for the whole family to enjoy? Beginning July 12^th, 2023, join at Bay Creek Park to take part in a free movie night! The movies will start around dusk, so bring your chairs and blankets to sit and watch a family-friendly film. Every 2^nd Wednesday between July & September, a movie will play in the park, along with free popcorn. Other drinks and snacks will be available to purchase. Think of the fun the whole family will be to sit and watching a movie as you make new memories.

Many other fun events happen later in the summer, including 4^th of July fireworks around the area, like Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and Charleston. If you still haven’t booked your Carolina One vacation rental this summer, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear which event was your favorite!

January 31, 2023January 31, 2023

Don’t Miss the 2023 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

Are you someone who loves nature and wildlife? If the answer is yes, you must attend the 2023 Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. The SEWE will allow you to celebrate nature and wildlife for three days with events, fine art, and many exhibits to explore. This year the SEWE will take place on February 17^th – 19^th. Staying with us in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals will close you to this exciting event. Let’s look below at what you can do and learn more about the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition in Charleston.

What is the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition?

Closeup of a Great Blue Heron Taking Off From a Beautiful White Sand Beach with Sea Oats on a Cloudy Day

The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, also known as SEWE, has been an annual event since 1983. For three days, you’ll be able to attend some exciting events, but you’ll also learn about supporting wildlife and nature in the area. The SEWE continues to contribute to not only the local economy but also support regional and state economies. Don’t miss out on this year’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, as you won’t want to miss out on the fun and help bring awareness about protecting natural environments in the area. It is also about celebrating our love for nature and wildlife.

How Can You Attend the SEWE?

If you talk to many locals, you’ll find that attending Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is an honor and so much fun. It has a lot of different kinds of entertainment events, but it also brings families together. Attending the SEWE is easy as 1, 2, 3 as you can get all tickets online. General admission will allow you to participate in several events and exhibits, including the petting zoo, browsing some unique wildlife & nature art & so much more. Plus, all kids under the age of 10 will not need a ticket to be able to attend lectures, demonstrations, and shows. There are other ticket options that you can choose from, including 3-day access, upgrade to VIP, and attending some special events.

Events & Exhibits in 2023’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition

The chocolate Labrador retriever dog is retrieving a toy after doing a long jump into a pool of water to get it.

One of the best things about attending the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition is the events and exhibits each year. Dock dogs Competitions, Copley Fine Art Decoy Exhibit, Birds of Prey Flight Demos, etc. Some of the special events you can attend for an additional cost are Ducks Unlimited Oyster Roast & Lowcountry Cookout, Whiskey Tasting Experience, 2023 Lowcountry Social, and many more.

Attending this event that has been going on for almost 40 years is something you can’t miss. Staying with us in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals will allow your family to experience this fantastic event. We can’t wait to hear what you’re most excited about 2023’s Southeastern Wildlife Exposition!

December 31, 2022December 31, 2022

3 Tips for Affording Your Much Needed Vacation

Summer should be the season for getting away from it all but taking a vacation isn’t as easy as it looks. For many Americans, vacation time can be very little, if any, depending on what they do for a living. The disparity in vacation time should explain why some people still a chance haven’t to take some time off in the summer, but many people aren’t going on vacation because they just can’t afford to. We have come up with three tips on how to afford your much-needed vacation to stay in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals below.

Forego a summer vacation

Orange cotton towel and sunscreen body lotion and hat in a orange tube on the background pool. Means for skin care, concept of relaxation and sun protection.

If you aren’t going on vacation because you can’t afford it, you need to open yourself up to the possibility of going on an off-season vacation. Most rentals and hotels will be booked from May to August, and people who rent during those times will have to pay a lot more than people who go during the off-season. When most people think about the ideal time to vacation they think about the summer, but you can have just as much fun during the fall, winter, or spring.

Time your travel

If you have to fly to your vacation destination, you could save a significant amount of money if you plan your flight for the right day and time. A lot of people will try to fly during the weekend, or on a Friday or Monday. Simply booking your flight on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday could save you a couple hundred dollars. Also see if you can get a flight early in the morning or late at night. Since we’re on the subject of travel, we should tell you to . . .

Avoid flying

family standing in front of car that is packed for a vacation ready to leave

When most people consider traveling for vacation, they immediately think of taking a plane. Airplanes can be expensive, but they take a lot less time than driving by car would. If you don’t want to have to pay for a plane ticket, but also don’t want to drive, consider getting to your vacation destination by train. Trains are bit more expensive than making your trek by car, but it’s considerable less expensive than having to fly. Amtrak and other rail services offer great discounts for people that travel during weekdays, and you could save hundreds in travel expenses.

While there are many other tips on how to save for your next vacation, we wanted to share these with you. If you are ready to make that dream vacation happen this year, give us a call. We hope to see you and your family soon!

August 31, 2022September 19, 2022

How to Enjoy the Best Fall Vacation on the SC Coast

One of several trees along Folly Beach outside Charleston, SC.

Do you have a vacation planned to the coast of SC this fall? If the answer is yes, let us share how you can enjoy it a little more. Staying with us at Carolina One vacation rentals allows you to enjoy what fall offers. Let’s look below at our few ways how you can enjoy the best fall vacation you’ve ever had on the SC Coast.

Weather

Two older people walking in public park under canopy of grand oaks on nice autumn day; woman carries a camera

The fall will bring not only the change of colors with the leaves but also cooler temps. The weather during the fall months will leave you wanting to stay longer and allow you to get out and enjoy the area more. The temps during September during the day usually are around 83° and a low of around 72°. October brings on cooler temps with a high of 75° in the day and a low of 62°. November brings much cooler days with a high of 67° and lows in the 50s. We always suggest bringing a light jacket and packing a pair of pants just in case you get a little chilly at night. The average amount of rain for September is around seven days and four days for October and November. No matter what the weather may be here, it’s better than being at home and not on vacation.

Fewer Crowds

Photo of beach, sand, ocean with birds sitting on beach on Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Another great reason why vacationing on the SC Coast during the fall months is there are fewer crowds. This means that when you visit one of the beaches in the area, like Folly Beach or Isle of Palms, you will get a better spot for the day. Fewer crowds also mean that going to local attractions and restaurants means less waiting time. Who wants to wait over two hours to grab a bite to eat when you can vacation this fall and get in with less wait. This is one of the best ways to enjoy your vacation this fall!

While there are many other reasons why you can have the best fall vacation here on the SC Coast, we wanted to share these with you. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you experience one of the many reasons, we love the fall!

July 29, 2022July 29, 2022

Beach Day Essentials

sun protection - mother put sunblock cream on little daughter face

Do you have a vacation planned to stay at the beach here on the Charleston Coast? If the answer is yes, let us share a few essentials you’ll need. Staying in one of our Folly Beach vacation rentals will keep you and your family close to the fun. See below for the essentials you’ll need to complete the perfect day at the beach!

The Essentials

Sunscreen – This is important to always have with you anytime you’re on vacation at the beach. We always recommend that you wear at least 30-SPF and that it’s water resistant. Reapplying throughout the day helps keep your skin in a burn-free zone.

Red and Yellow Beach Umbrella in sand with water in the background. Blue and white cooler and blue, white and yellow volleyball.

Beach Umbrella – A beach umbrella is vital when you are at the beach to allow you and your family shade. Having the kids keep out of the sun at times of the day can be an excellent thing for them. Plus, it can also keep your drinks out of the sun from getting too hot too quickly.

Reusable Water Bottle – Having a reusable water bottle for everyone in the family can keep your drinks cold all day. If you have an oceanfront vacation rental, you can go back in and refill as often as you’d like.

Lounge Chairs and Umbrella at the Beach with the sunsetting in the background

Beach Chairs – Bring a beach chair per person in the family can allow you all to sit and relax. No need to sit in the sand as you each lunch, enjoy some sun, or just a way to relax by the waves.

Beach Towel – Just like a beach chair, having a beach towel to dry off after you take the kids into the waves to play. Let the kids pick out their towels and place them on their beach chairs.

First-Aid Kit – A first-aid kit is an excellent addition to your beach essentials as you never know if you’ll need it.

Outdoor beach cart wagon on a sandy beach near the ocean. Family vacation

Beach Wagon – This is not essential, but it can help bring things down to the beach. Load it up with the beach chairs, essentials – you’ve done all the hard work easy peasy.

Many other things can be considered essential to your beach day, but we wanted to share these. If you haven’t booked your next vacation to stay in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear what you packed as an essential for your perfect beach day!

June 27, 2022June 27, 2022

Our Top 5 Most Instagrammable Spots in Charleston

Charleston, South Carolina, USA cityscape in the historic French Quarter at twilight.

Charleston, SC, is a city that is full of southern charm and is known to many to have the most photogenic spots on the South Carolina Coast. Charleston has been on any visitors’ must vacation lists for many years. Staying with us at Carolina One vacation rentals will allow you and your family to explore the area. Let’s look below at where our top five most instagrammable spots are in Charleston!

Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row must be one of the places that many will flock to in Charleston to get a glimpse of those gorgeous homes. You’ll find these pastel-colored historic homes located on E. Bay Street in Charleston, and they will remind you of the homes you’ll find in Curacao. Fill your feed with pictures of these beautiful colorful homes to share with your friends and family!

The Angel Oak Tree

Charleston, South Carolina, USA - February 28, 2020: Angel Oak tree in Charleston, South Carolina, USA, a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) estimated to be 400-500 years old.

Another great picture to snap is located at the most prominent and oldest oak tree in the area, the Angel Oak. This tree is over 400 years old and stands over 65 feet tall. With its mossy-covered limbs, you’ll be able to see this beauty from across the park. Remember to take a panoramic picture to get the whole thing inside your viewfinder.

Folly Beach Pier

Under the pier at Folly Beach, South Carolina, USA

This iconic fishing pier on Folly Beach must be one of the most instagrammable on the island. From the laid-back, chill vibe you’ll get just stepping foot onto the beach, this fishing pier is perfect for beautiful pictures. Under the Folly Beach, Fishing Pier is where you can take photos from just about every angle and never see a bad shot. To add a little contrast to the picture, shoot it in Black & White, and we promise this will be a picture you’ll never want to delete.

Pineapple Fountain

Did you know that pineapples in the south mean hospitality? Charleston is filled with love and hospitality and welcomes all who visit. You will find the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park near Charleston Harbor. Grab a few pictures of the family by the fountain and go during sunset to grab the most dramatic images. We promise this fountain welcomes you to take as many shots as you want!

N Adgers Wharf

A stone pathway in Charleston, SC with a bright light at the end of the path.

The last pick you’ll find near the Pineapple Fountain, N Adgers Wharf. Many visitors overlook this spot because it’s like you’ve stepped back in time. You’ll find that the pictures are perfect with the stone-filled streets and the beautiful homes. No matter what time of day you visit, you’ll be able to capture some of the most beautiful memories yet in the Charleston area.

Charleston is filled with history, charm, and southern hospitality, and we wanted to share our top 5 spots of the most instagrammable in the area. Staying with us in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals will allow you and your family to be close to the fun. We can’t wait to hear where your favorite place is in the area.

May 31, 2022June 1, 2022

3 Activities You Don’t Want to Miss this Summer

family teens showing excitement over the summer break

It’s hard to believe that schools are out, and summer is upon us here on the South Carolina Coast. Summer is a great time in the Charleston area as there are so many different activities that you don’t want to miss. Staying with us at Carolina One vacation rentals will allow you and your family to be close to the fun. Let’s look below at our three activities you don’t want to miss this summer in the area.

Morris Island Boat Tour

The whole family can connect this summer by trying out the Morris Island Boat Tour. Morris Island is full of undeveloped land that is a gem to explore. The only way to get to the island is by boat. Taking a tour will allow you and the family to soak up 3 hours of exploring the island, looking at wildlife, and checking out new shells. We can promise you that you’ll never experience another island like this one again!

Charleston Riverdogs Baseball Game

Another fun activity that the whole family can enjoy this summer is going to at least one Charleston Riverdogs Baseball game. Fun for all ages, let the kids learn the “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” song, get those delicious hotdogs, and have a good time together. If you have little ones who are big ball players, check out the camps they offer at the stadium. Think of the new memories you’ll make as you watch a ballgame or two.

Explore the SC Aquarium

mom and daughter at aquarium viewing fish

If you have little ones who aren’t into the above activities, head on to the South Carolina Aquarium in Charleston. Here the family will enjoy the many different exhibits that they have to offer. There is an exhibit for everyone from seeing the Carolina Seas, The Shallows, the Touch Tank, and even the Coastal Plains area. Even Kids Coast has different activities on how the water filtration happens at the aquarium. This would also be a great activity to check out on a rainy day.

There are many other fun activities that you can pick from in the area, but we wanted to share these. If you haven’t booked your next trip to stay with us at Carolina One vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed your summer vacation here on the South Carolina Coast!

April 30, 2022May 18, 2022

Book Your Summer Vacation Today

family on the beach with a little girl, dad, little boy and mom with pool noodles standing on the beach

Can you believe that summer will be here before we know it? The Charleston area is a great place to spend your summer vacation with your family. Staying in one of our Carolina One vacation rentals will allow your family to explore the area. Let’s look below at why you should book your summer vacation today.

Beach House

Colorful beach homes with palm trees lining each yard.

One of the best reasons you should book your summer vacation today is your beach house for the week. Staying in one of our vacation rentals along the South Carolina coast has perks. Those perks include a full-sized kitchen, washer & dryer, rooms for everyone to stay in, and more. There are many to pick from, from walking just a few blocks from the ocean to staying in one of our oceanfront vacation rentals. We suggest that you hurry and book as we are booking up fast.

Weather

The weather on the South Carolina coast during the summer months is fantastic. From having a few afternoon showers or storms, most days are clear blue skies. The temperatures can get well into the 90s during the day, but at night they can dip down into the low 70s. No matter the temperature outdoors, remember you will have a cool vacation rental waiting for you.

Summer Fun

beach fun with seashells, shovel, yellow bucket, blue flip-flops and a chair on a beach

Family vacations during the summer months are always exciting for everyone. Spending your days at the beach can be the best thing for any family to do. But if you like to try new things, we can suggest fishing, learning to surf, golfing, or just exploring downtown Charleston. After all, many families love to sit back and relax on their summer vacations.

While there are many other fun things that you and your family can do, we wanted to share these. We are filling up fast this summer and would love to see your family enjoying one of our Carolina One vacation rentals. If you haven’t booked, give us a call today to see what we have available. We look forward to seeing you this summer and hearing what you enjoyed on your trip!