Sweet summertime is upon us, and the weather is starting to heat up as the sunshine peeks through the clouds. With the warmer weather many locals are enjoying the coast with days spent at the beach or little staycations over the weekends. Many people argue that you can’t beat the summers in the Carolinas and while this seems to be a common thought among many locals, you can’t deny the Carolina heat that comes with summertime. Luckily there are a few easy ways you can try to beat the heat without running your AC 24/7 and spending hundreds on your electric bill. 

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Cold Showers

Overheated? No problem, just hop in a nice cold shower to help cool yourself off. Whether you want to enjoy a cold shower before bed, first thing in the morning, or a quick rinse in the middle of the day, the cold water is a great way to beat the heat without cranking the air conditioning. 

Air Circulation

Surprisingly just by improving the air circulation in your home you can feel as if your home is cooler than it truly is. This is easily achieved with fans and while you will still need to use some electricity to run the fans in your home, the bill will be far less than if you were running your AC all day. Invest in a few good box fans or stand-up fans and help keep the air moving. 

Close/Open Windows

Morning and evening air is generally always cooler in the summertime, and you can easily use that to your advantage in order to help keep your home cool. Opening your windows and doors in the evening and early mornings can help cool down the house before the summer heat reaches its peak midday. Window fans are a great way to maximize the cooler air and keep your home cooler longer. 

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Enjoy Cold Meals 

Whether you’re BBQing, using the stove top, or turning on the oven, this is an easy way to get overheated and heat up your home, and yourself. Enjoying cold meals, whether a cold pasta salad, sub sandwiches, salads etc. is a great way to stay cool. While some cold meals may require cooking or prep work, you can designate a meal prep day to get all of your weekly cooking done and enjoy being cool the rest of the week. 

Stay Hydrated 

Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to not only stay healthy when it’s hot outside, but to also help keep yourself cool. You’d be amazed how much a simple glass of ice water can help cool you off throughout the day. 

So, whether you’re a local who’s used to enjoying the Carolina sunshine during the summertime, or you’re visiting the many sandy beaches along the Carolina coast, there are many ways you can try to stay cool this summer while still enjoying the Carolinas to the fullest. 

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and are in need of a qualified seller’s agent to assist you, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time. 

 

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The 4^th of July is a day celebrated across the nation. While last year’s festivities were cancelled as American’s were staying home, this year residents of Myrtle Beach are glad to see the skies ignite with the annual fireworks that celebrate our great nations Independence. There are 5 different firework shows throughout Myrtle Beach with start times of either 9:30 or 10pm.

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#1 Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Starting at 10pm, this firework show is put on by the city of Myrtle Beach at the end of the Second Avenue Pier. Many residents enjoy bringing their beach chairs to enjoy the show from the shore with their toes in the sand.

#2 Cherry Grove Pier

Another great place to bring a chair and enjoy fireworks from the sand while nestled under your favorite blanket. Starting at 9:30pm, the Cherry Grove Pier hosts a spectacular firework show in north Myrtle Beach.

#3 Murrells Inlet Marshwalk

The fireworks at the Marshwalk will begin at 10pm and fireworks will be lit from the end of the pier. A huge perk to this location is the view, and the show can be seen from all along the Marshwalk.  

#4 Broadway at the Beach

Found in the middle of the well-known shopping complex, the Broadway at the Beach fireworks start at 10m and ignite the skies above Lake Broadway.

#5 Barefoot Landing

At the southern tip of Myrtle Beach, the Barefoot Landing show is explosive and provides a stunning firework display starting at 10pm.

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In addition to the many different firework shows that will be taking place this 4^th of July you can also enjoy multiple different events and festivals throughout town including:

• Surfside Beach 4^th of July Golf Cart Parade
• Surfside Beach 4^th of July Celebration
• Salute from the Shore
• 4^th of July Independence Day 5k
• Red, White, & Blue 5k at Barefoot Landing
• Murrells Inlet Boat Parade
• Pawleys Island 4^th of July Parade

With so many activities, festivals, events and show there is something for everyone to enjoy when celebrating Independence Day in Myrtle Beach. Whether you’re hoping to look to the skies to enjoy a firework spectacular, complete a 5k, or simply enjoy the parades as they go by, you are sure to enjoy your Holiday when doing so in Myrtle Beach.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

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Generally, any city with “beach” in the title is going to be highly sought after among homebuyers, however Holden beach embodies something truly special. Found along the North Carolina Coast, Holden Beach provides water views in all directions, whether out to the vast Atlantic Ocean, or inland where the beautiful Intracoastal waterway separates Holden Beach from the rest of the North Carolina. But the views aren’t the only reason to love Holden Beach, in fact there are many!

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Holden Beach

As a coastal town, Holden Beach provides long stretches of powdery sand that provide a great landscape to hunt for treasures, from sand dollars to seashells and even aged sea glass, you can easily spend a day scouring the shores for a new treasure. Catch a wave and learn to surf, whether you choose to learn solo or pick up a lesson at one of the surfing schools, or for those who prefer a little less adrenaline, boogie boarding is also wildly popular amongst both locals and tourists. If you have time to break away from your sandcastle building, by obtaining a fishing license you can head to the pier where you can rent poles and equipment, practice your cast, and if you’re lucky, reel in a great catch.

Other Activities

Oftentimes nearby attractions and activities are overlooked in beach towns simply because the focus is always on the beach, however, when it comes to Holden Beach, the list of activities seems endless. Take a break from the sand and slip and slide through Magic Mountain Waterslides, with thrills for all ages, everyone within your family is sure to have a great time. For more family fun, multiple mini golf locations can also be found scattered throughout the area, and of course, a perfect day can’t go without a tasty treat, grab an ice cream at one of the local shops, including a fan favorite, Beaches-N-Cream.

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The Atmosphere

Holden Beach is separated from the rest of North Carolina via a bridge, and once you cross the bridge you might as well set your clocks to Island Time. Time slows, locals and tourists smile as they walk by, traffic is light, and with no stoplights along the beach roadways, stress levels whether traveling by foot or car are at an all-time low. Bike trails, walking trails wind through the area, and whether you’re brining your own bike, or hope to rent one at the nearby shops, there is just something about Holden Beach that embodies a simpler way of life.

If you’re currently searching for a new home within or surrounding Holden Beach, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

 

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Time seems to be one of the biggest issues for many vacationers, and when exploring Southport, it may be hard to narrow down your list and squeeze in as much as possible. Luckily, Southport is home to dozens of different restaurants, activities, shops, and entertainment, and while your perfect day may vary a little, here is a great itinerary to explore Southport to its fullest, even on a time crunch.

#1 Grab Some Breakfast

Grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich or pastry at Port City Java. Only a few blocks off the coast you can easily stroll to the coast with your coffee in hand where you can enjoy your next stop.  

#2 Relax

Finish sipping your coffee at Waterfront Park at one of the porch swings or benches that line the waterfront or head to the end of the fishing pier where you can watch locals reel in their catch.

#3 The Beach

A short walk down the sandy shores will bring you to the Southport Public Access Point where you can enjoy a day along the beach. The sandy shores are nestled along the Cape Fear River which helps keep the waves small, perfect for younger tourists to enjoy some sand play and splash in the water.  

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#4 Time for Lunch

You can’t visit Southport without enjoying a meal at Fishy Fishy Café. From fresh seafood, fried seafood, indoor and outdoor seating, delicious cocktails and drinks, as well as the waterfront views, it may just become one of your favorite stops of the day.

#5 Photos at the Lighthouse

Calling all history buffs and social media influencers! The Price’s Creek Lighthouse is simply breathtaking. The history behind the lighthouse is intriguing, the setting is serene, and the photos are stunning, a must see!

#6 Hope on the Ferry

Only a few minutes from the lighthouse you can find the Fort Fisher – Southport Ferry, all aboard! Enjoy the ride across the water and soak in the views.

#7 Visit the Aquarium

Hop off the ferry and head to North Carolina Aquarium Fort Fisher. Visitors tend to spend roughly 2 hours at the aquarium, so go at your own pace and enjoy all the exhibits!

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#8 Let’s Eat

You’ve probably worked up quite the appetite, hop on the ferry and head back to Southport for dinner. Oliver’s on the Cape Fear is easily a favorite amongst locals and tourists, and with water views and upscale New American cuisine, the elegance of this restaurant is the perfect way to end your day exploring Southport.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and need a qualified seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, Southport, as well as surrounding communities and areas, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

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There are miles and miles of sandy shores along the Carolina Coast, from well-known tourist destinations, to smaller local favorites, you can easily find a beach for nearly any occasion. To help ensure that your beach day can be enjoyed to the fullest, try using some of these popular beach hacks.

#1 Baby Powder

There is nothing worse than trying to get sand off your feet, hands, legs, arms, let’s face it, everywhere! Luckily there is an easy solution. As long as you’re dry, simply sprinkle some baby powder on your hands, feet, etc. and watch the sand rub off like magic. Truly, it works! Plus, you’ll be left smelling powdery fresh and won’t be taking the beach home with you.

#2 Fitted Sheet

This hack is growing in popularity as many beach lovers realize just how genius it truly is. Ditch the traditional beach towel and instead, use a fitted sheet for lounging. Place the rest of your beach items in each corner, so that the fitted sheet creates a wall/border helping to keep the sand out.

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#3 Zip Locks

While the majority of newer smart phones are either water resistant or even waterproof, this doesn’t mean that tiny little granules of sand won’t cause some serious damage. Always keep a few zip locks in your beach bag so you can toss in your phone and keys, seal it up, and ensure that your valuables are left protected.

#4 Bring a Pool

Yes, you read that correctly. Bring a Pool to the beach! For those with little ones who aren’t yet ready to splash and run through the waves, a small and simple inflatable kiddie pool may be the key to a fun beach day for the whole family. Simply blow up the pool, set it in the sand and fill it with a small amount of salt water for younger kids to splash and play.

#5 Hats

Don’t be afraid of hats. Wide brimmed hats, baseball hats, bucket hats, fedoras, any hat will do. Protecting your scalp is key in a successful day at the beach, and unfortunately a sunburnt scalp is an easy way to have less than an ideal time.

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#6 Don’t Forget the Feet

Just like the scalp, you also need to be mindful of your feet. While you may apply sunscreen before you hit the beach, your hands and feet especially, are likely to lose sunscreen far faster than other areas of your body. Digging your toes in the sand seems to be a rite of passage for visiting the beach, but unfortunately those tiny little granules of sand are incredibly good at rubbing off sunscreen, leaving your feet exposed to the sun, re applying to your feet often can help save you from a painful sunburn.

So, whether you’re a Carolina local ready to hit your favorite beach, a vacationer, tourist, or recently moved to the stunning shores of the Carolina Coast, try using one, or all of the tips to ensure that you can enjoy your days at the beach to the fullest.

If you’re currently searching for a new home, are ready to sell your home and are in need of a qualified agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time and we would be more than happy to assist you.

 

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Welcome to the Bird Island Coastal Reserve, the perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation, exploration and so much more. With an inlet for anchoring your boat, you can explore the Coastal Reserve by boat or on foot. Located just outside of the Calabash city borders, the Reserve is a protected are where birds and wildlife, including sea turtles are often spotted enjoying the sunshine along the many sandy beaches.

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The Kindred Spirit Mailbox is found within the Reserve and sits in the sand next to a bench and is a perfect spot to help lift others spirits and see who has visited the area previously. Write a note to the next visitor and leave it in the mailbox for them to find, and if you’re lucky, you just might have a note waiting for you.

The beaches within Bird Island are powdery white, and many locals say the most peaceful and serene hidden gem within all of North Carolina. The long stretches of beach allow for a day spent in a lawn chair with a good book, a dip in the water, or a day of exploring the multiples trails and walkways that wind through the park and along the beaches as well as the Bonaparte Creek and East River.

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “You’re on Island Time,” then Bird Island is the place to be. With nature all around, and mild waves, the breathtaking views allow for you to slow down and melt into the sand, de-stressing from the chaos of every-day life and truly allowing yourself to simply soak in the beach lifestyle.

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There are more than 44,000 acres that are a part of the protected areas, all of which helps with coastal research, provides coastal trainings, and allows for multiple educational experiences, and so much more. A place where community gets together, friends enjoy each other’s company, and visitors help to keep our oceans safe and clean, the Bird Island Coastal Reserve is must see and should be added to everyone to do list this summer.

Visit Bird Island’s Coastal Reserve website to learn more about events, research, visiting restrictions due to COVID-19, or to get involved and be a part of the change that is keeping our beaches and oceans thriving.

If you’re currently searching for a new home in the Calabash or surrounding areas, are ready to sell your home and are in need of a seller’s agent, or if you have any questions regarding Carolina Real Estate, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Schedule a Consultation

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