What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to South Carolina and Florida?
THIRDHOME Exchange members recently returned from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Keep reading to learn about their THIRDHOME travel experiences!
Myrtle Beach Beachfront Mansion | Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Experience beachfront luxury in one of the most beautiful homes on the Carolina Coast! This stunning four-bedroom, five-bathroom home has its own private beach access and gated pool. Guests are greeted by a gorgeous fountain and magnificent staircase upon arrival. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset each day from the spacious back patio, and be sure to look out for dolphins as they jump in the surf!
THIRDHOME members David and Katrina say, “Wow! We enjoyed the most memorable week at this lovely home located directly on the Myrtle Beach oceanfront!. You can feel the owners’ charm and warm hospitality in every nook of this lovely French chateau-themed home.” Click here to read more of David and Katrina’s review.
Chanel Court – 30A | Santa Rosa Beach, Florida
This adorable beach home is located in the heart of Seagrove, a small beach community on 30A. Guests find themselves in a world filled with lush oak trees and grand magnolias, yet still close enough to the beach you can smell the salt in the air. Nestled on 2,600-square-feet and tucked away in a picture-perfect neighborhood, this five-bedroom home boasts an ambiance of simple beachside elegance.
THIRDHOME member Jane says, “This home couldn’t have been more perfect for our grandsons’ (ages 10 & 6) Spring Break! First time in this beach community on the Gulf. Beautiful white sand and cute beach towns along 30A with plenty of shopping and good food.” Click here to read more of Jane’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRDHOME Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
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What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Beaver Creek, Colorado and McClellanville, South Carolina?
THIRDHOME Exchange members recently returned from Beaver Creek, Colorado and McClellanville, South Carolina. Keep reading to learn about their THIRDHOME travel experiences!
Beaver Creek Landing | Beaver Creek, Colorado
This luxurious 3-bedroom residence is perfectly situated between the mountains and ski resorts of Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead. There are plenty of activities to partake in both the Summer and Winter seasons. The open concept of the space allows guests to relax after a day of exloring and the beauty that Colorado has to offer! Beaver Creek Landing’s luxury and convenient location will not dissappint.
THIRDHOME member Gregory says, “Our stay in Beaver Creek was all we could have hoped for and more, especially given the difficult state of the world. The property and surroundings were fantastic and the host and THIRDHOME support team were incredibly accommodating as we planned around those restrictions still in place in CO and Avon/Eagle County.” Click here to read more of Trudy’s review.
Beautiful Grace Point Cape Romain | McClellanville, South Carolina
Grace Point allows guests to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. This charming home offers guests 4 bedrooms to welcome the entire family to join on this coastal retreat. The lush landscape includes live oaks and is the perfect scenery for a relaxing walk to the water’s edge. Sit and watch the boats go by from the edge of the dock and enjoy every moment at this luxury home.
THIRDHOME member James says, “Perfect for a “Covid” vacation with family. Lots to do inside and around the house so contact with the outside world can be minimized. Great for children/grandchildren. My grandson got his first fishing experience catching a blue crab off the dock. ” Click here to read more of Jennifer’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRDHOME Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
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What are THIRDHOME members saying about their luxury home exchange trips to Kiawah Island and Useppa Island this week?
Southern Tide | Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Southern Tide, located on Kiawah Island, South Carolina, is the perfect place to get away with the family or reunite with a group of friends! Boasting 5 bedrooms, there is plenty of space for 14 guests to stay comfortably. Convene in the modern great room with family members after a relaxing day spent poolside. Complimentary bikes will allow you easy access to all the island has to offer. Dine and shop at Kiawah Island’s best restaurants and boutique stores, all within biking distance of the property! Southern Tide is the perfect Carolina summer vacation home.
THIRDHOME member Larry says, “Our group of four couples stayed here in April 2019. We came in with high expectations and this home blew them away. The pictures simply do not do this property justice.” Click here to read more of Larry’s review.
Hideaway Cottage | Useppa Island, Florida
The Hideaway Cottage on Useppa Island, Florida gives guests access to one of the most exclusive clubs in South Florida. This beautiful five-bedroom home features impressive views down Pine Island Sound, all the way to the Gulf of Mexico, along with an expansive waterfront and private dock. Guests of this property have full access to Useppa Island Club’s incredible amenities, including elegant restaurants, use of the club’s pool and hot tub, tennis, and croquet, as well as access to a serene private beach. The Hideaway Cottage is truly a marvelous hidden gem on Useppa Island!
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRHOME Exchange trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
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So, before booking your next family beach trip in the United States, make sure you research the destination or choose from these kid-friendly beach vacations.
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Beach Vacations in the United States
There are plenty of kid-friendly beach vacation options with THIRDHOME!
1. Assateague Island, Maryland
This sliver of oceanside paradise extends from Southern Delaware, through Maryland and all the way to Northern Virginia. For the purposes of this guide, we’ll be focusing on the Maryland segment of Assateague Island National Seashore near Ocean City. The wild horses that roam the island are one of the main attractions for visitors. The horses are technically wild but are effectively tame. Just don’t feed them! Your kids will love swimming in the Atlantic, exploring Ocean City and taking pictures with the locals.
2. Clearwater Beach, Florida
Florida’s Gulf west-facing coast is filled with splendid beaches, many of which are great for kid-friendly beach vacations. But few Floridian beaches offer Clearwater’s level of kid-friendliness and number of activities. Clearwater has been voted “Best Beach Town in Florida” a number of times due to its cleanliness, safe and shallow waters, walkability and surrounding activities. City workers rake the sand every morning and local law enforcement patrol the beaches every day, leaving a safe and fine talcum powder-like grain behind for eager families to relax on. Your kids will love swimming in the crystal clear surf. They don’t call it “Clearwater” for nothing!
3. Coast Guard Beach, Massachusetts
A longtime, Cape Cod favorite, Coast Guard Beach is the perfect Northeastern family getaway. You’ll find rolling dunes, marshlands and big waves at Coast Guard Beach. If you look close enough, you might also catch a sea lion swimming offshore. The beach also has historical significance. 65 days out from Plymouth, the Mayflower made its first landfall in the New World at Coast Guard Beach. If you’re a family that loves history, you won’t find a lack of it in Cape Cod.
4. Corolla Beach, North Carolina
The Outer Banks of North Carolina have always been a family-favorite beach destination. The long stretch of communities, that make up the Outer Banks, all have something different to offer. The town of Corolla, where Corolla Beach is located, is known for its seclusion and wealth of shopping and dining options. Take your family to the Center for Wildlife Education, the Kitty Hawk First Flight Museum or observe the majestic beauty of Corolla’s Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs that roam the shores. The beach itself is immaculately kept and less populated than other parts of the Outer Banks, making Corrola Beach the perfect destination for kid-friendly beach vacations.
5. Gulf State Park, Alabama
Alabama’s Gulf Shores boasts 3.5 miles of unspoiled white sand beaches. With that much space, it’s very easy to find a quiet secluded spot for your family. Plus, the Orange Beach area has plenty to offer children of all ages. The Wharf, one of Orange Beach’s busiest spots, offers unique shopping, entertainment and dining for your family. Gulf Shores is also home to the country’s largest artificial reef program, making it a wonderful destination for charter fishing. This area is very popular for kid-friendly beach vacations.
6. Hanalei Bay Beach, Hawaii
This nearly 3-mile long horseshoe beach is located on the northern coast of Kauai Island, amidst a picturesque mountain backdrop. Hanalei Bay is a well-kept secret and hasn’t been widely commercialized for tourists, making for a secluded old-school Hawaiian feel. You won’t find any large crowds or loud music in this turquoise blue gem. The intensity of the waves also changes depending on your location on the beach. The far-side, near the pier, offers weak waves for beginners. The closer you move to the middle, the larger the waves get. This beach is perfect for children learning how to surf or boogie board.
7. Hilton Head, South Carolina
The southern region of Hilton Head, near Coligny Beach, is the best beachfront for a quality day with the family. Although the popularity of Hilton Head might make this beach more crowded than others on this list, it’s easy to see why families flock back to Coligny Beach every year. The number of shopping and dining amenities in the area makes it so convenient! The beach also has fine white sand that is hard-packed for comfortable sitting and sunbathing. Shallow waters with flat sandy bottoms also make the beach safe for first-time swimmers.
8. Kailua Beach Park, Hawaii
This 2.5 miles beach on Oahu gives Hanalei Bay a run for its money. Located only 30 minutes from Honolulu, Kailua Beach is one of the most easily accessible beaches in Hawaii. The water is a clear turquoise blue like Hanalei Bay and the sand is equally as inviting. But calm waters and additional park amenities make this beach stand out. Beach showers, bathrooms, grills, kayak rentals, lifeguards and volleyball courts are available to visitors. This beach usually features a kid-friendly beach crowd and should be perfect for a family-friendly Hawaii holiday.
9. Kiawah Beachwalker Park
Just southwest of Charleston and two hours up the coast from Hilton Head is Kiawah Beachwalker Park. This well-kept park sits on the west end of Kiawah Island and includes a number of park amenities including drink vendors, picnic areas, restrooms and dressing areas. A cooperative of county commissions all pitch in to make sure that Kiawah Beachwalker Park is as clean as possible for visitors. A gentle surf and a large number of accumulated tide pools make Kiawah Beachwalker Park a perfect place for first-time swimmers. If you value solitude, beautiful sunsets, and miles of uninterrupted beachfront, Kiawah Island might be the place for you!
10. Menemsha Beach, Martha’s Vineyard
Named Travel + Leisure‘s Best Sunset in Massachusetts, Menemsha Beach is a must-visit for anyone staying in Martha’s Vineyard. This small secluded beach has a sleepy New England feel and is close to some of the island’s best seafood vendors. The calm surf and amenities provided at Menemsha Harbor make this beach very popular with parents of young children. The beach faces the Vineyard Sound rather than the Atlantic Ocean, making it a calmer experience than other beaches on Elizabeth Island.
11. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Once Known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital,” Rehoboth Beach was once known as a beach getaway for Washington D.C. locals. It has now grown into the largest beach resort town in Delaware. This small Victorian-style beach town knows how to cater to families. Throughout the summer, the city puts on a number of recreational activities for families including arts & crafts days, children’s entertainment at the bandstand and ocean education activities. If you want an all-American boardwalk, salt water taffy, small-town style holiday, Rehoboth Beach might be the destination for you.
WHAT ARE THIRDHOME MEMBERS SAYING ABOUT THEIR LUXURY HOME EXCHANGE TRIPS (TO CANADA AND SOUTH CAROLINA) THIS WEEK?
THIRDHOME has officially found the perfect destination for both an exciting winter trip and an outdoor summertime adventure! This stunning 7-bedroom and 5-bath log home, perched on the top of Mont Olympia, offers everything you need for the perfect family bonding experience. In the summer, take advantage of the large outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, trampoline, bicycles, ping pong table, children’s play house and a large sandbox. In the winter, enjoy ski-in ski-out access, an indoor jacuzzi, pool table, fully equipped gym and large home theatre. Not only are you minutes away from ski trails, beautiful lakes, and nationally ranked golf courses, but you can also enjoy the vibrant cities of Montreal and Mont Tremblant, which are less than an hour drive away!
THIRDHOME member Jon says, “We thoroughly enjoyed the stunning mountain views and your luxury log home, including the gourmet kitchen, home theatre and games tables. We also appreciated how close we were to the city, making for easy day trips to enjoy dining and sightseeing in Montreal”. Click here to read more of Jon’s review.
Palmetto Bluff Home | South Carolina
Plan your next getaway to this charming inn at the Palmetto Bluff home. This retreat offers everything from outstanding tennis and golf facilities, to Travel and Leisure‘s top rated spa, with a full-service wellness center, two large pools and daily exercise classes. This 2-bedroom and 3-bath home offers the perfect retreat for relaxation and entertainment. With a private front and back porch, there are endless opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds of the low country and watch the sunsets behind the lagoon. Explore twenty thousand acres of breathtaking grounds by horse back, by kayak, aboard a serene river cruise, or simply by foot.
THIRDHOME member Howard says, “The landscapes and seascapes are truly beautiful… Spanish moss covered oak, the views of the May River and a quaint village surrounding the Inn combined to give you the best of a low country feel. Bottom line: this home is a wonderful getaway. Whether you take advantage of all the activity or just enjoy what they call ‘porching’… we loved it”. Click here to read more of Howard’s review.
Members, click here to view all available weeks and plan your next THIRDHOME trip. Remember, you must be logged in to your account to see availability.
Want more information about our luxury home exchange club? Click here to learn more about THIRDHOME
On Monday, August 21, 2017, all of North America will be able to see an eclipse of the sun. However, particular parts of North America will be a path of totality, which means that those areas will be able to see a total solar eclipse. The last time there was a total solar eclipse visible from the United States was 38 years ago! Those in the path of totality will see the moon completely cover the sun. THIRDHOME has weeks available at homes that are in the path of totality for this year’s solar eclipse. Read about them below.
Seabrook Island, South Carolina
5-Bedroom Villa at the Seabrook Island Club
Only one row back from the oceanfront, this villa is in a great location to go find undisturbed views of the solar eclipse. Stand out on the beach for a clear view, or simply walk out on one of the decks of the home. When you aren’t busy staring up at the sky you can enjoy the community pool, relax on the beach or play golf at one of Seabrook Island’s championship golf courses.
Gilbert, South Carolina
Lakefront home on Lake Murray
This home is located on a secluded lot and has 270-degree water views. For viewing the solar eclipse, the hammock that is in the backyard could not be a better spot. Lay back and get ready to see a spectacular view!
Smithville, Tennessee
Watauga
This spacious home has 3 bedrooms and features a beautiful view of Center Hill Lake. Spend a day hiking in the surrounding area and find a perfect spot to watch the solar eclipse undisturbed and surrounded by nature.
Interested in learning more about the solar eclipse occurring this year? NASA has a website completely dedicated to the event, which happens on Monday, August 21, 2017.
If you only visit the coast of the Carolinas during the summer, you are missing out! Avoid the crowds enjoy the ample amount of the off-season activities you can do. Guest blogger and THIRDHOME member Larry Grossman highlights his trip to Bald Head Island, shares his photos of the area and provides activity guides for nearby coastal towns in this post.
Bald Head Island, North Carolina
Larry Grossman says about his THIRDHOME trip:
No cars – no problem. No bugs – I’ll take it. No crowds – I love it! It’s March on Bald Head Island and the living is easy. The coast of the Carolinas are immensely popular during the summer months, but largely deserted from October through May leaving secluded beaches, an abundance of tee times and great dining options open to us lucky visitors who have learned to take advantage of the off-season amenities. A week of touring the most northern of the lovely subtropical Carolina islands by golf cart and bicycle (no cars are allowed on the island) can relax even the most stressed out soul. We left our bathing suits and shorts at home and replaced them with jeans and sweatshirts while we traversed every island road, detouring constantly to explore a new beach, wildlife area, or unique shop by the marina.
The evenings were laid back as our crew relaxed at our THIRDHOME haven, Port Off Call by catching up on missed movies and playing board games provided by the owners at their beautiful 5-bedroom home. While our ocean vantage point was spectacular from our upstairs deck, at sunset we wandered down the hill to walk the beach and we were never disappointed. There are miles of beaches to walk, and we encountered far more birds than people. As the sun was setting and we passed our few fellow beach walkers, we smiled and did “the nod”, nonverbally saying “we’re lucky to have this gorgeous place to ourselves.”
The variety of activities available on the island year-round include tennis, golf, croquet, kayaking, climbing to the top of the iconic Old Baldy Lighthouse for a spectacular view of the island, hiking on one of the numerous nature trails or taking the Bald Head Historic Tour.
Historic Island factoids:
- Bald Head Island first appeared on maps in the 1500s.
- Bald Head was the home of a British fort and a hospital during the Revolutionary War.
- In the early 1900s, visitors came to the island to hunt wild pigs.
While the wild pigs have disappeared in the face of development, the dining options are abundant. My personal favorite restaurant was “Mojo’s on the Harbor” featuring the best grouper sandwich and key lime pie north of the Florida Keys. Mojo’s owner collects decorated dollar bills from diners that are then stapled to the bar and eventually donated to the Duke University Cancer Research Center. Several dining options are open year-round on Bald Head from pizza at the casual Pelicatessen to a 4-course dinner at The Grille Terrace located at the Bald Head Island Club. As a THIRDHOME guest, we received passes to the Bald Head Island Club allowing us to enjoy all the dining and recreational amenities during the week. Who knew croquet could be this challenging?
The locals made us aware that off-season included a number of special events including the annual “Badwater Cape Fear Ultra Marathon”, the fall “Roast and Toast on the Coast” celebration featuring live music, craft beer and an abundance of southern food and the “Bluefish Bonanza” fishing tournament. I know summer at Bald Head is probably a blast, but I guarantee an “off-season” vacation week will result in visitors returning home renewed and rejuvenated. Visit the official Bald Head Island website at baldheadisland.com to help with vacation planning.
What other areas does Larry suggest? Read below for destination and activity ideas. Start planning your trip to the coast of the Carolinas!
North Carolina’s Outer Banks
Of all off-season destinations available on the coast of the Carolinas, none offers more diverse options than the “shoulder seasons” (any month except June, July and August) on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. This is the ideal time to visit the 130-mile narrow stretch of barrier islands without the traffic, the heat and the lines. Listed below are can’t miss activity opportunities that are available year-round:
- Safari cruiser off-road adventures take you to the northern point of the Outer Banks to see the wild Spanish Mustang horses of Corolla.
- Climb Jockey’s Ridge sand dune, the tallest sand dune on the East Coast, for a great view of the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Albemarle Sound to the west.
- The Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills is the site of the first successful airplane flight in 1903. Learn their story and why they chose this site.
- Visit the village of Manteo, NC to explore the Elizabeth II replica ship and the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens.
- Take the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke Island and explore the Ocracoke Lighthouse and some of the Outer Banks best beaches.
- Dine in one of the many locally owned seafood restaurants featuring local fish dishes. My favorite is the Cayman Conch Fritters dish at Tortugas Lie Restaurant which is located at milepost 11.
Music lovers will enjoy a wide variety of genres and festivals in the off season from the Outer Banks Bluegrass Festival to the Duck Jazz Festival and the annual Shallowbag Bay Shag Beach Music Festival. For the more athletic visitors, off-season features the Ocracoke 5k/10k/1 Mile Family Run in April, The Outer Banks Triathlon in September and The Outer Banks Southern Fried Half Marathon in November. Finally, beer and wine connoisseurs can participate in their favorite leisure pastime with the Duck & Wine Festival in April, the Outer Banks Brewtag in October or a visit to the Outer Banks Brewing Station for a wide variety of craft beers and a party on DJ Ninja 90’s Night. Go to outerbanks.org to plan your off-season getaway.
Want to view THIRDHOME properties in the Outer Banks? Some of the towns to search for include: Corolla, Waves, Rodanthe, and Duck.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Everyone knows Hilton Head is a golfing and tennis playing mecca with fabulous beaches, but there is much more to do and experience in the “Low Country” during the off season. For the active traveler, there are over 60 miles of bicycle paths winding around the island resulting in Hilton Head being rated a Gold Level Bicycle Friendly Community by the American League of Bicyclists. Kayakers and hikers can enjoy Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge with 14 miles of trails to walk, bike or kayak. Nature lovers have an abundance of options from bird watching at the Audubon-Newhall Preserve to offshore Bottlenose Dolphin tours available through the Coastal Discovery Museum.
For those looking to relax and renew, Hilton Head features an abundance of day spas and wellness related destinations. Hot stone massages, body wraps, facials, and medical spa services are all available to those seeking to be pampered and soothed. Le Spa of Sea Pines features Spring Time specials including “Girls Night Out” events for a special escape. After a day of exercise or being spoiled in the spa, over 250 restaurants await visitors to feast on a sumptuous Lowcountry dinner. Gumbo, peel and eat shrimp, and shrimp and grits await lucky diners who take advantage of no lines at the most popular Hilton Head restaurants like the Crazy Crab located at the Harbor Town Marina.
Finally, the off-season months provide the perfect time to visit nearby Savannah, Georgia to take a walking tour of the historic downtown section or attend the fabulous Savannah Music Festival in the spring. Visit hiltonheadisland.org and savannah.com to plan a truly memorable off-season trip.
Click here to view THIRDHOME properties in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Isle of Palms, South Carolina
For travelers looking for a blend of off season beachy relaxation with proximity to night life and historic sites, Isle of Palms may be the answer to your quest. Located only 20 minutes from the bustle of downtown Charleston, Isle of Palms is a world apart with 7 miles of pristine beaches and two world-class golf courses. A relaxing week at Isle of Palms could consist of beachcombing, golf, sport fishing and an eco tour of the salt marshes and islands provided by Barrier Island Eco Tours. The Eco Tour in spring, fall and winter travels up the Intracoastal waterway to Capers Island Preserve for a bonfire and oyster bake and an opportunity to see a variety of wildlife including bald eagles and bottlenose dolphins.
Of course, being so close to Charleston it’s difficult to imagine spending an entire week in the area without taking in the historic, architectural and cultural sites of Charleston. A bonus of any Charleston excursion is the true southern hospitality visitors enjoy, especially when things slow down in the off season. Charleston received recognition from both Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler as “America’s Most Friendly City” (2011, 2013 and 2014) and in 2016 was voted “World’s Best City” by Travel + Leisure. It is the oldest city in South Carolina, and for newcomers, the Historic Walking Tour or the Old South Carriage Historic Tour is a must to appreciate the role the City played in the history of America from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Finally, Charleston features a unique variety of great restaurants, music and cultural festivals and events throughout the year that can make any vacation memorable. Check out the Palmetto Brewery Loading Dock Music Series, The Low Country Blues Happy Hour with Shrimp City Slim, the Jazz Thursdays with Gino Castillo, The Hat Ladies Annual Easter Promenade, the weekly Shaggin’ on the Cooper and The Annual Chef’s Potluck. Probably the most unique event is the annual Rundead 5K Run and Fall Festival, a “zombie race course” (don’t forget your camera for this one). Plan ahead and visit charlestoncvb.com for a listing of upcoming events.
Click here to THIRDHOME properties in Isle of Palms, South Carolina.
