A Hidden Vacation Treasure: Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Are you in the process of planning a spring or summer vacation? When many of us think about going to the beach for a getaway we automatically think of Florida, especially if you plan on traveling within the U.S. However, if you read along with us you’ll see that there is a hidden beach treasure just off the coast of the Carolinas. This great, family-oriented vacation spot is Edisto Beach, SC. Have you been there before? Many have not. In fact many people have never even heard of this beautiful island. We suggest you give a try for next beach vacation and here’s why:

Edisto Beach is a quaint little beach town filled with many vacation rentals-all beach homes and condos. Looking for hotel? You won’t find one on Edisto Island. This beach has remained virtually uncommercialized. It’s very refreshing to visit a tourist town and not find one big building. Now, if you’re looking for great food you’ll definitely find some while you’re visiting. This beach has some great restaurants like Sea Cow, Dock Side, and The Old Post Office. The food is so good here that the town just held a food festival with events like oyster roasts, cook-offs, and charity dinners.

Alright, so in a town that has no big attractions you might be thinking you’ll get bored. Think again! The Edisto Beach State park is right on the island and a great place to visit or camp. The park offers RV sites as well as cabins. There is also the Edisto Island Serpentarium, a perfect place to take kids who love reptiles and amphibians. Like fishing? There are several boat charter and touring companies on the island ready to take you on a great adventure! Visit Botany Bay or take a small boat out to Shell Island, a treasure trove of beautiful shells. Does your husband like to golf? Edisto happens to be home to a wonderful course.

Still not sold? Another reason we love this easy-going beach town is simple. Edisto Beach is very close to a great southern city, Charleston, SC. We day trip to Charleston at least once a vacation when we travel to Edisto Beach. There is so much to do there! Great shopping, restaurants, and an aquarium (the kids will love it)!

We hope you’ll consider Edisto Beach as your family vacation. You will not find another beach like this! The whole town is so family oriented. You will really be “getting away from it all” when you visit!

For more information or vacation rentals and more, click here.

What We Love Right Now July 20, 2011:Road Trips

Back-to-school time might be lurking around the corner for many of us, but there is still time to squeeze a little bit of fun out of the last few weeks of summer vacation. What better way to get away with your kids for a few days than a good, old fashioned road trip. Load up your car, fill up the tank, and head out for a great adventure!

1. Edisto Beach, SC

If you’re close to the east coast, this is a beach worth visiting. Serene and secluded, this is one beach town that is still just that. Full of nostalgia and quaint beach cottages, great eateries, a golf course, and of course a lovely beach. There’s a great serpentarium for your reptile lovers, spend a day at sea with chartered boat tours, or grab a bite to eat at the infamously popular Sea Cow restaurant. For more information, visit Edistobeach.com.

2. Kansas City, MO

Near the Mid West? Hit up Kansas City. There’s a great zoo…The Kansas City Zoo. See some Polar Bears or go on an African Safari! Too hot for the zoo? Beat the heat at Oceans of Fun, a great water park with slides, rides, and fantastic lazy river. This place is great for all ages. After your adventures you’ll have to eat. Try lunch or dinner at the Crayola Cafe, where you kids can color to their heart’s content on their placemats while they eat! (open Monday to Wednesday 11am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday 11am to 9pm, Saturday 11am to 6pm, Sunday 11am to 5p).

3. Chicago, IL

Ah, we love the windy city! It’s a big city with a great feel. There’s plenty to do with your kids. Try Navy Pier and take ride on the Ferris Wheel. Then stroll around Millenium Park. You can always spend some time at The Field Museum. Take the kids to eat at the Rainforest Cafe (Wednesday Night is family night)

4. Nashville, TN

If you leave in the southeast, but don’t feel like taking another beach vacation, head to the music city! Get tickets to the Grand Ole Opry where there’s always a good show playing. Visit the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens where a great Family Night is hosted. Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy puppet shows, musical acts, and more! Forget dinner at a restaurant, try it aboard a dinner boat cruise on the Cumberland River!

5. San Diego, CA

If you’re remotely near the west coast, then a trip to San Diego is a must. There is so much to do: Legoland, Sea World, The San Diego Zoo, and La Jolla Beach. If you make it to just one or two of those places your trip will be a memorable one for sure! There are also lots of great family-friendly dining spots, like Wahoos and the Corvette Diner.

Have you been on a great family road trip? Tell us about it in a comment below!

What We Love Right Now December 1, 2010: Best Gifts to Give this Season

If you’re struggling to find a great gift for anyone, young or old, we’ve got you covered. We’ve searched high and low and found some of the best products out there! Check it out and you might even find something you’d like to add to your own personal wish list.

What we love right now are THE best gifts to give your loved ones this holiday season!

1. Pottery Barn Sophie Jewelry Box, $89.00-$179.00

This leather jewelry box is available in two sizes and three colors: porcelain blue, red, and ivory. It looks beautiful on your dresser or nightstand. We love this box particularly because you have a choice of size and it is a nice switch from the wooden jewelry boxes you usually see at many retailers. Buy it here.

2. Prepara Herb Saver, $29.95

Make your meals with the freshest ingredients! This little kitchen gadget is sure to be a cook’s favorite. The Prepara Herb Saver keeps your herbs fresh and crisp for up to 3 weeks and easily fits in your fridge door. Buy it here.

3. Men’s Bison Glove, $89.00

Soft leather, but durable too, these gloves will be the perfect fit for the man in your life. Available in one color, tobacco, and three sizes, M, L, and XL. Buy it here.

4. Remote Controlled Helicopter, $29.95

All boys, young and old, love their toys. Some are bigger than others. Keep it small, but fun with this sleek remote controlled helicopter. It’s fun for the young boys in your life and will remind the men in your life of the fun they can still have with a toy every now and then. Buy it here.

5. Apple iPod Touch, $229.00-$399.00

Download your favorite songs, check emails, play games, chat with friends…This gadget is great for all ages! If  your family is already iPod rich, maybe other Apple gadgets would make their eyes light up. Visit Apple to check out other great gift ideas. Buy the  iPod Touch here.

6. Life is Good Snuggle Sock, $10.00

We guarantee these socks are the softest things that will ever touch your feet. Cozy and comfortable and available in a variety of patterns and sizes for men, women and children. Buy it here.

7. Fisher Price Imaginext Big Foot, $97.99

This is one of the hottest toys this holiday season. Great for ages 3 and up, this toy packs big fun! He talks, walks, and more all with the touch of a remote control. Buy it here.

8. Munchkin Fish Sticks, $4.99

These fun tub toys are easy for little hands to grasp and sure to be a splashing hit with your little one. They are available in a turtle, octopus, and dolphin and for the price we say buy all three! Buy it here.

9. Fisher Price Loving Family Dollhouse, $75.oo

It’s every little girls dream come true. This dollhouse has everything needed for lots of fun! Plenty of rooms, a family of four, booster seats for the little ones, and built to last for hours of play! Buy it here.

10. PBTeen i-Karaoke, $159.00

Let your Teen be there own idol with this great karaoke system. Includes two microphones and is compatible with their i-Pod. Buy it here.

11. Polaroid 300 Instant Camera, $79.88

The old Polaroid is back and instant fun has returned! See your photos seconds after you take them. The camera has four light settings and an auto flash so your pictures will be perfect every time. Buy it here.

12. Fisher Price Lil’ Zoomers Spinnin’ Sounds Speedway, $29.99

Another hot toy this season, the Lil’ Zoomers Spinnin’ Sounds Speedway comes with two cars that zoom around the light up raceway. Lots of zooming sounds, music, and lights to entertain your little one. Buy it here.

13. See Spot Spell, &17.00

We love a good educational game and this one is great for your early learner. Flip over two dots if it makes a word you get to add it to your dog bowl. It’s colorful, fun, a great teaching tool and it features one of children’s favorite animals-a dog! Buy it here.

14. Barbie Video Girl, $49.99

Barbie may be over 50 years old, but she is still hip. This Barbie had a video camera in the Barbie’s back and a lens in her necklace for fun video making. Buy it here.

15. Plan a Trip for your Family or Friends, Price Vary

Vegas, New York, A Cruise for Two, or maybe Disney World. The options are endless when planning a vacation for you and your family. Invite friends and make it an even bigger celebration. To plan your next big getaway visit Expedia.com.

End of Summer Getaways

Labor Day is around the corner, which means summer is officially coming to an end. If you ‘re lucky, you may have a few days to squeeze in an end of summer vacation. SharpMoms has some suggestions for you if you are looking for quiet, family oriented beaches on the east coast. Skip the hustle and bustle of Florida and pack up your family for a trip to the beaches of South Carolina, where memories will be made to last a life time.

First stop: Folly Beach, South Carolina. With Folly Beach rentals and a hotel right on the water, this small beach town packs a big bag of fun for the whole family. The beach is quiet, the peir is great for fishing, and the restaurants are super. SharpMoms suggests you stop by Rita’s for a super meal before you head back home. For more information on this beach, visit www.follybeach.com.

Next up, Edisto Island, South Carolina or Edisto Beach as it is also called. With serene beaches and a golf course right on the island, everyone is sure to stay happy during your stay! Edisto Island is a great family vacation destination and there are many beach homes and condos for rent at reasonable rates. For more information on where to stay and what Edisto has to offer, please visit www.edistoisland.com.

The best news? You are just minutes away from historic Charleston, SC if you stay at Folly Beach, and just a few more if you stay on Edisto!

Why does SharpMoms love these beach picks? Both are uncrowded and offer a wonderful family atmosphere. After your visit, let us know what you think! SharpMoms would love to hear about your stay!