Charleston Coast Vacation Rentals | Dunes Properties

Posts from August 2019

You Need to Ruffle Your Feathers at the Charleston Turkey Trot This Year

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We all look forward to the holidays, and like everywhere else, the Charleston area has traditions rooted in the season. When Thanksgiving comes along, we all look forward to the Charleston Turkey Trot, also known as the Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble 5K. Make this your own tradition when you stay with Charleston Coast Vacations! 

Everything You Need to Know About the Charleston Turkey Trot 

The Charleston Turkey Trot has been a Lowcountry tradition for more than 100 years! Although it has changed a lot over the last century, the concept stays the same– a race on Thanksgiving day. Thousands of people have made this their own holiday tradition, and you can too! Plus, it’s a great way to burn off that turkey dinner. 

History of the Event

This holiday event was started all the way back in 1914, but it has changed and evolved over the years. What started as a footrace has evolved into a 3.1-mile run and walk– the Gobble Wobble. In 1978, the Charleston Turkey Trot was reinvented to the event we know and love today. Now, it’s one of the largest 5Ks in the nation!

The Course

The original Turkey Day Run & Gobble Wobble started in Charleston and ended in Summerville, but now, you’ll go in a loop downtown. The racecourse conveniently starts at Marion Square before heading south on Meeting Street past some of our favorite Charleston landmarks. Then, you’ll get to turn left onto South Battery to run past gorgeous historic homes. After, you’ll loop back onto our beloved King Street. 

After the Event

For some, the afterparty is the best part of the Charleston Turkey Trot. Congratulate yourself and mingle with friends, family, and other racers as you sip on free beer and visit the vendors. 

Time to Register! 

Registration is easy! If you’re a planner, you can register in advance online. Otherwise, you’re welcome to register in person at the registration tent on the day prior to the race or on the morning of the race. The tent is located on Marion Square– you can’t miss it! 

Book Your Thanksgiving Getaway Today

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There’s nothing like being home for the holidays, and you’ll feel right at home during your stay with Charleston Coast Vacations. Each of our vacation rentals has everything you need for the getaway of a lifetime, and what’s better than a walk on the beach after your Thanksgiving meal? Participate in our Lowcountry traditions like the Charleston Turkey Trot, cook your dinner in your vacation rental, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Browse our properties to start planning your stay today!

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Everything You Need to Know About Folly Beach County Park

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Not only is the beauty of the Charleston coast unparalleled, there are also countless things to do here. Take in the beauty of our oceanfront towns when you spend the day at Folly Beach County Park. Located on the west end of the island, you’ll want to come back to this beautiful beach day after day.

About Folly Beach County Park

Directions to Folly Beach County Park 

Folly Beach County Park has everything you need for a day of fun in the sun! The park spans for more than 4,000 feet along the ocean and 2,000 feet along the Folly River. Set up along the shore to spend the day at the beach or opt to discover a sandbar by the river. With amenities like picnic tables, showers, restrooms, and more, you’ll love coming to this beach during your vacation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What can the kids do?    

The amenities at Folly Beach County Park will keep the kids entertained all day long! The kids’ day is planned with a snack bar (open daily until 6 p.m. until Labor Day), public beach access, a picnic area, and even boogie board rentals! All parents must bring is themselves and the kids!   

Pets   

Pets, including dogs, are not permitted on the beach from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, Fido can get some beach time in the morning and evening! Park visitors are welcome to bring dogs and watch the sunrise or enjoy the sunset! Bring a leash with you, and get excited to explore.   

Folly Beach County Park Path   

Strolling along the beautiful sandy beach is always a relaxing pastime. While at the park, visit the 1.1-mile Folly Beach County Park Path. This is a leisurely path and offers beach views and plenty of sunshine. Start your day with a walk on the path, or watch a beautiful sunset before heading to your night adventures!   

How much does it cost to park on Folly Beach?

Parking on Folly Beach varies depending on the season. Here are the current rates:

  • January & February: $5
  • March & April: $10
  • May-Labor Day: $15 Monday-Friday and $20 Saturday-Sunday & holidays 
  • September & October: $10
  • November & December: $5

Local tip: If you’re planning on visiting a lot of parks during your stay with Charleston Coast Vacations or coming back multiple times in one year, consider a Gold Pass. The pass costs $85 and gets you into all of our county parks for the year! 

Start Planning Your Vacation Today

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Are you ready to experience the beauty of Folly Beach County Park? Calming waves, soft sands, and gorgeous marshes come together to create this slice of Lowcountry paradise. We have vacation rentals available all over the Charleston coast, including Folly Beach! Wake up each morning just moments away from the shore. Browse our Folly Beach properties to start planning your getaway today. 

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Your Insider Guide to the Best Restaurants in Charleston, SC

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Over the years, Charleston has become more and more of a foodie city. Some of the best chefs in the country have made the Lowcountry their home, and every Charleston, SC, restaurant, competes to be better than the next. Eat your way around Chucktown during your stay with Charleston Coast Vacations!

7 of the Best Charleston, SC, Restaurants

1. FIG | $$$

Directions to FIG

When we think of some of the top Charleston, SC, restaurants, FIG always comes to mind. This is one of the city’s original farm-to-table restaurants, and it has stood the test of time. The dishes here vary depending on the season, and you can look forward to an elevated take on southern favorites. Local tip: Make sure you make a reservation well in advance for this restaurant! 

2. The Darling Oyster Bar | $$

Directions to The Darling Oyster Bar

Oysters are the perfect appetizer to indulge in on vacation, but that’s not all The Darling Oyster Bar serves. Enjoy a menu full of fresh seafood in a casual yet elegant setting. Indulge in Southern favorites like shrimp and grits or opt for a fried fish basket. If seafood isn’t your thing, that’s okay! There are other items, too. 

3. Leon’s | $$

Directions to Leon’s

The South is known for its fried chicken, and Leon’s is the place to get it! This popular eatery has three specialties: oysters, Southern-style seafood, and fried chicken. There’s truly something for everyone! This award-winning restaurant feels upscale, but the menu keeps them down to earth. 

4. The Rarebit | $$

Directions to The Rarebit

If you’re looking for a cost-effective yet elegant place to dine, head to The Rarebit. Here, you’ll find everything from chicken and waffles to pork chops with mac and cheese. Plus, they’re known for their Moscow mules they have on draft! Local tip: This is also a great spot for late-night eats!

5. Hall’s Chophouse | $$$$

Directions to Hall’s Chophouse 

Hall’s Chophouse is great for date nights and celebrations. They are known for their array of beef offerings including everything from dry aged to wagyu. Pair your dinner with a selection from their vast wine menu or opt for a martini at the bar. 

6. Butcher & Bee | $$

Directions to Butcher & Bee

Butcher & Bee prides itself on offering fresh, local ingredients in its dishes. You’ll find an array of tapas on the menu, and we recommend starting with at least a few! Then, indulge in incredible dishes that have been expertly prepared. The chefs get their influences from all over the world, and you can be sure that anything you choose will be delicious. Local tip: Butcher & Bee has a great brunch, too! 

7. Little Jack’s Tavern | $$

Directions to Little Jack’s Tavern

This upscale tavern offers a variety of steaks, salads, and sandwiches, but their award-winning burger keeps people coming back for more. The burgers at Little Jack’s Tavern are so famous and delicious that they even are even included on their dessert menu! 

Book Your Getaway Today!

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Are you ready to try all of these Charleston, SC, restaurants? Whether you’re planning to stay on Isle of Palms or Folly Beach, you’re within an easy drive from our beautiful downtown. Browse our properties at Charleston Coast Vacations to start planning your stay! 

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6 of the Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC, for Free

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A vacation doesn’t have to break the bank! Just because you’re looking for entertainment doesn’t mean you have to pay. There are tons of things to do in Charleston, SC, for free. Spend the day exploring the city without taking out your wallet.

6 of the Best Things to Do in Charleston, SC, for Free

1. See the Famous Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park

If you’ve seen photos of Charleston, you have probably seen the famous Pineapple Fountain. Waterfront Park is an eight-acre park along the Cooper River, so it’s a great place to take a stroll. After you’ve tired yourself out exploring, take a seat on one of the benches by the fountain and enjoy the view. 

2. Explore Rainbow Row

Rainbow Row is one of the most quintessential spots in downtown Charleston. This series of brightly-colored homes is one of the most photographed places in the city, and when you visit, you’ll see why. Each of the 13 homes is a beautiful, pastel shade, and each has a story to tell. 

3. Walk the Ravenel 

When the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge was erected in 2005, a bicycle and pedestrian path was included on the side. The bridge itself connects Charleston and Mount Pleasant– park on the Mount Pleasant side to walk all the way downtown or park on the Charleston side to walk to Mount Pleasant. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views of the harbor below; we recommend walking at sunrise or sunset for even better scenery. 

4. Go on an Artwalk

On the first Friday of every month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., the art galleries of Charleston open their doors for the monthly Artwalk. Spend the night browsing gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and ceramics created by the local artists of the city. 

5. Visit a Farmers Market

The Charleston area has multiple farmers markets throughout the week from late spring to early fall. The Charleston Farmers Market is one of the biggest and is conveniently in the heart of downtown. Walk around and browse all of the vendors, and don’t forget to try some free samples along the way!

6. Hit the Beach 

While there is no beach in downtown Charleston, there are multiple beaches you can choose from in the Charleston area. Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, and Folly Beach all offer free parking as long as you know where to park. Stay within the parking signs on the side of the road and make sure your car is at least four feet off the pavement. 

Book Your Getaway Today

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Now that you know some things to do in Charleston, SC, for free, it’s time to book your stay! Charleston Coast Vacations offers gorgeous properties that will be your home base for your getaway. Browse our vacation rentals based on size and location, then book your stay! Booking directly through us always ensures you’ll get the best rate. We can’t wait to host you!

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7 of our Favorite Folly Beach Restaurants 

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When you’re on vacation, food isn’t just a necessity. It’s an experience! Dining at some local hot spots while you’re on vacation is one of the best ways to truly get to know an area, especially on the Charleston Coast. Here are some of our favorite Folly Beach restaurants to try during your getaway!

7 of Our Favorite Restaurants on Folly Beach

1. Jack of Cups Saloon

There’s no place like Jack of Cups. This small eatery is easy to miss, but once you know it’s there, you’ll want to come back for more. The menu offers an eclectic mix of Asian, Indian, and other global flavors. You can come back over and over again and get something different every time– it changes often based on the ingredients that are in season. You’ll always find some type of macaroni and cheese on the menu, but it always has a twist– the green curry mac is one of our favorites! 

2. Lost Dog Cafe

Lost Dog Cafe is a staple on Folly Beach. This cozy spot serves breakfast all day along with sandwiches and wraps. We’re partial to their huevos rancheros, but we’ve never had anything from their menu that we didn’t like! You’ll love grabbing lunch here after spending the morning at the beach. 

3. Taco Boy

What’s better than sipping a frozen margarita after a day in the sun? Taco Boy is known for delicious Mexican and drinks. We recommend splitting some chips, salsa, guacamole, and queso with the table before ordering a few tacos. If tacos aren’t your style, you can get platters, salads, and quesadillas, too! 

4. The Crab Shack

Seafood lovers rejoice! The Crab Shack will serve you seafood by the bucket– literally. Get a bucket of steamed oysters for the table before indulging in the wide array of seafood dishes. If there’s a picky eater in your group that doesn’t like seafood, there are a few BBQ options! 

5. Chico Feo 

Chico Feo’s funky island vibes and delicious, cost-effective food will keep you coming back for more. The dishes here have many different influences, but mostly it’s the Caribbean. The owner spent 12 years in the Caribbean and wanted to bring those flavors to the Charleston Coast. He succeeded, and now we have Chico Feo! 

Waterfront Picks

6. Pier 101 Folly Beach

Pier 101 is the ideal spot to enjoy delicious cocktails, beers, and Lowcountry seafood! Relax and listen to the waves crash on the shore! The team at Pier 101 is dedicated to bringing back the old charm of Charleston beach life through quality service and a vintage atmosphere! You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a simpler, more flavorful past!

7. BLU

Blu is Folly beach’s must-do for oceanfront dining! This restaurant serves local seafood and regional cuisine in a refreshing atmosphere. Blu is one of the only waterfront dining experiences, so be sure to add it to your itinerary!

Book Your Getaway Today

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Are you ready to try out all these Folly Beach restaurants? Book your stay with Charleston Coast Vacations! We have vacation rentals all over the Lowcountry. Choose to stay on Folly Beach for easy access to these incredible eateries or opt for Isle of Palms, another island just an hour away from Folly. We can’t wait to host you!

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Why You Need to Visit the Charleston City Market

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One of our favorite things about the Charleston Coast is the incredible history this area holds. Strolling through the cobblestone streets downtown makes you wonder who has walked there centuries before. For a fun, historical activity to enjoy on your vacation, make sure you visit the Historic Charleston City Market. See a slice of the past while shopping our local goods!

About the Historic Charleston City Market

Not only is the Charleston City Market one of the country’s oldest public markets, it is also the city’s most visited attraction. This market has been one of the crown jewels of the Lowcountry since its founding in 1804. Stroll through the open-air stands as you browse the goods vendors bring, head inside to the enclosed Great Hall to browse some more, then make your way to the shops that line the street the market is on!

Most of the market is located beneath the open-air “sheds,” and this area is very special to our history. These structures have housed vendors for more than 200 years and have miraculously survived fires, earthquakes, and civil war cannonballs. 

The Vendors

There are a variety of vendors at the market, and the offerings in the open-air section change daily. These goods make the perfect souvenir to remember your trip by or a great gift for a loved one back home! We always love stopping by the spice vendors– there’s no better way to reminisce about your trip than by cooking a Southern-inspired meal back home. Plus, this is an excellent place to find our famous sweetgrass baskets. These woven baskets are a tradition that has been passed down from generations for more than 300 years. 

 Local tip: The vendors at the market get their booths on a first-come, first-served basis, so you never know which vendors you’ll see! This means you can go back over and over again.

When Is the Historic Charleston City Market Open?

The Charleston City Market opens daily at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. From April to December, the market reopens on Friday and Saturday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 

Book Your Getaway Today

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Experience the Historic Charleston City Market and so much more when you book your getaway with Charleston Coast Vacations. We offer gorgeous vacation rentals on Isle of Palms and Folly Beach– each close enough to downtown Charleston to explore. We have a variety of properties so you can search based on size and location, or you can opt for a home right on the water. Browse our Isle of Palms rentals or our Folly Beach rentals to start planning today!

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Contact Us

1400 Palm Blvd
Isle of Palms, SC 29451


vacations@dunesproperties.com

31 Center Street
Folly Beach, SC 29439


888.250.8730



VRMA

888.250.8730