Island Boat Ramp Closes

The island boat ramp has been closed as of mid-June due to the bridge construction project. There now are no options on the island for launching boats.

You can use the free boat ramp on Ocean Isle Beach (the next island up from Sunset Beach) to launch from, and there is a public access ramp about 20 minutes away in Little River, SC at its waterway bridge. There are several private marinas that you can use that are located about 10 minutes from the island toward Shallotte (Tripps 910-754-6985 and Lloyds Oyster House 910-754-6958) as well.

The Town of Sunset Beach has made water access a priority in its Land Use Plan, and has been negotiating for potential sites for future public boat launches for the last year. Though it is possible some land may be purchased later this year, a new launch site probably would not open before the completion of the current bridge replacement project in 2010.

Ready For Cool Italian Ice?

One thing I look forward to when I go to the beach is a cool treat. After six hours of lounging out in the sun and surfing a good session, it’s a pleasure to enjoy an ice cream cone or a well made milkshake. It’s easy with all the ice cream shops hugging the coast from here to Cherry Grove and Myrtle Beach. Common sense says it’s not right to pass on great ice cream, but recently I have taken on an appreciation for Italian Ice.

Sunset Slush offers REAL Italian Ice in a multitude of tasty flavors. There is a great selection of tropical and traditional flavors that can be combined anyway you like in a small, medium or large size. My favorite combination is lemon lime mixed with mango and my fiancé loves the chocolate. Choose the large size, like me, and get 4 scoops in a colorful souvenir koozie that you can keep filling up every time you visit.

Sunset Slush began as a mobile business on area beaches. Its local popularity has grown to include a store that is centrally located between Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach on NC route 179. It is a bright yellow building that provides a fresh tropical environment. There is a great patio where friends and family can sit back and enjoy their delicious frozen treats. Stop by after a day on the beach and I guarantee you’ll be refreshed.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing, Sunset Properties

Why stay in a vacation rental home instead of a hotel?

Though vacation rentals is our business, we know that many folks have never considered staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel such as those we offer through Sunset Properties. When you consider the advantages, we think you'll agree that renting a home is generally more relaxing for the family, and can save you money on the trip.

Vacation rental homes are typically second-homes for their owners. Many of our owners stay in their homes for at least several weeks each year, so they are furnished and equipped to their personal tastes. It's not a sterile environment such as you might find at a typical hotel room.

Even in our smaller cottages, there's room to spread out compared to a hotel suite. Most cottages have three to eight bedrooms along with a living room, dining area, and full kitchen. Some homes have additional living space in the form of a loft or more. All of the homes have departure maid service included in the rental price, so you don't have to spend the last hours of your trip worrying about cleaning the house.

You can search for available homes on our website by going to www.sunsetproperties.travel, selecting the island that you are interested in, and then do a quick rental search for the dates that you are planning to go on vacation.

As we all look to save some money while traveling this year, having a full kitchen allows the family to have a special dinner out, but enjoy the rest of their meals at the house. Don't know your experience, but when our family travels, we end up spending more on dining out than we do for the rooms! You can control your costs (and avoid the driving and potential waits for table and the meal) by eating in.

For most parts of the year, you don't have to book a vacation rental home months in advance. Those guests that have a favorite rental home will tend to book well in advance to be sure to reserve that home for the same time next year. But if you don't have a strong perference on the house (or even like to stay in different homes each trip!), you can find a home on our website or by calling our reservations staff at 888-339-2670.

So when you're planning your next family vacation, consider staying at a vacation rental home instead of a hotel. If you're heading toward Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach, NC, we hope you'll choose to stay with Sunset Properties. If you're going somewhere else in the country, check out your options in that area by visiting an industry association website at vrma.com.