Sunset Beach Vacation Blog

Sunset Beach's Beach Gazebo Undergoing a Facelift at 50!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:25:00 +0000

As the Town of Sunset Beach celebrates its 50th birthday, it has begun a project to update the Gazebo and walkway from the parking area mid-island to the beach.

The walkway has been completed, and is now a full 8 feet wide-it makes it easier for folks to walk both ways at the same time, as well as to handle carts, wheelchairs, and dogs! There is even an overlook area at the beach end for folks to use.

The Gazebo will be completely rebuilt this year as well. Unfortunately the spring weather prevented the project from being completed before this week's 50th Anniversary Beach Celebration, but it should be available soon enough.

Reminder that the Town Celebration will take place Saturday May 18th from 10 until 3 at the Gazebo. The event is free, but tickets are required in advance from Town Hall.

Just a few of the folks heading to the beach this week along the new walkway from the gazebo at Sunset Beach.

Happy Mother's Day to all!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:28:00 +0000

The staff at Sunset Properties wishes all Moms a great Mother's Day this coming weekend!

We hope someone in the family was smart enough to book a beach vacation this year so you can spend some time relaxing at the beach, and not coordinating all of the family's daily activities. But if that didn't happen, you can handle the booking on the Sunset Properties website or by calling us at 910-575-8662 before Sunday....

Enjoy your day!

1st Wine Fest a Success

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:12:00 +0000

Sunset Properties enjoyed being a part of the 1st Strawberry and Wine Fest held by the Old Bridge Preservation Society this past weekend at Silver Coast Winery.

The OBPS volunteers have everything in their control in great order-they just weren't able to magically handle the weather. But it even cooperated a bit in the afternoon, and over 800 attendees made it out to thise year's event.

The festival was a fundraiser for the activities of the Old Bridge Preservation Society, and Sunset Properties was pleased to be a lead sponsor along with First Federal Bank.

Pat Wolfe and Casey Holcombe from Sunset Properties (don't these guys look excited to have their photo taken!)

Some of the volunteers from the Old Bridge Preservation Society that coordinated the full event.

The Imitations band had attendees dancing all afternoon.

Area Wine Fests to Benefit Local Organizations

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 19:37:00 +0000

Calling all wine fans (or those just looking for a good time at a couple fun events)! Sunset Properties is pleased to be a sponsor for two upcoming area Wine Fests, and invites you to join us at the events.

On April 27th, the Museum of Coastal Carolina will be hosting its 2nd Wine Fest from 6:30-9:30 pm on Ocean Isle at the Museum. This is a major annual fundraiser that benefits both the Museum and Ingram Planetarium. Tickets are $50 per person. Food, live and silent auctions, and plenty of wines to taste.

On the following weekend, it'll be time to celebrate spring outdoors at the Silver Coast Winery. Saturday May 4th from noon-6 pm will be the first Strawberry & Wine Fest, benefitting the Old Bridge Preservation Society. Tickets are $5 per person, and will allow each to access wine tastings and winery tours through the day; stroll through booths for craft vendors, listen to the Imitations from Wilmington, and even do a little dancing if the mood strikes. You can learn more about the OBPS and this event on YouTube or on Facebook.

Scavenger Hunt Grand Prize Winners Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:08:00 +0000

We've drawn the winners for this year's Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt grand prizes, and they are:

1. Free Vacation (credit up to $1500) from Sunset Properties -Kathy Bosse

2. Choice of Trip Insurance or Full Linen Package for their rental-Dan Sinchok

3. Choice of Trip Insurance or Full Linen Package for their rental-Susan Bowers

4. Gas Grill from Restashore Rentals for their rental-Katie Cowan

5. Gas Grill from Restashore Rentals for their rental-Angela Franz

6. $50 Grocery Gift Card-Susanna Peoples

7. $50 Grocery Gift Card-Ronda Cornell

8. Kayak trip for 2 with Summertide Adventures-Carla Austin

9. Shopping Trip or Romantic Beach Dinner from Beach Butler-Jarett Dorman

10. $50 Dinner Certificate with Roberto's-Jeannie Masterson

You can see the full list of winners on our promotions page on either the Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites.

Thanks again to all for participating in this year's contest! We hope to see everyone down here at the beach this season.

Thanks for Playing in the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 13:30:00 +0000

The final answer to this year's hunt was "unexpected illnesses" is the top claim reason for the use of trip insurance policies that we offer along with each of our vacation rentals. Over one-third of our guests purchase this insurance each year.

Thanks to everyone that participated in this year's Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt promotion. Hope you have fun playing along with us.

Looks like we finished with over 2,000 qualifying entries! We'll hold the drawings for the grand prizes on Tuesday. So check back here after 4 pm on Tuesday to learn about all of the winners.

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Happy Easter to all!

Eight was the right answer to yesterday's question asking how many new businesses are enrolled in the Sunset Properties Perks Club for 2013. We've been pleased to offer that program to our guests for a number of years-we feel it is just another service that sets us apart from other rental companies service our two islands.

Our final question for this year's Scavenger Hunt: We offer the optional service of Trip Insurance coverage with every paid reservation. What is the top claim reason given when guests have to use their trip insurance policy? (Hint: read all about it on the trip insurance page under the Rental Info heading on either the Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites).

Sunset Properties Clue #9 for Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

The answer to yesterday's question of the name on the mailbox on Bird Island is "Kindred Spirit". The Town of Sunset Beach recently dedicated some informational kiosks about Bird Island and the Kindred Spirit story at the main public parking area at the island's gazebo. Check it out on your next vacation to the island.

Many of you know that Sunset Properties has a program called "Perks Club" that includes free DVD rentals for its guests. The program includes close to 30 local businesses that offer our guests special discounts or services when they identify themselves as "Sunset Properties guests"-we will have a brochure in every welcome envelope that identifies these businesses and their offers for your use during vacation.

Today's question-how many new businesses have joined our Perks Club for the 2013 season? (Hint: visit the perks club page under the Promotions heading on either our Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites and count them up).

We'll post our final clue for this year's Scavenger Hunt tomorrow at 11 am, and then hold our grand prize drawings on Tuesday next week.

Sunset Properties Day 8 Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Ok-just 3 days to go in this year's Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt. Hope you're getting your daily entries in so that you can be included in the grand prize drawings early next week.

Today's 8th effort-what is the name of the mailbox on Bird Island? (Hint: back to the "About the Area" link on the Sunset Beach website, and read about Bird Island on the activities page).

Entries received by 10 am tomorrow will qualify for both the daily drawing as well as the grand prize drawings early next week. One winner will receive a $1500 credit toward their stay with Sunset Properties this year!

More Winners for the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:58:00 +0000

Here are some more of our daily winners from this year's Scavenger Hunt:

Day 5: Brandy Stack (with a bonus prize from the folks at the Old Bridge Preservation Society)

Day 6: Billie Lewis

Each of these winners will receive a Sunset Properties-opoly game, and will be eligible for the grand prize drawing next week with all of the other qualifying entries!

The contest continues through Easter.

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 7 Clue

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000

The answer we were looking for with yesterday's question was Ingram Planetarium. It's a great family place that's easy to reach from both islands when your family is on vacation. The staff changes shows each year, so check it out when you are back this summer.

We've got a task for today's exercise. Go find your favorite (or at least one of them) vacation rental home with Sunset Properties on either our Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites, and submit a guest review on that house. How to do that? Get to that home's property description page, and click on the heading 'guest review' located under the photos box. Once you have submitted a review, you are qualified for today's drawing.

Day 6 for the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:30:00 +0000

The Old Bridge Preservation Society was the answer to yesterday's question-they are hosting the first Strawberry Wine Fest on May 4th. The organization has done a great job not only saving the old bridge used to reach the island of Sunset Beach until 2010, but creating fun family activities year-round for the community. Visit their website when you get a chance. Yesterday's winner was Brandy Stack, who will get a bonus gift from the OBPS in addition to our daily gift of a Sunset Properties-opoly game!

Hope you had a chance to check out the events calendar as part of yesterday's effort. We'll be posting key area events there during each season so that you can use this tool to help plan family activities off the beach during your stay.

The 6th question: where in our area can you see the sky stars even on a cloudy day? (Hint: click on the "About the Area" link on either the Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites to see a list of activities in and around town).

And don't forget-if you haven't booked that summer beach vacation yet-use our Sunset Properties websites today to find the perfect home for your family!

Easter Beach Service Schedule at Sunset Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:43:00 +0000

There are three scheduled beach services for Easter this year on the Sunset Beach strand.

Seaside United Methodist Church will hold a service at 6:45 am at the pier.

Sunset Beach Community Church will hold its service on the beach at 40th Street also at 6:45 am.

Calabash Presbyterian Church will hold a service at the pier at 8 am.

We hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 5

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 15:30:00 +0000

The answer to yesterday's question is Platinum Perks and Linen-Ready. Sunset Properties rental homes in those two program include linen for each reservation, and they will represent over half of our total reservations this coming season.

You'll need to dig a little deeper today for the answer for our 5th clue: Which area organization is hosting the 1st Strawberry/Wine Fest at Silver Coast Winery on May 4th? (Hint: check our Events Calendar under the "About the Area" heading on either the Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites).

Email us at sunsetproperties@atmc.net by 10 am tomorrow to qualify for the Day 5 drawing.

Winners Update for Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:36:00 +0000

We know that many of you are facing winter weather this week, so we hope this contest can warm you up a bit as you think of the beach!

Over 1200 responses over the first 4 days-thanks to all for participating!

Here are winners drawn from thoses entries for the days so far:

Day 1: Susan Ulrich

Day 2: Tim Davies

Day 3: Elizabeth Reece (and receives a bonus gift from the SB Turtle Patrol)

Day 4: Brian Decima

Each of these folks and the remaining 6 daily winners will receive a copy of the Sunset Properties-opoly game. All will be included with every qualifying entry in the grand prize drawings at the end of the event. You can see the answers to each day's question on our promotions page.

Keep playing!

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Good job on the weekend tasks! Sunday's answer-there were 32 turtle nests combined on Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach in 2012. They were part of over 1,000 along the North Carolina coast, all monitored by volunteers that put in over 41,000 hours through the year. Thanks to everyone that participates in our local programs-we appreciate it!

Since it's Monday and everyone probably has a lot on their 'to do' list for the day, let's make today's clue easy. Name the two Sunset Properties programs that include linen with every stay. (Hint: see the home page on either our Ocean Isle Beach or Sunset Beach websites for the answer).

Email us at sunsetproperties@atmc.net by 10 am tomorrow to qualify for the Day 4 drawing.

For more information on the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt, click here.

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

We're excited to see this year's first large group of visitors to the island this weekend-the season is officially started!

Those of you that have been coming to either Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach for years know that we have very active Turtle Patrols on both islands. Thanks to the leadership of Carmel Zetts (SB) and Jim & Deb Boyce (OIB), we share our beach strands with returning turtles each year that lay nests that turn into hundreds of baby turtles.

Our question today: How many nests did the two islands combine to have in 2012? (Hint: check out the area activities page under the "About the Area" heading on either our Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites for the answer).

Email us at sunsetproperties@atmc.net by 10 am tomorrow to qualify for the Day 3 drawing. The winner will not only get a custom Sunset Properties-opoly game, but a special gift from our local Turtle Patrol as well!

For more on our local Turtle Patrols, visit the Sunset Beach website and the Ocean Isle Beach website.

To learn more about the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt, click here.

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 15:00:00 +0000

Wow-thanks for all of the responses from yesterday's first clue-over 700! The contest is off and running. The answer to our first question: our beaches face south, so that is a photo of a sunrise. (Taken at the Ocean Isle Beach pier by Larry Lynn-a photographer that helped us update our websites last Fall).

Congratulations to Susan Ulrich, who was drawn as the 1st day's winner. Susan will get a copy of our Sunset Properties-opoly game when she visits this summer. Susan and all of the correct responses from Day 1 will be in the drawing for the grand prizes as well!

To qualify for today's drawing (and the grand prize drawings), you just need to do one of two items:

* "Like us" at our OIB facebook page, or

*Click on the Google + button found at the top of either of our Sunset Beach or Ocean Isle Beach websites and add us to your circle.

Those that finish before 10 am tomorrow will qualify for both today's drawing as well as the grand prize drawings that include gifts ranging from free services for your vacation up to and including a free vacation!

Want to learn more about the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt? Click here.

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt-Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Ok-ready to get started in this year's Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt?

You need to think about our geography along the coast to answer it correctly:

Go to sunsetproperties.travel, and take a look at the picture of the pier in the photo rotation on that page. Is that a picture of a sunrise, or sunset?

Email your answer to us at sunsetproperties@atmc.net by 10 am on Saturday to be considered for the first day's drawing. We'll announce the initial daily winners on Day 4.

What to learn more about the Scavenger Hunt? Click here.

Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt Starts Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Join in the Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt!

We'll be starting our 2nd Sunset Properties Scavenger Hunt this Friday March 22nd, and would love for you to join in the fun!

The online event is a great way to help pass some time as we head toward summer at the beach. We'll post questions or activities for the 10 day event on this blog.

Each correct daily entry that we receive will go into a random drawing for that day's prize, and will also be included in the grand prize drawing of more prizes, including a free vacation this year from Sunset Properties!

You can play as many days as you would like, but each person is limited to one entry per day. We do have some basic entry rules that are listed on our website's promotion page.

So bookmark this page, and check back at about 10 am on Friday for the start of our contest!

Sunset Beach Celebrates its 50th!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:49:00 +0000

The Town of Sunset Beach is celebrating its 50th year as an incorporated town in 2013. Mike McIntyre, the Congressman whose local district that includes Sunset Beach, gave a special tribute to the event in Congress this past week. To read his full remarks, click on this link.

The Town has two special events scheduled for local residents to join in the celebrations. There will be a dinner held at the Sea Trail Conference Center on March 26th, and then there will be a beach celebration on Saturday May 18th. Both events require tickets, and the dinner is sold out at this stage.

Sunset Properties is proud to be an event sponsor with the Town for its 50th celebrations.

Sunset Properties 3rd Annual Housekeeping Conference Held at Sea Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 19:36:00 +0000

Thanks to all of the cleaning contractors that made it out to the Sunset Properties Housekeeping Conference in early March. The event, held at Sea Trail's Conference Center once again, drew over 160 current and prospective cleaning contractors.

David Haynes, Sunset Properties' Sunset Beach Rental Manager, hosted the event, along with Phyllis Conner, the company's Housekeeping Manager. Attendees had a chance to learn some ways to clean more efficiently and effectively, and heard product tips from several vendors.

The cleaning season has kicked off with the Easter visits. If you or someone you know is considering cleaning Sunset Beach vacation rental homes this coming summer, have them contact Phyllis Conner at phyllisc.sp@atmc.net.

Sunset Properties is a proud member of the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Association.

David Haynes greets Conference Attendees

Attendees had a chance to mix with each other to share some 'best practices'

Sunset Properties Spring Promotions Kick Off!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

We're ready for it to warm up here at Sunset Beach, and the staff members at Sunset Properties are counting the days down until we hit the beach again!

We know some of you are fighting late winter weather, so we thought it was time to help get your interest back on the beach. Here are two ways we can help:

1. Want to get away to the beach this spring, and not wait for summer? The price is right-we have off-season rates in effect through April 20th-they can be as low as 40% of our peak summer rates for some homes. And if you book a full week's vacation between March 4-30 with an arrival date on or before June 15th, you'll save $100 by using the promotion code "Spring".

2. Our 2nd annual online Scavenger Hunt begins in two short weeks! This 10 day event features area trivia questions and lots of prizes. The top prize once again will be a free vacation from Sunset Properties! Watch this blog for the details starting on Friday, March 22nd.

Easter is just around the corner-why not make that last minute decision, and bring the family to the beach for this year's school break? We've got great homes; we've got the Perks; and we've got that special incentive for your visit. Book online with Sunset Properties, or call us at 866-701-7795!

Join the "Pedal the Beach" Event April 20th

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:29:00 +0000

The South Brunswick Interchurch Council is hosting a new event this year-it will be a bike ride on Ocean Isle Beach on Saturday, April 20th starting at 9 am.

The event will begin and end at the OIB Town Hall, where a Post-Ride Festival will offer participants a chance to celebrate their achievement with food, music and fun.

This isn't a competition, just a fun ride intended for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Two shorter courses of 5 and 10 miles will take place entirely on the island, while two longer routes of 30 and 60 miles will take riders over the scenic high rise bridge, throughout the southwest portion of Brunswick County and back to the island.

Besides raising money for local families in need, the two main goals of this event will be fun and safety for everyone involved. Bicycle helmets are required for all riders. Volunteers and SAG wagons will be located along the two longer routes to assist with directions and mechanical breakdowns. Also, rest stops will be located every 15 miles to provide snacks, water, Gatorade and bathroom facilities.

Cost of the two shorter rides is $20, and the longer rides are $35. Safety-green high performance short-sleeve shirts will be provided for each paid registration. Children under 16 are free, when accompanied by a paid adult.

Sunset Properties is pleased to be an event sponsor. If you'll need a Sunset Beach vacation rental to make it a beach weekend, visit our Sunset Beach website. You can register for the cycle event online.

Town of Sunset Beach Celebrating 50 Years!

noreply@blogger.com (Ron Watts) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:56:00 +0000

The Town of Sunset Beach is celebrating 50 years of incorporation this year, and has planned two celebrations for the occasion.

A 50th Anniversary Reception is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26th at the Sea Trail Convention Center starting at 6 pm. Business attire is requested, and seating is limited to the first 600 guests.

A Beach Party is also scheduled to take place on Saturday May 18th from 11 am until 2 pm on the beach at the Gazebo. There will be food and music-guests are asked to bring a chair or blanket. The rain date will be the following day on May 19th if needed. Tickets are limited to the first 1,000 guests.

Both events are free, but require residents to pick up advance tickets from Town Hall. Tickets for the Reception event will be available starting February 25th; tickets for the Beach Party will be available staring April 15th.

Sunset Properties is proud to be a sponsor for the Town's 50th Anniversary celebration, and we look forward to joining our homeowners and friends at the events.