suggestions for rental close to Seaside

[pokey]

Over the last couple of years, my family has decided to spend our summer vacation on the gulf after 15+ years in Hilton Head. My kids (19 & 22) only want to be near Seaside and I am happy to do what they want. It won't be much longer that they will not join their father and I on this yearly vacation! Usually they will bring a friend, but as they have gotten older sometimes friends will drive down to visit for a few days and then a new friend will arrive.

I have not been able to find a map of Seagrove that includes streets and communities. I don't know where Summer's Edge is or any of the other newer communities. Sometimes I will see a home on VRBO but I have no clue where it is even if the owner lists the address. Might someone know of an online map that shows more detail?

We stayed in Rosemary last year and while the adults loved the area, the kids felt we were "too far away." They would be the happiest if we were in Seaside or Seagrove. We had a great house in the Sugarwood Beach community, but the owner decided to take the house off of the rental market. I think Seaside really won't have the house I want for the price I want. We have been spoiled by having a pool at the rental home as we tend to be more pool people than beach; I'm the only beach lover! We like coming in for lunch and then lounging at the pool for the rest of the afternoon. My first choice would be a home with a pool, but I would also consider a community like Seaside or Summer's Edge with a community pool. Are there any neighborhoods that are college kid friendly, with parents around of course? Summer's Edge tote itself as a family community; does that mean small children everywhere? The older child would love to be closer to the bars and nightlife, while the younger would be happy if there were more college kids and less babies.

Any suggestions for areas, neighborhoods, communities that would be the closest to Seaside? What is Watercolor like? The homes seem really far from the beach and pools but I love the homes I have seen online.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

[shakennotstirred]

Here are some street maps for Seagrove. They may include only streets where the rental agency has properties but they might be some help......

http://www.emeraldsun.com/MAPSeagroveBeachEast.asp
http://www.emeraldsun.com/MAPSeagroveBeachWest.asp

It looks like there are other communities on there as well.

[Mermaid]

Pokey, if you google "sugarwood beach vacation rentals" you'll come up with a few hits for other rental opportunities, so perhaps you could still stay there, since you know it and like it. WaterColor and Seaside are great for kids the age you have. We have a 17 and almost 19 year old, and they like both. They like the good choice of restaurants and shops and things to do like the summer concerts. Summer's Edge is down by Eastern Lake, off Eastern Lake Road. You will find mostly kids far younger than yours there. Grayton Beach is another excellent choice for teens--the beach is so wide and many of the houses have private pools.

Also, if you see a house you like, simply ask the owner how far away it is from Seaside. Ask for actual mileage. And if you find something specific that looks really good, ask about it here. Chances are someone will know something about it. You can find tons of good info here.

[Miss Kitty]

Pokey...listen to Mermaid!!! And good luck on your search!

[pokey]

Thanks for the Emerald Sun link; I forgot I have their rental guide here at home, as that is where I rented the first home from! I wish I had a regular street map of 30-A. I have figured out how to get a street map on mapquest and can move the map in any direction; I just needed to use the correct zip code.

As I searched more, I found that a couple of the homes I have bookmarked have owners that post here. It is always nice to find owners that really care about their property instead of just being an investment property.

I wasn't to keen on the location of Summer's Edge; it just seemed that every house I clicked on for Seagrove was located there. It must be a large complex! I have also looked into Grayton Beach, but haven't found anything I love. If we end up at that end of the beach I'm afraid we will be eating every meal at the Red Bar; my kids favorite!!! I am really trying to stay in what I consider West Seagrove Beach (between Seaside and Andalusia Avenue.) What is the area between Seaside and Watercolor called, or are there any houses between the two to rent?

I need to quit being so obsessive about what I rent, it's only one week in my life a year; of course, it is my favorite week!

Feel free to PM me if you have a home that fits my location needs. I would love a 4 bedroom home with a private pool with a large enough area for the "kid" to work on their tans High speed internet would be nice as would several TV's and DVD players. As I don't have to deal with young children, the beach distances isn't a real big deal, but I would like it to be a comfortable walk.

[Paula]

I think online sites like VRBO are good because you can ask the owner questions about the pool, how far to Seaside, whether the beach accesses are open and within walking distance, whether there's any construction going on that could be particularly noisy or unsightly, etc. You could also ask the same questions of agencies in the area, though they may not have all the answers.

[Mermaid]

pokey, it would probably be helpful if you listed your maximum budget, since prices are all over the place (as are budgets ).

[kurt]

Summer's Edge is in Eastern Seagrove near Eastern Lake.

There is no neighborhood between WaterColor and Seaside.

You can get a map mailed from the TDC, The Chamber, or the Assoc. of Realtors.

[pokey]

Kurt-I guess that is why I can't find any house there. I will check with one of the above for a map. I know Hilton Head backwards and forwards; I would like to know the same about Seagrove. I can't believe I was able to convience my family that the Gulf is better than the Atlantic; I have been trying for years. The kids have friends that go to Seaside which is why they have agreed; my husband is a bike rider and enjoys the riding around this area.

Mermaid-Sorry I didn't mention my max budget; that would depend on if you ask me or my husband. Truthfully, I would like to stay between $2500- $3000 for a week during the summer, but the homes that I like seem to be over $3000, closer to $3500. My husband has no clue what houses go for and would love to get a 3500sq. ft home with pool, internet, tv's galore, close to the beach and Seaside for $2000 :oops: He is always ok with a more expensive house at the time we are there, but complains later that it was expensive! Can you tell I have expensive taste? I looks so forward to my week at the beach that I want a home that is similar to my taste and nicer than my own home.

[pk305]

Hello Pokey,
I chuckled reading the part about not having many years left with the kids joining you on vacation! We thought the same, but ours Never want to miss out on a family get-together in Seagrove (ours are in their 30's with kids of their own!!)
Anyway, we LOVE Summer's Edge. It's very convenient. It is not a huge development at all, but is a nice size and has 2 pools from which to choose. Yes, there are lots of little guys there in the summer, however, our friends with a bunch of teens (12-18 yrs) stayed there this past year and their kids loved it.

I highly recommend

www.beachseekers.com

for Summer's Edge rentals. They rent a large number of the homes in there and do a wonderful job. Our family has rented in Summer's Edge a number of times. (I am very partial to this neighborhood....in fact we're building a house in there now....)
I don't think your family would be disappointed at all....by the way I think it is about 2 miles down to Seaside (It is east of Seaside).
Hope you'll check out beachseekers!
I would be happy to share any additional info.....just let me know!

[Ocean Lover]

Pokey, This is a house that may fit the bill...the owner is here on Sowal too. I love the website and bookmarked it for future reference.

http://www.shuttersbythesea.com/

[Sheila]

Pokey, This is a house that may fit the bill...the owner is here on Sowal too. I love the website and bookmarked it for future reference.

http://www.shuttersbythesea.com/

Great minds work alike! I just pm'd Pokey that site too!

[Beach Runner]

Great minds work alike! I just pm'd Pokey that site too!

No offense to the owners of that house (it's a great house), but I wouldn't want my family crossing 30-A close to 395 in the summer. I run, and I can't tell you how many times I've almost been hit by a vehicle near that house. It's in a really congested area of 30-A.

[Mermaid]

No offense to the owners of that house (it's a great house), but I wouldn't want my family crossing 30-A close to 395 in the summer. I run, and I can't tell you how many times I've almost been hit by a vehicle near that house. It's in a really congested area of 30-A.

Not to worry, BR, as it, like your cottage, is on the south side.

[Sheila]

Not to worry, BR, as it, like your cottage, is on the south side.

Actually it's on the North side, MM.

[Mermaid]

Yes, I goofed. There's another house on the south side of the street that I always confuse it with.

[Sheila]

Yes, I goofed. There's another house on the south side of the street that I always confuse it with.

No problem. Hopefully, the traffic won't be an issue. It's a great house!

[Beach Runner]

No problem. Hopefully, the traffic won't be an issue. It's a great house!

Again, I have almost been run over several times in that area. Once someone almost ran me down, I was knocked onto the hood of their car, and then they gave me the middle finger and yelled at me for almost damaging their car! Excuse me, the sign says, "Yield for pedestrians." They almost killed me, and they're flipping me off?

My sister owns in Seagrove and is also a runner (actually a marathoner). When someone ignores her at a pedestrian crossing, she bangs on their car as hard as she can. They can't do anything (except kill her) because they know they're violating the law.

[Mermaid]

Again, I have almost been run over several times in that area. Once someone almost ran me down, I was knocked onto the hood of their car, and then they gave me the middle finger and yelled at me for almost damaging their car! Excuse me, the sign says, "Yield for pedestrians." They almost killed me, and they're flipping me off?

My sister owns in Seagrove and is also a runner (actually a marathoner). When someone ignores her at a pedestrian crossing, she bangs on their car as hard as she can. They can't do anything (except kill her) because they know they're violating the law.

BR, you need to take a trip to Rome. If you've ever experienced Italian traffic, you will never, ever have problems with the piddly traffic here. This how the Italians (successfully) cross the road. You wait for a small lull in the traffic, put your foot into the zebra crossing, and then maintain (evil) eye contact with oncoming traffic. Eye contact is what it's all about. Drivers can sense it when a pedestrian is unafraid of them and by gamma waves alone they will yield to you. They know that you are a pedestrian who walks with purpose and they will not mess with you. You have to let them know that in the crossing lane, you rule, not them! The Italians do this all the time and only the really crazy ones ever get run over. Really. Our condo is just down the street from the 395 intersection and I try this trick all the time and traffic, like the Red Sea, always parts for me. (and no, it's not because I'm a two-ton Tessie ).

[kurt]

Again, I have almost been run over several times in that area. Once someone almost ran me down, I was knocked onto the hood of their car, and then they gave me the middle finger and yelled at me for almost damaging their car! Excuse me, the sign says, "Yield for pedestrians." They almost killed me, and they're flipping me off?

My sister owns in Seagrove and is also a runner (actually a marathoner). When someone ignores her at a pedestrian crossing, she bangs on their car as hard as she can. They can't do anything (except kill her) because they know they're violating the law.

Your sister's name must be Phay because I remember someone by that name posting last year that she beats on car hoods.

[Beach Runner]

Your sister's name must be Phay because I remember someone by that name posting last year that she beats on car hoods.

[Jdarg]

Hmmmmm....

[Beach Runner]

BR, you need to take a trip to Rome.

I've been to Roma many times. Love the town, love the food, love everything. Definitely another level of pedestrian abuse.

Cambridge, more specifically MIT, also has its pedestrian challenges. First of all, virtually all of MIT's classroom space is in what they call the Infinite Corridor (825 feet long, connecting virtually all of the classroom buildings). The idea is once you get in, you don't have to leave (the Hotel California, nawwwww) because the weather sucks so bad, you'd never go to class if you had to face the weather going from building to building. To get to the Infinite Corridor (a.k.a. 77 Mass. Ave.) from the dorms, you have to cross Mass. Ave. - not an easy task. Just for grins, the MIT kids (including my daughter) lunge forward, faking that they are about to cross Mass Ave. They laugh about how many people they cause to cr#p their pants by doing this.

[Mermaid]

I've been to Roma many times. Love the town, love the food, love everything. Definitely another level of pedestrian abuse.

Cambridge, more specifically MIT, also has its pedestrian challenges. First of all, virtually all of MIT's classroom space is in what they call the Infinite Corridor (825 feet long, connecting virtually all of the classroom buildings). The idea is once you get in, you don't have to leave (the Hotel California, nawwwww) because the weather sucks so bad, you'd never go to class if you had to face the weather going from building to building. To get to the Infinite Corridor (a.k.a. 77 Mass. Ave.) from the dorms, you have to cross Mass. Ave. - not an easy task. Just for grins, the MIT kids (including my daughter) lunge forward, faking that they are about to cross Mass Ave. They laugh about how many people they cause to cr#p their pants by doing this.

I know all about MIT. I used to work there, as did Merman. My apartment, in fact, was across the Charles River on Beacon Street. There's not much I don't know about Boston or Cambridge.

[Beach Runner]

I know all about MIT. I used to work there, as did Merman. My apartment, in fact, was across the Charles River on Beacon Street. There's not much I don't know about Boston or Cambridge.

Small world! Recognize this? The view from by daughter's dorm room, which BTW she drew in Corel and was featured on the MIT website.

[Mermaid]

Small world! Recognize this? The view from by daughter's dorm room, which BTW she drew in Corel and was featured on the MIT website.

?? did you mean to post something?

[Beach Runner]

?? did you mean to post something?

Sorry. I was editing. BTW I love Miracle of Science Bar and Grill, East Coast Grill, Mr. Bartley's, Border Cafe, and (even though it's a chain) Legal Sea Foods.

OOPS! Tangentizing! If we want to talk about Boston/Cambridge, I'll start a new thread. Kurt might ban us from the board.

[Mermaid]

Gotcha. You've attached the drawing. It's a pity your daughter couldn't stick it out at MIT, but then again, I should talk. I hightailed it down to Atlanta with Merman, leaving New England only a glance in the rear view mirror.

Atlanta was much closer to SoWal, a much better choice for us. (How's that, Kurt, for getting back to the subject of rentals close to Seaside? )

[Beach Runner]

Atlanta was much closer to SoWal, a much better choice for us.

Ditto for my daughter. It was just not a good cultural fit (she missed being with people who had social skills and didn't stare at the ground to avoid eye contact), and she missed SoWal! The beaches up there don't compare.

[pokey]

Feel free to hijack my thread, that way I won't feel bad when I do it to someone else accidently Besides, college is my next favorite subject to discuss on forums after dogs. My kids say I need a life

[Mermaid]

Feel free to hijack my thread, that way I won't feel bad when I do it to someone else accidently Besides, college is my next favorite subject to discuss on forums after dogs. My kids say I need a life

Pokey, Kurt has been riding the reins on us hard! We have to keep on subject everywhere but the Lounge. The Lounge, however...it's all up for grabs there.

[Beach Runner]

I apologize profusely.

[pokey]

Ok, I'm learning the rules slowly. I will mind my manners

[Beach Runner]

Ok, I'm learning the rules slowly. I will mind my manners

You did nothing wrong. It was the regulars that veered tangentially.

[Mermaid]

Ok, I'm learning the rules slowly. I will mind my manners

And come visit the Lounge! It's open 24/7.

[WLD]

The attached link has a terrific and accurate description of the items and proximity to the things you noted in your post that should answer your question and interest in WaterColor. Two pools AND the beach within three blocks-or less. Walk to Seaside and Bars without having to get on 30-A. Privacy backing up to Western Lake, and all the amenities. High speed internet access included. I hope this helps. Good luck.

http://www.watercolorvacations.com/p...sp?prop_id=559

[Miss Kitty]

Feel free to hijack my thread, that way I won't feel bad when I do it to someone else accidently Besides, college is my next favorite subject to discuss on forums after dogs. My kids say I need a life

I like you pokey....but, I knew I would because your name reminds me of one of my favorite books of all time...The Pokey little Puppy!!! Man, I loved that book. You can now claim you have a life...on SoWal.com!!!! They'll be begging you to pay attention to them again!

Hijack/Tangents....they are no accidents...it just happens...(sort of like ca ca!)

Any luck with the house hunt? Unless you really enjoy the hunt, settle on a couple and we can help you choose!!!

[Jdarg]

Pokey- I truly sympathize (and agonize) with you. When I am working on the next trip, I am a wreck until I think I have found the "right" house. Some years we have rented the same house, which makes it easy! But our needs change from year to year- number of people in the house, babies, etc. I always have to remind myself to chill out- once I am there, I'm there!

[pokey]

We're making progress; just trying to firm up a week. I thought I had two weeks that were perfect for everyone, but low and behold-my daughter's friend that has joined us the past few years isn't available one of the weeks and the house isn't available the other. Then I decided to see when my kids go back to school and find that my son's graduate program starts the first of August. Kind of hard to go to the beach when he needs to leave for school. So I get to upset my daughter and tell her to find a new friend to bring or go at the end of May which I do not want to do.

I have been looking at Shutters by the Sea for a couple of weeks, before it was mentioned here several times. It has everything we need/want, except the perfect week that fits 5 peoples schedule! The other home is Three Palms in Sugarwood Beach, a subdivision we rented in once before. While the street looks like it is back a good bit, there is an easy walk through to get to 30-A along a dirt street. I'm still checking out homes in Seaside, but usually the bedding doesn't work with taking male and female college students and parents. If they have the correct bedding, then the house is over our budget. I like to spread out and have plenty of room.

The hunt will continue today so that the final decision can be reached. I need to get off of the computer and quit looking at houses. The laundry is piling up!

[kurt]

The attached link has a terrific and accurate description of the items and proximity to the things you noted in your post that should answer your question and interest in WaterColor. Two pools AND the beach within three blocks-or less. Walk to Seaside and Bars without having to get on 30-A. Privacy backing up to Western Lake, and all the amenities. High speed internet access included. I hope this helps. Good luck.

http://www.watercolorvacations.com/p...sp?prop_id=559

That's a great house - yours? Wonderful pix too - let me know if you want to see more of them - on your own web page.

[pokey]

If Shutters home doesn't work out for us (it is only available one of the weeks I think we can go), we have decided that we want to stay between Watercolor and Periwinkle Lane; no further east or west. The kids really don't want to stay in Watercolor as we won't have a pool at the house, but if it means a free vacation I guess they will give in!!

This is the first year we have had so much trouble coming up with a week to go to the beach. My son is going to Europe in June for a few weeks and he and my husband are going out of town for a long weekend the beginning of July. My daughter's best friend that has joined us the last few years isn't available until the end of July, but my son starts grad school the beginning of August. Why does this have to be so complicated

Once my daughter get over the fact that her best friend will not be joining us this year I am thinking I can commit to my original date.

Any other house rentals are welcome; I want to keep a book of homes I like for next year or if our dates need to change.

Sorry, I just realized I repeated myself above.

[Miss Kitty]

pokey...as you are experiencing, the older your kiddos get, they tend to get their OWN lives!!!! I commend you for working so hard to get your family together for vacation....I guess you realized the FRIEND can't hang you up!!

[pokey]

Sueshore- You are right, this planning with older kids isn't easy. Everyone has their opinions and preferences, dates they can or won't join us, which friends might come, etc.. I started working on this during these last two weeks with them home from college; looking forward to a bit of empty nesting this weekend I love my kids, but please leave; I need my house back! We all love the friend, so I hate for her not to join us, but as in the movie, "something's got to give." I'm sure daughter will come up with a replacement friend; maybe a new college friend. My son has many close female friends so we never know who might come visit while we are at the beach.

[wetwilly]

If Shutters home doesn't work out for us (it is only available one of the weeks I think we can go), we have decided that we want to stay between Watercolor and Periwinkle Lane; no further east or west. The kids really don't want to stay in Watercolor as we won't have a pool at the house, but if it means a free vacation I guess they will give in!!

This is the first year we have had so much trouble coming up with a week to go to the beach. My son is going to Europe in June for a few weeks and he and my husband are going out of town for a long weekend the beginning of July. My daughter's best friend that has joined us the last few years isn't available until the end of July, but my son starts grad school the beginning of August. Why does this have to be so complicated

Once my daughter get over the fact that her best friend will not be joining us this year I am thinking I can commit to my original date.

Any other house rentals are welcome; I want to keep a book of homes I like for next year or if our dates need to change.

Sorry, I just realized I repeated myself above.

Pokey,

Check out "Lemon Drop". It is a 5BR+ with 5 full baths, sleeps 18 (14 in beds and 4 addl in sleeper sofas), kids bunkroom, private heated pool, 125 yrds to the gulf and lake. See it at www.findvacationrentals.com/7475 or see the wonderful virtuall tour by Kurt at www.emeraldcoasttours.com/20brownstreet/.

Wetwilly

[pokey]

Wetwilly-I did check out your lovely home, but it is a bit rich for my budget. Otherwise, your home would be great.

[pokey]

For those following my saga, I have booked Shutters by the Sea for a week this summer. I am so glad that I could make a decision My family is also happy that I have stopped showing them pictures of houses and maps!

I am hoping that my kids both are able to have friends join us as there is plenty of room. Maybe if I threaten to bring the gradparents instead they will get busy and find someone to join us. They do love their grandparents, but a week at the beach (or anywhere for that matter) would be a bit much!

Now I have to wait 6 months before we leave.

[peapod1980]

For those following my saga, I have booked Shutters by the Sea for a week this summer. I am so glad that I could make a decision My family is also happy that I have stopped showing them pictures of houses and maps!

I am hoping that my kids both are able to have friends join us as there is plenty of room. Maybe if I threaten to bring the gradparents instead they will get busy and find someone to join us. They do love their grandparents, but a week at the beach (or anywhere for that matter) would be a bit much!

Now I have to wait 6 months before we leave.

Hooray, pokey! It's such a relief once the place is booked, isn't it? So glad you chose a SoWaller's house, too! That is a beautiful house.

[TooFarTampa]

Hooray, pokey! It's such a relief once the place is booked, isn't it? So glad you chose a SoWaller's house, too! That is a beautiful house.

I love Shutters' website too. That is on my list of things to do for our place. Enjoy your stay pokey!

[wetwilly]

Wetwilly-I did check out your lovely home, but it is a bit rich for my budget. Otherwise, your home would be great.

Pokey,

Thanks for the consideration. Great choice on "Shutter's". It is a very nice house, I love the website, and it is a good rate for the week. Just so you know, Lemon Drop is more $$ due to the bigger size (Sleeps 14-18), it is South side of Hwy 30-A, and we are only 100 yrds to Eastern Lake.

Have a great time at "Shutter's" and in Seagrove Beach.

[pokey]

Wetwilly-Yes, I saw your home was larger. Given that at the moment there are only 4 of us going, or maybe 6, your home is much too large for us. I have bookmarked it just in case we ever need larger and want to be in your area. We let the kids decide what area we would stay in. It was our way of making sure that they joined us on this trip!