Summer's Over But The Fun Doesn't Have To Stop! Head For The Beach For Music And Bargains

Love that Staples commercial that features the tune “It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year?” Well, it sure is a great time for parents looking for a little break from the kids and for stores selling school supplies! But did you also know that it's a great time to head for the beach?

The beach, you say? Yep. If you know where to look, you and your family can stretch out the summer with free, fall activities and bargains at beach towns along the North Carolina coast.

Here's a little secret: in Fall, some beach communities are still hoppin' with festivals and fun. Jazz Under The Stars. The 7th Annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival. The Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues and Jazz Festival.

Take “Jazz Under The Stars.” This gets cranking in Carolina Beach, N. C. on Saturday night, Sept. 5th at 9:00 p.m. Park yourself near the beachfront stage at the boardwalk. There's nothing better than a warm ocean breeze, some sand between your toes and fantastic music for FREE.

Or mark your calendar for September 19th & 20th when Carolina Beach's next door neighbor, Kure Beach, is the site for the 7th Annual Southern Coastal Bluegrass Festival. The Thalian Association Community Theatre and the Children's Theatre bring the flavor of the mountains to the beach with this two-day event full of toe-tapping and six-string instruments at Fort Fisher.

Together, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach make up Pleasure Island, N. C., so you can enjoy everything both places have to offer when you head for the 16th Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival. The second weekend in October, the Island comes alive with non-stop jazz and blues music by nationally and regionally famous musicians. Then there's the scrumptious seafood, crafts and fine arts, and even a wine tasting. And, the kids will love the Kidz Zone with inflatable amusements, face painters and much more.

If your family's looking for an affordable way to get in a few more days at the beach, check these out.

And keep on top of events and deals through Facebook at www.facebook.com/CarolinaBeachNC or get the latest news via Twitter at http://twitter.com/cb_kb_nc.

USAToday Gives A "Shout Out" To Myrtle Beach Vacation Bargains

USAToday stepped up August 14 to let recession-weary folks around the country know that Myrtle Beach, S.C. is filled with bargains this year.

Thanks for helping to spread the word, USAToday!

This blog will also keep passing the word on some of the best buys along the Carolinas coast like Ocean Lakes Family Campground's "off-season" rates starting August 15, Glens Golf Group's super low and value-packed fall packages, and Pawleys Plantation's very affordable dream destination wedding location. You can read all about these in earlier blog entries if you like.

Meanwhile, kick back and enjoy the USAToday story about Myrtle Beach at http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/affordableamerica/2009-08-13-myrtle-beach_N.htm

Hear Great Bluegrass Music And Save Some Bucks This August At Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. The Grascals. The Bluegrass Strangers. Beautiful white, sandy beaches and ocean breezes. An air-conditioned concert hall. Can it get any better than that during the dog days of August?

Well, yeah. Because this year's Bluegrass Weekend is being held right after Ocean Lakes Family Campground rolls out its lower, off-season rates.

Now this Campground isn't just any old campground. It's been named the National RV Park of the Year. Several years running. It has more amenities that you can shake a stick at.

That's why Ocean Lakes is packed all summer with vacationing families. But when the kids start heading back to school and demand drops, Ocean Lakes steps up to the plate and offers reduced rates.

This year, the “off-season” rates begin on August 15. For Bluegrass fans, that's super news because this year's annual Bluegrass Weekend happens to be August 28 and 29.

If you love Bluegrass, you won't want to miss this 11th Annual Premier Bluegrass Weekend. It's a chance to enjoy some of the top names in Bluegrass. Affordably.

Love communing with the great outdoors? Bring your tent and rent a campsite. Like a few more creature comforts? Bring your RV or rent a trailer.

But if you don't see yourself as a camper, check out one of Ocean Lakes' beach house rentals. These are decked out with all the comforts of home. You just bring the sheets. You pay a fraction of the price that you would pay for an oceanfront rental in other areas of Myrtle Beach.

There's just one catch. This special concert experience is open only to guests of Ocean Lakes. So, you've got tot stay to play.

But just imagine it. A few hours of hanging out on the beach or enjoying all of Ocean Lakes amenities like the pool or skate park. Then heading over to the air-conditioned comfort of Ocean Lakes' Recreation Building, just feet from the Atlantic Ocean. Six hours of music on Friday. Seven hours on Saturday. Sweet, huh?

The fun begins on Friday, August 28th at 4:00 p.m. and Saturday concerts start at 2:00 p.m. Once you're a registered guest of Ocean Lakes, a $40 wristband gets you admission to both days of events.

Here's the line up: Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (Saturday evening), The Grascals (Friday), Blue Highway (Saturday), Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out (Friday), The Bluegrass Strangers (Friday/Saturday), The James King Band (Friday), and The Harvest Wind Band (Saturday).

To make reservations and reserve wristbands call 1-800-722-1451 for campsites, and for rental sites call 1-800-845-2229.

Think There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch? Get That And More With The New Brunswick Isles Golf Trail Golf Package

Thanks Charlotte Observer! When last Sunday's paper reported that the Brunswick Isles Golf Trail is offering one of the best fall golf packages in the Carolinas, you got the attention of golfers all over the region. That's because this isn't one of those cheap Myrtle Beach golf packages that puts you out on some goat track. This is the real deal.

Ever hear the saying that “there's no such thing as a free lunch?” Well, with this deal there is. Every day you play.

But there's more, so judge for yourself. You get to choose from 22 courses that are among Myrtle Beach's (and the nation's) most awe-inspiring layouts. Premium courses like Rivers Edge, Glen Dornoch, The Pearl, Tiger's Eye, Thistle, Heather Glen, and Oyster Bay. You get one night of free accommodations when you book two or more paid nights. How about a free Brunswick Isles Golf Trail souvenir golf towel? Then there's the same course/same day replays for cart fee only.

Now, hold on to your golf cap. Packages start at $182 per person.

So, what's the catch? You have to book at least two nights in order to trigger your one free night. And, package rates are based on quad occupancy. Accommodations are at either Brunswick Plantation or Village at the Glens, or can also be booked through Coastal Golfaway.

So, rustle up a foursome and prepare to hit the trail because this deal only lasts from September 10 though November 29, 2009.

Learn more at www.brunswickislesgolftrail.com and, while you're there, subscribe to the free Trail newsletter. Sign on by September 1 and you'll be automatically entered to win a free golf vacation that includes two nights accommodations and three rounds of golf for up to four golfers.