Carolina Lifestyle Archives - Pick the Right Place

How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint with an Active Lifestyle at Woodside

Earth Day is upon us, and as a community who is recognized for and committed to nature preservation, Woodside is here with tips on how you can reduce your carbon footprint simply by enjoying and embracing the outdoors.

Request more information about Woodside today, or read on to learn more about their dedication to this cause, and what you can do to incorporate pieces of that lifestyle to help you reduce your carbon footprint today.

Woodside is set apart from other master-planned communities by the way in which it appreciates its naturally beautiful setting. From the bright green meadows and rolling hills that you see when you first enter the community, to the mirrored ponds you’ll see on an evening walk, Woodside is synonymous with nature.

Because its setting adjacent to a protected nature reserve is a defining piece of the community’s identity, it boasts a longstanding tradition of and commitment to nature conservation that Woodside residents have adopted as well.

From groups like the South Carolina Bluebird Society, who build and maintain bluebird trails and nest boxes, to the Woodside Trail Group, who organizes hikes and work parties to keep the Woodside trails maintained and enjoyable for hikers of all ages, Woodside residents are setting an example that we could all benefit from emulating this Earth Day.

Check out five ways Woodside residents are enjoying healthy, active lifestyles while reducing their carbon footprint below!

Take a Hike

Woodside offers more than 15 miles of walking and nature trails, and the Woodside Trail Group now boasts more than 120 members as a result. They’ve got the right idea this Earth Day: leave the car in the garage, find a local trail, and see your surroundings from a new point of view.

Grab a Bike

If you prefer enjoying the outdoors at a faster pace, grab a bike! Like the Woodside Biking Club, who head outdoors to enjoy this hobby in a social environment, you can get your heart rate up and explore your natural surroundings, without filling up your gas tank.

Play a Round of Golf

Woodside, who is only 25 miles from Augusta National in the center of some of the nation’s best golf, offers four championship courses of its own perfect for any skill level. Whether you’ve been playing for years or would like to learn, there are clubs and social groups you can join for a round. Bonus points for walking the course and leaving the cart behind!

Take Up a New Outdoor Hobby

Woodside, a certified Bluebird Sanctuary, is home to the current South Carolina Bluebird Society President, Mike DeBruhl, and thanks in part to his efforts, now has an active community of individuals participating in monitoring and creating bluebird trails and nestboxes. Whether you join in an organization like this one, join a group like Woodside’s gardening club, or spend some solo time maintaining a plot in a community garden like the ones available in this community, any time spent outdoors contributing to the environment is time well spent this Earth Day.

Enjoy Water Activities

Lakes and ponds are perfect for spending more time outdoors, and less time in your car. At Woodside, you can grab a fishing pole for a relaxing morning on the water, or pull out a canoe, paddleboard or kayak for a more active approach to enjoying your natural surroundings.

Woodside has earned a reputation for its commitment to nature, and they’re inviting you along to see just how they put that promise into action.

Request more information today.

Would You Retire in a Tiny House?

Carolina Lifestyle, Real Estate

The list of shows to come out about Tiny Houses in the last few years is nearly endless.

You’ve got Tiny House Nation. Tiny House Hunters. Tiny House Builders. Tiny House, Big Living. Tiny Luxury. Tiny World.

The list goes on and on.

But would you retire in a Tiny House?

For some retirees, the whole idea of a tiny house is ridiculous.

But for others looking to downsize in a serious way, a Tiny House makes perfect sense for retirement living.

The Coves Mountain River Club, a spectacular master-planned and gated community in Western North Carolina, is making a Tiny House retirement a viable option.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Coves Mountain River Club currently has four Tiny House plans available to choose from ranging in size from 578 to 740 sq. ft.

The smallest plan, “Daddy’s Dog House”, has 2 bedrooms and 1 bath and the biggest plan, “Tree House”, has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

My favorites, however, happen to be the two in the middle, both with 740 square feet.

The first is called “Mamma’s Play House”, which has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms:

The second is called “The Weekender”, which has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Check out this awesome kitchen in The Weekender:

Looking at that picture, you’d never guess that kitchen is in a Tiny House.

To get more information including pricing and floorplans for the Tiny Houses at The Coves Mountain River Club, click here.

If Tiny Houses aren’t your thing, don’t worry, they have regular size houses too.

Far from being a resort community or weekend getaway, The Coves is loaded with built-out amenities designed for 365 days of activities and events. Active adults can take advantage of the beautiful natural environment while enjoying a full social calendar of gatherings with other like-minded residents. Walk along gentle mountain paths, challenge yourself with a high-country hike or Kayak 5 miles of the Johns River without ever leaving the community. Spend a morning in the garden and then attend a community barbecue or concert that evening. Rejuvenate yourself in our state of the art fitness center. While away a winter afternoon in our library, or spend lazy summer days on horseback. With such a wide array of homesites to choose from, it’s easy to pick your perfect getaway.

Get The Coves Mountain River Club Brochure

Bicycle Friendly Communities in the Carolinas

Carolina Lifestyle

One of the most popular activities for baby boomers relocating to adult communities is bike riding. Whether we are talking about casually riding around town, cruising down the beach, or a vigorous ride deep into the woods on a mountain bike friendly nature trail, there is a lot to love about bicycling. It is also a great way for boomers to stay active while taking it easy on their muscles and joints.

For those reasons, and a host of other ones, communities that are bicycle-friendly can be especially interesting to the baby boomer demographic. If you happen to be one of those boomers that is particularly interested in bike-related amenities, The League of American Bicyclists has done some extensive research for you regarding bicycle-friendly communities in the Carolinas.

Bicycle Friendly Criteria

In order to fairly assess how bicycle friendly a community is, they have broken the concept down into five categories that they consider to be essential. Those categories are Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation/Planning.

Engineering and Education are fairly self-explanatory. The community in question needs to have been designed to accommodate bicycles through bike lanes, bike paths, and bike trails. There also must be adequate bicycle parking in public locations. The Education category simply requires that there be programs in place for both children and adults to improve their cycling skills.

While having a handle on the Engineering and Education categories requires a community to have some upfront investment in place, the categories of Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation/Planning require ongoing focus and support. Community members must be encouraged to use their bicycles through events like bike months, the rules designed to protect cyclists must be enforced, and community leaders must diligently maintain the community’s bicycle friendly planning.

As you can see, The League of American Bicyclists does not take their bicycle friendly designation lightly, which means that the communities they recommend will have to be impressive.

Bicycle Friendly Communities in the Carolinas

The Carolinas have a combined 17 Bicycle Friendly Communities, 29 Bicycle Friendly Businesses, and 8 Bicycle Friendly Universities. Out of the 17 communities that made the cut, there were 2 silver level communities and 15 bronze level communities. Let’s take a quick look at the two silver level communities:

Carrboro, North Carolina

Carrboro is a small town community located just outside of Chapel Hill with a population of about 20,000. According to their Bicycle Transportation Plan, which was adopted in 2009, Carrboro attempts to provide all of its citizen with the option of using bicycles for transportation, recreation, and health reasons.

Carrboro is known for having a large number of bicycle paths and bike lanes on many of its major roads. There is also a heavy local focus on developing greenways and educating the public about bicycle safety.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Commonly thought of as a vacation destination, Hilton Head has a population of just over 30,000 and is an incredibly popular community for active adults who are passionate about bicycling. The community is home to more than 20 different bicycle shops, as bicycling is a big business among vacationers.

Because of the relaxed atmosphere in Hilton Head, bicycles are an extremely popular method of transportation and recreation. It is not uncommon for residents to be seen riding bikes to the grocery store or out to dinner.

Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Communities

In addition to Carrboro, NC and Hilton Head, SC, the following communities in the Carolinas have also been designated as Bicycle Friendly Communities by The League of American Bicyclists:

• Asheville, NC
• Cary, NC
• Chapel Hill, NC
• Charleston, SC
• Charlotte, NC
• Columbia, SC
• Davidson, NC
• Durham, NC
• Greensboro, NC
• Greenville, SC
• Raleigh, NC
• Rock Hill, SC
• Spartanburg, SC
• Wilmington, NC
• Winston-Salem, NC

If you have already spent some time researching destinations for your future residence in the Carolinas, you will probably notice that most of these Bicycle Friendly Communities are the same communities that are already popular with many relocating boomers. This is no coincidence.

If you are just getting started on your search for a great relocation destination in the Carolinas and you are passionate about bicycling, these areas can serve as an excellent starting point for your search.

North Carolina Bed and Breakfasts

Carolina Lifestyle, Things to Do

Bed & Breakfast style lodging can be traced all the way back to Colonial America. Today, many of the high-end B&Bs are beautifully renovated historic mansions that offer a sense of history combined with today’s modern amenities. This type of lodging is particularly popular in the Carolinas. There are literally hundreds of B&Bs across North Carolina.

Here are some of the best luxury B&Bs in North Carolina:

Albemarle Inn, Asheville

The Albemarle Inn is a Greek Revival Mansion that was built in 1909. It was originally the home of Dr. Carl V. Reynolds, who was well known for his work treating tuberculosis. In 1920, Reynolds sold the mansion to a private school for girls. This is when the second building was constructed on the property. In 1980, the mansion was purchased by the Mellins family, who converted it into a bed and breakfast. Since then, the Albemarle has changed owners five more times. The current owners are Fabrizio and Rosemary Chiariello.

The Albemarle has eleven guest rooms spread across three floors. Each of the rooms has a private bathroom and is historically decorated. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the house. The Juliet’s Chamber room on the second floor features a private balcony, and the Vanity Fair room on the second floor contains a fireplace. The Royal Hideaway room on the third floor is the most luxurious, as it features a two-person whirlpool tub.

Lovill House Inn, Boone

The Lovill House is a historic bed and breakfast with an impressive wrap-around porch. It is located just off of the Blue Ridge Parkway on eleven acres of property. The house was built in 1875 by Captain E.F. Lovill. The house has been updated to include modern amenities like flat screen TVs and Wi-Fi. The walls in the guest rooms have been doubled and insulated to ensure privacy.

There are six guest rooms available at the Lovill House. Each of the rooms has its own private bathroom, and most have their own fireplaces. The most interesting room is the romantic Spring House, which is a separate structure that is set back from the main house. This private cottage has its own porch that overlooks the beautiful gardens of the property.

Arrowhead Inn, Durham

The Arrowhead Inn is located on a six-acre plantation between the triangle cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. One of the unique aspects of this bed and breakfast is that the innkeeper is also a fantastic chef. His elaborate gourmet breakfast is included in the standard room rates. In addition to breakfast, The Arrowhead Inn offers a number of dinner options, including an elegant tasting dinner, a personal chef dinner, a lighter meal, or a prepared picnic meal.

The Arrowhead Inn features seven guest rooms in the main house, as well as a private cottage and a secluded log cabin. Each of the rooms contains private bathrooms that are stocked with the highest quality towels and robes. The rooms also feature fresh flowers, writing journals, and fireplaces.

The Verandas, Wilmington

The Verandas in Wilmington is a bed and breakfast that has a tremendous story to tell its visitors. This beautiful Victorian mansion was built in 1853 by Benjamin Beery. The structure caught fire in 1992 and then sat empty and boarded up for three years before the current owners purchased it. Since then, the entire house has been stripped down to the studs and completely restored. The before and after pictures are simply breathtaking.

There are eight large guest rooms available at The Verandas. Each of the rooms has its own private bathroom, as well as modern technologies like cable, phones, and Wi-Fi. Each of the rooms is decorated in a different style and theme.

Discover a Quiet Oasis at Myrtle Beach State Park

Carolina Lifestyle, Recreation

While there is certainly no shortage of excitement in the Myrtle Beach area, sometimes that excitement can become a bit overwhelming. One of the best-kept secrets in all of the Myrtle Beach area is the calm and quiet peacefulness of Myrtle Beach State Park.

Located off of Hwy Business 17, just three miles south of downtown Myrtle Beach, the park is a rare oceanfront forest that provides a perfect escape for anyone looking to get away.

About The Park

Opened in 1936, Myrtle Beach State Park was the first state park in South Carolina. Its undeveloped beachfront forest is extremely rare and has been declared a Heritage Trust Site. The forest is comprised mostly of oak and southern magnolia trees and is populated with a number of rare wild animals.

Some of the best experiences at the park include ice cream cones from the gift shop on the pier, the self-led scavenger hunts, and searching the beach for seashells and shark teeth.

Fishing

One of the biggest reasons people come to the park is that it offers some of the best shore fishing in all of South Carolina. Fishing can be done right from the shore or from the parks impressive pier.

When fishing, visitors can expect to catch flounder, king mackerel, whiting, trout, and Spanish mackerel. There is plenty of information available on the pier to get you started, as well as a bait and tackle shop. You can even rent fishing rods right there, so there is no need to lug your own gear with you.

Camping

Camping is another reason that many visitors are attracted to the park. With 66 full hookup sites, there is plenty of room for everyone. All campsites are located close to hot showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities.

Of course, the best thing about camping at Myrtle Beach State Park is that the campground is only about 300 yards from the beach. More information on rates and reservations can be made through the park’s Ranger Station.

Nature Trails

Another popular aspect of the park is the walking and biking trails. There are nature trails that run throughout the park and they can be used for walking, running, or biking.

Birdwatchers will love the trails, as they will have the opportunity to see a number of popular South Carolina birds. Spring and fall are the best seasons for bird watching.

Scavenger Hunts

One of the most fun aspects of Myrtle Beach State Park is the self-led scavenger hunts that are available to visitors. These adventures take about an hour and walk visitors along trails that total about one mile. There are currently two different scavenger hunts, and each educates visitors about different things.

Scavengers will be led around the park’s nature trail where they will stop at various points along the way to read educational signs. The information contained in these signs will answer the questions on the scavenger hunt. More information about these hunts can be obtained from the park’s Nature Center.

In addition to the two scavenger hunts, visitors can also play Nature Bingo! The Nature Center provides two different bingo cards, where each spot on the card is something visitors can find in the park. The goal is to complete a “Bingo” by finding the different nature items.

Whether you’re looking for great fishing, quiet camping, relaxing nature trails, or just some plain old peace and quiet, Myrtle Beach State Park is a literal oasis in the middle of a bustling community. This is one of the reasons that Myrtle Beach can provide both excitement and relaxation, making it an ideal place to live.

Address: 4401 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
Phone: (843) 238-5325

Check Out the Famous Harbour Town Light on HHI

Carolina Lifestyle, Things to Do

Whether you are looking for a vacation rental or permanent relocation, Hilton Head Island offers some of the most exclusive beachfront properties in all of the Carolinas. Despite having more than 20 championship golf courses and over 250 restaurants to choose from, residents and vacationers will never feel crowded here. The entire island offers an unprecedented level of serenity and a true feeling of escape.

One of the most famous attractions in all of Hilton Head is Harbour Town Light. This beautiful red and white lighthouse has become the unofficial symbol of Hilton Head Island, and you’ve likely seen it on a number of souvenirs. It has also become famous for making an appearance on television every year during the Heritage Golf Tournament, which is a PGA Tour event that is held at the Harbour Town Golf Links. It is famously noted that Jack Nicholas assisted in the design of the course.

The Harbour Town Golf Links has also been a featured course on the popular Tiger Woods video game series. When playing the course in those games, the Harbour Town Lighthouse can be seen standing in the background. The signature 18th hole is famous for its extremely narrow fairway. The best strategy for this hole is for golfers to aim their tee shot directly at the lighthouse in the background.

The lighthouse is located in the Harbour Town Marina, which is part of the Sea Pines vacation rental community. Visitors to the marina can shop at a number of unique and interesting shops, or watch all of the impressive boats come and go.

Unlike so many of the lighthouses up north, Harbour Town Light is open to the public. In exchange for a very small donation, visitors can climb all 114 steps to the top of the octagon shaped, red and white striped lighthouse. During their climb to the top, they will be entertained by walking through a museum that details the storied history of this iconic lighthouse.

The tour starts with a brief history of Hilton Head Island that covers the early settlers and the island’s importance in the Civil War. As visitors climb higher, they will learn about Charles Fraser, who designed Sea Pines, Harbour Town, the golf course, and the lighthouse. Many years ago, he had a compelling vision for what Hilton Head Island could be, and his work has produced one of the most intimate harbor communities anywhere.

The tour also highlights each of the lighthouses on Hilton Head Island, but clearly emphasizes the importance of the 90-foot Harbour Town Light. Its construction was privately funded by developers of the Sea Pines community, which is extremely rare. It is not an official navigation lighthouse, however it is still vitally important in helping boaters find their way back to Harbour Town. The lighthouse was completed in 1970.

After the tour profiles a few more local lighthouses, visitors will arrive at the top of the lighthouse where they can make use of the observation deck or look around in one of the most unique gift shops in all of the Carolinas. From the observation deck, visitors will have a beautiful view of the marina and golf course. Inside the gift shop, they will be able to purchase a number of exclusive souvenirs that represent some of the nicest collections in Hilton Head.

Whether you are passionate about golf, a lighthouse enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys pretty views, Harbour Town Light on Hilton Head Island is an attraction you absolutely much check out! For an extremely minimal price, you can read about history, see one of the most beautiful views in all of the Carolinas, and shop at a number of interesting stores. Everyone should make a point to visit Harbour Town.