Beach and Spoke Vacations
Groups today are always looking for more options and less
regimentation. They want to do their own thing, but want to have
plenty of choices of things to do. And of course everyone enjoys
waking up to the sound of the surf or watching the sun rise or
set over the sparkling water. Let's look at some popular beach
destinations that offer an array of options for your
travelers.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, S.C., for example offers plenty to do. In
addition to its well known Grand Strand and many theatres, there
are many local options. Tour the low country in a 14-passenger
safari jeep. Enjoy a cruise on the Sun Cruz Casino Boat. Pirates
and Ghosts along the Coast include the historic communities of
Murrells Inlet, Huntington Beach and Pawleys Island, all of
which have histories that predate the Revolutionary War. Pine
Trees, Cotton, Tobacco and Now Y'all visits Horry and Marion
Counties to learn how the lumber, cotton and tobacco industries
each once flourished in this area that is now fueled by tourism.
Other options include coastline cruises, city tours, golf or a
basket-weaving workshop. Pickups and drop-offs are provided for
individuals within your group for any of these.
A favorite side trip from here is to nearby Florence. Its War
Between the States Museum includes artifacts and memorabilia
from 1850-1900, including items from the Florence Stockade, a
Union prison camp. Florence National Cemetery has veterans from
five wars buried in this thirty-acre shrine, known as South
Carolinas Little Arlington. The Dooley Planetarium at Francis
Marion University features a 33-foot dome with 2300 stars
projected. The Florence Railroad Museum includes a restored
caboose and box car filled with railroad memorabilia.
Or consider Georgetown. The Hopsewee Plantation is the
birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr. a signer of the Declaration of
Independence. Its grounds feature two original slave cabins and
a beautiful view of the Santee River.
lton Head Island
Hilton Head Island, S.C., and the nearby communities of
Beaufort, Bluffton and Daufuskie Island offer wonderful beaches,
along with rich history and culture. The Coastal Discovery
Museum on Hilton Head Island offers a great way to become
familiar with this history and culture. In addition to its
indoor and outdoor exhibits, the museum offers 11 different
tours and cruises to
highlight the areas African American, Native American and Civil
War history, along with the areas diverse ecology. The Arts
Center of Coastal Carolina features visual and performing arts,
including theatre, music and dance. There are also a number of
sightseeing cruises available from the marinas, to watch
dolphins or eagles, pull crab pots, view oyster beds or just
watch the sunset.
The historic town of Bluffton features a variety of art
galleries and shops in its downtown area. The charming and
historic town of Beaufort offers the Arsenal, historic churches
and dozens of historic homes dating back to the early 1700s.
While Hilton Head Island and the surrounding communities offer
days of options, its proximity to Savannah and Charleston also
make it attractive. Charleston is 75 miles away and Savannah is
only 45 miles away, making each very feasible for a side-trip.
An interesting option for Savannah would be to go by boat, a
trip that is touted as being faster than driving.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach offers 35 miles of beaches and 121 navigable
miles of waterways. Its historic Boardwalk stretches for three
miles and bustles with bicyclists and walkers who enjoy the many
outdoor cafes and three oceanfront stages. The Virginia Aquarium
here is one of the country's finest with 70,000-plus gallons of
aquariums, live animal exhibits and over 300 exhibits. The
fishing is great year-round, with rich waters for both inshore
and offshore fishing. In the winter boats go whale watching for
humpback and fin whales and in the summer they are replaced by
bottlenose dolphins.
For more information on various Group Travel and Tours visit Group Travel
Directory
Source: Group
Travel Blog