Help me plan my parents' anniversary!

[JennyAnne]

Hi everyone!

I am looking for recommendations as my sister and I try to plan my parents' 30th anniversary.

Originally, Emily and I wanted to pay for a trip for them to go to the New England coast (Maine), but we didn't think we could afford to pay for everything involved. Well, mom called today and said that for their 30th anniversary, she would like for all of us (mom, dad, Jeremy, me, Emily and her boyfriend) to rent a beach house in the Carolinas somewhere and take a week-long vacation.

OK, so it kind of spoiled the "surprise" element of getting them a trip, but I think it would be a bit more affordable and my mom very much would like our whole family together for their anniversary.

So here's my question: can anyone recommend an area of North or South Carolina (coastal areas, please) that would make a nice destination for our vacation? We are a pretty low-key family. Parents are in their 50s, kids are in their 20s (well, Jer will be 30 by then :wink: ) and we are looking to go next June. We are looking for an area that is not too commercial, but not too "rustic." Somewhere where we can swim in the ocean, play golf if we want, shop, mini golf, etc. We would probably rent a three-bedroom house.

None of us has ever been to the Carolinas except my sister and her boyfriend, who have been to Myrtle Beach. Any recommendations?!?

Thanks for reading and for any advice!

[Snickerdoodlesmommy]

Wow, sounds like a fun time will be had by you all! I'm sorry I don't have any ideas, I have been to North Carolina a few times but never stayed in the coastal areas.
Have you tried a search using the words North or South Carolina??

[Moley]

I've not been to the Carolinas for the coastal area either but Myrtle Beach is beloved by many.

I guess now your surprise could be a special dinner or event while on the trip. It could still be a surprise.

[JennyAnne]

Yes, as I was searching for properties and in certain areas, I was noticing that they have dinner cruises and things like that that we could book. I would like to get accommodations booked as soon as possible, because I was noticing that some of them are rented for June 2005 already. I am always hesitant to book off online photos. I don't want to get 'duped' into a junky rental when we get down there.

Maybe a travel agent would be a good way to go? I am also a AAA member...I don't know if they would have any recommendations. Maybe I'll check next week. :D

[Sheryl]

Hi Jenny,

I've never been to either, but you could always ask Nanci (Tink) if she has any info on those places. I've asked Nanci for suggestions on many things, (not just Disney) and she has always been very helpful to me.

And should you decide to do a scrapbook for your parents, let me know, I have a bunch of leftover stickers and stuff.

Happy Planning!

:mickeyWalk: Sheryl :minnie:

[JennyAnne]

Oooh, a scrapbook is a great idea. I wish that, over the years, my mom had let me take more pictures of her. She is very camera shy and never likes to be in pictures. I would need to put my head together with my sister to see what we could come up with picture-wise. :D

[Y..]

Hi JennyAnne,
Sounds like you have your work cut out for you....I can't say as I can help because I don't travel to that area too very much but I hope you find the PERFECT place! I too am planning something big for my parents "50"th for next May...I'm getting married on that day!!! Its also a big surprise party for them....I am getting them a cake and the whole shibang....I'm so excited....they have no clue...they just think its "sweet" that we picked their special day to marry on....

full of surprises,
Y... :help:

[JennyAnne]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement! I am really hoping to find the perfect location for my parents to have a nice, relaxing vacation. My mom said my dad almost cried last night when she told him about it. They have been on a total of three vacations in 30 years...twice to Disney with us and once to Maine. They deserve a really nice trip!

Y..., I think that your surprise for your parents will be wonderful!! Wow, 50 years...what a special accomplishment. My grandparents will be celebrating 60 years in August and we are so proud of them as well!!

[mena292]

hi jennyanne
i have one word...KIAWAH!!! KIAWAH KIAWAH KIAWAH! thats my vote. i have been there once with my friend and her family. its beautiful, go to google and put in kiawah island, also the street name...summer duck way. thats the street we stayed on. it should come up with some info...good luck its a start
missy