New Year's Eve is celebrated with a grand amount of fanfare and celebration all across the nation. Different places have different ways of welcoming the New Year in, each having a stamp of its own culture. Whether you’re in Myrtle Beach, SC or Wilmington, NC or somewhere in between like our Sunset Beach NC bed and breakfast, you can count on plenty of New Year's Eve celebrations nearby to be a part of.

The Coastal Carolinas are a visual delight during the night especially this time of year with New Year's Eve festivities and fireworks up and down the coastline. The fireworks that begin at dusk are a brilliant explosion of colors that light up the sky and you should be able to see plenty from our Sunset Beach NC bed and breakfast. Tourists from all over and locals alike throng the beaches on New Year's Eve to experience it first hand and take back home the spirit of the celebration.

Here’s a run down of some events taking place in the surrounding area:

Wilmington, NC:

• Island of Lights - Pleasure Island (Carolina Beach/Kure Beach)
• Light Up the Beach (Wrightsville Beach)
• World's Largest Living Christmas Tree, through Dec. 31 (6-10 p.m.) Hilton Park (off Hwy. 117), Wilmington.
• Illumination of Riverfront Park, Historic Downtown Wilmington (Water Street).
• Holiday Lights over the Battleship NC - Lit from stem to stern through Jan. 6. View@Riverfront Park.

Myrtle Beach, SC:

• Broadway at the Beach Fireworks Spectacular, 6 p.m., free.
• Ripley's Kid's Only New Year's Eve Bash at Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, 843-916-0888. This New Year’s Eve, the kids have something just for them! Drop the little ones off at Ripley’s Aquarium for a jam-packed night of fun and games. The special event is an overnight party from 8:00 p.m. on December 31st to 8:00 a.m. January 1st. Karaoke, pizza, music, crafts and more will entertain them for hours until the balloon drop at midnight! Then they get to sleep amongst the serene sea creatures. The program is $69.99 per child.

 Happy New Year from all of us at The Sunset Inn.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year — These are the magic words that are around us this festive season. We start using them just after the Thanksgiving holiday. It is believed that an English admiral first used the term "Merry Christmas" in an informal letter, way back in 1699. Merry means pleasant and we are happy to wish all a pleasant Christmas during the happy celebrations. What better way than to gift our family and friends a reminder of these wishes.

Christmas is the most widely celebrated festival in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is the season for giving. It is the time to spend with family and friends, for sparkling lights and brightly decorated gifts. Christmas is for love and sharing gifts and cards has become a sort of universal way to communicate joy and good wishes. Let us freely express the love and best wishes this festive season to all of those around us.

Those of us at The Sunset Inn would like to wish you and your family a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you’re looking for an Ocean Isle Beach accommodation contact us. You’ll have comfortable surroundings with all the amenities you need to make your holiday complete. In your Ocean Isle Beach accommodation you’ll have furnishings to make your stay with us feel even better as your home away from home this season. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay on Holden Beach, Ocean Isle Beach or Sunset Beach, we have just what you’re looking for.

It truly is the giving season and for those who are still perplexed on what to give there are many easy and inexpensive things we have to suggest to you. First, we’d be remiss if we didn’t suggest a gift certificate for a weekend at our fine Sunset Beach lodgings.

Never underestimate the gift of your time, which means more to family and friends than you realize. We all have things we don’t like to do or are unable to, we all have special abilities and things we’re really good at. Think about matching up a need someone has with an ability you’ve been blessed with. What a priceless gift!

There are numerous types of gift baskets that you can give and we’re not talking about fruit baskets either. If you’re crafty or a skilled artist, fill your basket with art you created yourself but be sure to pick a theme that the recipient of your gift cares about. Again, the value of having something from you that you made yourself far out does anything you could buy at the store.

You can’t go wrong with specialty item baskets like a Chocolate Lover’s gift basket filled with homemade things (or purchased from a bakery) — chocolate cookies, chocolate bonbons, chocolate dipped coffee spoons and for a special touch wrap them in cellophane with a bow, hot chocolate mix, and chocolate covered espresso beans.

Coffee and Tea Lovers would enjoy a basket filled with gourmet coffees and teas, personalized mugs (check online), a best-selling novel, or books on coffee regions, dark chocolates, and a decorative bookmark.

Those of us at The Sunset Inn would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! When you’re looking for Sunset Beach lodgings for yourself or your family keep us in mind.
 

With the holidays fast approaching here are some tips to help you save money this year on air travel. Whether you're going home for Christmas or Hanukkah or just want time away to yourself, you can bet that the price of an airline ticket is going to be higher than last year. One thing is for sure, you’ll be paying the lowest price of the year on Ocean Isle Beach vacations when you stay at The Sunset Inn.

If you can be flexible on your arrival and departure times you can save a lot of cash on your airline tickets. Leave midweek or stay longer and you'll get a better price. Depart on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday and save up to 50%!

You can reserve a parking spot in advance at an offsite parking facility for convenience and a better rate. This guarantees you a spot to park your car. Take the stress and hassles out of trying to find a secured parking spot and getting to the terminal on time when you travel for the holidays this year by reserving in advance.

Don’t buy your airline tickets too soon before the holiday season for your Ocean Isle Beach vacations. Doing so can mean you'll pay far more than you need to. As the time draws nearer and there's still seats left, the airline will discount them just so they fill the flight. Don't wait until the very last minute though, or you'll pay a premium for necessity. With less than two weeks until Christmas, now is the perfect time!

When it comes to saving money for holiday air travel, there are ways to do it. Just remember that timing is everything and reserving your flight at just the right time while booking your airport parking ahead of time allows you to save the most. Combine that with the low off-season rates of Ocean Isle Beach vacations at The Sunset Inn and you’ll save enough to get yourself that special gift nobody else bought you!
 

If you’re looking for some time away before the holidays arrive come enjoy our Sunset Beach NC inn where it’s peaceful, comfortable and quaint. Coastal North Carolina is a beautiful place to get away to. The beaches of Brunswick Islands are world renowned for the solitude and peacefulness they offer. Ocean Isle, Holden, and Sunset Beaches make up the Brunswick Islands and they're a trio you'll enjoy for sure.

The amenities you’ll find at our Sunset Beach NC inn include onsite parking, 2 outside showers with plenty of privacy, professionally landscaped grounds, and private storage rooms for your golf clubs, bicycles, or beach chairs. The features of our lobby include high speed wireless internet and a book and video library with comfy love seats.  The lobby is open until six or seven in the evenings depending on the time of year. A microwave, ice-machine, drink machine and an endless supply of popcorn are located just outside of the lobby and are available 24 hours a day. The most spectacular amenity we offer you is the timeless enjoyment on the beloved island of Sunset Beach, NC.

At our Sunset Beach NC inn you are up close and personal with the ocean. The beach is right outside your door offering you miles to run, walk or ride a bike on. Relax on the beach under an umbrella or take a dip in one of the beachside pools. This is the ideal setting to get away to before the holidays wear you out.
 

There are few days that compare to your wedding day, especially when you are the bride. This is the day you have been waiting for all of your life and you want it to be the most unforgettable experience ever. To make the most of this special occasion, take advantage of Sunset Beach weddings. All Sunset Beach weddings are romantic and the area has become a great destination for beach weddings.

There are several benefits to having Sunset Beach weddings. No matter how many people you want to invite or how much money you are able to spend, you can make it work with a beach wedding. Beach weddings will have that special feeling of having a wedding that is special. A beach wedding is so much different in so very many ways!

For the guests that make it to your beach wedding you can look at it as a vacation with all of the closest people in your life. Instead of spending one day with the people that matter so much like at a traditional wedding, you will have far more time to spend with them when everyone is staying right here at The Sunset Inn. There are plenty of activities in the area for you to enjoy on the beach and in the surrounding areas with your guests.

Not only can it be less expensive, but having a wedding on the beach is a dream come true for most people. There is nothing more romantic than getting married next to rushing waves, a cool breeze, and a warm climate. This truly is a dream wedding.

As they say, girls just want to have fun! If you are looking for a fun retreat to go on with a few of your gal friends, somewhere warm and relaxed, then look no further than our Sunset Beach NC hotel in Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Here you’ll discover as much relaxation as you can imagine, rejuvenation and of course, plenty of fun and adventure. It is a popular destination for those who are looking to spend a fun-filled time with their friends.

There are plenty of beach activities throughout the day and special holiday events taking place around the surrounding areas as well. When it comes to accommodations, our Sunset Beach NC hotel is the best you’ll find. There are other places spread around the area, but none finer than our Sunset Beach NC hotel. Our Sunset Beach NC hotel is the perfect accommodations for a group of friends. With large beautifully appointed rooms with kind-sized beds, private baths, screened porches with marsh views and luxurious linens, you’ll have everything you and your gal friends need.

Rooms are equipped with beautiful décor and all the amenities you could need. Breakfast is served as buffet style from 8:15-10 a.m. in the lobby each morning. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee and hot tea will awaken you while you load up your tray with goodies to start your day. Choose your dining location whether it is the privacy of your screened porch, the dining room in our lobby, or one of the large front porches, with an abundance of island views from any location.
 

Going on vacation to the beautiful seashore of the Carolinas entails choosing from an endless array of accommodations. There are hotels, inns, houses, and condos. But if you are looking for a place to get away from it all with that special someone, a romantic Sunset Beach bed and breakfast for example, then consider The Sunset Inn.

A romantic Sunset Beach bed and breakfast is ideal for honeymooners in need of relaxation after the hustle and bustle of planning and orchestrating a wedding. Longtime relationships often need a pick-me-up and some excitement, and a romantic getaway often is all that’s needed to do the trick. A romantic Sunset Beach bed and breakfast like The Sunset Inn is a good place for a weekend away with your lover and is guaranteed to relax and rejuvenate.

Romantic bed and breakfasts are reminiscent of the old-fashioned boarding houses but with super upgrades. The hosts are usually the owners themselves, and they also live in the establishment to serve the guests. Guests stay in private rooms. Meals are communal. This, however, is still a relatively comfortable setup as most bed and breakfasts can accommodate a finite number of guests at any given time.

As the name suggests, romantic bed and breakfasts obviously provide bed space and breakfast. Unlike some bed and breakfasts, our suites come with en suite bathrooms so you are guaranteed privacy.
 

When you’re planning a trip to Coastal North Carolina for an off-season Ocean Isle Beach vacation and you’re looking for accommodations during your stay here, you’ll be delighted when you discover our superb accommodations at The Sunset Inn in nearby Sunset Beach. We believe you’ll find our accommodations to exceed your expectations while being pleasingly affordable. The amenities you would enjoy during your Ocean Isle Beach vacation here include beautifully appointed rooms with king-sized beds, private baths, private screened porches, wet bars, large porches, and private storage areas for bikes, golf clubs, beach chairs, etc. Our Inn is a cross between a small Inn and a large B&B. We promise, you’re just going to love it here!

If you want to be a part of the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies in the area you’ll need to schedule your Ocean Isle Beach vacation around the following dates.

The Town of Calabash Christmas Tree Lighting & Spirit of Christmas Parade takes place on December 2, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. Calabash's 16th annual tree lighting launches with a Spirit of Calabash Christmas golf cart parade marching down Beach Drive. Holiday music, live entertainment from the West Brunswick High School band, cookies and cocoa and a visit from Santa! The festivities traditionally culminate with a candle lighting, as candles are handed out and lit among the crowd. Callahan's Gifts Parking Lot, Calabash, NC

Southport Waterfront Movies - "The Grinch" - December 9, 2011 at dusk. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and your love to Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston, Southport Waterfront for free movies. This is the fifth year of the Waterfront Movies provided free on the Garrison Lawn at Fort Johnston. Sponsored by the City of Southport Tourism, Downtown Southport Inc., and Screenplay Entertainment. Phone: 910-457-7927 or 910-279-4616

You surely won’t want to miss the Southport Lighted Boat Flotilla on December 10, 2011 beginning at approximately 7:00 p.m. It’s a real blast! Enjoy an evening on the Southport Waterfront watching a parade of boats decorated with holiday lights. Phone: 910-457-7927 or 910-279-4616.
 

Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles
December 2-3, 9-10, 15, 16 & 17, 2011 From 3 - 10 p.m.

See Brookgreen Gardens come to life amid the soft glow of more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and countless sparkling lights. Walk the paths with a warm cup of cider, hear the sounds of hand bells ringing, carolers singing, and celebrate the season with family and friends. More than 30 acres of the gardens are open to the public creating a magical wonderland that will leave you awe struck as you stroll through ten unique garden areas. Candles aboard colorful floating bulbs drift softly in the fountains surrounding sculpture as white lights gently cling to the limbs of mossy oaks, all illuminating the gardens with the magic of the holiday season. Each night an extensive array of musical performances will be held throughout the gardens as local choral ensembles, hand bell choirs and jazz groups play classical and current holiday favorites and a variety of musicians stroll the lighted paths.

Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South Carolina’s premier holiday festivals not to be missed. Come see why the Southeastern Tourism Society calls Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.

Brookgreen Gardens is an hours drive from Sunset Beach, NC and Ocean Isle Beach, NC.
 

Tickets:   Your purchases make a difference. All ticket proceeds go to support Brookgreen Gardens, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and display American sculpture and regional plants, animals, and history.

Purchase tickets early and save on adult admission - Through November 30, discounted adult tickets are $13 and Individual and Family Members discounted tickets are $9*. Tickets are available online and at Brookgreen’s Admission Plaza, Lowcountry Information Center, and by phone at (843) 235-6016. If you wish to have your tickets mailed to you, we must receive your order by November 25. A $2 processing fee will be charged to mail tickets. Huntington Society, Chairman Council or President Council members please call (843) 235-6016 or go online to receive your tickets. In December, adult tickets are $16 and child tickets (ages 4-12) are $7. Tickets are $11 for Individual and Family Members* and member-child tickets (ages 4-12) are $5. All children age three and under are free. Tickets are non-refundable and unused tickets will be considered a donation to Brookgreen.

If you're coming to coastal North Carolina and looking at Sunset Beach NC hotels you just might want to check out The Sunset Inn, where you can have the most relaxed, peaceful vacation ever. We're located on Sunset Beach, halfway between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. If you're looking for activities and events there's plenty in the surrounding areas.

Your vacation can be spent in beautiful rooms with king-sized beds, private baths, large screened porches, and a wet bar. The rooms in our Sunset Beach NC hotels overlook the beautiful saltwater marsh and Intracoastal Waterway. As the sun rises you can enjoy the pastel colors of morning, stroll along the seashore or just rock away on one of our many porch rockers. Autumn abounds with lazy days spent on a pristine beach wrapped with complete relaxation for your entire beach vacation. You’ll enjoy it here, we know you will.

The ever popular Performing Arts Series - Acoustic Christmas takes place on December 2, 2011 this year at 7:30 p.m. The Odell Williamson Auditorium is proud to present the 2011-2012 Performing Art Series. The series is held at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in nearby Supply, NC. The December 2 performance will be Steve Wariner - Acoustic Christmas. All season shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Shows are tentative and subject to change. For more information, visit www.bccowa.com.
 

If you’re a lover of the arts this is a wonderful time to come to coastal North Carolina. When you’re looking for Sunset Beach hotels give us a call at The Sunset Inn. You won’t be disappointed we promise you.

Here are a few events taking place nearby that should be on your things to see and places to go list. All are within a short drive to our Sunset Beach hotels.  

The Marvelous Wonderettes
November 7, 2011, 7:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m.
The Starlight Room in The 2001 Entertainment Complex, 920 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
The Marvelous Wonderettes takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet the Wonderettes – four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts and voices to match! As we learn about their lives and loves, we are treated to the girls performing such classic 50’s and 60’s songs as: “Lollipop” – “Dream Lover” – “Stupid Cupid” – “Sandman” – “With this Ring” – “Lipstick on Your Collar” – “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me” – “It’s My Party” – “It’s In His Kiss (The Shoop Shoop Song)” and so many more! This show is ideal for all ages!

17th Annual Cucalorus Film Festival
Thursday, 11/10/2011 - Sunday, 11/13/2011
The festival will take place Wednesday through Saturday in Wilmington, North Carolina. Screening over 100 independent and international films including documentaries, features and shorts, the festival draws visitors from around the world for a creative exploration of the art form. Wilmington is one of the leading film production locations in the country and home to EUE Screen Gems Studios. Official headquarters will be The Ticketbox (TBA), a central location for tickets, passes, info and panel discussions. Screenings will be at Thalian Hall, Jengo's Playhouse, The Soapbox and other venues around town. Call 910-343-5995 for more information.  

The Cape Fear Kite Festival will be held from Friday, November 4, 2011 - Sunday, November 6, 2011 and is a colorful event really worth attending. Come watch as we paint the Cape Fear Sky! Flyers from all over will be joining us on Wrightsville Beach, in front of Shell Island Resort, just a short drive from our Ocean Isle Beach inn. The sky will be filled with color from countless kites of unbelievable sizes and styles! Bring your cameras as there will be lots of photo opportunities.

November on the Carolina Coast usually provides wonderful weather and a good breeze to keep everything flying, but be sure to bring a jacket, as it can be chilly in the mornings! Come experience a magical weekend and a sky full of colorful kites. This is definitely an event for all ages.

This is a beautiful time of year to take a coastal vacation. If you’re looking for an Ocean Isle Beach inn, we’re just a short distance away. Unwind and relax in the privacy of your screened porch and enjoy the marsh views in a perfectly positioned rocking chair, or enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the expansive front porches. Our rooms are beautifully appointed with king-sized beds, private baths, wet bars, luxurious linens and large porches all combine to create a relaxed atmosphere that most can only dream about.

Within a short drive from your Ocean Isle Beach inn, the area offers a diversity of cultural activities including many waterfront dining venues, theatre, museums, and golf courses galore offering both casual golf and competitive tournaments.

Halloween is here so be extra careful when you’re driving to and from your Sunset Beach resort over the next few days. Some children and their parents still go door-to-door trick or treating and with costumes on, their field of vision isn’t always what it should be. It’s up to drivers to stay alert and watch for these trick or treaters whose focus is usually only on the next house – possibly your Sunset Beach resort!

Here are some events going on nearby that you might to check out!

Monday, October 31 2011, 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Halloween Trick-or-Treating at Broadway at the Beach
Officials invite all children to put on their best Halloween costumes and enjoy an evening of Halloween trick-or-treating in a fun and safe environment on Monday, Oct. 31 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Participating Broadway at the Beach merchants will pass out candy and other goodies to children. A map outlining the merchants taking part in the festivities will be available for pick-up on Halloween in the official Broadway at the Beach Visitor Center. For more information about Broadway at the Beach, call 1-800-386-4662.

Monday, October 31 2011, 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.
Halloween Trick or Treating at Barefoot Landing
Dress up the kids and bring them out to enjoy the sights, sounds, and safety of trick or treating at Barefoot Landing. Bring the family to shop, eat and enjoy!

Monday, October 31 2011, 5:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Halloween on the Marshwalk
It's an annual Inlet tradition now! Children are invited to trick-or-treat along the Marshwalk at Murrells Inlet, SC, from 5 pm - 6 pm. The Children's Costume Contest winners will be announced at 6:00 pm. Later in the evening, the adult fun begins, as the costumed marauders prowl the Marshwalk. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Inquire at any of the Marshwalk Restaurants.