Debordieu Beach, South Carolina

South Carolina, a state with a checkered past stretching back to early America. A rebel state that holds the distinction of, “…starting the American Civil War in 1861″. But South Carolina is not all about American history. There are are dozens of other attractions that draw thousands of visitors to the state year round. Specifically, during the warmer months visitors flock to the shore enjoying warm water and wide open beaches; Aka -what I call, the “softer side” of South Carolina.

For those of you who like the beach, South Carolina can be hard to beat. With miles of coast line, vacationers are treated to a wide variety of beaches. Some beaches are crowed, located near surf shops, bars and hotels. On the other hand, some beaches are private and remote, with little activity and small crowds.

Where is Debordieu?

Located along the South Carolina coast, Debordieu is a small private beach community approximately 90 miles north of Charleston. Unlike the better known beach towns like: Folly Beach, Myrtle Beach or Kiawa, Debordieu is often overlooked. But this private beach community is worth looking into if you like elegant homes surrounded by nature, marshes and ocean views.

Debordieu Beach South Carolina

South Carolina Beaches

Recently my wife and I spent a few days at Debordieu.  The beach house we stayed at was on the shore and surrounded by nature. No crowds. No cars. No bars. Instead we saw dear, foxes and birds. Nature was everywhere and the longer we stayed the harder it was to leave.

Sunrise At Debordieu Beach, South Carolina, photo by Sally Lemmon

South Carolina Vacation Rental, On The Beach

If you are thinking of vacationing in South Carolina, Debordieu is a great place.  The beach house we stayed at sleeps 12, making it perfect for a family reunion, a large family, or an extended family vacation. The home is clean and well cared for, offering views of the ocean with beach access out the back door. Although we did not take advantage of the golf course, tennis courts or pool, guest of the beach house have access to these amenities via Debordieu Beach Club –here is the link to where we stayed,  Beach House Rental, South Carolina

Beach House Front & Back

So how does Debordieu compare to other beaches?

As you may (or may not know), previously I wrote about great beaches around the world. Some of them include: Anjuna Beach, Pink Sands Beach and Kaanapali Beach. Each location is special, offering different experiences for the lucky visitor. This is also true of Debordieu Beach. It is not better than Folly Beach or Myrtle Beach, just different. However, compared to Folly Beach and Myrtle Beach -Debordieu is defiantly more remote and quiet. So if seclusion is your goal, Debordieu can deliver.

Georgetown and Debordieu

There are a few small towns around Debordieu, but historic Georgetown is the town we decided to meander around. It does not look like much from the highway, but don’t be fooled. Downtown Georgetown is a great place to visit. And the food -WOW! We ate breakfast at Thomas Cafe. Real southern cooking with a capital C-O-O-K-I-N-G.  I had Cornbeef hash, it was perfect. My Eggs -wonderful. The home fried potatoes, you guessed it, they were cooked just right. But wait …I’ve saved the best for last -Biscuits! Golden, light, buttery -Biscuits. A real treat! These biscuits were delicious. Arguably, they were a close second to a restaurant in Charleston, called Pooches Porch -so if you like biscuits, and you are in Charleston, you must try Pooches Porch. Finally, it would be wrong not to mention the seafood omelet my wife had. It was topped with a creole sauce that was, on-a-whole-other-level! Crazy good!!!

Thomas Cafe For Breakfast, Georgetown South Carolina

Beautiful Beach, Great Food

If you are looking for what I call the “softer side” of South Carolina, Debordieu and Georgetown are worth a visit. Especially if you like good food, a great beach and some real …quiet time.

Downtown Georgetown, South Carolina

If you have a favorite restaurant or beach please let us know!

Red Sand Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Fun In The Sun? Solitude? Get Away From It All? It seems like everyone has their own definition of, “the perfect beach”.  So when deciding on a list of “Five Beaches You Must Visit”, I wanted to cover the gantlet. From the white sand, to the pink sand. The tropical to the …not tropical. So with these guidelines I sat down to discover five beaches that offer something for everyone.

Strangest Beach

Anjuna Beach, Goa, India

I want to start with a beach unlike any other. A beach that I consider …strange. In most cases a beach is not described as, strange. Beautiful, yes. But strange, not so much. Personally, I haven’t decided if “strange” is a positive (or negative) description. Perhaps that is best left for you to decide? However, Anjuna Beach in Goa, India has earned this distinction in my book. Why? Start with the ” full moon parties”. Next, add the hippies that are attracted to the “full moon parties”.  Top it off with a few drugs and you get, strange.

Most Pristine Beach

This title was not easy to award. Matter of fact, this was down right difficult. It came down to a few beaches, but after I read a description of Maupiti Island of Society Archipelago in French Polynesian, I was convinced. Maupitit sounds as “pristine” as it gets. Here is an exert from on what you would expect if you visited Maupitit,

Today, Maupitit island “…is slowly entering in its atoll phase, leaving white sandbanks in the middle of the lagoon. Still saved from tourism, you will not find any deluxe resorts on the island, but traditional family pensions. Nor will you find restaurants, discos or bars in Maupiti but only true relaxation, calm and peace like it used to be a few decades ago…”

Maupiti Island of Society Archipelago

Raw Beach

Put some steep cliffs along the coast, add a water fall and large rock formations just off the shore – and I would like to announce my winner for, “best raw beach”. Congratulations to, Mc Way Falls at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park; located in Northern California (photo taken by Don Baily)

Best Vacation Beach

To qualify for the best vacation beach, I started with the idea of what I feel a vacation should be. Fist, complete relaxation. Second, a place where restaurants are within walking distance. Third, the water is warm. Forth, there are activities. And fifth, nice weather.  So, does a beach exist that fits my requirements? Again, this was not easy. But for my money the best vacation beach is …Kaanapali Beach on Maui, Hawaii.

Kaanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Prettiest Beach

This was easy, when there is pink –you get pretty. So when the sand is pink, you guessed it, you get the prettiest beach; and ( I might add) the most likely place to spot a mermaid if ever there was one! Ladies and gentlemen I proudly present, Pink Sands Beach, Harbor Island in The Bahamas.

Pink Beach, Harbor Island, Bahamas

Generally, “the beach”,  can mean different things to different people. It can be a place to relax, or a place to play. Some people like to socialize while lounging in the sun, while others prefer to find a secluded place where they can read, sleep or (perhaps for our hippie friends) meditate. Fortunately there are as many beaches around the world as reasons for visiting. Taken together the ocean and sand are two things that define what makes a beach. However, the infinite number and combination of: sand, surf, rocks, amenities and weather are what makes each beach a, special beach.

Let us know what beach you would add to the list.