The beach is the thing for us. It does not compute to me to go to a beachy place in a non beachy time of year or to a location in the beachy place such that getting to the beach itself is a hassle.
On an intellectual level I understand people do this, and I even recognize that I myself might enjoy going to a beachy place but not going to the beach (although probably I wouldn't). But despite knowing this, when this issue comes up on TUG, it always confuses me until someone mentions that there's reasons people go to beach towns other than to lie on the beach. Then I'm like- oh yeah, I forgot, not everyone is me.
I’m you. I lived most of my life in Indiana. The beach is the thing, no way I’d drive that far and not be toes in sand any time of day without driving. Even when I was a kid, we weren’t doing the attractions, we were at the beach. I guess some people get bored with it but I never tire of it. Once I make it down there, it’s hard for me to leave. Many times, I extend, if there’s room (off-season, there usually is, I rarely have to move).
Also need a balcony to look at ocean, hear it, see the sunrise, watch dolphins, etc.
Bluegreen’s Shorecrest is my favorite because I can get that ocean front, have covered parking, indoor pool or hot tub if I want it. Outdoor has same plus lazy river (not big but peaceful if kids aren’t swimming in it). I will go in any season, usually before or after Prime Time. I don’t have a problem putting on a parka to walk on the beach. Simply lying on the sand isn’t my thing, but it is for a friend I take periodically, so I do that when she’s along and she does a bit of beach walking with me.
Since I don’t care about attractions, North Myrtle Beach works for me. Heading there April 27, coming up!
Then I’m going back with two friends to Carolina Grande in the fall, one friend has never been to MB. I avoid RCI, Bluegreen has enough choice for me, including getting a nice three bedroom. Sure, cross the street to get to the beach, but balcony gives me view. Made sense to be near attractions for this friend that might want to return with her son another time. Plus, second bedroom at Shorecrest is crammed two twin beds. Fine, but I wanted a better experience for a first time travel buddy.
People have their own interests and preferences. Like, I’m cheap, rarely eat out. I prefer to go get fresh seafood (from Mr Fish) and grill in front of the ocean or steam some crab legs in the unit. My dollar goes a lot farther, I save time, too. Many people say they would never cook on vacation, and I understand that, it’s just not something I can economically pull off. Further, I haven’t spent decades with the job of cooking for a family so it’s not the same kind of daily grind that others have experienced. I also am probably weird in that I like to cook in kitchens that aren’t mine. I don’t know why, just something I discovered when we started timesharing.
I have also stayed at Harbour Lights on the inter coastal waterway. Not beach but I do like sitting on the screen porch and watching boats go by (always ask for waterfront). There is almost always room there but having done the studio or hotel unit or whatever they call it, I will not ever settle for that again. By myself, I’m fine walking up three floors, but probably wouldn’t do that to a travel mate. I like the clubhouse as any time I can shoot pool, it’s hard to not spend a lot of time doing that.
These days I mostly travel solo and live within 6 hours of Shorecrest. Plenty of times I’ve woken up and thought, I’d rather be at the beach, and I’m checked in by dusk. My neighbor may or may not be going with me later this month, either way, I’ll be there and have whatever gear I need for the weather forecast because I will be on the beach. Bigger problem is what funky arts n crafts to make with the zillion shells….
. So disappointed!
