We’re so excited to have our sister city, Savannah, Georgia host the Relish Cooking Show /Expo tomorrow on October 21st. Famous Relish executive chef, Jon Ashton will be there, and in fact has already been making appearances in Savannah. The great thing about this event is that it’s for a very special cause! It’s all to  benefit

John Ashton and Mary Crouch behind the scenes at the food bank

breast cancer awareness.  Proceeds are going to benefit breast cancer research. This  annual event is year sponsored by Savannah Morning News and St. Joseph’s Candler.

We here at Oceanfront Cottage Rentals take this subject very seriously, as do many other people. And for this reason we are super excited to be able to take part in the expo! We’ll have two booths set up, one for our company Oceanfront Cottage Rentals and for our baby company (hopefully to open in December, keep your fingers crossed!) Tybee Wedding Chapel. You absolutely must stop by. *hint- we’ll be the table with sand!*

Tickets are only 10 dollars, and that includes touring the show, which lasts from 12p.m. until 7 p.m . and a two hour cooking show by Jon Ashton! If you would like to make it an extra special experience you can buy VIP tickets for 40 dollars. Then you can enjoy a reception hosted by Butterducks ( I swear I didn’t make that cute little name up) Winery at 5:30 p.m. with Jon Ashton himself.

You see the theme everywhere during the month of October, so sometimes it’s easy to start overlooking the importance of breast cancer. But with every event, or every small donation we get one step closer to a cure. When that happens it would be great to remember that you had a small part in making that happen. So hopefully you can join us. Making a difference and having fun can go hand in hand! See you tomorrow!!

 

It seems like just yesterday it was the fourth of July, doesn’t it? But it’s already almost Halloween! And before you know it,  it will be Thanksgiving and then Christmas.  It can be so hard to fit all your family members into your house, and then you have the problem of where everyone is going to sleep. And sure enough,  some poor soul ends up sleeping on the floor in a room with four other people.

29 Taylor

There’s a way around all that though. How about renting a beautiful sprawling home on Tybee Island. With rooms enough for everyone the holidays will be so much more comfortable.  Tybee is such a wonderfully laid back island it could be the perfect place for you and your family. Just imagine the days around the holidays  usually spent preparing for visiting family members. Cleaning, cooking, decorating, yard work. The list never ends. All for it to be completely destroyed after the first night. Why not take all the  stress out of the equasion.  Come to Tybee Island.  Have the home all ready for you. Warm and inviting. All you have to do is worry about the meals. And that’s only if you want to. Who is going know if you decide to have leftovers for Thanksgiving? Or who is even going to care? You’re on vacation, right?

Either way, whether you want a traditional holiday but just need more space, or want to get away from it all and just relax by the ocean, we have homes that will amaze you.  Some of our  luxury homes  can comfortably sleep up to 20 people. Each one is unique and beautiful in different ways. Here are just a couple that will make your holiday something very special.

For Thanksgiving we’re already filling up, but some of our wonderful homes are available.

Amazing table for the whole family!

How about Captain’s Lady? This beautiful 6 bedroom, 4 bathroom home is perfect for those large family’s who want room to spread out.  It sleeps 20, and the dining room alone seats 16!

Our little piece of Heaven

Or Heaven by the Sea , our luxury 4 bedroom, 5 1/2 bath luxury beach cottage.

 

Amazing rooftop porches

These porches speak for themselves on this 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom ocean view home, Casa Verde.

Another favorite of mine is the 7 bedroom mansion, Paradise Found.  It’s beautiful ocean view is almost not as amazing as the inside of this home. The kitchen area is so perfect for large groups. It’s simply stunning.

Simply Beautiful

There really are so many beautiful homes to choose from. And these are just some of them that are still available.  Take a look at the  stunning 4 bedroom on the South Beach, 1923 Chatham. The windows covering the front of the house make the views from inside simply breathtaking.

 

By taking a look at just these few homes,  it’s impossible not to see what we were talking about.  And once you come to Tybee Island, we promise it won’t be the last time. There are so many directly oceanfront homes that can make your holiday something for everyone to remember for years to come.  Please don’t hesitate to call us so that we may help find the absolute perfect home for you and your family!

Wow! This year has been a year of firsts for me on Tybee Island with Oceanfront Cottage Rentals. And I have not been let down. Everyone said how amazing Pirate’s Fest was. It’s only been going on for six years and every year we get a bigger following than the last. As soon as we get all the pictures I’ll post them up here! But for now, here’s the very first one I’ve found of the OFC crew.

Stacye and Lannie at the Buccaneer's Ball

If you find any more out there let us know! We hope you loved it every bit as much as we did, and we’ll see you pirate’s next year.

Who else is excited about this coming weekend? Are you having trouble finding the perfect costume?  If you feel like going all out there’s an amazing store called Acme Costumes that has everything you would ever need to be the perfect pirate. Maybe you don’t feel like spending that much money. Not a big deal. Just stop in to your local goodwill. That’s what we did. You’d be surprised what you can do with a long dress and a little velvet. We’re so excited to see all the homemade outfits. For three days it’s seriously as if the entire island has been taken over by pirates. You only a few days left! Don’t forget to say hello on Saturday during the parade, we’ll be the ones in our very own OFC pirate ship. See you soon!

Here at Oceanfront Cottage Rentals (OFC) we have over one hundred properties. Each one is special to us. Whether it’s Villa by the Sea, our  directly oceanfront five bedroom with the heated pool, or Little Beach Cottage, the simple two bedroom a block and a half away from the popular south beach, we love them all. So when we get new properties we are always excited about them! These homes and their owners are joining our OFC family. We pick the places we rent with care, so that when you come and visit us you will not be dissapointed. Here is our newest addition!

This beautiful three bedroom, two and a half bath lives up to it’s name 17th Dream. It’s small but not crowded.  It was just built this year, and everything in the home is brand new. There is a beautiful large flat screen tv in the living room. With it’s cute screened in porch from which you can see the quick block it is to the water, it is impossible not to fall in love with this cottage as soon as you lay your eyes on it. We have no doubt this little home will be a big hit.

Love It!!

Let us know if you’ve stayed here yet, and if you love this little place as much as we do!

You absolutely have to go out on the water while you’re here. Georgia’s coastal waterways are amazing. Rich in wildlife such as dolphins, crabs, shrimp, birds, it’s a never ending source of beauty. Whether you would like to drift along and watch families of dolphins swim around your boat, or try and catch your very own crabs to eat for dinner, it’s a great way to spend the day. Another option not many people know about is renting a boat to drop you off at a near by island, Little Tybee. This unique place is actually TWICE  the size of Tybee Island, but is an unspoiled, uninhabited nature preserve.  You can stay there over night, for an amazing experience of camping on a beautiful beach. Or perhaps just have a relaxing afternoon of shelling on the beach, away from everyone.

Lighthouse in our Bay

There are several people who will take you out for any amount of time desired. Captain Harvey Ferrelle is a licensed master captain who not only will take you out, but  keep you captivated  with a history of the area.  He’ll not only take you shrimping or crabbing, but teach you how to do it!  You may bring whatever food or drinks aboard you’d like. Spoken from experience, once you enjoy this experience, it’s something you will want to do over and over.

Flipper!!

Perhaps you would like something a little more fancy for your evening out, maybe with a special someone? Then you need to call Standard Bay Charters, they offer to take you out for a romantic evening with a catered dinner. Or perhaps a photo shoot, so that you may remember the evening as if it happened that very day.

Are you already a seasoned captain? Then rent your own boat to explore the many inlets of Georgia’s coast. Tybee Island Bait and Tackle offers anywhere from one hour to weekly rentals!

There are options for everyone, from couples to large groups. But either way, don’t miss out on this experience!

We get asked all the time about our favorite places to go on Tybee Island, or  where the best restaurants are. Who has the most affordable prices? There’s no way for us to send everyone information on all the amazing places to visit on the island. So here are the answers to probably our absolute favorite subject. Where to eat!!!

Yum!

One of the best things about Tybee Island is that almost every single restaurant is non commercial. Each restaurant is privately owned, making it a truly unique experience. A prime example is a tiny little place called Sundae’s Cafe. Driving by you might miss it, but it is the place to go on the island. All the locals love it. Hidden in a little strip, next to a gas station,  you might think it’s a bit sketchy. But much to your surprise, not only is it spotless inside, the food is absolutely delicious. Whether you order the amazing, southern fried green tomato sandwich during lunch or decide to make reservations for dinner and have their rack of lamb, or blue cheese filet. I know it sounds unbelievable, but there is nothing there that we won’t recommend. Try it and you’ll understand why everyone who lives here loves this little place.

Sunset dinner on the water

Of course everyone wants to know where the best seafood is. Fresh seafood is found all over the island, but one of the best for food and atmosphere has to be AJ’s  Dockside Restaurant . They have the most incredible crispy, scored flounder. The presentation is great, and the taste doesn’t dissapoint. But by far, it’s the view that really sells this place. Most of the seating is right on the dock, with views of the coastal side of the island. A place that often gets overlooked on Tybee. Although the beach side is beautiful, so is the back river. By going here, you see a side of Tybee that many people don’t , but is well worth it.

If you are in the mood for some pizza and a beer we know just the place.  Huckapoos is so fabulous! It has inside and outside seating. The seating outside has umbrellas to shade you from our sometimes unforgiving sun. You pay only four dollars for “a slice of pizza” . Little do you realize, you actually need a pizza cutter to manage this huge slice of pizza that actually won’t even fit on your plate.  It’s delicious, and inexpensive. Perfect on- the- beach feel there , with music drifting out onto the deck and a breeze as the sun goes down. You can’t miss dropping in to this place.

Or go a little more upscale, and visit the Hunter House. It was rated as one of the best in the region by Celebration Media U.S. and Talk of the Town News.  Great, different specials each night, and an amazing wine selection for you to choose from. Also, each night with the purchase of two entrees you can choose a bottle of wine for half off! Yum, wine!

Don’t worry, we won’t forget the sweets. There’s lots of ice cream places around. But the best? No doubt in my mind, it’s Trade Winds. Cakes, ice cream, bagels, pastries, oh my! And of course, something we personally cannot live without…..mmmmm coffee.

So…..that’s all we have  for now. But as we try out new places, we’ll keep you updated. And as for you, you have the easy part. Let us know if you agree, or if there are any places we’ve left out. Or even better, some places we might need to try. Because without a doubt, if there is one thing we’ll do for you, other than of course find a  beautiful beachfront home for you to rent….it’s eat! Haha.  Don’t forget to tell them that Oceanfront Cottage Rentals sent you. Enjoy!

Avast Ye!, Thar be pirates a comin ashore Tybee Island!

On Oct 8th thru 10th, Tybee Island will be having it’s 6th annual Pirates Festival.

Why a Pirates Festival, ye’re wondering?

Argghhh! Long, long ago, the island was used as a hiding place for pirates such as the dreaded Blackbeard. It is widely believed that Blackbeard used the Georgia coast, where its meandering tidal rivers, inlets, and barrier islands served as excellent hiding places. He and his crew would quickly strike at ships then retreat to hide. It is believed that somewhere on Georgia’s barrier islands is buried treasure. Treasure hunters with metal detectors are a common sight on some of Georgia’s developed islands, looking for lost booty.

Ahhhh!

The Tybee Island Pirate Festival began in 2005 and has been a big event ever since. Pirates come from far and wide to pillage and plunder Tybee Island. Aye, this be the place to be, so if ye be anywhere near Tybee Island, don your fiercest pirate costume, bring yer little Buccaneers and join in on the festivities. Remember Pirate Fest is Columbus Day weekend so if you’re fortunate enough to have this holiday off stay over and enjoy the Sunday festivities, as well, you won’t be disappointed. If you need a place to stay Oceanfront Cottage Rentals can assist you.

Tybee Island Pirate Fest has been named one of Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for the month of October 2009. This year is going to be even better.

Here are a few highlights for this years Festival:

The Crab Shack presents the Buccaneer’s Ball to kick off the Tybee Island’s Pirate Fest. Thar be live music, costume contests, and of course the coronation of the Pirate King and Queen.

Then comes the Pirate invasion. They will make themselves known throughout the island wrecking havoc, as only a pirate can do, engaging in mischief and sword fights.

Thar be a Thieves Market which will be filled with treasures, grog and grub.

And throughout the weekend there will be scheduled of events for the kiddies, at Little Matey’s Cove to include: the Pirates of Treasure Coast Ship and Pirates (Performance at Pirate Ship), Captain Jim & Krew- Illusion Show, face painting, Children’s Costume Contest and Petting Zoo and much much more, located on the South Beach Parking Lot, Tybrisa St. to Strand Ave.

And thar be plenty of live music and merriment. A variety of local bands will be performing throughout the weekend with headliners Eddie Money and Drivin’ N’ Cryin’!

Saturday, October 9th at 1pm, is the Pirate Victory Parade that will follow along Butler Ave, this is something you don’t want to miss.

Thar be Pirate Costume Contests for Male, Female and Krew, a Children’s Costume Contest and even a Pet costume contest. Cannot forget our Canine cuties

Then the treasure hunt begins, X marks the spot.

This is just a very few things highlighted, there’s so much more. A full schedule of events can be found here and tickets can be found here

For a Swashbuckling Good Time, come to Tybee!

For your vacation stay call Oceanfront Cottage Rentals on Tybee Island at 1-800-786-5889

Tybee island is the new place to be! Everyone here was so excited when the summer movie, The Last Song, starring Miley Cyrus, was filmed here on our island. It brought so much great attention to our area. So many people were interested in seeing the beautiful area featured in the movie. It’s so peaceful and calm here, and  really was portrayed that way in the movie.

But that was by no means our first experience with people wanting to capture the beautiful essence of Tybee Island. Some of the scenes from the beautiful movie, Forrest Gump, were taken right on the north part of Tybee. In fact, some of our homes look  right onto the water where the shrimping boats from the movie sailed, followed by dolphins.  It doesn’t  just happen in the movie, but every day here you can see that exact scene from the decks of some of our homes.

Some directors come back again and again. Robert  Redford filmed his movie, The Legend of Bagger Vance, in 1999 rigth near us in Savannah. Then he returned this past year to film his newest movie, The Conspirator, starring Kevin Kline and Evan Rachael Wood.

Now, we hear rumors of yet another movie! The newest X-Men installation. X-Men- First Class.  It hasn’t been finalized, but Tybee Island has already started applying for permits, and the city of Tybee council has given produces official approval for filming. Once again, it would be on the beautiful North End of the island. The combination of beautiful beach, along with being so close to the coastal waterways makes this area unique and the very essence of peaceful.

The movie is actually a prequel, which has given director Matthew Vaughn, whose last project was a blockbuster hit. A whole new cast of amazing actors! Who will all be staying hopefully here on Tybee while filming. Just some of the stars  include people like Kevin Bacon, who is portraying evil villain, Sebastian Shaw. Michael Flemyng (from the movie Inglorious Bastards) will play a young Magneto! January Jones, who is most known for her serious role in the hit show Mad Men, will play psychic Emma Frost. Just a few other names are Oliver Platt, Morgan Lily,and  Jennifer Lawrence.

Considering how small our beautiful island is, I think it speaks volumes that it has gotten as much attention as it has . I believe it must be a very special place indeed to be  an island only a few miles long, yet so very much in demand. Perhaps it’s time for you to find out how very special it is for yourselves……

Just about a year ago filming for “The Last Song” wrapped on Tybee Island. With it’s April 2010 premiere, businesses on the island kept their fingers crossed that the exposure would put Tybee on the radar. According to the Tybee Tourism Council it did. “Year to year we are up about 11 percent, so we have definitely had an up year,” says Lindsay Fruchtl of the Tybee Tourism Council. While the movie didn’t specify Tybee as its locale, the stars made sure the world knew where they filmed. Miley tweeted about Savannah and Tybee on Twitter. The stars themselves raved about Tybee as well in television interviews. One New York Times article tells the story of a Tennessee family who were forced to change their vacation plans after the Gulf oil spill. At their daughters urging the family re-routed to Tybee just because Miley filmed there. “I think a lot of the teenagers were telling their families and getting them to come to Tybee so it’s been good,” says Fruchtl. With Georgia’s enticing tax incentives, Nick Gant of Meddin Studios says interest in Savannah and Tybee is booming. “There’s consistently hundreds of projects coming through the region. Of those that are real, I would say about a dozen are looking at Georgia and about half of those looking at he City of Savannah also.” While it may seem like big budget filming has slowed since the filming of Robert Redford’s “The Conspirator”, Gant says he expects some big announcements in the near future. “I can’t say exactly where and when but I can promise you there will be a great Fall season for the city of Savannah when it comes to the film industry.” By the way, “The Last Song” pulled in almost 63 million dollars at the box office. The movie comes out on DVD Tuesday.

Copyright 2010 The Coastal Source