Try "Southerners" for a Dinner Out

Returning guests are probably familiar with the Causeway Gourmet restaurant located on the mainland causeway at Ocean Plaza. If you've enjoyed the food there in the past, you should make plans to try the proprietors' new restaurant named 'Southerners' located in Calabash.

The restaurant is a short 10 to 15 minute drive from the island, and is located on Beach Drive in Calabash. It's in the building that for years was Haley's Restaurant.

Dawn & Jonathon have wanted to operate a full restaurant for years, and with the opening of Southerners, they have expanded their (already great) entree selection from Causeway Gourmet. The restaurant opened earlier this year.

There's plenty of choice on the menu for everyone. We've enjoyed a shrimp & grits dish and a pecan chicken entree; there's beef, soup, salads, and desserts as well. One tip-salad lovers will enjoy this place-the salads are full-size and very good.

There's a full bar at Southerners in case a crowd beats you to a table. We thought the entrees were reasonably priced for the area. And the staff was very attentive.

So if you're looking for a new place to eat on your next visit to the beach, we recommend you give Southerners a try.

Vacation Olympics: You Could Win Free Beach Equipment

Have you made your vacation plans for 2010 yet? Now is the best time to make your summer plans. During the winter, you have more beach house choices to choose from, AND you get to take advantage of great promotions; such as our Vacation Olympics! Reserve your 2010 vacation now - either a spring, summer, or fall week, and you could win free beach equipment. Our contest started on February 12th, and will officially end this Sunday, February 28th. We're drawing a winner each day of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Call us TODAY and you could be the next winner!

Vacation Olympics Winners-to-Date:

2/12: Theresa McGowan, MO
2/13: Bob Hill, TX
2/14: Martha Carlisle, NC
2/15: Lorrie Taylor, OH
2/16: West Fuller, VA
2/17: Jane Scott, SC
2/18: Lisa Coffman, VA
2/19: Kimberly Wiggins, SC
2/20: Dennis O'Dea, NY
2/21: Brandy Stack, NY
2/22: Karen Kahle, WVA
2/23: John Falco, GA
2/24: Beverly Balint, VA

Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing Supervisor, Sunset Properties

Great Food Without Ever Having to Leave Ocean Isle Beach

Did you know there are several great restaurants to choose from on Ocean Isle? Ride your bike or cruise in your golf cart from your rental home to enjoy a great lunch or dinner without ever having to leave the island!

Cinelli's is known locally for their pizza and extensive Italian menu. You can enjoy an appetizer and hang out on the rooftop bar at The Giggling Mackeral. Sharky's has been a favorite for locals and tourists alike for ages-good food, and an active bar area! For oceanfront dining, visit The Isle Restaurant on the west end of Ocean Isle Beach. Enjoy a beautiful setting you won't soon forget!

These are some of the island offerings for when you just don't want to cook at the house. And there are more just across the bridge on the mainland. You'll find that there's something for every tastebud at Ocean Isle Beach!

written by Casey Holcombe, OIB Rental Manager for Sunset Properties

Vacation Olympics on to a Great Start

Our 2010 Vacation Olympics runs til February 28th, the last day of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. We're giving away a free vacation equipment package from Rest a Shore Beach Gear every day of the Olympics to one lucky guest randomly drawn from that day's reservations. The winner gets to pick from one of four equipment packages if the USA wins a gold medal on their reservation date. If the USA doesn't win a gold medal, our guest who is picked will still win and get to select from one of our "a la carte" equipment options. CLICK HERE for full contest details.

You may still participate in our Olympics by simply making a reservation in one of our 400+ vacation homes on the islands of Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina. CLICK HERE to get started!

Winners to date include:

2/12 - Theresa McGowan, MO
2/13 - Bob Hill, TX
2/14 - Martha Carlisle, NC
2/15 - Lorrie Taylor, OH
2/16 - West Fuller, VA

Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing Supervisor, Sunset Properties

Snow Day at the Beach!

Ok, so our snowfall didn't quite compare to the double digit totals up the East Coast over the last week or two, but we did get a few inches on the beach Friday night/Saturday morning.

It was fun, but WE'RE READY FOR SUMMER NOW!

Brunswick Stew Off

The second annual Brunswick Stew Cook-Off was held this past Saturday, February 6th, in Shallotte. The threat of rain showers and cool temperatures from the night before had locals and visitors alike wondering what weather would be like during the event. Fortunately, the rain held off and a good time was had by all who attended the cook-off.

Local resident, Oren Knicely, won for Best Individual and Best Overall. The People's Choice award went to the Lancaster Family, who also won for Best Booth Presentation. Over 1000 visitors enjoyed the day's festivities which also included a live band, children's play area, arts & crafts, and other food vendors. Next year's Brunswick Stew Cook-Off should be held around the same time. Keep in touch with our blog and events calendar to schedule a trip down next year to sample great Brunswick Stew.

Follow THIS LINK to read the news story on the Brunswick Stew Cook-Off from our local Brunswick Beacon.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing Supervisor, Sunset Properties

New web looks for Sunset Properties

If you haven't already, check out our new website that was just launched last week! Also, check out our Facebook page and become a fan of Sunset Properties. We'll keep you updated on all the latest promotions and specials!

Written by: Casey Holcombe

Try a Hot Crab Dip for the Super Bowl!!!!

As you compile your menu for that wonderful Super Bowl Appetizer Feast, don't forget the seafood! Below is a super easy recipe for Hot Crab Dip that everyone will enjoy!

Hot Crab Dip

1 cup crab meat
1 pkg. cream cheese(softened)
3 tbsp. milk
1/2 teaspoon horseradish
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese(you can add a little more if you like)
salt and peeper to taste

Blend together, softened cream cheese, milk, horseradish, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Gently fold in crab meat.

Place mixture in baking dish and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Bake crab dip at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Serve with your choice of crackers or chips.

Written by: Casey Holcombe