Seaside Secrets

Southern Living, Sep 2005 by Thompson, Annette

Head for this glorious resort just north of Charleston, South Carolina, while the shoulder season rates are low and the beach is beautiful.

Now is the best time to hit the beach. Summer's sunscreen-covered, elbow-to-elbow crowds have left. Meanwhile, the sun continues to shine brilliantly but more gently. While you'll still need to slather on the SPF 30, you won't get burned by big resort rates. At Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort on South Carolina's Pawleys Island, you can enjoy an all-inclusive destination at remarkable savings and revel in quiet days by the shore.

Stay Where It Makes Sense

Expect to find a wide range of lodgings at this sizable resort, tucked into the green island between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Choose one- to four-bedroom accommodations in standard hotel rooms and suites, condos, villas, cottages, or even a few houses. Per night, expect to pay $75$94 for a hotel suite and $ 129-$ 159 for a two-bedroom condo or villa. If you wait until October, those rates plummet further to $59-$ 129. You'll have to pony up an extra $50 per night for an ocean view most any season. Longer stays receive more discounts.

The condos and homes spread out over thousands of acres in clustered neighborhoods with pools. Of course, the central resort, site of the main hotel, restaurant, exercise facilities, and shops, also boasts the biggest swimming pool. It's open to all guests, along with a lazy river, whirlpool tub, and tot swim area.

More Than the Beach

You might want to cook in your own place, or better yet, visit Webster's Lowcountry Grill & Tavern for dinner. Adjacent to the hotel, it serves a $19 filet mignon, $ 18 shrimp and grits, and $22 fish of the day as well as a bargain prix fixe dinner. For $20, you choose an appetizer, entr�e, and dessert.

Be sure to try other resort activities. A few free tennis courts invite play near the ocean. Three golf courses wind west from U.S. 17 to the Waccamaw River. Golf packages, including lodging, greens fees, and breakfast, start at $42 per person per day.

Like the rest of Litchfield, it's too beautiful a promise to pass up. ANNETTE THOMPSON

Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort: 14276 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585; (843) 237-3000, 1-800-845-1897, or www.litchfield beach.com.