Best Activities for Kids in Myrtle Beach

There's plenty of fun and excitement for your next family vacation to Myrtle Beach. Gather the kids for a week filled with fun that they won't soon forget. There's enough fun for a new adventure everyday. Or, if you can handle it, stack your days for a non-stop retreat. Here are the best activities for kids in Myrtle Beach.

1)Leaps-n-Bounce
Get ready to jump into the excitement with this indoor inflatable play center. Perfect for birthday parties, or everyday fun, there's plenty of fun to share. Let loose with inflatable slides, jump castles, air baseball and more. Plus, there's a TV and golf arcade game so parents can relax while their kids have a blast.

2)Freestyle Music Park
With the recent drop in price, Freestyle Music Park is fun for the whole family. The rip-roaring Time Machine roller coaster is a 150 feet of fun that zips through the park at 65 mph as you go through timeless classics covers from the 60s to today. Plus, the park is filled with other great rides, perfect for kids 12 and younger including a big swing, splash park, arcade and more.

3)Medieval Times
No other Myrtle Beach attraction combines your two favorite things, dinner and entertainment, like Medieval Times. Be a part of the story as you root your knight to victory while indulging in a delicious four course meal. From jousting to sword fighting to winning the precious hand of danzel in distress. It's all the excitement you need and more. And it's perfect for kids of all ages.

4) Captain Hook's Adventure
While in the Golf Capital of the World (mini) golf is a must. Pick up a club and swing into the adventure as you navigate challenge Hook and hang with the Lost Boys. You can even catch a glimps of the captain himself as he's hanging for dear life as a hungry crock awaits. It's all the fun and excitement you'd expect with the best mini golf course in Myrtle Beach.


5) Family Kingdom Amusement Park
The original Myrtle Beach amusement park, and the only one oceanfront, this park boasts it's the "It's where Families Rock." With a great water park to compliment it's large ferris wheel, roller coasters, bumper cars and slides Family Kingdom is the total package when it comes to great things to do.

5 Shops in Myrtle Beach You Have to Visit

There are some stores that you never know exists, that when you finally do you don't know how you went without them. Here are a few of the great Myrtle Beach shops that you have to visit.

Ed's Hobby Shop
Located in the center of Myrtle Beach, Ed's Hobby Shop is one place that will help you feel like a kid again. Planes cars, boats and more are all at your disposal. Can't figure out which engine to install in your "from scratch" car, the helpful staff is their to lend their knowledge. Get your paint, supplies, magazines and everything else you need to get your idea out of your head and onto the road, water or in the air.

The Original Hammock Shop
Who knew there was an art to making hammocks? The Original Hammock Shop features a wide selection of styles and sizes to meet your need. Single, double or deluxe, your comfort only one hammock away. Plus they now sell hammock swing. Relaxation has swung into a whole new level.

Broadway Magic
Head over to Broadway Magic at Broadway at the Beach and you're guaranteed to make all your boredom disappear. From coin magic to card tricks, you can become your very own Houdini. Not a skilled magician yet, that's okay. They have books and DVDs to help you get on your way.

Love from the Carolinas
What's a stop in Myrtle Beach without a little Love from the Carolinas? This specialty store features coastal themed gifts and home décor items which are perfect takeaways from your vacation at the beach. Here you'll everything from their custom "Made in the Carolinas" signs to unique shark teeth.

River Street Sweets
Treat your sweet tooth to River Street Sweets. Home to Southern gourmet candies, this candy shop is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Their Holiday Bear Claws, Georgia Nut Towers and Praline Pound Cake make great gifts. And their even better when their purchased just for you.

Simmered For Success

Becky Billingsley | Food Bytes

For 14 years, local members of the American Culinary Federation have simmered soups, chilled soups and served soups, all in the name of promoting local culinary education. This Sunday promises to be the biggest and best Souper Supper to date.

Twenty-five trophies will be awarded Nov. 8 at the 14th Annual ACF Souper Supper.Twenty-five trophies will be awarded Nov. 8 at the 14th Annual ACF Souper Supper.
Although this is only the second year the Souper Supper has taken place at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, already the event is entrenched in the development’s schedule, and the pairing seems perfect. Valor Memorial Garden, which is off Farrow Parkway, has plenty of room for the enormous tent where 40 local chefs are bringing stock pots full of soups such as Mulligatawny Stew, Forest Mushroom Consomme, Lowcountry Gumbo, Tuscan Kale and Tomato Soup, White Bean Chicken Chili, Grilled Chicken and Chorizo Chowder, and Butternut Squash Soup with Cinnamon Crème.

For the first time, soups are being offered in four categories: Broth, Cream, Vegetarian and Lowcountry/Ethnic.

From noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8, diners will pay $10 each, or $5 for children ages 4-11, to enter the big tent and sample as much soup as they like. Also included in the price is non-alcoholic beverages, breads and sweets. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant will have a cash bar for beer and wine. Charlie Lee and his jazz combo will set a relaxing tone.

In years past a recipe booklet containing all the event’s soups was distributed, but the practice was discontinued in 2008. Due to popular demand, the recipe book is coming back this year and is better than ever. At 3 p.m., one-pint containers will be sold for $5 that diners may have filled up to take home.

Soup-eaters will also receive one complimentary door prize ticket, and extra door prize tickets or 50/50 cash drawing tickets will be available for $1 each, 6 for $5 or 14 for $10. Door prizes range from cookbooks and unique cutlery to golf caps and restaurant gift certificates.

Due to popular demand, once again all the soups at the Souper Supper are collected in a recipe booklet.Due to popular demand, once again all the soups at the Souper Supper are collected in a recipe booklet.
Also new this year is an increase in the number of trophies. Lee’s Farmers Market in Murrells Inlet donated 25 trophies, and they will be awarded for first, second and third place (plus one overall winner) in all four soup categories, for both judges’ choice and people’s choice. People entering the tent will each be given one ticket they’ll use as their people’s choice vote, and will drop the ticket in a designated People’s Choice jar located on their favorite soup’s table.

What: 14th Annual American Culinary Federation Souper Supper

When: Noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8

Where: Valor Memorial Garden, Farrow Parkway, The Market Common

How much: Admission is $10 ages 12 and older; $5 ages 4-11. Includes recipe booklet and one door prize ticket. Pints of soup will be sold starting at 3 p.m. for $5.

Details: Entry fee includes all the soup, bread and dessert samples you care to eat, while supplies last.

Participating restaurant can be found here.

Top 5 Burger Joints on the Beach

If you're going on vacation odds are you're going to opt out slaving in the kitchen, despite many Myrtle Beach hotels having stoves, and you're going to be on the look out for some good eatin'. 

To help you narrow down your search, we are bringing you the Top 5 Burger joints in Myrtle Beach. There are no limitations, as we're mixing the big boy franchises with the hard working mom and pops. I bet you can already taste the excitement, so let's get into it already.

5. Burky's Grill
If you're down for and ol' fashion good time, head over to Burky's Grill off of N Kings Hwy. This old school burger joint has a classic diner feel to it from the exterior to the music inside. Burgers are served thin, slightly greasy and are accompanied by shoe string fries. All for $5. 

4. River City Cafe
If you check the TripAdvisor reviews, you'd see the common theme of great atmosphere. With your trip to River City Cafe you can relax on the outside patio and enjoy the view as you chow down on a delicious BBQ Bacon Burger, tasty Blackenend Burger or a fiery Jalapeno Cheeseburger.

3. Ron Jon's Beer & Burgers
Ron Jon's is the home of the $2 beer and $2 burger deal. Is there really anything else that needs to be said?

2. Five Guys
Don't let the fact that Five Guys is a nationwide award-winning burger joint slow you down from enjoy one of the best meals on the beach. What makes this burger joint great is that you can build your own burger. Want jalapeno peppers, bbq sauce, grilled mushrooms and A-1 Sauce on your burger? No problem. Best of all, they're far from stingy with the fries.

1.Dagwood Deli
If you're looking for the number one burger joint in Myrtle Beach, you have to head over to Dagwoods Deli. The Famous Dagwoods Burger is 12 oz. of pure heaven layered with sauteed mushrooms, covered in provolone cheese and topped with bacon. The burger's so big you might have to eat it with a knife and fork, but where's the fun in that.

"Best RV/Camping Facility" In Myrtle Beach, S.C. Is Ocean Lakes Family Campground

"Best RV/Camping Facility" In Myrtle Beach, S.C. Is Ocean Lakes Family Campground, According To Recent Visitors' Survey

14 Million People Visit Myrtle Beach Each Year And Surveyed Vacationers Say Ocean Lakes Is The Best RV/Camping Facility Around

Myrtle Beach, SC (PRWEB) November 4, 2009 -- Ocean Lakes Family Campground, located along the Grand Strand of Myrtle Beach, S.C. has been voted the "Best RV/Camping Facility" by those who visit Myrtle Beach, S.C. Myrtle Beach's "Grand Strand" attracts more than 14 million visitors annually and those surveyed in this poll voiced a clear preference for Ocean Lakes over other campground options in the area. The "Best of the Beach" survey results were reported in the October 25 edition of The Sun News in the "Visitor's Voice" section.

The "Best of the Beach" honor is the latest for Ocean Lakes Family Campground which was named the 2008-2009 National "RV Park of the Year" by the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC). It is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States with over 310 acres of campsites and beach house rentals.

"We're honored that Myrtle Beach visitors voted Ocean Lakes the "Best RV/Camping Facility" on the Grand Strand," said Barb Krumm, marketing director for Ocean Lakes Family Campground. "There are a lot of great choices out there when it comes to camping. We focus on Customer Service and upgrading our park's amenities annually. Our year round recreation activities feature something for every age from mini-golf, games center, skate park to crafts and shows. This honor speaks volumes to the way we run our business and our dedication to making sure our visitors have fun when they are with us."

At Ocean Lakes, the fun doesn't end when the summer season does.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground offers affordable family fun all year long, including events like The 26th Annual South Carolina Fossil Fair on October 31st from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Presented by the South Carolina Fossil Association, the Fossil Fair features experts from the Smithsonian Institute's National Museum of Natural History who will be on hand to identify fossils brought by participants. Fossil and shell collections will be on display including shark teeth, whale bones, sand dollars, horse teeth and other unique finds. Visitors will also have the opportunity to hunt for shark teeth, make necklaces, construct a dinosaur skeleton and even learn how to recover fossils with the Smithsonian experts at a mock dig site. It is a hands-on educational event for the entire family, students and Scout Troops.

December 31st features a New Year's Eve party and 10th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for those brave folks, young and old, who want to take a winter dip in the ocean.

Families can also enjoy the 10th Annual Beach n' Boogie weekend February 12-13, 2010. Beach n' Boogie kicks off Friday evening with Fantastic Shakers and begins again Saturday morning for a full day of fun activities for the whole family. Saturday's concert features the Band of Oz. Campsites for this event fill up quickly.

To make reservations call 1-877-510-1774 for campsites, and for rental sites call 1-800-845-2229. More information is also available at www.oceanlakes.com.

About Ocean Lakes Family Campground

Ocean Lakes Family Campground, a division of The Jackson Companies, is the largest campground on the East Coast and one of the largest in the United States. Located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., it has received numerous awards for excellence. It is the 2008-2009 National "RV Park of the Year" and has received that honor from the National Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (ARVC) four times. In 2006, Ocean Lakes received the prestigious South Carolina Governor's Cup for making a significant economic impact on South Carolina. Ocean Lakes covers 310 oceanfront acres with nearly one mile of beachfront. It offers 3,447 sites -- 893 of which are large and pull-through to accommodate larger RVs. It was built by Mary Emily and Nelson Jackson and their five daughters, starting in 1970. It opened with 30 campsites and one bathhouse in 1971. On an average seasonal day, Ocean Lakes has 25,000 - 30,000 guests enjoying the countless amenities that have made it a local favorite and a national vacation destination.

Ocean Lakes Family Campground is a division of The Jackson Companies, a family-owned enterprise that includes Prestwick Golf & Country Club, Ocean Lakes Properties, Crystal Lake Mobile Home Village, Ocean Lakes RV Center, and the master-planned development SayeBrook.

Free Family Day at the Art Museum

In the honor of family time, The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum invites you to come out and celebrate the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) November 7, 2009, 11am-3pm.

This is the seventh annual Día de los Muertos celebration and they look for it to be bigger and better than ever. 

The Day of the Dead is a celebration that started in Mexico in which families remember members that have passed away. Unlike Halloween, which it is commonly linked to, there's nothing scary about this holiday event.

Families come together with food, pictures and memories are plenty. It's the event that families plan all year for.

So join into the fun and Celebrating Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)with The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum.

Christmastime starring Dublin's Irish Tenors Opens Tonight

There's nothing more entertaining than a live show in Myrtle Beach. And when the holiday season is upon us, the shows get even bigger and better than ever. 

Today, Monday November 2, 2009, The Palace Theatre kicks off the holiday season with their biggest show of the year with an amazing musical escape. The Twelve Irish Tenors take center stage as they perform Christmastime, which is sure to be one of the season's hottest new shows.

Accompanied by South Carolina's ultimate children's choir, come sing along to your favorite holiday carols. Get into the Christmas spirit as you joy and happiness are spread on stage through inspirational live nativity scene, Santa Clause and much more. 

If you ever had the pleasure of seeing Dublin's own Twelve Irish Tenors, then you're sure to love their specular Christmas show. If you haven't, it's probably time you checked it out.

The show starts today and will run through December 2, 2009.

Broadway At The Beach In Myrtle Beach, S.C. Launches Contest To Find Their Next Great Musical Jingle

Announcement Of Contest Was Part Of Opening Day At The Holiday Harvest Festival At Broadway At The Beach

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (PRWEB) October 30, 2009 -- A contest to find the next musical jingle for Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. was announced Saturday afternoon during the first day of the Holiday Harvest Festival at Broadway at the Beach. Broadway at the Beach organizers decided to hold the jingle contest so that everyone who has enjoyed Broadway at the Beach over the years can have a chance to be a part of the area's premier attraction. And, the community atmosphere surrounding Holiday Harvest was the perfect place to make that announcement.

The contest runs through November 22nd and is open to anyone interested in participating. It is being presented by QRockRadio.com, a live radio station broadcasting 24 hours daily from Broadway at the Beach. Jingle writers can submit their work by going to www.broadwayatthebeach.com where they will find a link to upload their mp3 file for consideration. Jingles will then be placed on the Web site where people can listen to them and vote on their favorite. The jingle that receives the most votes will be awarded the "people's choice award." The top 25 entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will narrow them down to 10 and then choose the grand prize winner. The grand prize winner of the jingle contest will have his/her jingle professionally produced and receive $1000 in prize money. The "people's choice" winner will win a $300 Broadway at the Beach gift card.

"Broadway at the Beach is the center of entertainment in this area, thanks to the tremendous community support we've received over the years," said Alicia Harper, marketing director for Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. which owns and operates Broadway at the Beach. "The Holiday Harvest is another great opportunity for community outreach and the perfect venue to make the announcement about our jingle contest."

Holiday Harvest is a 15-day festival featuring a Farmers Market and activities like a massive Pumpkin Pyramid (made up of more than 3,000 pumpkins). An intriguing Hay Maze constructed on site and an impressive collection of antique tractors that once worked the fields of South Carolina farms are also on display. Numerous booths offer fall/winter food specialities. Hay rides and sleigh rides are available, and pumpkin decorating, face painting and a pumpkin pie eating contest add to the atmosphere of fun.

More information on the Holiday Harvest event is available online at HolidayHarvest.com or by calling 1-866-553-4508. More information on the Broadway at the Beach jingle contest is available at www.broadwayatthebeach.com

About Holiday Harvest 2009

Holiday Harvest is a 15-day festival that is being held from October 24 through November 7, 2009 at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Designed to showcase the bounty of South Carolina's agricultural industry, foods, wines and culinary expertise, it offers a wide variety of activities including live entertainment, a Farmers Market, wine tastings of selected South Carolina wines, a beer garden, educational demonstrations, and other activities for everyone from children through adults. Holiday Harvest is made possible through a partnership of Broadway at the Beach, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the South Carolina Cooperative Extension at Clemson University, and WPDE News Channel 15.

More information on the Holiday Harvest event is available online at HolidayHarvest.com or by calling 1-866-553-4508.

About Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is the largest festival entertainment complex in South Carolina. The $250 million attraction is set on 350-acres in the heart of Myrtle Beach and features three theaters, 19 restaurants and more than 100 specialty shops as well as attractions, nightclubs, and hotels, all surrounding the 23-acre Lake Broadway. The complex is a past recipient of the South Carolina Governor's Cup and was deemed the state's best travel destination by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Last year, 14.8 million people visited Broadway at the Beach, making it the region's most popular destination.

Among Broadway at the Beach's restaurants are Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The complex also boasts three hotels, the Hampton Inn, the Fairfield Inn and the Holiday Inn Express. Broadway at the Beach is also home to the IMAX 3D Theatre, the award-winning Ripley's Aquarium, Palace Theatre, Carmike's Broadway Cinema 16 and the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, which features nine rides from the former Pavilion Amusement Park, one of Myrtle Beach's most popular family attractions for more than 58 years. The complex's Celebrity Square includes a New Orleans-inspired nightclub district.

Facebook Fans Get Chance to Visit Myrtle Beach for Five Bucks

MyrtleBeachHotels.com will be sending five Facebook fans every Friday for a month to one of their resorts for only $5 per night.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 28, 2009 – MyrtleBeachHotels.com, a group of 14 oceanfront resorts located along the Grand Strand, will be sending five Facebook fans every Friday for a month to one of their resorts for only $5 per night. The management company, which has been very active in social media through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogging, is offering the $5 Fridays promotion beginning Oct. 30 and ending Nov. 20.

As part of the promotion, the company will post the note “It’s $5 Friday Time!” to the wall on the Facebook pages of one of its resorts sometime each Friday. Participants will not know ahead of time when the note will be posted, but the first five people who comment on the post and who are fans of that page will win two nights at the Caribbean Resort & Villas (Jamaican building) or the Breakers Resort for only $5 per night. The rates are good through the end of 2009, but exclude Thanksgiving and Christmas.

“Our Twitter Beach Bash was such a success earlier this year that we wanted to reach out to our fans and followers with another fun contest this time to promote visiting Myrtle Beach at the holidays,” says Patrick Norton, Director of Marketing for MyrtleBeachHotels.com. “There are so many holiday attractions and shows, plus you get to enjoy our mild weather. We hope people embrace the idea and have fun looking for the post and trying to be the first to comment each Friday.”

The Facebook pages that will be part of the promotion include those for the following Myrtle Beach resorts: Caribbean Resort & Villas, Breakers Resort, Long Bay Resort, Dunes Village Resort, Ocean Reef Resort, Bay View Resort, Compass Cove Resort and Paradise Resort. To participate, simply watch the Facebook pages of these resorts Oct. 30, Nov. 6, Nov. 13 and Nov. 20 looking for the “It’s $5 Friday Time!” post and be among the first five people to post a comment in response. Participants must also be a fan of page in order to win.

For more information, follow @MBHotels on Twitter or visit www.MyrtleBeachHotels.com.
About MyrtleBeachHotels.com
MyrtleBeachHotels.com manages 14 resorts along the oceanfront of the Myrtle Beach, S.C. area, including: Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Breakers Resort, Long Bay Resort, Ocean Reef Resort, Compass Cove Resort, Bay View Resort, Monterey Bay, Dunes Village Resort, Island Vista, Paradise Resort and Caribbean Resort & Villas. Some of the features at its resorts include indoor and outdoor water parks, Starbucks cafes, arcades, restaurants, oversized games, deluxe rooms and more. For more information about the resorts or to make a reservation, visit MyrtleBeachHotels.com or call 1-800-552-8509.

New Sports Complex in Myrtle Beach

There's a new indoor sports complex taking Myrtle Beach by storm. The Plex is a 210,000 square feet tower of fun that has everything you can imagine in the world of sports.

The Plex stretches acrosss 12 acres of Myrtle Beach excitement and die hard sports lovers will definitely feel love at first site.

For only $5 you can go in and play all day, jumping from one sport to another. Feel like shooting some hoops before shooting the soccer ball? Go ahead. Want to lift weights before sinking an eight ball at the billiards table, you can do that to.

There are a host of different things to do to get your blood pumping. Because when it comes to this Myrtle Beach sports complex it's both recreation and straight competition.

Maybe the shot of adrenaline you need is watch two gladiators go at it at Hall of Famer Robert Gibson's wrestling school. You can get all your frustrations out rooting for your favorite guy or training as a student to take down your most hated heel.

For some, pro wrestling's not their thing. That's cool. You might prefer to try your hands at Mixed Martial Arts. The Plex is home to Karate, which is taught by a world class instructor. Then again, gymnastics might be more your speed. Hop, skip and flip your way over to the Ultimate Gymnastics Academy.

But The Plex isn't all about training and recreational competition, it's main theme is simply having fun.

They offer an After School Program where kids can participate in all the sporting activities, get help with their homework and have access to Wi-Fi. 

This Myrtle Beach sports complex is also turned into a fun and exciting roller rink so your can dance and skate the night away.

There's so much fun it can barely be contained under one roof... even if it is 210,000 square feet. And with it being just off of 501, next to Freestyle Music Park, you're always only minutes away from all the excitement.

CCU Play Set to Debut This Week

It's showtime folks. Coastal Carolina University Theatre takes the stage once again, this time with the controversial play "Spring Awakening."

Written by Frank Wedekind in 1891, this play centers around teens awkwardness and discovery of sexual awareness. This rock musical is being preformed all over the country, as the Broadway adaptation recently was awarded 8 Tony awards and is touring the country. 

The students of CCU may not be on Broadway, yet, but they definitely will live up to the hype as they bring you they captivate you with this less than comfortable subject.

The cast of twenty-four will draw you in to topics of teenage desire, suicide, abortion and homosexuality. All of which are affecting today's youth.

It's a play that almost everyone can relate to. If the night's subject didn't happen to you, you probably know somebody who did go through it. This play is as real as it gets and it will be sure to take you through a full range of emotions.

Get ready for a night filled with adventure and excitement. The cast at CCU is backed by the faculty rock band Virtue Trap, who could not have a more fitting name, and they are sure to have you on your feet in hope of an encore.

General admission is $15; teens (11-17) and children (10 and under) are $5; alumni, senior citizens (65+) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members are $10; Coastal Carolina University and Horry Georgetown Technical College students are $5 per valid ID; and Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty and staff are $10 per valid ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Wheelwright Box Office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-2502. 
-CCU

BOOVILLE at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park

Before you head out with the kids for a night of trick-or-treating, get into true Halloween mode with a trip to Booville.

Known as the "Halloween Celebration for the Whole Family" Booville at Pavilion Nostalgia Park kicks off your Halloween weekend like no other party.

The festivities begin at 12pm, and the fun keeps going all the way up until the perfect time to start your quest for candy at 7pm.

Bring the kids out to a scary good time at Broadway at the Beach. There will be a photo contest for costumed children, where the winner will be chosen as the "face" of the new Pavilion Nostalgia Park advertisement campaign.

And before you hit up the neighborhood for a pillow case of treats, get a extra sugar kick from participating merchants with our very own trick-or-treating from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. 

It's everything you need to start of your Halloween with fun and excitement. Head out to BOOVILLE at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park October 31, 12 - 7pm.

What your money can buy in Myrtle Beach area

Adva Saldinger - asaldinger@thesunnews.com

Home prices along the Grand Strand continue to decline as short sales and foreclosures persist, and for some buyers this creates the chance to get a house they thought was out of reach.

The median home price - the price where half of homes sold for more and half of homes sold for less - was $176,000 this past quarter, down 12 percent from the same period last year, according to the Multiple Listing Service.

The declining median price is partly because lower-priced houses are selling at a higher rate - 74.7 percent of homes along the Grand Strand sold for less than $250,000 this year, according to Site Tech Systems, a local company that tracks the real estate market.

The low prices mean Laura Barr, who is buying a new house, can afford the house she wants that is bigger and closer to the beach than ones in her price range a few years ago.

To read more, please check out http://www.myrtlebeachnow.com!

Yahoo Releases Top Myrtle Beach Resorts

Myrtle Beach is one of the most sought after tourist attraction as it attracts millions of visitors every year. To help guide visitors to find the hotel that's right for them, Yahoo has released the top ranked Myrtle Beach hotels as voted on by their visitors.

To help you get a better look on these hotels, here's the inside deal on all ten of the top rated Myrtle Beach Resorts.

10)Shore Crest Vacation Villas I and II
Located on the marsh and just a stroll away from the beach, these North Myrtle Beach villas is the perfect getaway. Find your home away from home features a lazy river, heated pool, hot tub, poolside cabana and more.

9)Premier Resorts at Barefoot Resorts
Unwind with the help of this 2,300 acre Myrtle Beach vacation retreat. Sitting at the home of 3 great championship golf courses, Premier Resorts at Barefoot Resorts is a must for anyone who loves the game.

8)Wyndham Oceanfront Boulevard
Visit the name you can trust as the Wyndham provides you all the comfort and amenities you've come to love. Come out and enjoy the deluxe suites, fully-equipped kitchens, 3 outdoor swimming pools, Movie & Popcorn Night and much more.

To read the rest of this article, please visit www.myrtlebeachnow.com.

Beach Vacations to Remember

When you’re ready for a beach vacation, it can be tough to pick from among vacation or honeymoon destinations. There are so many great places you can go, whether its the Caribbean, or the beaches of Hawaii, or a spot closer to home.Take a look at this top 10 list, it can help you decide on where to go for your next vacation.

1. Hawaii If you live on the mainland, you can choose to put your frequent flier miles to good use and take a beach vacation on the island of Hawaii.Get a vacation deals package and you can relax on the beach, swim, play golf or scuba dive. Honeymoon vacations on the big Island would be wonderful. Hawaii has some of the best weather.It is a wonderful choice for your beach vacation...To read more, please go to www.myrtlebeachnow.com!

Myrtle Beach's Holiday Harvest At Broadway At The Beach Celebrates South Carolina Community Pride

Myrtle Beach, S.C. (PRWEB) October 11, 2009 -- Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. will be the site of a new fall festival designed to celebrate South Carolina community pride and showcase the bounty of South Carolina's agricultural industry, foods, wines and culinary expertise. Broadway at the Beach is partnering with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and the South Carolina Cooperative Extension at Clemson University to stage a 15-day "Holiday Harvest" event that will take place from October 24 through November 7, 2009.

The festival will offer a wide variety of activities including live entertainment, a Farmers Market, wine tastings of selected South Carolina wines, a beer garden, and educational demonstrations -- all held at scheduled times throughout the event. A "Carolina Cook-Off" judged by a panel of regional celebrities, will feature dishes made with South Carolina products. 

"This is South Carolina's opportunity to shine as we celebrate the special things that we South Carolinians have to be proud of," said Michelle Sutton, vice president of sales & marketing for Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. which owns and operates Broadway at the Beach. "South Carolina has a rich agricultural heritage and the Holiday Harvest will focus on that heritage.

Holiday Harvest will have the atmosphere of a fair with contests and other fun activities for everyone from children through adults. We'll also provide learning opportunities. We'll host school classes and provide presentations by 4H clubs, as well as explore how South Carolina approaches the important issue of recycling. From live entertainment to the Farmer's Market to booths brimming with regional foods, this will be a special festival that shines the spotlight on the best of South Carolina."

The 15-day festival will be alive with sites and activities like a massive Pumpkin Pyramid (made up of more than 3,000 pumpkins). An intriguing Hay Maze will be constructed on site and an impressive collection of antique tractors that once worked the fields of South Carolina farms will also be on display. Numerous booths will offer fall/winter food specialities. Hay rides and sleigh rides will be available, and pumpkin decorating, face painting and a pumpkin pie eating contest will add to the atmosphere of fun.

On October 31, the Holiday Harvest will provide a safe and secure venue for parents to bring children to Trick or Treat, enjoy a haunted Hay Maze, and hear tales of South Carolina ghosts.

As fall comes to a close and the Christmas season draws near, the Holiday Harvest festival will change into a Christmas wonderland. Hay rides will become sleigh rides and the area will come alive for Christmas. In celebration of the beginning of the holidays, the festival will conclude with the annual Broadway at the Beach Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 7.

"This is the first time that a festival of this size has been held to showcase the best of South Carolina's agricultural community and we're honored to hold it at Broadway at the Beach," said Sutton. "Broadway at the Beach was originally conceived as a festival marketplace, so it's the perfect venue for the Holiday Harvest. We have the space to accommodate all the various activities and showcase large displays like the antique tractors and Farmers Market. We also have the space to grow the event and we are looking for it to become a South Carolina tradition. We have a lot to be proud of in South Carolina, and the Holiday Harvest is a wonderful way to celebrate that."

More information on the Holiday Harvest event is available online at HolidayHarvest.com or by calling 1-866-553-4508.

About Holiday Harvest 2009

Holiday Harvest is a 15-day festival that will be held from October 24 through November 7, 2009 at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Designed to showcase the bounty of South Carolina's agricultural industry, foods, wines and culinary expertise, it will offer a wide variety of activities including live entertainment, a Farmers Market, wine tastings of selected South Carolina wines, a beer garden, educational demonstrations, and other activities for everyone from children through adults. Holiday Harvest is made possible through a partnership of Broadway at the Beach, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, the South Carolina Cooperative Extension at Clemson University, and WPDE News Channel 15.

More information on the Holiday Harvest event is available online at HolidayHarvest.com or by calling 1-866-553-4508.

About Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is the largest festival entertainment complex in South Carolina. The $250 million attraction is set on 350-acres in the heart of Myrtle Beach and features three theaters, 19 restaurants and more than 100 specialty shops as well as attractions, nightclubs, and hotels, all surrounding the 23-acre Lake Broadway. The complex is a past recipient of the South Carolina Governor's Cup and was deemed the state's best travel destination by the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. Last year, 14.8 million people visited Broadway at the Beach, making it the region's most popular destination.

Among Broadway at the Beach's restaurants are Hard Rock Café, Planet Hollywood and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. The complex also boasts three hotels, the Hampton Inn, the Fairfield Inn and the Holiday Inn Express. Broadway at the Beach is also home to the IMAX 3D Theatre, the award-winning Ripley's Aquarium, Palace Theatre, Carmike's Broadway Cinema 16 and the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, which features nine rides from the former Pavilion Amusement Park, one of Myrtle Beach's most popular family attractions for more than 58 years. The complex's Celebrity Square includes a New Orleans-inspired nightclub district.

2009 Annual ‘Walk for the Animals’

The Grand Strand Humane Society is currently looking for vendors and sponsors for the upcoming Walk for Animals.

The Walk for the Animals is a family-friendly event that showcases animals dressed in their finest Halloween costumes parading through Broadway at the Beach. The animals then participate in fun pet contests judged by local media celebrities. 

In addition, there are vendors, music, food, games and much more. This year, there will also be a performance by Gabbie Rae and the Wow Factory. There is something for everyone, even our four-legged friends at this community event. The 2009 Walk for the Animals promises to be even bigger and better than last year!

The 2009 Walk For The Animals is scheduled for Oct. 17 at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach.

The Grand Strand Humane Society is hosting the benefit walk at 11 a.m. Registration begins at 10 a.m. Saturday.

It's $2.00 to walk in the event and the entrance fee for a contestant is $25. Pets are encouraged to come dressed up in their favorite costumes. There will be vendors, food, music and games for both people and pets to enjoy.

If you are interested in participating in this fun-filled community event, please call 843-918-4913 or email caragibbs@sc.rr.com.

Top Ten Attractions in Myrtle Beach

Top Ten Attractions in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach may be the ideal destination spot for beachgoers, but there is far more to do in the popular vacation spot than lie on the beach. For the adventurous of every experience level there is an activity that will be memorable and enjoyable. On a day when rain precludes hiking or outside activities, Myrtle Beach offers travelers an incredible array of exciting choices. On warm, sunny days, there are also novel and interesting ways to soak up the sun while trying out new experiences.
Banana Boats

Grab up to six friends or family members and ride the ocean on a high-powered banana boat. This 35-minute thrill ride takes you through the ocean, pulled by a jet ski.

Express Watersports
4042 Highway 17 Business
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576
(843) 357-7777
expresswatersports.com/pages/banana-boat-rides.php
NASCAR Speedpark

Join fellow South Carolinians in their love of racing and run the course in your very own speed car. There are levels appropriate for all racing experiences and ages. There is also a mini-golf course, restaurant and more.

Nascar SpeedPark
1820 21st Ave N Ext
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 918-8725
nascarspeedpark.com/sc.aspx
Fishing

Myrtle Beach is known as a saltwater hot spot, so drop a line off a pier or join one of the many daily fishing charters leaving from throughout the area. Lucky Strike fishing charters takes Myrtle Beach fishermen out for half or full days of running lines for blue fin tuna, sea bass, mackerel and sailfish.

Lucky Strike Charters
9887 Oak St.
Calabash, North Carolina 28467
(843) 249-2049
luckystrikesportfishingcharters.com/
Broadway at the Beach

Far more than just a shopping center, Broadway at the Beach is a true tourist experience. Along with a wide array of interesting shops, the area has many restaurants and bars, artisans, wandering entertainment, mini golf and kids activities.

Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 444-3200
broadwayatthebeach.com
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede

Get a rousing show with your dinner when you go to Dolly Parton's famous entertainment complex. Serving down-home food along with nightly singers and shows, the Dixie Stampede makes for a memorable evening.

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede
8901-B North Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 497-9700
dixiestampede.com
Sail the Jolly Rover

Put some adventure in your trip, and board the Jolly Roger, a two-hour harbor tour filled with pirate legend and beautiful, relaxing scenery.

Rover Tours
PO Box 2047
Georgetown, South Carolina 29442
(843) 546-8822
rovertours.com
Myrtle Beach State Park

Get back to nature with a visit to the Myrtle Beach State Park. Along with endless hiking trails, the park offers a beach, fishing pier, nature and activity programs, and cabins and campsites for rent.

Myrtle Beach State Park
Highway Business 17
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 238-5325
southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/795.aspx
Ripley's Aquarium

Test your powers of believing at the Ripley's Aquarium. Visit the Amazon, bay and reef all in one visit. View some underwater movies and newborn sealife creatures, and participate in daily educational programs.

Ripley's Aquarium
1110 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 916-0888
myrtlebeach.ripleyaquariums.com
Family Kingdom Water Park

If the ocean just isn't getting you wet enough, try Family Kingdom, an amusement park right on the beach. Featuring a lazy river, flumes, speed rides and more, the water park has thrills for everyone.

Family Kingdom
300 South Ocean Blvd.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
(843) 626-3447
family-kingdom.com/WaterPark/
Dolphin Watching

Take a tour with Original Blue Waters, and view dolphins in their natural habitat. Private charters for viewing are available.

Original Blue Waters
PO Box 3232
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina 29576
(843) 651-3676
bluewaveadventures.com

Get ready for the annual ‘Taste of the Town’ in Myrtle Beach

Nicole Boone | WBTW News13 Anchor

Tuesday, October 27, will be “TASTE ‘n Good!” as St. Andrew Catholic School presents Taste of the Town 2009 from 4pm – 10pm at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Poised as the Grand Strand’s largest culinary/social event of the year and Myrtle Beach’s original food festival, the 26th Annual Taste of the Town will include over 50 area restaurants serving up freshly prepared appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Each booth will offer delectable “Tapas-style” items from their menus for $1 - $4 each.

Restaurants will compete for the following awards: Best Entrée, Best Dessert, Best Booth Design, and People’s Choice & Kid’s Choice awards for favorite entrée and favorite dessert. Taste of the Town will present the 2nd Annual Community Crusader Award to an individual within the restaurant industry who exudes qualities of excellent character in living a life of service beyond self.

Entertainment has expanded and appeals to all age groups! Live entertainment will be featured to include tribute artists from Dino’s TV Variety Show (4:30pm – 5:30pm), the Soul Function band (8:00pm – 10:00pm), and other surprise entertainers.

New this year: Taste of the Town is excited to introduce the event’s first-ever Wine Patio, which will be similar to the popular Autumn Ale House beer garden featured annually by Better Brands, Inc. A Silent Auction will provide an opportunity for everyone to bid on gift baskets loaded with restaurant gift certificates and other cool items.

100,000 square feet of space in the convention halls will allow plenty of seating and ample room to mingle, and ATM machines will be available for your convenience. The Convention Center has expanded its rear parking lot, and additional parking will also be available across the street from the Convention Center in the location of the former Myrtle Square Mall. 

$4 Advance Admission Tickets can be purchased at all HTC locations and St. Andrew Catholic School at 3601 N. Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach. Admission is $5 at the door. Children 14 and under will be admitted free with adult. Food tickets are $1 and will be sold at the event.

Taste of the Town is proudly sponsored by: HTC, McDonald’s, and WBTW News 13, and all proceeds will benefit St. Andrew Catholic School.

For more information call 448-6062, visit http://www.TasteoftheTownMB.com, or find us on http://www.facebook.com

TASTE OF THE TOWN 2009 – RESTAURANT / VENDOR LIST


1. Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders
2. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream
3. Big Daddy’s Roadhouse Grill
4. Bimini’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Café
5. Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine
6. Bovine’s Wood Fired Specialties
7. Bubba’s Fish Shack
8. Burro Loco
9. Café Amalfi
10. Cakes By The Sea
11. California Dreaming
12. Canipe’s Chocolates & Candies
13. Carolina Roadhouse
14. Charleston Café
15. Chef Smitty’s
16. Chili’s
17. City Bar
18. Costco Wholesale
19. Divine Fish House
20. Divine Prime
21. East of Chicago Pizza
22. Fiesta Mexicana
23. Greg Norman’s Australian Grille
24. Gulfstream Café
25. Hard Rock Café
26. Hayman’s Blue Bunny Ice Cream
27. Ichiro’s Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi
28. Indo Thai Sushi
29. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville
30. Jimmy’s Original Hibachi
31. Kaminsky’s New York Deli
32. King Kong Sushi Bar & Grill
33. Latitude 22
34. Liberty Steakhouse & Brewery
35. Liberty Tap Room & Grill
36. Little Italy
37. Longbeards Bar & Grill
38. Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream
39. Mr. Fish The Original & Seafood Market
40. Omaha Steakhouse
41. Phillips World Cuisines Buffet
42. Pizza Hut
43. Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse
44. River City Café
45. River Street Sweets
46. Roy & Sid’s American Kitchen
47. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse
48. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
49. Salt Creek Café
50. SeaBlue Restaurant
51. Sea Captain’s House
52. Sticky Fingers
53. Tavern in the Forest
54. T-Bonz Gill & Grill
55. The Donut Man
56. The Melting Pot
57. Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café
58. Ultimate California Pizza

Caribbean Resort & Villas: Raising the bar for golfers in Myrtle Beach

Lisa Allen, Contributor for TravelGolf.com

MYRTLE BEACH
, S.C. - The Caribbean Resort & Villas on the Atlantic Ocean in Myrtle Beach has raised the bar on the beach again.

Over its 40 years, the resort has grown like a mushroom along both sides of Ocean Boulevard, stretching from 28th to 31st Avenues. Myrtle Beach golfers can choose from an array of accommodations
, from the villas at Chelsea House on the lee side of Ocean Boulevard to the smaller Jamaican House or the newly renovated Dominican Tower.

But the big boy on the Strand now is the spanking-new Cayman Tower, 21 stories of luxury that opened in June.

As soon as you pull up to register in the new Caribbean-style lobby for any of the 480 rooms at the resort, staff is there to greet you, help you with your bags and direct you to convenient parking across the street.
The Caribbean Resort & Villas' Cayman Tower

The new Cayman features 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom suites, all with ocean views and balconies. They are perfectly appointed, with ceramic tile in the hall, kitchen and bathrooms (providing a convenient path for sand-encrusted children to the bath and laundry), flat-screen, HD televisions in the living room and each bedroom, and stainless-steel kitchen appliances, down to toasters and coffee pots. Yes, you'll want to live there.

One of the many impressive aspects of the Cayman Tower is the quiet. Once inside your suite, you can't hear your neighbors, and if you shut the sliding door, even the ocean falls silent. It's your own little relaxation bubble amid the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach.

The list of amenities each guest receives extends a page: coin laundry, cribs, fax and copy services, game room, gift shop, fitness room, business center and wireless Internet.

And with the new tower came a water park next door, with a water slide and kiddie pools. In all, there are an even dozen pools, rivers and hot tubs for Cayman, Jamaican and Dominican guests. At the south end is a snack bar and tiki hut for refreshments, and during peak season, an ice-cream shack amid the pools is staffed. Rows of chaise lounges give sunbathers a choice of overlooking the pools or the ocean.

If you're looking for a great meal, right between the new water park and the Jamaican House is the Sea Captain's House, one of Myrtle Beach's premier restaurants. To accommodate its many neighbors, the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One can order from the menu for breakfast or opt for the buffet, which has 90 percent of the menu. Dinner and lunch remain their delicious selves with an array of steaks and seafood, complemented by a lengthy wine list.

And if you're a golfer, the Caribbean Resort & Villas will set you up. "We book thousands of golf rounds each year," said Adam Townsend, assistant general manager. "We always have the best, lowest golf rates, even at private courses."

In both fall and spring, the resort hosts a weekly reception for golfers, complete with drinks and hors d' oeuvres.

Caribbean Resort & Villas has perfected resort accommodations in Myrtle Beach over its 40 years, and it maintains its edge through service, maintenance and amenities. It's nice to see that some things don't change. For more information, see www.caribbeanresort.com.

Myrtle Beach Golf Course Receives National Award

The Brandon Agency

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - The Dunes Golf & Beach Club has been named to the 2010 Golf World Readers’ Choice Awards, as announced in the magazine’s September 28 issue.

The Robert Trent Jones design was recognized in the Top 50 Resorts category and is the only Myrtle Beach area course to be honored in this category in the annual ranking. Dunes Club was also honored in the inaugural 2009 Reader’s Choice Awards.

“We are excited to once again be recognized as one of the top 50 resort golf courses in the United States,” said Dennis Nicholl, Dunes Club’s head golf professional. “We strive to provide a superior golfing experience to our members and guests and this award confirms our success at this objective.”

Golf World invited readers to evaluate the best public, private and resort facilities in the country using 12 criteria established by the magazine’s editors that included the quality of the course; the condition of the course; the course’s reputation and prestige; golf practice facilities; speed of play; clubhouse/locker rooms; hotel accommodations; caddie program; golf pro shop; food/dining; off-course activities/amenities; service and overall value.

More than 48,000 individual facility ratings and 600,000 criteria evaluations were received in the second year of the reader’s choice awards.

Coastal Carolina University ranked in Forbes America's 'Best Colleges' list

CCU

Coastal Carolina University has been ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation's four-year undergraduate institutions in "America's Best Colleges 2009," compiled by Forbes and the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP).

"This is the first year that Coastal Carolina University has been included in this list, and we're very excited to be on it," said President David A. DeCenzo. "It indicates that notice is being taken of the excellence of this institution and how far we've come in our relatively short history." Six hundred colleges and universities are on the list, including 14 South Carolina institutions of higher learning. Coastal Carolina is 600 in the rankings.

"It is important to note that if a school appears on this list at all, that indicates a certain level of quality…" states the report from Forbes.com. "The CCAP ranks only the top 15 percent or so of all undergraduate institutions."

The rankings are based on the quality of education provided, the experience of students and how much they achieve.

"To our way of thinking a good college is one that meets student needs," the report states. "While some college rankings are based partly on school reputation as evaluated by college administrators and on the amount of money spent, we focus on things which directly concern students. Will my course be interesting and rewarding? Will I get a good job after I graduate? Is it likely I will graduate in four years? Will I incur a ton of debt getting my degree?"

This is only the second year that Forbes has been ranking colleges and universities. The methodology includes the following criteria:

Listing of alumni in the 2008 Who’s Who in America (25 percent); student evaluations of professors from ratemyprofessors.com (25 percent); four-year graduation rates (16 2/3 percent); enrollment-adjusted numbers of students and faculty receiving nationally competitive awards (16 2/3 percent); average four year accumulated student debt of those borrowing money (16 2/3 percent). Private and public colleges are ranked separately.

For more information or to view the list, go to www.forbes.com/2009/08/02/colleges-university-ratings-opinions-colleges-09-intro.html.

All Star Game Returning to Myrtle Beach

Mark Haggard

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans will host the Carolina League - California League Mid-Summer Classic in 2010.

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans made the announcement Thursday afternoon. This is the second time in three seasons the Pelicans and the city of Myrtle Beach will host the annual Carolina League - California League All Star Game.

The game, which will be held on Tuesday, June 26th at 7:05pm, will be surrounded by two days of activities both at the ballpark and featured attractions along the Grand Strand.

Auto museum open in Myrtle Beach area

The Sun News

"I've been chasing a 40-year dream," said Paul Cummings, who opened the Wheels of Yesteryear Auto Showcase at 413 Hospitality, near the Myrtle Beach Speedway, on Wednesday. Cummings said the museum will house more than 50 vintage American-made automobiles and trucks from his collection of more than 100.

He's been collecting them for many years, he said.

"I want to let as many people enjoy them as much as I have through the years. It was time to pull the blankets off them and share," he said.

Cummings and family members, including his wife, Carol, will run the museum, which will be open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Admission varies by age.
From staff reports

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses

Long Beach 10

No matter whether you are an experienced golfer or a complete novice, you will find the perfect golf course to suit you in Myrtle Beach. Known for its beautiful yet challenging golf courses, Myrtle Beach has been rated the number one golfing destination by yahoo travel. So just why is Myrtle Beach so popular?

Why Thousands of Golfers Recommend Myrtle Beach

With over 100 courses to choose from, Myrtle Beach is well known for its golfing experience. However, although there may be a vast amount of choice available, it does not affect the quality of the courses. Many people assume that just because there are so many courses available, some of them will not be as good as others. So it is refreshing to learn that no matter which course you do choose in the area, you are guaranteed a fantastically good quality experience.

The scenery that you are faced with is absolutely breathtaking. Not only will you get to admire rolling green hills, crystal clear beaches and lush green forests, but you will also spot a number of wildlife too. As you are playing, you will see birds of all shapes, colors, and sizes flying overhead. It truly is breathtaking.

Some of the best golf courses in the area include:

. Litchfield Country Club
. Willbrook Plantation
. True Blue
. TPC of Myrtle Beach

The above are just a few of the top golf courses available. Litchfield and Willbrook courses are both owned by the same company. This allows you to play both courses in the same day for a reduced rate. So if you want to play golf at Litchfield in the morning and then Willbrook in the afternoon you can do so for a discounted rate. The courses also open until late too which means you can play for as long as you like.

True Blue and the TPC of Myrtle Beach courses are two of the most challenging courses in the area. So they are therefore better suited to the more experienced golfer. Willbrook and Litchfield are better suited if you are a beginner. If you want scenic courses then the Blackmoor Golf Club and the Black Bear Golf Course are definitely for you.

Overall Myrtle Beach is known as the world’s number one golfing destination for many reasons. There is no other place on earth where you can get a better quality golfing experience. Not only can you enjoy the best golfing in the area but you can also experience the best in dining and shopping too. What more could you possibly ask for from a golfing destination? It doesn’t matter what level golfer you are, Myrtle Beach will always have a course to suit you.

Myrtle Beach area supports ban on texting

mnewton@thesunnews.com

Im drivn rgt now. Wat r u doin?

Some local residents and legislators are supportive of a push in national legislation - which debuted last week - that would make this kind of text illegal.

"I'm certainly in favor of it," said Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island. "That's like using a typewriter while driving, and it's a very, very dangerous thing to do. I just don't see how anybody can concentrate on driving while text messaging. I have nothing against text messaging, just not while you're driving."


The legislation, pushed by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would require states to ban texting or e-mailing while operating a moving vehicle or lose 25 percent of their annual federal highway funding.

As a first step, President Obama signed an executive order last week banning all federal workers from texting while driving on government business, driving government vehicles or using government equipment.

Rachana Barai of Myrtle Beach said people should be able to talk on the phone, but not text.

"Your one hand is on the keyboard and the other is on the steering wheel," she said. "You can be a very skilled driver, but you tend to make mistakes when you're texting."

Paul Jankowiak of Myrtle Beach said he's all for the texting ban.

"I so often see people just multitasking in a vehicle, and it's the worst place to multitask," he said. "So many people don't know what that 2,000- to 3,000-pound vehicle can do in a nanosecond if you're not paying attention."

South Carolina does not have a law banning texting while driving, but 18 states - including North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee and Arkansas - have already passed laws making texting while driving illegal, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Myrtle Beach police Capt. David Knipes said texting while driving is a problem.

"You just ride down the street and you'd see it. There's no law against it, so there's not a whole lot we can do at this time," he said. "I'm sure it has caused accidents, but I have no telling exactly how many."

Rep. Carl Anderson, D-Georgetown, said there's been a mention of passing a state law, but that many legislators were waiting to see what would happen on a national level.

"I don't do a lot of texting while driving unless someone [else] is driving, but I do answer my phone, but I try to keep it to a limit," he said. "Some people can control themselves, but when we talk about young people, they get all geared up and they get deep into the conversation and they can't concentrate on the road. They're all into it and their minds are there, too, and a lot of times, they're not paying attention to the road."

The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 5,870 people were killed and 515,000 were injured last year in crashes connected to driver distraction, often involving mobile devices or cell phones.

Driver distraction was involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008 and was more prevalent among young drivers, according to the Transportation Department.

Knipes said he will need some more details about the legislation before he decides on its effectiveness.

If it is passed as a primary reason for law enforcement to pull drivers over, that would be much more beneficial than a secondary reason, which could only be considered after a person was pulled over for another offense, he said.

"Obviously, anything that you can do to focus the driver's attention on the road is a good thing," Knipes said. "Obviously, if you're texting while you're driving, you're not paying proper attention to the road like you should be."

Even people who admit to doing the act say they support the legislation.

"It's hard because I'm guilty of it, but I understand the dangers. I think they should ban it," said Amanda Doyle of Socastee. "It's convenient, but it would make the roads a little bit safer."

Megan Netemeyer of Myrtle Beach called texting while driving "very dangerous."

"I do it and I find myself in sticky situations. I think it should be banned," she said. "I'll be the first person to buy one of those things that you just stick your phone down in and you can talk through your car."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Contact MONIQUE NEWTON at 626-0310.

Top 5 Beaches in the World

William Brister http://www.travelonguide.com

The lure of the bronze sun, vast azure skies and the endless blue-green oceans on a tropical paradise beach resort make for a perfect holiday destination. With hundreds of beautiful beaches to choose from, some have been given the distinction of being the best beaches in the world. Some of these resorts are listed below.

1) Kaanapali, Hawaii
One of the most populated, popular best beaches in Maui, Hawaii, Kanapali is a paradise on earth. It is located in West Maui, two miles north of the historic whaling town of Lahaina and is surrounded by numerous elegant hotels and condominiums. The beach is three miles long and is full of fun-filled activities where you can snorkel, windsurf, jet-ski, parasail and even kayak. It is divided into two separate long stretches by a massive 300 foot cinder cone Puu Keka known as the Black Rock. The rock divides the sand into two and swimmers find themselves bathing in deep water. The rugged lava coastline around the Rock is also an outstanding snorkeling spot, one of the best on the island. Swimming in the crystal clear waters is safe throughout the year but best outside the season of high winter surfs.

2) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

With 60 miles of pristine beach, Myrtle Beach water sports and Myrtle Beach fishing are the finest among the different beaches in America. Besides lazing and tanning in the tropical sun, the soft wide beach provides ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, parasailing, shell collecting and volleyball.

Although your fun begins at the beach, the best attraction always, there is plenty more to do at Myrtle Beach. Besides beautiful beaches, it has delectable food, amusement parks, variety of shopping malls, lively nightlife and adventure sports. With hundreds of attractions, both indoors and outdoors, Myrtle Beach offers fun and excitement for all ages to enjoy.

This beautiful beach resort has more than 100 professional golf courses, a NASCAR sanctioned track, minor league baseball as well as tennis. You can take a deep sea fishing adventure from eight different piers or fish the backwaters and creeks all the way from Little River to Pawleys Island on the South Carolina coast. Moreover, there is a wildlife sanctuary where you are likely to spot alligators and deer combined with several boat tours to give you a real feel of the place.

3) Cancun, Mexico

Cancun is truly known as the vacation haven of the 21st century with gorgeous beaches of white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Having started off as a fishing village of only 120 people, Cancun is now a bustling beach resort with a population of half a million and a tourist onslaught of more than two million a year. One of Mexico's popular and best beaches it features world class resorts, hotels, clubs and malls. It offers something for people of all ages whether it an all-day fun at the beach or an isolated, tranquil island. It is close to Miami and has a number of activities to choose from like parachuting, jet-skiing, scuba-diving and golf. Topless bathing is an accepted activity in and around the surrounding areas of Cancun.

With striking modern hotels along the beach front and a lively nightlife, it is a fantastic getaway for the weary traveler. It encloses a huge lagoon, with water on both sides. Also, much of the Yucatan is easily accessible from here. There are two quite separate parts to Cancn: the zona commercial downtown which houses the shopping and residential centre and the zona hotelera - a string of hotels and tourist amenities around the Cancn Island. This is a narrow strip of sandy beach connected to the mainland at each end by causeways.

4) Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is known for its long sandy stretch of bay with miles of coral reef and some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the world. Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city and rests between the gently sloping hills of Bogue, Kempshot and Salem. It extends approximately ten miles from the suburban rich area of Reading at its western edge to the plush villas and resort hotels of Ironshore and Rose Hall to the east.

Montego Bay is made up of two distinct parts The Gloucester Avenue now called the Hip Strip and the city proper or the downtown.

All along the coastline are beautiful luxury hotels with three main public beaches which offer all amenities and several water sports. For a quieter and tranquil atmosphere you can head to the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Beach Park, east of the town of Ironshore.

Montego Bay offers a wide variety of entertainment and sporting activities. From fun on the beach to the delicious food served at the waterfront, white water rafting and adventure sports, catamaran rides and fishing charters, it has it all.

5) Phuket, Thailand

Sand between your toes, stunning tropical sunsets, cold drink in your hand and warm blue inviting seas this is picture perfect Phuket. This island is known for its silky soft beaches, superb oriental hospitality and great value accommodation. You can go diving in the Andaman Sea, golfing at championship courses or indulge in exciting eco-adventures in the tropical forest of Phuket. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to surrounding islands or a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay, or simply enjoy Phukets vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach.

Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is a large island in the Indian Ocean. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the town is known for its quaint Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.