Myrtle Beach: A Pirate's Guide To The Grand Strand

Crusin' The Coast Bike Rally 2011

2011-05-10T21:29:00.000-04:00

Three part series for this year's bike rally!

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Darlington

2011-04-28T21:38:00.000-04:00

Darlington Raceway

Winter Specials!

2011-02-24T12:35:00.001-05:00

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/winter-vaction-deals-myrtle-beach-sc/

Can-Am Days in Myrtle Beach!

2011-02-22T12:24:00.003-05:00

Check out all about Can-Am Days here!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/50th-anniversary-celebration-of-canadian-american-days-festival-myrtle-beac/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T06:23:00.001-05:00

Georgetown, South Carolina

Time for Christmas!!!!!

2010-11-13T17:00:00.000-05:00

I am really excited to be going to Dickens Christmas Festival.

I wrote about it on VisitSouth.com if you would like to know more about this awesome way to start the Christmas Season.

Dickens Christmas Fest:

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/dickens-christmas-show-festival-week-myrtle-beach-sc/

Ultimate California Pizza, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-10-18T12:49:00.000-04:00

Pizza

Need I say more?Well I did....LOL...Read about it on

VisitSouth.com

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

Gazebo Inn, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-10-11T12:15:00.000-04:00

Sometimes you just need a el cheapo place to stay...try this one!

La Belle Amie Vineyard, Little River, SC

2010-10-08T12:10:00.001-04:00

I really adore this Winery. They do great festivals and are very welcoming. I wrote all about them on VisitSouth.Com.

Blenheim Ginger Ale, Hammer, SC

2010-10-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

How about a spicy LOCAL Ginger Ale? Read all about it here!

Shag City Grill at Fat Harold’s Beach Club, North Myrtle Beach,SC

2010-10-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

Read about the best burger at the beach here!

The Children's Museum of South Carolina, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-09-30T12:53:00.000-04:00

Need a good Rainy Day option while at the Beach?

Try this!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T08:39:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T00:36:00.000-04:00

35th annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival

2010-09-21T12:24:00.004-04:00

I love fall at the beach. The air smells fresh, the locals are happy to have their town back, and festivals are at a premium!

I just wrote an article for VisitSouth.com about my favorite festival.

I can't wait until this weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T08:02:00.002-04:00

1st Day of School

Crafty Fun In Myrtle Beach

2010-08-03T12:32:00.003-04:00

Read all about the 28th Annual Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival, Myrtle Beach, SC

Shop!

Fireworks On The 4th

2010-06-25T14:51:00.002-04:00

We have plenty to choose from on the Grand Strand!

Fireworks

Get Married at The Beach

2010-06-21T12:38:00.009-04:00

Check out my wedding suggestions at VisitSouth.com!

This photo was taken by the best photographer in Myrtle Beach and he was nice enough to let me use it for my article. Check out more of his work here.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T02:30:00.001-04:00

Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Yummy Lunch in Myrtle Beach

2010-05-30T10:06:00.000-04:00

The husband finally took me to his favorite lunch spot...oh my!

Dagwoods Rocks....read about it here

Ripley’s Aquarium Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-05-29T07:32:00.000-04:00

Don't let the rain get you down when you are in Myrtle Beach....Visit the Ripley's Aquarium!

I wrote all about it HERE!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-26T00:55:00.001-04:00

MORE Memorial Day 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-05-25T07:58:00.003-04:00

Fishing and MEMORIAL Day go hand and hand on the Grand Strand!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/11th-annual-dixie-chicken-funament-north-myrtle-beachsc/

Memorial Day 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-05-23T20:44:00.000-04:00

Looking for something to do for Memorial Day? Come on down to the beach!?!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/memorial-day-2010-myrtle-beach-sc/

Foodie Paradise....Myrtle Beach!?!

2010-05-21T12:31:00.000-04:00

It is a great week to love food at the beach!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/coastal-uncorked-may-16-23-2010-myrtle-beach-sc/

Building A Great Day!

2010-05-20T20:26:00.002-04:00

Horry / Georgetown Home Builder’s Association’s 30th Annual Home Show, Myrtle Beach, SC
Build a great home on the Grand Strand
by Laura Barnett May 16, 2010
0 Comments
One of the Grand Strand’s most popular events has returned to the Spring season. The Horry-Georgetown Home Builders Association will host the 30th Annual Home Show on May 21-23, 2010.

Everything you could want or need for your home will be showcased at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This year’s show will highlight “going green” and the three day affair will be completely powered with Santee Cooper Green Power.

Over 300 exhibitors will showcase their wares and services, as well as host seminars and demonstrations. I am excited about attending the Back Yard Wildlife Habitat Seminar. The featured speakers for this year’s event will be the finalists of NBC’s hit reality TV series The Biggest Loser, Ed Brantley and Heba Salama.

Local experts will also be on hand to discuss home and lifestyle issues. The Association is once again encouraging the public to donate to the House of Cans Project to benefit local food banks (my husband’s company 84 Lumber really enjoy this project) and the popular Pet House Project to assist The Grand Strand Humane Society.

Myrtle Beach Insider’s Tip: $1 off the admission price coupon… Click Here!

30th Annual Home Show

2101 North Oak Street

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Friday May 21: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Saturday May 22: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday May 23: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

$6 single day pass/$10 3-day pass/Kids 16 and under are Free!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-05-05T03:40:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day Gifts

2010-05-04T12:52:00.000-04:00

Nothing makes this Mama happier than some pampering!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/body-soul-spa-and-fitness-center-myrtle-beach-sc/

Brookgreen Gardens

2010-05-02T08:17:00.000-04:00

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/brookgreen-gardens-murrells-inlet-sc/

El Cerro Grande, Murrell's Inlet, SC

2010-04-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/el-cerro-grande-murrells-inlet-sc/

Little Pigs Bar-B-Q, Myrtle Beach, SC

2010-04-29T07:43:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't love some Bar- B- Q? Here is an article I wrote for VisitSouth.com about some good stuff in Myrtle Beach... http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/little-pigs-bar-b-q-myrtle-beach-sc/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T00:37:00.000-04:00

My friends were visiting from Kentucky this week so this cutie pie got to eat his first Krispy Kreme.....it wasn't his last!

Mother's Day Gifts

2010-04-27T08:43:00.003-04:00

If you have a Mama that loves the beach here is the perfect place to buy her a gift.

/http://www.madebymeg.net/

The rings are my favorite but she also makes lovely necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

And guess what?!?

I have a great deal for you but it only lasts to the end of April so take care of your Mama (or yourself) right away!

As a THANK YOU for reading my blog here is a 15% off promo code for the month of April to purchase fantastic beach glass jewelery
promo code: Laurab
(enter it in the shopping cart section and then hit the recalculate button to see the savings)

Blessing of the Inlet Murrells Inlet

2010-04-27T08:29:00.000-04:00

The most anticipated event in Murrells Inlet is Saturday May 1st!

Read about it here:

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/belin-memorial-united-methodist-church-murrells-inlet-sc/

Darlington Raceway

2010-04-26T07:49:00.002-04:00

I am pretty much a girly girl, but several years ago some tickets came open along side the boys of the family for the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. Back then it was was held on Labor Day so my mother, now sister-in-law, and I decided to tag along for the fun. We were immediately addicted.The roar of the engines, the smell of burning rubber, the excited crowds.For years we made annual treks to the races from Kentucky, sadly the Labor Day race ended in 2004 and I also became pregnant with my first child around the same time...ok ok exactly the same time...then came my niece and of course carefree jaunts to racetracks we over......at least until now. My baby turned just turned six and now we live about an hour from the track so this year we are going to start a new tradition for the race that is now ran on Mother's Day weekend......and I can't think of anything more fitting!http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/2010-showtime-southern-500-darlington-raceway-darlington-sc/

2010-04-19T13:57:00.001-04:00

This family festival looks like so much fun!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/family-fitness-festival-fun-run-2010-myrtle-beachsc/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T13:08:00.006-04:00

Six years ago today my 4 pound baby boy came bursting into my life two whole months early.
He has been on his own schedule ever since...Happy Birthday John Blue!

Breakfast in the Lowcountry

2010-04-05T11:53:00.001-04:00

Read all about it ...

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/thomas-cafe-georgetown-sc/

Flos is a Celebration!

2010-03-26T19:36:00.002-04:00

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/flos-place-restaurant-murrells-inlet-sc

Beer Fest in Myrtle Beach

2010-03-23T22:28:00.002-04:00

Enjoy the Market Common....and some beer!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/2nd-annual-myrtle-beach-beer-fest-myrtle-beach-sc/

A Lovely Place to Stay----On the cheap

2010-03-22T19:16:00.005-04:00

Read More about the Sandcastle South in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at VisitSouth.com

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/sandcastle-south-beach-resort-myrtle-beach-sc/

Spring Break at the Beach

2010-03-11T13:36:00.005-05:00

Well Spring Break has offically kicked off the tourist season here in Myrtle Beach. I wrote about the nightlife options for Visit South, Please check it out.....

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/spring-break-night-life-2010-myrtle-beach-sc/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T07:39:00.004-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-02T19:02:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you even have to fight your own teammates for the ball

Spring Break Night Life 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC - VisitSouth.com

2010-02-28T22:52:00.001-05:00

Get prepared for Spring Breack 2010 Night Life by reading my article for Visit South!

Spring Break Night Life 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC - VisitSouth.com

Wordless Wednesday ...well almost

2010-02-24T04:54:00.000-05:00

A salesman is always on the phone.

Prosser’s Bar-B-Que, Murrells Inlet, SC - VisitSouth.com

2010-02-23T17:21:00.001-05:00

Looking for a great place to eat , that also is wallet friendly?
Check out the article I wrote for http://www.visitsouth.com/

Prosser’s Bar-B-Que, Murrells Inlet, SC - VisitSouth.com

Lovely Day

2010-02-20T21:43:00.005-05:00

Hard to believe that just a week ago the Lowcountry of South Carolina was hit with the largest snowstorm in ten years....especially since today was a perfect 65 degrees and very sunny. One week makes a big difference!

Wordless Wednesday ...well almost

2010-02-17T09:09:00.003-05:00

Snow in South Carolina?

Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach - VisitSouth.com

2010-02-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

Travel Guide to Myrtle Beach - VisitSouth.com

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-10T00:07:00.001-05:00

South Carolina Lifestyles Expo 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC - VisitSouth.com

2010-01-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Recent post of mine on VisitSouth.com

South Carolina Lifestyles Expo 2010, Myrtle Beach, SC - VisitSouth.com

Wordless Wednesday ...well almost

2010-01-27T00:07:00.000-05:00

Snapped a picture of the husband in his turnout gear ...took me back fifteen years to when we first fell in love.

2010-01-24T23:55:00.001-05:00

Here is an article I wrote for VisitSouth.com

Enjoy!

http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/sea-view-inn-pawleys-island-sc/

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-20T09:16:00.002-05:00

Extreme MakeOver : Home Edition in Horry County

2010-01-19T11:48:00.003-05:00

New Years Day at the Beach

2010-01-02T22:58:00.006-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-30T10:57:00.004-05:00

Christmas at the Beach

2009-12-24T16:03:00.002-05:00

Springmaid Beach Annual Arts & Craft Festival

2009-12-04T07:49:00.000-05:00

Springmaid Beach Annual Arts & Crafts Festival
December 4-6, 2009

The holidays come alive at the Springmaid Beach Annual Arts & Crafts Festival.

It’s the perfect place to find unique gifts, artistic and fun decorations, enjoy food and fun.
Held both inside and outside, the event features an incredible variety of booths from more than 200 vendors.

There’s truly something for everyone.

Check out things like:

•wood crafts
•various glass
•jewelry
•candles
•chocolates
•art
•much more
The event takes place inside and outside the four levels of the Ocean Front Conference Center Friday & Saturday from 9am – 5pm, and Sunday from 9am – 3pm.

Enjoy the various selections of food that the vendors have to offer outside on the lawn. Parking and admission is FREE!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T02:34:00.000-05:00

The Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway 14

2009-11-29T15:41:00.001-05:00

The Kim Komando Show Great Giveaway 14

Posted using ShareThis

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-25T02:29:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T08:42:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-28T07:33:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T00:45:00.000-04:00

Fall Is Here

2009-10-20T12:48:00.000-04:00

Fall is here

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-14T02:13:00.000-04:00

Fall on the Grand Strand

2009-10-12T08:53:00.000-04:00

Atalaya~ Huntington Beach
Georgetown

not scared

nachos...yum

Winyah Bay

More of The Pilgrimage Fall Bike Rally ~ Myrtle Beach

2009-10-11T08:49:00.003-04:00

Thomas Cafe ~ Historic District ~ Georgetown, South Carolina

2009-10-10T17:22:00.015-04:00

After a productive morning visiting the Farmer's Market in East Bay Park we were famished. We ventured into Historic Georgetown in search of breakfast. Thomas Cafe is located on the waterfront and is a local gem. After seventy five years in business this tasty restaurant is still going strong. On this unseasonably warm October morning the place was packed. We made our way into the rear of the establishment to the only empty table. Within seconds a lovely waitress in a homemade apron appeared to get our drink order and deliver menus. After a couple sips of freshly brewed coffee we placed our orders and watched the action in the cafe. Locals read their papers and talked politics while tourist were discussing their vacation highlights, but my eyes were focused on the little kitchen window I could see from my vantage point. I enjoyed watching a group of people that seemed to love cooking.

And did I mention they are very good at it? My guys both had a huge plate of Biscuits and Gravy.The husband also had two fried eggs that were cooked to perfection. The biscuits were light and fluffy, a perfect accompaniment to the creamy sausage gravy. I normally don't eat omelets outside my home because most restaurants over cook the eggs to get the filling to the right temperature. This is not the case at the Thomas Cafe, my "cafe omelet" was the blackboard special of the day, and it was out of this world. The delicate eggs were laced with mushrooms, bacon, spinach and cheddar cheese.Normally they serve it with Swiss cheese but granted my request for a Cheddar swap without even an eye roll! As wonderful as the omelet was the grits on my plate were the showstopper. Salted to perfection, creamy yet substantial. I would swim the waterway just for those grits. Lightly browned toast completed the plate.

Not only was the food fantastic but so was the service. Our sweet waitress never let our drinks go unattended and brought fresh drinks for us to take to go. Although this was our first trip to Thomas Cafe it will not be our last...I am already dreaming of the grits in the form of shrimp and grits for my next visit.
Thomas Cafe

703 Front Street

Georgetown, Sc

http://www.thomascafe.net/

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-07T10:05:00.001-04:00

The Pilgrimage Fall Bike Rally ~ Myrtle Beach

2009-10-03T19:59:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T08:41:00.002-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-23T11:33:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-16T11:16:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-09T12:12:00.003-04:00

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Game

2009-09-07T18:41:00.003-04:00

Nothing celebrates the end of Summer like baseball. Last Night we attended the Myrtle Beach Pelicans final Sunday night game of the regular season. We had a brief drizzle of rain but that did not dampen our quest to cheer on our local minor league team. This is a great low cost activity in Myrtle Beach (as low as $7.00 for a ticket). Just stay out of the concession stand to keep your evening out reasonable, although the hot dogs were fantastic and you can purchase delicious boiled peanuts.
We even got a shout in the local paper...

Pelicans' summer fun at an end today - Local - The Sun News

2009-09-07T17:07:00.000-04:00

Pelicans' summer fun at an end today - Local - The Sun News

Shared via AddThis

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-02T09:50:00.000-04:00

Labor Day On The Grand Strand

2009-09-01T20:11:00.000-04:00

Looking for something to do during the Holiday Weekend?Here is a list of what's happening along the Grand Strand during the Labor Day Weekend.
Sept. 4-5
Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival at Grand Park (former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base). The festival features family-friendly entertainment and events including live music, car show, food and arts and crafts. Last year the fireworks were great and the BBQ is outstanding. www.sunfunfestival.com/beachboogiebbq

Sept. 4-5
Seaside United Methodist Church hosts the 2009 Country Fair at 7 a.m. both days featuring jewelry, baked goods, crafts, auction and more. There will be a pancake breakfast, which is $4.00 and pasta dinner, which is $6. 00.

Sept. 4-5
The Oceanfront Merchants Association and the city of Myrtle Beach sponsor music and fireworks at Plyler Park. Soul Function performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 4 and Hot Sauce performs at 8 p.m. Sept. 5 followed by the fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Sept. 5.

Sept. 4-7
Labor Day Weekend Grand Finale Celebration at Broadway at the Beach has concerts, fireworks, Shopping sales, Food, and much more
http://www.broadwayatthebeach.com/.

Sept. 5
Artists and crafters are invited to exhibit in the 20th annual Oak Island Art Guild Arts & Crafts Festival at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival is only open to vendors who make their own craft or art.

Sept. 5
The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum presents "25 Years of Jonathan Green" Sept. 5 through Jan. 3. The exhibition of is part of the museum's Permanent Collection, will be showcased in the newly named Grace Martin Matlock Education Galleries.

Sept. 5
The Summer Breeze Music Fest at La Belle Amie Vineyard

Sept. 5
First Saturday Art Walk from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. in downtown Conway. The art walk features art work, live music, craft demonstrations, wine tastings and more. During the art walk is a lovely time to check out Conway.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-26T02:53:00.000-04:00

First Day Of School

Best Of The Beach 2009

2009-08-21T20:43:00.006-04:00

Got something to say about Myrtle Beach? It is that time of year when The Sun News holds their annual Best of the Beach poll.

Locals vote in the Readers Choice

http://www.thesunnews.com/

and Visitors vote

http://www.thesunnews.com/myrtlebeachonline/

Voting will run from 6 a.m., 8/21 until 5 p.m., 8/30

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-19T02:55:00.001-04:00

Myrtle Beach in USA Today

2009-08-17T00:44:00.005-04:00

Amusement mecca Myrtle Beach, S.C., offers deep discounts

By Laura Bly, USA TODAY
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — When times were flush, the mom-and-pop motels, condos and vacation rentals strung along a 60-mile stretch of Atlantic coast dubbed the Grand Strand would deliver the same message to footloose August travelers: "Sorry, No Vacancy."
This summer, a sign at Myrtle Beach's Sea Hawk motel reflects a new reality: "We Appreciate And Need Your Business."
And, for the most part, tourist-dependent establishments in one of the South's most popular bargain beach and golf destinations are getting it.
Sure, they've had to slash room rates, boost free concerts and golf rounds, and offer more coupon specials. Yes, cost-conscious vacationers are subbing all-you-can-eat seafood buffets for groceries from Piggly Wiggly, or cutting their stays from one or two weeks to a long weekend. What's more, many Myrtle Beach merchants are still grousing about lost sales after the city voted to crack down on the hundreds of thousands of bikers who roar through on rallies each May.
But the combination of this year's cheaper gas (at least 90% of the area's 14 to 15 million annual visitors drive to get here) and plentiful discounts appears to be paying off. Myrtle Beach had its busiest Fourth of July weekend in four years and hopes for a strong Labor Day and fall golf season as well, despite a 1% increase in the city sales tax that will go toward increased tourism promotion.
At the oceanfront Myrtle Beach State Park, campsites ($29.80-$33.16 a day) are sold out every weekend, and visitor numbers are up considerably from last year. "People tell me they're giving the kids a choice: 'Do you want to stay in a motel and eat out for two days, or camp for a week and cook our own hot dogs?' " says entrance gate staffer Gina Daniels. "It's an easy decision."
ABC commentator Cokie Roberts famously chastized then-candididate Barack Obama for vacationing in "foreign, exotic" Hawaii instead of Myrtle Beach last year, and the Grand Strand's centerpiece is famous for garish billboards, pancake parlors and beachwear emporiums touting 79-cent shark tooth necklaces, free hermit crabs and NOTHING OVER $5.99 (fine print: "special sections only").
Despite a plethora of "gentleman's clubs" — now-defunct Hooters Air was based here, and area golf courses are a big draw for buddy trips — families and couples are mainstays of the Myrtle Beach vacation scene. So are values, from mini-golf courses touting all-day play for $10 a person to free shagging lessons at Fat Harold's Beach Club in neighboring North Myrtle Beach. (No, shagging has nothing to do with the area's strip joints or hitting practice balls: It refers to a popular 1940s step that is now the official state dance.)
One of Myrtle Beach's signature attractions, a beachfront amusement park called The Pavilion, was torn down three years ago — leaving an empty lot and recriminations from nostalgic regulars. But fans of coasters and cotton candy still have options.
At Family Kingdom, an all-day pass to rides like the Swamp Fox coaster and the biggest Ferris wheel in the state costs $23.50. This month, North Myrtle Beach opened the family-friendly O.D. Pavilion and Amusement Park overlooking the Atlantic on the main drag, Ocean Drive.
And Myrtle Beach's former Hard Rock Park, which went bankrupt a few months after its debut last year, reopened this spring as Freestyle Music Park with a softer image, more kid-oriented rides and sharply lower prices. Now, admission is as low as two for $19.99, vs. $50 per person during the park's former incarnation.
"This is a big discount market," says operations director Brian Blanchard, "and everybody is looking for deals."
That includes Bostonian John Gaston-Perry, who has driven down to join extended family for a week at a time-share. Out early on a steamy Saturday morning, he's bragging about bargains between practice swings at a Myrtle Beach driving range. He is impressed with a new weeknight offer at the nearby Tupelo Bay executive course — two play for the price of one, including a cart — and even happier with the used set of eight Mizuno irons he picked up for a song at a local golf store.
For his wife, Jeannine, low prices are merely a bonus after a cold and rainy New England summer. "I'm here for the beach," she says. "And the weather."

IF YOU GO
Getting there: Seven commercial and charter airlines fly to Myrtle Beach International Airport, midway along the Grand Strand that extends from Little River, S.C., to Georgetown, S.C.
Where to stay: Most lodgings are independently owned, from small motels to towering oceanfront condos. Through Sept. 26, Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort (800-793- 6507, myrtlebeachbestbuy.com) offers two-night packages starting at $212 per room that include water park, miniature golf and amusement park passes. Through Oct. 31, Oceana Resorts (866-469-7853, oceanaresorts.com) offers 50% discounts at several properties.Through September, select weekly vacation rentals are 30% to 55% off at Elliot Beach Rentals (888-669-7853, northmyrtlebeachtravel.com).
Where to eat: Seafood dominates, from all-you-can-eat buffets to the Sea Captain's House, a 1930 beach cottage famous for its she-crab soup. At the southern end of the Grand Strand, the Marsh Walk at Murrells Inlet offers a string of restaurants with just-off-the-boat fare.
What to do: With more than 50 area courses, Myrtle Beach is the self-proclaimed Mini-Golf Capital of the World (the Masters National ProMiniGolf Championship is held here in October). Regulation golfers can tee off from more than 100 courses; check Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday (800-845-4653 or golfholiday.com) for packages and info.
Live entertainment includes The Carolina Opry (800-843-6779 or thecarolinaopry.com), Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede (800-433-4401 or dixiestampede.com) and Alabama Theatre (800-342-2262 or alabama-theatre.com).
Information: Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (800-356-3016, visitmyrtlebeach.com).

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/affordableamerica/2009-08-13-myrtle-beach_N.htm

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-12T02:34:00.001-04:00

A Summer Visit To Kentucky

Craft Show in Myrtle Beach

2009-08-07T11:26:00.003-04:00

Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Arts and Crafts Festival is this weekend at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Artists and craftsmen will be displaying pottery, jewelry, glass, fine art, sculpture, photography, wood, toys, furniture, clothing and many other things.My favorite is the specialty foods.
The Craftsmen’s Summer Classic Arts and Crafts Festival was named a “Top 20 Event” by the Southeast Tourism Society and is in its 27th year.
The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday (August 7 and 8) and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday (August 9). Admission is $7 for adults and $1 for children ages 6-12 but please check out The Sun News or the website for a dollar off admission. You may also re enter the whole weekend on the same pass...how great is that?
http://www.craftshow.com/.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T21:01:00.003-04:00

Meeting Street Methodist Church

Charleston South Carolina

Free Pastry at Starbucks on July 21

2009-07-20T18:10:00.000-04:00

http://www.starbucks.com/retail/print_free_pastry.html

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-15T13:11:00.006-04:00

My neighbors all decked out for the Fourth

Myrtle Beach abuzz with live music - Entertainment - The Sun News

2009-07-12T15:22:00.003-04:00

A very nice part of living in ( or visiting) the Myrtle Beach Area is the ability to enjoy live music. I saw the following article in the paper this week and thought I would share.

Myrtle Beach abuzz with live music - Entertainment - The Sun News

Shared via AddThis

Myrtle Beach area travel desires rising - Business - The Sun News

2009-07-11T20:25:00.002-04:00

Good news!

Myrtle Beach area travel desires rising - Business - The Sun News

Shared via AddThis

El Cerro Grande

2009-07-05T19:20:00.010-04:00

In our last hometown we had a superb Mexican restaurant. We were so infatuated with thisplace, that it wasn't uncommon for us to eat there two or three times a week. Since we moved to the Myrtle Beach area we had not had a single Mexican food outing. So last week we decided to start the search for a local Mexican joint to call our own.

El Cerro Grande is located on Hwy 17 Business close to where Garden City becomes Murrells Inlet. We chose to dine inside in the air conditioning as opposed to the tree shaded patio due to the Grand Strand's heat wave. The restaurant was clean and had tons of bright colors. This was consistent with our old trusty hangout. After we were seated into our booth, our server delivered the customary chips and salsa, to which we added and order of cheese dip. The salsa was mild with a chunky texture and the chips were warm, but standard fare. Unfortunately, the meal had not provided too much excitement so far.

We browsed the menu and I ordered a T-bone steak accompanied by refried beans and rice. The steak was cooked medium well and covered in grilled onions, peppers, and tomatoes. My husband had the burritos deluxe that consisted of one beef and one chicken burrito, topped with lettuce, tomatoes and covered with cheese and sour cream. The little one went for the standard cheese quesadilla, rice and refried beans. The highlight of our meal was the home made flour tortillas, they were especially good.

Overall, I must say that the food was not bad, but it was not extraordinary. If I had to sum it up in one word it would be average. Although I would like to point out that the service was very good. Our waiter was quick on refills and had a great personality. So, the search for our new favorite Mexican restaurant continues.

If you have any suggestions please feel free to send us an email or leave a comment.

El Cerro Grande

3201 S Hwy 17

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Fourth of July in Myrtle Beach Area

2009-07-01T13:25:00.007-04:00

Fourth of July means fun here in Myrtle Beach! Here is a link to everything going on in the area...

http://www.thesunnews.com/1171

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T07:49:00.001-04:00

Legends Golf: Heathland The Stuff Legends Are Made Of!

2009-06-30T08:00:00.001-04:00

Heathland along with Moorland and Parkland golf courses make up the 1300 acre golf facility known as Legends, located just outside of Myrtle Beach. The resort boasts three championship golf course as well as practice facilities and also serves as home to The Classic Swing Golf School. The Moorland course was designed architect P.B. Dye, and is considered the most challenging of the three courses. The Parkland Courses was designed to favor more of an Augusta National type course, while the course I played, Heathland was structured similar to links style courses of the British Isles. Tom Doak modeled several holes after signatures holes from courses like Saint Andrews, Cruden Bay, Royal St. George, and Royal Lytham & St. Annes.

This course was designed with a links type theme, and the look and feel from the tee boxes let's you know that the goal was accomplished. The fairways are wide and rolling, with natural waste areas and rough. The tract really doesn't have a lot of water hazards; water only comes into play on a few holes in the form of streams. However don't let the lack of water and wide fairways fool you this course is well defended in true links style with pot bunkers. Some of the bunkers are worse than others, but all will test your shot making skill if you find yourself in one. The course does set up nicely for all skill levels, of course accuracy is always rewarded but errant shots are playable. The greens at Heathland are quite large, placing emphasis on club selection on approach shots. Pin placement may change your club choice by as many as one or two clubs. The undulating greens make being close to the flag essential. However if you do miss a green the bump and run is a great shot to have in your bag. I found the greens to be fast as well as firm. The contours also emphasized the need to be able to make a god stroke as well as judge speed.

We played in a scramble format so I can't really give you an ideal of what I would have scored playing my own shots, but I did feel that no one in our group was at a disadvantage. If I play this course again and probably will I think I will pay more attention to playing the correct side of the fairway and really watch my club selection on my approach shots. I really enjoyed the golf course and would recommended teeing it up at Heathland anytime.

For more information about Heathland and Legends Golf check them out on the web at www.legendsgolf.com

Salt Creek Cafe: Sunny Sunday Brunch

2009-06-28T19:25:00.010-04:00

I love Sunday brunch and I love Salt Creek Café, so I am deliriously happy they found each other. Salt Creek Café, located in Murrell’s Inlet, is stunning. A live oak tree shades the brick patio which features clothed tables and flickering candles. Inside is casually upscale with coastal blue and antique white walls with brick floors. Black and white beach themed photographs accent the walls. If you look closely at the pictures you may recognize the subjects. Recently, Salt Creek Café added a brunch menu available from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. every Sunday. You may order from the special brunch menu as well as the regular menu.

As we were seated in our booth, a carafe of ice water and glasses were delivered to our table followed by a bowl of complimentary cinnamon sugar puffs. The puffs were light as air and a wonderful way to start the meal. A must try at Salt Creek Café, is the three dollar Bloody Mary. Heavenly spiced, their homemade blend is the best on the Grand Strand. This morning my husband and I decided to each try a couple of different dishes off of the brunch menu. With sharing in mind, I ordered the Crab Cakes Benedict with a Creek gravy topped grit cake and fresh fruit ($12). The crab cakes were big on crab and light on filler. The hollandaise sauce was skillfully prepared, creamy and smooth. My husband ordered the Lobster Omelet with asparagus and Monterey Jack cheese ($12). The dish was also accompanied with a grit cake topped with Creek gravy and fresh fruit. The omelet was delightful and fluffy, and the lobster and asparagus made a superb filling, pairing nicely with the jack cheese. I have to say that the most adored part of my plate is the fried grit cake, covered with the house’s special creek gravy, oh my! The little one, ordered off of the regular menu, forgoing his usual cheese pizza, for shrimp and French fries ($6). I am assuming it was enjoyable, since no one got a bite off his plate. To finish off our meal the husband and I shared an enormous piece of decadent cheese cake, drizzled with a slightly tart raspberry coulis ($6). The little one got an oversized chocolate chip cookie.

To be honest, you will see Salt Creek Café appear often in this blog as it is our favorite local restaurant. We love the ambiance, the food, and above all the people. It was during a dinner in this restaurant that I felt, I truly became a local.

Salt Creek Café is located at 4660 Highway 17 Bypass, Murrell’s Inlet S.C.

Check them out on the web at http://www.saltcreekcafe.com/

High On The Hog: Prosser’s B-B-Q

2009-06-27T21:10:00.010-04:00

When we vacationed in the Myrtle Beach area, we always ate "high on the hog". We would save all year so we could eat anywhere we wanted and order whatever our heart desired, guilt free. Vacation meant freedom to be extravagant. One of the first lessons you learn when you move to a tourist town, is that you can not live as if you are on vacation. Well, you can but you would go broke before long. So you can imagine my excitement when I found out that one of the most talked about restaurants in Murrell's Inlet is inexpensive and delicious.

Prosser's Bar-B-Que sits on the corner of Hwy. 707 and Hwy. 17 Business in Murrell's Inlet. From the outside, it looks unassuming and the inside looks like a place you would expect to see Guy Fieri roll up in his convertible and shoot an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. The restaurant is very clean and neat, but it is a dive none the less. Alas, I was not here for the décor, I was here for the twenty four foot all you can eat buffet. If I had to pick only one reason to love Prosser's, it would have to be the fried chicken. Delicate, yet crisp, it taste as if your grandmother is in the back frying it just for you. Of course I can't neglect the deep fried pork chops that are so tender you can cut them with a fork. The buffet also has an array of fried seafood, including oysters, shrimp, deviled crab, clams, and flounder. There is also barbeque pork and chicken with Carolina vinegar sauce readily available. Oh my, did I forget to mention the chicken and dumplings? They are heavenly.

The bar is also packed with southern home-style sides. My favorites include sweet potato casserole with just the right amount of sweetness, butter beans, collard greens, or maybe the macaroni and cheese. As you can see there is plenty of great food to choose to from. There is also a salad bar with homemade croutons and salad dressings. My son's favorite is the biscuits; they are flatter than those that I make, but very tasty. I can't resist the lighter than air hush puppies while the husband can't stay away from the homemade pies and cakes. I adore the hummingbird cake. To wash this entire feast down, you must have some of the best sweet tea the beach has to offer.

Although Prosser's is considered a local's favorite on the Grand Strand, with the amount of food at such affordable prices it can definitely help you stretch your vacation dollars, and still eat "high on the hog"!

Prices: Lunch $7.50, Dinner $12.95, and children are priced according to their age.

Prosser's is open seven days a week for breakfast and lunch, and open for breakfast lunch and dinner Thursday through Saturday