Downtown Hotels and Events

All This and Heaven Too - South Carolina Coastline - Courtesy Google images

I’m lying supine, fingers clasped under my head, stretched out on warm white sand under warmer August skies that go from sunny to cloudy and again sunny. The distant black clouds spell a thunderstorm. It just might rain! The Atlantic changes its hues from azure to cerulean to cobalt on the sun dappled expanse, yet never far from the promised limpid blue of the waters under the luminous vault. As I breathe in the ancient smell of the sea laced with the balsamic odor of the myrtle I am engulfed in the timeless music of the breakers oblivious to the crowds around me. You know the kind of feeling you get when you go underwater into sensuous nothingness.

The beach is the only reason why I am here. The legendary South Carolina coastline is best enjoyed at Myrtle Beach. The area stretches south from the South Carolina state line at Little River to Georgetown. None of the assembled attractions here can really ever detract from the Neptunian palette of tones and timbres proffered so generously in this part of the world. The lush wax myrtle growing here in such profusion is a case in point. In fact, it was in honor of this local shrub that the town was named Myrtle Beach.

Weather is one of the main reasons that people choose to vacation in Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand. The mild winters and warm summers are just right for enjoying the beach. Having turned into a year-round destination, it now has added attractions, that offer wide variety of family amusements and entertainment. People also come here for golfing, sightseeing, and live theater that are major draws. The Travel Channel votes it the “Best Family Beach.”

It’s been estimated that Myrtle Beach receives ten million tourists every year. Besides the coast line, it is the golf courses, amusement parks, the aquarium, theater, and now the grand new Rock Center that is bringing visitors by the droves. The place is home to scores of hotels, many of which are beach front hotels. And so a word from the wise. Get online on to Downtown Myrtle Beach hotel site to organize the logistics for an untroubled holiday. Other attractions here include fishing, visiting the State Park, browsing the larger than life shopping complexes (check out the Broadway at the Beach or Coastal Grand Mall), enjoying a movie night out at the IMAX theater or experimenting the cuisine.

Being a nature freak heading to the Myrtle Beach State Park was just a natural inclination. It is a small state park located nearby with several miles of forest and stretches along the Atlantic Ocean. The wide open beach and the fishing pier are an angler’s delight. Campgrounds in the oceanfront woods create a spell of their own and this natural retreat in the middle of Myrtle Beach takes you to a pristine time. It remains the last of easily accessible oceanfront maritime forest. I learned about dolphins, sea turtles and the abundant bird and plant life that grace the woodlands.

For the likes of me the Huntington Beach State Park offered greater respite. Its a large sandy beach featuring several species of birds of the southeast coast of the United States. With fewer beach goers, you get to see all kinds of ducks and waders in the marshes. A small jetty attracts ocean birds like gannets, loons and scoters who assemble here. The occasional razorbills and murres also pass by HBSP as the park is addressed by local birders. Its rightfully a bird watchers haven. Sadly there were no shells on the beach around here.

Myrtle Beach is a synonym for golf! It is decidedly the Golf Capital of the World with 120 golf courses and a record 4.2 million rounds played. To top this there are as many as 50 miniature golf courses. A whole lot of the golf courses open to the public are set amidst unique and magnificent coastal settings. The community settled here enjoys hitting the dimpled ball as much as it loves following the action of legendary players who come here to play regularly.

Blessed with year-round sunshine and balmy ocean breezes, Myrtle Beach offers premier opportunities for recreation – whenever you visit. A comprehensive list of exciting options await you here. Arts and crafts fairs, cultural celebrations, professional baseball games or just to enjoy a soulful concert under the stars.

Myrtle Beach is part of the Grand Strand spread out on sandy white beaches along the beautiful blue Atlantic Ocean. You can make it your destination for some good old fun and relaxation. You get the finest in entertainment and dining establishments stretched out all the way.

While here you may check out the concert scene thats part of the town’s repertoire for entertainment. The Carolina Opry theater has three shows every week and is celebrating Gilmore’s Good Vibrations featuring the music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, along with comedy from the era. Its turned out to be huge draw that every one’s been taking about getting rave reviews in national press!

A stunning new attraction is the Hard Rock Park that has families rollicking to the beats of rock music. Apparently the family that rocks together stays together. The 55-acre amusement park is a place where the music is everywhere and besides defined sections, rides and live music has the synergies of best rock legends – Eagles, Moody Blues and Led Zeppelin pitching in for some rocking times. Intriguing nostalgia here.

The 2008 Sun Fun Summer Concert Series at the Grand Park goes through all of August to feature - The Tams Beach music with the Legends, Key West Band – Tribute to Jimmy Buffet and the grand finale with Still Cruzin´along with the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival. Also, Plyer Park and Ocean Boulevard will have street performers and musical concerts every Tuesday and Saturday, celebrating the summer with entertainment and fireworks throughout August. In fact downtown fireworks are scheduled every Wednesday at the Second Avenue Pier making for some awesome experience at dusk.

Ocean water lovers are going to love jet-skiing, para sailing or taking dolphin cruises that allow them to explore the Atlantic. Foodies can explore the umpteen restaurants offering both casual and specialized dining – what ever suits the mood. You have Bovine’s, Bubba’s, City Bar, Latitude 22, River City Cafe, Benjamin’s and Wahoos that you can experiment one by one to discover a host of specialties. Find your spot to satisfy your senses for a quick getaway or a long deserved holiday. There is much to do and enjoy here – from simply breathing in the air, to strolling or to living it up! You may even enjoy leisurely shopping experiences at the unique malls or local markets.

Do remember a few essentials though. Don’t forget your sun block. Nor your water bottle. The public beaches such as Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach are free. But be warned most beaches here do not have life guards - so stay alert. Pet dogs are allowed on the beaches in summer time only during early morning hours and late evenings. Summer sure does have an attitude – at Myrtle Beach. Live up to yours.