Archive for May, 2010
Area Lifestyle, Entertainment, Events
For the past 58 years, Myrtle Beach has been kicking off the summer with the Sun Fun Festival. This festival, always located in different venues throughout the Myrtle Beach area, recently relocated to the Grand Park at the Market Common. This year the popular festival will be held June 4th from 5p.m. – 9p.m., and June 5th from 10a.m. – 9p.m. The festival is located just a short distance from your stay in Garden City and Surfside Beach.
Some of the things that you will find at this year’s Sun Fun Festival are live entertainment, celebrity meet and greets, Kids Zone, arts/crafts and food vendors, jet ski demonstrations, and fireworks. What makes this festival even more wonderful, is that it is free admission to all of the entertainment.
Here is the weekend lineup:
Friday will consist of two wonderful musical talents. The Castaways will be playing their “Beach, Soul, and Rock-n-Roll” tunes on the Main Stage from 5:30 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., followed by the band known for “feeling the mood of the audience”, Too Much Sylvia from 7:45 p.m. – 9p.m.
H2X Racing’s APBA National Jet Ski Championships will include personal watercraft racing and freestyle competitions. This event will be held beachfront between Damon’s Grill at 2985 S. Ocean Blvd., and Springmaid Beach Resort at 3200 S. Ocean Blvd.
On Saturday, the Sun Fun Festival will offer food, as well as arts and crafts vendors all day on both sides of the lake. The Kid’s Zone, featuring games, inflatables, and fun for the little ones, will be set up near the playground from 10a.m. – 5p.m.
If you venture to the lake, located in the middle of all of the festivities, you will find even more entertainment. Throughout the day there will be demonstrations of wakeboarding presented by Carolina Wake Sports, and Jet Skiing presented by H2X Racing 2007 Jet Ski US National Champion.
The day will begin with Character Meet and Greets for the kids in Tent #3 from 10a.m. – 2p.m. Here your child can meet the one and only Dora the Explorer from Nick Jr., or Nicktoon’s LastAirbender’s “Avatar”. The Celebrity Meet and Greet will begin in Tent #1, where you can meet Guiding Light’s Kim Zimmer from 10a.m. – 1p.m. Stop by Tent #2 for another Celebrity Meet and Greet with Booboo Stewart from the Twilight Saga: Eclipse from 12p.m. – 3p.m. Sterling Knight “Chad” from Sonny with a Chance, will end the Meet and Greet in Tent #1 from 2p.m. – 5p.m.
On Market Common’s Main Stage, you will find great entertainment by well-known artists. The Platinum Band will kickoff the concert series, with their vast array of musical genres, playing from 10a.m. – 11p.m. The Craig Woolard Band will follow from 12p.m. – 1p.m. The “yesteryear with a modern spin”, Necessary Band will energize the stage from 2p.m. – 3p.m. Don’t go far because the crowd-pleasing Tru Sol Band will be hitting the stage from 4p.m. – 5p.m, followed by Superglide rocking the 70’s and 80’s from 6p.m. – 7p.m. Then National Recording Artist, Uncle Kracker will hit the stage from 8p.m. – 10p.m.
Be sure to stay after Uncle Kracker’s performance, for the amazing Fireworks Extravaganza. The Sun Fun Festival has provided a weekend full of wonderful family events for decades! So load up the kids, and head to the beach for a fun-filled weekend of free entertainment. Contact Beach Realty now to reserve your stay in an oceanfront vacation home for the festival weekend, and ask about special rates on participating houses for the following week!
Tags: Myrtle Beach, Sun Fun Festival
Area Lifestyle, Vacationing
 To many, the Myrtle Beach area has been known for its’ award winning golf courses for many years. People continue to return to challenge themselves on the rolling vast fairways of the Grand Strand. However, there are several highly ranked courses located just to the south of Myrtle Beach; in Surfside Beach, Garden City, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island. Spend the day on one of these beautiful and challenging courses while on your vacation in Garden City or Surfside Beach.
Prestwick Country Club, a Pete and P.B. Dye 18 hole course, was previously voted “5 Best Kept Secret Courses in America” by Golf Digest. Continue with the beach-like feel on this course, offering sand dune berms, meandering streams, lakes, and stairway bunkers. This course also has six sets of tees to offer a challenging, but enjoyable game to all skill levels. Located on the north side of Surfside Beach, off of Hwy 544. Rates starting at $55.00.
These two courses are located minutes from Garden City or Surfside Beach vacation homes. In Garden City, Indian Wells Golf Club offers a recently renovated club house, and what is said to be one of the most challenging 18th holes in the Myrtle Beach area. Rates here are starting at $44.00. Just down the road, is Indigo Creek Golf Club, which was built on the former Indigo Plantation. Giant oak trees and meandering creeks add to the natural beauty, and decorate the fairways of this 18 hole course. Rates starting at $39.50 make this course very affordable, as well as enjoyable at any skill level.
Murrells Inlet also offers excellent choices in courses to play, easily accessible from Hwy 707 or Hwy 17 Business. Blackmoor Golf Club, Gary Player Signature Course, is located in Murrells Inlet just off of Highway 707. This is the only course in Myrtle Beach that was designed by a world renowned golf course architect. This course offers a challenging and enjoyable game to players of all ages  and abilities. Rates starting at $62.50. International Club located in Murrells Inlet, on International Club Blvd. This William Byrd designed course, offers five sets of tees, natural beauty, and challenging layout. Rates starting at $66.50. Tournament Players Club is located in Murrells Inlet off of Hwy 707. Designed by architect Tom Fazio, TPC is the only course in the Myrtle Beach are to have been awarded 5 stars by Golf Digest Magazine. This course has hosted the Senior Tour Championship, and is ranked one of the top courses in the country. Previously awarded “Top 10 Courses in South Carolina” by GolfWeek, and Top Courses You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. To update and improve the course, the greens and bunkers were recently replaced and refurbished. Rates starting at $90.50. Located a little farther south in Murrells Inlet, and just off of Hwy 17 Bypass is Wachesaw Plantation East, which received 4.5 stars by Golf Digest Magazine. With five sets of tees throughout the course, a challenge is offered to various golfing abilities. This Clyde Johnson designed course offers rates starting at $49.50.
If you head down to the Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach area, you will find more beautiful, challenging and enjoyable courses. True Blue Golf Plantation has won several awards; “#1 in the Myrtle Beach Area”, “Top 25 Courses in the South” and “Top 100 America’s Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest. Proud of their beautiful surroundings, incredible elevations, and vast fairways, this course is sure to give you a good game. Rates starting at $89.00. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, True Blue’s sister course, is known for it’s historical landmarks from being built on an 18th century rice plantation. Also, a winner of “Top 100 America’s Greatest Public Courses” and “Top 100 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. The beautiful oak trees and winding streams add a challenge to the course. Rates starting at $104.00. Pawleys Plantations Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus course, offers the unique scenery of the Pawleys Island marsh, and challenging obstacles at every hole. Rates starting at $72.00. Heritage Golf Club designed their course around the century-old oaks, freshwater lakes, and marshes. Winning the award for “50 Best Public Courses in America” by Golf Digest, these lush, rolling greens are a must. Rates are starting at $79.50.
Whichever course you choose, you are sure to have a challenging, yet enjoyable game. After spending your day on the greens, return to your vacation beach home and relax to the sounds of the waves rolling in as you sit on your back porch enjoying the ocean view.
*Prices of golf rates are listed by the individual courses as of May 2010, and are subject to change.
Tags: Garden City, Golf, Litchfield Beach, Murrells Inlet, Pawleys Island, Surfside Beach
Area Lifestyle, Vacationing
If you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere; located south of Myrtle Beach, in Georgetown County, you will find Pawleys Island. Being one of the oldest seaside resort towns in America, Pawleys Island has several 18th century historic sites. Along with wonderfully preserved history, you will find beautiful sandy beaches and well manicured, challenging golf courses. These uncrowded beaches are among the most beautiful on the coast of the Carolinas. There are several attractions in Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach to occupy your time while on your vacation.
Brookgreen Gardens is a historic landmark, offering an outdoor museum of sculptures, gardens, and zoos. There is always a festival or new exhibit to enjoy. The Butterfly House exhibit is open through October. They also have several activities for the kids, as well as tours for the whole family.
Huntington Beach State Park offers several attractions, including the historic Atalaya castle, freshwater lagoon, saltwater marsh, 3 miles of sandy beach, and various wildlife including birds, alligators, and dolphins. Huntington also has guided kayaking or canoeing tours of the saltwater marsh. To take a break from your busy day, there is a sheltered picnic area to stop and enjoy lunch.
Whether you are looking for shoes or souvenirs, the Pawleys Island shopping options have what you need. The Hammock Shops offer over 20 unique shops and restaurants, including the Original Pawleys Island Hammock Shop, that has been around since the late 1800‘s. You can rest in one of the many hammocks or rocking chairs placed along the oak tree shaded walkways connecting the shops. There is something for everyone in this unique shopping area.
The prestigious, well manicured golf courses bring many vacationers to the area year after year. There are dozens of options when looking for a place to play a round, a few located in the Pawleys Island/Litchfield Beach area are mentioned below.
 True Blue Golf Plantation has won awards for “#1 in the Myrtle Beach area“, “Top 25 Courses in the South” and “Top 100 America’s Greatest Public Courses” by Golf Digest. Proud of their beautiful surroundings, incredible elevations, and vast fairways, this course is sure to give you a good game. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, True Blue’s sister course, is known for it’s historical landmarks from being built on an 18th century rice plantation. Also, a winner of “Top 100 America’s Greatest Public Courses” and “Top 100 You Can Play” by Golf Magazine. It’s beautifully aged oak trees, and winding streams add a challenge to the course. Pawleys Plantation Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus course, offers the unique scenery of the Pawleys Island marsh. Heritage Golf Club designed their course around the century-old oak, freshwater lakes, and marshes. Winning the award for “50 Best Public Courses in America” by Golf Digest, these lush, rolling greens are a must.
There are several award winning restaurants in the Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach area, that have been featured in numerous national magazines for the excellent service and delicious meal choices. Begin your day with breakfast at Eggs Up Grill. Winning “Best of the Beach” five years in a row, Eggs Up Grill prides itself on a simple menu, quality food, and a friendly atmosphere. Enjoy a candlelit dinner at Frank’s Restaurant and Bar, where they offer fine dining cuisine. Frank’s Outback, is located behind Frank’s, and offers seating inside the candlelit dining room or on the outside covered patio. They offer a similar menu, and the same dedicated service. Frank’s Outback has live entertainment on the weekends. Austin’s Ocean One Restaurant and Cabana Bar are located right on the beach. With beautiful views of the ocean while you dine on one of the delicious choices from their “Contemporary American” style menu. Quigley’s Pint and Plate, located in Litchfield, brews their own ales and lagers. Offering a casual, family-style atmosphere, you can dine in dining room, bar area, or outside patio. Besides their extensive “Low Country” style menu, with a variety of choices for kids, you will find several Happy Hour menu and drink specials.
With all of these options, how can you not visit the Low Country while vacationing in your beach rental home?
Tags: Litchfield Beach, Pawleys Island, things to do
Area Lifestyle, Vacationing
If the beautiful ocean view from your Beach Realty vacation beach house isn’t enough to draw you to the area, there are plenty more reasons to visit the Garden City area. It’s hard to leave that breath-taking ocean view, but if you would like to venture out and see the sites, Garden City and Surfside Beaches have plenty to offer people of all ages and interests. In Garden City, you will find much less traffic and waiting in lines than to the north, and the beaches are much quieter and less congested.
There are several award winning restaurants located within walking distance from your vacation beach house. Most of these  offering a beautiful view of the ocean, inlet, or marsh. Gulf Stream Café offers a beautiful view of both the ocean and the inlet. Along with their reasonably priced menu, choices range from seafood to pasta. Mmm, try their crab cakes! The Conch Café offers oceanfront dining for lunch or dinner. Their extensive menu ranges from steak and seafood to light fare and sandwiches. Enjoy a frozen beverage as you watch the sunset on the ocean. Sara J’s, located on Atlantic Ave, offers a family friendly atmosphere, and a beautiful marsh view. With a very extensive menu, and nightly specials, you are sure to find something please your palate.
Just minutes from your Garden City or Surfside Beach vacation home, is the local water park, Wild Water and Wheels. For years, this has been a favorite not only for kids of all ages, but for adults as well. With water attractions, go carts, bumper boats, and miniature golf; your sure to find something for each member of the family. Get your coupon from Beach Realty when you check in to your vacation beach house.
Miniature golf is always a competitive favorite for the whole family, and if it is your’s, then you have come to the right place. Adventure Falls, Gilligan’s Island Funland, Jungle Lake Golf, and Runaway Bay, are all located within a minutes drive of your Garden City beach house. And on your way home, don’t forget to stop at Painter’s Ice Cream for a sweet treat! For the serious golfer in the family, just up the street is Tupelo Bay, offering an 18 hole executive course, Par 3, and driving range.
If you are looking for a place to throw in a line, the Garden City Pier is centrally located at the end of Atlantic Avenue, and  won “Best Fishing Pier“ for 5 years. The Pier Café offers breakfast and lunch daily, with live entertainment on the weekends. No license is needed to fish from the pier, and everything you need can be purchased from the pier tackle shop.
Marlin Quay Marina, located on South Waccamaw in Garden City, offers fishing charters on Murrells Inlet or the Atlantic Ocean, as well as, parasailing and boat excursions. They also have a fully stocked ship store, and a restaurant open for lunch or dinner.
So enjoy the peaceful, yet fun beaches of the south end. You will find that there are so many choices in Garden City and Surfside Beach, when looking for something to do with the family, without venturing far from your vacation beach house.
Tags: Garden City, things to do
Area Lifestyle, Vacationing
While vacationing in your Garden City beach house, venture down the road a little and see what Murrells Inlet, SC has to offer.
 Living up to its title of “Seafood Capital of South Carolina”, Murrells Inlet offers several restaurants, with breathtaking views of the saltwater marsh. Many of which have an outside patio to enjoy the saltwater breeze and beautiful sites.
Located behind the restaurants is Murrells Inlet’s famous Marsh Walk stretching from Bovine’s to Spud’s, allowing you to take a family walk and take in the sites of the boats on the beautiful saltwater marsh, or even a romantic after dinner stroll to watch the sunset.
Restaurants located along the Marsh Walk include; Divine’s Fish House, Bovine’s, Spud’s Waterfront Dining, Dead Dog Saloon, Drunken Jack‘s, Dave‘s Dockside, and Creek Ratz. With Creek Ratz grassy area and live bands, it is an excellent choice for young children. A little further down the road you will find Hot Fish Club, also offering delicious seafood and other choices. You are sure to find dinner in the inlet very pleasing, but don’t stop there. The nightlife is just as impressive. At Wahoo’s and Hot Fish Club you can sit at one of the outdoor bars and gathering areas, to enjoy the view of the marsh and amazing sunset. While you sip your beverage, you can also enjoy the entertainment from the live bands that play at either location several nights a week.
If fishing, boating or any other water activity sparks your interest, Captain Dick’s has something for every water-lover. Some of their fishing excursions include deep sea fishing and near shore fishing, or you can even charter your own fishing boat. Another option is the Wave Runner tours that are guided through the inlet and into the ocean. For the adventurer, parasailing is a great way to get a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Brookgreen Gardens is a historical landmark, offering an outdoor museum of sculptures, gardens, and zoos. There is always a festival or new exhibit to enjoy. The Butterfly House exhibit is open through October. They also have several activities for the kids, as well as tours for the whole family.
Huntington Beach State Park offers several attractions, including the historic Atalaya castle, freshwater lagoon, saltwater marsh, 3 miles of sandy beach, and various wildlife including birds, alligators, and dolphins. Huntington also has guided kayaking or canoeing tours of the saltwater marsh. To take a break from your busy day, there is a sheltered picnic area to stop and enjoy lunch.
So, pack a lunch and take the family for a fun-filled day at Brookgreen Gardens, Huntington Beach State Park, or both.
There is so much to do in Murrells Inlet before returning to Garden City to relax in your vacation beach home.
Tags: Murrells Inlet, things to do
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