If you go ...
While most people head to Myrtle Beach, S.C., when thetemperatures rise, this locale is the perfect retreat any time ofyear. Regardless of your interests - shopping, music, sports - MyrtleBeach provides a slew of activities to fill any vacation itineraryduring any season.
Although the beach remains popular with visitors, many landlockedattractions are gaining popularity.
For something truly out of the ordinary, head into Ripley'sBelieve It or Not! Museum, where you can check out an amazing andeclectic collection of artifacts, such as shrunken heads, or see howyou stack up to the world's tallest man.
Thrill-seekers should get a ticket to Ripley's Haunted Adventure,where they can explore the remains of the Grimbsy & Streaper Import-Export Co. Remember to keep an eye out for those things and peoplethat go bump in the night.
Next door, Ripley's Moving Theater will keep the adrenalinepumping as you experience all the bumps, dips and curves of themovies right in your seat
For a slower-paced activity, stop by Ripley's Aquarium, and checkout thousands of underwater life forms in nine different galleries.Examples include piranhas in the Rio Amazon, jellyfish in The LivingGallery, and stingrays in the Ray Bay. Perhaps the best gallery, theDangerous Reef features a wealth of saltwater residents, includingsharks, sea turtles and barracuda. Check it out from the 330-footglide path that travels underneath the gallery.
If you want to satisfy your need for speed, make your way toNASCAR Speedpark. Featuring seven tracks, both oval and road courses,this is the place to put the pedal to the metal. The park alsoincludes two miniature golf courses, bumper boats, game arcade,kiddie rides and a snack bar. Plan to spend quite a bit of time here;once you start racing, you'll be hooked!
These are just a small sampling of Myrtle Beach's attractions.Also check out MagiQuest, Myrtle Waves, Family Kingdom Amusement Parkand Family Kingdom Water Park.
'The show must go on,' and that's true for the many theaters inMyrtle Beach. Throughout the year, varieties of entertainment stylestake the stage and put on musical extravaganzas for visitors. Forexample, at the Alabama Theatre performers exhibit their musicalability in 'One: The Show,' which encompasses country, Broadway,bluegrass, gospel, comedy and many more genres.
In November and December, this theater presents 'The South'sGrandest Christmas Show,' a variety special. Also, the theater hostsspecial-guest concerts year-round.
Another great experience is the dinner show at Dolly Parton'sDixie Stampede. Set in an enormous arena, the excitement begins withthe loud rumbling of wild buffalo as they race into the spotlight.The action is nonstop from there, featuring stunt riders onhorseback, musical performances, and audience participation in thefun and games. During the 90-minute show, guests enjoy a four-coursedinner, which makes this a one-stop spot for food and fun.
For more options, check out House of Blues, The Carolina Opry,Medieval Times and the Palace Theater.
Sports enthusiasts will love the relaxed atmosphere of MyrtleBeach Pelicans baseball at Coastal Federal Field. A single-A farmteam for the Atlanta Braves, the Pelicans play in the Carolina LeagueNorthern Division, with a schedule spanning April through September.It's a wonderful way to enjoy a cool evening in Myrtle Beach.
If you just can't stay away from the links, Myrtle Beach offersmore than 100 championship golf courses as well. Designed by suchnames as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones and GregNorman, one of the courses will surely challenge your skills.
Although many enjoy the rest and relaxation a vacation offers,others see it as a chance to shop. While it has plenty of outletcenters full of shoppers' favorites, this town also has two uniqueshopping destinations: Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing.
Broadway at the Beach is a 350-acre complex featuring more than100 shops scattered across a landscape of varied architecture: NewEngland Village, Caribbean Village, Charleston Boardwalk and Heroes'Harbor. From apparel and jewelry to toys and home accents, plus someinteresting specialty stores, Broadway at the Beach offers everythingyou could ever want or need.
In fact, you can make an entire day out of a visit to Broadway atthe Beach. The complex also includes theaters, 20 restaurants, 15attractions, 11 nightclubs and three hotels, all situated around athree-acre lake.
Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Barefoot Landing bringsto mind an old-fashioned fishing village, complete with a boardwalkand dock surrounding a 27-acre lake that's home to waterfowl, exoticfish and other wildlife. It just so happens the center also featuresmore than 100 retail and specialty shops plus a variety ofrestaurants and entertainment options.
If all this activity is making you tired, retreat to your own one-, two-, three- or four-bedroom condominium at Island Vista, situatedright on the beach. This luxurious property includes lushly appointedaccommodations; an indoor/outdoor pool complex with three pools, spasand a lazy river; a fitness center; and oceanfront dining at TheCypress Room. Island Vista is one of many new developments takingroot in Myrtle Beach.
These accommodations are perfect for any size traveling party andoffer all the amenities of home, but with an ocean view. Rates tendto drop after the busy summer season.
Myrtle Beach offers more ways than you can imagine to createlasting vacation memories.
For more information or to plan your trip, visitwww.myrtlebeachinfo.com.
