Myrtle Beach Trivia

Did you know. . .

• In February 1968, the first Welcome Center to open on the Grand Strand.
• Actress Joan Crawford was the guest of honor.
• There are 2 U.S. Route 17s running through Myrtle Beach. 
• There is no U.S. 17 Bypass. What nearly everyone calls the “bypass” is really just U.S. 17.
• The other U.S. 17, Kings Highway, is U.S. 17 Business.

Myrtle's Market

Myrtle’s Market is Myrtle Beach's farmer's market.  Myrtle's Market offers fresh local produce and unique food itmes.


Location:
Mr. Joe White Avenue at Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC

Dates: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday
Times: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Weekly Fireworks Displays in Myrtle Beach

Downtown Fireworks!
The fireworks show is visible along much of the coast, but makes for a neat experience on the beach and Ocean Boulevard. In addition to the regular Wednesday show, an additional date for fireworks is Saturday, August 30.


Location:
Second Avenue Pier
Myrtle Beach, SC

Dates: Every Wednesday (weather permitting) through August 30, 2008
Time: 9:30pm

Broadway at the Beach Fireworks
Cap your fun-filled day with a bang! Fireworks start after Memorial Day weekend and continue every Tuesday until Labor Day weekend, and also during all major events.

Location:
Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
US Highway 17 between 21st and 29th Avenue North

Dates: Tuesdays (weather permitting) through Labor Day
Time: 10:00pm

Myrtle Beach Pipe Band

The Myrtle Beach Pipe Band performs as they stroll throughout Broadway at the Beach every Sunday evening throughout the summer.

Location:
Broadway at the Beach
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
US Highway 17 between 21st and 29th Avenue North

Dates: Every Sunday from 6/1/2008 through 8/24/2008

Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Downtown Entertainment Schedule

The Oceanfront Merchants Association and the City of Myrtle Beach have planned a summer full music, entertainment and fireworks downtown.  Every Tuesday and Saturday, Plyler Park on Ocean Boulevard at Mr. Joe White Avenue hosts musical concerts and street performers on Sundays.

Through Saturday, August 30, 2008
Location:
Plyler Park and Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC

Street Performers
Dates: Sundays through August 30, 2008
Time:  7:00pm to 10:00pm

Concerts
Dates: Tuesdays and Saturdays
Time: 8:00pm to 12:00am

Saturday, July 26… Paul Grimshaw Band
Tuesday, July 29… Eason Duo
Saturday, August 2… Gogglez Pizano
Tuesday, August 5… Back Hand
Saturday, August 9… Sawgrass
Saturday, August 30… Black Label

2008 Sun Fun Summer Concert Series

The 2008 Sun Fun Summer Concert Series kicks off today at the Valor Memorial Garden, opposite The Market Common.  This concert series continues every week through Saturday, August 30

• Friday, July 25, 7:00 p.m. Tru Sol
• Friday, August 1, 7:00 p.m. The Tams
• Friday, August 8, 7:00 p.m. Beach music with the Legends
• Friday, August 15, 7:00 p.m. Key West Band (Jimmy Buffett tribute)
• Friday, August 29, 8:00 – 10:00 p.m. Still Cruzin´ (Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival)
• Saturday, August 30 Clay Brown and Legend Band, The Flashbacks and others (Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival)

Second Annual Firehouse Cook-Off, Myrtle Beach, SC

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department’s Second Annual Firehouse Cook-Off is on Saturday, July 26, at Myrtle’s Market.  Three teams from the Myrtle Beach Fire Department will compete in a cook-off similar to TV’s popular Iron Chef series for the title of “Fire House Iron Chef”.  Each three-person team will have two hours to prepare a meal using a secret ingredient provided to them on the day of the event. They also must use at least three items available from farmers’ market vendors that day. Teams are allowed to bring their own dry goods, such as rice, pasta, flour, salt and pepper. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., the fire chefs will have two hours to prepare a meal with at least 100 sample servings. At 11:00 a.m., a panel of celebrity judges will determine the winner. The winning team will represent the Myrtle Beach Fire Department in a countywide duel in the near future. The public is welcome!

Location:
Myrtle’s Market
Mr. Joe White Avenue and Oak Street
Date: Saturday, July 26
Time: 9:00 a.m.

Staybridge Suites

Staybridge Suites Myrtle Beach offer spacious suites, full kitchens and numerous upscale amenities allowing guests to make an extended stay an extended pleasure.

Features and Amenities:

• Complimentary Breakfast Buffet
• Spacious Suites with Kitchens
• 24 Hour Fitness Center
• Swimming Pool
• Sport Court
• BBQ Pavilion
• Sundowner Reception
• Wireless Anywhere
• BridgeMart Convenience Store
• Pet Friendly ($20 daily)

It's this Myrtle Beach hotel's goal to make your stay as comfortable as possible while enjoying all Myrtle Beach has to offer. At only 2 blocks, this Myrtle Beach hotel is the closest hotel to the world’s 1st Hard Rock Theme Park and the World Tour Golf Club is just across the highway.

Other Nearby Attractions Include:

• Atlantic Ocean (5 MI / 8.05 KM )
• Hard Rock Park (0.1 MI / 0.16 KM )
• Medieval Times Theater (0.1 MI / 0.16 KM )
• Myrtle Beach Convention Center (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
• The Market Commons (6 MI / 9.66 KM )
• Tanger Outlet Stores (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
• Coastal Grand Mall (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
• Broadway at the Beach (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
• Myrtle Waves Water Park (3 MI / 4.83 KM )
• House of Blues Myrtle Beach (15 MI / 24.14 KM )
• Dixie Stampede (10 MI / 16.09 KM )
• Ripley's Aquarium (4 MI / 6.44 KM )
• Myrtle Beach Speedway (2 MI / 3.22 KM )
• Waccatee Zoo (4 MI / 6.44 KM )
• Celebrity Square Nite Life (3 MI / 4.83 KM )

Whether you are staying at this extended stay hotel Myrtle Beach for Bike Week, Sun Fun Festival, the House of Blues Myrtle Beach, or Broadway at the Beach, this Myrtle Beach hotel is where to be!

Myrtle Beach on Hard Rock Pkwy

303 Hard Rock Parkway

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

UNITED STATES

Hotel Front Desk: 1-843-903-4000

Hotel Fax: 1-843-903-3474

Top 3 Things you Must Know to Get Married in Myrtle Beach

If you would like to get married in Myrtle Beach, there are a few things you need to know:

1. Non-Commercial weddings are permitted on any Myrtle Beach beach.  No fees, no permission, no permits required.  (wedding planning services, catering and commercial wedding photography are considered a commercial wedding.)
2. Commercial weddings are permitted in Public Parks.  Facility Use Permits and Shelter Rental fees may apply depending on the type of wedding and which park.  For more information about weddings in Myrtle Beach parks, contact the Parks Division at 843-918-2332 and visit http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/faq.html
3. Marriage Licenses can be obtained from the Horry County Probate Office in Conway, SC.
   Horry County Courthouse
   1310 Second Avenue
   Conway, SC
   843-915-5370
   
   

Matt Hughes Skateboard Park

When the Matt Hughes Skateboard Park opened in 1998, it was named in honor of Matthew Reed Hughes, a local skateboarder who died following a skating accident near his home. The skate park is free and open to the public.  Rules for use are posted, and helmets are required!

Features include long 4 foot quarters, big bank, nice rail, box for long grinds (stack box), and more.


Location:
33rd Ave. North between Pepper Geddings Recreation Center and the Doug Shaw Stadium Parking Lot


Hours of Operation:
6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., daily

Myrtle Beach Trivia

Did you know. . .

• Myrtle Beach has four official Sister Cities: Burlington, Ontario, Canada; Keighley, England; Pinamar, Argentina; and Killarney, Ireland.
• Myrtle Beach has 33 buildings that are 15-plus stories tall, 55 buildings that are 10 to 14 stories tall, and 32 buildings that are seven to nine stories tall.  Ocean Forest Plaza is the tallest building in Myrtle Beach at 23 stories.

Make Music Jazz Series

EVENT July 21, 2008:
Free live music directly across from Giada's Cafe and Restaurant, located in St. James Square, one block south of 38th Ave and Grissom Parkway. Limited seating. Lawn chairs and picnics welcome.

Time: 6pm-9pm

Traveler's Tips: Beach Going in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When vacationing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, there are a few things to keep in mind before you hit the beaches.

1. Don’t forget the sun block. It is hot and humid and very sunny.

2. Most of the beaches do not have life guards.

3. The public beaches such as Surfside Beach and Garden City Beach are free.

4. Huntingdon State Park and Myrtle Beach State Park also offer public beaches but there is a small entrance to get inside the park.

5. Huntingdon State Park has almost no shells on their beach.

6. Surf fishing is permited. No license is required.

7. During the summer months dogs are permitted on beach before 9am and after 5pm.

8. During the summer months horse are not permitted on the beach at any time.

9. Non- Commercial Weddings are allowed on the beaches. No permit required.

10. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate a motor vehicle on the beach or within public marsh areas.

Summer Parrot Head Fest

Event July 19, 2008:

La Belle Amie Vineyard is proud to present Jimmy Buffett style music in a comfortable & friendly atmosphere, fun folks, tasty food and soothing libation..... Try some exotic wine coolers, delicious outdoor cooking, and, of course, the wines of La Belle Amie Vineyard. Music by Big Bam Boom & The Little Big Band, Laidback Larry, and Latitude. Food courtesy of Smokin' Pitt BBQ, and Hunt's Lexington Style Cookin'.

SORRY, NO COOLERS, FOOD, BEVERAGES OR PETS ALLOWED AT VINEYARD EVENTS

Remember, bring a lawn chair, a good friend or two, and enjoy the company, the music, the wine, and the beauty of the vineyard.

Sponsored in part by: WBTW TV-13 and EASY Radio 105.9FM

ADMISSION: $8/person (under 18 & over 80 free). Includes parking, music, access to gift shop, and limited wine sampling.

LOCATION:
La Belle Amie Vineyard
Hwy 90 & St. Joseph Road
Myrtle Beach, SC
(just west of the NMB Middle School.)

DATE: July 19, 2008
TIME: 12 noon - 5pm
WEB: http://www.labelleamie.com/

For More Info:
Phone: 843/399-WINE (9463)
Email: info@LaBelleAmie.com

Make Music Jazz Series

EVENT July 17, 2008:
Free live music directly across from Giada's Cafe and Restaurant, located in St. James Square, one block south of 38th Ave and Grissom Parkway. Limited seating. Lawn chairs and picnics welcome.

Time: 6pm-9pm

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina vs. Southern New Jersey Beaches

The Towns:

The town of Myrtle Beach itself is probably the most commercial place I've ever seen.  There are more retail businesses packed into the 20+ miles that make up the main routes (Rt 17, Rt 17 Business, and Ocean Blvd.) of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach than any place I've ever been.  In Myrtle Beach, you'll find at least 3 indoor malls, 3 outdoor malls, and 2 outlet malls, in addition to a miriade of small businesses, restaurants, and strip malls or shopping centers.

Southern New Jersey shore towns pack most of their tourist shopping into boardwalks.  Which brings me to. . .

Beach Front Property:
Beach Front Property in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is composed of residential homes on the outskirts and huge hotels and resorts in town, plus two pristine state parks.

New Jersey towns have found the commercial possibilities of oceanfront property in the form of boardwalks.  Along many (not all) of New Jersey's beaches you will find wooden boardwalks lined with shops, restaurants, arcades, and even amusement parks.

Beaches and Water:
The beaches of Myrtle Beach are beautiful, wide, clean and almost shelless.  The tan/brown colored sand, even on a blistering hot day are not too hot to walk on barefoot.  And while there is enough shells to apease beachcomers, there is not an overabundance of sharp foot piercing shards.  Finally, the water is the perfect temperature.  It is cooler than Florida making it refreshing on a hot day, but warmer than New Jersey making it comfortable to spend hours playing with the kids.

New Jersey beaches are also beautiful with tan/brown coloring.  These beaches do get very hot and often have a lot of broken shells, flip flops or water shoes are recomended.  And I am sad to report, there can be a fair amount of litter too, although to give the local government credit, they do comb the beaches every night to keep everything as clean as possible.  The water in New Jersey is fairly chilly most of the year and reaches its warmest temperatures in August.

Fun Golf Facts about Myrtle Beach

Image via Wikipedia

• Myrtle Beach is celebrated as the "Seaside Golf Capital of the World"
• Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has more than 100 golf courses with a total of 4.13 million rounds played.
• Myrtle has the most miniature golf courses per "area" in America - 47 in a 60 mile radius.
• Sea Gull Golf Club in Pawleys Island, South Carolina is one of the oldest courses in Myrtle Beach, built in 1970.  It was designed by Gene Hamm.
• Myrtle Beach boasts courses designed by some of the very best architects including Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Dan Maples, and Rees Jones.
• The Team USA Training Center is a European style competition course used the day after ProMiniGolf tournaments by players who qualify based on the National Championship and Player Point Standings.  The Team USA course is located behind the Hawaiian Rumble at 33rd Avenue South Hwy. 17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.
• The Team USA course is the only course recognized by the World MiniGolf Sport Federation.
• The Team USA course is the only course to eventually get into the World Games (minor league for the olympics) and the actual Olympics.

Rules about Pets and Animals in Myrtle Beach

The City of Myrtle Beach now prohibits animals of any kind in the downtown area from March 1 through September 30.  Pets and other exotic animals (boa constrictors, ferrets, iguanas) in the heavily populated Pavilion area were causing quite a stir with other pedestrians. The law was passed to regulate any accidents or incidents caused by the animals.

Dogs:

From May 15 to September 15, dogs are allowed on the beach only before 9:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m. Between September 15 and May 15, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. Of course, you are required to clean up after your dog at all times.  

If you are on the beach between 21st Avenue N. and 13th Avenue S. the law is from March 1 (not May 1) through September 30.

Garden City, South Strand campgrounds and the Shore Drive area between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach, are under the jurisdiction of Horry County, pets are not allowed on the beach between 9 AM and 6 PM from June 1 through September 1.

Regardless of area, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 7 feet.  Owners of dogs found running loose may be fined up to $200.00 depending upon the area.

Horses:
Horseback riding on the beach is allowed from the third Saturday in November until the end of February each year, subject to the rules listed below. No permit is required.


1. Not more than six horses and riders are to be in a single group at one time.
2. Riding across or on any sand dune is prohibited.
3. Access to the beach will be from Myrtle Beach State Park.
4. There will be no parking of horse trailers or staging on the public rights-of-way.
5. All riders will be required to clean up after their horses in all areas landward of the mean high tide line.

Sands Resorts, Myrtle Beach

Sands Resorts has been the leading provider of Myrtle Beach vacations for over 35 years. Established in 1972 by pioneer developers Tom Baugh and Leslie Morris, Sands has grown to include six major oceanfront resorts, restaurants, a water park, and the nationally known beach bar Ocean Annie's.  The properties are located close to one another at the northern end of Myrtle Beach, and convenient to preferred golf, dining, shopping, and attractions.

Sands Resorts:

• Ocean Dunes Resort and Villas
• Ocean Forest Plaza
• cean Forest Villas
• Sand Dunes Resort
• Sands Beach Club
• Sands Ocean Club

Features:

• Waterpark
• Atlantis Spa
• Health Club
• Restaurants
• Kids' Club
• Pet Friendly
• Portait StudioBaby Sitting/Kids Summer Programs
• Ocean Annie's Pool Bar
• Basketball/Tennis/Volleyball Courts
• Indoor/Outdoor pools
• Sands Kids Eat Breakfast FREE
• Hard Rock Park Shuttle
• and More.

Pavilion Nostalgia Park, Myrtle Beach

Image via Wikipedia If you loved the old Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park which closed in 2006, then you will be thrilled to know The Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Broadway at the Beach is now open.  Even though The Myrtle Beach Pavilion is now a part of Myrtle Beach history, some of its classic rides, historic artifacts and more will now live on at The Pavilion Nostalgia Park.

Indulge your nostalgia with corn dogs, funnel cakes sprinkled with powdered sugar, the sounds and scents of the midway, and games of skill at Broadway at the Beach!  The Pavilion Nostalgia Park offers a collection of classic rides from the Pavilion Amusement Park, like the famous Herschell-Spillman Carousel, Teacup Rides, Wave Rider, Dune Buggy, and more. Listen to the historic German Baden Band Organ, shop at a blast-from-the-past retail store, visit the Pavilion Museum and much more.

2008 Prices:

Tickets $3.00 each, All Pavilion Nostalgia Park Rides are 1 ticket.

Operating Schedules:

Jan & Feb - Daily 12pm - 6 pm (weather permitting)

March 1 - March 28 12 pm - 9 pm

March 29 - May 22 12 pm - 10 pm

May 23 - August 31 11 am - 11 pm
Sept 1 - Sept 30 12 pm - 9 pm
October1 - December 30 12 pm - 8 pm (Sundays  12pm - 6pm)

Broadway at the Beach, Myrtle Beach, SC

Broadway at the Beach is Myrtle Beach's answer to "the boardwalk," except it's not actually on the beach.  Located 1.5 miles west of the Atlantic Ocean, Broadway at the Beach is an outdoor mall/attraction surrounding a lake full of the friendliest fish you'll ever meet.  About 2/3rds of the walkways are in fact wooden giving it that boardwalk feel.

With 350 acres of shops, restaurants, nightlife, attractions, and top of the line hotels, Broadway at the Beach is a must see.

With attractions like the 3D IMAX Theater, Magic Quest, amusement park, aquarium and more, you can spend several days exploring all that Broadway at the Beach has to offer Myrtle Beach vacationers.

Location:
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29577
US Highway 17 between 21st and 29th Avenue North

Admission:
Free (certain attractions have their own admission fees)