Tuesday,March 30, 2010

Myrtle Beach Grand Strand Spring & Summer Events 2010

I just back from a meeting with the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce to learn about new area events. They are working hard on planning new festivals/events this Spring & Summer and then also promoting other events. Here is a list of exciting family friendly events in our area to help you plan your vacation. I will continue to add events as I find them. I also included different areas of the Grand Strand.

April 16 – 25, 2010 – SOS Spring Fling
For 10 days the biggest adult party on the East Coast crashes into North Myrtle Beach like an ocean wave. A wide variety of activities is scheduled for the event. But the big attraction is the night life. As the sun goes down the animals of the Safari come out to play in the clubs along Main Street & OD. Old friends will seek each other out & new friends will be made. The night will be spent shag dancing to timeless music that moves the soul .On the last Saturday of SOS everyone meets on Main Street for the perennial favorite parade of the year, the ACSC Club’s Parade.

April 24, 2010 – F.A.M. E Festival -  10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
You are invited to the first annual Food, Arts, Music and Entertainment Festival. It is located in historic downtown Myrtle Beach on Broadway Street between 4th and 6th Avenues North.  The street will be filled with food vendors, artists, musicians and entertainers.

April 30 – May 1, 2010 – Myrtle Beach Family Fitness Festival & Fun Run - 
Friday April 30th at Market Common – Activities will take place from 5 PM until 8 PM. Will include live entertainment (mascots, clowns, face painting, balloon makers, inflatable’s, and vendors). Food and Drink will be available. Saturday May 1st activities will take place from 9 AM – 5 PM and will include live entertainment (mascots, clowns, face painting, balloon makers, and inflatable’s) There will be health, wellness, arts & crafts vendors on-site. Food and drink will also be available.

May 1, 2010 – Rivertown Music & Arts Festival - Historic downtown Conway, South Carolina will welcome Spring by hosting Rivertown Music & Arts Festival. The free annual event has been held on the first Friday in May for the last 22 years. Blankets and lawn chairs line the edges of the Waccamaw River as locals and visitors gather for entertainment from local and regional bands. The performances begin at 10:00 am and continue until dusk.

May 1, 2010 – Arts & Film Celebration - 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
R&B & jazz bands, Buddy Guy as headliner. Celebrity meet-and-greet Catherine Bell (Army Wives), Alex Meraz “Twilight-New Moon“.Kid character meet-and-greet, face painting, balloon artists & more. Outdoor movies. Food, arts and craft vendors. Fireworks! Location: Former Myrtle Square Mall Location

May 6, 2010 – Music on Main – Gary Lowder Band (Beach)
Journey to downtown North Myrtle Beach to get to know the area merchants in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Delight in the sounds of a live band on Main Street from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Families are encouraged to come downtown after work or after a long day on the beach to taste the flavors of Main Street, listen to live music, shop and dance ’til you drop. Kick back and unwind with us and your beach chair on Main Street.

May 8, 2010 – Mayfest on Main
Kickoff your summer in North Myrtle Beach with a street festival that never disappoints. The 5th annual Mayfest on Main festival will feature some of the best live musical acts, a car show, art, craft and food vendors, a community stage and a children’s area. Bring a beach chair to this family event to enjoy a day on Main Street, Saturday, May 8, 2010. Browse local shops while strolling the street for one of a kind beach memories. The festival begins at 10:00 am and continues until 6:00 pm. The Main Stage is located at “the Horseshoe” and begins performances at 12:30 pm. You are sure to have a day full of fun with the family.
Free Concert will star Eddie Money.

May 14 – 18, 2010 - TASTE! Tradeshow & Expo 10 Am
If you love to eat…then you can’t miss. Taste! Gourmet Trade Show & Expo. Come and tantalize your taste buds with the best Wine, Beer, Spirits and Seafood Bar around. Nosh on some Gourmet Specialty Foods or interact with Celebrity Chefs: GUY FIERI from FOOD NETWORK; AARON MCCARGO JR. from FOOD NETWORK; FABIO VIVIANI from TOP CHEF and bring the kids to make their very own creations at Cooking Just-4-Kidz. Location Myrtle Beach Conventions Center.

May 15, 2010 – Beach Music Event / Boardwalk Ribbon-Cutting 10 AM – 10 PM
The Beach Music Festival will feature performances from eight groups, including Ben E. King, Billy Scott and the Party Prophets, Chairmen of the Board, The Coasters, Jim Quick and Coastline, and Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs. The boardwalk grand opening ceremony will occur at noon May 15. Other activities include creation of a giant cake shaped like a flip-flop by TLC’s “Cake Boss,” Buddy Valastro. Downtown Myrtle Beach.

May 15 – 16, 2010 – Blue Crab Festival Saturday 9 am – 8 pm & Sunday 9 am – 6 pm

Arts & Crafts, Food, Music & Kids Area. Located at the historic waterfront in Little River, SC.

May 16 – 23, 2010 – Coastal Uncorked
The signature event of Coastal Uncorked! On Friday & Saturday from 12 – 5 pm, the Tasting Trolley will take Coastal Uncorked participants around Myrtle Beach at various stops featuring wine tastings, beer tastings, spirits tastings, food demonstrations & sampling, and live entertainment.

May 21, 2010 – Sounds of Summer Concert – Tim Hall & Buffalo Country (Country)
Enjoy an evening with your family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of beautiful McLean Park every 3rd Friday of the summer months. Each concert will feature a different band playing family friendly music. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages. The North Strand Optimist Club will provide food and drinks for sale.

May 22, 2010 – Beach Blast! Christian Music Festival 2 PM- 9 PM
Myrtle Beach’s largest Christian Music Festival A ticket event Performances by Toby Mac, Kutless, The Afters, KJ-52 and David Nasser. Special fireworks finale and food, arts and crafts vendors. Located former Myrtle Square Mall Site.

 May 28 – 31, 2010 – Military Appreciations Days

May 29, 2010 -  Free Concert 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM  & Meet n’ Greets 2PM – 5PM
American Idol Season 6 Winner Jordin Sparks will perform. Meet Nathan Kreiss from ICarly, Savannah Outen from Disney Radio, Jasmine Richards from Camp Rock, Drake Bell from Josh & Drake, Tiffany Thorton from Sonny with a Chance, Debby Ryan from Suite Life on Deck & Mitchell Musso from Hannah Montana. Location former Myrtle Square Mall Site.

June 3, 2010 – Music on Main
In honor of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and all veterans, Waterdog Promotions and the City of North Myrtle Beach have put together a spectacular show for the evening of June 3rd. Begin gathering at 5:00 pm in the sand at the Horseshoe to see the United States Army Golden Knights parachute onto our beach, followed by a performance on the main stage at 7:00 pm by the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus. After 8:00 pm you’ll be entertained by the national recording stars, Cimmaron! This will be a night to remember.

June 4 – 5, 2010 – Sun Fun Festival
A Celebration of Summer Concert Series. 2010 Concerts to be announced at a later date.

June 11 – 13, 2010 – Grand Strand Sports and Fishing

June 18, 2010 – Sounds of Summer Concert – Painted Man Band (Soul, Top 40 Hits)
Enjoy an evening with your family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of beautiful McLean Park every 3rd Friday of the summer months. Each concert will feature a different band playing family friendly music. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages. The North Strand Optimist Club will provide food and drinks for sale.

July 1, 2010 – Music on Main – Kelly Bell Band (Blues, Funk, Soul)
Journey to downtown North Myrtle Beach to get to know the area merchants in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Delight in the sounds of a live band on Main Street from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Families are encouraged to come downtown after work or after a long day on the beach to taste the flavors of Main Street, listen to live music, shop and dance ’til you drop. Kick back and unwind with us and your beach chair on Main Street.

July 16, 2010 – Sounds of Summer Concert – Hip Pocket Band (Beach)
Enjoy an evening with your family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of beautiful McLean Park every 3rd Friday of the summer months. Each concert will feature a different band playing family friendly music. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages. The North Strand Optimist Club will provide food and drinks for sale.

August 5, 2010 – Music on Main – Tsunami Wave Riders (Tropical Music)
Journey to downtown North Myrtle Beach to get to know the area merchants in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Delight in the sounds of a live band on Main Street from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Families are encouraged to come downtown after work or after a long day on the beach to taste the flavors of Main Street, listen to live music, shop and dance ’til you drop. Kick back and unwind with us and your beach chair on Main Street.

August 20, 2010 – Sounds of Summer Concert – Spare Change (Top 40 Hits)
Enjoy an evening with your family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of beautiful McLean Park every 3rd Friday of the summer months. Each concert will feature a different band playing family friendly music. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages. The North Strand Optimist Club will provide food and drinks for sale.

September 2, 2010 – Music on Main – The Castaways (Beach)
Journey to downtown North Myrtle Beach to get to know the area merchants in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Delight in the sounds of a live band on Main Street from 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Families are encouraged to come downtown after work or after a long day on the beach to taste the flavors of Main Street, listen to live music, shop and dance ’til you drop. Kick back and unwind with us and your beach chair on Main Street.

September 17, 2010 – Sounds of Summer Concert – The Holiday Band (Beach)
Enjoy an evening with your family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of beautiful McLean Park every 3rd Friday of the summer months. Each concert will feature a different band playing family friendly music. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages. The North Strand Optimist Club will provide food and drinks for sale.

September 3 – 4, 2010 – Beach, Boogie and BBQ
5th Annual Event at Grand Park at Market Common. Free, family friendly activities including live music, food & art, craft exhibitors. Enjoy a fireworks display!

 
September 17 – 26, 2010 – SOS Fall Migaration
The Society of Stranders calls its thousands of active members to return to North Myrtle Beach in mid-September for one last big party before winter sets in. Days and nights are filled with activities, shagging and sightseeing. Clubs around the Ocean Drive section pitch in to make sure that every evening resounds with nonstop beach music.

Friday,July 24, 2009

Ocean Safety Along The Grand Strand!

Always check with on-duty lifeguards about the ocean conditions before going into the water. Never get into the ocean when lifeguards are not on duty. Always swim where a lifeguard can see you. Lifeguards are on duty from 9am – 5pm daily during the season. That’s plenty of time to get your beach fun in!

Please be aware that ocean conditions may change quickly along the coastline. When in doubt don’t go out! Here is a list of a few things that can occur in ocean when swimming or playing in the ocean.

Rip Currents are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves or where a there is a stream or outflow into the surfline. The majority of ocean rescues made by lifeguards are due to victims struggling in rip currents.

Sleeper Wave is a wave that is larger than the average wave height that has been observed. These can be unpredictable waves, which may occur even on days when most of the surf looks small. These large waves have been the cause of too many drownings over the years and can catch those close to the shoreline by surprise, washing them into turbulent water. Most victims are playing near or in the surf or shore fishing.

In an emergency — call 9-1-1
If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1. Always remain calm. Have someone spot the person in trouble or keep your eyes on the person. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape by having the victim swim out of the rip current, in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, direct them to swim towards shore.

Only professionally trained rescuers should attempt in-water rescues!

  • Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.
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  • Never swim alone – take a buddy with you.
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  • Learn how to swim in the surf. It’s not the same as swimming in a pool or lake.
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  • Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out.
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  • Stay Sober – don’t swim while intoxicated. Alcohol can affect your judgement and your body temperature – impairing your ability to swim.
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  • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained to identify potential hazards. Ask a lifeguard about the conditions before entering the water. This is part of their job.
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  • Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
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  • Due to dangerous currents, never swim in the inlets.
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  • Consider using polarized sunglasses when at the beach. They will help you to spot signatures of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean’s surface.
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  • Children should swim only with adult supervision.
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  • Don’t swim during rough seas. Broken necks and paralysis have resulted from swimmers being thrown into the ocean bottom headfirst.
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  • Do not swim near surfers – surfboard fins can cut you.

Friday,July 17, 2009

Getting Here & Around Myrtle Beach

Getting to the Myrtle Beach Area:

By Train
Florence and Dillon are the two closest places Amtrak serves. You’ll have to get someone to pick you up or rent a car with advance notice to get to Myrtle Beach.
By Bus
You should be able to get to Myrtle Beach on a Greyhound bus from just about any point in the United States. You’ll find it easier during the summer when more buses are scheduled.

By Air
The major area airport is Myrtle Beach International (MYR). It is served by the following airlines: Delta, Continental, Northwest, Spirit, and U.S. Air. Direct flights may be difficult to find depending on the season, but flying to a major hub such as Atlanta then taking a short hop to the area should not be a problem.

Grand Strand Regional Airport is actually the closest airport to North Myrtle Beach, and serves mostly chartered or private flights.

By Vehicle

From Interstate 95, the easiest way to town would be to take the exit for Hwy. 9 in Dillon, SC and continue south towards Myrtle Beach. Hwy. 9 will then merge with Hwy. 17, so just continue south on Hwy. 17 for the rest of the ride. Vehicle travel will become easier once the direct connection from SC Hwy. 31 (Carolina Bays Parkway) via the Main Street Connector (North Myrtle Beach Connector)

Getting Around Myrtle Beach & North Myrtle Beach is pretty easy. Just don’t get confused between the two cities. The street numbers are exactly the same!!!

Ocean Boulevard and Kings Highway Highway 17 Business run north and south along the Grand Strand parallel to the Atlantic Ocean. We also have Highway 17 Bypass in the Grand Strand’s westernmost route running parallel to the ocean. The Bypass begins in Murrells Inlet and continues northward until it merges with Kings Highway just before the Restaurant Row.

The 28-mile Veterans Highway (S.C. 22), a four-lane road that links U.S. 501 west of Conway and U.S. 17 north of Myrtle Beach.

The Carolina Bays Parkway (S.C. 31) is a six-lane scenic highway from S.C. 9 to US 501 near Myrtle Beach Raceway.

The Robert M. Grissom Parkway is a four-lane route from 62nd Avenue North in Myrtle Beach to Harrelson Boulevard near the Myrtle Beach International Airport.
Don’t forget if you are driving and have never been to the area pay attention! I see so many people in serious accidents or fender benders while on vacation. We have a lot of traffic in the summer months so just keep your eyes open so you can continue to enjoy your vacation!

Monday,July 06, 2009

Myrtle Beach Concert Venue House of Blues

House of Blues Myrtle Beach is located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. This means one of the top venues for live music in the area is easy accessible by all Elliott Beach Rental guests. In addition to hosting numerous concerts on tour throughout the year, the House of Blues is also a popular destination for dining and entertainment. I advise everyone visit the House of Blues on Sunday for inspiring gospel performances and an amazing buffet. It is great! If breakfast isn’t you thing how about a little dinner and maybe a murder. An interactive comedy?Who dunnit? Dinner show. A murder happens during the course of your meal and your held in the middle of a murder investigation. Everyone is a suspect? Figure out who the killer is and you may be rewarded!

Click Here to view calendar of live events at House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC.

4640 Highway 17 S.
N. Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(843) 272–3000
Restaurant Host Stand (843) 913–3746
Hours of Operation:
Breakfast: Saturday 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Lunch: Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Dinner: Sunday – Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dinner: Friday – Saturday 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.