Plantation Resort Owners Win Big

Driving to Myrtle Beach on Highway 501, Danny and Mary Lou Dukes, made an impromptu visit that paid off big! The couple are owners at Plantation Resort and had made the trip to the beach countless times. However, just as they entered Aynor, South Carolina they decided to take a break at The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center.

Danny and Mary Lou Dukes: Owners at Plantation Resort

 In addition to securing coupons, free coffee and clean bathrooms the couple took 5 extra minutes to enter the Welcome Center's drawing. They noticed the contest had weekly, monthly and a grand-prize giveaway which meant the likelihood of winning was on their side. The weekly prize was a 3-day, 2-night Myrtle Beach vacation, the monthly prize was a 50 inch Flat Screen TV and the grand-prize giveaway was a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Keeping their fingers crossed, they submitted their names and headed back out on the 501.

Having almost forgotten about the drawing, Mr. & Mrs. Dukes received a phone call a  month later informing them that they were the winners of the 50 inch Flat Screen TV for April! They couldn't believe their luck!

The Welcome Center asked Plantation Resort to sponsor the accommodations portion of the contest and we were happy to oblige. As a sponsor of the giveaway, we were excited to hear that one of our Owners had won and won big! Congratulations, Danny and Mary Lou!

Planning to drive to Myrtle Beach this summer? Visit The Official Welcome Center of Myrtle Beach for coupons, discounted tickets, clean bathrooms and a chance to win all summer long! Who knows, we might be writing about you next!

Summertime accommodations are still available at Plantation Resort. Please call 1-800-845-5039 to make a reservation before they're all gone!

June 2012 Myrtle Beach Summer Events

It’s officially summertime in Myrtle Beach and the city’s extensive entertainment, shows and venues are in full swing! In anticipation of your visit we’ve compiled a list of the most exciting and unique opportunities that Myrtle Beach has to offer this June.  Whether you’re a regular visitor or a Myrtle Beach novice – take a moment to review the list. You’re sure to discover a whole different side to this popular vacation destination.

June 2 – 3, 2012 Butterfly and Arts Festival: Colorful Wings and Pretty Things at Brookgreen Gardens

9:30am – 4:00pm and the festival is free with regular garden admission. Discounted tickets can be purchased at the Plantation Resort Front Desk and are valid for 7 days. 

This new two-day festival celebrates the beauty of the butterfly while displaying talented artwork from regional artists. There will be a wide range of activities designed for all ages, especially those who want to know more about the important role the butterfly plays in our environment.  Children can make their own butterfly crafts and create butterfly chalk art. Workshops, demonstrations and walking tours will highlight information on how to create a butterfly garden and photograph butterflies in their natural habitats. 

June 4 - 30 , 2012 Myrtle Beach Pelicans Home Game

Home games are typically held at 3:05pm, 6:05pm or 7:05pm

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a single "A" affiliate of the Texas Rangers, and a beloved cultural anchor to the city. In fact, this is one event the locals regularly venture out to join, and it's worth the effort! Tickets are reasonable priced and range from $11 to $8, making the ballpark a family-friendly outing for any vacation.

June 6 - 27, 2012 Myrtle Beach Speedway 

Every Wednesday and Saturday in June

Times vary depending on the show. Tickets and additional information are now available at the Plantation Resort Front Desk. 

Every Wednesday night be thrilled by "An Eve of Destruction" -- an action packed night of flames, wrecks, racing and fireworks! On Saturday the race schedules include: late models, super trucks, chargers, school buses, drifting and many other exciting racing venues. This is a new entertainment option in Myrtle Beach and certainly not one to be missed!

June 6, 13, 20 and 27 2012 Movie Under the Stars in Valor Park at the Market Common 

Every Wednesday in June, July and August from 9pm - 11pm

Gather the beach gear and take it with you to Valor Park at the Market Common for a movie night outdoors. Enjoy the warm summer night as you watch classic American cinema: the original Superman, the original Pink Panther and Mama Mia are just a few titles to grace the screen this June. Don't fret if you're joining us later in the summer because "Movie Under the Stars" is every Wednesday night in July and August too! 

June 13, 2012 Cool Summer Evenings at Brookgreen Gardens

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 7pm - 10pm

Performances are included in regular garden admission. Be sure to purchase your discounted tickets at the Plantation Resort Front Desk. 

Experience the breath-taking gardens at twilight as you listen to live musical performances on an outdoor and under a canopy live oak trees. Tote the lawn chair or blanket to comfortably claim your concert seat. Picnics may be enjoyed in the designated picnic areas, and the Pavilion Restaurant offers a special menu until 7pm. Desserts and beverages will be available for sale at the gardens as well. 

  

With so many new, unique and fun activities there's no better place to spend your vacation this summer; Myrtle Beach is the place to be and Plantation Resort makes it easy to enjoy the best of the beach! To make a reservation please call, 1-800-845-5039. For additional information on discounted show tickets, entertainment and restaurants be sure to ask our knowledgeable front desk staff. We're here to ensure your dream vacation is a reality. Come see us this summer!

Plantation Resort's Photo Contest

Win a Free Vacation with Plantation Resort's Photo Contest beginning May 8th. 

To enter, post your favorite vacation photo on our Facebook wall and announce it as your entry. The picture with the most “LIKES” wins a 4-Day, 3-Night Vacation to Plantation Resort!  

We’re also giving away weekly prizes to randomly selected participants who “LIKE” pictures. So be sure to ask family and friends to give your photo a "LIKE" because they could win too!

• Only 1 picture entry per Facebook account is allowed. If a participant enters more than one photo the additional entries will be disqualified from winning.

• If a participant "LIKES" their own photo entry, those "LIKES" are disqualified. 

• All entries must be submitted on or after May 8th -- previously posted photos are not included in the contest.  

• Only participants without a photo entry are qualified to win a weekly giveaway.

• All winners will be announced on our Facebook page. 

Good Luck!

April 23, 2012 -- Poolside Grill Opens with New Menu

Expect something a little different from the Poolside Grill this summer. Chef Chase has not only revamped the breakfast buffet but has also turned his culinary sites on the Grill. For the last 2 months Chase and his team have improved old favorites while creating new delicious menu combos for guests to enjoy. Taking American classics, Chase added his signature Southern style to create a menu that reflects the attitude of the Grand Strand.

New Menu Items: Turkey Wrap with Basil Mayo, Turkey BLT, Turkey BLT Wrap, Fried or Blackened Bologna Sandwiches, Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Nachos, Fried Pickles, Fried Green Beans, Potato Skins, Onion Rings and Waffle Fries.

In addition to the new menu items, Chase is planning a list of seasonal specials that will make occasional appearances throughout the summer. Be sure to look for new seafood entrees, wings, nacho variations and fun, new spins on the common hot dog or hamburger.

Don’t forget about Happy Hour! Every day (except Thursdays) from 4pm – 6pm the grill will offer half-off smoothies. Take a break from the sun and cool off with a strawberry – banana or pina – colada smoothie for only a few dollars. Yummy!    

At the grill we believe people should get exactly what they want, and this is the inspiration behind the "build-your-own-burger" idea. Add bacon, cheese, chili, slaw or even a fried egg (if you're brave. we hear it's delicious) to make your burger entirely your own. Grill the onion, toss on some lettuce, add a tomato and you've got yourself the perfect summertime lunch.

The best part? The Poolside Grill is only a few steps away from the outdoor pool, your shady-spot and the kids. No need to stress over lunch or drag the little ones away from the fun. Sit-back, relax and leave the grilling to us!

Complete Poolside Grill Menu: 

Build-Your-Own Burger

Hot Dogs

Corn Dogs

Sausage Dogs

Turkey BLT, Turkey BLT Wrap

Chicken Salad Sandwich

Grilled Cheese

Chicken Tenders

Fried or Blackened Bologna Sandwich

BLT

Nachos

Sides:

Onion Rings

Waffle Fries

Potato Skins

Fried Green Beans

Fried Pickles 

 To reserve a vacation at Plantation Resort please call 1-800-845-5039. We'll see you soon!

Grand Strand Beaches 101

The perfect beach is as essential to a good vacation as a reliable GPS is to a road trip. Since many of our guests do both, hit the GPS navigated roads and play in our sand and surf, we thought we'd offer a navigation service of our own: Grand Strand Beaches 101. Starting in Myrtle Beach and heading south, we'll tell you what each beach is known for (good surfing, great seafood, local's favorite, etc.) and why they're worth visiting.

Myrtle Beach:
For great people watching material and access to numerous beach-side attractions consider walking the boardwalk which parallels Ocean Boulevard beginning at 14th Avenue and ends at the 2nd Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach. 
To catch a wave, head over to Springmaid Pier on the southern end of Ocean Boulevard, or head over to 64 avenue north for another great surfing spot.


Myrtle Beach State Park:
Quiet and nestled among a sea-side forest, Myrtle Beach State Park is a great alternative to the otherwise bustling Grand Strand beaches. Located only minutes north of Plantation Resort, the state park offers educational opportunities, a nature trail, pier and fantastic fishing. Be sure to ask the Front Desk for a free park pass -- the passes are first come, first serve and definitely worth the effort!

Surfside Beach Pier

Surfside Beach: 
A quaint, family-friendly beach with the famous River City Cafe: known for beachy-time atmosphere and fantastic burgers. Surfside is the quintessential laid-back beach where locals and visitors mix easily with coolers in hand and toes in the sand. The best part? The complimentary Plantation Resort shuttle bus takes guests safely to Surfside Beach pier within minutes.       

Garden City Beach:
The locals hang-out! Because it's further south than most tourist dare venture, you'll find fewer advertisements, hotels and beach rentals. Still, parking is free all summer long and if you brought all your beach-gear with you it may be worth the drive. The Garden City pier is a fishermen's hot spot!

Boats docked at Murrells Inlet

Murrells Inlet:
Known for incredible seafood and  gorgeous scenery, Murrells Inlet is less beach and more off-the-beaten-path adventure. The Marshwalk, a boardwalk that follows the waterway, offers great views of the saltwater marsh with its wildlife, birds and spectacular scenery. Be sure to rent a kayak and paddle out to the numerous islands that dot the waterway, or bring a fishing pole and take advantage of the excellent fishing.


Huntington Beach State Park:
The park's fresh water lagoon, salt marsh, forest and beach are the best examples of the state's natural coastal environment. Take a tour of the Spanish-styled Atalya castle, former winter home and studio of Brookgreen Gardens co-founder Anna Hyatt Huntington, or journey down the beautiful coastline on the 26 mile bike trail. The park offers educational opportunities and beautifully preserved beaches. Again, make sure to ask the Front Desk for a free pass before they're all gone!    

Pawleys Island Pier at Sunrise

Pawleys Island:  An adventurous beach with plenty of sand dunes, beach grass and jetties to discover. More untouched landscape than man-made beach, this is a great place to enjoy the beauties of ocean and inlet. Further south than the typical tourist's thoroughfare, you're sure to see more locals and fewer advertisements along this glittering surf.   Another great place to kayak because of the inlet's fantastic views, remote location and calm surf. This is also another great place to try out your fishing skills while on vacation.


We'd love to hear why you enjoy the beautiful sand and surf of the Grand Strand too!Leave a comment and let us know what your favorite beach is and why you love it.

To reserve your vacation at Plantation Resort, please call 1-800-845-5039.