2012 Bike Week Extended: Biker Events in March, April and May!

The beach is back and it’s bigger, better and longer than ever before! This year, bikers have a reason to ride the coast in March, April and May.

Starting in early March, the Myrtle Beach Bike Week West will introduce a Motorcycle Expo just 2 hours west of us in Florence, South Carolina. This first-time event will offer vintage motorcycle displays, bike shows, live entertainment, custom builders and much more.

Then join the party on Easter weekend when the top two bars in Murrells Inlet – Suck Bang Blow and The Beaver Bar –host the Rockabunny Rumble. This 3-day event will feature rat rods, rat bikes, vintage cars, choppers, rumble games, live music and lots of other exciting venues.

Of course all of these events are merely opening acts for the real party in May: the newly extended 2012 Myrtle Beach Bike Week. This traditionally week-long event now includes 2 weekends spanning a total of ten days. The expanded venue also means the Spring Rally will overlap with the Atlantic Beach Bike Week, creating the ultimate atmosphere of fun, parties and of course riding! 

This year the activities will largely take place in North Myrtle Beach, and in Murrells Inlet -- just south of Myrtle Beach. Many people mistake Myrtle Beach for the entire Grand Strand. What they don't realize is that the Grand Strand is 60 miles of beautiful coastline and Myrtle Beach is only 14 miles of the beach. So make sure to enjoy all that the Grand Strand has to offer!

As you plan the week, remember Plantation Resort sits south of Myrtle Beach and is a short ride to the Spring Rally action in Murrells Inlet. For the bikers looking to bypass the stop-and-go traffic in Myrtle Beach on their way to the north-end of the Grand Strand, Plantation Resort's location makes it easy to access Highway 31 -- the highway that takes you directly to North Myrtle Beach, where most of the Atlantic Beach Bike Week events will take place.

Plantation Resort welcomes all bikers.  We can't wait to see you roll in. The weather is perfect and our beaches are beautiful.

Come join us!

Important Dates to Remember:
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Expo (A First Time Event!), March 2-3, 2012 in Florence, S.C.

Murrells Inlet Rockabunny Rumble, April 6-8, 2012

Grand Strand Spring Rally May, 11-20, 2012

Mother's Day Ride, May 13th, 2012

Atlantic Beach Bike Fest, May 25-28, 2012

Four of the Most Popular Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2012

As Irish luck would have it, St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday, and a day that marks the beginning of Spring Break for many excitedly anxious students.

Come celebrate St. Patty's Day and school's hiatus by taking a trip to Myrtle Beach. Everyone knows it's a popular Spring Break destination, but what they might not know is how festive the Grand Strand becomes as we celebrate the traditions of the emerald 'isle.

We've compiled a list of the top 4 most popular places to celebrate the holiday. Trust us, you'll be green with envy if  you miss this Irish fun!

1. Start the party early by attending the St. Patrick's Day parade and festival in North Myrtle Beach. The parade is child-friendly and promptly begins at 9am. Come early to grab a prime location so you don't miss the candy passed out by the floats! As soon as the parade ends, the festival begins with live entertainment, food, crafts, and of course, green beer. A separate section will accommodate the little ones' rides and games.

St. Patty's Day Block Party at Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach

2. Enjoy the tastes and sounds of Ireland at one of our many Irish pubs. Spanning the length of the Grand Strand, 3 of the most popular establishments will be close by -- no matter your location. Try: Flynn's Irish Tavern (North Myrtle Beach), Finn McCool's Irish Restaurant and Pub (Myrtle Beach) and O'Keefe's Irish Pub (south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet). The food and drinks will certainly be flowing in celebration at any of these 3 taverns -- you can't go wrong!

3. One of the biggest block-parties along the Grand Strand is the St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Downtown Myrtle Beach. Beginning at noon, Ocean Boulevard closes as participants enjoy free concerts playing on 2 stages, authentic Irish food & drinks and the occasional dancing --or jigging! -- in the streets. There's also an alcohol-free kids' zone with rides and games for children to enjoy.

4. Just down the road from Plantation Resort, The Market Common is throwing their 3rd Annual Irish Fest from noon to 7pm. Held in Valor Park, this party features Irish food, adult beverages and entertainment with lots of fun activities for the kids. The best part? Walk only a few steps to the many shops and restaurants at nearby Market Common to enjoy other St. Patrick's Day festivities.


This year spend your Spring Break or St. Patrick's Day enjoying warm weather, fun activities and blue skies at Plantation Resort! Call 1-800-845-5039 for reservations. 
Hope to see you soon.  Here's wishing the luck of the Irish to you!

Wedgefield Plantation Golf Club Joins Family of Discounts at Plantation Resort

We’re pleased to announce Wedgefield Plantation Golf Club has joined the family of discounted courses offered at Plantation Resort.  Play 18 holes at the exceptionally low rate of $25 plus tax.  This includes a cart. To schedule your perfect tee time call #843-546-8587.

Located in Georgetown, this historic golf course lies equidistant between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 30-minute drive south of Plantation Resort is worth the effort to play among ancient, moss-covered oaks and on a course that rewards smart, strategic play. Fashioned from what use to be a pre-Revolutionary War, low-country rice plantation, Wedgefield is the epitome of Southern charm: gracious customer service, vivid history (including a headless figure that “haunts” the grounds at night) and luscious landscape that neighbors the slow-moving, Black River. 

Designed by Porter Gibson, Wedgefield Plantation Golf Club opened in 1973, and is ranked among the South Strand’s most elite golf facilities. The course features 4 sets of tees for different skill levels, and measures 7,072 yards from the longest tees. With dangerously placed water and bunkers, this course demands well-placed shots and lay-ups to do well. 


 An online review from last February reported that no matter the hole, “They make you…think about every shot.” And the 14^th hole in particular was reportedly the “intimidator” because you have to hit over the water not once, but twice. Asked about the shot, the player in the online review says, “It's one of the most challenging par-4s I have ever played." 


We are excited to offer our owners and guests yet another golf option when staying at Plantation Resort.  Make sure to come enjoy a slower pace of life and golf reminiscent of the Old South at Wedgefield Plantation Golf Club in historic Georgetown. 


In other news, many of you have asked about golf club rentals.  All of the discounted courses offered at Plantation Resort have clubs for rent. Price and quality vary according to course. Options include:

Martin’s Golf and Tennis of Myrtle Beach   (843-272-6030)

$30 per day and they have men, women, left and right-hand sets of clubs. For large groups, please call ahead.

Wicked Stick (843-215-2500)

$25 per day for men, women, left and right-hand sets of clubs.

Azalea Sands (843-272-619)

$20 per day and men, women, left and right-hand sets are available.

Conway Country Club (843-365-362)

$9 for nine holes and $12 for eighteen holes. Only men’s clubs are available.

Wedgefield Plantation Golf Club (843-448-2124)

$15 per day for men's set. Call ahead to rent a women's set. 

Please come and enjoy all the golf that Plantation Resort has to offer!  Even if you've never golfed, at these great rates, now would be a perfect time to step out on the green. 

Other Courses with Plantation Resort Discounts:

-Heron Point, Indigo Creek, the Conway Country Club, Azalea Sands, and River Oaks (843-215-3218)

-Wicked Stick (843-215-2500)

-Tupelo Bay (843-215-7888)

For the best selection, please call two weeks prior to tee time.Only guests with a valid recreation pass (given at check-in) are eligible for the Plantation Resort discount. 

If you don't see your favorite course listed, please give us a call at 1-800-845-5039 or send us an email to reservations@plantationresort.com.  We have access to many different courses all along the Grand Strand and we'd love to help you.

We hope to see you soon with golf clubs in hand!

Suggestions to Create the Perfect Valentine's Day

I love Valentine's Day! Call me a romantic, but I think it’s absolutely thrilling to join the rest of the country on February 14^th in expressing love and appreciation to the most important people in my life.

This year, my husband and I will be celebrating the holiday in Myrtle Beach for the first time. As a relatively new resident to the Grand Strand, I spent a lot of time trying to formulate new and exciting experiences for us. It occurred to me that many of you may benefit from my experiences as you plan your own Valentine’s Day extravaganza. After all, many of you might not know that Myrtle Beach turns into a romantic beach town when the summertime crowds disappear. Let me show you why…

River Boat Dinner Cruise - Valentine's Sweetheart Cruise

Surprise your sweetheart with a special river cruise that glides along the beautiful Intercoastal Waterway. The Barefoot Princess has outdoor and indoor seating, along with 2-climate controlled decks. Sight-seeing or dinner tours are scheduled throughout February, but there’s a special Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Cruise on the 14^th. After a delicious dinner of BBQ chicken and ribs, passengers may relax on the top deck to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, or dance to live music inspired by Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles on the second deck. For more information click here.  

Helicopter Ride at Sunset

Looking to make this Valentine's Day extra special? A helicopter ride at sunset is bound to impress! Rides are available throughout the day, and affordable package prices vary according to your flight destination. For something really special, choose the deluxe package that takes you on a tour of the entire Grand Strand. You will see the magnificent coastline from a view that few have an opportunity to experience, and it will certainly be something you and your special someone will never forget! For more information click here.


A Romantic Dinner for Two

Some of the most popular dining choices include:

Murrells Inlet:

Twelve
Bovine's Wood Fired Specialties
Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine

Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse

Surfside/ Garden City Beach:

Charleston Cafe

California Dreaming

Bonefish Bar and Grill
GulfStream Cafe

Pawley's Island:

Bistro 217

Frank's and Frank's Out Back

JD Steakhouse and Pasta
Island Cafe & Deli

Myrtle Beach:

The Melting Pot

Damons Grill

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse

Capriz Italian Feast

PF Changs

Gordon Biersch

You can find just about any dining experience in Myrtle Beach: from romantic, waterfront restaurants; intimate, upscale bistros; and softly lit cafes; to laid back, outdoor dining; relaxed steakhouses; and food venues from all over the world. With over 2,000 restaurants in the area, you're sure to find the perfect atmosphere for your special day.

A Walk on the Beach
No visit is complete until you've taken a leisurely stroll along Myrtle Beach's award-winning coastline. What could be more romantic than walking hand-in-hand, barefoot and carefree along the beach? Last Saturday, my husband and I took a trip to the Surfside pier to enjoy the unusually warm temperatures. Besides a few locals, the beach was deserted. It was peaceful, romantic and -- best of all -- private!

Surfside Pier is only five minutes away: Head South on Business 17, turn onto Surfside Drive to Surfside Pier.
Free Passes to Myrtle Beach State Park and Huntington Beach State Park are available at the Front Desk.


Remember, we're here to help you ensure this Valentine's Day is the best one yet. Make sure to ask the Front Desk for directions, tickets or any further assistance. If you have questions about the atmosphere or pricing of the restaurants, please ask! We're passionate about helping guests plan the perfect vacation. 


These are just a few of my suggestions in planning a truly unique, fun and romantic Valentine's Day. This year, ditch the usual flowers and drop the boring teddy-bear and take an exciting getaway to Plantation Resort:

To reserve your package call 1-800-845-5039. 

Happy Valentine's Day Yall!

15th Annual Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon: February 16 - 18

Since 1998, the BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon has assisted the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of South Carolina and the Horry County Chapter of the American Red Cross with raising almost $3 million in charitable contributions! What's more the marathon, and all other related events, are produced entirely by unpaid staff! On race weekend, over 1,000 volunteers are needed to aid participants with registration, shirt hand-out, water, food, aid-stations and procedures at the finish line. 


So if you're like me and you're not ready for a marathon, half-marathon or even a 5-k come on down to beautiful Myrtle Beach, and enjoy our clear blue skies while volunteering for a very worthy cause. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt, free entrance fee, complimentary food, fun and drinks at one of the two after-parties and the gratitude of Horry County! To learn more about volunteering for the Myrtle Beach Marathon, click here. 


We hope to see you there. Whether running or volunteering, you certainly don't want to miss this event! 


Marathon Weekend Schedule of Events: 


Spirit Airlines Runner's Expo:
5 - 9pm, Thursday, February 16, 2012 
11am - 9pm Friday, February 17, 2012
Myrtle Beach Convention Center: 21st Ave N and Oak St
The Expo is free and open to the public.  Myrtle Beach Convention Center Parking is $3.
Pick up race bibs, runner shirts, and visit sponsor and vendor booths in exibition area.  Official marathon merchandise will be available. 

Ripley's Fun Run

Friday, February 17, 2012

Start time: 5:30

The Ripley's Family Fun Run is a 1 mile run and will start and finish outside Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach.

Ripley's Junior Post Race Party

Friday, February 17, 2012

6 - 8pm

Free, light refreshments served

RBC Bank 5K

Friday, February 17, 2012

Start time: 7pm

The RBC Bank 5K will start on the 29th Ave N side of Broadway at the Beach.

Dasani Half-Marathon

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Start Time: 6:30am

The Dasani Half Marathon will start just North of the intersection of Grissom Pkwy and 21st Ave. N, Myrtle Beach, SC.

The Finish Line will be in the parking lot of BB&T Coastal Field.

Bi-Lo Marathon

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Start Time: 6:30am (6:25am for Wheelchair and Crankchair)

The BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon will start just North of the intersection of Grissom Parkway and 21st Ave. N, Myrtle Beach, SC.

The Finish Line will be in the parking lot of BB&T Coastal Field.

House of Blues Post Race Party

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Free to all registered participants of any Marathon weekend event and all volunteers.($20 for guests and non-participants.  Tickets will be available at the Expo or at the door.)

Tickets must be picked up at the Expo. Race bibs cannot be used for entrance at the House of Blues.

the party is restricted to ages 21 and over.

Free food and refreshments will be available from 5pm until 7pm.

Entertainment will be provided.

All awards and trophies will be available for pickup at the Post Race Party.

Don't forget, Plantation Resort has 3 different jacuzzis and rooms with large, jetted tubs where runners and volunteers can relax there tired muscles. Please give us a call and let us know how we can help:1-800-845-5039.