Exciting Summer Events for August 2012

Get ready for fun-filled August events on the Grand Strand!

For the past few summer months, Myrtle Beach has been a whirlwind of shows, events, and non-stop entertainment. If you're packing your bags and heading our way in the next few weeks,  you'll find that we keep the party going all the way through August! The cities and attractions along the Grand Strand continue to host a flood of events to entertain vacationers and wave goodbye to Summer 2012 in style.


Ocean  Boulevard's Hot Summer Nights at Plyler Park on the Boardwalk through out August
Sunday Nights: Whacker Barrel
The week kicks of with a spectacular drum display by the talented musicians named Whacker Barrel. Experience drumming like you've never seen it before!


Monday Nights: Kid's Carnival
Reminiscent of the closing scene from Annie, this evening includes strolling entertainers, stilt walkers, jugglers, face painters, bounce houses, a giant inflatable slide and live entertainment. This is one event both children and adults will enjoy!


Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Nights: Live Concert Series
After a fun-filled day at the beach, grab your lawn chairs and head over to the boardwalk to enjoy live music from some of the best local talent in the area. 


Wednesday Nights: Fireworks Display
Finish the evening with a bang by catching some of Myrtle Beach's best fireworks. For the best seats, head over to Plyler Park, the boardwalk, or enjoy the show with your toes in the sand! Fireworks begin at 9:30pm.


Friday Nights: Dixieland on the Boardwalk
Come experience how we have fun in the South! The sounds of smooth jazz and soulful blues fill the night air until you can't help but move to the beat. 

Movie Under the Stars in Valor Park at Market Common August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th at 9:00pm
Bring lawn chairs, blankets and your favorite snacks to Valor Park and enjoy family films by moonlight! This month's flicks include Goonies, Hook, Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom, Beetlejuice, and Grease. When the movie sweet tooth strikes, Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar will be standing by with assorted desserts, beer, and wine while Canipes Chocolates & Candies offers delicious gourmet snacks and popcorn.


Brookgreen Gardens' Cool Summer Evenings August 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 10th from 7:00 - 9:00pm
Experience a Southern summer night listening to live entertainment beneath the moss-draped oak trees and participating in a variety of activities for the kids- all included for the price of garden admission! Bring a picnic supper to eat near Jessamine Pond or take advantage of the incredible cuisine served by the Pavilion Restaurant. The park's hours on event nights extend until 9:00pm and tickets are sold for Pontoon Boat cruises set to sail at 6:00 and 7:00pm. Remember to purchase your discounted Garden Admission tickets at the Front Desk.

Craftmen's Classic Arts & Crafts Festival at the Convention Center August 3rd - August 5th
This annual event features the work of hundreds of artists from across the nation. Browse booths filled with unique art and designs to find the perfect piece for your collection or a great vacation souvenir. This expo has something for everyone: jewelry, paintings, leather crafts, mosaics, metal works, dolls and much more!

Mopars at the Beach Week August 6th - 12th 
Cruise the beach in your Mopar and participate in a week full of events for enthusiasts. The itinerary includes a Meet & Greet at Hardrock Cafe, the Race Challenge at Myrtle Beach Speedway, the Wheels of Destruction Thrill Show, the Classic & Modern Muscle Car Show and more!


Dupont World Amatuer Handicap Championship August 27th - August 31st
Myrtle Beach hosts one of the largest amateur golf tournaments in the world on ten courses across the Grand Strand. Whether you want to play, watch, or attend golf seminars to improve your skills, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to all of these family-fun events, your favorite Myrtle Beach attractions are in full swing and ready to show you a good time. Our front desk is standing by to provide you with discounted tickets and information on popular area entertainment- just call 1-800-845-5039. We look forward to seeing you soon here at Plantation Resort!

Engage Your Creative Side With SpinArt and CrayonArt!

While vacationing at Plantation Resort, you're sure to have endless fun at the pools, lazy river and splash deck. But when you need a quick break from the heat, be sure to stop by the activity center for dozens of resort activities. Our summer schedule is packed full with creative projects and games that are fun for the whole family and will keep kids of all ages entertained. Grownups are welcome too! And with most of our activities, you're able to take home your creations that will be reminders of fond memories for years to come.

Discover your inner artist!

If you’ve never done SpinArt, now is the time to try! In just a few easy steps, you can make psychedelic designs in all your favorite colors. First, strategically dollop your color choices onto the back of a white plate. Second, place the plate inside the bowl, cover it, and give it a spin! After you unveil your funky creation, choose a ribbon color to complement your work of art and hang it up for all to admire!

CrayonArt is another unique craft that allows you to unleash your inner artist. Allie and her mother, Karen, from Chicago happily participated in the activity. Allie had recently seen CrayonArt on YouTube and was dying to give it a try. When she noticed it listed on the activity schedule, she knew this was her chance! Allie started by picking out her favorite crayon colors, deciding to go with a rainbow theme. After lining the crayons in her chosen order, they were carefully hot glued to the top of the canvas. Next, the craft staff fired up the blow dryers and slowly heated the crayons. After a few seconds, Allie’s colors began running down the canvas, creating a work of art unlike any other. She was so excited about the result that she plans to do it again using her friend’s favorite colors to give to her as a birthday gift.

These are just a few of the many fun-filled activities Plantation Resort has to offer. This summer, take the opportunity to try something new! Learn more about SpinArt, CrayonArt and our other activities by calling our Front Desk staff at 1-800-845-5039. A full schedule of this summer's activities can also be viewed in our Facebook Wall Photos album.  Hope to see you soon at Plantation Resort!

Beach Parking Along the Grand Strand 101

The City of Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, just north of Plantation Resort, is a popular destination on the Grand Strand. Every summer thousands of people flock to its white beaches and new boardwalk. Fortunately, the city has more than enough parking to accommodate such large crowds! Most of the city is managed by street parking meters. From 31st Ave North to 29th Ave South and 69^th Ave North to 77 Ave South, meters are in effect from March 1^st through September 30^th, 7 days a week, from 9:00 am to 12:00 am. 
 

Pay special attention to the stickers on the meters. Blue stickers are worth a maximum of 2 hours of parking, red stickers - up to 3 hours, and green stickers allocate all day parking for $6. Say hello to the traffic police on their bikes and carts! They patrol the area frequently.

The Pavilion Parking garage, a local's secret, is in downtown Myrtle Beach and just south of the SkyWheel. Prices vary according to the season, however, they offer daily, nightly, weekend, weekly and monthly rates. The garage accepts credit and debit cards so you can keep your change for ice cream or smoothies at the outdoor pool!
 

The City of Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach, the family beach of the Grand Strand and our favorite destination, is located a mile and a half east of the Resort. Our complimentary shuttle service runs to Surfside Beach Pier 7 days a week from 10am - 6pm. Shuttles heading to the pier run on the hour (i.e. 10, 11, etc.) and they return to Plantation Resort on the half hour (i.e. 10:30, 11:30, etc.). The last out-going shuttle heads to the beach at 4pm, and the final return shuttle is at 6pm daily.

If you decide to forego the shuttle service during your stay, here are a few helpful tips to Surfside parking:

Surfside manages beach parking by meters at a rate of $1 an hour. The city’s convenient self-serve pay stations accept coins, credit and debit cards. The meters also accept cash but do not give change. If you need to break large bills, a change machine is located at the Eagles Beachwear store across the street. Don’t forget to display your printed receipt on the dashboard of your vehicle!

In addition to the pier, metered parking is available on 3rd and 6th Ave North, Yaupon Drive, and 3^rd to 5^th Ave South.  As with Myrtle Beach, beware of expired meters!

Garden City Beach

Garden City is located just south of Surfside Beach, and if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of busier areas, this is it! When heading south on Waccamaw Drive (the road running parallel to the ocean) you'll find several beach access points. The best part? Garden City offers free parking!

Huntington and Myrtle Beach State Park

The pristine beaches of Huntington and Myrtle Beach State Parks are local favorites. The parks offer hiking, picnic areas, plenty of beautiful scenery and, of course, the beach. The park's monitored entry makes a visit quick, easy and safe.  Plantation Resort guests enjoy an added benefit- free admission with a pass! Daily park passes can be checked out at the Front Desk and Indoor Pool that will grant you access to both state parks free of charge. Be sure to get yours early in the day as passes are limited and check-out quickly.

We hope these parking tips help to make your vacation a convenient, stress-free experience. For additional information on which beach is best for you, click here. If you have any questions about beach information, parking or our shuttle service please call our knowledgeable front desk staff at 1-800-845-5039. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Beat the Heat at Wild Water & Wheels

During the summer, the Grand Strand is in its prime! The coast is a buzz of activity and excitment as families from across the country pour in to take advantage of the beautiful weather, white beaches, and thrilling attractions. With a wide selection of venues and only a few precious vacation days, choosing where to spend your time can be difficult! To make the most of your Myrtle Beach vacation, there's one attraction you won't want to miss: Wild Water & Wheels.

Conveniently located 5 minutes south of Plantation Resort, Wild Water & Wheels is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, with enough pools, slides and activities to keep you entertained for hours on end.

Pools: The Wipeout Wave Pool creates 8 different kinds of waves- some reaching a height of 4 feet! Ride the swells while grooving to the tunes played throughout the park. If you want to put your feet up and soak in the sun, grab a tube and head over to the 950 ft lazy river complete with caves, spitters and flowing musroom umbrellas to cool you off.

Slides: For the adventurous, the park offers a wide variety of tube, mat, and body slides. Thrill seekers, be sure to ride the pitch black "Dark Hole" tube slide and the Cliff Dive- a body only speed slide that plummets the rider on a near vertical drop! For some friendly competition, head over to the H20 racer and speed to beat your opponent across the finish line.

For the little ones: Wild Water & Wheels features several different kiddie pools that your young children will love. Filled with floating characters, water sprays and slides just their size, they'll never want to leave!

Activities: This fun-filled attraction is more than just a water park! Take a break from the pools and enjoy a round of 18 hole putt putt, bumper boats, kiddie carnival rides and go-karts. To participate in these extra ammenities, purchase individual ride tickets or upgrade your water park wrist band to a Full Park Pass good for unlimited riding.

If a sunny day suddenly becomes stormy, don't fret! Wild Water & Wheels will offer you a rain check if they have to close their park for the day.

Wild Water & Wheels is guaranteed fun for the whole family, and Plantation Resort offers discounted tickets for all-day water park admission. Once at Wild Water, you have the option to upgrade to a Full Park Pass for only $10 a person. For additional information, questions and to purchase tickets, please call our Front Desk at 1-800-845-5039.

Exposing 5 Secrets for a Better Vacation at Plantation Resort

Many Plantation Resort owners and guests have been coming here for years and know the ins-and-outs like the back of their hand. They know about our many pools, discounted tickets and kids' activities. They could tell you about our hours, golf partners and fitness classes. But with such a wide variety of amenities offered, there are a few special services that slip through the cracks! Based on questions we've received at our Front Desk, we've compiled a list of the top 5 things you should know for a better vacation experience at Plantation Resort.

1 Smoothie fans, you're in luck! The Poolside Grill holds Happy Hour daily, where guests can enjoy their favorite smoothies for $2- that's 50% off the regular price. This special runs from 4-6pm (4-5pm on Thursdays due to Polynesian Night), so be sure to stop by the Outdoor Pool and indulge in a strawberry, pina colada, or banana smoothie.

2 The beautifully preserved Huntington and Myrtle Beach State Parks are local favorites, offering pristine beaches, family picnic areas, nature trails and easy parking. Additionally, the beaches are less crowded due to the admittance fee charged by the Parks. Plantation Resort guests can enjoy these areas for free! Daily park passes are available to check-out at the Front Desk and Indoor Pool. Passes are first-come-first-serve, so be sure to get yours early in the day.

3 If you're a cycling enthusiast, there are several beautiful bike trails in the Myrtle Beach area that you won't want to miss. Bike rentals are available at the Indoor Pool for $4 an hour or $12 for the day. See a list of our favorite routes here.

4 After a few busy vacation days, sometimes you want to slow it down- order a pizza and spend a relaxing night in. Plantation Resort offers a large selection of entertainment for just such a night! Movies are available to rent on a per night basis and board game rentals simply require a refundable deposit. We even have specialty Plantation Resort playing cards available for purchase! Stop by the Indoor Pool to pick out your favorite activities and enjoy a laid-back evening with family. 

5 Plantation Resort has a wide variety of vacation souvenirs available at the Front Desk and Indoor Pool. Among the items available for purchase is the Plantation Resort tumbler for only $12. Guests who buy the tumbler receive an added perk- free refills of soft drinks and tea at the Poolside Grill for the rest of the calendar year! This offer is only availble for a limited time, so be sure to take advantage.

While vacationing at Plantation Resort, remember these tips for ultimate vacation enjoyment! As always, our Front Desk staff is available to help you with any questions you might have. Simply call 1-800-845-5039.

Lunch at the Poolside Grill

The Poolside Grill is serving up fresh, new menu items this summer.  They sound so good I had to try the new options for myself. Relaxing next to the outdoor pool with the warm Carolina sun on my back, I enjoyed a uniquely delicious and hearty meal that didn’t break the bank!

I was dying to try the Spicy Sausage, so that was first on the menu. This all - beef bratwurst is served on a hot dog bun and topped with fiery jalapeños, fresh red and green bell peppers and spicy mustard. A lover of all things spicy, this creation suited my tastes perfectly! The mustard and jalapeños add a zesty kick to the plump, juicy sausage while the sautéed peppers are a sweet addition. If this sounds too hot to handle, request the sausage without jalapeño- you’ll avoid the heat while keeping the spice .The Grill is happy to accommodate your personal preferences.

Next I tried a welcome twist to an old classic. Taking grilled cheese to a whole new level, the grill melts a perfect blend of American and Cheddar cheese on thick slices of toasted sourdough bread. Of all the possible combinations, I tried the chef-recommended additions of bacon and tomato on my grilled cheese for a mouthwatering result. The hickory smoked bacon made the sandwich filling while the juicy flavor of the tomato acted as the perfect complement. This is the adult version of a childhood favorite that left me wanting more. However, if you're truly old school, the Grill continues to serve the classic grilled cheese just the way you like it!

I must take a moment to pay homage to the waffle fries we’re now serving at the Poolside Grill. They give Chik-fil-A a run for their money as each fry is topped with a special, savory house seasoning. No meal is complete without this spectacular side, so take advantage of the cost effective combo upgrade which includes waffle fries and a drink.

Of course, the Grill also continues to serve all your traditional favorites you've come to love- juicy hamburgers and hot dogs, turkey wraps, chicken tenders, BLTs and more! With such a wide variety of options, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

And now, for a limited time, the grill will make the Spicy Sausage a combo meal for free! Simply print the coupon below and present it to the Grill at the time of order. 

If you haven’t had lunch at the Poolside Grill, there is no better time to try!  I'm glad I took the opportunity to eat there, and you will be, too. We’ll see you at the Grill this summer with coupon in hand!