Halloween in Myrtle Beach

We are only a month away from Halloween 2012, and if you're vacationing in Myrtle Beach during that time, you're in for a treat (or rather, a whole bag full).  The Grand Strand has a wide variety of events planned to get you into the spooky spirit and several great places to go trick-or-treating!

Conway Ghost Walk in Conway
October 25 - 27, 7pm
Creep through downtown Conway while professional storytellers in period costume spin eerie tales of South Carolina's haunted low-country.  It's guaranteed to send a chill up your spine!  Tours begin at 7 pm and leave every 10 minutes, lasting an hour and covering 1 mile.  The final tour of each night will be at 8:30.

Terror Under the Bridge in Conway

October 25 - 31, Doors open at 7pm

Built in the 1890s, the Lower River Warehouse at the Conway Bridge is said to be the only truly haunted house in the area.  They were even visited by SyFy's Ghost Hunters!  Don't miss your chance to tour and have a frightfully fun time.

Huntington's Haunted Halloween at Huntington Beach State Park
October 26 - 27, 6 - 9:30pm
Join Huntington Beach State Park for an evening of spook-tacular entertainment centered around Atalaya, the winter retreat built for Anna Hyatt Huntington in the 1930s.  The event features carnival games, Halloween-themed cartoons playing on a big screen, children's crafts, s'mores around a bonfire, and two haunted houses with special effects that make your hair stand on end!  Admission is $10 for adults and $7 for children 6 - 15.


Kids' Club at Inlet Square Mall
October 27, 10am - 12pm
Get in the Halloween spirit with the Kids' Club!  The little ones will enjoy a variety of fun activities including mask painting, a performance by a mysterious illusionist and pictures with Seamore the turtle.  Guard-a-Kid will also be in attendance, making child ID badges to promote safety.


Kids' and Pets' Halloween Costume Contests and Fun Day at Barefoot Landing
October 27, 12 pm
If you're looking for a family-friendly event, look no further!  Barefoot Landing is providing you with a Halloween event the little ones will love.  You can enter or enjoy watching the kids' and pets' costume contests, take a free ride on the carousel, get your face painted, make some furry friends at the petting zoo and stop by Kids' Karaoke.  If you would like to participate in the costume contest, registration begins at noon!

Howl-O-Scream at McLean Park

October 27, 5 - 8pm

This fun-filled fest in North Myrtle Beach has entertainment for thrill-seekers of all levels, featuring both Scare and Scare Free zones.  Activities include hay rides, marshmallow roasting, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating and games!  In case of inclement weather, the event will take place on October 28.

Halloween on the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet
October 31, 5 - 10:30pm
Murrells Inlet knows how to throw a party!  From 5 - 7pm, kids participate in trick-or-treating and a costume parade followed by a costume contest, all taking place along the town's beautiful Marshwalk. Beginning at 7pm, it's all about the adults!  Be sure to dress your best for the adult Halloween costume contests - they'll be handing out more than $2,000 in cash and prizes!  To top it all off, area restaurants will be offering dinner and drink specials throughout the evening.


Celebrity Square of Terror at Broadway at the Beach
October 27, 7:30pm
Think you have a pretty great costume?  Then head over to Broadway at the Beach to participate in the largest costume contest in South Carolina!  Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.  You'll also enjoy a live DJ and all of the fantastic restaurants and bars that this entertainment complex has to offer. Be sure to stop by Hard Rock Cafe - kids 10 and under in costume eat free with a paying adult!

If you're looking for the area's scariest Haunted Houses, be sure to stop by:

Ripley's  Haunted Adventure. Sunday - Thursday 12pm to 8pm, Friday -Saturday 12pm - 9pm.  Extended hours on Halloween TBA.

Nightmare Haunted House. Friday - Sunday. Doors open at 6pm.

What's the best part of Halloween? Trick-or-treating! Myrtle Beach has several locations to take the kids for their favorite pastime on the 31st:

Broadway at the Beach, 4:30 - 6:30pm

Barefoot Landing, 5 - 7pm. Free bags and carousel rides!

Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, 5 - 6pm

Inlet Square Mall, 10am - 9pm

Coastal Grand Mall, 5 - 7pm

Tanger Outlets on Hwy 17, 6 - 9pm

Tanger Outlets on Hwy 501, 6 - 8pm

We will also be hosting a Halloween activity here at the Resort on October 30th with snacks and fun games for the kids. Be sure to come in costume! To sign up and for additional information, stop by the indoor pool or call (843)-913-5060. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

Plantation Resort Improvements: The Lobby

At Plantation Resort, we are continually updating and changing the property to make it better and more beautiful than ever. One of our recent ongoing projects has been the Lobby. This area has received a complete face-lift, and we could not be more pleased with the results!

Before:

After:

New colors and a new theme have come together to make your home-away-from home more inviting than ever.

The tropical fans that operate on a pulley system have already been a huge hit!

Large HD screens in the lobby provide you with Resort and Myrtle Beach information while our new display case features available Resort souvenirs.

We even made some changes outside! Beautiful new front doors create a more welcoming entrance.

We are excited for you to see the new changes for yourself during your next Plantation Resort vacation. Be sure to stay tuned - we have more exciting updates to come!

Exciting Myrtle Beach Events for October 2012

Hay Ride at  Brookgreen Gardens

September is rapidly coming to a close and it will be October before we know it! There's no place like Myrtle Beach to ring in autumn, and we have a long line up of activities to keep you busy and entertained.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally

October 1 - 7th

It's time to cruise the coast! This popular rally never fails to disappoint, and we're gearing up for another great year. Soak up the last of the warm weather as you ride by beaches, through low-country and along the waterway. Each toured route is packed full of area attractions and sponsor locations that bring you live entertainment, giveaways and, of course, plenty of food and drinks to go around! Get more details from our previous blog post here. 

Oktoberfest 2012 in Downtown Myrtle Beach
October 6, 12pm - 11pm
Celebrate German culture and a new season with the South's version of Oktoberfest! This event has it all: authentic German food, beer, a bratwurst eating contest, arts & craft booths and live entertainment from a dozen different bands.  Even the little ones will have a great time in the alcohol-free Kids Zone, where they can bounce on the inflatables and watch the strolling entertainers. You'll finish the night off with a spectacular fireworks show at 11pm.


Surfside Beach Family Festival on Surfside Drive
October 6, 10am - 4pm
If you're looking for good ol' fashioned family fun, this is your stop! Adults and kids alike will enjoy the 100+ vendor booths, inflatables, games, face painting, petting zoo and dunking booth - all just a few steps away from the ocean.


12th Annual Cruise to the Coast Antique and Classic Car Show in North Myrtle Beach
October 8, 10am - 6pm
Every year, thousands of car enthusiasts flock to North Myrtle Beach to spend the day appealing to their passion for classic automobiles. This show features more than 100 cars and  55 club cars for your viewing pleasure. The event will also be handing out awards and hosting fun games.




Taste of the Town at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center
October 9, 4 - 10pm
Since 1984, Taste of the Town has been giving guests the opportunity to sample the best cuisine in Myrtle Beach all under one roof.  Talented chefs from more than 50 area restaurants showcase their delicious specialties in sample-size quantities while live music drifts in from the stage. The little ones will also be able to enjoy a fun kids area complete with a rock climbing wall! Admission tickets are $4 if purchased in advance or $5 at the door while children 14 and under receive free admission.  Food tickets are $1 each.


Harvest Home Weekend at Brookgreen Gardens
October 13 - 14, 9:30am - 4:30pm
This is the classic small town fall fest just like you see in the movies.  Families enjoy the crisp autumn air while participating in pumpkin painting, crafts, sheep wool spinning demonstrations, special zoo activities, soap making, sweet grass basket weaving demonstrations, hay rides and even scarecrow building! You'll also enjoy live music and delicious food while you make lasting family memories.



13th Annual Surfrider Lip-Rippin Chilympics at Spuds Waterfront Dining in Murrell's Inlet
October 14, 12 - 6pm
Chili lovers of the world unite! This event will feature a cook-off between more than 30 masters of chili.  Samples will be available for purchase beginning at noon until judging.  Winners will be selected in a wide variety of categories including Best Overall, People's Choice, Hottest, Best Vegetarian and more.  Entertainment includes live bands, a performance from Chief Kamu's Hula and Fire show, face painting and inflatables.


Myrtle Beach Mini-Marathon (Location varies by race. Follow the link for more information)
October 20 - 21
Whether you want to beat your best time, get a good work out or take a long walk, this mini-marathon has just the race for you. Events include a Coastal 5k, Doggie Dash and High Heel Race on day 1.  Day 2 brings the half-marathon!  After the race, be sure to stop by the Health and Fitness Expo, which features the latest in running shoes and apparel as well as free samples.



Brew at the Zoo at Brookgreen Gardens
October 27, 6 - 9pm
This brand new event allows guests to sample more than 30 regional and national craft beers in a signature tasting glass. You'll also enjoy delicious appetizers, a stroll through the Lowcountry Zoo and local favorite band "Bullfrog."  A perfect date night! Tickets are $40 per person or $35 for members of Brookgreen.


All of these fun-filled fall events lead you up to the end of the month and that means Halloween!  Be sure to stay tuned...  We'll be releasing an additional list of Halloween events and activities soon.  We look forward to seeing you for an exciting fall vacation at Plantation Resort!

A Monthly Maintenance Fee Payment Plan is Now Available!

You asked for it, and we've heard you! Plantation Resort is pleased to offer an optional monthly payment plan for your maintenance fees. This new program will give you more flexibility with your payments and with your vacation plans!

Beginning in October of each year, maintenance fees can be divided into 12 equal installments to be paid each month. For example, if your maintenance fee is due in January 2014, you will make your first payment in October 2013. A credit card, debit card or checking account routing number is kept on file to save you the inconvenience of calling or sending a check each time a payment is due. And when you sign up, you're given the choice of four options as to when the payment will be drafted each month: the 5th, 10th, 15th or 20th.  A minimal $2 service fee is included each month's payment. You also have the option to pay in full at any time without penalty.

-Becky Szuba, Customer Service Representative

And here's the best part: once you're set up for monthly payments, you can make your vacation reservation immediately! You'll have the option to use your week even though all of the maintenance fee hasn't been collected. "Maintenance fees are normally due right after the Holidays, which we know is a financially difficult time for many who are focused on buying gifts for loved ones," explains Rodney Brown, President of Plantation Resort. "We hope this new payment option will help relieve the strain and make it easier for you to go on vacation!"

If you'd like to pay the 2013 maintenance fee on a monthly plan, be sure to call soon! But if you missed the chance to enroll in the program before the end of October, it's not too late.  Our representatives will take a payment for the missed months and then you will be set for the remainder of the monthly installments.

To sign up for monthly payments or to learn more about the program, call 1-800-845-5039 and ask to speak with Becky or Sharon. We hope this new option will help you to take full advantage of your ownership. See you soon at Plantation Resort!

New Giveaways at Plantation Resort!

Our partner, the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center, has been offering visitors the chance to win fabulous Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prize Giveaways!

Conveniently located off of Highway 501, visitors have been registering for their chance to win...

Weekly Giveaway: 3 Day, 2 Night Mini-vacation in beautiful Myrtle Beach

Monthly Giveaway: 50" Flat Screen TV

Grand Prize Giveaway: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee- Drawn November 2012

Now, the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center is offering you the chance to win these great prizes right here at Plantation Resort! Simply stop by our Front Desk to fill out an entry form and keep your fingers crossed. The next big winner could be you!

The Ride: Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally 2012

The Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally is less than a month away, and the Grand Strand is getting geared up to welcome our biker friends from all over the country! What better way to start off the fall than to cruise the coast with the still-warm Carolina sun on your back?

This popular rally will be held October 1st through the 7th with activities largely taking place in North Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet. The event features several tours that span between 90 and 150 miles. Expect incredible scenery! You'll be riding by the waterway, piers, beaches, beautiful lowcountry and historic towns. Each route is also packed with dozens of tourist attractions and sponsor locations ready to refresh and entertain you with contests, giveaways, live performances, charity events and outdoor entertainment. By stopping at these destinations, you can also earn points that make you eligible to win fantastic prizes! Simply register for your The Ride Passport and bring it with you to each location to be stamped. When you also patronize the location, you receive double the points.

Plantation Resort is a proud supporter of this iconic event and we look forward to hosting our biker friends each year. Because we are located just south of North Myrtle Beach and neighbor Murrells Inlet, we're right in the middle of the action! To make reservations at our beautiful resort, call 1-888-913-4477. Remember to get your passport stamped at our Front Desk! We'll see you in October!

Myrtle Beach's Best Kid-Friendly Attractions

Family vacations create experiences and bonding moments that your kids will remember forever and the Grand Strand is the perfect place for just such a vacation! The area is filled with shows and attractions that provide hours of fun for the whole family. With everything from rides to shows, these kid-friendly events are sure to be fun for you, too.


WonderWorks

While Professor Wonder and his group of scientists were creating a contained man-made tornado at their lab in the Bermuda Triangle, they lost control of the daring experiment. The building was blown all the way to Myrtle Beach where it landed, upside down, on top of a Crab Shack. Fortunately, the other experiments in the lab remained intact and are now here for us to enjoy. This indoor amusement park features a wide variety of activities that thrill (and educate!) both young and old. Feel how cold the water was the night the Titanic sank, visit the bubble lab, experience the winds of a Category 1 hurricane, try to make a complete revolution on the Extreme 360° Bike, lay on a bed of nails and ride the roller-coaster simulator! After you've wound your way through the 100+ exhibits WonderWorks has to offer, you'll finish off the fun with a 3 story indoor ropes course!

Medieval Times

The Royal Family cordially invites you to attend a night of skill and competition where the bravest knights of the realm will compete for honor in a series of epic battles. Cheer your champion as he spurs his horse in the relay race, battles his opponents in daring sword fights and finally competes in the perilous joust. But no 11th Century tournament would be complete without a banquet! As you watch the brave knights battle, you'll dine on simmering tomato bisque soup, golden garlic bread, tender oven-roasted chicken, BBQ spare rib, herb basted potatoes and a flaky apple turnover.

The SkyWheel

Soar to new heights! In May 2011, Myrtle Beach welcomed a thrilling new attraction: the largest observation wheel in the United States. This is unlike any ferris wheel you've ever experienced! After being seated in one of the 42 climate-controlled gondolas in groups of 2  to 6, you'll slowly be raised to 187 feet in the air. Here, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the city and beaches along the Grand Strand. At night,  the SkyWheel illuminates the coastline with a breathtaking light show.1 million LED lights set into the side of the wheel swirl in a variety of colors and designs and create the perfect backdrop for an iconic family vacation picture!

Ripley's Aquarium

Come find out why Ripley's Aquarium is South Carolina's most visited attraction! Explore the depths of the ocean while traveling through the aquarium tunnel on a 340 ft long moving glidepath. You'll come face-to-face with dozens of sharks, snappers, sawfish, a sea turtle and a wide variety of beautiful fish swimming above and beside you. The aquarium's smaller tanks also feature tropical fish, piranhas, jelly fish, a Pacific Giant Octopus, poison dart frogs and more. If you're looking for a hands-on experience, be sure to stop by the Discovery Center and Friendship Flats, where you have the opportunity to pet horseshoe crabs and stingrays!

Pirates Voyage

Ahoy, matey! Hundreds of years ago, fearsome pirates roamed the Carolina coast. Today, the crews of two dread pirate ships have returned and are battling for their lost treasure! Watch as they compete on deck and in the water with thrilling acrobatics, daring sword fights, dives and even live animals. As you cheer on your crew, your captain will treat you to a  mouth-watering pirate feast that includes creamy vegetable soup, flaky buccaneer bread, half o' roasted cackler (chicken), the Captain's BBQ pork, buttery corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and apple pie.

MagiQuest

Upon entering MagiQuest, you find yourself in an enchanted realm where you use your own magic wand to help you in your journey to become a Magi.This indoor, multi-level attraction is like being inside a video game! As you wander through the realm, use your wand to duel, learn from ancient wizards, defeat dragons and meet pixies. Every Magi's journey is different based on the decisions they make and the battles they win. Each time you visit, your wand will remember what you have done and what you have left to accomplish. Master your skills, beat the game and become a true Magi!

A visit to any of these fun-filled attractions will leave behind lasting memories that your kids will talk about for years to come. To top it all off, discounted tickets to most of these attractions can be purchased at our Front Desk! For additional information, call 1-800-845- 5039. We look forward to seeing you and your family here soon!