Retreat Myrtle Beach Blog

Myrtle Beach Memories

2012-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

Our guest blogger for this month is a Mom of four who frequently travels to North Myrtle Beach and spends time at Crescent Dunes. We were excited to get some input from a well traveled Mama!

Wow! Look how far we've come! Since the late 70's my family has been vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Growing up in a family between two boys was quite an adventure in itself. But every summer we looked forward to fun in the sun at Myrtle Beach. My Mom and I always loved to just relax in the sun with an occasional dip in the water. My Dad and brothers, however, always had to be going and doing something. Fishing, golfing, or visiting parks. Eating out once or twice during the week and a couple evenings of family putt-putt is some of my fondest memories. We were, and still are a very competitive family. I think one of our favorite courses put up "Don't beat clubs" signs just for my younger brother. He REALLY doesn't like to lose.

As the years have rolled by the tradition has continued. Even after my brothers and I were married, with families of our own we still found a way to get down to that sandy beach where all our life's worries seem to be suspended for one glorious week. We would rent a big house where everyone had space to sleep. Take turns cooking and watching the kids. Play cards games til all hours of the night. The best part of all would be the trip to the putt-putt course. My children, and my nieces and nephew would say they have NEVER seen us act like that. It was like we were back in time, my brothers and me. Hitting, pushing, teasing and taunting each other 'til the very end.

Myrtle Beach has changed a lot over the years. There is so much to do that no one should ever be bored. The shopping is great with the Tanger Outlets, Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing. There are some of the best golf courses in the US right in Myrtle Beach. Deep sea fishing is always one of my boys favorite things to do. And we all love to do an occasional dinner show. Our most recent one was The Pirates Voyage,it's an exciting fun filled show that the whole family enjoyed. From animal races, buccaneer battles and dive competitions to romance and a hearty feast, it was exciting and very energetic with lots of things happening all at one time. My kids were mesmerized by all the action and I'm sure we will be doing it again! There's just no way to take it all in the first go round. It was a great experience!

Now that many of our children are teenagers with summertime jobs, sports events or even other interest its hard to get our whole family together at the beach. However, I load up my crew of 4 (ages 8-16) and set my course to 2209 South Ocean Blvd. as often as I can. We spend the biggest part of our summers there. I call it "coastal therapy" because there is very little in my life that can't be fixed by a couple of hours with my feet in the sand and the ocean roaring in my ear. It's music to my ears and peace to my soul!

Summer is almost here!

2011-05-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Plan your next vacation around our free summer concerts! The Music on Main Concert Series is held the first Thursday of every month (May through Sept). Journey down to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach to get to know the area merchants in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Delight in the sounds of a live band, shop and dance til you drop!

The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is held the third Friday of every month (May through September). Enjoy an evening with family and friends listening to live music, picnicking and playing in the safe and fun environment of McLean Park. Bring a beach chair, blanket, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Upcoming Events

Food, wine, spirits, laughter and a lot of fun are all on tap this week in Myrtle Beach. Wine and beer dinners plus two food festivals, one with a very special guest, will satisfy any appetite. Here’s a sneak peek into the week’s events.

Coastal Uncorked Paula Deen Signature Event
Coastal Uncorked welcomes sassy Southern chef, Paula Deen for their signature event. Deen will host a cooking demonstration at the Alabama Theatre and will meet with 50 VIP guests at this special event. Tickets are still available to see Paula Deen on Saturday.

30th annual Blue Crab Festival
Little River will host the 30th annual Blue Crab Festival on Saturday and Sunday. Grab the family and get ready for a great time at the “South’s Great Street Festival.” Kids will love the designated fun area just for them. Live music is scheduled throughout the event each day where there will be plenty of arts, crafts, family fun and food!

Coastal Uncorked Tasting Trolley
What better way to spend your weekend than by touring around Myrtle Beach in a trolley sampling some of the best food, wine and spirits during Coastal Uncorked? The Tasting Trolley guides guests around the beach to stop at area hotels. This year’s event includes themed events at these hot spots: The Market Common, Compass Cove, Landmark Resort, Bay View Resort, Oceanfront Boardwalk, Breakers Resort, The Caribbean Resort, Dunes Village, Island Vista and The Caravelle Resort.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally 2011
Gear up for the Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally starting on Friday, May 13. This weeklong celebration welcomes bikers from all over the country to the area. Local spots like HB Spokes, Suck Bang Blow, The Rat Hole and The Beaver Bar play host to a slew of events daily with live music, fun and games. Remember to watch for bikers on the road this week!

Coastal Uncorked Wine Dinners
The Coastal Uncorked Food, Wine and Spirits Festival will be held this week in Myrtle Beach for the second year. Croissants Bistro & Bakery, Gordon Biersch, Mykonos, Sea Captain’s House, The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro, The Melting Pot and Waterscapes at Marina Inn are all hosting special wine dinners this week in honor of the week long festival.

Myrtle Beach Mud Run
If you’re looking for a challenge this weekend, you may want to try your luck at the Myrtle Beach Mud Run. This 3.5 mile course is full of obstacles that force you to crawl, climb, run and jump your way to the finish line. The deadline to register for the race is Friday, May 13. Proceeds benefit The Grand Strand Humane Society.

Bodies Revealed Grand Opening
Bodies Revealed, Broadway at the Beach's newest and perhaps most unique exhibit, opens this weekend. Visitors get an in-depth glimpse into the way the human body operates and the functions of each organ as scientifically preserved specimens are displayed. The exhibit will be open on Saturday and Sunday.

Great New Attractions:

The Pirates Voyage opens June 3rd and who isn't excited? Representatives of the show say we should expect a 15 foot deep, 750 thousand gallon lagoon, and 3 full-sized ships, complete with pirates, battling over who will take the treasure.
"We'll have performers emerging from the water, they'll be in the sky above the folks in the arena and diving into the water, and of course, they'll be a battle between pirates," said Owens of the new show.

The 190-foot Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is currently under construction downtown and the mammoth attraction promises a bird’s-eye view of the town and ocean. Scheduled for completion in May, the largest Ferris wheel east of the Mississippi River will offer nightly light shows to add some beauty to the fun. Coast is approximately $12 for an 8-12 min ride

WonderWorks is an “amusement park for the mind,” combining education and entertainment in over 100 hands-on exhibits that will spark the imagination and stimulate the mind. Visitors to the attraction will enjoy a variety of experiences including being blown away by 74 mile per hour hurricane-force winds, maneuvering the controls of a NASA spacecraft to land the shuttle, lying on a bed of 3,500 nails, piloting a fighter jet, designing and riding a 360 degree virtual roller coaster, playing virtual sports and competing in a game of lazer-tag.

'Tis the Season of Giving

2010-12-22T12:47:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of Christmas we decided to run a few contests this month. We gave away a FREE weekend at the beach for the best Christmas photo and a $25 gift card for the best Christmas recipe! These contests were done through our Facebook fan page. Join our Facebook fan page to be a part of future contests and exclusive Facebook specials!

We received 13 entries for the Christmas photo contest. These photos can be viewed on our Facebook under “2010 Christmas Photo Contest”. They were mostly pet photos but we did get some family ones as well. Be sure to check out all the photos on our Facebook! The one pictured above was the winner, Maggie!

There were 5 different Christmas recipe entries, Christmas Pinwheels, Cherry Delight, Chocolate Peppermint Bark, Tootsie Roll Fudge and The Neiman Marcus Cookie! Looks like we have a lot of people who enjoy sweets on our Facebook! You can view these recipes by clicking here! The winning recipe was Cherry Delight!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the contests! If you are not a fan of our Facebook page, be sure to join today so you can be a part of any future contests! Joining is simple, just click here and then click “like” at the top of the page! Happy Holiday’s to everyone!

Cherry Delight by Lisa Ault

Crust
- 1 graham cracker pie crust

Filling
- 1 package powdered sugar
- 2 packages cream cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla

Topping
- 1 can cherry filling
- 1 tub of whip cream

Mix filling ingredients well and pour onto pie crust. Top with cherry filling and add a layer of whip cream on top of cherries. Chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Serve! This makes a beautiful pie and is very tasteful!

Holiday Fun for the Whole Family

2010-12-02T13:32:00.001-08:00

I can’t believe it is already December! I have really been enjoying the great weather the past couple of weeks! With this being my first winter in North Myrtle Beach I’d have to say today has been the coldest day I have seen so far! I am definitely not jealous of all the people who have had snow already.

With the warmer weather and sun shining, it seems harder to get in the holiday sprit, for me at least! If you are in the same boat as me, I have a few ideas for you.

Everyone loves a good picture with Santa and your kids and/or pet can get one for FREE at Barefoot Landing! You get a free photo with Santa, a free treat and a carousel ride! If you would like to order more prints/packages you can do that as well. This will take place Saturday, December 4th, 11th, and 18th from noon-3pm at Lakeview Courtyard, Barefoot Landing.

This Saturday, December 4, the Annual North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade is being held starting at 5:30pm. I am sure you will be filled with holiday cheer as you watch the gorgeous floats go by and enjoy the beautiful music. This is an event for kids, adults AND pets! This just may become your new family tradition. You will have a great view of the parade from anywhere on Main Street as it travels down Main Street to Ocean Boulevard before it disperses at 2nd Avenue North. Our office is located at 500 Main Street where you will also find additional parking in the back!

I hope you are able to get out and enjoy these great events going on in North Myrtle Beach! If you get some good pictures at the parade be sure to post them on our Facebook fan page!

Shopping, Shows and Holiday Spirit

2010-11-23T13:22:00.000-08:00

Once Thanksgiving is over, the fun doesn’t stop here in North Myrtle Beach! From Black Friday shopping to the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta to the holiday shows at Dixie Stampede, Alabama Theater and the Palace Theater, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

I love to shop and could not be happier with having the Tanger Outlets right around the corner! There are so many shops to choose from that you can do all of your holiday shopping in one place while taking advantage of the great discounts! If you are a night owl like me you can start shopping at midnight on Thanksgiving and keep going through Black Friday. Plan ahead by visiting the Tanger Outlet website and choosing your location and the time you plan to shop and they will list all of the specials going on at each store!

Get in the holiday spirit early this year and bring your family out to the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. The boat parade is on Saturday, November 27, 2010 from 5-7pm. The parade begins at the Little River Inlet at 5pm and travels south, arriving at the Dock Holidays Marina at 7pm. This is an event I really wish I was going to be in town for; it sounds like a lot of fun and will really get you in the Christmas spirit. Be sure to visit the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta website for more information.

There are a few local venues that have fabulous Christmas shows going on right now. The Palace Theater in Myrtle Beach has a new show for 2010 – Christmas on Ice, featuring singers, dancers, skaters and holiday joy! If you are looking for dinner AND a show all in one place, head over to the Dixie Stampede for their Christmas show which features a live nativity scene and familiar holiday music! The Alabama Theater at Barefoot Landing is featuring a new holiday musical experience to get the whole family in the holiday spirit!

If you plan on visiting North Myrtle Beach for the holidays I would suggest staying at one of our ocean front condos in Crescent Dunes. After your shopping or holiday show you will love coming back to this gorgeous condo and enjoying an evening walk on the beach.

We hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

A Southern Thanksgiving Means Oyster Stuffing

2010-11-17T09:05:00.000-08:00

Want to try something new & exciting this Thanksgiving? Oyster Stuffing is the way to go!

Oyster Stuffing

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 (enough to stuff a 14-15lb turkey)

Ingredients

• 1 lb bread, including crusts (10 cups packed & cubed)
• 1 pint oysters, raw
• 4-8 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup celery, finely chopped
• 2 cups onions, chopped
• 1/4-1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 tablespoon sage, minced
• 1 tablespoon thyme, minced
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground
• 1 cup chicken stock (may use oyster juice in place of some of the stock)
• 2 large eggs, well beaten (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and toast the bread until golden brown on the middle rack. Turn into a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile heat butter until melted and foam subsides. Add onions and celery and cook about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the spices
4. Stir in the bread cubes, add drained oysters & toss well until the stuffing is moist but not packed together, stir in the stock and eggs. Put in turkey while moist.
5. If cooked in a casserole dish at 350°F until heated through with a crust on the outsides, 25 to 40 minutes.
6. ENJOY!

I have noticed life in the South is a lot slower paced than the North! So grab your glass of sweet tea, sit back and enjoy your Thanksgiving with loved ones. Always remember, it is not where you are but who you are with, unless you are in Myrtle Beach of course!

Recipe found here!

Who’s Behind the Blog?

2010-11-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

That’s me – Ashley, the newest addition at Retreat Myrtle Beach. I relocated to Myrtle Beach from the Philadelphia, PA area at the end of August so I am exploring the area like most of you. I was lucky enough to find this position as an administrative assistant at the beginning of October and have been learning a lot through the remodeling of our office while enjoying every minute!

I moved here with my best friend, Tara, and her dog Jake just moved down with us a couple weeks ago. Jake is a three year old yellow lab and has been really enjoying it here. We love to take him to the Barc Parc and go for walks around our development. He has not been to the beach yet but be sure to check back for that adventure!

I have been enjoying the weather here and love being able to get use out of my new convertible! I will not miss shoveling two feet of snow like we did in Pennsylvania this past winter, that was brutal. We love that there is so much to do in and around Myrtle Beach. Right now our Sunday’s are spent watching football – we never miss an Eagles game! We usually enjoy the games at Buffalo Wild Wings or Broadway Louie’s. If anyone has any other suggestions for great sports bars – we would love to hear them.

I am excited to keep you informed of current events in North Myrtle Beach and share information about venues and things to do while you are here staying with us.

Be sure to check back often for exciting, fun updates!

Retreat Myrtle Beach Favorite Teacher Contest Winner

2010-08-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

Our winner is Mrs. Melissa Smith from Wateree Elementary for the FULL week vacation with all kinds of goodies!!!

Our Second winner (one we just couldn't leave out) thanks to all of the students recommending her...CANDI JENKINS!!!

Mrs. Smith wins the full week, and Mrs. Jenkins wins a long weekend!!!!!

The Retreat Myrtle Beach Favorite Teacher Contest Winner is Melissa Smith from Wateree Elementary!

The parent that sent your submission explained in great detail what a WONDERFUL teacher Mrs. Smith is and that she touches the lives of the Wateree elementary students everyday and always go above and beyond!

Mrs. Smith wins a week’s vacation in a beautiful oceanfront accommodation!

Some additional “goodies” include:

Manicure and pedicure from Envouge Salon and Day Spa

Photo Rejuvenation treatment to go hand in hand with a facial!

Free Photo Session by August Michel-local MB photographer

And $250 to spend on your classroom and supplies!

We are thankful to have teacher’s like you Mrs. Smith that do strive everyday to help our youth become strong leaders!

For that, this is how we at Retreat Myrtle Beach say “THANK YOU.”

Let the sun shine in!

2010-04-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

Thinking about getting away? Ready to soak up some sunshine and relax with a good book? Myrtle Beach has some great events going on in April and May before the big summer rush. Some of the events that we would like to recommend are:

4/29-5/27 Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild at Chapin Art Museum

5/1 Rivertown Music and Arts Festival, Conway Festival will feature live music,food vendors from local restaurants and art displays

5/8 Mayfest on Main, North Myrtle Beach: Fifth annual festival will feature live musical acts, a car show,art, craft and food vendors, a community stage and a children's area. www.nmbevents.com

5/15-16 29th annual Blue Crab Festival: "The South's Great Street Festival" celebrates the blue crab. Live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts and much more for the entire family all along the Little River Waterfront. www.bluecrabfestival.org

5/16-23 Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival: This new festival will feature a tasting trolley around town and a variety of culinary events featuring coastal cuisine, beer and wine tastings, live music and cooking demonstrations. www.coastaluncorked.com

While you are in the area don't forget to check out some great food at one of our many fine dining establishments. I had a fantastic dinner last week at Croissants and even took home goodies (at a discount) for breakfast!

2010-03-05T12:11:00.000-08:00

Winning piece / Whitney Gramling

Hide caption By Tim McGinnisWednesday, March 03, 2010 at 9:33 p.m. Read more: Local, Coastal Uncorked, Wine Festival, Culinary Arts, Artist, Terry Brennan, Tickets
The first Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival will kick off in May.
Wednesday, organizers unveiled the winner of their poster contest. Terry Brennan's 3-D design will represent the festival this year.
All of the other designs were auctioned off Wednesday night with half of the proceeds going to the festival and the other half to the artists.
The event runs from May 16 - 23 and is hosted by the area's most talented culinary experts. It will take place at different locations around the Myrtle Beach area.

Summer is just around the corner!

2010-03-05T11:37:00.000-08:00

Everyone likes to get away but not everyone’s vacation needs are equal. We at Retreat Myrtle Beach want to meet your individual needs and become part of your next visit to the Grand Strand. We have over 65 privately owned North Myrtle Beach homes and condos located between Cherry Grove and Crescent Beach. Our company chooses to keep our rental selection small so we are able to offer hand picked units maintained at the highest standards. Getting to know our clients and owners on a first name basis shows that southern hospitality and personal service is at the very heart of our work ethic.
Whether you’re a family on a budget or a large group wanting to spare no expense, our units range in price and size. Catering to church groups, family reunions and student organizations is our staple, as our units run from 1 to 8 bedrooms and include outdoor grills and recreational areas.
Retreat Myrtle Beach does not want you to leave your best friend behind and that is why we have the largest number of pet-friendly rentals on the Grand Strand. If an oceanfront luxury condo or private home with a pool and /or jacuzzi is your dream getaway, we have lavish accommodations for the finicky vacationer; while our rustic family beach bungalows are just right for the more laid back vacationer. All our units are meticulously maintained and equipped to provide you with all the comforts of home. Just browse our web site and you’ll see we have a rental unit to accommodate your needs for occupancy, view and budget. So let the staff at Retreat Myrtle Beach book your next vacation getaway.