Print |
E-mail to a friend
SUMMER DESTINATIONS
Myrtle Beach offers full experience
Hard Rock Park is a $400 million amusement park that just opened in Myrtle Beach this spring. The rock-n-roll theme park has more than 50 attractions, including the Led Zeppelin Roller Coaster.
Related:
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- If West Virginia had oceanfront property, it might look a lot like the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand.
With two new flights direct to Myrtle Beach from Charleston and Bridgeport and rising gas prices preventing longer travels by car, the 60 miles of beach, 100-plus golf courses and new Hard Rock Theme Park have the popular South Carolina destination calling many peoples' names this summer.
"West Virginia is a big market for us because we're one of the closest beach destinations. This summer, particularly, with gas prices and the economy, people are choosing to travel more domestically and with our wide variety of attractions, dining and entertainment, we have all the things people want in a vacation," said Kimberly Miles, public relations manager for the Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitor's Bureau.
Just the facts
A scenic nine-hour drive by car, visitors who arrive in Myrtle Beach are greeted by 2,000 restaurants and nearly 90,000 lodging possibilities -- from rental homes and penthouse suites with prices from $39 to $400 a night. Recreational vehicle owners will find adequate camp space for bringing their lodging with them. Eight live entertainment theaters, with a total of more than 11,000 seats, offer concerts this summer including Merle Haggard, The Eagles and The Moody Blues. Once you're sufficiently water-logged, you can spend your evenings on one of 50 miniature golf courses or in one of 300 outlet mall stores.
Rock 'N Roll-er Coaster
One of the biggest attractions to hit Myrtle Beach in years is the addition of the $400 million, 170-acre Hard Rock amusement park. With the Pavilion Park closed, beach-loving thrill seekers can turn their attention to the only theme park of its kind in the world.
"The rides are geared toward families, not just adults, and the areas of the park are themed -- such as 'Rock 'N Roll Heaven' and 'British Invasion.' Hard Rock has incorporated music into the rides, such as the Led Zeppelin Roller Coaster, which is choreographed to Led Zeppelin music throughout the ride," Miles said. "There's also an amphitheater where they'll be bringing concerts throughout the summer and live shows throughout the day."
Another option right on the waterfront is Family Kingdom, a seaside amusement and water park. The park charges no admission fee -- instead relying on a pay-per-ride charge or an all-day ride wrist band. Family Kingdom features more than 30 rides including a wooden roller coaster and South Carolina's largest Ferris wheel, for a spectacular view of the ocean.
Good Vibrations
If you're looking for a blast from the past on your vacation this summer, the place to head is the Carolina Opry. In its second year, "Good Vibrations" has been entertaining crowds with its mix of 1960s, '70s and '80s musical favorites.
"This is such a fun show because it's the music of our youth and people are even getting back into these songs today," Miles said.
The show features hits by the Beach Boys, Don McLean, the Rolling Stones, the Righteous Brothers and more. Also incorporated in the 90-minute stage show are characters and favorites from television and movies of the time period.
You better shop around
And, in case you didn't know, one of the East Coast's shopping hot spots sits near the Myrtle Beach oceanfront. Two large outlet malls with more than 300 stores and South Carolina's largest mall have a new family member. Market Common, where "urban meets ocean," is being hailed as an eco-friendly community in which to shop, live, play and work.
Built on a former Air Force base, the 114-acre site features retail space, entertainment venues, residential properties, landscaped parks, lakes and a public square. Shop downstairs and stay upstairs while being just minutes from the beach.
"This is an upscale shopping experience with a Pottery Barn, Banana Republic and Williams-Sonoma," Miles explained.
One-stop shop
Billing itself as "America's Beach Playground," the Myrtle Beach community truly offers something for everyone, Miles said.
"Whatever you wanted for your summer vacation is here, and at a great value," she said.
