North Myrtle Beach sits on a salty foundation of sand and shells. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll find deep roots in music and dance.  In April, the area holds its annual festival that celebrates Shag, a traditional dancing style popular along the Carolina coast.

The Society of Stranders (S.O.S) will host the Spring Safari festival from April 16–25. Each year, the event draws thousands of shaggers from up and down the East Coast. They come to display their moves and kickoff the official start of Spring.

Throughout the 10-day gala of tunes, food and dance, area lounges welcome visitors with various shindigs, long ago dubbed “tea parties.” The festivities usually include performances by popular beach-music bands, as well as instructors offering classes for everyone from novice to experienced shaggers.

Grand Strand Vacations, a North Myrtle Beach property rental firm, opens its more than 350 luxury homes and condos for the rhythmic guests. This year, Grand Strand is offering the gift of two free nights during a four-night stay.

“We love shag, and the folks who share in the boardwalk memories of couples dancing the night away,” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations. “After getting down in the sand, we want to give our revelers a comfortable place to kick back, relax and catch up with old friends. There’s no better way to do this than at a Grand Strand property.”

When out-of-towners aren’t sipping cocktails and enjoying the ocean view from their seaside getaway, they’ll most likely be exploring the goings on at North Myrtle.

On Saturday April 25, the Spring Safari wraps up with the beloved parade down Main Street. The tradition is presented by the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC). During the parade, floats wow spectators, competing for the most original design and best shag theme.  The street turns into a fairgrounds, with dancers and day-trippers enjoying food, entertainment and tunes.

S.O.S. started in 1980. That spring, the first festival drew roughly 5,000 people eager to compete in dance contests and listen to beach music. Over the years, the bash grew in size and events. Today, the Spring Safari marks a time for getting back to summer and reuniting with friends.

“We absolutely love this time of year,” Seddinger said. “This is a big coup for our region. We’ve become synonymous with something very special to people – beach dancing. It’s more than just the entertainment value. This is people’s memories of the past.”

Aside from free nights, Grand Strand Vacations also is offering golf packages with discounted green fees, as well as girls’ weekend deals. Pets are welcome.

Stay tan,
Grand Strand Vacations

North Myrtle Beach has long been labeled a family-friendly vacation destination. But what many people may not realize is that it also boasts a pet-friendly distinction. In fact, the area recently made BringFido.com’s list of Favorite Pet-Friendly Destinations in the World.

There are numerous accommodations in the North Myrtle area that allow pets. Grand Strand Vacations, a property rental firm in North Myrtle Beach, started lighting the open sign for pets before it became popular with hotels, motels and resorts across the country. Many of the company’s more than 350 vacation homes, condos and villas welcome travelers’ four-legged companions.

“We want everyone to feel at home here in North Myrtle Beach – that includes man’s best friend,” said Grand Strand Vacations owner Nancy Seddinger, who is a dog owner.

Seddinger realizes that vacations can be cut short when owners have to leave their pets behind. A recent TripAdvisor survey of more than 1,100 participants found that 35 percent of pet owners take quicker trips – and 25 percent travel less – because they can’t take their pets.

Travel statistics from BringYourPet.com show how pet-friendly travel accommodations can change the duration of a vacation for pet owners – 63 percent said they would lengthen their visit if given the opportunity to travel with their pets.

At North Myrtle Beach, accommodating dogs goes beyond a place to stay:

- Dining/Shopping: Barefoot Landing has more than 100 retail shops and a handful of restaurants, some of which cater to man’s best friend. Wild Wing Café and T-Bonz Gill and Grill both allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas. Good-behaving dogs can be rewarded with a trip to Barefoot Landing’s pet boutique or pet bakery.

- Daycare: For owners who need a dog sitter while they play a round of golf or see a show, there are plenty of options. Pet Pizazz and Diva Dog are two doggie daycare providers that also offer grooming services.

- Life’s a Beach: While some beaches don’t allow dogs during the busy tourist season, North Myrtle Beach and its neighbors try to be accommodating to its human and canine visitors. Dogs are allowed on the beaches before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. from May 15 through Sept. 15. During the rest of the year, there are no time restrictions. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, and owners must pick up any and all waste.

- Dog Park: For dogs who need to release some energy off-leash, there is the Myrtle Beach Barc Parc located off Kings Highway at Mallory Lake Drive. This 11-acre fenced park includes a large pond for swimming and a doggy shower. There are separate areas for big and small dogs.

- In Case of Emergency: Like their human owners, pets can get sick or injured while on vacation. If that happens, excellent care is provided around the clock at Animal Hospital of the Strand. Their phone number is (843) 445-9797.

After a day out on the town with Fido or Fluffy, the whole family can come back to their Grand Strand Vacations home, condo or villa and enjoy the rest of their stay at North Myrtle Beach.

Stay tan,
Grand Strand Vacations

What used to be an event reserved for bigger cities like New York, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles is making its debut here in the Grand Strand this week. Restaurant Week is your chance to try fine dining and casual establishments in North Myrtle Beach and beyond while staying at your Grand Strand Vacations home.

All 10 participating eateries are offering special menu items, promotions and discounts to include a three-course meal for $30. In alphabetical order:

Aspen Grille
(843) 449-9191
Eating at Aspen Grille supports the local economy beyond this restaurant’s doors. This steak and seafood establishment has built its menu and reputation around food sourced from the best local suppliers. Their Restaurant Week offering is a three-course meal:
- Soup/Salad: Winter Squash Bisque with Lump Crab; Caesar Salad; or Aspen Grille House salad with Goat Cheese
- Entrée: Pan Roasted Free Range Chicken; New York Strip; or Pan Seared Flounder with Cheddar grits
- Dessert: Crème Brule; Key Lime Pie; or Chocolate Kahlua Cheesecake

Café Amalfi at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort
(843) 449-5000
With fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean, dinner guests can enjoy a three-course meal that includes a choice of:
- Starter: Spinach & Artichoke Dip; Fresh Seafood Chowder; or Pecan Crusted Goat Cheese Salad
- Entrée: The Burger; Braised Pot Roast; Grilled Wild Salmon; Cornmeal Dusted North Carolina Trout; or Crab Crusted Chicken
- Dessert: Death by Chocolate Brownies; or Chocolate Ganache

Captain Dave’s Dockside Seafood
(843) 651-5850
This family-owned establishment first opened its doors in 1975 and offers seating overlooking Murrells Inlet. Southern Living magazine featured the restaurant in an article, where the writer said: “You could point at the menu with your eyes closed and be assured of a culinary treat.” Restaurant Week’s prix fixe menu includes:
- Appetizers: Steamed Mussels in garlic butter; Bacon Wrapped Scallops; French Onion Soup; or House Salad
- Entrees: Salmon Edo; 12 oz. Prime Rib; or Shrimp Scampi served over Linguini
- Desserts: Apple Tart; New Orleans Bread Pudding with a Jack Daniel’s sauce; or Key Lime Pie

Croissants Bistro and Bakery
(843) 448-2253
At night, Croissants turns into the area’s first French Bistro that perfectly pairs food and wine. Owner Heidi Vukov learned her craft by spending time in her grandmother’s kitchen in Germany. During Restaurant Week choose one of each:
- Starters: Brie En Croute; Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp; Coquille St. Jacques; Carolina Jumbo Lumped Crab Cake; Exotic Forest Mushroom Risotto with Thyme, White Truffle Oil; or Beef Carpaccio
- Entrees: Crepes Du Jour; Pork Tenderloin Francais; Oven Roasted Rack Of Lamb; or Veal Osso Bucco
- Dessert: Assorted Temptations, Your Choice

Drunken Jacks Restaurant and Lounge
(843) 651-2044
Drunken Jack’s is named after Jack, a pirate from Blackbeard’s crew accidentally left behind on a small island off Murrells Inlet. Enjoy your meal while looking out onto water and listening to nightly live entertainment:
- Appetizers: She Crab Soup; Stuffed Mushrooms; or Steamed Mussels
- Entrées: Steak Neptune; Blackened Grouper Royal; or  Drunken Jack’s Shore Dinner
- Desserts: Black Joke Pie; Key Lime Pie; or Strawberry Short Cream Cake

High Hammock, Maverick Seaside Kitchen
(843) 979-0030
This Pawley’s Island restaurant combines the flavors and staples of Lowcountry and Southern cooking. It is located at the Hammock Shops Village, about 22 miles south of the Grand Strand. For Restaurant Week, High Hammock will be offering a daily menu. Here’s an example:
- Appetizers: Lowcountry Black-Eyed Pea Soup; or Thornhill Farm Lettuces with watermelon radish, garden herbs, grape tomatoes, orange-coriander vinaigrette
- Entrées: Seared Nantucket Bay Scallops with gold potato gnocchi; or House Made Grilled Garlic Sausage with lobster mashed potatoes
- Desserts: Green Apple Cobbler; or Sopaipillas

The Melting Pot
(843) 692-9003
When the first Melting Pot opened in Florida in 1975, there were only three items on the menu – Swiss cheese, beef and chocolate fondue. Including Myrtle Beach, there are more than 145 locations in the United States. If there’s a Restaurant Week in one of those cities, you are sure to find the Melting Pot participating.
- First Course: Cheese Fondue; Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue; Cheddar Cheese Fondue; Wisconsin Trio Cheese Fondue; The Melting Pot House Salad; Caesar Salad; or California Salad
- Second Course: Center Cut Filet Mignon; Succulent Chicken Breast; Farm Raised White Shrimp & Teriyaki; or Marinated Sirloin.
- Third Course (Dessert Fondue): The Original; Cookies ‘n Cream; Flaming Turtle; or Pure Chocolate.

Sticky Fingers Rib House
(843) 839-7427
The Sticky Fingers owners decided to start their own restaurant in 1992 in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. because there weren’t any places to get Memphis-style barbeque. Almost 20 years later, there are 22 Sticky Fingers throughout the Southeast. Their Restaurant Week menu is set at $30 for two people:
- Pick one appetizer to share: Cheddar Fries; Fried Onions; Savannah Dip; or Sticky Potato Skins
- Pick one entrée EACH (also includes two sides each): Barbecue Pork Dinner; Hickory-Smoked Chicken Dinner; Half Slab of Ribs; or Barbecue Pork Sandwich
- Pick one dessert to share: Ernie’s Pecan Pie; Peach Cobbler; Double Fudge; or Brownie Sundae

Vidalia’s Restaurant at the Sheraton Hotel
(888) 757-2670
Vidalia’s is known for its modern décor and unique open-kitchen design. Their Restaurant Week menu includes some Southern favorites:
- Appetizers: Vidalia’s Signature Creamy Crab Bisque; Fried Green Tomato Napoleon; Shrimp and Grits Martini; or Green Salad
- Entrée: Maple Almond Salmon; Grilled Herb Chicken Breast; or Grilled New York Strip
- Dessert: Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake

Waterscapes at Marina Inn Grande Dunes
(843) 913-2845‎
Waterscapes’ executive chef, James Clark, runs the kitchen with the philosophy of giving diners a “farm to table” experience. Everything on the menu is fresh and homemade:
- Starters: Shrimp Bisque; North Carolina Muscovy Duck Meatballs; or Green Salad
- Entrée: Carolina Shrimp & Grits; Chicken Pilliard; or Wood Grilled Angus Flat Iron Steak
- Sweets: Chocolate Mousse Bombe; Trio of Crème Brulee; or Toffee Profiteroles

If you’re like us at Grand Strand Vacations, you won’t be able to decide on just one. So cleanse your pallet, pick one, a few or all restaurants, and make your reservations today.

Stay tan,
Grand Strand Vacations

Not everyone experiences the joys of waking up to a crisp North Myrtle Beach morning in the “shoulder season.” Since many of our Grand Strand Vacations’ friends only get to visit during the summer months, we wanted to share today’s sunrise – virtually.

Sipping on a coffee and looking out of our beach-view window at 7:30 a.m., I notice the shell seekers claimed their treasures earlier this morning, or slept in altogether! Not many folks are strolling along the shoreline. The occasional jogger passes by, but for the most part, the view gives way to miles of open beach. There’s nothing much more serene than an untouched coastline.

It appears the fishing’s good right now – at least for the gulls. Dozens of the salt-weathered birds continue to fly high then take pinpoint dives into the ocean. A few watery bubbles later, they resurface with a seafood breakfast in beak. Not a bad way to start a day!

It’s amazing to watch their precision and determination when it comes to combing the surf for chow. The winged hunters cruise mere inches above the water as they scope out what swims beneath. Once they spot a fish, they shoot skyward before taking a 90-degree plunge into the chilly waters below.

Off in the distance, a string of dolphins rolls in the breakers. The sun sharply reflects off their fins as they bob up and down – the creatures almost look like the flashing lights of a buoy. They head northward until out of sight.  Still, a mother points her two children in their direction to see if they can catch a glimpse. The kids quickly lose interest and break away from her grasp to play in the fresh-washed sand.

Most people recognize North Myrtle Beach as a summer haven. It’s easy to see why – golden beaches, warm coastal waters, ocean-town cuisine, festive family entertainment…

But standing here, looking out the window on this December morning, I understand this area’s allure in the cooler months as well.

Fortunately, many of the local pancake houses continue to serve up fluffy short stacks even during the off season! A few favorite breakfast hubs include:

- Dino’s House of Pancakes
- Plantation Pancake House
- Golden Griddle Pancake House

What can we say – nothing tastes better than a plate of these coastal-morning staples. Add a few seasonal ingredients like pumpkin and pecans for an added perk. But we digress!

While you might not be sitting here with us, hopefully this latest blog entry brought you a bit closer to the Grand Strand.  No matter the time of year, this region truly offers a special experience. Whether you bask in the warm summer breezes or relish a brisk winter morning at the beach – North Myrtle holds something special for you.

Stay Tan,
Grand Strand Vacations

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine that the North Myrtle Beach outside your Grand Strand Vacations beach home once was just a sandy beach. Instead of paved roads that lead to some of the best shopping, restaurants and attractions, there simply rolling grasses. No buildings were in sight – only rows of tall, sturdy trees.

The native inhabitants of the North Myrtle Beach area were the Winyah and Waccamaw Indians. They called the area Chicora, which means land.

The first explorers to discover what now is North Myrtle Beach were the Spanish. Records show they arrived as early as 1514.

In the 1700s, well-known pirate Blackbeard and his entourage hid out here in bays and inlets. Treasure hunters continue to comb the area for the loot he supposedly buried somewhere near Murrells Inlet.

While Cherry Grove Beach was home to flourishing indigo plantations, most of North Myrtle Beach remained uninhabitated due to a lack of access. There were no bridges. The only people to inhabit the beaches were struggling farmers and fisherman. Eventually, though, families from Conway sought summer recreation beyond their backyards. They would catch a ferry across the Waccamaw River and then ride in wagons to the beach.

But when the first railroad built by the Burroughs and Chapin families came in 1900, that all changed. It’s hard to believe that at the beginning of the area’s development, oceanfront lots sold for around $25. Less wealthy people could purchase a lot for a mere $2.50 per year. And the deals didn’t stop there. If buyers built a house valued at $500 or more, they received a free extra lot.

Want to learn more about the history of North Myrtle Beach? Then visit the Horry County Museum.

From the Horry County Museum Web site:

Housed in a converted Post Office adjacent to the Historic District of downtown Conway, the museum features monthly exhibits by local artists in addition to its historical and regional exhibits.

The central theme underlying the exhibits is the wide range of environmental conditions found in Horry County and how its inhabitants, from prehistoric to present, have adapted to these local conditions.

The museum features a variety of materials from old tools and photographs to miniatures of industries such as those producing tar and turpentine. Exhibits include farming tools and implements, household items and clothing, items from an old country store, local crafts – both historical and modern – and wildlife specimens and photographs.

Currently, the museum is exhibiting artifacts recovered from the sunken CSS Pee Dee. The CSS Pee Dee was a 150-foot Macon class gunboat that was outfitted with two Brookes rifled cannon and a Union Dahlgren cannon and launched in January 1865. After being lost for many years, the site and scuttled vessel were found by the CSS Pee Dee Research and Recovery Team in 1991.

The museum provides a variety of programs on site and has outreach for people of all ages. It also offers walking tours of Conway’s picturesque historic district.

The museum is free and open to the public.

Yes, a lot has changed in North Myrtle Beach’s history! Go stand out on your Grand Strand Vacations porch, and let the soft ocean breeze bring you back in time.

Stay tan,
Grand Strand Vacations

People dancin’ in the sand
Rockin’ to a reggae band
Lovers walkin’ hand in hand
Party all summer long

Now get yourself in gear
Baby baby come on
Still cruisin’ after all of these years

Around here, the Beach Boys provide an endless soundtrack to Grand Strand Vacations’ visitors. No matter the time of year, the group’s music elicits visions of a warm sun, gentle breeze and breaking waves – the epitome of North Myrtle Beach getaway.

Like those famous boys of summer sang; rolling along the ocean with the windows down and radio on just goes hand in hand. So, it’s no surprise that classic car lovers are revved up for the ninth annual Cruise to the Coast Antique & Classic Car/Truck Show. This year’s event, which is sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and Chicora Car Club, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 10 at Barefoot Landing. There’s no admission for spectators. The rain date is set for Oct. 17.

While you’re checking out the cars and trucks, don’t forget to take in the shops of Barefoot Landing – from clothing and shoes to jewelry and art.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants: Bully’s Pub and Grill, Dick’s Last Resort, Fire Island Grille, Greg Norman’s Australian Grille, House of Blues, Joe’s Crab Shack, Johnny Rockets, Juice Hut, LaGrand’s Alaskan Prime Seafood and Steaks, River City Café, T Bonz Gill and Grill, Ultimate California Pizza, Umberto’s Pittsburgh Italian Trattoria and Wild Wing Café.

Need more than cars to keep the entire family entertained? Barefoot Landing’s got you covered with Alabama Theatre, Alligator Adventure, Ghosts and Legends Theater and more!

If you’re still cruising in your own classic antique car after all of these years, why not make the show a part of your Grand Strand Vacations beach break? The entry fee is $20 per vehicle and registration is at 8 a.m. All makes and models of classic, antique, custom and special autos are welcome to participate. Prizes, trophies and awards will be presented to the top vehicles. All proceeds from the event go to charity.

The North Myrtle Beach area is home to dozens of classic and antique car enthusiasts. The Chicora Car Club organizes Cruise-in Events all year round:

- Every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Burkey’s. For more information, call Wayne at (843) 626-2888.

- First Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cecil Chandler’s Original Sock Hop. For more information, call C. Chandler at 907-3845.

- First Saturday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Woody’s Diner Ragtops and Roadsters. For more information, call Roger at (843) 503-8245.

- Second and fourth Saturday of the month from 6 to 9 p.m. at Santino’s Pizza. For more information, call Tom at (843) 358-3592. 10% discount.

- Third Saturday of the month from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bob Evans in North Myrtle Beach. For more information, call Bill at (843) 280-0343.

- Every Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at Sonic near the Surfside Wal-Mart. Food is ½ off with a classic car.

Stay tan and keep cruisin’,
Grand Strand Vacations

Wednesday November 5, 2008
Monday November 10, 2008
Wednesday November 12, 2008

Everyone who experiences Christmas at Dixie falls in love with fun and excitement of the grand performances during their spectacular extravaganza!

VIP Invitations Accepted
8 pm show

Live Nativity, Ice Skating and Holiday Music!
Call now for Reservations - 843-497-9700 or 800-433-4401

Click Here for Show Times and Tickets!