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.

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With ties to Southern rock and deep roots in the game of golf, the North Myrtle Beach area will merge both during the Hootie & the Blowfish Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am. Entering its sixteenth year, the tournament takes place April 12 at the Dye Club at Barefoot Resort. Gates open to the public at 8:30 a.m.

This year’s event tees off with pro links players like John Daly, Lee Elder, Kristy McPherson, Charlie Rymer and Spencer Levin –  just to name a few. Also in the mix, other famous sports faces such as former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon, NASCAR driver Kyle Petty, Football Hall of Famer Gale Sayers and MLB player Mickey Tettleton.

Rounding out the group of celebs, musician Edwin McCain, actor Kevin Sorbo, pro wrestler Ric Flair, musician Colt Ford and others will haul their clubs through 18 holes.

In a little more than a decade, the Monday After the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am has gone from a few big names to a high-caliber list of Hollywood regulars. Dubbed as one of the biggest goings-on in the area, the event draws hundreds of spectators from around the nation and continues to grow. As a result, area businesses have worked to accommodate the game’s visitors.

“It’s really a big part of this area’s rich music and sporting tradition,” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations, a North Myrtle Beach property rental firm. “It’s a great reason to get away for a few days, check out the South Carolina coast and hit the greens with friends.”

To help welcome tourists to the festivities, Grand Strand Vacations will offer golf packages that combine discounted multi-night stays with reduced course fees. They also are giving away two free nights at their ocean front condos and homes during four-day getaways in April. With more than 350 properties, the rental agency views the upcoming golf tournament as the official start of tourist season.

“Hey, what better way to roll into spring,” Seddinger said. “Monday After the Masters kind of kicks it all off. We’re just following their lead and creating our own star-caliber experience for guests, so to speak.”

Money raised from the Celebrity Pro-Am goes toward children’s education through the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation, as well as helps fund the South Carolina Junior Golf Association.

Since its start in 1995, the tournament has raised more than $2 million for charity. While it initially took place in Columbia, S.C. and later Kiawah Island Resort, Grand Strand became the event’s home in 2003.

This year, like in years past, the golf outing will wrap up with a performance by Hootie & the Blowfish.

“It’s just a fun time,” Seddinger said. “If you like golf, it’s great. If you don’t know anything about golf, it’s still great. Everybody loves to celebrity watch – that’s the real draw.”

A tradition that goes back nearly five decades, the Canadian-American Days Festival kicks off March 13 in the Myrtle Beach area. The weeklong celebration puts out the proverbial “Welcome Mat” for neighbors to the north, as well as spring breakers from around the United States. Activities include sporting competitions, cultural happenings, concerts and more.

Aside from specially-planned events, local businesses also offer deals on entertainment and food throughout the seven-day extravaganza. Visitors get a virtual goodie bag of bargains from companies like Grand Strand Vacations. The property rental firm in North Myrtle Beach plans to give Canadian-American Days’ goers discounted getaway stays. With more than 350 luxury homes and condos positioned along the coast, the firm will greet travelers with the red-carpet treatment, providing a selection of specials. Grand Strand’s deals include an entire weekend getaway for as little as $200 and 10 percent off three nights or more.

“Canadian-American Days really showcases the giving-nature of this region,” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations. “We love when people come to our seaside community and share all there is to cherish. We’re very family-oriented, and this celebration epitomizes that quality.”

Some of this year’s Can-Am Days’ highlights include:

- The 22nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, taking place on March 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Main Street, North Myrtle Beach.

- The Carolina Opry Loves Canada, taking place from March 13 to 21 at 8 p.m. at The Carolina Opry, 8901 A Bus. 17 N., Myrtle Beach.

- South Strand Can-Am Reception, taking place on March 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Lakewood Conference Center, Surfside Beach.

- 3rd Annual Snowbird Games, taking place on March 16 from 12 to 3 p.m. at the Holiday Sands South, 2411 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach.

- 2010 RBC Bank Canadian American Days Celebration Expo, taking place March 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Exhibit Hall C.

- 2010 Battle at the Beach Second Annual Canada vs. U.S.A. (Golf), taking place on March 18 at 11 a.m. at Pine Lakes Country Club, 5603 Grandaddy Drive, Myrtle Beach.

- Minigolf Tournament, taking place on March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hawaiian Rumble, 32104 Hwy. 17, North Myrtle Beach.

- Original Drifters, Carl Gardner’s Coasters, Herb Reed & the Platters, taking place on March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Alabama Theatre, 4750 Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach.

Canadian out-of-towners and other travelers alike can look forward to discounts at Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Museum, Ripley’s Moving Theater, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, and Ripley’s Marvelous Mirror Maze. In addition, major entertainment hubs like Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Alabama Theatre announced price cuts on certain shows.

“Can-Am has been going on since the early ‘60s and every year it just seems to get better,” Seddinger said. “It gives folks from other parts of the world a chance to relax beachside and take in a taste of the Carolina coast. We’re excited to see old friends again, and make new ones as well.”

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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.

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A wave of green will slam ashore at North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, March 13 when the coastal community holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. The Irish shindig starts at 9 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m.

Festivities kick off with a parade down Main Street – a tradition that dates back some 22 years. A full day of drink, food, music and entertainment follows. Visitors can peruse more than 50 arts and crafts stands at the street fair, or simply indulge in a classic dish of smoky corned beef and cabbage. Either way, the free celebration assures an experience that embraces the rich culture of Ireland.

Dubbed by the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce as one of the area’s most unique festivals, the St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza will feature two performance stages, along with rides and games.

To accommodate the popularity surrounding the extravaganza, Grand Strand Vacations has announced plans to help visitors mold the perfect getaway package. Since the North Myrtle property rental firm fully anticipates a surge of tourists in shamrock shirts, it will offer more than 350 luxury homes and condos – some allowing pets – to travelers seeking a coastal pot of gold.

“It’s an exciting weekend around here,” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations. “You’d be surprised, but there’s a lot of Irish pride and nostalgia in this region.”

While most folks may not associate the North Myrtle area with four-leaf clovers, it actually serves as home to quite a few Irish-themed pubs and restaurants. This fact – along with amazing off-season rates on vacation rentals – makes St. Patrick’s a thriving holiday here.

“This time of year, it’s still cold and snowy most everywhere else,” Seddinger said. “What better time to take a break from it all? Kick back at an ocean-front home, grab a frosty mug, put on some green and celebrate with friends in style.”

With the sound of bagpipes filling the air and plenty of folks letting their hair down – green wigs that is – this year’s St. Patrick’s Day event likely will set record over previous festivals.

“It’s always big, never a dull moment when the leprechaun hats come out,” Seddinger said. “It’s a fun time – has been that way for the last two decades.”

The award-winning Grand Strand Vacations offers various seasonal discounts, as well as golf packages and special rates for holidays. To book a property for the upcoming festival or otherwise, please call 1-800-722-6278 or visit us at grandstrandvacations.com.

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North Myrtle Beach, SC (February 07, 2010) – With a TV commercial highlighting vacation rentals having aired in Sunday’s big game, football fans are discovering why renting vacation homes, condos, villas and cabins is a favorite choice for many versus hotels. Beyond the experiences families and friends build by staying in a home away from home in North Myrtle Beach, there are numerous benefits to choosing vacation rentals – sometimes in ways they’d least expect.

Whether trying vacation rentals for the first time or if you’re one of the nearly nine in 10 travelers who plan to rent again,* Grand Strand Vacations travel and vacation rental expert, Nancy Seddinger, Owner, offers the following planning tips and insights as a post-game update for visiting North Myrtle Beach:

·        KNOW YOUR DESTINATION: Whether you are a first-time traveler to North Myrtle Beach, SC or not, it’s recommended that you become familiar with the state’s special events, seasons and offerings. Here are some activities that guests find most enjoyable:

o   www.nmbevents.com

o   www.visitmyrtlebeach.com

·        LOOK FOR PACKAGES: During certain seasons, vacation rental packages can provide even more value, some with 2-bedrooms starting at just $45 per night, with all of the typical amenities of a resort and more. Visit www.grandstrandvacations.com to become familiar with various vacation rental types, reservation rates as well as travel specials available in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

·        AVOID AIRLINE BAGGAGE FEES: Most Grand Strand Vacations North Myrtle Beach, SC vacation rentals come equipped with washers and dryers, and Grand Strand Vacations also provides linens for rent. Travelers may choose to use these perks to pack less clothing and toiletries, avoiding commercial airlines’ baggage fees and restrictions.

·        USE SPACE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE:  Grand Strand Vacations vacation homes and condos can accommodate all types of arrangements, often costing less than a single hotel room by sleeping up to 36 guests in a house versus just a few.

·        SAVE ON DINING OUT: With full kitchens, and sometimes, outdoor grills, Grand Strand Vacations vacation rental travelers often make and store meals and snacks for less, including football favorites like homemade nachos during postseason trips. Use local ingredients and recipes for more memorable mealtimes, like Calabash Seafood. This also provides healthy travel options, cutting the amount of calories typically consumed while on vacation.

·        ASK ABOUT AFTER-HOURS SERVICE: When looking into any vacation rental accommodations, check to see if there is an accessible customer service number for emergency needs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and for after-hour requests.

·        ENTERTAIN FOR FREE: Most of Grand Strand Vacations’ vacation homes, villa rentals and condos include amenities not found in hotels, some with private swimming pools, whirlpool spas, game rooms, fireplaces, DVD players, Internet access, game consoles and free movie and video game rentals, etc. Many are also in communities with access to fitness centers, hiking trails, parks, the beach, etc.

·        ASK ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS: Beyond the ability to live like a local in North Myrtle Beach, vacation rental guests can also take advantage of our relationships with activity providers, shops, restaurants, tour companies and more. Guests can also opt for concierge-type services, including golf tee-times, restaurant reservations and show tickets to name a few.

·        REMEMBER BIG EVENTS: Whether it’s for football championships or national Bowl games, concerts, baseball series’, basketball or other events, vacation rentals can save fans from the hassle of finding multiple hotel rooms during big events, and on the cost of multiple reservations.\

·        TRANSPORTATION: Other relationships to remember are those made between vacation rental managers and transportation providers, whether it’s rental cars, shuttle services, golf carts, bicycles or more. For example, Grand Strand Vacations can provide assistance with Golf Cart rentals, equipment rentals, strollers and wheel chairs.

To learn more about available vacation rental options in North Myrtle Beach, SC, visit www.grandstrandvacations.com as a comprehensive resource. Also visit www.nmbevents.com, which lists more ongoing events in the area.

For general answers to frequently asked questions about vacation rentals or for more information, visit http://www.DiscoverVacationHomes.com as an official category resource. Also connect with travelers and experts in the Facebook vacation rental community at http://www.facebook.com/DiscoverVacationHomes, and join the conversation on Twitter @GoVacationHomes.

Established in 1954, Grand Strand Vacations has been delighting vacationers for over 50 years. We have the experience and expertise to match you with a North Myrtle Beach vacation rental that meets or exceeds your expectations at any time of the year. Our office is staffed with friendly, experienced vacation rental specialists and sales agents. So call us today concerning our vacation rentals or Myrtle Beach golf packages and make sure you come spend some time with us in North Myrtle Beach.

Media Contact:
Grand Strand Vacations
503 Sea Mountain Hwy
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
800-722-6278
info@grandstrandvacations.com

North Myrtle Beach accommodates brief visits from Jack Frost every now and then. However, these occasional “drop-ins” pale in comparison to the icy traveler’s extended stays farther up on the map.

With Punxsutawney Phil’s recent prediction of six more weeks of winter, the annual trend of northern travelers migrating south for warmer weather looks to continue. In fact, Grand Strand Vacations anticipates the number of winter visitors to spike twofold in the weeks ahead.

“As Valentine’s Day approaches, and with all of the wonderful weather we’ve been having; they’re coming,” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations. “People just need a break, and we’re in the business of helping people relax.”

Seddinger’s property rental agency usually sees a boost in popularity during this part of the shoulder season. Call it timing. Call it location. Call it good fortune. Either way, snow-weary folks flock in droves to the North Myrtle Beach area this part of the year and have done so for decades.

Many of these travelers turn to Grand Strand Vacations’ more than 350 properties for a home away from home. Over the decades, these guests have been dubbed by locals as snowbirds. They come seeking a taste of summer, even when the mercury freezes in their own backyard thermometers.

It only makes sense that people eye North Myrtle when frigid conditions take hold elsewhere. The mild winters on the South Carolina coast serve as an ideal catalyst for so many activities, from golf to shopping to Broadway-caliber shows.

Still, if hitting the links, embarking on an outlet mall bargain spree, or indulging in fine cuisine and entertainment don’t interest you, there are always miles of pristine beach. For all these reasons and more, the Myrtle Beach area makes the perfect winter territory for snowbirds wanting to escape dipping temperatures.

The area’s chamber of commerce often studies them in their natural vacationing habitat. Recent figures from the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce reveal that:

- 41 percent are first-time visitors
- 59 percent are Canadian
- 32 percent are American
- 96 percent say their primary purpose for visiting the area is a winter vacation
- 47 percent stay 1-2 months
- 21 percent stay 3-4 months
- 93 percent traveled to the Myrtle Beach area by car
- 53 percent stay in a condo
- 31 percent stay in a hotel/motel
- 80 percent are retired
- 29 percent are between 55-64 years of age
- 48 percent are between 65-74 years of age

No matter their age, where they come from or the reason for their vacation, the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau annually shows its appreciation for the economic boost by hosting a “We Love Our Snowbirds Reception.” This year’s event will be held from 2-4 p.m. at the chamber office (270 Hwy 17 North). The reception will include door prizes, giveaways and refreshments. For more information, call 1-877-332-2662.

Grand Strand Vacations also likes to give back to these loyal snowbirds by providing monthly winter rental deals. To inquire about these rates, call 1-800-722-6278.

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For couples in search of an escape to the beach this Valentine’s Day, Grand Strand Vacations has just what the heart desires. The North Myrtle Beach rental property company is offering Sweetheart Specials at many of their more than 350 oceanfront and waterway homes.

The North Myrtle Beach area presents a multitude of events to celebrate the holiday:

For Chocolate Lovers:
Death by Chocolate: A Chocolate and Champagne Affair
Feb. 11 from 7-9 p.m. at the Sea Mist Oceanfront Resort Conference Center

The Girl Scouts are known for more than just cookies around here. Death by Chocolate benefits troops in the Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina region. The benefit includes an evening of champagne, chocolate creations from local chefs and vendors, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and more. Not only do participants get to sample the chocolate desserts, entrees and beverages, they also get to cast a vote along with a panel of judges for their favorite chocolate concoctions. Prizes will be doled out for each category. The cost is $40 per ticket or $75 for two tickets. For more information, call 1-800-786-8704 or 1-800-868-9911.

For Lovers and Haters of Valentine’s Day:
Love, Improv Style
Feb. 12-13 at 7:30 p.m. at Uptown @ Myrtle Beach Mall

Carolina Improv Company puts on a show similar to the popular television show, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” In their usual weekly show called, “Whose Beach Is It Anway?,” they take audience suggestions related to funny things about Myrtle Beach – from all-you-can-eat buffets and beach stores to timeshare sales people and bike rallies. For Valentine’s Day, some ideas could include relationships, marriage, divorce, first dates, blind dates, seeing-eye dog dates, marriage proposals, break ups, Internet dating, dating after 50, Cupid and his arrow, eHarmony commercials and much more. The show is appropriate for all ages. Tickets purchased at the door are $10 each for adults and $8 each for children. Discounted tickets are available online for $8.68 each. For more information, call (843) 272-4242 or go online at http://www.uptownmb.com/index.php.

For the Active Couple:
13th Annual BI-LO Myrtle Beach Marathon
Feb. 11-14

USA Today recently ranked this event in the top 10 of “great winter marathons.” It’s so popular that the full and half-marathon are sold out. But there still are spots open for the RBC Bank 5K and Ripley’s Family Fun Run on Feb. 12, as well as the Michelob ULTRA Bicycle Ride on Feb. 14. Participants of any event also get free entrance into the Ripley’s Post Race Party on Feb. 12 and the House of Blues Post Race Party on Feb. 13. A Runner’s Expo will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from 5-9 p.m. Feb. 11 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 12. For more information, go to www.mbmarathon.com.

Whether you’ve filled up on chocolate, laughed to your heart’s content or ran/biked to your muscles’ limits, you can rest easy knowing you’ll be going back to your Grand Strand Vacation beach getaway to relax and celebrate being together.

For more information on our Sweetheart Specials, call 1-800-722-6278.

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NORTH MYRTLE BEACH – With eyes looking ahead to the spring travel season, some economists already see oil barrels aligning to create a price spike at the pump. This latest prediction comes as the cost of filling up the tank – even now – limits many people’s trip choices, if not ruins them altogether.

Hoping to put a dent in the trend of canceled getaways, one property rental firm in North Myrtle Beach decided to get creative. Grand Strand Vacations announced it will offer a $50 gas giveaway. On Jan. 31, the firm will randomly choose one Facebook fan for the prize.

“It’s been a tough year on everyone, so each little bit helps” said Nancy Seddinger, owner of Grand Strand Vacations. “For at least one trip to the pump, the cost is on us.”

Since Grand Strand Vacations faithful live all over the country, the firm doesn’t expect the winner to necessarily use the $50 gas card on a drive to the coast. Instead, Seddinger just wants the recipient to have a little extra transportation money in their pocket – maybe explore somewhere nearby.

“We’d love for them to use the cash to experience the beauty of North Myrtle,” she said. “But, that’s not always possible. So, go to a place where you can leave behind the stress – at least for a little while. Even if it’s just cruising in the country, everyone deserves a break.”

Experts anticipate that shorter vacations will become the norm starting this spring, when fuel prices are expected to climb to around the $3 mark. According to recent figures, Americans currently spend about $1 billion a day on gasoline. Compared to a year ago, gas tabs are nearly $1 more per gallon.

So far in January, the average cost per gallon is around $2.71. For the typical motorist who uses 50 gallons per month, that equals about $135. At the same time last year, monthly oil bills were only about $85.

“With gasoline, much of that is going to depend on the ultimate strength of the economy in the spring and higher demand seasonally for fuel,” said Geoff Sundstrom, a spokesman for the AAA auto club.

Seddinger pointed out that the gas card giveaway just makes sense. After all, Grand Strand is in the travel business and located in a place known for its already-low fuel prices. In fact, South Carolina is a mainstay in the top 10 states with the cheapest gas.

“The old saying goes, ‘There’s something here for everyone,’ even reduced oil prices,” she joked.

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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