Premier Partner Highlight: Mykonos

As a top vacation destination, Myrtle Beach offers dozens of fantastic dining options featuring cuisine from around the world. Visitors can choose from a wide variety of  restaurants- Seafood, Japanese, Mexican, Chinese and more! As of January 2011, one of the area's newest additions brings authentic Greek, Italian and Continental food to the Carolina coast- Mykonos!

Mykono's expansive menu is packed full of the most popular Mediterranean dishes and flavors. Appetizers include traditional hummus, calamari, spanakopita and dolmades. Fresh Greek and Caesar salads are featured on the menu, or, for a unique Greek experience, try the Grilled Octopus salad! You'll have a tough time choosing between the many delicious entrees offered by this exceptional restaurant. Pasta, vegetarian, chicken, seafood, lamb and steak dishes are cooked and flavored to Mediterranean perfection. Whether you select a lamb gyro or the catch of the day, you're in for a mouth-watering feast. Mykonos also features an impressive list of fine wines to accompany your meal, so be sure to ask your waiter which of the authentic, top-selling Greek selections will best compliment your entree.These courses will fill you up quickly, but save room for dessert! The honey laced Baklava a la mode, Ryzogalo (homemade Greek rice pudding), and award winning cheesecake are well worth the extra calories.This family-friendly restaurant includes a $5.95 kids menu that your little ones will love!

If you're trying to catch a show, stop in for Early Bird dining from 3:00 - 5:30pm. The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center can provide you with coupons including two for one Early Bird entrees!

Every Sunday from 11:30am - 3:00pm, Mykonos also offers a mouth-watering brunch menu with carving stations, Belgian waffles, a 20 item buffet and fresh desserts. Adults eat for $17.95, while children 6 and under are free!

If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy a fun evening out, be sure to stop by for Happy Hour. Taking place Monday through Friday from 4:30 - 7:30pm, Happy Hour offers premium, top-shelf beverages for $3.75 and two for one appetizers. And, beginning September 18th, Mykonos will offer an evening full of entertainment every Saturday at 10:00pm featuring a DJ, dancing, light show, and go-go dancers. Be sure to check their schedule for special events featuring live entertainment!

If you're seeking a first-rate dining experience, look no further than Mykonos. Whether you're looking for quiet dining or bringing a large group, Mykonos provides the perfect setting. Be sure to stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, SC for additional information and coupons!

Summer Days and Giveaways

This summer, The Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center is offering visitors the chance to win amazing Weekly, Monthly and Grand Prize Giveaways!

Conveniently located off Highway 501 in Aynor, South Carolina, stop in and register 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

Congratulations to July's Winners!

Weekly Winners:

Mr. & Mrs. Adams, Aberdeen, MD

Mr. & Mrs. Lewis, Wellsburg, WV
Mr. & Mrs. Robinson, Martin, KY

Mr. & Mrs. Jackson, Fisher, IL

How to Spend a Rainy Day on the Grand Strand

For most vacationers, the biggest draw to the Grand Strand is 60 miles of sunny coastline. But what do you do when you wake up on a planned beach day to the sounds of rolling thunder? The appearance of threatening, dark clouds can be quite a disappointment. Fortunately, some of Myrtle Beach's best attractions and entertainment provide a fun-filled day while keeping you dry!


WonderWorks

Professor Wonder and his team were attempting to create a contained man-made tornado at their lab in the Bermuda Triangle. When the scientists lost control of the experiment, the vortex lifted the laboratory and carried it all the way to Myrtle Beach where it landed, upside down, on top of a crab shack. Happily, none of the other experiments were damaged in the storm- which means they are available for us to enjoy! The dozens of interactive activities in this indoor amusement park include the Extreme 360° Bike, laying on a bed of nails, a variety of virtual sports, the bubble lab, laser tag and roller-coasters simulators! To learn while you have fun, stop by and feel how cold the water was the night the Titanic sank, experience a Category 1 hurricane simulator, learn about natural disasters and play a round of mind ball. You'll cap off hours of fun with the 3 story indoor ropes course located at the top of the building!

Ripley's Aquarium

This is South Carolina's most visited attraction- and you'll see why! Get a close look at some of the ocean's most dangerous predators as you travel through the tunnel on the 340ft long moving glidepath. Dozens of sharks, sawfish, snappers, sea turtles, and a wide variety of fish cruise the waters, coming shockingly close to the glass! For the remainder of your visit, you'll be able to observe dozens of smaller tanks featuring jelly fish, a Pacific Giant Octopus, corals, tropical fish, piranhas, poison dart frogs and more. If you're feeling brave, you'll also have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pet stingrays and horseshoe crabs. And, of course, you won't want to miss the seasonal mermaid dive show!

Additional Ripley's Locations

Ripley's has brought several popular attractions to the Myrtle Beach area. The Believe It or Not Museum provides "weird, wild, wacky fun" with 500 oddity exhibits including a genuine shrunken head, a transformer, a model of the world's tallest man and a stuffed 6-legged cow. Or head to Ripley's Haunted Adventure and get spooked by live actors, animatronics and special effects in their 3 story live-action haunted house (not for the faint of heart). Try your navigation skills at Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Maze, where hundreds of mirrors reflect dozens of pathways to throw you off course. Lastly, visit Ripley's Moving Theater, offering a 5D moving experience that includes surround sound, special effects, 3D imaging, and even smell!

The Carolina Opry

Voted the best entertainment in Myrtle Beach for 26 years running, the Carolina Opry features two hours of singing, dancing, live music, clogging and comedy by a talented crew. The title Carolina Opry show includes a wide assortment of music genres including rock 'n roll, country, Broadway, pop and gospel. The Good Vibrations show takes you on a musical tour of your favorite hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Shows run Monday through Saturday at 7:30pm. Be sure to check their schedule, as they also offer varying matinees!

The Palace Theatre

The Palace Theatre seasonally brings several different shows to the Myrtle Beach area. Their current production is Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline, a jaw-dropping performance featuring dangerous and thrilling acts of athleticism. You'll be endlessly entertained by contortionists, tumblers, aerial acts and clowns. The grand finale comes in the form of the Globe of Death, in which 3 daredevils ride motor bikes upside down in a 16 ft globe, narrowly missing each other in the process. Performances are every night at 7:30pm with matinee performances on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each night at 5:30, The Palace also presents Rock Around the Clock featuring favorites from the 50's, complete with poodle skirts! For a of couple hours, relive the good old days and boogie in your seat with this nostalgic show. Performances are held Monday through Friday at 5:30pm.

Other Shows

There are a variety of shows across the Grand Strand to suit every taste and preference! Experience the world's greatest live tribute show, Legends, honoring your favorite celebrities with uncanny look-and-sound-alikes. Travel back in time to cheer on 14th century knights in their sword and jousting competitions, all while savoring a four course banquet at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Enjoy singing, dancing, comedy and amazing costumes with a variety of music genres at Alabama Theatre's The One show. Finally, you can set sail with Pirates Voyage, where you'll watch the Crimson and Sapphire pirates battle each other on deck and in the water with breath-taking acrobatics, dives, live animals and sword fighting. They'll even treat you to a mouth-watering pirate feast.

If the rain puts a damper on your outdoor plans, head to one of these fun-filled attractions. Remember to purchase your tickets at the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina to receive fabulous discounts. By the end of the day, you may even be glad it stormed!

Tips for Packing Efficiently

The purpose of vacationing is to get away from the pressures of the daily routine in favor of relaxation and rejuvenation. If escaping from tension is the goal, why start your vacation with a stressful packing frenzy? In order to minimize the hassle of packing, follow these tips to make gathering the essentials and organizing your suitcase a breeze.

Make a packing list. Before you get to work, sit down and write a list of the necessities. Be sure to consider each item carefully; you want to avoid the vacation curse of overpacking. If you have to sit on your suitcase to zip it shut, throw your back out when you lift it, or dig elbow-deep to find what you need, you are causing yourself unnecessary inconvenience. Remember, this is a vacation and not a permanent move, so only the absolute essentials should make the list.

Conserve space. Don't pack several suitcases when one will do. Using space wisely allows you to fit everything you need without having to haul around several bags. Rather than folding your clothes, lay back the sleeves and roll them (this also prevents creasing). Stuff socks and underwear inside your shoes. Instead of bulky containers and bags, slide toiletries into Ziplocks, which will also prevent disaster in case of spills. Additionally, call ahead to your hotel and ask if they supply soap, shampoo, hair dryers, etc.- anything already provided means extra room and a lighter suitcase.

Think small. When reviewing each item on your list, try to think of a way to make it smaller. Shampoos and lotions can be purchased or poured into travel-sized bottles.  If you need medicine, place a few pills into Ziplock bags instead of bringing the whole container. A small bottle of wrinkle spray is lighter and more space efficient than an iron. Pick clothes that coordinate so that outfits can be mixed and matched instead of packing an outfit for each day. Be creative!

Minimize beach supplies. Rather than buying beach toys and boogie boards before you leave, consider purchasing them upon arrival. Local beachwear stores and Wal-Marts typically sell beach supplies for a cheap price and are more likely to have a wider selection. When you've finished your vacation, the beach toys probably won't be of any use at home. Consider giving them away before you leave. If you are bringing a beach cooler, let that double as an extra suitcase on the way down to make the car less crowded.

Above all, don't allow yourself to become overly anxious about forgetting something. Most everything you need can be purchased upon arrival. While you're organizing and planning ahead, remember to mark the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center on your map! Once you get here, we'll provide you with all the discounted tickets and information you need to arrange your perfect vacation.

Your Guide to Grand Strand Beaches

When you come to the coast to spend your vacation days lying on the shore and splashing in the ocean, there is one thing you need to remember: all beaches are not created equal. Sure, they all have the same basic elements of sea, sand and sun, but each beach is famous for its own special reasons. Instead of heading straight for the closest stretch of coast, take a moment to learn about each area and discover which is the perfect fit for you.

North Myrtle Beach:

Boasting 6 miles of sandy shores, North Myrtle Beach is home to Cherry Grove, Ocean Drive, Crescent Beach and Windy Hill. Spend your day soaking up the sun and digging for shells or let North Myrtle Beach Horseback riding take you for an excursion along the coast. However you choose to spend your beach day, be sure to take a time out and visit The Hippo, the largest inflatable waterslide in the world! Located between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues South, this three-story waterslide only charges $3 per ride or $20 for an all-day wrist band.

Myrtle Beach:

Myrtle Beach

If you want to be in the heart of the action, Myrtle Beach is the place to go. Not only can you enjoy beautiful beaches, but the famous new boardwalk is just a few steps away. Stretching from 14^th Avenue North to 2^nd Avenue North, the boardwalk is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions the whole family will love. It's the ideal place to people watch and make new friends! If you’re a surfer looking for a great place to catch a wave, make your way to Springmaid pier on the southern end of Ocean  Boulevard or to 64^th Avenue North.

Myrtle Beach State Park:
Nestled among a sea-side forest, Myrtle Beach State Park offers an alternative to the bustling Grand Strand beaches. This isolated area also boasts nature trails, fishing areas, and classes to learn more about the area, wildlife, and ocean-life! Admission costs $3 for adults (16+)- children and seniors (65+) are free!

Surfside Beach

Surfside Beach: 

Known as the family beach of the Grand Strand, Surfside separates itself from the noise and bustle of Myrtle Beach without feeling isolated. This beautiful area is the perfect place to build sandcastles and boogie board with the kids. Bring a cooler to enjoy an oceanside picnic or sit on the balcony of the famous River City Café and munch on juicy burgers while taking in the panoramic view.

Garden City Beach:

A locals’ secret and high school hang-out! Well south of the Myrtle Beach city limits, this area has fewer high-rise hotels and advertisements, giving it a small beach-town feel. Unlike some of the busier areas along the Grand Strand, parking is free! And fisherman should know- the Garden City Pier is a fishing hot spot.

Murrells Inlet:

Murrells Inlet

If a low-country atmosphere is what you seek, Murrells Inlet is your final destination. This area does not boast your typical sand-and-surf beach. Instead, you’ll find incredible views of the marshes and waterways as you walk along the famous boardwalk known as The Marshwalk. Don’t forget your gear, as this area offers excellent fishing. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a kayak and explore the area, looking for wildlife and little islands just offshore. At the end of your adventure, take advantage of one of the dozens of nearby restaurants- after all, Murrells Inlet is the Seafood Capital of the Coast!

Huntington Beach State Park:

For beautifully preserved beaches, nature exploration and a touch of history, visit Huntington Beach State Park. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the ocean, there are dozens of areas for you to explore. Look for alligators in the park’s fresh water lagoons and salt marshes, journey down the coastline on the 26 mile bike trail, or take a tour of the Spanish-styled Atalaya Castle, former winter home of local arts pioneer Anna Hyatt Huntington. Huntington Beach State Park charges an entry fee of $5 for adults (13+) and $3 for children (6-12).

Once you’ve selected your perfect beach, click here to learn about parking in each of these areas. As you’re heading into town, remember to stop at the Official MyrtleBeach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina for additional area information and to purchase discounted tickets to area attractions!

Premier Partner Highlight: The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

While vacationing in Myrtle Beach this summer, be sure to visit the new boardwalk. While strolling along, enjoying the sea breeze and eclectic shops, you'll notice a dramatic change to the city skyline- a ferris wheel rising 187 feet above the Atlantic.

The SkyWheel has quickly become one of the most popular attractions on the Grand Strand since its opening in May 2011. Renowned as the largest observation wheel in the United States, it offers visitors the opportunity to soar to new heights and experience Myrtle Beach as never before!

To begin their adventure, groups of 2 to 6 (don't worry- smaller groups will not be expected to combine with strangers) board one of the SkyWheel's 42 climate-controlled gondolas. Each gondola is completely enclosed with non-reflective and UV protected glass, making guests feel comfortable and safe while also giving a 360 degree, unobstructed view. The glass is also camera friendly so riders can capture their experience in clear pictures.

As the attendants load each gondola, guests slowly climb higher and higher until they reach the spine-tingling maximum height. Once at the top, they thrill at sweeping views of the city and beaches along the Grand Strand- a sight that, until recently, only the birds could enjoy! The SkyWheel makes 3 complete revolutions, allowing riders 10-12 minutes to take in the panoramic landscape and snap pictures to their hearts' content.

The SkyWheel also features 1 VIP Gondola that takes the flight experience to a whole new level. VIP guests skip the line and are ushered into a specialty compartment with leather seats and, the best part, a glass-bottomed floor (not for the faint of heart)! The ride is twice as long, completing six revolutions. At the end, the VIP riders are given souvenir SkyWheel t-shirts and lanyards.

This over-the-top ferris wheel even has a special feature for passersby to enjoy! Each night, the SkyWheel illuminates the coastline with a show generated by their state-of-the-art computer system. Over 1 million LED lights set into the side of the wheel swirl in a rainbow of colors and designs.This presents the ideal backdrop for an iconic Myrtle Beach vacation picture!

No Myrtle Beach vacation is complete without this once-in-a-lifetime experience! For additional attraction information and discounted tickets, stop by the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center in Aynor, South Carolina.

Why It's Time to Give Your Brain a Vacation

In the past several years, trends have shown that less than half of Americans go on vacation.Why? Some feel they would be unable to get away from work while others fear the workload that would be waiting on their desk when they return. Many say they simply can't afford it. But with the research and studies that have been showing up in the media lately, the better question to ask yourself might be "Can I afford not to?"

A recent article written by Karen Leland of the Huffington Post, entitled How Vacations Help the Brain asserts that vacations are a necessity for mental health. She explains that breaks are necessary in order for our brain to perform at its highest capacity because stress hormones cause the deterioration of higher brain function. On the other hand, activity in the intelligence centers of the brain increases after experiencing extended periods of rest.

So how does all of this scientific jargon apply to our lives? CNN Health's article Why Your Brain Needs Vacations by Elizabeth Landau has the answer. Landau contends that taking a vacation actually makes us better employees! The break allows your brain to relax and revitalize so that you can return to your job enthusiastic and ready to conquer problems. She also explains that by detaching yourself from the mundane tasks of everyday life, you can gain a new perspective on your job that will enable you to become a better worker. Her suggestion to the American public is that "when you go on these vacations and experience the feeling...of being mindfully involved in your own life, [you will] find a way to bring that back to [your] workday."

The reward of vacationing is much higher than the cost. This year, allow your brain to have the much needed rest it craves. The Grand Strand is the perfect place to unwind and the Official Myrtle Beach Welcome Center can give you all the information and discounts you need for a relaxing vacation.Your brain will thank you...and your boss will, too!