So you came to Myrtle Beach and had a chance to unwind. You’ve enjoyed lounging by your resort’s swimming pool, taken several relaxing walks along the beach, and been out on a leisurely boat tour in our beautiful waters. Now it’s time to take a walk on the wild side and visit Alligator Adventure! Your adrenaline will be pumping as you come face to face with some of nature’s fiercest predators.

Alligator Adventure is located beside Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach and is one of the largest reptile facilities in the world. You’ll walk through natural swamp and marsh areas and get up close and personal with an incredible variety of lizards, large reptiles, giant frogs, turtles and exotic birds from around the world.

Be sure to visit the parks two river otters, Boo and Sam. They learned to swim in a bathtub at just 11 weeks old and now spend their time horsing around, teasing each other, and entertaining guests for hours on end. The staff feeds Boo and Sam commercially prepared food, but they also get treats like shrimp, hotdogs and sardines. These two otters have it made.

The park also has several live shows that are amazing! From mid-April through mid-October you can watch 13ft alligators jet straight out of the water in an attempt to secure their favorite meal: raw chicken! During the show you’ll learn about their eating habits, life span, average weight, length, and more. Staff veterinarian Dr. Sam Seashole will be on hand several times a week and will answer your questions if you happen to run into him. They call him the Croc Doc, and he has a documentary video available in the gift shop with all sorts of informative information about these fascinating creatures.

During the colder months, alligators don’t eat. This means they probably won’t be leaping out of the water to grab a raw chicken, but the feeding show will be substituted with a fascinating live alligator lecture and exhibit. You and your family can even get your picture taken with a live alligator! It’s a great memento to take home after your vacation here in the Grand Strand.

If you are ready for more action after the alligator shows, be sure to stop by the snake handing presentation. The staff at Alligator Adventure will teach you all out misunderstood creatures and clear up a lot of misconceptions. Do you think they are slimy? Maybe you will get to touch the 7 ft Albino Burmese Python and find out! One lucky young audience member may even get to wear a snake as a hat! That’s the kind of fun you’ll only find at Alligator Adventure. Don’t worry though, you can always return to your Myrtle Beach condo safe and sound.

There is so much more to see and do at the park! Alligator Adventure is a great way to spend the day with your family while you are here in the Myrtle Beach area. In fact, it’s so much fun that everyone has an open invitation to come back the next day free. Admission for Adults is only $16.95, Seniors are $14.95, Children ages 4-12 are $10.95, 3 and under are free. Discounts are available. You can get more information on Alligator Adventure by calling 843-361-0789.

Myrtle Beach has recently opened a new, tremendous addition to the Grand Strand. Located on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base off of highway 17, the Market Commons offers upscale clothing, food and accessories.

I visited the Market Commons and felt as if I were at the Atlantic Station in downtown Atlanta, Georgia or St. Johns Towns Center in Jacksonville, Florida- both places that offer an array of stores from Urban Outfitter’s to Express and fine cuisine from P.F. Chang’s to the Geisha House.

If you love to shop as I do, this is the perfect spot for you.

Visit White House-Black Market to find a wide selection of quality casual and formal white and black clothing. I have always enjoyed shopping at this store; however, the Grand Strand has never offered it until now.

For boutique lover’s, this location also offers several clothing and accessory boutiques.

If you love to grab a book and sit in the tranquil ambiance of Barnes & Noble as I do, you can do so here as well.

Other stores include Chico’s, Banana Republic, izzi-b, Victoria Secrets, Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Pottery Barn, and many more.

They even have my all time favorite restaurant, P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. For all you lover’s of Chinese cuisine, P.F. Chang’s provides a relaxing atmosphere, a diverse menu and a perfect place for an evening out. My preference is the spicy Kung Pao Shrimp mixed with peanuts, chili peppers and scallions alongside of their unlimited, freshly made rice.

In addition to P.F. Chang’s, Market Commons also has Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant.

It can only get better as more stores begin to open and the construction begins on phase two as the year progresses.

For more Myrtle Beach shopping information, check out www.condolux.net/myrtle-beach-attractions.html#shopping

It’s time for some fun in the sun with the 55^th Annual Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Competition! The event is sponsored by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and runs from April 1^st thru October 31^st.

Prizes awarded will total over $17,000 and your catch can earn shoulder patches, monthly decals, cash and merchandise. Awards are given for Fish of the Month, Largest of Species, and Outstanding Catches including men’s, women’s and children’s groups. Wouldn’t it be great if your catch of the day earned you the $2000 grand prize?!

Over 20 varieties of fish will be included in the competition, including Blackfin Tuna, Bluefish, Founder, Grouper, King Mackerel, Trout and Yellowfin Tuna. You just might catch the Yellowfin Tuna that breaks the state record of 241.12 lbs! Or the Bluefish that beats the state record of 21 lbs.

No matter what your catch, you’ll enjoy a fantastic day on or near the water here in the Grand Strand. You can fish anywhere in the coastal waters from the North Carolina line at Calabash southward to the South Santee River. If you are boating, be sure to depart and return to port within the areas mentioned.

This is all for fun! The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo promotes recreational fishing along the Grand Strand. Awards are presented to recreational fisherman only.

Some important events to keep in mind are the Spring 2008 Pier Kind Mackerel Tournament (June 13-15), the 2008 Fall Mackerel Tournament (September 19-21) and the Take a Kid Fishing Tournament (October 25.)

The Take a Kid Fishing Tournament is designed to introduce our youth to the sport of fishing and is a great opportunity for parents, relatives or friends to spend a day with a child. Fishing is a great way to teach kids to associate the outdoors with fun and excitement (especially if the fish are biting.) A day spent out on a boat, the pier, or the chance to play knee-deep in water will be fun-filled and enjoyable for both you and your child.

There is no registration fee, but it’s important to be registered by October 13, 2008. The registration has to be filled out by an adult and can be picked up at any of the Grand Strand fishing piers. Additional information is available at www.GrandStrandFishingRodeo.com .

With three divisions, it’s a great day for kids of all ages! There’s a group for younger anglers who are 6 years old and under, 7-11 years old and young adults 12-18 years.

No equipment? No problem. Each child/adult team can bring their own equipment or complimentary equipment will be provided at the pier.

Fishing is a great sport and a fantastic way for a family to spend some time together! You just can’t beat a day relaxing on the water and enjoying the warm South Carolina Sunshine. The Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo is a great way to enjoy the sport. Be sure not to overlook this great activity when planning your leisure or vacation time here in the beautiful Myrtle Beach area.

Since spring is here, kids usually want to do something extracurricular outside in order to enjoy the weather. The Grand Strand has an abundance of locations that are family oriented and both enjoyable for kids and adults.

I have 11 year-old twin brothers who love for me to take them to a miniature golf course, shopping, to NASCAR Speed Park and the beach.

Driving along bypass or business 17, you are bound to find several places for miniature golf from North Myrtle Beach to downtown Myrtle Beach.

Their favorite location is May Day Golf located at 715 Highway 17 North, North Myrtle Beach. This miniature golf course takes you on an adventure of a beautiful island after crashing there on a charter plane. The course keeps you busy for at least an hour and the pricing is reasonable. Free (children 3 and under) $7.00 (12 and under) $8.00 (adults)

Of course, there are other options along the Grand Strand including Dragon’s Lair Fantasy Golf in Broadway at the Beach, Jurassic Mini Golf 812 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach) and Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf (2205 North Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach).

You can also enjoy the beautiful weather while shopping in Myrtle Beach at the Tanger Outlets at 10835 Kings Road and located off of Highway 501 in Myrtle Beach. With over 100 brand name outlets ranging from KB Toys to Banana Republic, the outlets offers stores fit for any age.

NASCAR Speed Park, located at 1820 21st Avenue in Myrtle Beach, near Broadway at the Beach, is a great place to go to drive along one of their seven tracks, golf on their NASCAR themed miniature courses, cruise in one of their speed bumper boats and visit their arcade. For information on pricing visit: http://www.nascarspeedpark.com/myrtlebeach.html.

If you’re interested in soaking up the sun while your kids build sandcastles and swim, then the beach may be the perfect choice for you. I enjoy taking the twins to the quiet Cherry Grove Beach, where they can play football while I read a book. Travel anywhere along North or South Ocean Boulevard to find a public parking lot and the beach spot right for you.

For the rainy days, Ripley’s Aquarium, Laser FX Laser Tag, the movie theater, Coastal Grand Mall and the IMAX Theater are great alternatives. For more information on what to do on a rainy day and the contact information for the previous locations visit: http://www.mbchamber.com/mb-cvb/Vacations_Getaways/Rainy_Day_Activities.html