Is it a rainy day out? Think your Myrtle Beach vacation is ruined? The movie theater may be the perfect place to go. Fortunately, over the past couple of years, the Grand Strand has acquired a great addition to theater sites.

If you’re near the North Myrtle Beach area, enjoy some shopping at the Colonial Mall and visit the renovated theater located at 10177 North Kings Highway. (The address is in Myrtle Beach if you are using GPS.)

Further down into Myrtle Beach is Broadway at the Beach, a vacation hot-spot for tourists, where another theater is located. In the same shopping area you can catch a 3D view at the IMAX theater. Don’t call your vacation a vacation until you check out an IMAX movie.

Not enough shopping for you? Visit Coastal Grand Mall at 2100 Coastal Grand Circle in Myrtle Beach where there is an array of not only shopping, but also restaurants including Red Lobster, Sticky Fingers and Abuelo’s. This has always been one of my favorite spots, and great for anyone on a Myrtle Beach vacation.

Not too far from Coastal Grand Mall is the new Market Commons along with its movie theater. If you’re into upscale fashion, this may be the place for you to pick up a new shirt before your favorite movie.

Lastly there is a theater located in Murrells Inlet off of Highway 17 Bypass, in addition to historic Conway’s movie theater on 220 Rivertown Boulevard.

From being a resident of Myrtle Beach for years, I know the weather is always unpredictable. Be prepared for a rainy day and catch a movie.

There has been constant ranting and raving along the Grand Strand about the new addition to the beach, Hard Rock Park. I drive by the amusement park on Highway 501 frequently and I am always surprised at how many people are in the new park.

I haven’t been able to take a visit, but I’ve learned through friends and family what it is all about. Based on a rock theme, this park has several rides for all ages, especially the younger crowd. Rides such as the London Cab Ride, Just a Swingin’ and Eagle Life in the Fast Lane catch the excitement of the attendees, but I have to say, people cannot get enough of the Led Zeppelin roller coaster.

This particular roller coaster, I’ve heard, is the best ride of the park. Although there are a few rides yet to be open, it seems as if it would be tough to surpass this particular one. While on this roller coaster, you ascend 15 stories and plunge at nearly 65 miles per hour around several loops while listening to Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” The ride is probably one of the newest best Myrtle Beach attractions.

There’s also stunt shows, places for shopping and an array of food choices. In addition to that, concerts are held at Hard Rock Park in one or more of their theaters. On Friday, May 23, George Clinton will perform, however, the main event will happen as the park comes to its official opening.

The official opening of the park will occur June 2-3, while the Eagles and The Moody Blues perform for hundreds of visitors and residents of the beach.

Tickets are $50, but it is free for children 3 and under. The park ticket covers most concerts, but is not applicable to opening day weekend. I think that the money is definitely worth it, especially if one of your favorite bands is coming to the beach.

I cannot say Hard Rock Park is the best because I haven’t been, but you can give it a try yourself. For more information, visit http://www.hardrockpark.com/.