Will you be in Myrtle Beach for the 4th of July 2011? We’ve compiled a quick list of Fireworks Displays happening in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas on Independence Day.

Who doesn’t love pirates? Every kid dreams of sailing the open sea and finding a shipload of treasure on a deserted island. Now that Johnny Depp’s made swashbuckling cool for all ages, it’s about time somebody came up with a way to combine a hearty meal with a little maritime mayhem – making this a top Myrtle Beach attraction!

Leave it to Dolly Parton to figure out how to satisfy our need for chicken and barbecued pork with generous sides of pistol-bracing, cutlass waving, plank-walking and, of course, mermaids. The new Pirates Voyage dinner theater in Myrtle Beach opened in June of 2011 for “Fun, Feast & Adventure.” Dolly gutted her Dixie Stampede location and brought in crews to do a complete renovation. The result is an exterior that looks like it was lifted off the streets of Tortuga and an eye-popping set featuring a 15-foot deep lagoon and three pirate ships.

Dolly came up with an original score for the show, which features live animals, acrobatics, underwater choreography and lots of swashbuckling action. The audience cheers and boos as the crews of the Crimson and the Sapphire clash in a battle that spreads across the decks and into the ships’ rigging, the water and even the air. The audience’s response helps decide the winner, so not even the cast knows at the outset which side will win.

In the days of Blackbeard and Anne Bonney, ships were known for the number of cannon they had on board, not for their delicious dinner menus. Luckily, Dolly Parton understands that a good host needs both. Some dinner theaters seem to think if the show’s good the food doesn’t have to be, but the food at Pirates Voyage could draw crowds even without a show. Unless you call ahead and ask for a vegetarian meal you will be served creamy vegetable soup, bread, half a chicken, barbecued pork shank, fried shrimp, corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and apple pie. It’s probably not authentic pirate fare, but that’s probably not really Johnny Depp’s hair, either. Who cares? It’s all good fun.

Adults pay $41.99 for dinner and the show. Children four to eleven pay $21.99; children under four pay regular child’s fare if you want a seat for them. If they can sit on a lap they’re free. Pirates Voyage is wheelchair accessible and they have special headsets available for people who think they may have trouble hearing the show.

Check out more Myrtle Beach attractions or visit the Pirate’s Voyage website.

Come visit May Fest in Myrtle Beach! The fun and festivities run from April 30 to May 28 starting off with a beach music festival. Look forward to seeing Chubby Checker, The Spinners, The Embers, The Catalinas, Atlantic Groove, and The Craig Woolard Band perform in downtown Myrtle Beach between 8th and 9th avenue North. Learn from the best as Paula Deen puts on a cooking demonstration at the Alabama Theatre on May 14.

Taste the finest local cuisines at the Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival May 8-15 and learn what true southern cooking really is. Don’t miss the Coastal Uncorked Golf Tournament on May 12 at Myrtle Beach National South and West courses. Take a ride on the Coastal Uncorked May Fest Tasting Trolley May 13 -15. At $75 a ticket you’ll enjoy two days of food, wine, and beer as your trolley takes 10 various stops around Myrtle Beach. Finally finish off your May Fest with the Coastal Uncorked Finale Gala and Food Challenge. Before the challenge begins enjoy tasting tables from local restaurants, drinks, and a silent auction. Then prepare yourself to see seven of Myrtle Beach’s finest chefs battle it out in an iron chef style competition. We hope you don’t miss out on another amazing kick off to summer with May Fest!

Some Myrtle Beach attractions probably won’t ever change, and many do to keep up with the times.  In 2011, though, Myrtle Beach should have a nice little addition to it’s already abundant list of attractions and things to do.

Wonder Works – Museum? Education? or More?

Wonder Works combines science, education and entertainment where you can explore more than 100 exhibits that are just as fun as they are educational. Ever been blown away by a 74-mph hurricane wind? Maybe land the NASA space shuttle. How about lying on a bed of nails or piloting a fighter jet Let’s not forget about the lazer tag.  You will immediately be intrigued just when you see the outside of the building. It looks like an up-side down museum!  WonderWorks opens this spring at Broadway at the Beach!

SkyWheel in Myrtle Beach, SC

Hopefully to be finished in May, The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. Located alongside the newly opened one mile plus Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this oceanfront attraction will stand 18 stories high (196 feet). We are talking about 42 glass gondolas that can hold up to six people. Don’t worry, they are glassed-in, and temperature controlled. No dangling feet here!

Legends in Concert – March 11th Opening Slated

After spending over $1 million, the new Legends in Concert theater has added 600 new seats. But check this out… not any of the seats are more than 50 feet from the stage! Couple that with new state of the art features, and VIP table booths for the ultimate experience. The opening night performance at Legends in Concert in their new theater at Broadway at the Beach will be March 11.

Pirates Voyage – Coming in June

Say goodbye to Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. This spring will finish a $11 million dollar transformation into Pirates Voyage. (They say it should open sometime in June).  This new attraction features a Buccaneer Battle with a Pirate Feast you don’t want to miss. Experience the wonder, excitement and spirit of the pirates who docked on the shores of Myrtle Beach! Don’t worry though, the show features new music by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer.

Wheels of Yesteryear Completes 2011 Inventory Changes

Wheels of Yesteryear offers one of the Southeast’s most impressive collections of vintage American made automobiles and trucks in one location. New for 2011 – inventory changes that showcase over 50 classic cars and trucks owned and restored by car enthusiast Paul Cummngs. Visit Wheels of Yesteryear and take a step back in time for a truly unique experience perfect for fans of vintage automobiles, car enthusiasts, locals, tourists, couples and families!

**A special thank you to the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce for making this list available.

Not sure what to do for New Year’s Eve in Myrtle Beach?  We’ve put together a quick list of things to do and fireworks to see.  Times listed are approximate and are subject to change. Please feel free to click on the links we’ve provided if you need to contact a specific establishment directly.  We wish all of you a safe and healthy New Year!!

New Year’s Eve 2010 Fireworks Display in Myrtle Beach

• 8:00 PM @ Celebrity Square - Broadway at the Beach – 1322 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
• 6:00 PM @ Barefoot Landing – 4898 Hwy 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach for New Year’s Eve 2010

• Hard Rock Cafe New Year’s Eve Bash – 9:00 PM –   (Tickets are $22.30 + tax)
• Margaritaville’s New Year’s Eve Party – 9:00 PM –  (Tickets are $10)
• North Beach Plantation NYE Gala – 9:00 PM –   (Tickets are $99 + tax. Price Includes dinner and Champagne toast)
• Comedy Cabana’s NYE Extravaganza – 7:30 PM  and 10:00 PM – (Tickets are $25 for the 7:30 pm  show or $40 for the 10:00 pm show)
• Grand Dunes New Year’s Eve Gala – 7:30 PM – Marina Inn At Grand Dunes –   (Tickets are $135 + tax. Price includes meal and open bar for the duration of the event)