The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce recently launched www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com stating in a message from mayor John Rhodes the city’s decision to no longer host the  Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Spring Rally and the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest bike rallies.

Mayor Rhodes indicates in his statement that this ordinance was an  extremely difficult decision for the city. Myrtle Beach welcomes anyone who would like to visit anytime of the year, after all the city has some of the nicest luxury condos rentals, restaurants, golf, live theater, and shopping anywhere on the east coast. Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are a vacation paradise resort of sorts.

In fact though, the rallies were just growing too large and putting an undue strain on the city.  Government staff, Myrtle Beach residents, and local businesses strained to keep up with the hundreds of thousands of people that flooded the city in such a short amount of time. Mayor Rhodes wants to be very clear that Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker. The point of contention here for the city is that the rallies are just too big and last for too long.

One fact that could not be ignored was the clear and insistent opposition that was being raised by the residents of Myrtle Beach. Many people that live in the area felt like they were forced out of their homes and their hometown for the better part of a month.

The city has passed a dozen or so new ordinances which will govern those bikers that still chooses to come to the Grand Strand during these weeks in May. We will highlight just a few of these new laws here, but for the complete list please go to www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com.

“Everyone on a motorcycle must wear a safety helmet and protective eyewear (glasses, goggles, face shield, etc.) at all times while the cycle is moving.”

“Curfew is in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. for juveniles under age 18, with certain exceptions. Violators are detained and parents are called.”

“No alcohol consumption or open container possession allowed in parking lots and garages of any business.”

*All ordinances taken verbatem from the information posted at www.myrtlebeachbikerinfo.com.

It is difficult to predict at this juncture what the long-term  effects will be for the city, businesses, and residents, but one thing is for certain the area will always be a popular destination for vacationers looking for Myrtle Beach Condos to rent, delicious seafood to eat, endless entertainment possibilites, warm ocean air, bright sunshine, and a wonderful vacation experience year after year.

Is it a rainy day out? Think your Myrtle Beach vacation is ruined? The movie theater may be the perfect place to go or maybe check out the tons of other indoor attractions that dot the area. Fortunately, because of all the things to do, although the beach may be out, you can still have a great family vacation until the weather passes by.

If you’re near the North Myrtle Beach area, enjoy some shopping at the Myrtle Beach Mall and visit the Carmike 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! Who knows, by the time the movie is done, it could have stopped raining (happens quite often in Myrtle Beach), and you can walk around Broadway at the Beach!  Also new this year (2011) at Broadway is the WonderWorks, an upside down “museum/education” exhibit for the family.

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.

How about a show? Choose from the Palace Theater, Pirate’s Voyage, Medieval Times, Good Vibrations, and more! (They are all listed on our Myrtle Beach attractions page.)

Not too far from Coastal Grand Mall is the new Market Common along with its movie theater. But you do have to park a bit away and walk in the rain before you get to the entrance. 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 another 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.

UPDATE 5/07/12

After opening in June of 2008, The Hard Rock Park closed in September of 2008. It then reopened in May of 2009 under the name of Freestyle Music Park, but only lasted the season, closing its doors for good.

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/.