Myrtle Beach is one of the most rapidly growing family and holiday destinations in the United States today. As of 2012, Myrtle Beach draws about 15 million visitors each year as well as many thousands of new residents. Fondly called “The Grand Strand” by both visitors and locals, Myrtle Beach’s population has grown over 35 percent in the last ten years. As we move into the year 2012 and beyond, this all-new Myrtle Beach continues to ramp up its attractions, events, and quality dining and accommodations. Following is a look at what is expected for the Myrtle Beach for 2012.

The Grand Park Athletic Complex

The The Grand Park Athletic Complex is slated to open its doors in early 2012. Three full sized multipurpose fields and two junior sized multipurpose fields along with a roller hockey facility will comprise the new complex.

Adrenaline Adventures Parks

In the spring quarter of 2012, the new Adrenaline Adventures Park will be erected in the place of where the Pavilion Amusement Park was once situated, on on some acreage at the end of south Myrtle Beach. The park will host zip-line courses for young people and adults alike. Two distinct themes are planned for these amusement parks: a “Shabby Shack” theme and a “Tiki-style” theme ala Swiss Family Robinson.

Myrtle Beach Golf Courses get new greens

For the avid golfer out there, the Barefoot Dye and Barefoot Love golf courses are getting new greens in 2012, switching to Champion Ultra-Dwarf from Bent grass.  Some courses have already made the switch and have received rave reviews because of the change.

The Myrtle Beach Art Museum Year-Round 15th Anniversary

The Franklin G. Burroughs/Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum is having a 15-year anniversary that will last for the whole year of 2012. The “I Heart Art” celebration is meant to get people engaged in the art world in a variety of ways and is planned as a highlight for myrtle beach for 2012.

Pat Boone Family Theater

The Pat Boone Family Theater plans a winter 2012 debut. The theater, built on the prior site of the NASCAR Cafe, will now host 600 people for concerts and a range of other entertaining shows including comedy shows, gospel concerts, and much more. The Pat Boone Museum will be on-site and will showcase memoribilia from Boone’s entertainment career, which started in the 50s and continues with great success today.

South Carolina Warriors

The SC Warriors are a Myrtle Beach based semi-pro basketball team that play as a part of the ABA. Warriors home games are in Little River and the basketball season goes on through March of 2012.

New Electric Vehicle Charger Stations

The “Plug In California” non-profit organization has placed EV (Electric Vehicle) charger stations around the Grand Strand area. Eventually, 80 stations are planned across the state. Each station can charge two vehicles at once.

HWY 17 Interchange: Back Gate

This new Interchange will remove the traffic light and help allow for unimpeded movement on HWY 17. This is expected to lower unnecessary traffic delays. A new U-turn,on the Northern end of the Interchange, will be part of the project.

Boat Ramp At Kings Road

The Kings Road Boat Ramp, parking lot, and public restrooms is a two million dollar project expected to be ready for use in myrtle beach for 2012.

ITAP Park

The Technology and Aerospace park is a 460 acre large technology park at the Myrtle Beach International Airport and will be completed in 2012. The Market Common district hosts the ITAP public park entry. Guests can enjoy eclectic shopping and eateries, and are only a mile from the Atlantic Ocean.

Airport Extended

Since more Myrtle Beach visitors than ever arrive via air in 2012, the airport has started an expansion that includes new aviation and passenger terminals. The passenger terminal will grow to 12 gates in size, allowing for increased speed and efficiency in handling Myrtle Beach International Airport visitors.

The Springmaid Pier

The Springmaid Pier is being revamped for myrtle beach for 2012. The pier restaurant, Barnacles, will undergo a facelift and will add additional seating areas outside. A new bar that serves drinks plus a full menu will be added outdoors as well. New live music is planned weekly. The “Hurricane Simulator” attraction will be added, as will a massive chair in which guests can take photos.

New Target

Myrtle Beach will welcome a Target store in 2012. The SayeBrook Town Center, located close to US 17 and SC 544, will include homes as well as shopping like the new Target. Target is projected to be around 135,000 feet in size.

Peaches Corner Restaurant Restyling

The Peaches Corner Restaurant, a historic landmark in the area, will undergo some changes in myrtle beach for 2012. The remodel will include a fresh facade and a massive spinning peach perched upon the building. A new countertop will show dozens of years of Myrtle Beach history in photographs.

Want to learn more about items in this article?  See the original about the upcoming changes to Myrtle Beach or see another blog post we have about renting a condo in 2012.

For some, it’s ritual. For others, it might be an experiment. Either way, Myrtle Beach is home to thousands of snowbirders every year seeking out the best deals and condo rentals for their winter monthly vacation to the beach. The 2011-2012 Myrtle Beach winter rental season is no different.

Let’s face it, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are quite peaceful in the off-season. No traffic, nobody on the beach, no lines at attractions or restaurants, but you still get to take in everything the Grand Strand offers! You snowbirders know these little tid-bits, don’t you?  Ok, maybe I won’t spill ALL of your secrets of a successful winter vacation in Myrtle Beach, but even so, for those who haven’t yet tried North Myrtle Beach during the off-season, you’re missing out!

First off,  the term “snowbirders” refers to those who “flock south to Myrtle Beach for the winter” because of the mild climate, area activities and relaxed atmosphere. Some come every year and stay in the same condo, making sure they are booked for the next year before they even leave to go back north.  Some stay for only a month, and others stay from October to March (which is when our condos rent monthly for off-season winter.)   Yet, ALL of them take advantage of Myrtle Beach in the off-season.

The CondoLux winter monthly rates start at $800 for a month for a 1 bedroom condo, and include all the amenities you need to stay for the entire winter. The full kitchens are nice for staying home and preparing meals, and you can always sit on your oceanfront balcony and sip on hot chocolate under a blanket for those romantic evenings where the moon is reflecting on the ocean.

We could go on all day about what makes Myrtle Beach so wonderful in the winter, but wouldn’t your rather try it?  Take a minute to check out all the monthly winter rentals we have to offer in North Myrtle Beach, and if you want to be closer to the attractions in Myrtle Beach, you can view the winter monthly rentals in Myrtle Beach as well..  Who knows, maybe you’ll fly south to Myrtle Beach once a year as well!

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.

We’d like to touch base on another topic we frequently get asked about:  Parking Passes

Parking Passes are a very important part of your stay. We  strongly encourage all of our guests to display their parking passes that have been provided to them at all times.

Failure to properly display the parking pass(es) we provide you with, can and most likely will result in your vehicle(s) being towed at your expense.

Parking violations are in no way, shape, or form enforced or monitored by CondoLux. Parking Regulations are set and enforced by the individual Resorts in the area.

We absolutely do not want our customers to fall victim to this situation (being towed), so we’re going to do our best to provide you with the information you need to have a hassle and tow-free vacation.

HOW MANY PARKING PASSES DO I GET?

When you check-in, you will receive the amount of parking passes allowed for your individual unit (dependent on which unit you rent).

If you need more passes, please let us know how many parking passes you will need WHEN YOU ARE MAKING YOUR RESERVATION.

WHAT IF I HAVE VISITORS DURING MY STAY?

We will provide you with additional passes for your visitors, but this doesn’t guarantee them a parking spot — due to limited space.

If you forget to ask for visitor passes during your reservation, please feel free to come to the CondoLux Office to get more passed during hours of operation.

WHAT IF CONDOLUX IS CLOSED WHEN I CHECK-IN, AND I NEED MORE PASSES?

If you only asked for 4 parking passes during your reservation process, and you check-in after our hours of operation, we will only leave 4 parking passes for you. If when you get here you find yourself needing more parking passes, you must wait until our office is open the next day to get them. This is why we encourage our visitors to get an accurate number of parking passes they’ll need prior to their arrival, and ask for them during their reservation. We fully understand that you may have unexpected visitors during your visit, and we will do our absolute best to accommodate you.

WHERE SHOULD WE PARK IF WE DON’T HAVE PARKING PASSES?

DO NOT PARKING IN THE PARKING GARAGE IF YOU DON’T HAVE A PARKING PASS, YOU WILL GET TOWED. We would suggest using city-parking until you can come to the CondoLux Office and acquire more parking passes. You are responsible for understanding the regulations of City-parking as well.

SHORT AND SWEET SUMMARY: ALWAYS display your parking pass. If you don’t have one, please don’t park in the parking garage. If you need more parking passes, wait until we’re open and we will gladly get them for you =)

CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OFFICE HOURS AND LOCATION

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.