Many do not realize that Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are two separate incorporated cities. North Myrtle is not just the northern section of Myrtle Beach, but rather a different area all its own. Keep in mind, there is no South Myrtle Beach either. The southern section of the Grand Strand consists of Surfside Beach, Garden City, Pawley’s Island and Murrells Inlet.

SO, where should you stay? These quick tips may help you make your decision. As always, feel free to check out the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and the North Myrtle Beach Chamber for additional area information and calendar of events.

1. North Myrtle Beach is “quieter”

Although quiet is a subjective term, there generally isn’t as much hustle and bustle in North Myrtle Beach. Less traffic, and a much more maneuverable Ocean Blvd. It does stay busy though, especially during Saturday mornings to mid afternoon when all the tourists arrive. However, all the local-oriented stores, like Wal-mart and Lowes, are much less busy when compared to Myrtle Beach. It’s a different kind of traffic in North Myrtle, but and there are still bumber to bumbers in both places.

Many also say that North Myrtle Beach is more of a family oriented vacation spot, whereas Myrtle Beach is a bit more of a “party” atmosphere, but really it is what you make of it.  The clubs and hangout spots are all located in Myrtle Beach so they are a bit easier to access, which draws the younger crowd.  Furthermore, there isn’t a barrage of shops on the North Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Blvd. like there is in Myrtle Beach. (Plus, the new Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach adds a point to the Myrtle Beach column.) North Myrtle does have shops on its Main Street, but nothing as well-known as the ones on Myrtle Beach.

2. Difference in Beaches

It wouldn’t be a top vacation destination without a good beach, right? Both Myrtle and North Myrtle, and actually, all of the Grand Strand, lends itself to a good set of beaches. So whats the difference? Many say that North Myrtle Beach has “wider” beaches, as in the space between the dunes and the ocean water. Of course, this is depending on where the tide is at – AND which beach we are talking about! Myrtle Beach has state parks that have very nice, maintained beaches, some of which are just as wide as North Myrtle (money required to enter). In my opinion, both beaches are very nice and will be lots of fun. Parking is another story though. Both Myrtle and North Myrtle have public parking next to beaches, but the state park in Myrtle lends itself to a more relaxed parking search. Sometimes the public parking is so full, you drive around for a bit looking for a space. Another important note is that the public parking in North Myrtle Beach is free. (Check out the list of beachfront parking places in North Myrtle.)

3. The Condos

North Myrtle is a newer area than Myrtle, so many of the condos are newer and have a bit more “new upgrades” attached to them, depending on where you stay.  You will also note that the North Myrtle Beach Cherry Grove section is very residential, meaning no big condos on the beach. (The locals in this area love this section because of the easy access and lack of buildings.)

4. Attractions

Visit our Myrtle Beach Attractions page for a full list of attractions. Chances are, no matter where you stay, you will visit both cities during your attractions hunt. They both have a large list of things to do and places to eat, so don’t base your decision on where to stay based on how close they are to attractions, unless you have a very specific itinerary.

Hope this helps! Comments are welcome.

Condolux has a new addition to their website marketing, attracting the attention of the Myrtle Beach snowbirds. No, not seagulls, or any other “bird” for that matter, but simply those couples and families who “fly south for the winter” in search of a great deal on winter condos in Myrtle Beach. Don’t ask me how the term came to be, but it does fit very well.

MyrtleBeach-WinterRentals.com is loaded with information and deals for Myrtle Beach winter condos. Did you know renting a condo in the winter is half, if not a third, of the price than during high season? You can still enjoy everything the beach has to offer (well maybe not swimming) while saving money as well.

Myrtle Beach in the winter has a mild climate, excellent for golfers, which is why Myrtle Beach winter golf is so popular.  A nice breeze from the ocean and a great temperature to wake up to makes Myrtle Beach one of the top golf destinations in the world.

If you are looking for a great deal for your next vacation, MyrtleBeach-WinterRentals.com might have just what you are hoping for. You can even rent a 4 bedroom condo in Malibu Pointe for the price of a 3-bedroom during the winter months!  Visit the website.

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.

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