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.

CondoLux Vacation Rentals and Real Estate Sales is proud to announce our sponsorship in the inaugural Poop & Scoop Pro/Am Golf Tournament this year on July 30, 2011.  The competition will be held at the Valley at Eastport in Little River, SC.

The Poop & Scoop Pro/AmTM was conceived by David Hackney as a sister event to the highly successful Pet Food Pro/AmTM which generates over nine tons of pet food for the Humane Society of NMB. The fellowship and camaraderie associated with this event will strongly outweigh the competitive nature of the tournament. The format will welcome local PGA Professionals and amateurs. Entry fee for this unique event will be 50 pounds of cat litter and one gallon of bleach per player. Only a minimal registration fee will be required from the contestants.

This event is limited to competitors who have a love for animals and a passion for golf.  To learn more about entries, prizes, and the fun, please download the entry form and send it in!

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!

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)

It’s only the beginning of 2010, and vacationers are already proving they won’t let the recent economic troubles get them down. People looking for a relaxing beach vacation are already making reservations for Myrtle Beach this summer, and this looks to be a big year for vacation rentals. There was a noticeable increase in Easter traffic, and condo spaces for later this year are filling up quickly.

View the full article about the increase in Myrtle Beach vacation rentals here!