Saturday July 3rd- Broadway at the Beach will kick off the weekend right with a fireworks display beginning at 10:00 PM held between the Dragon Lair’s Bridge and the Main Bridge.

Sunday July 4th- Stroll down to the 2nd avenue pier in Myrtle Beach, right next to the all new Boardwalk and Promenade to witness the fireworks display beginning at 9 PM.

BB&T Field- Catch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in action as they take on the Salem Red Sox at 6:05 PM. A fun-filled night, with jersey auctions, a Reggy appearance and a mini-flag giveaway is all scheduled. Following the game will be a fireworks show.

Cherry Grove Beach at the Cherry Grove Pier-  a fireworks display will be held around 9:30 PM.  Be sure to bring a blanket.

Broadway at the Beach- Between the Dragon’s Lair Bridge and Main Bridge will host a fireworks display beginning at 10 PM.

Barefoot Landing- Barefoot Landing will celebrate the 4th of July with a special fireworks show at 10:15 PM. Entertainers and plenty of children’s themed activities begin at 7PM.

Murrells Inlet- Visit Murrells Inlet for the 26th Annual Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade. The parade begins at high tide and last year over 125 boat entrants.

Ah, yes the sun is out, and it is once again that time of year to pack the kids, the cooler and grandma into the car and head to the beach. But as many of us often do, we get to our spot on the beach, unfold our towels, and quickly realize we forgot something back at the house. Don’t fret, it happens to the best of us, but rest assured that this list will help you remember to bring those extra vital things (and maybe some things you didn’t know) to the beach.

Lots of Water- The average adult requires 8 full glasses of water each day as recommended by doctors everywhere. This number increases when lying out in the sun. A good tip is to bring a gallon of water and a couple water bottles. That way you can keep one water bottle in the cooler and not have to waste valuable cooler space.

Good Sunscreen- While many of us remember to bring the sunscreen, often is the case of when we return home that evening, we are surprised that we somehow still have a bit of a sunburn. Make sure you know which SPF suits you.

Umbrella- An umbrella is a perfect way to keep the kids from having to endure all that sunlight.

Whistle- With a record number of people expected to be in Myrtle Beach this year, you can expect a bunch of unattended kids roaming the beaches. A good way to keep track of your children is to bring a whistle. Teach your family the “family whistle” and you’ll be sure to have them back by your side in no time.

Extra Blanket- It is always a good idea I find, to bring a large blanket with you to the beach. That way the beach towels can be used for drying off and you won’t have to worry about wet, sticky sand. Blankets are usually heavier than towels and it will be easier to keep the blanket on the ground rather than blowing down the Grand Strand.

Jug of water for sandy feet -Do you ever find yourself returning from a long day at the beach just to get into the car with half the beach with you? Keep a jug of water in the trunk so you can wash off those sandy feet before you enter the car. There are parking lots that have feet wash stations, but guess what, those parking lots usually have sand in them! So it does no good.

Change of clothes- How many times have you returned to your car only to have 5 semi-wet people climbing in? With a quick change of clothes kept in the trunk, nothing more than some athletic shorts

Chairs- For those who prefer to be on the beach just not ON the beach, a beach chair is a great companion.

Radio- A good way to drown out those annoying beach neighbors of yours, is the helpful little companion known as the radio. Whether it’s an ipod stereo or just a classic little boom box, the radio lightens the mood of the whole party.

Lost of Entertainment- Bring footballs, bocce balls, Frisbees and any other game activities the whole family can enjoy. A family that plays together, stays together.

Book or Magazine- Maybe a reference guide on what kind of shells there are? Or if you just want to relax, bring some light reading material.

First Aid Kit- It’s always best to keep a little first aid kit either in your car or with you at the beach. You’ll be surprised at how handy that will be.

Binoculars- Often there are times where you are on the beach looking out toward the ocean and someone asks you “what is that?” pointing to a small blip in the distance. How nice would it be to be able to tell them? Well with a cheap pair of binoculars, you could tell them.

Flip-flops- Flip-flops are vital for that transition from the hot sand to the not as hot sand as you trek towards that watery abyss. Bring them and you won’t regret it. It’s never fun to remove shoes and then try to put them back on with sandy wet feet.

Sunglasses- Now this may seem like a no-brainer, but to those who don’t wear sunglasses regularly, you may forget this handy little item.

So the next time you go to the beach, make a list check it twice, and live beach day like it’s your last!

North Myrtle Beach is the perfect place to plan your next peaceful vacation. A cozy retreat nestled between Myrtle Beach and Little River, North Myrtle Beach provides a more sanctuary-like feeling while still maintaining the luxuries and amenities of the more commercial Myrtle Beach. Home to Vanna White, The Shag, and Alligator Adventure, North Myrtle Beach is the vacation destination for those not looking for unattended children walking the strip. Plenty of beachfront, over 30 golf courses, and amazing local eateries, North Myrtle Beach prides itself in being a family oriented town. Enjoy fishing? Check out the Cherry Grove Fishing pier, the only two story observation deck at any privately owned pier in the Myrtle Beach area. The Cherry Grove Pier is 985 feet of fishing fun for the entire family.

Barefoot Landing takes a twist on regular outdoor malls. Surrounding a 27-acre lake, Barefoot Landing takes advantage of beautiful scenery utilizing docks allowing you to easily maneuver throughout. Be sure to check out local shops such as Black Market Minerals and House of Style. Grab lunch at Greg Norman’s Australian Grille or travel back to the 50’s and eat at Johnny Rockets Diner. For the kids, the Alligator Adventure Park is a great hands-on experience while the Ghosts and Legends Theater caters to the more mature young adults. For the older crowd, the House of Blues and Alabama Theatre makes Barefoot Landing not only a great day spot but also a great evening night life experience.

For many vacationers of South Carolina, golf is always on the mind and North Myrtle Beach is no different. North Myrtle Beach golf packages are a visitor favorite with tons of courses to choose from. Barefoot Resort & Golf located right behind Barefoot Landing has 4 courses each with its own difficulty level. Another great course is Beachwood Golf Club. Perfect for all ages and experience levels Beachwood Golf Club offers amazing afternoon rates.

Dining is one of those rare vacation moments where the whole family actually gets to see each other. After a day at the beach or Barefoot Landing, try venturing a few miles north into Little River, South Carolina or Calabash, North Carolina. Here you’ll find good ole’ southern cooking at its finest. Located right on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River, SC is Captain Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant. Watch fishermen haul in the fresh catch of the day while relaxing on Capt. Juel’s outdoor deck overlooking beautiful untouched marshland. Just five minutes from Little River is Calabash, NC. This small fishing town is known for its local hospitality and their cooking reflects this attitude. Ella’s of Calabash, voted “Best seafood in Brunswick County” Ella’s is a favorite with locals and vacationers alike.

Whether it is catching up on some much needed sun, playing a round with the folks, or dining at some of the best kept secrets on the coast, take a good look at North Myrtle Beach rentals when planning your next vacation.

May is one of the best months out of the year.  The same rings true for Myrtle Beach and this year’s Myrtle Beach Mayfest will surely be one of its most spectacular.  With a whole slate of events planned and guest celebrities in attendance, Myrtle Beach Mayfest 2010 is going to kick off another fantastic summer.

From arts and film, to food, wine and live music, Mayfest has everything for the whole family to enjoy.  Beginning May 1st at 10 a.m., the Arts and Film Celebration kicks off with a free showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs followed by a celebrity meet-and-greet with Catherine Bell and Denise Sherwood from Army Wives, and Alex Meraz from Twilight: New Moon.  Live entertainment will also be playing throughout with musical guests Shrimp City Slim, Tinsley Ellis, and five-time Grammy award winning artist, Buddy Guy.  The night ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

Come out on May 15th for TLC’s Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro, and watch him create a giant flip-flop cake!  At 12 p.m., the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade will commence.  Food and Arts & Crafts exhibitors will be on hand as well as several musical guests with a fireworks finale to end the night.  Scheduled to perform are:

• Ben E. King

• Billy Scott & the Party Prophets

• The Cornell Gunter Coasters

• The Embers

• Jim Quick & Coastline

• Mark Roberts and Breeze

• Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

• National Shag Dance Champions

Myrtle Beach Mayfest goes out with a bang on Memorial Day weekend with a slew of events and special guests scheduled.  To begin with, at 10:30 a.m. the Memorial Day Parade will embark with celebrity and national hero, Buzz Aldrin as our Grand Marshall.  After the parade, enjoy a bevy of musical artists like Jordin Sparks, Mitchel Musso, Jasmine Richards, Savannah Outen, and Drake Bell.  Military and various veterans groups will be on hand to celebrate Military Appreciation Day along with food and arts & crafts exhibitors followed by and end of Mayfest fireworks show.  Meet-and-greet celebrities will include:

• Debby Ryan, “Bailey” on Suite Life on Deck

• Tiffany Thornton, “Tawni” on Sonny with a Chance

• Nathan Kress, “Freddie” on iCarly

• Jasmine Richards, “Peggy” on Camp Rock

• Savannah Outen, Radio Disney

• Drake Bell, “Drake” on Drake and Josh

For more information regarding Myrtle Beach Mayfest 2010 Click Here

Visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Carolina Opry and the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. This family-oriented city features over 1000 restaurants, a hundred golf courses and over 60 miles of wide, soft sandy beaches.

A vacation hot spot for over 60 years, Myrtle Beach boasts plenty of shopping outlets as well as many fine department stores. With 14 million people annually visiting the Myrtle Beach area, it is no wonder that Myrtle Beach is the premier family vacation destination. Broadway at the Beach features 350 acres of shopping, dining, nightlife and even hotel accommodations. Stop in at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville for a quick drink or lunch as you peruse shops such as Retro Active-The 70’s 80’s & 90’s Store, River Street Sweets, and M.R. Ducks. When the sun goes down, that is when Broadway at the Beach comes alive. Celebrity square mixes four clubs all under one roof. Everything from country, to electronica can be found in four adjacent rooms. For shopping necessities, Tanger Outlet Malls is just the place to find bargains. Adidas, Gap, Kenneth Cole, Land’s End all can be found at Tanger with two convenient locations in the Myrtle Beach area.

Did you know that Myrtle Beach is known as the “Golf capital of the world?” Experience some of the world’s most challenging golf courses many of whom are designed to protect the natural habitat and wildlife indigenous to the area. With courses for all experience types Myrtle Beach offers year-round weather for golf with courses and greens created by world-famous architects such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, and Greg Norman.

Family fun is the focal point of Myrtle Beach with an abundance of activities designed to keep the whole family interested during your Myrtle Beach vacation. Ripley’s Aquarium, a Children’s Museum, miniature golf, and a NASCAR raceway, are all minutes away from your vacation hotel.

Just a short drive south is Murrell’s Inlet. Discover the essence of the low-country as you meander through these historical marshlands and other unincorporated areas. Murrell’s Inlet offers many recreational activities in a breathtaking inlet setting, including deep sea fishing charters, boat tours, individual boat rentals, scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing and jet skiing. Two popular annual events include the Fourth of July Boat Parade and Blessing of the Inlet. The Marsh Walk, a marsh-front setting, offers spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Pawley’s Island is the southern most part of The Grand Strand and is known as the oldest summer resorts on the east coast. Pawley’s Island continues to be known for its shoeless, carefree, laid-back life style, which includes crabbing in the adjacent creeks, fishing, the stories of ghosts, the rope hammocks and the unspoiled, unsophisticated, casual, delightful stretch of wide beach and sand dunes. A vast array of local eateries and specialty shops are sprinkled throughout. Be sure to check out Pawley’s Island Hammocks and the Crab Cake Lady shop. When choosing your next vacation destination, don’t hesitate to look within the Myrtle Beach area.