Darkness---and night shadows dance in our imagination
A storm--- and lightning rages against the sky
An ambulance wails---and we wonder
A child sees the ocean---and the world smiles



Sunshine, gentle waves, seafood, amusement parks…..the ocean is America’s vacation paradise. And Myrtle Beach, S.C., with its miles of pristine beaches, golf courses, and restaurants to suit any appetite, has long been a favorite spot for vacationers. But if you haven’t been to the area in the last few years, this isn’t the Myrtle Beach you know…..it’s even better.

One of the attractions added in recent years is Broadway on the Beach. Located a short drive from the Grand Strand, with its fine restaurants (try the early bird specials for excellent prices), shops (both for adults and children), and the I-MAX Theater, Broadway on the Beach is an enjoyable experience. But it’s especially fun on those days when it’s sprinkling rain, or if you just want a break from the sun.

Myrtle Beach is fun with a capital F! Whether it is fishing from the piers, walking along the deserted beach at sunrise, or riding a Jet Ski over the waves, MB has something for everyone. Myrtle Beach is not just a place for recreation; it’s a place for re-creation.

And when the day ends, and the sand is washed from sun drenched bodies, the cool breezes of the evening bring an air of anticipation. After dining at one of the nearly 1700 full-service restaurants, it’s time for the excitement that only night-time at the beach brings. Whether it is world-class entertainment like that provided at the Carolina Opry, testing your skills in a racecar skidding through hair-pin curves, or being amazed by the marine life in Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach has it all.

And what would a beach vacation be without a visit to the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. An all-time favorite, the Pavilion has added several new attractions, like the 4-D Adventure Theater, where you can feel the spray of a waterfall or the heat of a dragon’s breath. The Pavilion has nearly 40 thrill rides, including a stomach-churning, heart pounding roller coaster.

A unique way to visit Myrtle Beach is to stay at one of the resorts that border the area. Pawleys Plantation and Golf Resort, located just a few minutes south of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, resides in nearly 600 acres of wetlands, elegant live oaks, and small lakes (good fishing, so bring your light tackle), and offers a wonderful family venue. When you drive into the resort, it’s like opening the pages of Southern Living. You can rent fully equipped accommodations ranging from one to three-bedroom luxury villas that are a short walk from the resort’s large swimming pools.

There is also a championship golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course, which winds through beautiful trees and marshes, has accommodating fairways, with a variety of tees to suit any handicap. And if you’re looking to improve your game, the Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School is also located at the resort.

A five-minute drive from the resort is Pawleys Island beach. If you’re seeking a more relaxed beach, this is a truly wonderful family place where in the evening you might observe dolphins feeding in the small inlet that runs on the back side of the island. The uncrowded beach, with its quiet, soul-inspiring beauty, will haunt your thoughts long after you’ve returned home. But a word of advice: the beach has no service so bring your own chairs.

Myrtle Beach and Pawleys Plantation and Golf Resort---a great combination.

Myrtle Beach contact: myrtlebeachtrips.com or 1-888-539-8662
Pawleys Plantation contact: pawleysplantation.com or 1-800-367-9959, ext. 6009

This story was published on 01 Oct 2003.