Looking for a fun and relaxing way to spend a winter getaway? Look no further than Myrtle Beach and Long Bay Resort, where you can hit the town or hang out at the resort for a memorable winter vacation. Here are 10 fun things to do on the Grand Strand this season:
Art Museum: Situated in a relocated beach house at the southernmost end of Ocean Boulevard, the Burroughs & Chapin Museum serves as a tribute to the area's rich history and culture. The works of local artists, sculptors and photographers are on permanent display, and traveling exhibits are regularly featured. Admission is free but donations are accepted.
Arts & Crafts Shows: The winter months see several large shows and markets come to the Myrtle Beach. The Art In the Park series, the Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals, and the Springmaid Beach Arts & Crafts Festival are among the top draws.
Basketball: High school hoops hold center court at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center for two weeks in December. Many of the top girls high school basketball teams and stars hit the hardwood for the CresCom Bank Holiday Invitational (Dec. 17-21), while the boys compete in the 35th Annual Beach Ball Classic (Dec. 26-31).
Bonfires: La Belle Amie Vineyard in nearby Little River hosts biweekly festivals that warm the body and spirit. Starting with a Christmas Caroling Bonfire (Dec. 26) and throughout the month of January, La Belle Amie builds a bonfire and hosts guests with concerts, food and its award-winning wines. Vineyard tours and wine tastings are available year-round.
Children's Museum: For parents with children with vivid imaginations and a passion for play and learning, the Children's Museum of South Carolina is a great place to spend a cold or rainy day. Featuring 3,000 square feet of interactive displays, CMSC provides the perfect place for little ones to explore and discover.
Dancing: The Carolina Shag, South Carolina's state dance, was born in the beach clubs along the Grand Strand shores, and visitors still return to North Myrtle Beach's Ocean Drive to take a stroll down memory lane on the dance floor. The SOS Mid-Winter Break and the National Shag Dance Championships are held here each winter.
Gaming: The Big M Casino Cruise Ship sails out of Little River six days and nights a week. Offering slot machines, black jack and a wide range of table games, Big M also offers lunch and dinner buffets and a players club rewards program.
Holiday events: Catch the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta (Dec. 5), Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens (Dec. 6-19), and the official Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center (Dec. 13) to get into the holiday spirit.
Shopping: Some consider a day of shopping to be an Olympic sport, and there are some gold medal worthy venues on the Grand Strand. Bargain hunters can hit malls like Coastal Grand, Inlet Square and the Myrtle Beach Mall, outlet shops like the Tanger Outlet Stores North and West, complexes like Barefoot Landing and Market Common, and all the national chains and big box shops.
Theaters: Catch a flick at one of the many state of the art movie theaters, or see live entertainment at The Palace Theatre, The Carolina Opry or the Alabama Theatre. All hosts their holiday shows in November and December, and their award-winning productions take the stage in January.
That should be plenty to keep you entertained during your visit, or you can simply chill out back at the resort at the indoor swimming pool, lazy river, hot tubs and sauna. Either way, you are sure to have a fun and relaxing winter vacation at Long Bay Resort.
(Posted: 11/9/15)
