Once Upon a Child, Surfside Beach

Once Upon a Child
2727 Beaver Run Blvd.
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
(843)650-2229

I became a Grandmother this past year.  

My granddaughter is almost 9 months old and I still haven't figured out what I want her to call me. 

I think it's a new age and a new time and "grandmother", "grandma" and "grammy" all sound way too old.  

It's time for new terminology to be invented for youthful grandparents.  

While I'm working on my little "what-I-want-to-be-called" project; I do what every mother of a baby's mother does...I shop to help keep the precious and ever-growing bundle of joy clothed and equipped with the appropriate toys.

I've found the best deals at Once Upon a Child for anything to do with babies and young children.  

Everything in the store is more or less used, but very gently used and very gently priced.  

Their whole gig is that they don't accept junk or clothing which is obviously worn.  

In my world; it doesn't make sense to buy all new for a young baby when they grow like weeds and bust out of their clothes at an incredible rate.

Once Upon a Child is way more than clothing. You'll find children's shoes, accessories, toys, furniture and bedding.  

Check out the Once Upon a Child website to find the guidelines for buying and selling.    

It's a tiny store, but packed to the gills and kept impeccably neat and organized.   

You'll enjoy the hunt and the thrill of victory!

Myrtle Beach Vacation Renter Etiquette, # 2

2. Check Every Room Before Departure


I would think that checking every room before you leave would be a no-brainer.  Based on my experience; I find this just isn't the case.


When I was in the Air Force (a lifetime ago); it was customary to do what's called a FOD walk on and around the flightline.

Combing Area for Foreign Object Debris

Everyone would gather up in a straight line and then begin walking.  The idea is to pick up anything which might be hazardous to an aircraft intake or to the airmen who work on the flightline.


It is my contention that when a group of people depart from a beach rental they should conduct a similar exercise....a C.E.R. Walk or Check Every Room. 


When my extended family comes to town to celebrate a Reunion or Holiday and they rent a huge home up at the Beach, they make everyone responsible to check all drawers, under the bed, under the sheets and blankets and the bathrooms. 
When the check is complete; the door is closed to that room.  Everyone then gathers in the common areas and checks over, under and behind everything!


How long does it take?  Maybe ten minutes?  In a hotel room or condo...maybe five?
It saves a whole lot of grief for everyone concerned to take this quick extra step before bidding Myrtle Beach farewell.


It takes me, as one person, a lot longer to check everywhere when I first enter a rental property vs. the renters conducting a search before they leave.    
If you'll do that, then you won't have to hear your son or daughter in the back seat exclaim when you're hours down the road that they think they left their iPod at the condo.   


If you'll do that, then you won't have to wonder where that expensive bathing suit is that you bought at Evita's while in Myrtle Beach...the one I found hanging on the back of the bathroom door.


If you'll do that, then you will be the one to find the little pile of poop that your youngster left behind on the bathroom rug because you were bellowing at them to hurry up and they jumped off the toilet and some remains fell out.


When people try to get into a rental early, they have no idea that it has now taken me a full half hour to check every room and to clean up bowel movements off the floor.   
S**t happens...and on rare occasions... quite literally. 
And it's stuff like this which delays everyone...all because folks don't take five or ten minutes to check the status of the place before they try to anxiously get a jump on traffic.   


Some of the items left behind recently have included a little travel bag filled with sex toys left under a bed, a whole drawer full of little girl dresses, expensive earrings, grilling untensils, cases of beer (thank you !!), iPods, medical insurance cards, bathing suits, poop on the floor (redundant), bloody tampons in the garbage, piles of sand and hair in the bathtubs/showers...and the beat goes on.


I guess what I'm trying to get across is that cleaning up after the renting public is not as cut and dry as you might think.   
For my part...I don't just walk in and start cleaning.  I wish it were that easy, but because people leave things behind and perpetrate unspeakable acts upon the furnishings in rental properties...the actual cleaning doesn't start until after I've been there for 30 minutes or more!


So please...rinse the tubs, throw away the trash, check all the drawers and under the beds and do something with the food and condiments left in the fridge...


...OMG...I'm starting to sound like your mother!!  


That's actually not a bad idea, as I would love to show up at each of my properties on Saturday mornings and nag the renters into doing what should come naturally, but which clearly doesn't.  


This feels stupid and lame to be writing on a subject which seems to me so rudimentary, but I'm telling you...it is a major problem.


Am I making the claim that everyone skips town in a hurry leaving things behind which I then have to mail back to them?  
Not at all. 
Just "most" everyone, but not everyone!


Thanks for doing your part !








  

I Tried Boiled Peanuts

There is one particular gas station/convenience store near my house and at various times I've gone in there and have caught site of folks fishing around in a pot for boiled peanuts.    

I love peanuts, but was never exposed to the boiled variety until I moved to South Carolina.   I've lived in the South before, but never noticed peanuts prepared this way.  

One day while walking the grocery store isles looking for inspiration;  I came face-to-face with cans of boiled peanuts.  I decided to be adventurous and try them.  

I was raised in a rather closed culture...everything I ate was,  for the most part,  Italian or Polish or Jewish.  There was very little variety and I think the spiciest thing we ever ate which strayed from the above-mentioned cuisines were the packaged Taco dinners we made when my mom and dad went out on the town and left us with a babysitter or when we ate Chili.  Other than those, our dinners were mostly comprised of classic American comfort food and Italian dishes. 

It wasn't until I went into the Air Force @ 25 yrs. old and was stationed in Asia that I began to develop a more discriminating palate.  It was purely out of necessity that I was forced to develop a sense of culinary adventure.  If I didn't I'd starve or have to buy Burger King (on base) everyday and you know how I feel about Burger King.

I'm not a fan of boiled vegetables all by themselves.  My cooked vegetables have to be hidden in and among other foods for me to eat them.   I love raw veggies, but cooked, the only one I can tolerate without any other ingredients is the all-un-nourishing...Corn !


At home... I popped open the can of boiled peanuts and found that  nothing at all about it was appealing...not to my eyes, not to my nose and definitely not to my sense of adventure.  I didn't want to eat them with a Fox in a Box or in the Rain on a Train or through a Funnel in a Tunnel.  


I tried one or two and I think the biggest problem was the texture.  My brain, when it hears the word "peanuts"...is looking for a certain crunch and firmness.  What I got was wilted and very vegetabl-y tasting.  


Now, if I were down and out and without food and someone handed me a can of boiled peanuts.....I would very much thank them and nourish myself.   
That is the scenario that would have to go down for me to eat them again.  I think I'd pull handfuls of grass from the ground and eat it first......way before I'd eat boiled peanuts.


But, I didn't grow up eating boiled peanuts... hence didn't acquire the taste.  
If you love them, then be of good cheer...there will be more at your disposal as I will not be helping to diminish the world supply.

Myrtle Beach Vacation Renter Etiquette, # 1

Whether you rent a house...

...a hotel room on the beach...

...or a condo with a view...

...it would be great if you would think about following a few suggestions or what I like to call Vacation Renter Etiquette.

A huge chunk of my work involves managing properties for landlords who live out of state.  As a result; I am weekly exposed to the more base and disgraceful side of our species.  And also as a result; I would like to make a few requests of the Myrtle Beach vacation renting public:

1.  Arriving Before Check-In Time is Obnoxious!

Unless you get the "go-ahead" from an owner; it is annoying to those of us preparing your place when you arrive early.   If you get in town before check-in,  then it might be a good time to grab a bite to eat, or get some groceries (you're going to stand in line @ Wal-mart forever anyway), or cruise Ocean Blvd. or take a ride on the Sky Wheel or go sit and stare at the ocean or buy some tacky souvenirs...or something. 

This applies mostly to those of you who receive a key in the mail to a condo or house or a code to gain entrance.   

There are a whole host of reasons as to why you shouldn't enter the premises until your check-in time.  I don't feel it necessary to go through each point, but will name a few.

Years ago I used to travel across the country quite a bit.    After a grueling 12 or more hour day of driving; I was ready to get horizontal.   I knew what my check-in time was and I planned my activities accordingly.   If I was especially anxious to sleep; I might call ahead and see if the room was ready, but common sense always whispered in my ear to remind me that "my" hotel room wasn't the only room that was being made ready. I needed to give the house cleaners time to do their work.  I didn't want them cutting corners because they were in a rush to get me in early.  

Likewise here at the Beach.  

Your room or condo or house is not the only one that is being made ready.   Many of us take care of at least a couple of places on any given Saturday during the Summer months.  From the time people check out at 10 or 11, until the time new guests arrive at 3, we are working our fannies off running around at top speed to make things all nicey-nicey.  When you attempt to arrive early or come in to drop off your stuff...it totally disrupts our mojo and slows the whole entire process down.

Speaking from my own personal experience:  I get in a groove and I enter a zone which has me totally fixated on watching the clock and monitoring my progress.   Every minute counts in this line of work.  

Last Saturday, I entered a condo and found on the kitchen counter a large travel bag with baby diapers, battery chargers, a camera and other miscellaneous items.   I put it aside figuring that it had been left behind and that I'd have to mail it back to the owners.   I hadn't been in the condo but 30 minutes and I heard someone try to enter.     It was 1:30 and the new folks were trying to get in.  I told them they could get in at 3:00 and I think I might have rolled me eyes when I closed the door.  

It was involuntary.  I swear.

I saw that these early arrivers went out to their truck in the extreme heat...to wait.  They had children.  Children young enough to wear diapers. I have to tell you that it does something to you psychologically when you know a family is sitting with their children, in the heat...waiting !  

That sort of situation causes me to move at top speed, but not in a good way...not in a controlled way, but I start to feel, instead, like I'm just flailing about.  

I kept going to the windows to see if they were still there...and they were.  Sitting in the heat.  Waiting.

I became frustrated and annoyed at these people for not planning their time better and for not at least taking their children up to one of the pools at the resort to get them out of the heat and humidity. 

I was done at 3 pm and left.   I went up to the 3rd Floor of the Resort and began doing some repairs to another condo which I manage.  Around 4 pm I received a call from the renters on the 1st Floor asking if I'd seen a bag with diapers, etc.   I acknowledged finding it and brought it down to them.   Apparently they tried entering around 12:30 and saw that the place had not been cleaned yet and left the bag behind. 

Of course it hadn't been cleaned yet!

It was 12:30 !!  

Check in time is 3:00!

Had I left the Resort and gone home after cleaning that first floor condo... then I would have had to make a return trip...waiting in the traffic on 544 heading East all because this family arrived earlier than their check in time.   Can I blame them?  Hell no. 

I'd want to get a jump start on my vacay were I in their flip-flops... 

...but the fact remains:  check-in time is 3 p.m.

I find many things and sometimes very nice things, which are left behind by renters...money, ipods, jewelry, sex vibrators, clothing, suitcases and travel bags filled with goodies.  

I would hate to see the new renters blamed for taking the valuables that the out-going renters left behind.   And if you arrive early, then you become a suspect.   

Please don't put yourself in that position because people do leave behind very expensive items now and then in their rush to hit the road and beat the traffic.    If there is proof that you've entered before your time, and things are missing, then you might be implicated.

Trust me; it's not worth the aggravation.

If it was a hotel, then you would have to ask at the desk if you could get in early and you'd have to wait to be handed a key.   At that point, you'd know that the room was ready to receive you and your belongings.  

When you arrive in town with a key or a code to a condo or house and you try to get in before check in; you are only creating a delay because there is a pace which is broken and time which is consumed unnecessarily.   

Am I preaching at those of you who are guilty of arriving-before-check-in?  

No.

I mostly write this with a very lighthearted lilt, but there is an undertone of annoyance as well and that may be what you're picking up on.  I write this for no other reason than to inform.   

I must admit though, that it does get tiring week after week to have to remind adults of their check-in time and then hope they go away and don't return until at least 3 o'clock.

Now, I'm one of those sucker types.  I have trouble informing people that they have to wait when they've just traveled a long way and most of the time I relent and at least allow them to bring in their bags and food.  But... it's a huge time waster and actually delays their ability to gain entrance on time.  

Check-in time is Check-in time and trips should be planned accordingly.

Next Up:  Myrtle Beach Vacation Renter Etiquette, #2  

Did You Know Santee Cooper Has a Local Attraction?

South Carolina's Largest Solar Power Installation
Mr. Joe White Ave., Myrtle Beach
Across street from Sam's Club

(click on image 4 larger view)

Grand Strand Solar Station.
Have a Seat
Look @ the Solar Panels
(click on image 4 larger view)

While traveling down Mr. Joe White Ave in Myrtle Beach recently, I noticed something unusual.  Something new.  
I pulled into a driveway and found myself on the road leading back to a Santee Cooper Power facility.   The solar panels to my right caught my attention and I got out of the car to investigate.   
After reading the banners hanging on the wrought iron fence; I realized I was standing in front of the State of South Carolina's Largest Solar Power Installation.   
I guess Santee Cooper means for this to be a sort of attraction as they've included benches, a walking path, and some very modest landscaping.

So, grab a chicken sandwich from the Chik-Fil-A across the street or a Burger from Sonic and have a seat and marvel.
(tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Actually, it is pretty cool !

Hole Digging Law in No. Myrtle Beach Meant to Save Us From Ourselves?

This is not meant to be a political blog in any way, but it is all about experiences.  The experiences I tend to write about are geared more toward the area in which I live, which is the South Strand portion of Myrtle Beach.  I mention this because I came across a story recently which hails from North Myrtle Beach and thought I should do my part to inform.


In our everyday lives, we have to make constant adjustments to our spending habits based on the amount of money we have coming in, the amount of money going out to pay bills and the amount of money we'd like to put away for our future.  
I'm one of those who believe that government entities should be even more vigilant with the monies we fork over to them, but    
gave up looking for any tightening of their belts in any meaningful way a long, long time ago.   


Case in point:  


The North Myrtle Beach hole digging law.  
Adults sat in a room and decided that they needed a way to save us from ourselves and this is the solution they came up with.  
I'd be very curious to learn (and maybe that's my new project) exactly how much money it takes to pay people to sit around and come up with this crap and then to bring it to fruition and also what it costs to maintain (people to walk the beach to enforce the law, etc.).
   
Will Myrtle Beach cops be assigned to Hole Digging duty?  


Here's the thing:


Humans have been going to beaches since the dawn of our existence.  If the fine folks in North Myrtle Beach want to really save us from any discomfort in walking the beach (or any of the other reasons they've stated for enacting this law) then maybe they can look to the things which are really a problem instead.  Although my 48 years tell me that they should just leave us alone.   


I am able to see a big trench in the sand and walk around it.  Holes...small and large are all a part of beach life. Most of us come to terms with that at a very early age.   To try and legislate safety on stretches of shoreline seems to me an extreme measure in job security.


I walk the beach most nights during the week and in my humble opinion some of the worst beach hazards are a direct result of Mother Nature.    Maybe She should be fined for littering the shoreline with large jagged edge shells which cut the feet or obnoxious wind-blown sand dunes or tides which create a steep ledge and cause me to lose my footing, or how about littering the coast with jelly fish and seaweed? Gross.


The other problems on the beach are cigarette butts...(I guess smokers view the sand as some sort of HUGE ashtray)...and litter left behind by people who don't know how to clean up after themselves.   But you can't legislate everything and as someone who works servicing tourists I can tell you that even if you make a law about keeping the outdoors spiffy clean and hole-less......you should see the inside of the places they rent after a week!  Where does it end?  


Why not just encourage people to be mindful of the holes and trenches they dig for the sake of the safety of everyone else?  But a law?   In my mind it's an excessive step to take.  


If there isn't anything for you the law-making body of North Myrtle Beach to do, then they should close up shop, go home early, call it a day and save North Myrtle Beach.ians some money!


All sarcasm aside, I sure hope the rest of the cities along the beach do not follow suit.  You listening Surfside? Garden City? Murrell's Inlet?  


When something is wrong why is the first reaction to make a law? It smacks of nothing more than a way to raise revenue.  It's lazy and uncreative problem solving.

Hot...Steamy...B-Ball Under the Lights @ Midway Park

click on image for larger view

Midway Park

If your travels take you anywhere along Business 17 between Farrow Pkwy (entrance to Market Common) and 17th Ave. South, then you've seen this familiar site.  

I'm hoping to have time one evening to actually get out of my car and sit and watch one of these (what appear to be) pick up games.   There are also several tennis courts back in there as well.

Last night, even though I was running a little behind for an appointment, I had to take this shot.  That pink sky is fabulous!


The nights are cooler for playing tennis and basketball...so head on over to Midway and get you some court action.

   

If The Sign Says It, Then It Must Be So !

No too long ago; I had to go to the Myrtle Beach High School to conduct some business.  I had been to the school a few years prior, but had entered through a different route.  A route which did not include the sign which, as you'll notice in the picture below, is posted just below the speed limit.   

I realize you cannot see the sign in this picture, as it was difficult to capture on my phone while trying to avoid being hit by other cars which were entering and exiting the driveway.  As much as I love a great snapshot; I love my life a bit more.

The sign in question looks something like this:

The moment I saw the sign I let out an exaggerated...."oh...my...god" 

It was totally involuntary.

Come on now, seriously, does anyone actually drive by and think to themselves..."well, I'm glad to see that Myrtle Beach High School is taking a firm stance on bullying"? 

I doubt it.

I think I'm old enough and experienced enough to know that most people think as I do, that this is just a goofy crap way to spend money.  A way which has zero effect on whether or not an atmosphere of bullying exists in the High School.   I'm sure there is a whole promotional "campaign" which accompanies these signs such as posters, school assemblies, talks by well-meaning Guidance counselors and the like.  And in my mind...all still goofy crap.  

This "No Bullying Zone" sign reminds me of a time when my daughters were in their first years of elementary school.  We lived in the Seattle area at the time and I was one of those parents who helped the teacher in the classroom once or twice a week.  

Someone came up with the bright idea to have the whole elementary school sign pledges that they would never use a gun.   Posters were put up in the hallways.  Assemblies on the subject were conducted to inform the children of the dangers of guns.  A little metal sign which read..."Gun Free Zone" was posted next to the front doors.

The whole morning of this one particular school day was spent on detailing the dangers of guns. At the end of the day the children were told to stand and echo a pledge while someone else spoke it over the loudspeaker.

Here's the thing:  am I saying it's wrong to inform children about the dangers of guns and bullying, etc?   No.  And we could debate all day long about the proper venue for dispensing such information.   But when it is done as what I'll call an "event" and then forgotten about...I call that nonsense and pointless.  

If the point is to promote the idea of the dangers of guns or the awfulness of bullying, then there has to be follow up measures taken.  It should actually just be a part of the "culture" or the learning environment and not some dog and pony show during the third week in September of the new school year.

When I see signs like this posted on school grounds, then I don't take that school seriously at all.  It makes me wonder what sort of adults sit around coming up with this stuff.  It reminds me of our meetings in 8th Grade Student Council back in 1976.  We came up with all sorts of goofy crap ideas, but it was up to the adults to lead us and guide us in an appropriate direction.  

Whoever came up with this No Bully Zone idea needs some appropriate adult direction and guidance.  

This idea is a waste of valuable time and money and the end result...in my humble opinion...is that it has a zero effect on bullying. 

Create surroundings where bullying is punished severely and where students know they can talk to someone if they are bullied and being vigilant about it would seem to work better.   For those of us who have raised children; we know that signage and all of the other frou frou which accompany the signs...do not work.  What works is diligence and quite frankly it's not fun, but there is no lazy way out.  

Signs are a lazy way out !


Exhale.

  

Why Are There Outdoor Playlands @ Places like McDonald's?

I don't know...maybe it's just me, but I don't understand the concept of outdoor playlands attached to fast food joints here in the South.

I was looking for a nice cool place to take my niece and nephew for lunch so they could romp around afterwards.   I pulled into the McDonald's on 17 Bypass in Socastee and I pulled right out again when I saw that the Playland was outdoors.  

Um....Hello?  It's hot and humid out here.  It's Summer.  It's the South!!  It's already hot and steamy in those tunnels that the kids crawl through.   They are sort of tubular petri dishes in my mind.  Who knows what sort of bacterial inbreeding goes on in there.   


Even the playlands that are indoors have a funky hot and moist thing going on inside.   I don't get it.  It seems somewhat tortuous to allow children to go in there when there isn't any ventilation.  It's like a plastic crock pot in this weather.  Need I go on with my pathetic metaphors or am I making myself clear? 

The McDonald's on Business 17 in Surfside Beach has the same set up.   And if you come across a Burger King with an indoor playland, then please don't go in and refer to my previous post about Burger King.  

I am not the Indoor Playland authority, but I know for certain that the Chik-Fil-A on Hwy. 544 (a.k.a. Dick Pond Rd) in Surfside Beach has a clean indoor playland.  And aside from the indoor spaz-fest for the kiddies...they (and you too mom and dad) will get a great made-from-scratch meal at any Chik-Fil-A.  Many times the Cow is on hand with balloons as well.   


Air conditioned indoor playland, made-from-scratch food and drinks and ice cream and a Cow handing out balloons?   Okay does it get any better than that when all you're looking for is cheap eats and a place for the little monsters to blow off some of that energy?


The Chik-Fil-A on Mr. Joe White in Myrtle Beach also has an indoor playland.


I'll be out and about town tonight and if I see any places; I will add them to the list.   

Sky Fitness 24/7: A Great Gym !

Sky Fitness 24/7

4828 Hwy.17 Bypass  South

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843)293-3488

I can tell you without fear of being contradicted that you will not find better customer service or a better commitment to your work out needs than you will at Sky Fitness 24/7 Gym.   

I encourage you to check out the Sky Fitness website and to watch the cute little video they posted.   Who is "they" exactly?  Will and Danielle, of course !

If you're vacationing in the area and are addicted to keeping to your workout schedule, then this is the place.   It's clean.  It's safe. It's inexpensive for a Day Pass.   

If you're a local, then you'll love the interest Will and Danielle take in making your workout a success and in treating you as an individual and not as just another "number" on a 24/7 Access Pass.

Wounded Knights of the Round Table?

Wounded Knights of the Round Table?, a photo by Word of Mouth2011 on Flickr.

I couldn't resist pulling over to grab this shot.

Saturday Traffic

Saturday Traffic, a photo by Word of Mouth2011 on Flickr.

I love seeing the traffic on 544 headed toward the beach. Why? you may ask. Because each car represents $$$$ that will be spent in the local area. My desire is to point these folks in the direction of establishments which offer the most value for their hard earned cash.

Dough Boys New York Style Pizzeria of Surfside Beach

Dough Boys Pizza

2696 Beaver Run Blvd.

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

(in strip mall near Wal-Mart)

Recently someone I know ordered a 20" pizza from Dough Boys.  It was just a plain cheese "pie"...very reminiscent of those I enjoyed in Jersey growing up.   

I called in to order a 20" pizza w/pepperoni the other day from my local Dough Boys and I added a Stromboli as well.  I am "known" in my universe for a super huge Stromboli that I make from scratch...(including the bread...when I'm in the mood).  I hadn't indulged my family for quite some time and so thought I would surprise them.  

The Dough Boys have several versions of Stromboli to choose from and my selection was a Stromboli-Stromboli which was "supposed" to be stuffed with pepperoni, ham and salami.  The cheese isn't listed, but maybe it's "implied".  I don't mind a good dose of "implied" cheese on almost anything as it's my favorite ingredient in the whole wide world...and especially on almost any Italian dish, but folks, this thing was very small and very much mostly cheese and it was all topped off with a very obvious lack of taste.  

I paid $9.50 for the Stromboli.   I was thinking that the Stromboli would look similar to the one I construct which is usually around 16 or so inches in length and about 5-6 inches in width.  The little bugger I purchased from Dough Boys was maybe...and I say "maybe" 8 inches long and I think I'm being generous.  It was very saggy...giving me the impression that it was taken directly from the oven and wrapped in foil...causing it to collapse.

There was really no taste to this Stromboli and I attribute that to there being so much cheese and very little meat. It could have done with some salt and pepper...maybe a little parsley or oregano.  There was a tiny container of sauce included.  It was EXTREMELY sweet.   I find it very difficult to believe that it's meant to be that sweet, but if so, it really is too sweet.   I don't recall ever eating in any sort of Italian eatery where the sauce was so heavy on the sugar. 

You might be wondering why I didn't take pictures to post along with this post.  Well, to be quite honest...I forgot.  And, I was hungry.  Very hungry.  I laid into that food like a monkey on a cupcake.  

I don't have a whole lot to say about the pizza.  It was not as tasty as the slice I tried from the same Dough Boys a week or two ago.   The  slices were very large.   I paid $15 or so bucks for the pie the other day, and I find that atrocious, considering what it cost to make pizza...especially a cheese pizza, but if you compare it to a Dominoes or a Pizza Hut offering...it far exceeds those in size alone and is a far better value.

I am not a pizza snob, even though I do prefer a New York slice from some hole in the wall pizza joint vs. a franchise produced slice off a conveyor belt.   I think the only pizza I've turned down in my entire life were those I came across in the Philippines when I was stationed there while in the Air Force......ions ago.   That pizza had Cheez Whiz on it and bologna and was as far from a New York slice as the East is from the West.   Other than that though, I'm mostly game to try anything. 

I am going to make the Dough Boys aware of my disappointing Stromboli.  I will probably get their pizza again, but more than likely, I'll just start making my own and throw the convenience factor out the window.

New South Brewing Tour and Tasting

New South Brewing
1109 Campbell St
Myrtle Beach SC 29577
(843)916-2337

Finally made it to New South for a tour of the facility.  
I loved it !


I'm usually game for anything, but I wasn't sure what to make of the New South digs over there on Campbell St.  But for the little banner hanging on the fence, I wouldn't have known I had the right place as there is no other indication.   


Pulling into the driveway caused me to call upon all of my 31 years of driving skills.   There's a very soft, white sand at the entrance and in most of the parking area just outside the front door.  I knew I'd have to floor it to get through the deepest section.  It's not a large lot and so once I hit the gas; I had to also hit the brakes.   I decided to turn around and park outside of the gate.   If you go, I would consider parking outside of the gate as well.


There was a small tour group ahead of us and so as we waited, some samples of the New South popular White Ale were brought out to the 16 or so of us milling around in the lobby.  The two gentlemen who run the joint are extremely generous with their time, knowledge and beer samples.   They love what they do.  They love sharing what they do.  When people are that passionate about their craft...it's more than evident in the product they sell.  


I'm not going to relate to you the whole tour, but will say that you will learn how the beer goes from field to keg and leave with a clear understanding of how a great beer is crafted from quality ingredients.   


What I found almost as interesting as the facility tour were the surroundings.   There's all sorts of crap littering the outside of the building and then I was further intrigued by a sort of loft which I could see while being guided through the brewery.  I have to imagine that it's not typical but I think that's what makes the whole scene so quaint.  


I'm quite sure you will come away from New South Brewing as I did...with a head filled with knowledge {and I now know what a "growler" is!} and a bladder full of really awesome beer!  These guys know the beach; they live here and they know what we like to drink!


Kudos guys!  


You've added another loyal fan to the ranks!

Kilgor Trouts Music & More

Kilgor Trouts Music & More

512 8th Ave. N.

Myrtle Beach SC 29577

(843)445-2800

I had a little time to waste this afternoon while waiting to see a townhome that I'm hoping to rent.   I drove around looking for a particular cafe and instead stumbled upon Kilgor Trouts Music & More on 8th Ave near the cross section of Broadway.  It's sorta kinda across the street from the Ethiopian Cuisine restaurant.


Raise your hand if you are also sick and tired of relying on chain stores for your media buying needs!  O.K., so we live in a day and age when we can purchase music from sites such as iTunes and Rhapsody, but check this out...I paid only $8.00 for 2 music CD's.   And had I known about the store specials; I would've waited until Saturday when I would receive an extra $1 off of each CD bringing my grand total to $6 for Bad Company and The Cars.  {Am I dating myself or what?}


The next time I venture into Kilgor Trouts (and if you're like me and enjoy researching words, names and phrases that you aren't familiar with...then you'll enjoy the K.T. reference) I'm going to make sure I have time to browse.   There are $2.00 movies, .99 cent cd's and a decent collection of record albums...and those are just the "appetizers".


Check out the website and you'll get an inkling as to what to expect on your visit.   


I was told that my cd purchases are guaranteed and if they don't work, then I can bring them back and have some maintenance performed on them or receive a replacement.   That's an unusual assurance to find these days when purchasing used items.


This place will have to be added to my list of ideas for things to do on a rainy day in Myrtle Beach!!

Veterans Cafe & Grille (& Mini Military Museum)

Veterans Cafe & Grille

Check out the Photo Gallery on Facebook

1144 Shine Ave.
Myrtle Beach

While out and about in the Market Common area one day; I stumbled upon this little restaurant.   It's sort of tucked away near the Veteran's Administration building.  Wise choice I suppose.  I would think anyone dealing with the VA needs a good stiff drink afterwards, but a great BLT might do just as well... albeit temporarily.    


By way of background, let me reveal that I am an Air Force Veteran.   When my enlistment term was complete; I left to raise a family, but I am very familiar with what it's like to deal with  the military/government and that's the reason for my little jab at the VA.  All in good fun. 


What I find interesting is that even though the decor is Military Memorabilia and it covers just about every inch of wall and ceiling space... the place does not feel or look cluttered.  It is very clean.  It is actually quite plain and sterile.   There is great care taken in the display and maintenance of the items on display and I never got the idea that they were just a bunch of dust collectors. 


If you follow the link to the website, there is a breakfast and lunch menu posted, but I get the distinct impression that those have not been updated in a while.  I seem to remember there being more items to choose from than those listed.  I could be wrong.  I haven't conducted an item for item match up and quite frankly; I don't intend to.


Each weekday there is a hot lunch special and my experience overall is that I got a great value for the money I spent.   I got to sit and eat and look at some really cool military remembrances and photos while being served by some very low key, but extremely friendly folks.  


The restaurant is open Monday-Saturday from 7am to 3pm.  The business card I am looking at suggests that you might want to hold your next gathering, party or meeting there during or after hours.   So, something to consider.   


If you're hungry and want a place to quickly grab a breakfast or lunch without waiting in a long line...a place which is a little out of the ordinary...a place which provides a decent meal for the money...then march yourself on into the Veterans Cafe & Grille.  


You'll find a map and directions on the website.






    

Best Laundromat That I've Found So Far !

Lane Mega Laundry

1109 3rd Ave.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(843)839-2468


After I posted this entry I asked myself if anyone would really care about a good, clean laundromat in Myrtle Beach?


Well, I did, that's who.  And I know I'm not alone and I also know that I'm not alone in thinking that it sucks the big weinee to finally find a local laundromat only to get there and realize it's a total dive.  So, even though you may not need a good, clean laundromat now and this post might seem quite mundane...go ahead and tuck this information away somewhere because the day just may come when your washing machine breaks because you tried to cram a king-sized comforter into it which in turn burned out the motor.    


Recently  my washing machine broke and I had to go in search of a decent laundromat. Who knew it would turn into such an ordeal.?
There is one in Surfside where I live, but if you've ever stepped foot in there, then you know why I didn't subject my dirty laundry to those dirty, rusty washers and dryers.   The whole experience of just surveying the place was gloomy and a real downer.


There is a laundry on Main St. in Myrtle Beach but there again, it had that old, rusty appliance vibe going on.
Over on Hwy. 15 near the intersection with 3rd Ave, in a little strip mall is another laundry.  It seemed a little better than the other two, but they all had the same "motif" if you will.


Darkness gives way to light in the search for a decent laundromat when you drive onto 3rd Ave and come to Lane Mega Laundry nestled in among a few empty storefronts and one Latin Convenience store.


There is always at least one attendant on duty and the place is kept spotless.
Word of Caution:  Don't try to slip in @ 8:45 p.m. or later.
Last call for laundry is at 8:45 and they are strict on that.


If you'd rather not deal with the whole laundromat scene...then take advantage of their drop-off service.


Amenities include:   bathrooms, change machines which take $1, $5 and $10 bills, laundry soap machine, soda machine and a few arcade games.
There are several sizes of washing machines and dryers.

Local Music

Some Great Local Music

Download Free

on

Listen Up Myrtle Beach

Boardwalk Coffee House

Boardwalk Coffee House

 104 9th Ave., North

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843)839-1230

A Quiet Morning Last Week of February
Before Tourists Arrive
Parking Still Free
Life's Simple Pleasures

Downstairs

You'll hear me say it again and again; I love supporting local owners.

Is this coffee really any different than any other coffee place?  Not really.

I have to say though that it is less bitter than Starbucks, but price wise...it's all more or less the same.

I lived out in Seattle for several years and Starbucks was "affectionately" known as "Tar"bucks.  Do what you will with that information...it's just a piece of trivia from my personal archives.

What you get at the Boardwalk Coffee House is a view of the ocean, people watching, local friendly owners and the piece de resistance?  a punch card.   After I buy my 9th cup of coffee...guess what?  my 10th cup is Free! 

See ya there !

Local Graffiti

I drive around with a camera in my purse so that I don't miss anything.  While driving on Business 17 one merry day in the month of May, I saw something which caught my eye and pulled into a parking lot to check it out.   

The object which caught my attention was a shack behind a miniature golf course.   Next to the shack was this shed and as I drew closer; I noticed the graffiti.

I'm not posting this because I agree with the message, as I'm more intrigued as to why someone wrote it in a place where basically no one....except snoops like me....will see it.   What's the point?  

It doesn't seem to be written in haste.   And I guess I half expected to see an exclamation point or at the very least, a period to end the sentence...to punctuate the sentiment...but instead, we get a sort of trailing off...into silence.


Hard to get good and meaningful graffiti these days!