......a transplanted Northern chick writing about Myrtle Beach one experience at a time......

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Staying in on New Year's Eve? Check Out My 10 Movie Recommendations:




1.  BEFORE SUNRISE  (1995)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly and YouTube


2.  BEFORE SUNSET  (2004)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly 


3.  TIMER (2009)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly 


4.  HEAVENLY CREATURES (1994)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly (until 1/1/12) 
(not a movie to watch while distracted)


5.  HEAVEN CAN WAIT  (1978)
Available on YouTube
(follow the link and you'll find the movie in 7 Parts)


6.  ARTHUR (original, 1981)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly (till tomorrow)


7.  ...AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (1979)
Available on Netflix Watch Instantly (until tomorrow)


8.  THE VISITOR (2007)
Available  $1.99 (24hr pass) thru YouTube


9.  MARY AND MAX  (2009)
Available on Netflix thru Watch Instantly 


10.  THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY 
If these movies aren't in your library, then why not?  
The Fellowship of the Ring available as a $1.99 24hr pass on YouTube

Just a few ideas to get you started.

New Year's Eve in Myrtle Beach

I have no intention whatsoever of posting here the exact same Events posted everywhere else.
I'll pass along a few worthy links and leave the rest to ya'll.

New Year's Eve is one of those nights when it seems people make the choice to either go out to Party or they stay home with an intimate group of friends.   
I don't know...maybe it's a sign of my age, but it seems hardly worth it to be out on the roads real late after a night of ushering in the New Year only to subject oneself to the possibility of a DUI or being hit by someone else.

Years ago I heard an ex-Washington State Trooper relate what people tend to do when they drive drunk.
One trait common among tipsy motorists is that they merge onto a Highway and get into the fast lane...and many times they don't have their lights on and so you can imagine the problems that might cause. 
I've noticed this phenomenon here in Myrtle Beach...especially along dark stretches of the Bypass and Business 17 between Surfside Beach and just past the Airport.
On weekends particularly; I've come across countless cars driving without their lights on...or....something almost worse than that.....
......driving on the Bypass at 55 MPH and coming up on a Moped going 20 or 25 MPH......
......so not safe!

So, rather than list activities that you're very likely well aware of...I'd rather encourage you to take it easy out there.   
Seriously.
The newspapers and TV News shows will be peppered with reports of those who became the first fatalities of 2012 and let's agree here and now to not hear our name in any of those reports.

Enjoy these links if you still haven't figured out what to do tonight and enjoy whatever it is you decide upon...and if it's a night of curling up in bed early with a good book or newly rented movie......sounds good to me!!!


p.s........if you sign up for the Stone Theatres Weekly Newsletter, they'll give you a coupon that you can print out from your computer for one (1) Small Sized Free Popcorn



And if you are one of those who would rather not participate in a Big Event, then I'm sure any of the local restaurants or bars would welcome you in with open arms.  

Ring in 2012 Safe!

Thanks to all of you who read my Blog and who have sent along such lovely messages.  


Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New TARGET Store in Myrtle Beach

The New Target Store is in the process of being built on the other side of
Bypass 17 Bridge on Hwy. 544 across from Walmart


I was standing in line at the Surfside Walmart recently.  
And I stood there, and I stood there, and I stood there.
I looked around at the number of people standing in lines and I took a quick survey of how many lanes were open.
I quickly did the math and found the situation to be obscenely imbalanced.  
The sad thing is that this is nothing new.
Nothing new at this Walmart.
Nothing new at the Walmart on Seaboard.
Nothing new at the Walmart in Newport News, VA or Pittsburgh, PA or North Canton, OH or Puyallup, WA........and the list goes on ad nauseum.


I have rarely, if ever, seen a Manager or someone with similar authority making any sort of move to get more lanes open...or to have someone stand out in the aisle to direct "paying" customers to the shortest line.  
Something.
Anything.
As long as we see someone moving to help the situation I think most of us are easily placated.


I'm sure most people are a lot like me.  
I don't have an infinite number of hours to stand in a line at Walmart wasting my time.
It would be one thing if it happened only occasionally, but I'll be nice and say that it happens more often than not. 
I've taken to buying my groceries in 20-item increments to take advantage of the shorter, faster lines.
If I may throw a positive light on the situation; I will say that because I've had to fend for myself by using the self-serve isle...if I ever find myself in need of a job at Walmart...I'm hoping my self-serve skills transfer over!


A sense I've gotten from the last several years as a Walmart customer and from other customers with whom I've formed bonds standing in line so long together... is that Walmart as a company just doesn't give a crap as to how long we stand there.  As long as we buy.  As long as we rinse and repeat.
Were it not for the fact that this problem is pervasive in Walmarts across the country(not based on scientific data, but my own experience and those of friends and family)...then I would lay the blame at the feet of the local managers.   
This problem goes farther up the food chain.
Someone in the Corporation has a lack of concern for how long customers stand in line and that attitude dribbles down to the store managers, assistants and cashiers themselves.  


The thing which keeps me going back to Walmart is not just the fact that the hours (open all day) are convenient for my lifestyle, but I actually have formed bonds and friendships with many of the cashiers and I enjoy seeing them and quite frankly; I do enjoy many of the bargains I get on items which I cannot get anywhere else for the price.
It's a damn Catch-22 I tell ya.


It's my hope and dream that the new Target store will usher in a healthy dose of competition.  I am crossing my fingers that they will be open 24 hours.   
I think I was driving through Colorado once and visited a 24-hour Super Target...and so I know they exist.


Bring it on Target and let the War of the Superstores begin!!!


Progress of New TARGET Store 
@
Hwy. 544 and Bypass 17
in Sayebrook Shopping Area


A few articles I found online mention July 2012 as the projected month for the opening of Target in the Sayebrook Town Center. 



Monday, December 26, 2011

There's a Safari in Myrtle Beach!

(Why didn't anyone tell me?)

Myrtle Beach Safari

This is one of those places that I've not been to myself and to be quite honest; I don't have any plans on going in 2012.

 The Myrtle Beach Safari is one of those attractions that's very far out of the ordinary and would make a great and awesome gift for any occasion.  
Aside from a gift...it would be a unique experience that you likely won't soon forget.
I would think that guests arriving from out of town would love this.
How many times can you troop around Broadway @ the Beach anyway?

A  "sister" attraction to the Safari is the T.I.G.E.R.S. Preservation Station @ Barefoot Landing in Myrtle Beach.


I would check out both websites for the best time of year to visit. 
I read up on the Safari and watched Videos and read Reviews to give me a good idea of what goes on in there.  Wherever "there" is. 
I guess they don't want anyone trying to crawl under the fence to get a sneak peek at the Liger.


I would also definitely check out any and all Reviews, but take those with a grain of salt.  I find that people who overly gripe or are overly nice post Reviews after an experience.
Check out the Videos on YouTube and on the Safari Website


If you go in 2012, please let me know what you personally thought of the Safari and/or the Preservation. 





On Why I Think You Should Consider Becoming an Election Day Poll Worker

[Here she goes...talking about her life growing up in the Northeast again]

Beginning with my rise to power (yeah right) as President of my Middle School Student Council in 1976; I've been interested in the whole vote-getting process.
I came to realize that it takes a lot of pandering and promising to get placed into a position of oversight.
O.K., we're talking about the voting motives and incentives of 7th and 8th graders (candy, a longer recess & playing Rolling Stones Albums over the loudspeaker during lunch). In our school the Election came down to me and a boy running against each other.   The whole school was delighted to make it a Boy vs. Girl election.
I'm happy to report:

Girls Rule !!! 
(even in 1976)

I say that in fun.  I'm not one of those Us (females) vs. Them (evil men) types. 

My mom remarried as I entered High School and she and my stepdad were highly involved in Jersey politics.   I was solicited (forced at first)...to help by stuffing envelopes, serving coffee and donuts to workers in our kitchen on Saturday mornings, going door-to-door delivering campaign literature, making phone calls to people to get out the vote, and everything small and large inbetween.

When I was old enough to vote in my first election; I volunteered (a non-paying job) to work the Polls and I ran a few Campaign Headquarters.
As a result; I grew to love Politics...not politicians.  Politics.  Campaigning.  The Art of the Election process and all that.
I learned a lot at the grass roots level, and I mean the very ground floor of the whole sordid system of electing a group of people into Office and what happens in the aftermath when the favors and promises are called in......immediately!
I'll reserve any Commentary for a later time as this post is supposed? to be about becoming a Poll Worker in South Carolina.
It really is.
Hang with me just a few more moments.

I suggest becoming a Poll Worker...most especially during a Presidential Election Year such as we are about to enter.
(if all the positions aren't snatched up)
It's fun to be a part and the closer you get to the politicians themselves...the more you will come to the realization that they need informed and interested and invested citizens on them like white on rice.
They cannot and should not be left alone in the room with our money and other personal resources.
  
For my part; I enjoy watching the type of people who Vote and if you have any notion of getting involved in Politics in any form or fashion here in the Palmetto State...then it's a great way to network.
You'll engage in conversations with fellow workers who tend to be older and who don't mind speaking their mind on issues which affect us all.  

Getting involved in Federal, State or Local politics is definitely a process like anything else in life.  
You have to start at the bottom and work your way up through the ranks.
Whether a person in a position sucks at what they do or not...Tenure plays a role just as it does for bad teachers in government schools.  There are exceptions and please don't mistake my comments for cynicism.  
It takes "players" to be involved in politics because not many are willing to subject themselves to the daily public anal exam by a Press Corps which rarely comes across as genuine in their determination to get "at the truth". 

Check it out.
Who knows...maybe we'll be seat mates at our local polling place?






Friday, December 23, 2011

Who Are My Legislators in the Myrtle Beach Area?

If you've just moved to the Myrtle Beach area or if you just realized there will be Elections taking place next year...or if you fit both categories...

...let me provide you with what I hope will be useful information.

But first...

If you're anything at all like me, then you hold the opinion that the Two Eyes of Government are slowly but ever surely becoming more and more like the One Eye of Horus which stares at us from the back of our $1 bill (if you're able to hold onto yours long enough to even notice.) In other words...they are merging into one large party vs. two distinct entities.   One huge Eye looking over the landscape of our fair Land to be sure we keep as little as possible of our earnings.
All money must flow up to fund the salaries of the asinine and their pet projects.

I am not politicking here!  
(It just sounds like it.)

As corrupt as our government is; I lived in a Third World Country for over three years and I know how awful blatant corruption can be.  At least our politicians know (blatant)corruption is wrong and they try (some more,some less) to conceal it from the mostly un-watchful eye of the public.   That one eye of Horus should be representative of the unified efforts of the American people to keep an eye on the crooks in suits on the Hill, but alas that ideal is a long way off.  

I remember having to go into the city in which I lived overseas to take care of some business with the local government.
The offices were in a run down building with crumbling walls and "guards" posted with M-16's slung over their backs with the almost caricature-like cigarette dangling from the side of their mouth.
I asked what I needed to do to apply for some sort of license and the "guard"...without even looking up at me...stuck out his hand.
I looked quizzically at my filipino friend who nodded to me to hand over some pesos.  The motto there is: "pesos say-so".  You will get absolutely nothing done without some sort of payoff.
That sort of corruption was everywhere.  Yes, as an American I had a HUGE red target on my back, but everyone had to play the game in one form or another.

I guess my motivation in getting involved and becoming informed and staying involved and staying informed is so that I can be sure that at the very least I can be confident that I did my small part to keep that sort of "lifestyle" at bay for another season.

It's bad enough now that I have to put up with some of the very snippy workers at the local DMV on 21st Ave. in Myrtle Beach, but if I had to slip them a 5'er to be treated the same way or worse...well, I'm not sure what I'd do.  Take to riding a bicycle? 
Who knows pretty soon we may need a license to ride a bike or walk on the streets.  If the government runs out of cash (I know, I know; they have)...they will make up whatever crazy law or rule or commandment or "fee" to fund it.

So, please don't tell me how that you're "not into Politics".  You know what?  Politics is all about being into you....into your wallet that is...so you need to do your best to become educated.   

I'm sounding sort of preachy...sorry.

You can type in your address and find out who your Representatives are.
There is some Redistricting going on as a result of the Census and so check again after the first of the year.


I am still learning about this State and the local area as I've not lived here all that long myself...but I'm trying and I hope you will too.
Since I was a little girl; I was taught that politicians and the like were public servants and yet.....
(you fill in the blank)

I'll be posting some pertinent information on the upcoming Election Season.
Please feel free to email me with any questions and/or comments.




I'm Partial To Residential Holiday Light Displays

Though the display of lights at places like Brookgreen Gardens and Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland are spectacular...I find I am way more partial to residential holiday light displays.


It's one thing when an exhibit is financially backed by corporate or private sponsors, but when individual families unselfishly construct beautiful and gaudy light presentations for others to enjoy (for free; I might add)...well, I find those way more enjoyable!


There are a number of ways to locate these neighborhood presentations...
...you can ask a neighbor, check at your local Town Hall (don't bother) or what I find to be the best way...hunt them down yourself.
You can make it a cheap night out with the kids in tow and make them your lookouts.  You can drive around with a date while you sip Peppermint Mocha Lattes.  Or, if you're like me, you hunt alone.  When you've found several in the same area...then you go back and gather up the kids and take them on the Grand Tour.


I found one on the corner of 13th Ave. N & Cedar Dr N in Surfside Beach.  I'm sure anyone who is anyone in town knows of this home and their marvelously decorated lawn filled with glitzy holiday kitsch which in my mind hearkens back to the 70s when I was a young girl.


 The Blurry Ferris Wheel, but you can see the slouched figures.
Front yard @ 13th & Cedar in Surfside Beach


Just try and resist the warbled music which accompanies the many amusing lawn adornments including a tiny ferris wheel which, on the night I was there, was stuck and wasn't able to spin 'round in a circle.  The characters which were propped in the seats were tilted way forward as if they'd passed out.
Who can resist such humble displays of neighborhood Christmas cheer?
I can't.  I don't have that kind of strength!
I appreciate the hit these families take to their electric bill so that the rest of us can share in their joy.


So, if you're riding around Myrtle Beach and you come across some notable displays...please shoot me an email with the approximate location and I'll check it out myself.


Thanks so much!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

NORAD's Countdown to Santa


The coolest part of this is tuning in on Christmas Eve to track Santa on Google Earth!  
It's one way to get the little ones in bed...by letting them know how close he is.
Or not!

When I was younger; my family manipulated me into going asleep by telling me that Santa wasn't going to deliver my presents if I was awake.
It made me wonder...did Santa really take presents back to the North Pole due to children who were naughty at the last minute because they couldn't get to sleep?  because they were so wild with excitement that they had insomnia?  
It seemed a little cruel, but I never didn't get anything and so maybe just having my eyes closed were enough to fool the old man!

Merry Christmas to you and yours as you track Santa's progress.


Sunday, December 18, 2011

I Need a Job in Myrtle Beach

Looking for a job?
Oh boy...I know most people dread this, but it doesn't have to be scary.
If you take the attitude that you refuse to participate in any Recession and all of that other negative blah, blah...you'll do fine!!  
It takes a lot of patience and determination.
When you're without a job, then the hunt for a job needs to be your job.  
I would hit the streets and the Internet as if you're actually going to work.
There can be no casual attitude taken when you need to get the cash flowing as soon as possible.
This means you not only have to look within your field of interest or experience, but you really almost have to invent your own work if need be or...wait for it...take an entry-level position
(if only for a short time to keep the cash flowing)  
It's what I had to do !

Below, please find a list of various sites, but don't limit yourself to these and I'm sure I've not listed anything that you can't find in other locations, but I will keep adding to the list.   

If you think of places you'd like to work, then go in and see someone and introduce yourself as new to the area and leave pertinent information with them and even if they aren't hiring now, they may tell you when they might be in the future.  
Here at the beach, if you work in anything at all which revolves around the Tourist Industry, then you will be told to apply as it nears April.

The one thing that annoys the heck out of me when job hunting is that stupid Resume that potential employers ask for.   In my mind...it's a waste of time.  It's like a little game that the job seekers and the job providers play with one another.
My advice is to use the Resume to capture the attention of the one reading it and make them want to know more about you.
Everyone knows traditional Resumes are dry and boring and embellished to the hilt.
Don't downplay your accomplishments but don't sprinkle them with Fairy dust either.
Be confident in your abilities and tell them why they need you and not all of the others crowding the IN box of the Human Resources department.


And please free to contact me if you have any questions or if I can help in any way at all.


Hopefully this list will get you started.
Good Luck in your quest!


1.  SCI Highway
I tested some of the links on this site.  
Some are dead.
It's a trial and error thing.


2.  USA Jobs
This is the Federal Government Official Jobs Site


3.  Craigslist

View anything on Craigslist with a skeptical eye, but if you're careful you can find some decent stuff.   It's like looking for a diamond in the rough or a needle in a haystack.
If you have any questions as to the validity of certain posts, please get in touch with me. I don't want to see anyone get taken advantage of.
Also, and as always, never, ever provide your personal information in an email to a strange entity.
A legitimate organization or individual will not ask you for those things.


Another option on Craigslist is to post under Services.  
There you can tell about your experience in the appropriate category.
Never provide your phone number, address, or full name.


Don't overlook the offerings under the "gigs" section as well.


4.  Snagajob

This is one of those "busy" sites.  You're not sure where to look first.
You don't have to create an account to search for a job.  If you do sign up, they will send you jobs which meet your criteria to your email inbox.


5.  Indeed

Again, no need to sign up.  Just search.



6.  NARMS

Under the Jobs/Careers section click "search the JobBank"
Check under each job listed to see if South Carolina is in the list. 
Then click on "more details" and you'll find out everything you need to know.
During a lull in my self-employment work last year; I signed up with NCIM and did some in-store Demo work. 
It was easy.  
I met some great people and did some networking.
You have to be a people person though.
If not, you'll think it arduous work.


Also, under NARMS there is lots of Mystery Shopper work in the local area. 
Try signing up with MarketForce
My suggestion here is to sign up with both the Mystery Shopping and Theater and Audits.
Now, these are not going to bring in full time pay, but you can sign up for a decent amount if you check the list of available assignments often.


7.  Monster

8.  Careerbuilder

I'll be adding to this list, but you can also log onto the Broadway at the Beach, Coastal Grand Mall, Market Common and Inlet Square Mall Websites and find Retailers that have openings. 


Happy Hunting!




















Saturday, December 17, 2011

I Need a Babysitter or Daycare in Myrtle Beach

I recently received a Comment from a lady who has just moved to the Myrtle Beach area with her family.
She mentioned she would like to see Resources posted which would greatly aid those in search of a job, daycare, babysitters and everything else which goes along with laying stakes in a strange place.

I have already been working on such a Post and so I bumped it to the top of the queue.

When I moved South my children were old enough to no longer need a Babysitter.  
I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in need of someone to care for your most precious darlings in an unfamiliar place and not really know where to turn so as to hire someone you can reasonably trust.

A great place to initially turn for help is:


(follow them on Twitter as well)

The thing you'll like about this website is that most, if not all, of those who have posted a Profile have also submitted themselves to a Background check.  I would definitely look for those who have pictures attached to their account as well.  As a mom, I think that goes a long way in promoting peace of mind before any interviews take place.

Go to the site and create a job request.
Care.com then sends out email blasts to those who might fit what you're looking for, but you can also peruse profiles and contact individuals yourself.

As with anything involving strangers; I would ask a lot of questions and I would never, ever hold a first meeting at your home.   Meet at a local fast food joint with your children and the prospective babysitters.  
When you're done; I wouldn't drive directly home.
Better to be overly Safe!

And, if I'm not mistaken; I think you can put in a request for a Daycare as well as for a private babysitter or nanny.

If you have an elderly family member in your entourage, then you can look for assistance on Care.com in that realm as well.

One more word of advice:  always check online for any Reviews which might be posted.  I would also suggest taking those Reviews with a grain of salt as it seems to be the overly-gripe-y which take the time to post the slightest infraction they feel has been exacted upon them.  
This is strictly my opinion.  
No scientific data is involved.  
(she writes with a smirk)


Which brings us to the more traditional options of: 

2. Daycare Centers and After-School Programs.

Many people just starting out in a new area don't have the discretionary funds to dump into a highfalutin daycare center...you know...one in which the lady in charge won't leave your little darlings running around with runny noses while the teacher/aid texts in the corner?

With this option my advice is to look up local centers.  
Check out their websites.
Go in.
Watch.
Look.
Listen.
Again, read any and all Reviews.
I've seen some cranky uptight yell machines employed in some centers but I've seen way more loving and caring and patient men and women working and getting paid far less than their efforts deserve.

I am personally no longer a religious church goer, but if you are, then you might check with what they've got going on during the day at your new house of worship.  Many now wear the hats of Daycare and/or After School Providers.
And if not, then you might at the very least find trustworthy and kindly folks who will help you while you get situated.  A pastor should be an invaluable resource in this instance. 

A family I know brings their young son and daughter to the Olympia Gymnastics Center in Myrtle Beach. 
It seems from their website that they have After School Care for $55 a week.  $11 a day?  That seems reasonable, but it all depends on how many hours that covers  and what extras are included...such as transportation and snacks.
Since they're open during the day...maybe you could work out a deal with them while you search for a job and get your home set up.
If nothing else, they may direct you to a better option.

Let's do a deep breathing exercise together for this next part....

...breathe in deep...

...now exhale slowly.


{proceed to...I NEED A JOB IN MYRTLE BEACH}


Thursday, December 15, 2011

16 Great Gift & Event Ideas for Christmas in Myrtle Beach

Are You up against that "What-to-Get-So&So-For-Christmas" Wall?
A great way to support local businesses is to give a gift certificate to a Local Attraction or Event that's fun and memorable.
Any one of the offerings listed below will make a great Stocking Stuffer, Hostess Gift, Secret Santa, Office Grab Bag, Teacher Gift, or a treat for yourself or your family.

1.  Children's Museum of South Carolina
2501 No. Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-946-9469

a. Sonic Sensation--thru Jan. 6, 2012
Ages 3-12

b. Home Depot presents Breakfast w/Santa & Frosty
12-23-2011
Advance Reservations Required

c. Noon Year's Eve Bash
12/31/11

2.  Fred Astaire Dance Studio
1943 Mr. Joe White Ave.
Myrtle Beach
(in strip mall next to Subway)
843-916-2202

Is someone you know getting married in the New Year?
How about giving  lessons as a gift for their Wedding Dance?
Do you have a youngster who would like to get into dancing?
Children's Ballroom Lessons would prove to them that Santa does really hear their deepest desires!!
Not sure if Dancing is for you? or your gift recipient?
Purchase an Introductory Special to find out!

3.  Myrtle Beach Art Museum
3100 So. Ocean Blvd.
(across from Springmaid Pier)
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-238-2510

Admission to the Museum is Free, but Donations are Gladly Accepted & Encouraged
Maybe a Donation made in the name of your family or in Memory of a loved one would be different.
Businesses looking to dump a little money into local institutions?...look no further.
A little Philanthropy never hurt anyone.

GIVE...to the Myrtle Beach Art Museum


4.  Maze Mania
3013 Hwy. 17 Business South
Garden City, SC
843-651-1641

December Schedule per Maze Mania Facebook
Thursday - Sunday
11 a.m.

Get a Gift Certificate for Admission or a Birthday Party!!

5.  Fun Warehouse
2349 Dick Pond Rd.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
843-748-0302

click here for: December Calendar of Events

Skates & Gift Cards Available as Christmas Gifts!


There is so much to do here and so many specials during the month!
Great place to hang out during Christmas Break !!


TOYS FOR TOTS Drop Off Location! 


And if that isn't enough....


Visit:  SANTA's WORKSHOP
Every Saturday & Sunday
12 - 4 p.m.

Bring Your Own Camera To Take Pictures With Santa!!!

6.  Mad Science of Myrtle Beach
(preschool through 5th Grade)
671 Jamestowne Dr.
Garden City, SC 29576
843-651-7510

Winter Holiday Camp
Dec. 21-23

Birthday Parties

GIFT CERTIFICATES Available !!

7.  Sky Fitness 24/7 
4828 Hwy. 17 South Bypass
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-293-3488

Inexpensive, Clean, Up-to-Date Facility Run by  Highly Knowledgeable Folks with a Passion for What They Do!

Give the Gift of Health & Well-Being for Yourself and/or Someone You Love This Christmas!

8. Brookgreen Gardens
1931 Brookgreen Dr.
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843-235-6000

click for:  DECEMBER EVENTS, including the NIGHTS OF A THOUSAND CANDLES holiday tradition.

9.  Pelicans Minor League Baseball
BB&T Coastal Field
1251 21st Ave. North
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-918-6077

What local Baseball Fan wouldn't love to see tickets to Pelicans Baseball games peeking out from their stocking on Christmas Morning?

Check out the Pro Shop for Fan Gifts as Well

10.  Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland
First Time for Christmas 2011
Located at the BB&T COASTAL FIELD

I drove by the field the other night and was wondering what in the world was going on in there.
Now, I know!!

11.  Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals Week

A listing of all the typical Christmas & Holiday Offerings in Myrtle Beach
All Great!

12.  ATTRACTIONS Dining & Value Guide

I first came across one of these books this past Summer.
A local Property Mgmt. Company puts one of these in all of their Rentals for the Season
I thought that was a great idea.

Better yet though...

This book makes an awesome Christmas Gift and the list of possible recipients could be endless.

The book for Myrtle Beach is THE BEST OF THE GRAND STRAND Edition
Follow the link and you'll be able to preview the book and know exactly what you're getting.

13.  MYRTLE BEACH PROMOTIONS 
Ultimate Discount Fundraising Book 2012


Here's a Sneak Peek of the Coupons Available!


Myrtle Beach Promotions is working to help The Grand Strand Humane Society raise money as well.  


And speaking of the Humane Society....


14.  The Grand Strand HUMANE SOCIETY
3241 Mr. Joe White Ave.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-918-4910

Adopt a Pet this Christmas.
A loving gift which gives back many times over.
If you can't adopt, then maybe a donation?

Check out PETFINDER for some of the Pets available at the Grand Strand Humane Society.

15.  Surfside Bowling Center
510 Hwy. 17 North
Surfside Beach, SC 29575
843-238-2695

Check out their Facebook Page for a listing of current specials.
Extra discounts available for Locals! 


A great alternative to hanging out at the Mall !


And I hate to sound like a broken record, but Bowling sessions make great gifts as well.  


16.  ZUMBA:  
A Great Gift for Yourself or Someone Else or BOTH !!


Buy the gift of ZUMBA or Take Classes Yourself.
Most people are content to wait until they are sick or injured and then go to the doctor.  
Be Proactive:  Invest in your health !


Take off those Holiday Pounds before you even put them on!!
There are so many places on the Grand Strand to take classes...and I think you'll find they accommodate most schedules.






Check back for updates to this list but 16 Ideas are enough to at least get you started and as always; I welcome any ideas you might have as well !!