It has been confirmed! Myrtle Beach is the most searched for beach vacation destination in the United States. This statistic has recently been released by Google. According to the search engine giant, Myrtle Beach was the second most often vacation destination searched on their site this year, and the first and only beach destination in the top five.
The top five researched vacation destinations this year were:
Orlando
Myrtle Beach
Las Vegas
New York City
Chicago
This ranking comes as no surprise to anyone that has visited the Grand Strand area lately. It was only 5 years ago that Myrtle Beach was not even a consideration for many travelers. However, increased exposure to the many wonders of the area by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau has changed that opinion. Through much effort and marketing, the CVB worked continually to boost web traffic to their site and encourage people to experience the Grand Strand. Since 2008, the official Myrtle Beach site has seen an increase of 128% in unique traffic.
Pristine beaches, great golfing, cultural and artistic events, amusement areas, incredible eateries, and a breath-taking boardwalk are what make Myrtle Beach special. Warm weather, southern charm and ocean breezes make Myrtle Beach enchanting. It is no wonder that the only place that beat Myrtle Beach on the list is a place that contains a “magic kingdom.”
Well, Myrtle Beach is approaching the end of the summer season. Schools are returning, traffic is seeing a bit of a relief, and a few beach stores are advertising their annual “going out of business” sale. But summer isn’t completely over yet! Even so, we’ve noticed some interesting trends this year with the end of the Myrtle Beach vacation season upon us. Interested?
The vacation rental industry in Myrtle Beach has had its ups and downs this year. Due to the economy and gas prices, it was hard to really peg whether there would be a good season for the condo rental companies. But one thing seems consistent; many vacationers delayed their bookings until the last minute in 2011. Last year, we noticed a much larger number of bookings at the beginning of the year from those who definately knew they were going to come on vacation. This year, though, the later months seemed to really pick up!
Renters are taking advantage of the full kitchens offered by many of the condos in Myrtle Beach.
We also noticed that theaters and restaurants did not have the long lines that we are accustomed to in the summer. Of course they were busy, yet the average wait decreased this summer, telling us that people still visited Myrtle Beach yet they pinched their pennies by using the kitchen facilities more often as well as took advantage of the free or less expensive attractions. (Don’t forget, Myrtle Beach condo rentals offer FULL kitchens so you can definately save money by making your own meals.)
So what is to come? Fall golf season is upon us! And don’t forget golfers, we offer oceanfront and ocean view condos at rates comperable to those golf course villas you see advertsised. And right now, we have a golf special for 3 nights/3 rounds for $111 per golfer per day, WITH FREE MEALS included.
Sincerely, Christian Valasquez CondoLux of Myrtle Beach General Manager
When you think of the Grand Strand you automatically think of the beautiful beaches, the fabulous golfing and, of course Myrtle Beach. But why is this area called the Grand Strand, and how does it relate to this wonderful beach community? To find this out, you have to go back nearly a hundred years.
Quick Facts: The area’s FIRST hotel, Seaside Inn, charged $2 per night in 1901!!! Plus, beachfront lots to purchase were $25.
Near the turn of the 20th century a turpentine company, Burroughs and Collins (now Chapin), purchased extensive amounts of the beach area in Horry county. Shortly after this purchase was made, train tracks were laid out to this area enabling people to reach this once uninhabited area. By 1901 the area was known as Long Bay due to the 60+ miles of pristine beaches and what would later became known as “Myrtle Beach” was simply “New Town”. Later, as the town became more populated The Horry Herald ran a contest to determine what New Town should officially be named. The contest was won by Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of the turpentine company. She selected the name Myrtle Beach because of the abundant Myrtle trees in the area.
By the 1920’s the Long Bay area was becoming quite a popular resort area. Many new resorts were built and golf courses began to enter into the picture. The pristine beaches, fabulous weather and friendly people made the area perfect for vacationing.
In 1949, Claude Dunnagan, a popular columnist for The Myrtle Beach Sun, referred to the area as the “Grand Strand,” a German term for “Long Beach,” and the name has stuck ever since.
In 1954 Hurricane Hazel made landfall in Myrtle Beach, leaving much destruction and chaos. However, the local people saw this devastation as a way to make Myrtle Beach an even better resort community. Debris was cleared and new resorts were built. By 1957 Myrtle Beach was incorporated into an official city, and the 1960’s saw a building boom that shaped what you now see today.
The Grand Strand officially stretches from Little River, South Carolina to Winyah Bay or Georgetown, South Carolina. Covering over 60 miles of beaches and stretching across two separate counties. Several other communities often attach themselves to the Grand Strand name, but they are not officially recognized as part of the Strand.
Interested in learning more history? Check out these links:
The time is getting close for the “oooohhh’s” and “aaahhhhhhh’s!” It is hard to escape the cracks, bangs and pows when you head to Myrtle Beach for your Fourth of July vacation. If you are wondering who is having a fireworks display this year, look no further! Here is a quick list of the when’s and where’s for July 4, 2011 fireworks in Myrtle Beach, SC!
1) North Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Pier
Starts Around 9:30 p.m. – This is the 19th annual fireworks display. The Cherry Grove Pier is located directly in front of Prince Resort in North Myrtle Beach, located at 3500 North Ocean Blvd in North Myrtle Beach. If you are staying at Prince Resort or Pier Watch, you are set! No need to battle the traffic.
2) North Myrtle Beach, Barefoot Landing
Starts Around 10:15 p.m. – Barefoot Landing has fireworks EVERY Monday, and the July 4 is no different! Well, except for an added arsenal of bigger and louder fireworks this time. Barefoot Landing is located at 4898 Highway 17 South in North Myrtle Beach.
3) Myrtle Beach, 2nd Avenue Pier
Starts Around 9:30 p.m. – Huge Booms await at the 2nd Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach. Located…. well… on 2nd Avenue North in the heart of Myrtle Beach. Our guests staying in Bay View Resort or Oceans One, or even Club Regency are going to have a great view!
4) Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach
Starts Around 10 p.m. – Like Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach has regular fireworks displays as well, but again, this July 4 will be one to remember!
5) Surfside Beach, Surfside Pier
Starts at around 6 p.m. – Bring a chair and check out the variety show starting at 6 p.m.. There will also be balloon rides for the kids and fireworks once it gets dark. Located at 11 South Ocean Blvd. in Surfside Beach.
Fair warning to all who want to drive to these locations. The traffic will be VERY busy, especially on the 2nd Avenue in Myrtle Beach. The Cherry Grove Pier only has one main road in and out too, so factor in traffic during your commute. Just a fair warning that you should get to the area early and secure your parking spot. Head to the beach and relax. There will be plenty of people setting off fireworks on the beach as well. Also, don’t forget about the tide that night either. If you park your sandy spot close to the water, chances are, you might have to relocate! Here is the tide schedule for July 4 from the National Ocean Service.
Low 4:23 a.m. - High 10:23 AM
Low 4:31 PM - High 10:34 PM
It’s funny how the media piggy-backs off one another. Perfect example here.
The Sun News reported the NBC TODAY show reported TripAdvisor reported that Myrtle Beach was the #1 beach destination, according to an article published in the Sun News today from an NBC broadcast this morning from TripAdvisor last May. We’d like to report that.
Confused yet? Don’t worry. Basically, TripAdvisor published a list last year of top beach destinations in the United States and put Myrtle Beach to the top! They put San Diego, Calif.; Poipu, Hawaii; Cape May, N.J.; and Clearwater, Fla. as numbers 2 to 4.
Keep in mind, Myrtle Beach is not just MYRTLE BEACH, but commonly refereed to by locals and those hip to the lingo as “the Grand Strand” — 60 miles of beautiful coastline with 3 piers, excellent state parks, and public beach access. So if you are planning on coming to Myrtle Beach, don’t forget to check out our deals on Myrtle Beach vacation condo rentals, or beach home rentals. (And the rentals in North Myrtle Beach as well.)
Visit us and watch for our announcements of the 4 day 3 night Myrtle Beach vacation giveaway, plus more stuff as we get some! Be sure and click “Like” for our page first! We’ve got over 10,000 fans now! Post your vacation pictures and join in the conversations too. We’re really excited at the way we’ve been able to interact with our new and old customers!
When you enter to win the vacation, you automatically get $100 off any vacation with us this summer (7 night minimum) so be sure and enter when we tell you to! Book your Myrtle Beach Vacation right on our website too!
If local entrepreneur Rick Ricker, and Bowery owner Victor Shamah have their way, this could be what our visitors see soon when they visit Myrtle Beach.
Well, maybe not quite. These rickshaws are actually bicycles, and one is an open model called a “Pedi-cab”. Somehow they look less like the idle rich taking advantage of the desperately poor to the tune of using them as horses. Instead, Ricker and Shamah say they have in mind to let would-be pedalers work voluntarily to collect tips. Do you suppose there are some health nuts in Myrtle Beach that will drive the tourists around to keep in shape and depend on their whims to get paid while doing it?
The Myrtle Beach City Council will discuss the two rickshaw business proposals when it meets on July 13 and 17, and if passed, the two idea-guys hope to have rickshaws in Myrtle Beach by the end of the summer…in the busiest areas like downtown Ocean Blvd, and even out to Broadway at the Beach. Read more and watch a video on WMBFNews.com.
If you’ve planned for a Myrtle Beach vacation condo rental through us late in the year, be sure and ask us if the rickshaws made it to town!
Thanks to the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce for the following list of neat stuff to do while you’re here on the 4th. Let us know if you go and enjoy any of these!
Hot Summer Nights
Music, Fireworks and Kids Carnivals!
Plyler Park and Ocean Boulevard www.myrtlebeachdowntown.com Concert Schedule (8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.)
Saturday, July 3… Lyndsay Wojcik (Folk/Americana)
Sunday, July 4… Quarterfly (Rock)
Tuesday, July 6… The Jerry Cooper Band (Adult Contemporary)
Fireworks!
Throughout the week of the 4th-
Various Locations in Myrtle Beach
Saturday, July 3, 10:00 p.m. – Broadway at the Beach
Saturday, July 3, Following the Pelicans Game – BB&T Coastal Field
Sunday, July 4, 10:00 p.m. – Broadway at the Beach
Sunday, July 4, 9:30 p.m. – Second Avenue Pier
Sunday, July 4, Following the Pelicans Game – BB&T Coastal Field
Tuesday, July 6, 10:00 p.m. – Broadway at the Beach
Tuesday, July 6, Following the Pelicans Game – BB&T Coastal Field
Italian Festival
Organization: Sons of Italy
From: 7/3/2010 to: 7/4/2010
Time: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Annual Italian Festival, great food, continuous music and entertainment, souvenir booth, Italian desserts, arts and crafts vendore, free crafting table for the kids. This is a “Kid Friendly” Event
Location: Market Common – Valor Park
Phone: 843-902-7469
Murrells Inlet 4th of July Boat Parade
Organization: Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, Inc.
From: 7/4/2010 to: 7/4/2010
Time: 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Come and enjoy Murrells Inlet and show your American Pride. Watch from the Marsh Walk or enter a boat and participate. Great family entertainment.
This is a “Kid Friendly” Event
Location: Along the Marshwalk in Murrells Inlet
Phone: 843-652-4236
Salute From The Shore
Organization: salutefromtheshore.org
From: 7/4/2010 to: 7/4/2010
Time: 2:00 PM
An Air Force C-17 will fly low over the beach as spectators watch from the shore.
Location: Grand Strand Beaches
Phone: 803-528-8713�
Web: www.salutefromtheshore.org
July 4th Celebration – Surfside Beach
Organization: Town of Surfside Beach
From: 7/4/2010 to: 7/4/2010
Time: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
July 4th Celebration�
Location: Surfside Pier parking lot
Phone: 843-650-9548
Web: www.surfsidebeach.org
PAT BENATAR and NEIL GIRALDO
Hard Rock Cafe, Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach
7/5/2010
Time: 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Catch the amazing Pat Benatar live in Celebrity Square.
Tickets $30 Advance / $35 Day of Show.
This is a “Kid Friendly” Event
Phone: 843-946-0007 Ext 208
Web: www.hardrock.com/myrtlebeach
Consumer Affairs has a warning this year directed at vacation and home rental scams. Ripoff companies or people run ads in Craig’s List or some online classified site advertising a home or vacation rental at a greatly reduced price, often stealing the photos and amenity listings from legitimate rental companies or real estate agencies online.
One version of the scam involves the fake owner claiming to be out of the country or on vacation himself, offering his home or condo for rent. The victim sends money to the scammer out of the country, which makes it almost impossible to trace or prosecute.
Craig’s List in particular is full of scams of all kinds, and we here at Condolux urge any vacationer who hopes to book a condo rental in Myrtle Beach to go ONLY to websites that are legitimate, and forget about trying to get “something for nothing” by contacting and sending money to someone you know nothing about, promising a too good to be true deal.
CondoLux has been in the Myrtle Beach vacation rental business for over 20 years now. We are members of the Better Business Bureau and the Chamber of Commerces. Any rental company who isn’t governed by one of these consumer protection agencies represents a gamble if you even respond or contact them. Join our mailing list and we’ll notify you of our special savings and last minute deals. And you can be sure that booking a condo through us will assure you of getting one of the finest vacation condos in Myrtle Beach.
Put your trust in a company who has a proven track record and you won’t go wrong! Join Our Mailing List Now! You might even win a free vacation!
If you want to stay out of the motorcycle mess in North Myrtle Beach, be sure and stay in downtown Myrtle Beach this Memorial Day holiday. We’ve got lots of entertainment and things to do for families and other folks! If you haven’t already made your reservations, there are still some available Myrtle Beach condo rentals left! Give us a call as soon as possible!
From May 28 – 31 we will be celebrating all military, veterans, and reserves for four days straight. Most everything is free, from concerts, displays, and fireworks to parachute jumping.
Friday 28th – Market Common Grand Park will have a giant flag on display and a brass band playing from 5-7:30pm
Saturday 29th – Downtown at Ocean Boulevard will have all kinds of celebrations such as:
9:00 a.m. – Buzz Aldrin Recognition, Ocean Blvd, at 8th and 9th Ave N.
Dr. Buzz Aldrin, former NASA astronaut and US Air Force veteran, will be honored at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 29. Highlights of the ceremony include a performance by the Carolina Master Chorale, recognition of wounded military veterans from Walter Reed Memorial Hospital, presentation of a resolution honoring Dr. Buzz Aldrin by the South Carolina General Assembly and remarks by Dr. Aldrin.
10:30 a.m.– Ocean Blvd Parade (27th Ave N to 9th Ave N)
2:00 p.m. – Meet Drake Bell (Josh and Drake), Savannah Outen and Tiffany Thornton (Hannah Montana), Debby Ryan (Suite Life) and Nathan Kress (iCarly)
3:00 p.m.– Meet Jasmine Richards (Camp Rock)
2:00-7:00 p.m.– Musical Performances by Envision, Drake Bell, Savannah Outen, Jasmine Richards and Mitchell Musso
8:00 p.m. – Musical Performance by Jordin Sparks, American Idol Winner
9:00 p.m.– Fireworks
Market Commons Grand Park
8:00 a.m. – 5K Race, beginning at Crabtree Gym (Wheelchairs start at 7:45 a.m.)
12:00 p.m. – Resource Center for Military, Veterans and Families Opens
12:30 p.m.– Military Exhibits and Kids Zone
12:45 p.m. – Fort Jackson Brass Quintet
5:00 p.m.– US Army Special Forces Parachute Jump Team
7:30 p.m.– Blue Aces Air Force Band
Sunday, May 30 – Grand Park and The Market Common
12:00 p.m. – Resource Center for Military, Veterans and Families
12:30 p.m.– Military Exhibits and Kids Zone
12:45 p.m. – Blue Aces Air Force Band
3:00 p.m. – Battle of Gospel Choirs
6:00 p.m. – Gospel Music Groups
Monday, May 31 – Convention Center Plaza – 11:00 a.m. – Memorial Day Ceremony, Grand strand Patriotic Alliance
Monday, May 31 – Grand Park and The Market Common
12:00 p.m. – Resource Center for Military, Veterans and Families Opens
12:30 p.m.– Military Exhibits and Kids Zone
1:00 p.m. – Nose Art Display Ribbon Cutting, Warbird Park, Farrow Pkwy
2:30 p.m. – AFB Museum Ribbon Cutting, Base Recreation Center, Gabreski Lane
4:00 p.m. – Memorial Day Program, Valor Memorial Garden with 82nd Airborne All-American Freefall Team Parachute Jump
6:00 p.m. – Fort Jackson Brass Quintet
7:00 p.m. – Andrew Thielen Big Band
9:00 p.m. - Fireworks
*Information provided by Mark Kruea, City of Myrtle Beach*
