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Dear Friends,
77. 81. 82. Lottery numbers? Try this week's weather forecast! Sunny skies and happy faces have been shining here for the last couple of weeks. Guests have been lounging by the swimming pool, splashing in the ocean, enjoying some excellent rounds of golf…and all-around making the Avista employees look pale in comparison!
Have you made your summer vacation plans, yet?
Until then,
The Avista Staff
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Hotel News
Easter Events
 (L: The Bunny & a new friend. R: The winning art work & the prizes.)
Held in Bunny Land, a.k.a. the ballroom, the children were greeted by the Easter Bunny and a plethora of crafts and activities. After decorating Easter eggs, foamie door hangers, coloring, getting Easter tattoos (don't worry, not real ones) and having their faces painted like bunnies, the children joined the Easter Bunny for an Easter Olympics of sorts. The children formed little bunny teams and competed in Hula Hoop contests, Simon Says, Bunny Bender and the main event…Bunny Hop races. The kids faired better than the Easter Bunny, who proved not to be the best hula hooper--but was excellent at the Bunny Hop (go figure.)
Every child was a winner and had their choice of several candy filled Easter eggs as prizes, to the delight of all parents.
Of course, there was also the 3rd Annual Avista Resort Coloring Contest. This ultra-competitive event proved to be even harder to judge than last year as there where many good entries, but in the end, the Easter Bunny was able to decide on the winner for each of the 4 age groups. Winners received Easter baskets containing not only candy, but also tickets for, and souvenirs from, some of the areas most popular shows and attractions. As the day ended, the children said goodbye to the Easter Bunny, but he assured them that he would be back next year…as long as they had plenty of carrots!
 (L & M: The Bunny with our coloring contest winners. R: Abbey handing out the prizes.)
Everyone's a "Rock Star" at the Avista!
It's a very exciting time at the Avista for most of our male employees--for we are now in possession of the hottest video game out there…Guitar Hero. Just its presence in the building is causing sheer pandemonium! If you don't know what Guitar Hero is, just ask any tween-ager, teenager or male, and they will gladly tell you; or go down to your local Wal-Mart and spend a little time in the electronics department.
We are taking this Guitar Hero thing to a whole new level! Avista's Tree Top Lounge now has Guitar Hero hooked up to a 6 foot screen! So don't be shy, come on down and show the world what a Rock Star you are!
Weight Room Upgrades
Ask and ye shall receive! After several requests from guests, we are happy to announce that we have placed a scale in the Fitness Center! Hooray! Wait…that's not all! We have also installed a drink machine filled with fitness drinks and water! All to make your Avista workout experience the best it can be!
In The Spotlight
Kelly Patterson, Golf Reservation Specialist
By far, one of the most personable people at the Avista is Kelly Patterson. A previous front desk regular, Kelly moved up to the reservations department a few months ago, much to the delight of not only that department's crew, but also to guests calling in to make or change a reservation. After moving to Myrtle Beach a little over a year ago from her hometown of Batavia, New York, Kelly has found a pretty nice niche here with boyfriend (and fireman) Skippy, and their beta fish, Mr. Fish.
Away from the office, Kelly spends her time cooking for friends (and their kids) at her home, trying out new restaurants (her favorite right now is Tavern in the Forest) or taking motorcycle rides with Skippy down to Brookgreen Gardens or Huntington Beach State Park. For quiet-time, Kelly's usually reading the newest hit---or something her mom's recommended (right now it's Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love"---which she says is great!).
The three words co-workers use to describe Kelly are: Bubbly, Enthusiastic & Talkative
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Local Events and Information
Bike Week
Get your motors running…it's almost May and that means only one thing: Myrtle Beach Bike Rallies! Harley Bike Week runs May 9th-18th; and this year, Harley Davidson will be moving from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to the brand new Hard Rock Theme Park. Look for demo rides, new product trailers, live entertainment, and plenty of other surprises. For more information on Harley Bike Week, visit www.myrtlebeachharley.com. If you don't own your own Harley, no worries! As long as you have a valid motorcycle driver's license, the Avista can help you rent your own Harley for a day, or for the week! Contact our reservations department or visit www.avistaresort.com for more details!
Island Girl Boat
For those of you seeking a water adventure on your next trip to the beach, there's no need to look further than the Island Girl! This 20-passenger jet boat offers two trips guaranteed to please thrill seekers and romantics alike. View Myrtle Beach like never before on one of four daily sea cruises. Valuable Tip: Make sure you're prepared to get wet and bring your camera…you never know you will see!
For the romantics, the Island Girl offers an intimate 2-hour sunset cruise. For more information, visit www.mbjetski.com.
Abbey Around Town
One of our most frequently asked questions is "What is within walking distance of the resort?" Our answer…Main Street! Located three blocks south of the resort, Main Street is home to ice cream shops, hot dog stands, a pizza parlor, beachwear stores, bike rentals, shag bars, family owned restaurants, a beauty salon, a convenience store, boutique shopping, banks, and even some cool little thrift shops. If you're up for an even longer walk, you will find 2 grocery stores, McDonalds, Burger King, a day spa. Check out the pictures below to see what you will find!
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Groups
The Avista Resort would like to recognize the following groups and organizations who visited the resort during the month of March: Gate City Baptist Church, TCI Tire Center Inc., Relay for Life, Anderson Golf Group, Woodard Family Reunion, S.C. Children of the American Revolution, Jonathan Ady Productions, Calvary Baptist Church High School, Paramount Meetings, Coastal Cup Hockey, Dream Sports Dragons 14u Red, Dream Sports Dragons 16u White, and Atalaya Property Management, Inc.
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Weddings
Congratulations to the following couples who started their new life together at the Avista during the month of March!
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Erickson
Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Flowers
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Area Events
5/2 Sounds of Summer Concert
7:30 - 9 pm McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach.
The North Myrtle Beach Concert Band and the Stardusters will play a mix of classic, patriotic and popular tunes. More info: 843-280-5673. Free to public. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and a snack!
5/3 Dolly Parton's 5th Annual Children's Festival Reading Celebration
10 am - 2 pm Dixie Stampede
Free family event with face painting, games, animal exhibitions, giveaways, food and entertainment. More info: 843-272-3000 or DixieStampede.com.
5/9-5/18 Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson Bike Week
More info: http://myrtlebeachbikeweek.com/
5/7 Wednesday Warblers
8 am - 10 am Myrtle Beach State Park
Maritime forest is alive with birds of all kinds. Binoculars available for donation. Fee: $5 per person. More info: 843-238-0874, or www.myrtlebeachsp.com.
5/9 House of Blues Summer Folk Festival
www.myrtlebeachsp.com
8 am - 9 pm. House of Blues
Free outdoor art festival celebrating folk artists from around the country. More info: 843-913-3730, or www.hob.com/myrtlebeach.
5/10 3rd Annual 5K Run
9 am. The race will start and finish along the historic Little River waterfront
Entry fee Pre-Registration $20.00; Race Day Registration $25.00
5/10 Pawley's Pavilion Reunion
6:30 pm - 12 am. Pawley's Island Nature Park, North Causeway to the Island.
Dance under the stars to music by the Catalinas! Food & beverage available. Fee: $20 pre-purchase, or $25 on-site. More info: 800-777-7705, or www.georgetowncountychamber.com and www.waxmuseum.net.
5/10 MayFest on Main
10 am - 4 pm. Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
Over 50 arts, crafts and food vendors will be on hand, as well as live entertainment on stage at the famous "horseshoe" at the end of Main Street. More info: 866-805-5642, or www.nmbevents.com.
5/16 Sounds of Summer Concert
7 - 9 pm McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach.
Live entertainment will play a mix of popular tunes. More info: 843-280-5673. Free to public. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and a snack!
5/17-5/18 27th Annual Blue Crab Festival
9 am - 8 pm. Little River Historic Waterfront.
The World Famous Blue Crab Festival finally rolls back around! This is a must-attend event to enjoy delicious food, a wide-variety of arts & crafts, and some fun live music down in Little River. More info: 843-249-1682, or www.bluecrabfestival.org.
5/26-9/1 Summer Celebration
10 am - 11 pm. Broadway at the Beach.
Daily street entertainers, Tuesday night fireworks and more. More info: 843-444-3200, or www.broadwayatthebeach.com.
5/30-5/31 9th Annual Dixie Chicken Fishing Funament
6 am - 3 pm. Harbourgate Marina, North Myrtle Beach.
Multi-species fishing tournament and fundraising event that attracts fisherman from all across the country. More info: 843-249-1637, www.dixiechickenfunament.com.
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GUEST COMMENTS
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Here's what our guests are saying about us...
My husband and I just love staying at the Avista because our room is spacious and always spotless, thanks to the housekeeping staff. We also love our view!
Janet Hoagland Hampstead, NC
My family really enjoyed their stay with Avista I would like to thank everyone for such great service
Tory Woodard Conway, SC
Your reservation agent, Shannon was extremely helpful through the entire process and also informed me that one of the golf courses we had set up to play had airified the greens and helped with the process. All 12 in my group had an excellent stay. Barry Drotleff Dunnsville, VA
Thank you, your friendly and outgoing staff made all the difference. Carol Benson Clayton, NC
The resort is wonderful! This was my second time at the Avista. The staff is very friendly and helped us with everything we needed. Michael was great at our check in, and Cheryl was wonderful when we needed any information. The rooms were great. I am coming back for another trip in June and can't wait for the pillow-top beds! Keep up the good work!
Chris O'Donnell/Allen Lyckowski Monroeville, PA
Choosing this hotel for our golf trip was best decision we made. Excellent accommodations and service. The front desk had the friendliest staff I have encountered. The breakfast every morning was outstanding. We can't wait to go there again.
Thanks Avista! A TripAdvisor.com comment, Guest Ncordaro623 from Glenmoore. PA.
We have stayed at the Avista every summer since it first opened, which I believe would be about 3 years ago now. Every year, its appearance is still the same as when it first opened! It is very well maintained. It's very clean and the staff is extremely friendly.
We like the Avista because it is somewhat secluded. It's away from all the hustle and bustle, but a very short car ride away from anything. And with all the new roads being built, in addition to all the new entertainment, such as Hard Rock Park, Myrtle Beach is always a fun place to stay!
We will continue to stay at the Avista every year, and are happy to have found such an unbelievable resort!!! The best thing about the Avista, is that it is so reasonably priced. Shop around all you want, but you will not be able to find anything near the same price for the same quality. Remember this is a very NEW not RENOVATED hotel, that is only a few years old, and doesn't look more than a day or two old. Enjoy your stay :) A TripAdvisor.com comment, Guest Beachbum2313 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
We were at Spring Break 2008 in North Myrtle Beach and found the Avista through Trip Advisor recommendations. I can't say enough about how much we enjoyed our stay at this resort. We rented a 2 bedroom condo with a King bed in the Master suite. Everything about this resort is so new, CLEAN, and well maintained. What a treat to have maid service each day. The staff at the front desk couldn't have been nicer and they could not have been more helpful. We arrived at noon expecting to spend a few hours hanging out at the beach before our 4 o'clock check-in. But the staff allowed us to check-in right away since our room was ready. I can't recall a hotel being so accommodating of the comfort of its guests. They were just great. Our condo was on the top floor and very quiet. The view was just gorgeous. We will definitely stay at the Avista again. A TripAdvisor.com comment, Guest ladydocto from North Carolina
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FUN FACTS
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69% of people eat the cake before the frosting.
The ridges on the sides of a coin are referred to as reeding or milling.
May 5 is Cinco de Mayo. The holiday, celebrating the Mexican Army defeating the French at the Battle of Pueblo, signaled the end of Europian colonial power for the Mexican people.
22% of people skip lunch daily.
May is National Salad Month.
The first Mother's Day (which always falls on the second Sunday in May) was held in Philadelphia on May 10, 1908.
Almond are a member of the peach family.
Test have shown that intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair.
44% of American go on a diet every year.
Originally held on May 30th of every year, Memorial Day (first known as Decoration Day), is now celebrated (since 1971) on the last Monday in May. Starting back in 1865, the roots of this holiday go back to the Civil War-to remember all of the service men and women who gave their lives for American freedom.
A sneeze travels out of one's mouth at over 100 m.p.h.
Coca-Cola would be green if food coloring was not added.
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