Hi, Friends,

To the many guests who stayed with us in Avista Resort this season, we extend a warm-hearted “thank you” for selecting us as your vacation destination. Instead of staying home, you were smart. Even with high gasoline prices, you calculated your savings from our affordable accommodations prices + package specials on activities and shows + our high-quality customer service and amenities. You added up all your value-added savings and realized what a deal you got, just for coming to the beach, to your place in the sun. Whether local guests or visitors from other countries taking advantage of currency/dollar ratios, everyone seemed to appreciate the opportunity to rest and relax at the beach at reasonable rates. Certainly, we appreciate this steady stream of guests, for it confirms once again that value and customer satisfaction overcome economic downturns.

For people still looking for some summer fun, we want you to know that many hot weather bargains can still be yours. In fact, August and September stay swimmingly warm for people to play in the surf and do all the outdoor sports that they want. Some added benefits of visiting us at this time of year include shorter lines at restaurants and shows, less traffic on streets, and plenty of room on the beach for your seaside activities. So, contact us for your free price quote, and let us pamper you with plenty of luxury and amenities.

If now is not quite right for you, keep an eye to our web site for sizzling package specials such as golf discounts, entertainment package deals on live shows such as at the Alabama Theatre, and savings on activities packages such as spa or boating. At this time of year, local area retailers have their "fire" sales to prepare for up-coming holidays – great time for great savings! (Hint: Don’t forget Christmas shopping. With blistering sales, no crowds, and lots of fun, why put off your shopping to wait for the frenzied holidays?)

The Carolinas in August and September mean ideal water temperature, balmy fairway breezes, and many refreshing options – outdoor pools, indoor pools, fitness center, live music – the list goes on. Experienced travelers know that once school starts, your options for enjoyment multiply. Come relax before the pace of fall revs up. Like your savings, the odds of your having a fabulous vacation here at Avista Resort are... VERY HIGH!

Until then,
The Friendly Staff at Avista

Wherever our armed forces are directed, we hope they know that our hearts go with them. To honor the military (active duty as well as any service man and woman with a valid military ID), Avista Resort offers a significant discount:

Avista Resort proudly supports the United States military service personnel with low cost room rates!

• Until September 1st -- Service men and women, receive a 30% discount* on published ocean-side resort rates at the AVISTA in North Myrtle Beach. With this discount, you also can enjoy discounted Alabama Theatre tickets, also until September 1st. Kids are free at the Alabama (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday with 2 kids free with each adult (16 and under)). (If booking online, please be sure to put total count of children and ages in NOTES section of online reservation.)

• After September 1st, we offer a discount of 20%* from the published rates with a number of entertainment package discounts to choose from.

We at the Avista Resort hope that you can spend some quality time with your family here at the quiet end of Myrtle Beach.

*Subject to availability, reservations must be booked in advance

Avista Resort welcomes Cecil Chandler back as its Labor Day pool-side DJ from noon until 4 pm on Saturday, August 30, 2008. Folks, this is a treat that you will NOT want to miss!

For those who might not be familiar with Cecil, he is known far and wide here as an investigative journalist and distinctive character. Starting his broadcast career in radio, switching to TV in 1972 where he has been an award-winning broadcaster at WBTW-News13 in Myrtle Beach for over 36 years, he is now something of a legend along the Strand. You might recall his 1989 piece about mail dumping in Darlington, SC, an undertaking which earned him an Associated Press award for investigative journalism. In addition to reporting the news, he also hosts such segments as Cecil's World and Cooking with Cecil Chandler.

With his energetic personality and infectious smile, Cecil has become one of the Avista's favorite guest DJs among guests and staff alike. We are SOOOO eager for his arrival on the 30th!

Come to the poolside deck area to meet Cecil!

Chef Reggie at the AVISTA

Our featured employee this month is the ever-creative and gastronomically reliable Reggie Richardson of the Just Off Main Restaurant. Meeting the challenges of reliable and tasty resort cooking, special events catering, and individual taste preferences of guests and staff are his forte. He carries all three off with ease. Using tradition-inspired dishes plus his own creative expertise, he enjoys finding ways to keep people coming back to dine at Just Off Main. Whether busy with imaginative cooking or restaurant management for the services of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Reggie enjoys his work.

With a focus on Italian culinary delights at Just Off Main, Reggie ensures that his dishes' appearance and flavor remain in the minds of the diners long after they leave the restaurant. Originating from Fayetteville where he grew up, he brings to Avista a 15-year span of experience in culinary arts and restaurant management. At your next visit to Just Off Main, try his rosemary-encrusted prime rib or crabmeat-stuffed shrimp crowned with just enough lemon-tarragon gravy to fuse all the flavors. Also, round off your meal or treat yourself specially to his innovative dessert: warm croissant-bread pudding with white chocolate glaze. Yummm!

Golf, Golf, and More Golf -- Though it has not actually taken place yet, the PGA Tour Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship Golf Tournament is about 5 days away (see their web site at www.worldamgolf.com). We expect scores (pardon the pun) of golfers to come to the Strand from all parts of the globe to play golf four grueling but fun-filled days at 70 designated courses located from North Carolina to Pawley's Island. Besides the golf challenge, attendees can enjoy the 19th Hole festivities held daily at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Many of these golfers are already staying at Avista, but we wanted to let you know about this event, too. Some 4,000+ golfers of both genders and all skill levels are expected to drive, fly, boat, and bus to get to the Strand by day one of play, August 25th. Avista Resort wants to get the word out for anyone just now registering that some great accommodations deals are still available.

For those of you not yet signed up with the tournament, we understand that there is still time, but the clock is ticking. You'll need to check with the organizers, though, as tournament registration is with www.worldamgolf.com, not through Avista.

Golfers at the World Am Tournament, Good Luck! Hope to see you here at the Avista!

Did you know that in 1976, the South Carolina State Legislature voted to name the Shag as the official state dance, calling it "One of the great developments in terpsichorean culture"?

Well, those who just enjoy dancing the Shag will come from all across the nation, even the world, right here to Main Street, North Myrtle Beach. This year's annual event is held from September 12th to 20th when the Society of Stranders (S. O. S.) dance their way around our area. Being only three blocks away from the heart of the action, Avista welcomes our SOS guests for its much anticipated annual migration to the beach where they dance and dance and dance.

A combination of annual meeting, family reunion, and huge community dance event, the Fall Migration Celebration here at the Avista is as follows:

• DJ Jeff Foster from noon to 4 pm Saturday, Sept. 13th
• DJ Bugger from noon to 4 pm Monday, Sept. 15th
• DJ Bugger from noon to 4 pm Tuesday, Sept. 16th
• DJ Jeff Foster from noon to 4 pm Friday, Sept. 19th
• Live band with beach music, noon to? Saturday, Sept. 20th

Did you know that you can stay 5 nights and get a 6th night free! (*Some restrictions apply. Rate period is 9-12 to 9-20. Rates subject to change, and only one promotional offer may be used. This offer not valid for existing reservations, and no discounts on golf and group entertainment packages. Discount must be confirmed at time of booking. Taxes and resort fees additional. Weekend and holiday surcharges apply.)

Hope to see you at the Avista at S.O.S.

8/25-29 The 25th Anniversary World Amateur Golf Championship in Myrtle Beach.
Annual golf event at 70 golf courses across the Strand, features 4,000 golfers. Registration through www.worldamgolf.com or call 800-833-8798 for details about the golf tournament. Call us for an accommodation.

8/29-30 Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival. Valor Park on Farrow Parkway (south of the Myrtle Beach Airport, location is on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base (see www.sunfunfestival.com/beachboogiebbq/howtogethere.htm). Contact is Julie Sluss at 843-916-7221 or by email (Julie.Sluss@VisitMyrtleBeach.com).

8/29-30 Smoke on the Beach and the Beach, Boogie, and Barbeque. . Final event of the Sun Fun Festival, activities, and 5K run. The Smoke on the Beach is held at Valor Park at the site of the new Myrtle Beach Market Common (former Air Force Base site). The Beach, Boogie, and Barbeque is a barbeque competition with live music, crafts, car show, and boat races on the lake. Concert at on 8/29 at 8 pm. List of activities at www.sunfunfestival.com/beachboogiebbq/activities.htm For event details: 843-916-7221.

8/29-9/1 Labor Day Weekend Celebration at Broadway at the Beach. From 10 am to 11 pm, fireworks event includes concert at Celebrity Square, street entertainers, mascot appearances, and much more. Kid-friendly. For more details. 843-444-3200 or www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

9/1 Last home game of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Team.
This last game will include fireworks, fan appreciation day, and many other activities. Meet at Coastal Federal Field park at 7 PM. For details, call 843.918.6000 or 877. 918.TIXX or go online at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com

9/5 Basil's Pizza Family Run/Walk.
Lots of music and fun, starting at 6 pm to whenever. Come to McLean Park (Oak Drive and 2nd Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach). The $8 entry fee entitles guests to dinner and a shirt. Tap your feet to the live music of the Fat Jack Band from 5 pm to 9 pm.

9/6 4th Annual Paws Across the Water Duck Race at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
This popular festival and charity event for the North Myrtle Beach Humane Society features 10,000 rubber ducks released into the Intracoastal Waterway and "raced" to the Barefoot Resort Bridge. See www.humanesocietynmb.com for details or call 843.272.4948.

9/6 Kenny Rogers at the Alabama Theatre , Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
A legend of country music, Kenny Rogers performs hits and new songs starting at 7 pm. Click on www.alabama-theatre.com for more information, or call 843.272 1111 (toll-free 800.342.2262).

9/11 Square Dance Open House for the Grand Strand Strutters. Free, hands-on introduction to square dancing includes dancing, fitness, refreshments, and fun. Located in the Grand Strand Senior Center, 1268 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach. (843-497-0470 or 843-650-2043).

9/13 Wayne Newton at the Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
This highly popular singer with a long distinguished career comes to Alabama Theatre for a performance at 7 pm. More information through www.alabama-theatre.com or 843.272 1111 (toll-free 800.342.2262).

9/13 Summer Breeze Music Fest. La Belle Amie Vineyard, noon to 5:00 PM.
Wine tasting, 2:30 vineyard tour, live music, great gift shop, and friendly folks, all at a beautiful venue. Admisssion - $8 (under 18 & over 80 free) Bring a lawn chair! Sorry, no coolers or pets allowed. Hwy 90 and St. Joseph Rd (west of the NMB Middle School). For more information: 843-399-9463, www.LaBelleAmie.com.

9/13 Sounds of Summer Concert Series in McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach.
The concert highlights food and music from 10 am to 4 pm. Located at the corner of 2nd Avenue South and Oak Drive. Entry is free, and food coupons re available in increments of $1. Call North Myrtle Beach Parks and Recreation Department, 843.280.5570 or www.nmb.us.

9/20 The Oakridge Boys at the Alabama Theatre , Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
Clap to the beat of country pop/gospel music, performance starting at 7 pm. Click on www.alabama-theatre.com for more information or call 843.272.1111 (toll-free 800.342.2262).

9/20 Beach Sweep at Huntington State Park's beach. Held from 9 am to 12 noon at 4401 South Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, this is an opportunity to have fun, also make a difference in the beach ecology by cleaning up and tidying for the wildlife, plus a drawing for prizes. Wear shoes; bring gloves, meet people. www.myrtlebeachsp.com or 843.238.0874.

9/20-21 Oktoberfest in Little River, SC. Held at the Little River waterfront from 11 am to 11 pm, this fall festival celebrates the German culture. Horst Goetz prepares the food (both German and American), and the event includes special musical guests, Die Mitternaechters German Band and Eugen and the Ralph Euro Duo who providing live German music throughout the day. Enjoy German beer, authentic German music, bratwurst, the Chicken Dance and polka!

9/23-25. The 28th Annual Myrtle Beach Ball. Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 21st Avenue and Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC. Dance events day and evening with tickets available for purchase. Tony Oxendine and Jerry Story will do the calling. For more information, call 803.731.4885 or email to bharrelson1@juno.com.

9/25 New Christy Minstrals at Brunswick Community College. Location is Williamson Auditorium, 50 College Road NW, Bolivia, NC 28422. Tickets at 910.755.7416 or 800.754.1050, Ext. 416. More details through www.bccowa.com.

9/25-9/28 The 17th Annual Greek Festival at St. John's Greek Orthodox Church of Myrtle Beach. A four-day event starting at 11 am with $1 admission. A great place to learn about the Greek culture, enjoy mouth-watering Greek foods (gyros, Greek salad, spanikopita, and many others) Also try a Baklava Ice Cream Sundae. Many features including a coffee shop, gift shop, vendor booths, live Greek music, Greek dancers, children's activities, Church tours, and informative lectures the culture. For more information, call 843.448.3773.

9/26-9/28 33rd Annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival at the Huntington Beach State Park. Phenomenal and unusual arts and crafts, music, and food, all in a fabulous historical setting at Huntington State Park. For more information, SC Parks Recreation and Tourism (PRT) at 803.734.0450 or Huntington Beach State Park 843.237.4440.

9/27 Irish/Italian International Festival. Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Free to the public. From 10 am to 4 pm enjoy live music, Irish game competitions, and Italian arts and crafts and more. For more information, contact Heather Smith at 843.281.3737

9/27 Ray Stevens at the Alabama Theatre , Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.
Country pop/gospel music, plus humor and lots of fun, the performance starts at 7 pm. Click on www.alabama-theatre.com for more information or call 843.272 1111 (toll-free 800.342.2262).

This concludes the newsletter from Avista Resort this month. Happy Labor Day and end of summer '08 to one and all!