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Happy Holidays!
It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone. It seems like just yesterday we were preparing for the 2007 season, and now we're almost in 2008! The face of Myrtle Beach has changed so drastically over the past year, and will only continue to do so, for the better-- of course--in the upcoming season. With the new Hard Rock Park scheduled to open this spring, residents and visitors alike are eagerly awaiting to see the impact it will have on the area (and how much fun it will be, too!). One thing that hasn't changed? The Avista's dedication to you, to ensure your stay with us and your visit to Myrtle Beach is the best ever!
Until then,
The Avista Staff
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Hotel News
Avista's Shining Stars!
The "stars" were out in October for the Avista Resort Employee Appreciation party. After a busy summer, all the department crews were happy to sit back and relax for a few hours, listen to great music, win some prizes and eat some amazing food from Just off Main. Our very dedicated staff is the reason the Avista shines---and is something we never forget!
To give credit where extra credit is due, Avista management also made special recognition of the people who've been with us since day one. Thank you all!
The Big Thanksgiving Feast
In case you missed it, allow us to recap the highlights for you! Delicious roasted turkeys (a total of 20 whole birds, and 10 more breasts), outstanding homemade stuffing (made with an Italian sausage that diners just couldn't get enough of) and delectable, creamy pies (45, in all, devoured and enjoyed). The talented Chef and staff of Just Off Main prepared, and served, a truly amazing gastronomic experience for 187 adults, 23 children and 85 private party members. We can't wait to see what Chef Lou Favata and the team cook up for us next year...
Christmas Decorating
It's one of our favorite times of the year. Sure, we love the sun and fun of the warmer months, but the Avista never looks as pretty as it does when dressed up for the holidays. Abbey and the crew went to great efforts (and it shows!) to set-up and fluff the trees, trim the branches with care and hang twinkle lights from ceiling to stairs. Even the decorative packages tucked under the lobby trees look so nice, you just want to rip 'em open to see what's inside. Why can't it be Christmas year-round?
The Big Upcoming New Year's Eve Party
There's going to be a party…and you're invited to come! The Avista's very proud to announce the 2nd annual New Year's Bash on December 31, 2007. Thanks to the rousing success of the party last year, we're excitedly planning for an even better event this time around. Our irreplaceable Food & Beverage Manager, Mark, has pulled out the stops to make ringing in 2008 an unforgettable memory with a festive confetti blast at midnight, a real-time Web cast of Times Square shown on two giant screens, plus arranging the return of the amazing Rickey Godfrey band-among other treats!
A few seats still remain, so if you're interested in having a great time, grab your sweetheart and friends, and call the reservations department today at 800-968-8986. Tickets are $50 per person (not including tax & gratuity).
North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade
The annual Christmas parade on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach just keeps getting better and better! A fun mix of floats, decorations and participants wowed the crowds leading up the big Community Tree Lighting event at the Horseshoe at Ocean Drive and Main Street. The event was the largest, ever, and scores of kids took advantage of the treats thrown by the parade participants…and the special guest appearance by Santa.
January Snowbirds
January Snowbirds better be ready to ring in the New Year in a big way when they arrive at the Avista. With two golf outings, a trip to the Carolina Opry, Trivia Nights in the Tree Top Lounge and Friday Fun Days planned; there will be something for everyone! Make sure to get your Snowbird Welcome Packet at check-in and to attend the Meet and Greet Breakfast on Tuesday, January 8 at 9:30am. See you there!
Employee Spotlight
Ever wondered who that nice person is on the other end of the phone when you call in to make a reservation? One possibility is our very own little Maria Vallone. Maria's been a Reservations Agent since April, while simultaneously (and cheerfully) juggling the demands of seeking her Bachelors degree in English from Coastal Carolina University. The Long Island, NY, native has been living in Myrtle Beach for the past seven years, and says she most enjoys talking to guests from outside the local area about their home cities and travel experiences. Speaking of which, let's all wish Maria a safe journey when she makes her way to Spain for a month-long excursion in May 2008. We know we'll miss her...as will her little dog, Minnie, too!
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Golf
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There aren't many places where golf is considered a year-round event. The average temperature in Toronto, Canada during the month of December is 27 degrees F. Indianapolis? 39 degrees F. Hitting the fairways during the month of December in Pittsburgh is nearly impossible, because the average is 31 degrees F topped off by a permanent frost delay.
Did you know that the average temperature during the month of December in Myrtle Beach is 60 degrees F? The perfect weather for golf! What are you waiting for? Give our golf specialists a call, pack up those clubs and come on down!
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Group News
The Avista Resort would like to recognize the following groups who visited the resort during the month of October: Wyndham Vacation Resorts, Loving Arms Ministries, Atalaya Property Management Inc., Tayor Family Reunion, Benchmark Management, NCR Corporation, Hs-7 Reunion, Super Invitational Golf, Raleigh First Church of the Nazarene, Garinger High School Reunion, St. Mary's Baptist Church, Carolina Pepsi Bottlers, NYC Transit Retirees of South Carolina and the NMB/ Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce.
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Best wishes from the Avista Resort Staff!
10/6/2007 Mr. and Mrs. Dan Griffiths
10/6/2007 Mr. and Mrs. Steven Galloway
10/22/2007 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Weihert
10/26/2007 Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Callahan
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Local Events
December 26-30, 2007 Beach Ball Classic Basketball Tournament
Can 2006 Champs St. Edwards from Lakewood, Ohio defend their title? Find out at this premier holiday high school basketball tournament. For more information, visit www.beachballclassic.com.
January 17-20, 2008 Mid-Winter Shag Classic
Join the Society of Stranders at the annual Mid-Winter Shag Classic on the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. The Mid-Winter Shag Classic includes special activities dancing workshops, live entertainment, contests and dance exhibitions.
January 18-20, 2008 Grand Strand Boat Show
Get ready for spring at the Grand Strand Boat Show at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. In addition to boat sales and showcases, vendors will be on hand with every accessory needed to make sure you have a fun and successful boating season!
January 19-20, 2008 Winyah Bay Heritage Festival
Celebrating a rich, deep heritage of art, decoys, hunting, fishing and conservation in the Winyah Bay area. Duck calling contest, Storytelling and children's decoy painting are just a few of the fun activities. Georgetown, SC
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GUEST COMMENTS
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Here's what our guests are saying about us...
Our 6th year 3 at Grande Shores, with 3 at the Avista, our go to golf rep has been Kathy for 4 years. To me it is very helpful to have 1 person to go to for a 28 to 32-golfer trip. Kathy had done a great job helping us set up the trip and dealing with all the little problems that can occur until our arrival. It has been much appreciated and we will be back for that reason in 2008. Thanks! Ken Brown
We stayed at your resort for our 37th wedding anniversary. From our arrival (our room was decorated with towel rolled hearts and rose petals) to our departure, you helped in making our anniversary special. Denise Simmons
This resort was fabulous. We had planned this trip for ourselves and 2 other couples - putting us on the line in case the facility was not up to par. Not only was it up to par - it was fabulous. The resort more than met our and our friend's expectations. Thank you!!!!! Charles Taylor
Avista Resort was a great place to stay!!! My girlfriend and myself enjoyed it!! It's located around the corner from everything!! We will be back again in 2008!!! Thank you and GOD bless!!! Michael Gladden
Wonderful resort, great staff, and convenient location. Would be my first pick to stay on the next visit to Myrtle Beach area. Gary Contant
A wonderful resort! All the amenities of home, near the beach, but yet secluded at the same time. We'll definitely be back. :-) Jill Hedge
We have just returned from 4 days at your beautiful resort. I wanted you to know we were so impressed with not only the facility, but also with the wonderful customer service we received. This was our first visit to Avista but it will not be our last. Thanks again for making our mini-vacation so nice. Dianne Davis
I wanted to let you know that we stayed at your accommodations in mid-August, and I have to tell you, it was one of the BEST vacations our family has had. We have two teenagers and we could only get a one bedroom, since I only booked it a month or so in advance, but the (room was large enough) we could spread out, & made it so very nice. We will definitely be coming back. Thanks for a wonderful stay! Debra Little
This was the cleanest and most friendly Resort/hotel that we have ever stayed. A friend suggested our stay and we will certainly continue the tradition of passing on our good fortune to others. We already have with three of our co-workers. We'll be back, just not soon enough to suit us. Merritt Modzel
Excellent vacation! All our tee times were in the AM and I never saw any of the cleaning staff the entire stay but when we would return, the room had always been cleaned. The breakfast bar was always well stocked and fresh and our overall trip was exceptional. Thank you for a very enjoyable trip. William Rowley
Accommodations were superior. I had (8) golfers staying at the Avista and (8) golfers for golf only. Everything was handled efficiently and courteously. The quote and billing were accurate. The restaurant breakfast buffet was very good. We will most likely stay at the Avista for our annual golf trip next fall. My wife and I will probably stay at the Avista if we visit Myrtle Beach. This is one of the nicer resorts at the beach. Thanks!
Ray Parker
My husband and I were completely thrilled with the property and the service we received. Some other properties need to learn from you.
Kathy Sharp, Axton, VA
Holiday Fun Facts
Poinsettias, once a native plant of Mexico, are the number one flowering potted plant in the U.S.
St. Nicholas, commonly referred to as Santa Claus, was born in Patara in the third century. Nicholas was orphaned as a youngster, and used his entire inheritance to assist the needy, sick and suffering. He was well-known as the protector of children.
Can you name all of the reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen, and Rudolph.
Chanukah and Hanukkah are Hebrew terms for rededication.
Kwanzaa is celebrated December 26 thru January 1 and means "Fresh Fruits" in Swahili.
The tradition of babies signifying the new year began with the Greeks around 600 BC. Dionysus, the god of wine, was credited with the spirit of fertility, and parading a baby around in a basket was an ode to rebirth.
The first visitor on New Year's day was supposed to be the bearer of good or bad luck for the upcoming year. Tall, dark-haired men were heralded as particularly lucky.
Dutch people eat doughnuts on New Year's day for good fortune.
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