Hi, Friends,

Sure, gas prices are moving skyward with no ceiling in sight, but does that mean that you have to give up on a quality vacation this year? Absolutely not.

Vacationers are re-allocating their dollars just to get out there on the beach. When they search out the biggest "bang" for their buck, many discover that Avista Resort has both the cost-saving deals and continued high standard of service that they have come to expect! Planning the perfect vacation is a lot easier with our budget-savings deals, and do we have high-value deals here at Avista! Check out the web site.

Shoppers, here's a bulletin: this weekend is the Strand's annual Tax Free Shopping in both South and North Carolina. Whether you need lots of back-to-school supplies or want to invest in big ticket items, you'll save money here. Bring the family to the beach and go shopping at the same time. All in the same vacation, you can play rounds of golf, log hours of swimming, and take in a show. We have discounts on most of that itinerary, plus the sunset beach walk is absolutely free.

Last-minute fun-seekers, call us here at the Avista before the deals are done, and if you miss this weekend's tax-free opportunity, be assured we have deals all through August. Give us a call.

Until then,
The Friendly Staff at Avista

Avista Bargains
Here are several great sources of deals and discount packages for your next trip to the beach. Let our knowledgeable reservation staff guide you in mixing or matching to suit your needs.

• Dixie Stampede - package includes your accommodations plus tickets to an entertaining dinner show featuring horses, action, and music. Click here to learn more.
• Romance - package includes your accommodations, a wine-and-fruit-basket in your room at arrival, and breakfast the next day, perfect for that romantic get-away. Click here to learn more.
• Treat Your Sweet - package includes your accommodations, plus chilled champagne and chocolates in the room at your arrival, and breakfast each morning. Click here to learn more.
• Honeymoon - package includes your accommodations, plus champagne, gift, and decorative balloons in the room for arrival, turn-down service with mints/rose petals for the first night of your stay, dinner one evening in our restaurant Just Off Main, full breakfast daily, a one-show voucher per person for a local show, and turn-down service. Click here to learn more.
• Spa Escape - package includes your accommodations, plus your choice of spa services from Mystic Dawn Centre for Massage and Spa Therapies. Click here to learn more.
• Golfer's Delight - package includes your accommodations, plus a set price meal at our on-site restaurant Just Off Main. Click here to learn more.
• Hard Rock Package - deal includes your accommodations plus tickets to Hard Rock Park that entitle you to early entry to the park, a special time to enjoy the adventure rides before the crowds arrive. Click here to learn more.
• Aqua-Scape -- package includes your accommodations plus your choice of a half-day fishing excursion or scuba-diving lesson and adventure. Click here to learn more.
• Pelicans Baseball - package includes your accommodations, plus your choice of box or bleacher seats at a Pelicans' baseball game. The offer ends the season on 9/30. Click here to learn more.
• Times to Remember - package includes your accommodations, full breakfast daily at our on-site restaurant Just Off Main, plus tickets to the dinner show Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Click here to learn more.
• Military Discount - Avista Resort honors its military guests (active duty, reserve, retired, and all personnel with valid military ID) with a 20% discount on our beautiful ocean condos. These accommodations with all the many amenities here at the Resort provide wonderful opportunities to spend time with family and other loved ones. Additionally, guests can combine this discount with some of the activity packages such as The Alabama Theater to receive further savings. Check with our reservations staff for more information about the most up to date deals.
• Manager's Specials -- Check our Manager's Specials online for any up-to-the-minute deals that can save you even more money on your vacation to the beach. Click here to learn more.

ABBEY AROUND TOWN: Let's Visit the Myrtle Beach Pelicans
On a balmy Wednesday night in July, some friends and I made our way out to BB&T's Coastal Field to watch our Myrtle Beach Pelicans play ball. Think it's just some ol' baseball game? Not at all! I got so much more for my baseball dollars!

With between-inning events such as sumo wrestling and miniature bike racing, promotions that prompted spectators to yell such phrases as "roast beef" and "washer fluid," and entertainment from Pelican's mascot Splash and team dogs Dinger and Deuce, my family and I had a blast! We found that attending Pelican's baseball entertained the entire family!

In today's cost-conscious economy, tickets to the Pelicans top out at $9. You can't go wrong! Check out the web site at www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com.

All for now from Abbey! Look for me … around town.

Employee Spotlight on Louis Bland
Step into Louis Bland's office as Avista's Bell Captain at the ground floor and be impressed! Located through the glass doors near the garage, his domain is well grounded, and so is he. An avid golfer, he is especially fond of grounds and greens at the Strand courses. That's what makes him impressive, the fact that he wears many hats. He is dependable and consistent in each function, performing tasks above and beyond job expectations. Steadfast, Louis always does what needs to be done with efficiency and good cheer. Knowledgeable and reliable, he ensures that guests find what they need, get where they're going, and know what happens when at the Resort. He might even offer a golf tip if asked.

Louis, good job well done!

• Fourth of July Celebration
  Everyone had a fabulous time at the Avista poolside Fourth of July party! Multi-colored fireworks against a black-velvet sky brought "oohs" at the right moments.
• Monthly Reservations at the Beach
  Thinking of getting out of the snow and ice this year for an extended stay here in the balmy South? Whether you are a Snowbird migrating to the South or living just upstate in the mountains, the Avista's monthly rates for oceanside living will temp you. Before all the options are gone, book your reservation soon! New rates are out now for October 2008. Visit www.avistaresort.com to get a bird's eye view!
• Cecil's Back!
  We are proud to announce that DJ Cecil Chandler is coming back to rock the Avista Pool Deck on Saturday, August 30 from noon to 4pm. Known far and wide here on the Strand, Cecil has been a broadcaster at one of Myrtle Beach's local television stations for over 30 years. 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 -- not only do guests love him, but the staff does too. In fact, one staff member is always chasing him asking for one of his elusive "Cecil Chandler Bobble Head Dolls." Check this newsletter next month to learn if she finally does!

Helping family members to stay in touch is one of our pleasures here at Avista Resort. During the past month, The Avista recognized the following groups and wedding parties who enjoyed the many amenities while they reconnected with their group members: The Gathering Alexander/Linder Wedding Edwards Family Reunion Bradley Robinson Family Reunion North Carolina Dump Truck Association McClain Reception Extended Harris Family Reunion Cade/Day/Smith Family Reunion Lyon, Conklin & Company, Inc. Ragan/Martin Wedding Wiggins Family Reunion Herrington/James Family Reunion Telamanik Travel The Jordan/Matthews Family Reunion Keep in mind that spring and fall are ideal seasons for holding reunions, business or church retreats, and conventions. Here we are at the threshold of the fall season at the Grand Strand. Wouldn't your group like to come to the beach for its annual meeting?

8/01-8/03 Craftsman's Summer Classic's Art and Crafts Festival
Over 250 artisans showcasing original designs from across America. 10:00am-6:00pm at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. For event details visit www.CraftShow.com.

8/02 Dog Days Blues and Jazz Festival
12:00pm - La Belle Amie Vineyard
For more information please visit labelleamie.com

8/14 House of Blues features Hootie and the Blowfish with the Drew Davis Band
Concert tickets range from $33.50 - $74.00 per person. Showtime begins at 7:30pm. Tickets are available for purchase at hob.com or call the box office at (843) 272-3000.

8/15 Sounds of Summer Concert Series
Top 40's from the 60's through today presented by Too Much Sylvia 7:00 - 9:00pm - McLean Park - Corner of 2nd Avenue South & Oak Drive. Admission is free. The North Stand Optimist Club will sell concessions.

8/15 Mayor Marilyn Hatley / American Heart Association Golf Tournament
Charity golf tournament at Barefoot Golf Resort from 8:30am-3:00pm. Entry fees are $100 per person and include greens fees, golf cart, box lunch and food and beverages. Call (843) 390-3200 for registration and information.

8/31 Alabama Theater hosts the Oak Ridge Boys
Concert tickets range from $40.95 - $52.95 per person. Showtime begins at 7:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase at Alabama-theater.com or call the box office at (843) 272-1111 or (800)342-2262.