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July 2009      Volume 29 North Myrtle Beach, SC
FAMILY VACATION NEWSLETTER
The Independence Festivities Here at Avista Resort

July 4th has come and gone, and with six weeks of summer remaining, have you already been to the beach yet? Have you spent time relaxing here at Avista's pool, time floating under the Carolina sky along our lazy river, time digging your toes in the sand in front of Avista's beach-front pool? Your have! Look at that satisfied grin on your face and a healthy glow to your skin, and congratulations on arranging a great summer getaway at one of the premier get-away spots in North Myrtle Beach! By the way, to refresh that feeling of inner relaxation, you might log into the webcam on Avista's website!

Perhaps you are on your way here or marking the days on the calendar until you can pack the car and leave the work routine behind and come here to the beach. You can already smell the tangy fragrance of ocean air and feel the salty sea-mist on your skin. to begin enjoying the tangy sea breezes and to try out the newest attractions around North Myrtle Beach (such as "The Hippo" water slide a few steps down the beach) and around the Grand Strand (Freestyle Music Park with their new low rates)!

No plans yet? Think about taking advantage of South Carolina's tax-free weekend August 7-9. Make reservations with Avista Resort and enjoy a beach get-away and accomplish the back-to-school errands at the same time!

With about six more weeks before Labor Day, now is the time to enjoy the warm ocean water, the many water sports available in this area, the gentle sea breezes. Best of all, the staff members at Avista Resort await your arrival.

Your Friends at Avista Resort!


Nancy and Al Leska at Avista Resort

They had visited the Grand Strand for years, even staying at Avista Resort when it first opened, but over time, Nancy and Al Leska found themselves less inclined to return to their home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wanting instead to stay right here on the beach, permanently.

Finally after Al retired as an electrician from Corning in Pittsburgh, they found the opportunity to do just that! Now, every day for them is what they describe as "paradise." Even with full-time employment in, believe it or not, Avista Resort, they still feel as if they are "on vacation" because they live and work in a "vacation"-like lifestyle.

Both stay busy with their respective professional responsibilities - Al in electrical work in the Engineering Department and Nancy in Group Sales. While their duties take them to different parts of the resort, each of them has a thorough knowledge of Avista and helps to continue its high level of customer service with its guests.

In Group Sales, Nancy works closely with guests who have reserved large blocks of rooms here as part of large gatherings, whether business meetings, church groups, family reunions, or school sports teams. Her position includes attending expositions and promotions, facilitating requests for group events, and representing the company, such as conducting tours of the property with visiting dignitaries.

Al's role is equally vital to the company, though in a different direction. Just as Nancy does, he also works with guests and homeowners, using his skills in all parts of the Resort to ensure that mechanical things run smoothly. He and his team attend to breakdowns, diagnose trouble areas, and oversee repairs from the top floor down to the ground so that Avista runs at maximum efficiency.

Both Nancy and Al use their talents in problem-solving and liaising with the other departments of the company to get the job done, and Avista Resort is grateful for their talents and high level of responsibility.

On a side note, despite the geographical distance between here and Pennsylvania, Nancy and Al have continued to uphold Pittsburgh traditions, especially in sports. Their love of the world champion Pittsburgh Steelers and Penguins has extended to their own home where they have dedicated an entire room to Steeler memorabilia, what Nancy calls the "Steeler Museum." The January 2009 Super Bowl brought out so much fervor that The Sun News visited their home with cameras and a reporter. On Super Bowl day, a proud Al and his "Steeler Museum" were featured on the front page of the paper the day of the Super Bowl and also put him on a video on line that played for about 2 weeks.


News from JUST OFF MAIN

Chef Marvin Jones from Just Off Main has been making several changes to the menu, including adding a delicious dessert, white chocolate bread pudding. He released the recipe in case you would like to try this at home:


Chef Marvin's Superior White Chocolate Bread Pudding from Just Off Main Restaurant

(This rich dessert serves 4 -6 people, depending on the size of the serving.)

Ingredients:
  • 1 qt. heavy cream
  • 8oz. whole milk
  • 12 egg yolks
  • 1 lb. white sugar
  • 1 lb. white chocolate
  • 1.5 lb. Texas toast

Directions:

Boil milk and cream together. Stir the egg yolks and sugar together in a metal bowl. Then, carefully and slowly add the hot liquid, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Add white chocolate to mixture stirring until chocolate melts. Chop the Texas toast into cubes, then pour the chocolate cream over the bread and let it soak for 30 minutes. Grease and sugar-coat the pan well. Then pour the bread mixture into pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes by placing the baking dish in a pan of water placed in the oven.


Live Theatre Shows Add Fun and Savings To Your Vacation

We have been able to offer discounts on selected accommodations packages over the summer, all very helpful so that you could take a much deserved summer vacation. Our friends at Legends in Concert and The Alabama Theatre have added a cost-saving feature of their own —free tickets to children 16 and under. This offer for both entertainment venues runs through Labor Day.

Legends in Concert, a chance to experience an replication of a legendary music great such as Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, Tim McGraw, just to name a few. Enjoy an event suitable for the entire family, a concert experience with all the thrill of live performances. From now through September 6th, kids* are free.

*2 free children's tickets (ages 16 and under) per paid adult to Legends' concert performances. For details 843.477.5678.
 
The Alabama Theatre, a fast-paced live variety show right here in North Myrtle Beach features everyone's favorite tunes, from country, mo'town, and classic tunes. The whole family will have a great time, plus children are free through Labor Day for performances on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays with 7-day advance booking*.

*2 free children's tickets (ages 16 and under) per paid adult to Alabama Theatre on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. For details, 843.272.1111.


If you have not yet taken your vacation and have reservations, let us help you arrange for tickets, or you can contact your front desk agent after you arrive. What a money-saving deal in the cost of children's entertainment while on vacation!


Around Town This Month

Summer activities at the pool and beach
Pool team games (noodle hockey, underwater football, and other), shark-tooth hunts, tie-dying shirts, and face painting are only a very few of the many activities that Diana and Oscar, our representatives from the American Hospitality Academy, have created for our guests this summer. The fun and the action continues until August 21st. Some activities have delightful side effects such as producing beautiful shirts or gaining ground on physical fitness. Others are just all about having fun.

Free tickets: What a great way to save even more money and have even more fun at the beach!

Tickets are free for kids ages 16 and under attending Legends in Concert and The Alabama Theatre with paying adults this deal runs through Labor Day. For anyone attending Freestyle Music Park, buy a ticket and get one free before 4 pm.

For all of these offers, please check the web sites of the respective entertainment for specific details:
  • www.legendsinconcert.com/locations/myrtle-beach
  • www.alabama-theatre.com
  • www.freestylemusicpark.com/

Tax-free weekend: August 7-9, 2009

From the first Friday to Sunday in August (August 7-9), pay no sales tax* on selected items sold in South Carolina. This would be a good time to combine a beach get-away with a shopping spree for essentials such as ""back to school" items. Whether the entire family comes along to enjoy golf, local attractions, and more, or just mom and the kids make it a special weekend at the beach, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

*See www.SCTax.org for details. August 7-9 exempts clothing, footwear, computers and equipment, software, school supplies, towels, sheets, and other items.

Golf Tee Times:

Play one of the golf package specials and save money. Click on http://avistaresort.com/golfpackages.cfm and select your favorites! Playing summer golf on our coastal courses means that off-shore breezes keep things cool, moist, and (in terms of where your ball goes) interesting! In particular, the Burroughs and Chapin package and the Myrtle Beach National package both offer outstanding course play on beautifully landscaped terrain.

The Ocean Drive (O.D.) Pavilion

On August 1st the O D Pavilion's amusement park (www.odpavilion.com) opens between 1st and 2nd Streets South at the Horseshoe on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. With rides, fun, colorful lights, and musical sounds of children's laughter, this will be the place to be from 4 pm to 11 pm until Labor Day. Free entry with costs according to each ride.

Myrtle Beach Trolley:

Another way to save money and time spent with your family is to take the Myrtle Beach Trolley around the communities of North Myrtle Beach. Running from Highway 17 to Ocean Boulevard, the trolley lets you see the area as it conveniently takes you to key spots that you want to see. More information appears at www.MyrtleBeachTrolley.net.

All of this and more might have the effect of encouraging you to stay here a little while longer! Let our Reservation agents help you work that plan into a reality!


Avista Takes the Pathway to "Green"

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts and the City of North Myrtle Beach have initiated a feasibility study of going even "greener" with wind turbines right here on premises. Avista Resort is being considered as the model site in this endeavor for our area, and in fact we have an anemometer installed on the roof now to measure wind speed. Given that our coastal location has, according to the U. S. Department of the Interior, ideal wind velocity for optimum energy generation through wind turbines, this step toward power self-sufficiency is a natural progression toward involving other parts of the community in "going green" and benefiting the community's economy.

Meanwhile, we need more information to see how and when this idea will work. Avista continues its efforts, plus other initiatives, in being environmentally responsible:

  • Avista stays cooler in summer and warmer in winter than most inland vacation properties, plus our natural landscaping is ecologically responsible and beautiful. Being an oceanfront property helps to minimize the effects of radiant heat in the summer, reducing our energy costs.

  • We continue on-going recycling efforts of cardboard boxes, paper, and other recyclables.

  • We increase public awareness of everyone's individual responsibility to keep beaches clean and safe. A clean beach is a green beach, requiring less frequent maintenance with gas-guzzling sand sweepers.

  • We return spent toner cartridges from office printers.

  • We minimize food waste by buying shelf-stable food supplies in bulk.

  • We wrap freezer items tightly, label them, and date them, making sure to use them in a timely fashion, minimizing waste due to freezer burn.

  • We rotate perishable stock at every delivery to minimize waste due to spoilage.

  • We clean coolers and freezers regularly.

Here is a thought. Since approximately 18% of all greenhouse gas emissions are associated with meat consumption, replacing at least one portion of meat weekly with a vegetarian entrée would provide the equivalent of taking 500,000 cars off the road.
GUEST COMMENTS


Just wanted to let you know we had a wonderful time at your hotel in Myrtle Beach. We were there at the end of April for 6 days. All of your staff is amazing, very friendly and willing to help with anything you asked for. Our room was perfect and always very clean. Thanks for a great time and we will be sure to visit again.

Email to Avista's General Manager from the Leone Family, 06.11.09.



We stayed at North Myrtle Beach's Avista Resort last September. There were 4 of us in a 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit, oceanside. Had a great time, would like to return this October if you have any specials. We had a rate last year ... and hope we can come here again.

Email to Avista's Newsletter Response Mailbox from Ruppel Family, 07.01.09.



I enjoyed my stay at Avista Resort. Normally, I would stay at a cheaper, more modest hotel but my friend invited me to stay at a condo in the hotel. The suite was as big as a three-bedroom apartment, and everything was nice. There was no beach mildew in the condo at all, which isn't the case for many hotels at North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach. ~ The common areas I visited were very nice. The gym was adequate, although one of the two TVs was not working and some of the cardio equipment needed oiling (squeaky/loud). The elevators were a bit slow, but perhaps that is to be expected. There were several pools, including Jacuzzis and a lazy river, to choose from. Aside from a few issues with parents not adequately supervising their kids, the pool was great. (Note to parents who use the lazy river: the tubes are required for entry. Please don't let you kids shove people in the lazy river.) The cleaning service was excellent. The furnishings were nice. The ocean was great (not big waves, though, if that's your thing). Parking is across the street in a garage, which some people won't like. All in all, I had a great time. The room was lovely and the bed comfortable.

Email on TripAdvisor from "PanchoMancho," 06.09.



We really liked our condo. It had a wonderful ocean view on our large balcony. We had plenty of space. The pool area was wonderful. The location was nice. The front desk was very helpful. Our only complaint was the parking garage.

Email on TripAdvisor from "Sophers26," 06.27.09.



I found myself having a wonderful time. Our rooms were large and clean. We had a 3 br. condo and as of July 2009 we will be spending our third year family vacation there. I would not want to be any where else.

Email on TripAdvisor from "MemaMaconGA," 06.17.09.



Groups at AVISTA RESORT




  • Edwards Family Reunion
  • Coffen Family Reunion
  • Jackson Family Reunion
  • Kenerly Golson Family Reunion
  • Seaside Wedding Chapel - McDowell Waldrop Wedding
  • USBA Basketball
  • Myers Family Reunion
  • Frito Lay
  • Orlando Reds
  • Miles Family Reunion
  • Clinkscales Family Reunion
  • Lloyd Anderson Family Reunion


Fun Facts




The roar that you hear when placing a seashell next to your ear is not the ocean, but rather the sound of your blood surging through your veins in your ear.

If you visit Atalaya at Huntington State Park, wander around its rooms and hallways and ponder the fact that the entire structure was erected without a blueprint. This Murrells Inlet 1930's "castle" was built by contractor William Thomson who took verbal instructions from owner Archer Huntington.

The slow-moving Black River in the eastern part of the state is characterized by high concentrations of organic carbon which accounts for the water's dark-tea color.

Have you tried a dish called "Chicken Bog"? Originating in South Carolina's coastal regions, it is so-named because the chicken in it gets "bogged down" in rice!

In the 1840s, the Georgetown area produced half of the nation's rice, a story engrained in The Rice Museum on Front Street in this historic town.

Opening in 1936, the first state park open to the public was the 312-acre oceanfront acreage called Myrtle Beach State Park.

In the late 19th century, life was very different for Horry County residents. Most people lived in what is now the Conway area and were hardworking farmers, timbermen, and turpentine distillers who bartered for their necessities. A typical family in 1875 earned approximately $2.50 a year in what was nearly a cashless economy.

When you stop to fill-up, be prepared to pay before you pump. The City of Myrtle Beach has an ordinance requiring consumers to pre-pay for gasoline.

Just south of Murrells Inlet on Highway 17, Huntington Beach State Park is considered to be one of the best bird-watching spots on the East Coast. Over 276 species of birds have been seen and recorded in the 2,500 acre park. To obtain a bird check-list, see www.southcarolinaparks.com.

Amounting to about half of your body weight, you have more than 600 muscles, divided into two types: voluntary and involuntary muscles.

Some kinds of clams live as long as 150 years. The bands or rings on the clam's outer shell indicates its age, just as the rings of a tree do. Each year, the clam produces another ring on its outer shell. Each ring's width is slightly different from the next due to changes each year in the temperature of the water, the supply of food available to the clam, and the amount of oxygen in the water.

English words with "ough" in their spelling have many different pronunciations. Here is a sentence that contains all of the ways to pronounce "ough": "A rough-coated, dough-faced, thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough after falling into a slough."



Local Events Calendar - July 2009

The full list of Grand Strand events is available at our web site at 2009 Calendar.

For your convenience, here is a quick link to check accommodations availability.

Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Live and lively performances of song, dance, and comedy at Alabama Theatre where kids are FREE (ages 16 and under from now through Labor Day on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and SATURDAYS, with booking at least 7 days in advance).

August is TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH at Teacher Appreciation Month at Broadway at the Beach. Teachers receive special discounts by showing their faculty ID cards to receive a "Preferred Guest Card." 843.444.3200 or www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com.

Now through 8/14. Charlotte's Web at the Palace Theatre, presented by Long Bay Theatre. Performances occur on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am, and again on Friday at 2 pm. Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. For tickets, 843.448.9224 or online https://palaceticketstheatremyrtlebeach.com.

8/1. Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts presents its first annual Swinging Fore the Cure Charity Golf Tournament at Kings North located at Myrtle Beach National. MBSR and Kings North at Myrtle Beach National are honored to host this tournament benefitting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For more information, www.mbsrannualgolftournament.com, or Brenna (251.3519) or Jenna (655.1409.

8/7-9. Craftsmen's Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Myrtle Beach event featuring original work from over 250 talented artists and crafts people. Hours: Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 336.282.5550. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

8/8. Dog Days Blues and Jazz Fest. Little River, SC. Live music non-stop at this blues and jazz festival. For more information, 843.399.9463 (Ext. 4867).

8/14. The Stones-A Tribute to The Rolling Stones Band, presented by the City of Myrtle Beach in its Sun Fun Concert Series. 7 pm concert at Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach. For information, 1.800.FUN.INMB (or 386-4662).

8/21. From the Forest to the Sea: Myrtle Beach State Park Maritime Forest Stroll. From 9:30 am to 10:30 am, experience the unique natural wonders of our Southern environment in a leisurely ¼ mile walk, seeing forest, grassland, and beach. Meet at the Nature Center, 4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information 843.238.0874 or go online to www.myrtlebeachsp.com.

8/31 to 9/4. PGA Tour World Am Handicap Championship Golf Tournament. Four-round competition on a different Grand Strand course each day. All amateur golfers with an established USGA Slope Handicap or equivalent 18-hole handicap are eligible. Deadline for entries August 1, 2009. For more information, www.worldamgolf.com.
Ebb and Flow of Information
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Avista Resort 300 N. Ocean Blvd.
N. Myrtle Beach, SC. 29582
Toll Free 800.968.8986 Email Vacation-Planner@avistaresort.com
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