Its official...spring has finally sprung, and with it, life back into the Myrtle Beach area. Our weekends have been very busy with guests eager to take advantage of the warmer weather, Grand Strand activities and delicious restaurants. Beach walks and shell collecting excursions are on the rise, as well as people catching rays out by the pool. Don't miss out on the fun---check your calendar to see when you can come back for a visit!

Until then,
The Avista Staff

A Farewell to Snowbirds!
Each year the Snowbirds come and go, but one thing remains the same, they all become a part of the Avista family. We learn about their lives, their homes and their relatives--forming friendships with them that last throughout the year. Everyone here at the Avista would like to take this opportunity to say we enjoyed each and every Snowbird that stayed with us this season. We look forward to next winter!

News from the Pool
A sure sign that spring has arrived is when the Sip-N-Dip opens at the Avista pool! Beginning March 15th, the pool bar will be open every weekend until the end of May…when it will open full time!

More Pool News
On March 29, May 17, June 7, July 4, and August 31, a D.J. will entertain poolside from 1pm-4pm!

Upcoming Avista Event!
Hey Shaggers---it’s almost that time, again! The weather is warming up, and so is the anticipation for the SOS Spring Safari taking place from April 18th - April 27th, 2008. In celebration, we’re having our own Shag-tastic event down on the Avista pool deck. On Friday, April 25th we’ll have well-known DJ Jerry Burrage (famous for his H. Lee Brown performances) spinning all the greatest hits to keep your feet shuffling on the specially installed dance floor from noon until 4pm! Make your reservations soon, if you haven’t already, to join in North Myrtle Beach’s biggest Spring celebration.

Avista Upgrades!
Things they are a changing! The staff at the Avista has been busy changing things for the best the past couple of months:

• We have had our yearly fire inspection and everything is in proper working order-exactly as we expected.
• The grounds staff has been working hard laying new sod by the pool and will soon begin to plant beautiful spring flowers.
• Two of the most exciting changes are occurring literally where you lounge and slumber. We are very happy to announce that by June, all mattresses will be replaced with comfy pillowtop mattresses to give you a better nights' sleep.
• We have also upgraded our pool system from a chlorine system to a saltwater system. This allows us to have less chlorine in the pool, resulting in less damage to swimsuits while also allowing the pool to remain open during upkeep. Overall, the pool will have a clearer, more natural look that will shimmer and shine!
  

What is a Concierge?
The word concierge is derived from a French term meaning service. In the 19th and early 20th century, a concierge was often a middle-aged woman who lived on the ground floor of apartment buildings and monitored all of the comings and goings of its tenants. Nowadays, concierges perform a different type of service. They give directions to points of interest, recommend restaurants, arrange tickets for theaters, make golf t-times, and assist guests with travel arrangements. But, most importantly, his or her job is to entertain the guest! We think everyone can agree (especially the Snowbirds) that Abbey, the Avista concierge, is great at that!

In The Spotlight
The Avista Advisor is happy to feature a brand new employee In The Spotlight this month! Please join us in welcoming Dave Waffle, the new Director of Engineering, to the Avista family. Originally from Norwich, NY, Dave moved to Kannapolis, NC, about 15 years ago, and has lived in Myrtle Beach for the past 2 years. Dave has a lovely wife, Kimberly and between them they have 2 girls and 3 boys. In his spare time, Dave enjoys playing golf, softball and playing with his longhaired dachshund, Ty. He is a NASCAR fan (Kurt Busch) and enjoys watching college basketball (Go Duke!) Dave comes to us from the Crown Reef Resort in Myrtle Beach and like every property; the Avista needs daily attention to ensure that it stays in its high level of condition. Dave's extensive background in engineering is a true necessity that we'll gladly capitalize on!

Market Common Grand Opening!
Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and Anthropologie are just a few of the stores set to open at the brand new Market Common complex in Myrtle Beach. Located on the site of the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this 114-acre site will not only bring new shopping opportunities, but will feature the fine restaurants, a 14 screen cinema and beautifully landscaped parks. The grand opening for Market Common is slated for April, but until then you can check it out at www.marketcommonmb.com.

Abbey Around Town...
Attention NASCAR fans...did you know that Darlington Raceway is only 70 miles from Myrtle Beach? I make this trip once a year to attend the racing festivities with family. If you have not had the opportunity to attend a race at Darlington, or a NASCAR race at all, then why not include it in your Myrtle Beach vacation plans this year? Held on Mother's Day weekend, the Sprint Cup race takes place under the lights and will be extra-exciting this year as they have repaved the track--making it tougher than ever. To buy tickets, visit www.darlingtonraceway.com.
Check out some of the fun you've been missing:

(L)Abbey posing in front of the Sprint trailer. (M) Jimmie Johnson cardboard cut-out next to Abbey. (R) Johnson's #48 in pit row.

The Avista Resort would like to recognize the following groups who visited the resort in the past month:

Cramerton Freewill Baptist Church, Fort Bragg Womack AMC, Mount Calvary Freewill Baptist Church, PBA Bowling Tournament, Brown Family Reunion, Brunswick County Association of Education, Gate City Baptist Church and T.C.I. Tire Center Inc.

4/1-4/30 Open Late 'Til 8!
9:30 am-8 pm. Brookgreen Gardens.
Peak blooming season arrives at the famous botanical garden and park. www.brookgreen.org

4/5-4/6 Diggin' It Spring Garden Festival
9:30 am-4:30 pm. Brookgreen Gardens.
Spring garden festival with lectures & plant sale.
www.brookgreen.org

4/11-4/13 Spring Art Show
10 am-7pm. Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.
Seacoast Artist Guild of SC's spring art show. 843-357-2626

4/18-4/19 Relay For Life
7 pm-7 am. Conway.
American Cancer Society fund raiser to help fight cancer. All night team event. events.cancer.org/rflconwaysc

4/18-4/20 12th Annual Taste of Broadway
10 am-9 pm. Broadway at the Beach.
Music, 5k run/walk, KidZone, Arts & Crafts, food and more. www.broadwayatthebeach.com