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November 2009      Volume 32 North Myrtle Beach, SC
FAMILY VACATION NEWSLETTER
As the weather grows chillier (relatively so, as we enjoy moderate temperatures even in winter), the calendar slides toward the end of 2009. For many people, the year has challenging in one respect or another, and yet everyone has reasons to be thankful. This November 26th, let's line up some of those reasons before we sit down to eat and then count our blessings, one by one!

One reason for giving thanks this year is the on-going dedication and sacrifice of our service men and women on duty both in the United States and around the world, protecting our country and our freedom. We honor them with respect and dignity of their roles, for many were deployed more frequently and for longer periods than their predecessors had been in decades.

Not least of the reasons for being thankful is the time we have with loved ones, wherever they are. Modern technological devices allow us to have one-on-one video chats with people located around the world, and yet sometimes we still have trouble making time for those living in our own households. For all of our loved ones everywhere, we are thankful.

For another reason of thanksgiving, we have a fabulous opportunity to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal at Avista Resort's Just Off Main Restaurant where guests can count on a traditional meal all planned and expertly prepared by our talented Chef Marvin and his staff. For this, we encourage you to reserve your table seating early to guarantee a place for you and your loved ones.

We at Avista Resort want to add that we are thankful for you, the guests and friends of our resort, for your continuing enthusiasm in coming to the beach, having fun in the sun, enjoying the many amusements that North Myrtle Beach has to offer. May you have the best of holidays this year!

Your Friends at Avista Resort!

The Endless Summer Festival in North Myrtle Beach

On October 31st, the "Horseshoe" at Main Street once again served as the site of musical entertainment and festivities in a tribute to beach music, beach weather, and all things "beach" related. Arranged by the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce and sponsored principally by Avista Resort and the sister properties of North Myrtle Beach, this festival was free and open to the public.

Celebrating the fabulous sights and sounds of the warm months of the year, the festival offered live and in person an opportunity to hear some of the legends of beach music: The Fantastic Shakers, SeaCruz, and The Catalinas. Hit songs included "Shaking the Shack," "Summertime's Calling Me," "Myrtle Beach Days," and "Ain't No Big Thing." Sitting is hard to do when the rhythm gets going, and many people feel inclined to get up and dance at times like this.

In addition to the concert, visitors enjoyed a classic car show, arts-and-crafts exhibit/sale, lots of food opportunities, and a children's play area with inflatables and carnival rides.

JUST OFF MAIN Invites You to a Thanksgiving Feast

Let us know your preferred reservation time as soon as you can for Thanksgiving at Avista because time is moving forward, and the chef at Just Off Main is getting ready. He has planned a wonderful array of flavors for this special event, all according to the tradition that we cherish at this time of year. Every member of your family will enjoy this feast, and best of all is the complete lack of work required on your part! Just come and have fun!

Click here for a preview of the Thanksgiving menu and give us a call for your reservation, or check out our great specials that allow a very affordable Thanksgiving weekend or longer stay. Don't you need some de-stressing before the activities of the holiday season ahead? How about the Thanksgiving weekend with us where you can enjoy everything from football to holiday shopping to strolling along the surf line. We're the ones to call!

We're the ones to call! 800.968.8986.

Around Town This Month: Golfing

As the Grand Strand prepares for Thanksgiving and then moves on to the end-of-year holidays, we at Avista Resort want to be sure that you have the information you need to make an informed decision about your end-of-year plans. Give us a call (800.968.8986) to reserve your spot at Avista's very merry New Year's Eve celebration and ask to speak with a golf agents for your tee times at some of these golf specials:

Fall, winter, and early spring golf specials have been designed with you in mind, to fulfill your requests to play our grand courses along the Grand Strand while you are here during the cooler months. Here are some of the possibilities:

  • The Winter Golf Special: Starting 12/1 and running through 1/31/2010, enjoy all three courses (The Witch, The Wizard, and The Man O War) at the cost of $40 per round including carts. This deal is available on all seven days of the week with no multi course requirements (Note: this rate does not allow additional discounts. Ask one of our golf agents for details.)

  • The Barefoot Special: Buy 3, and get 1 round free. This offer requires 1 round of play to occur on each of the four Barefoot Courses (Norman, Love, Fazio and Dye) with the free round booked after 12:00pm (except in November, December, and January). This offer expires on February 28th, 2010, and is valid on rounds booked through May 23rd, 2010. Mid-week rates are not available for this special offer. Ask one of our golf agents for details.

  • The Easter 2010 Special: Get a start on 2010 by booking the Easter Special which begins Monday, March 29th, and runs through Wednesday, April 7th, with all three courses built in (The Witch, The Wizard and The Man O War) at $61 per round with carts included. This offer is open for any of the seven days during a week and for any available tee time. There are no multi course requirements, and the rate is not available with other discounts. Ask one of our golf agents for details.

Invitation to Canadians and Other Dwellers of the Snowy North

In winter, some vacationers show interest, albeit brief, in the novelty of staying in an ice hotel such as this Swedish lodge pictured here where everything, including the beverage glasses, are made of ice. Brrrrr!

Many more northern residents want to escape the cold with a winter vacation focused on fun in the sun at the beach, where many outdoor options are available, where they can relax in bare feet at the shoreline, and generally warm up! If your dream in winter is to avoid the ice, snow, winter chores, and layers of clothing, consider a beach vacation here with us at Avista Resort. Ice has its place, to be sure, but many people prefer delicious Southern iced tea as they thaw out in the warming Carolina sunshine. Check us out on the web cam!

Getting here, especially for Canadians from Toronto, just became easier with the new Porter Airways flight directly into Myrtle Beach. Starting in February 28, 2010, this airline offers a twice-weekly non-stop air service until May 30th. For more information about flights or prices, log on to www.FlyPorter.com. For drivers, we have the new Robert Edge Parkway that leads you directly here from Highway 31.

Once here, guests find not only that they can live their dream vacation by relaxing in the sunshine, they can also make new friends and take advantage of many activities here. For information on our wonderful discounts over the holidays and through the chilly months of 2010, call us at 800.968.8986 or go online at www.AvistaResort.com to see the possibilities! Note, too, the calendar section of this newsletter and website! Lots to do, and everything is waiting for you!

Featured Recipe: Classic Macaroni and Cheese

With life operating in nanosecond whirlwinds these days and meals made "E-Z," when was the last time that you had traditional, home-baked macaroni and cheese comfort food? This recipe serves 4 and takes about 40 minutes to prepare, including baking. It originates from the 1946 edition of Fannie Farmer's Boston Cooking School Cookbook.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 (8ounce) package macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups good quality shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup buttered breadcrumbs

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
  • In a large saucepan melt butter.
  • Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
  • Pour milk and cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
  • Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
  • Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
  • Turn off flame.
  • Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
  • Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  • Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

You can also freeze this recipe in zip-lock bags for later use. Once you have mixed the macaroni along with the cheese sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature before sealing and placing it in the freezer. To thaw, remove it from the freezer the night before you need it and allow it to come to room temperature. Then add the macaroni and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with bread crumbs, and then bake for 20 to 30 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling.


Groups at AVISTA RESORT

Thank you to the following groups for selecting Avista Resort as their choice in accommodations and meeting space! If you have a meeting coming up, contact our Group Sales Department for details: 800.968.8986.

Winter Golf Group
Restoration Destination
Carolina's Society of Healthcare
Simoneau Golf Group
Kirk Tours
Great Canadian Holidays
Carolina Beach Music Awards
Wyndam Vacation Resorts-HOA Meeting
Women of Value Conference
Seaside Plantation HOA Meeting
Franco 50th Anniversary
The Scrapbooking Workshop
Seniors Golf of Virginia
Little River Chamber of Commerce
Ray Johnson Tours

Fort Bragg Federal Credit Union
Sports Zone - 2Hot4 Ice Hockey Tournament
Church of Our Lord and Savior
Brisbon Family Reunion
Marlowe Family Reunion
Calvary Baptist Church

The Enchantment of Weddings Held at Avista Resort

Here are photos of a group from the past, the Humphrey ~ Alder wedding that took place at the Avista Resort on September 12, 2009. The ceremony was held at the beach, and the reception indoors in the grand ballroom on the second floor, both providing guests with a beautiful dream-like setting from start to conclusion of the event.

Here are some photos in case they inspire you to plan your own wedding, family reunion, or other major event here at Avista! Ask our Group Sales Department for details.


Local Events Calendar - November-December, 2009

11/28. Scrapbook Workshop at Avista Resort. Call 843.417.5538 to reserve your place. Pay $15 for materials to make your very own book (includes 8-page accordion-style scrapbook). Bring your preferred scrapbooking tools such as adhesive, scissors, cutter, pen and pencil, and inks (other options: lightweight sandpaper, photos 4x6 or smaller). After expert instruction in the workshop, you'll take home your own scrapbook of cherished memories. Even experienced scrapbookers will find exciting new techniques!

11/28 until 12/23. Winter Wonderland in Murrells Inlet. Holiday light displayed from 4-11 PM every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until December 17th, then daily until the 23rd. Tickets $6/children free. Location: 11054 Highway 707 in Murrells Inlet, SC.

12/1-19. Season of Celebration in Wilmington's Historic Waterfront. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, events, shopping, fun! Call 910.251.0727 or online at www.dbawilmington.com for more details.

12/1-22 (selected dates). Enchanted Airlie Gardens at Christmas. Open December 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 21, and 22 at 300 Airlie Road in Wilmington. Two show times per evening beginning at 5 PM and 7 PM. Advanced tickets required. Details at 910.798.7700 or www.airliegardens.org.

12/4. The Nutcracker. The Wilmington Ballet Company's beautiful, full-length production of the classic Nutcracker Ballet. Professional dancers join the company for this traditional Christmas favorite. Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets $25. Details at 800.523.2820 or 910.343.3664. Location: Minnie Evans Arts Center, 605 Halyburton Memorial Parkway, Wilmington, NC 28412.

12/4. Holiday Lighting of the U. S. S. North Carolina Battleship. This event is part of the holiday festivities in historic downtown Wilmington. Enjoy the spectacular display nightly from dusk to 11:00pm. Free viewing from downtown Wilmington. For information call 910.251.5797 or online at www.BattleshipNC.com. Location: #1 Battleship Road, Wilmington, NC 28401.

12/ 5-6; 12-13 & 18-20, 3 PM to 10 PM. Visit the Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens where your holiday spirits soar. Brookgreen celebrates its tenth festival year. Thousands of candles and lights illuminate the garden paths and brighten the winter sky. Enjoy performances by the popular choral ensemble, Vocal Edition. Details at www.brookgreen.org or call 843.235.6000.

12/11-13, also 18th. Rivertown Christmas in Conway, SC. Come to historic downtown Conway, SC, just outside Myrtle Beach from 12:30 noon until 4 PM. For more details. 843.248.6260.

12/12-13. The Best on the Beach: Softball. Held at Coastal Carolina University, this ball camp for serious plays from grade 9 through junior college brings talented people together in a sport they all love. In addition to starting a recruiting process, this program is part of the Chanticleer baseball camp program held near Myrtle Beach, SC. For details, 843-349-2849.

12/25. Christmas. State and federal holiday.

12/31. New Year's Eve. State and federal holiday, and a wonderful party with live band at Avista Resort! Call now for reservations: 843.249.2521.
GUEST COMMENTS


We at Avista Resort value the comments from our guests because of how much we can grow and improve, either by continuing what we do well or improving on what needs our attention. Here are some of the encouraging words that have come in over the past several months:

Guest comment on TripAdvisor.com from "VolGolfer" from Tennessee, 11.09.09.
Check in was fast and staff very friendly. Even had a table with warm cookies available. Breakfast buffet was good...Our unit was very clean...Overall, a very good stay. Very limited parking on site….must park across the [street].

Guest comment on TripAdvisor.com from "Leonardsbabe" from North Carolina, 10.13.09.
My family and I stayed at the Avista Oct.7th-9th. We stayed in a one bedroom oceanfront unit. We found no problems with it. It was nice and clean. The pools were very clean. My daughter and I watched a man clean them one morning before we went to eat breakfast. All the staff [members] that we dealt with were very nice and friendly. I will definitely go back in the future. I will also recommend it, too.

Emailed newsletter response from Lillie B., part of a group attending in September, email dated 10.30.09
I was with the Simon Temple AME Zion Church group for our Women's Retreat in September. It was awesome. The rooms were spacious, the customer service reps more than willing to assist and courteous, and the ocean view was breathe-taking. We really enjoyed our stay.

Guest comment on TripAdvisor.com from "Havingfuninthesun07," 10.04.09.
Where can I begin? The check in went very fast considering the fact that I was unaware that it was the Fall 2009 Bike Rally. All front desk staff was helpful, respectful, and just plain nice. Not one got mad when I had to call the hotel several times for directions! The rooms are just plain great. The only thing that I could find wrong was the linen for the pullout was an old smell, but [expected since] I'm sure no one had slept on it since the rooms were large. My daughter and her friends loved every thing about it [the accommodations], and so did I. Now, that I know this is the end [of the Grand Strand where] the bikers will be staying during bike rallies, I will be back. Just great! Keep up the great work [and have] Avista teach some other hotels in the area your great hospitality tactics!

Guest comment on TripAdvisor.com from "MommyofDyllon," 09.27.09.
We stayed at the Avista for our honeymoon, and I couldn't have been more pleased. The staff was so nice. We checked in late, 10 PM, on Super Bowl Sunday, [which was] also our wedding day. We were both exhausted and hungry, [so] the girls at the front desk ordered us a pizza and paid for it for us. We stayed in a one bedroom king suite in the north tower. I found the room was plenty big and it was clean. The bathrooms were beautiful and the garden tub was really nice. The indoor pool area was clean...




Fun Facts




How can you add 2 to 11 and get a result of 1? That occurs when you add 2 hours to 11 PM on December 31st and then find yourself at 1 AM on January 1st, 2010! Have you made your New Year's Eve reservations yet for Avista Resort's big party?

In 1872, Susan B. Anthony wanted to vote for President Grant but was fined $100 for trying to vote in the presidential election. That's approximately $2,500 in today's value.

Ben Franklin is the originator of daylight savings time, and Franklin Roosevelt initiated year-round daylight savings time.

Even though founding father Walt Disney wore a mustache, he banned facial hair on employees at Disneyland in order to distance his staff from the popular view that facial hair was associated with carnival workers (known for underhanded ways). Launched in 1955, it was not until 2000 that the employee's grooming code at Disneyland changed to include mustaches (only neatly trimmed ones) for its theme-park employees.

In 1945, Percy Spencer discovered that when popcorn was placed under microwave energy, it popped. This led to many experiments with other foods, and ultimately, the birth of the microwave oven.

Flounder is a good, low-fat source of B vitamins and an excellent source of niacin.

What is the difference between sole and flounder: True Dover sole is not caught here, but there are some similarities between sole and flounder, a fish that we do have in great abundance:
  • Both are flat fish with tiny scales and white bellies.
  • Newly hatched fish have an eye on each side of the head, but as they grow, one eye moves to the other side, and the underside flesh pigment turns white.
  • Both sole and flounder have a gill cover with another bone in front of it - joined in a sole, separate in a flounder.
  • Both have white, soft flesh with a very fine flake, on a fine-boned skeleton.
  • In most recipes when used whole or as fillets, sole and flounder are interchangeable.

We say coffee beans although they are really berries.

Espresso has 1/3 of the caffeine of a regular cup of coffee.

After consuming caffeine, the human body dissipates 20% of the caffeine in the system each hour.

Japan is now the third largest consumer of coffee.

Like planes, birds flying high can gather ice and lose altitude.

The average elevator travels at 19 miles per hour.

The highest wind speed ever recorded on earth was 231 miles per hour at Mount Washington, New Hampshire.




Green AVISTA

For the past several months, Avista Resort's newsletter has been featuring lists of ways we work to conserve energy and reduce waste of natural resources. "Green" efforts are not only energy-saving and cost-saving, they can be healthy for individuals, too. Here are some ways that you can make "green" efforts work for you, too, while you are here on vacation:

  • Enjoy the Sunshine. Use the sun to your advantage. We have plenty of it, so during the cooler months open blinds or drapes on the sunny side to let in natural solar heat on cold days. Then, as the sun disappears, reduce the heat loss by 10 % by closing the blinds or drapes. In summer, cut up to 33 % of the summer's heat by blocking out sunlight with blinds, shutters, and drapes.

  • Walk More than Drive. When you stay at Avista Resort, enjoy leisurely strolls along the public streets where you will find sidewalks available and clearly visible signs indicating that vehicles must, by law, stop for pedestrians in the marked cross-walks. We are two blocks from beautiful downtown Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, considered the hub of the action during the dancing events known as "SOS" for shag enthusiasts and equally interesting for dining, shopping, and sight-seeing. In summer, the O. D. Pavilion is open until late, as are many other venues as well.

    Walk to Main Street and then two blocks to the 10-acre McLean Park where you can enjoy jogging, lighted tennis courts, 2 playgrounds, walking paths (yes, it has restrooms, too). Stroll in several directions from Avista to find quiet residential areas of beautiful homes, oceanfront and inland. For example, walk northward to Cherry Grove where you can find shops, restaurants, and The Cherry Grove Pier.

  • Eat Fish. While you are here at the beach in a seafood-loving community, ask us about our fish dishes at Just Off Main, and then try as many types of seafood as you can while you are here, both at our restaurant and around the Grand Strand. Here is a check-list of some of the more popular and commonly found seafood caught and served area-wide --
    • Shrimp
    • Flounder
    • Grouper
    • Crab
    • Oysters
    • Clams
    • Tuna
    • Mahi-mahi
    • Squid served as "calamari"
    • Catfish
  • Ebb and Flow of Information
    Where did you stay? We would love to hear from you!



    Check out what’s happening on the beach right now with our Web cam

    Avista Resort 300 N. Ocean Blvd.
    N. Myrtle Beach, SC. 29582
    Toll Free 800.968.8986 Email Vacation-Planner@avistaresort.com