Hi, Friends,

Here at the north end of the Grand Strand, our summery hot, sultry air is slowly being replaced by late summer's less humid, cooler air. Early fall, scheduled for September 22nd this year, means lots of fun at various events, such as the popular S.O.S. in North Myrtle Beach, followed closely by the October and November holiday events such as Thanksgiving celebrated by one and all, except perhaps turkeys.

The best kept secret in Myrtle Beach is the period of September 1 through October 31st when the average air temperature is 77, average water temperature 73, no congestion to the traffic flow, low humidity, cool nights, "early-bird" specials at many of the more than 1,700 restaurants along the Strand and other places, and fabulous discounts on accommodations. Have fun with our many fall events, too. October's Myrtle Beach Fall Bike Rally from the 1st to the 5th when bike-loving dudes and ladies hit the beach and venues designated around town for events, so check the local paper for the latest news. From October 18th and 19th enjoy Brunswick County's Oyster Festival in North Carolina, too, THE number "one" festival in the state! With so many fall festivals and beach fun to enjoy in fall, you can have the time of your life!

So, no matter whether you enjoy the fun of the S.O.S. Migration, the Bike Rally, the Oyster Festival, or other event in the calendar below, we look forward to seeing you at Avista. Your stay will be both affordable and enjoyable, marvelously comfortable and pampered with customer service. Check out our package specials, too.

The Friendly Staff at Avista

Among the many autumn happenings here at the beach is the Myrtle Beach Bike Rally when people from all across the country come to the Strand to meet, greet, talk about all things "bike," and show off their wheels. Got wheels? Planning to come here for a "wheel fest"?

This year the Rally organizers plan events around Horry County and the general Grand Strand area where bikers can move around, see the sights, talk with other bikers, and generally have a good time at the beach. As one of the top autumn motorcycle rallies on the Eastern Seaboard, this Fall Bike Rally will attract many visitors, some who are new to our beautiful beaches and some who have visited many times.

Bikers, check out our wonderful North Myrtle Beach location, fabulous views of the beach, oceanfront and oceanside accommodations, secured parking, super customer service, and close proximity for you to find everything you want along the Strand. Call for special rates at Avista during the Fall Bike Rally.

What a memorable feast you can arrange for 2008! Great meal! Fabulous location! No work!

Our beach location would be perfect for your family and perhaps even a few friends to come for Thanksgiving. Let us do the cooking! Our restaurant, Just Off Main, will be serving a delicious and traditional menu planned so that all the tastes and textures that we have come to love at this season are all there. No need to work for hours over the stove. No need to delegate chores to people who would rather watch football or go out and play. No need to build your stress level when instead you can dangle your feet in the indoor pool, soak in the hot tub, walk on the beach, or talk with family and friends.

We invite you to come to our Thanksgiving, prepared to perfection just for you and served in time-honored Thanksgiving tradition. Then, the next day you can relax even further, whether your pleasure is to dive into the many shopping malls, outlets, and boutiques right at hand for you to take advantage of sales, or whether your pleasure is to dive into the indoor pool or ocean for some surfing delights!

Click here to see the dinner menu. Your choice of dinner reservations are 2:30, 4:00, and 5:30 on Thanksgiving afternoon, and package reservations may be booked by telephone at or online. Book early to obtain the time you want.

Our new Front Desk Manager, Marvis Livingston, knows quite a bit about the Myrtle Beach area since she comes from here, and she knows even more about customer service and organizational development. Be on the lookout for her at your next visit because she is someone who gets things done in an efficient and timely manner.

Marvis recently moved to the position as Front Desk Manager from her position in Group Sales where she has been working for the past year. She has been with the Avista Resort for 2 years, first in Accounting, and enjoying every minute of learning each new facet of the company.

As the head of all things customer service related in front desk area, Marvis has demonstrated a "go-getting" spirit with a sense of humor, a determined energy to organize details and settle unsolved issues. The desk staff members have especially appreciated her abilities to sort out the many aspects of golf and show ticket information, to schedule of desk coverage, and even to categorize room layout books. With her help and expertise, everyone working at the desk and with it can know what is going on when and where.

You might have already heard in the news that Tropical Storm Hanna just blew through our area on September 5th. Arriving on Friday-to-Saturday night, the storm stayed on the border of South and North Carolina. Until the last minute, we did not know if it would become a hurricane, and it did not. With no power outages, damage was minimal with some beaches experiencing patchy erosion and some yards with branch and pine cone collections, the Grand Strand was safe. The next day, the sun and the golfers came out, and life moved back to normal, with a bit of clean-up.

This storm woke people to the fact that storms do occur occasionally to us on the coast, but most are manageable. Stores reported slightly increased sales in water, batteries, and flashlights. Here at Avista, the staff took appropriate measures such as securing items on balconies and making sure that cars were moved to the Avista parking garage, out of low lying areas. Then, on Friday evening, well after the dinner hour, the storm conveniently made its way onshore while most people slept. By dawn it had moved on, and people on the Strand had moved on, too, to their vacations and their lives.

Avista welcomed the following groups to our calm waters and warm sunshine:

• Brady Travel
• American Heart Association
• Lyon, Conklin & Co., Inc.
• Stanley /Kesler Rehearsal
• Butler Collins Family Reunion
• Jitterbug Club
• Fort Bragg HHC, 2nd BCT
• Atlantic Beach Shag Club
• Tribe of Judah Ministries
• Winkler's Grove Baptist Church
• The Institute for Christian Discipleship
• Cotuit High Ground
• J & A Family Reunion
• Millennium Revival Church
• Delta Sigma Pi
• Benchmark Management

Weddings held at Avista Resort:

• 9/13 Mr. & Mrs. Brandon Cooke
• 9/20 Mr. & Mrs. Riley Free
• 9/27 Mr. & Mrs. Adam O'Quinn
• 9/27 Mr. & Mrs. Taylor Workman

Come and join us, the friendliest staff on this part of the beach, and bring your family, club, office, or other members of your group with you for a memorable get-together!

With our affordable rates, plus the balmy weather and many things to do, Avista makes a great venue for meetings and family reunions. Check out the fall discounts at the outlet malls, wonderful live shows, dinner specials with little-to-no wait time at restaurants, and fall events at parks. The list is endless of exciting autumn activities along the Grand Strand.

October:

10/2 Oktoberfest in Myrtle Beach. Coastal Federal Field, from 10 am - 6 pm (Market Common, site of former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base) Celebrate harvest season with typical German food and entertainment (beer and bratwurst are the favorites). Authentic German music played, plus multi-cultural arts and crafts on display. Kid-friendly with scarecrow-building, pumpkin-painting contests, climbing wall. For information: 843.918.1242.

10/3-4 George Jones in Concert at the Alabama Theatre, 7 pm, Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach. An award-winning country singer, George Jones includes many of his hit songs in his repertoire.

10/4 The 1st Annual Art and Antiques in the Alley, Conway, SC. Free event with art, antiques, music, performances, live glassblowing demonstrations, great food. Enjoy shopping, dining, the beautiful Waccamaw River, and Conway's Riverwalk. For information 843.450.9232. (Conway is a 20-minute drive from Myrtle Beach, 40-minute drive from North Myrtle Beach).