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September 2009      Volume 30 North Myrtle Beach, SC
FAMILY VACATION NEWSLETTER
Labor Day 2009 fell on September 7th this year, a week later than in previous years. Residents and vacationers alike enjoyed a bit more summer fun, and for some youngsters and their families on vacation at the beach, this meant more time to play in the surf and enjoy our mild weather.

Amazingly, almost as soon as the last day of August ended, the weather went from its usual steamy, toasty condition (typical summer weather includes temperatures in the 90's with humidity at about the same range) to something that more closely resembled fall. Suddenly, the air is cool at night and comfortable during the day with cotton-puff clouds on a blanket of blue sky. By day, people here at the beach still find the water and air temperatures warm enough to wear bathing suits and play in the water. See the web camera on the Avista website to watch the seasonal changes, but to date, people continue to splash in the waves and enjoy para-sailing, fishing, and boogie-boarding.

Reports from the Seacoast Anglers Association representative indicate that we are near one of the busy seasons for fishing, in particular the king and Spanish mackerel which are lurking near the beaches and just over the reefs. If you have already begun packing your fishing gear to trek this way, be sure to put in lures for the sea bass, too. They are plentiful around the off shore reefs to the point that you might pull in thirty to forty of them in an outing , though you are only able to keep four or five. Other popular fish ready for your hook and line are Triggerfish, White Grunt and Sheepshead, all providing excitement to anyone, especially children, who come out for a day of fishing.

At the beginning of the autumn season, leisure activities are buzzing well beyond the ocean with some who are able to visit us for long weekends or long delayed summer vacations raving about adventures in kayaking, attending the fall festivals, and, of course, golfing. The Avista Resorts fall golf packages stir excitement among all levels of golfers for their high value in selection among premier courses.

We urge you to take some relaxation time for yourselves this fall and join us at the beach, especially if you live only a few hours away. Just give us a call to have your condo ready for your arrival, perhaps trimming it nicely with a delivery of champagne and chocolates for an extra treat!

Your Friends at Avista Resort!

Our Resorts Attend AAA Tradeshow in Pittsburgh, PA

Without good advertising, good products can go unnoticed, and when groups search for wonderful sites with a full array of amenities for their events, they need to know what we can offer them.

One way of many ways that we at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts stay in the mainstream of the travel and vacation industry is to talk with other people in the industry. Our latest endeavor was to attend the AAA tradeshow held on September 3rd at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort and Spa, Pittsburgh, PA. This event provided us with an opportunity to gather ideas and promote our properties. Also, we offered two packages exclusively through AAA for their group leaders to sell to their representatives.

Representing Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts at this AAA event was our Director of Group Sales, Jennifer Morse, who attended as part of a cooperative effort with the Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Others attending from the Grand Strand included representatives from other resorts, restaurants, and entertainment groups. All in all, attendees represented places across the country, ranging as far away as California, and Jennifer returned with valuable information to help in her management of group sales.

News from JUST OFF MAIN and TREE TOP LOUNGE:

In addition to creating delicious dishes for the regular meal service at Just Off Main, Chef Marvin has been contemplating what tasty and yet traditional dishes would inspire people for the Thanksgiving menu. Yes, indeed. Thanksgiving! Can you believe that we are preparing for this November holiday while people are still scampering around in the surf after waves.

Tree Top Lounge, also his domain, features wonderful "tapas" creations now for people to enjoy as they listen to music, sip a beverage, and mingle with other guests. Tapas (otherwise known as canapés or finger food) comes in many forms, but Chef enjoys using ingredients that he finds plentiful such as shrimp, scallops, beef, and variations on veggies.

We hope that you will start now to plan for Thanksgiving. Please join us for a delicious traditional Thanksgiving and leave the work to us. Click here for the menu.

Around Town This Month:

  • Golf: Concluding this year on September 4th, the PGA Tour Superstore's World Am Handicap Championship brought in 3,060 players from around the world, some of whom stayed with us here at Avista Resort. After four rounds of net stroke play on a different course each day produced winners in each of the handicap flights. Linda Fuller, a 16.8 handicap player, shot a 66 on her fifth and final day of playoffs, making her the winner of the tournament, the third consecutive female to achieve this distinction. The event was open to all amateur golfers with a USGA handicap.

    The tournament next year is scheduled for August 30 - September 3, 2010. Start practicing now for the 2010 tournament by playing the Grand Strand courses, most of which we at Avista have available through low-cost golf packages that put you in lovely accommodations with full-service amenities, delightful in- and outdoor water facilities, and many more options.

  • Surfing: This summer has brought us extraordinary wave action from off-shore storms that never threatened us at all. However, from their location thousands of miles out at sea, they moved water towards us in waves that provided some challenging surf situations. In between, however, the ocean has been flat which is when we go jet skiing, scuba diving, para-sailing, and anything else to do with the water. Check current conditions at exactly the place where you want to surf or do whatever. See www.surfline.com or www.SwellInfo.com.

  • Endless Summer: The Annual Endless Summer Festival has included many events, food, and festivities all summer long at a relaxed but fun-filled atmosphere that ranged up and down the entire Grand Strand. Fairly mild temperatures have kept more people outside doing things, rather than finding relief inside in air conditioning. Even though Labor Day has come and gone, we are still enjoying delightful weather. Fall might begin on September 22nd, but summer fun lives on here at Avista Resort! Come stay with us at the beach and keep your own summer going!

    • Preparing Now for Flu Season

    In the past, we have considered flu season as a cold-weather event. Not so this year. Influenza season started early this year with the appearance of swine flu in this country in April, and pharmaceutical companies went into over-drive to produce vaccines. By June the World Health Organization had declared this particular strain of the disease to be in the pandemic stage, so we at Avista Resort want to do our part to promote health and well being by urging everyone to follow a simple but effective plan of action:

    • Wash hands often
    • Avoid close contact
    • Avoid spreading germs. Keep hands away from your eyes, nose, mouth
    • If you are sneezing and coughing, cover your mouth and nose
    • Practice good health habits (eat beneficial foods, get enough sleep, manage stress, etc.)
    • If sick, stay home to avoid spreading the illness

    Featured Recipe: African Squash and Yams (called Futari)

    Yams, cloves, and coconut milk are popular ingredients in many dishes throughout Africa, and this is harvest season for yams now here in the South. Take an adventure into a delicious side dish that makes six to eight servings. Preparation time for the ingredients is 10 minutes. Total cooking is approximately 30 minutes.

    INGREDIENTS:

    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
    • 1 pound Hubbard or acorn squash, pared and cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 2 yams, or sweet potatoes, pared and cut into 1-inch pieces
    • 1 cup coconut milk (available in most grocery stores)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

    Directions:

    1. Cook and stir the onions in vegetable oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat until tender.

    2. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat.

    3. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

    4. Simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (about 5 minutes longer).

    Groups at AVISTA RESORT

    We want to extend a hearty "thank you" to the following groups for selecting the Avista Resort as to bring their group members and share in their time together here at the beach:

    AUGUST
    America's Travel Companies
    Campus Crusade
    Hill Birthday Party
    Mack Washington White Family Reunion
    Pulice Midler Wedding
    Second Baptist Church
    Tisdale Family Reunion

    SEPTEMBER
    Atlantic Beach Shag Club
    Brady Travel
    Bryant Family Reunion
    Calvary Hill Churches
    Cotuit High Ground
    Dove Whitman Reception
    Ferguson Raney Wedding
    First Baptist Church of Vandal
    Florence Chamber of Commerce
    Humphrey Alder Reception
    Imperial Travel
    Jitterbug Club
    Lyon, Conklin & Co. Inc.
    Matthews Harvey Wedding
    Mount Vernon HS Reunion
    Palms 5th Avenue HOA Meeting
    Rising Star Baptist Church
    Simon Temple AME Zion Church
    St Jane's Trips and Tours
    The Institute for Christian Dis
    Travel with Dave
    Wake Chapel Church
    Walls Sternicki Wedding
    Wilkerson Adams Wedding
    Winkler's Grove Baptist Church
    Wobble Island

    If you and your group are considering a wedding, family reunion, or other get-together, Avista offers a wide array of ways to please every member of your party. Check with our Group Sales department to begin the process of arranging your next event.


    Local Events Calendar - September, 2009

    Here are only a few of the events and things to do in our area in October, or click here for our web site with more events listed:

    10/1-3. Fall Bike Rally. The weather is still warm and the hospitality is, too! Come stay with us just moments away from the all the excitement, whether you participate in the motorcycle rally or just hang out at the local fun places. Enjoy our spacious accommodations near the water and count on our friendly service and much more! Call 800.968.8986 for more information, and ask about specials!

    10/4. Beach Music Celebration called "Let the Good Times Roll!" Relive classic hits by some of the most popular performers in the Beach Music world (The Tams, Craig Woolard and Billy Scott to name a few). Full symphonic accompaniment to great beach tunes. Long Bay Symphony. More information at 843.448.8379.

    10/11 and 12. Shrimp and Jazz Fest in Little River, SC. Held on Columbus Day weekend, this party in beautiful historic Little River is a major attraction in this part of the Grand Strand with non-stop music, family fun for all ages, a shrimp cook-off, arts and crafts vendors, plenty of food, and lots more. Come to the waterfront from 10 AM to 6 PM.

    10/17-18. The 29th Annual North Carolina Oyster Festival, held annually in Ocean Isle Beach (just over the NC/SC state line). Whether or not you are a long-standing fan of oysters or not, you will enjoy this fall festival because of its local color and culture, plus its tribute to fall and food and fun. This is great place to get a start on holiday shopping, to unwind while listening to live bands, and to roam the grounds watching all the sights. For information call 800.426.6644.

    10/27. Taste of the Town. Each year the Grand Strand area enjoys a special fund-raiser for Come to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to taste delicacies from some of the Grand Strand's most delightful restaurants. Over 50 top restaurants share their culinary specialties and compete for coveted prizes of being the "best" in various categories. For more information, Myrtle Beach Convention Center 843.448.5930.

    10/31. The Annual Endless Summer Festival on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. For more information, 843.281.2662 or www.nmbevents.com.

    10/31. Trick or Treating at Broadway at the Beach, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Bring your children of all ages to trick or treat at Broadway at the Beach where you'll find much to see and do, plenty of kid-friendly events, and opportunities for shopping and dining. Come to 1325 Celebrity Circle. For more information, 843.444.3200 or go online to www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

    10/31. Trick or Treating at Market Common from 6 PM to 8 PM. Each store has clues to find treats. Great for kids of all ages. For more information, go to www.MarketCommon.com or call 843.839.3500. Address of the event is 4017 Deville Street in Myrtle Beach 29577.

    Book now to save your place for fall festivals, Thanksgiving feasting, and fun at the beach: www.AvistaResort.com
    GUEST COMMENTS


    The following comments came in by email, through Twitter, and by written notes from guests over the past several weeks:

    [To] AvistaResort, our week at Avista was incredible, oceanfront, beautiful scenic and excellent beach. Thanks! We will be back in late summer! Love it, photos and vids.

    Note on Twitter from former guest, 06.09.09



    My husband and I came to N Myrtle for our Nephew's wedding on the beach. We also renewed our vows earlier that day on the beach. What a wonderful place to stay and we will definetly come to the Avista again. Great price and excellent service. Thank You SOOOO Much!

    Email through Avista's website, 8/18/09, from the Campbell family



    I stayed at the resort last week and wanted to compliment you on your staff. We were treated so kindly by everyone. Everyone greeted us every time they passed, offered help when we had questions. I have never been told have a great day so many times in a week!!! Thanks for making our stay great. And thank your staff for making our trip wonderful! Collins family.

    Email through Avista's website, 8/31/09, from the Collins family



    Stayed at the Avista Resort for the very first time with some friends to play some golf and just enjoy the beach. This place is fabulous. I have stayed all over the world and can compare. The staff was extremely friendly no matter where I went. The front desk check in was quick. Breakfast/lunch/dinner was fantastic and the service staff were very friendly. The rooms were very nice, clean and spacious. Views were incredible. I'm planning on going back this fall for another golf trip with the boys. The pools were great. Can't wait to come back.

    Guest response on TripAdvisor.com from "Coronnaman007" from Raleigh, NC, 08/06/09



    Fun Facts




  • While you are putting your golf clubs away and waiting for winter to set in, here are some facts of trivia to review:

  • The most stunning creation on the Wizard Golf Links, thanks to the shifting soil, is the par-3 17th hole. From an elevated tee, players should try to carry to the island green, up to 180 yards long from the championship tees. Golfers, does this bit of trivia prompt you to unpack those clubs?

  • The Wizard's 18th hole has an island green, as well, with a dogleg par 4 with water on each side of the fairway.

  • Playing Heritage's dramatic 18th hole is tricky because it leans around a river to the right. Reach it in two shots only if you take an aggressive line by hooking over trees. Otherwise, you will need a third shot from about 100 yards over water into the massive green.

  • When you play the 16th at Heathland, mind the creek that runs diagonally across this hole. If you put your shot to the right side of the fairway, you have a clearer shot past the fairway bunker to the green.

  • When you play the 7th hole at Caledonia, keep your tee shot far left of center to remove from play the hazards on the right side and the oak trees on the left side.

  • Ah, the Witch. When you play the signature hole at the Witch, a 349-yard par 4, remember that there is wetland out there, and it will take about a 165-yard carry over to clear it. The ideal drive is about 230 yards, leaving about 150 yards to the green. Mind the wetlands to the right and left of the fairway on your way there, too, so you might try a 3-wood or hybrid to play for a position in the fairway to make par.

  • More on The Witch. Watch for "animal kingdom" on the back nine.

  • Paspalum grass, a type especially good for golf courses, is part of our history. According to scientists, hundreds of years ago it was used abroad to line the floors of slave ships coming from Africa, then discarded on the American shores before the boats returned to the home continent. This grass has been found today on the ocean sand dunes near known slave ports between Charleston and Jacksonville, Florida, proving that, over centuries, it has adapted to our difficult growing conditions. Now, coastal golf courses in particular are excited about it because of its great tolerance for our salty environment.

  • Golfers are arriving daily to play on our premier courses, so not don't pack those clubs away just yet. If you are NOT ready for the snow, ice, and layers of clothing, why not stop in here for some wonderful golf experiences in our gentle autumn weather, plus many opportunities for fun at the beach!



    • Green Zone

  • Registering our property on www.iStayGreen.org, an environmentally-conscious website listing lodging establishments and their environmental initiatives

  • No-smoking zones at Avista including many no-smoking rooms

  • Wheel-chair accessibility

  • Smog-free location at the coastline in peaceful North Myrtle Beach

  • Participating in the on-going project with North Myrtle Beach to install energy-generating wind turbines on premises which would store the energy produced here at Avista.

  • Recycling wasted photocopy paper by using the back sides of draft copies

  • Recycling empty cardboard boxes from supplies to use in sending out promotional materials for the company

  • Using environmentally friendly liquid dish detergent in our kitchen at Just Off Main, as well in other cleaning situations at Avista

  • Using clean, sustainable water to refill drinking containers in cooperation with a national program called TapIt! This water bottle refill network helps you find free drinkable water, and it is part of a growing international effort to reduce environmental demands on cities.
    • Ebb and Flow of Information
    Where did you stay? We would love to hear from you!



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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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