Myrtle Beach is much better known for its sun, sand and surf than its ice, snow and cold. In fact, the only ice you will usually find on the Grand Strand is in the bottom of a blender, and the snow usually comes in a cone. What passes for a cold day in Myrtle Beach is most likely the warmest one of the winter for those who live North of the Mason-Dixon Line.
The milder climate is just one reason to spend your winter break at the Paradise Resort in Myrtle Beach. In addition to the clean, comfortable accommodations and first-class amenities that include an indoor pool, lazy river and hot tubs, Paradise Resort is also right in the middle of all the wintertime fun and festivities scheduled for the Myrtle Beach area. Here are a few of the great ways to spend your winter vacation besides resting and relaxing at Paradise Resort:
Arts & Crafts Festivals: The Grand Strand attracts some of the top artists and most skilled craftsmen in the Southeast for a series of shows and festivals this winter. Check out the Art in the Park Festival, The Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals, and the Springmaid Beach Arts & Crafts Show to find some great deals on rare and unique items.
Brookgreen Gardens: The spring bloom may be months away but there are still lots to see at this botanical sculpture garden. In addition to the majestic live oak trees, awe-inspiring statues and varied exhibits, Brookgreen also offers tours of the old Oaks Plantation homestead, slave quarters and rice fields. Admission is good for seven days so you can choose to visit on warmer days and find other endeavors on chilly ones.
Dancing: The Carolina Shag, the state dance of South Carolina, was born on the shores of the Grand Strand back in the mid-1950s. The shag is still celebrated in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach at dance clubs like Fat Harold's and the OD Pavilion. Upcoming events include the SOS Mid-Winter Migration and the National Shag Dance Championships.
Holiday events: The Intracoastal Christmas Regatta (Dec. 5) in North Myrtle Beach, the official Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Myrtle Beach (Dec. 6) and the “Nights of a Thousand Candles” festival at Brookgreen Gardens (Dec. 6-19) in Murrells Inlet are among the many holiday events scheduled on the Grand Strand. There are also parades, caroling, Santa photos and more to spread the holiday spirit.
Shopping: Enjoy some serious retail therapy on the Grand Strand at complexes like Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach and Market Common, malls such as Coastal Grand Mall and the Myrtle Beach Mall, and outlet shops like the Tanger Outlet Stores. Paradise Resort is located near several locally owned boutiques and beachwear stores.
Theaters: In addition to numerous movie theaters, the Grand Strand is also home to lots of live theater halls like The Palace Theatre, Alabama Theatre and The Carolina Opry. All three host holiday shows November through December, followed by their regular productions in January and February. For dinner and a show, visit Pirates Voyage and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
Wine Tastings: The new Duplin Winery facility at Barefoot Landing offers tours and tasting sessions of their award-winning wines. La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River also holds a series of winter bonfires, beginning with the annual Christmas Caroling Bonfire (Dec. 26), and continuing every Saturday In January with music, food, tours and wine tastings.
Those are just a few reasons you should find your little slice of Paradise this winter in Myrtle Beach. Escape the wintertime blues back home and make Paradise Resort your vacation headquarters on the Grand Strand.
(Posted: 11/9/15)
