Myrtle Beach trip budget tips?

[dolphindan1]

Hard Rock park is suppose to open i believe april of 08 or May of 08. There is now a backstage tour open at the park site to show you what the park will look like . it just opened on 4/18 . As you can tell by my name we are a coaster family and looking forward to the park opening next year.

we cant wait either....I hope it lives up to hard rack standards....it should be a nice boost for SC tourism....plus carowinds gets a bit old so it will be nice to have HR around...good day trip I hope

 

[dolphindan1]

here is a link

http://www.hrpusa.com/

 

[JNSNJNT]

I actually live about 5 miles from where they are going to put the new Hard Rock. Its going to be located off 501 where the old Factory Stores used to be and where Midevel Times is located.

Hard Rock wants to be a year round operation which as many locals know will not go very well. Even Carowinds, which is in North Carolina, closes for the winter. I think this could make or break Hard Rock. Also this plan had alot of ups and downs just trying to get here.

Also, there is going to have to be alot of road construction before this can work. The abandoned Factory Stores still stand and we haven't heard of any intentions to knock it down. So you can't even see the park from the road.

I really hope this works out but they have to get there ducks in a row before it does.

Sorry for taking this OT

 

[Carolinagirl1063]

I actually live about 5 miles from where they are going to put the new Hard Rock. Its going to be located off 501 where the old Factory Stores used to be and where Midevel Times is located.

Hard Rock wants to be a year round operation which as many locals know will not go very well. Even Carowinds, which is in North Carolina, closes for the winter. I think this could make or break Hard Rock. Also this plan had alot of ups and downs just trying to get here.

Also, there is going to have to be alot of road construction before this can work. The abandoned Factory Stores still stand and we haven't heard of any intentions to knock it down. So you can't even see the park from the road.

I really hope this works out but they have to get there ducks in a row before it does.

Sorry for taking this OT

I vote for Compass Cove in the tower it was renovated last year. Next choices in order would be the Crown Reef, Coral Beach and Patricia Grand. I too would stay away from the Sea Mist.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

giving this a friendly bump........lots of good opinions here!

 

[ogreenlee]

I can't believe that all of us Myrtle Beachers have forgotten one of the most important things about that place: PANCAKE HOUSES

I can't believer I forgot. One of my favorite meals that we have. There are so many pancake houses there, but some are not good and some are just awesome. What's really sad is that I hate to say that I can't remember the name of my favorite one. I just know where it's located (Kings Hwy, south of Lake Arrowhead). My old favorite when I used to work there was in N. Myrtle.

I used to work at Doc Holidays (don't know if it's still called that). Anyone remember that place? I enjoyed working there. It was behind Santa Fe Station on the waterway. I highly recommend NEVER eating at Santa Fe Station, as I worked there for four hours until I saw a customer fall and no one help even though a manager was right there. Then I saw a steak hit the floor in the kitchen (one of the nastiest I've ever worked in) and get thrown on the grill for a couple of seconds then plated again. As many restaurants I've worked in across the south... I've never seen that happen. It's a very popular restaurant. It was so unbelievably hot in the kitchen that the servers bathed themselves in the ice water of the ice used for oysters on a half shell. Pretty gross.

Anyway, I literally quit, then immediately went to the restaurant behind there (Doc Holidays) for a beer. Spoke with a bartender and had a job there the next day after meeting the manager. I just keep rambling. Anyhoot, bartenders all over the SC coast were splitting those mini-bottles to anyone ordering frozen drinks and pocketing the extra money. Sorry to say...

Did I touch all the bases? lol

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

http://www.sciway.net/maps/myrtle-beach-south-carolina-map.html

Look at this map. Find APACHE PIER along the middle on the coast. That road, Shore Dr. is the area I'm referring to as that small strip. Lake Arrowhead Rd is the road that come from Kings Hwy and also has Bimini's Oyster Bar.

This is a great area as it's close to everything without being down in the not so nice section of Myrtle. I'm not crazy about the area between Briarcliffe and Ingram, either. I remember it being kind of slummy when I lived there.

At the very top is Cherry Grove. Nice beaches and a nice beach community, but kind of far from lots of stuff.

Hope some of this info helps.

I agree with you about Lake Arrowhead Dr. Very nice and quiet there. Ocean Annie's is a great beach bar too. You are near some great shopping too. Since I was the orignal person to talk about Bike Week. Yes the bikes can be loud, but Harley's just are that way. I have heard (but have never been there)that black bike week is much louder than the regular week. We,as a group of 30-40, have stayed at both Oceans Sands and down at Sandcastle South(about 1 mile from the airport). But the area is so spread out and many choices of roads to take, you don't always see us. I do agree to stay away from Calabash seafood rest. waste of good money.

Do you guys know if there are hotels in this area? I'm having a hard time finding anything but rental homes..........thanks

 

[smfritz03]

I'm very greatful for this thread!!! We are planning a trip as well this summer to Myrtle.

I have 4 kids--ages 9, 8, 8 and 3---what activities are there for them to do that aren't pricey?

 

[lchadwick]

I used to work at Doc Holidays (don't know if it's still called that). Anyone remember that place?

My husband was a chef at Doc Holidays (before we were married)!

My kids love putt-putt and going to the beach. Although I live in MB (within earshot of the HardRock Park!) I'm hopeless with entertainment suggestions. Any of the water parks are good for kids and my 4YO just saw Family Kingdom at night and wants to go so bad.

Have fun at the beach!

 

[coastermom]

Hey just a quick question we have never stayed at breakers is it any good ?? Clean ? Thanks

 

[Straitlover]

TravelZoo has a special listed for Crowne Reef for your dates.

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/resorts-spas/295271

 

[Accentuate+]

I'm very greatful for this thread!!! We are planning a trip as well this summer to Myrtle.

I have 4 kids--ages 9, 8, 8 and 3---what activities are there for them to do that aren't pricey?

The beach is the cheapest thing, that's where I'd want to be if i were a kid.
Buy a frisbee, a shovel and sand pail, a cheap boogie board and a kite and set them free.
There's a children's museum that's not expensive and kids could probably blow a day in there (mom and dad may get bored after a while)
- interactive exhibits, giant legos, a 'ship' made from a waterbed so you slosh around in it, arts and crafts area, science experiments, they change the exhibits and I haven't been in a while.

There's small parks scattered around. If you like to fish, bring a pole and you can fish off of most of the piers. There's a nominal fee, it used to be less than a dollar but been a while since I've done this. The Surfside Beach and Garden City piers both have little tackle shops where you can buy bait. (you can also buy and maybe even rent poles/tackle)

Beyond that Putt-putt (pretty cheap), the amusement and water parks (not horribly expensive), on up to the shows and special venues - the aquarium, IMAX, Ripleys museum, Magic Quest, Alligator Adventure, Medieval Times, Dixie Stampede...there's a lot to do. Most of these places have websites and most offer coupons. There are usually fireworks at Broadway at the Beach at least one night a week during the summer, free to watch.

Depending on how able you are to set a budget and say "no" to their pleas for more quarters you might be able to do an arcade trip fairly reasonably.

 

[dolphindan1]

The beach is the cheapest thing, that's where I'd want to be if i were a kid.
Buy a frisbee, a shovel and sand pail, a cheap boogie board and a kite and set them free.
There's a children's museum that's not expensive and kids could probably blow a day in there (mom and dad may get bored after a while)
- interactive exhibits, giant legos, a 'ship' made from a waterbed so you slosh around in it, arts and crafts area, science experiments, they change the exhibits and I haven't been in a while.

There's small parks scattered around. If you like to fish, bring a pole and you can fish off of most of the piers. There's a nominal fee, it used to be less than a dollar but been a while since I've done this. The Surfside Beach and Garden City piers both have little tackle shops where you can buy bait. (you can also buy and maybe even rent poles/tackle)

Beyond that Putt-putt (pretty cheap), the amusement and water parks (not horribly expensive), on up to the shows and special venues - the aquarium, IMAX, Ripleys museum, Magic Quest, Alligator Adventure, Medieval Times, Dixie Stampede...there's a lot to do. Most of these places have websites and most offer coupons. There are usually fireworks at Broadway at the Beach at least one night a week during the summer, free to watch.

Depending on how able you are to set a budget and say "no" to their pleas for more quarters you might be able to do an arcade trip fairly reasonably.

I vote Myrtle Waves for kids.....great water park and I believe you can get discount coupons at the info center at Broadway at the Beach....My 2 boys love Alligator Advenure and Putt Putt....they are 6 and 10...You cant go wrong with the beach....and to eat over by Broadway at the Beach is a place called Bullwinkles its a bit like Chuckie Cheese but different...I havent been to Magicquest yet but the web site looks real neat....

As far as putt putt goes there are a zillion places to play....find one that allows you yo pay and play all day that way you can leave and come back later after a beach or lunch break...we like I believe its Jungle golf is the name not 100 percent sure its right next to a hardees on Kings Highway...

North MB also has a pier with resturant and shops....just have fun and expect it to be crowded

 

[dolphindan1]

I can't believe that all of us Myrtle Beachers have forgotten one of the most important things about that place: PANCAKE HOUSES lol

Something about MB and Pancakes....we always go to IHOP....wife love rutti tutti fresh and fruity breakfast....

 

[CarolinaGirl453]

I am a police officer in Myrtle Beach. This will be my 7th set of Bike Weeks since joining the force. If you're not a biker, I would stay away from Myrtle Beach proper. We get between 300,000 and 600,000 bikers each weekend.

Your dates are between the two bike weeks. As such many of the Harley riders will still be in town. It makes for a very noisy stay. Many of these guys ride late into the night. And do burn-outs in the hotel parking decks.

What one poster called "black bike week" is actually Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest. Atlantic beach is a very small town to the north of Myrtle Beach. And the bikers travel back and forth between Myrtle and Atlantic Beaches. A lot of bikers come into town the week before memorial weekend (your exact dates).

Crime in Myrtle Beach spikes during these two weeks. During Harley week, there are lots of cases of public drunkeness, traffic offenses and stolen vehicles. Thieves steal minivans, trucks, and trailers and then use them to steal bikes.

During Bikefest, we see lots of robberies, burglaries (vehicle and hotel room), traffic offenses, drunkeness and drug use, and nudity. Not family friendly in the least. We, as police officers, work hard to keep a lid on things; but, at best, it's controlled chaos.

Most of the hotels you listed are right in the path of the bikers. In my opinion you picked the absolute worst week of the year to visit Myrtle Beach if you're not a biker.

If you still plan to come, here's what I suggest:
Look into "Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort." It's a very nice resort on the south end. Away from the chaos. Very quiet. And you can probably get good deals on expedia. Visit Brookgreen Gardens (your entry ticket is good for 7 days) and Huntington Beach State Park. Explore the Pawley's Island Hammock Shops and historic Georgetown.

Sorry this is so long, but I think vacationers should be informed. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Michelle

 

[keishashadow]

I'm very greatful for this thread!!! We are planning a trip as well this summer to Myrtle.

I have 4 kids--ages 9, 8, 8 and 3---what activities are there for them to do that aren't pricey?

The state park, just south of the main strip has a nice summer program for kids, can't remember the web address - should be easy to find.

Low admission fee to enter, they do sea turtle program, crabbing off the pier and other activities...lots of families come over from the campground.

They also have a nature center.

If you want to drive a little further south down past Murrells Inlet, across from Brookgreen Gardens (a bit of a snooze for kids & expensive imo) is another park. Atalaya Castle (neat bit of history) and a great nature area w/boardwalk into the intercoastal water area -- lots of alligators, turtles, etc. Good shelling on the beach too.

Walking/shopping @ Broadway @ the beach is a nice way to spend an evening after dinner.

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

I am a police officer in Myrtle Beach. This will be my 7th set of Bike Weeks since joining the force. If you're not a biker, I would stay away from Myrtle Beach proper. We get between 300,000 and 600,000 bikers each weekend.

Your dates are between the two bike weeks. As such many of the Harley riders will still be in town. It makes for a very noisy stay. Many of these guys ride late into the night. And do burn-outs in the hotel parking decks.

What one poster called "black bike week" is actually Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest. Atlantic beach is a very small town to the north of Myrtle Beach. And the bikers travel back and forth between Myrtle and Atlantic Beaches. A lot of bikers come into town the week before memorial weekend (your exact dates).

Crime in Myrtle Beach spikes during these two weeks. During Harley week, there are lots of cases of public drunkeness, traffic offenses and stolen vehicles. Thieves steal minivans, trucks, and trailers and then use them to steal bikes.

During Bikefest, we see lots of robberies, burglaries (vehicle and hotel room), traffic offenses, drunkeness and drug use, and nudity. Not family friendly in the least. We, as police officers, work hard to keep a lid on things; but, at best, it's controlled chaos.

Most of the hotels you listed are right in the path of the bikers. In my opinion you picked the absolute worst week of the year to visit Myrtle Beach if you're not a biker.

If you still plan to come, here's what I suggest:
Look into "Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort." It's a very nice resort on the south end. Away from the chaos. Very quiet. And you can probably get good deals on expedia. Visit Brookgreen Gardens (your entry ticket is good for 7 days) and Huntington Beach State Park. Explore the Pawley's Island Hammock Shops and historic Georgetown.

Sorry this is so long, but I think vacationers should be informed. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

Michelle

I appreciate your honesty!! And I'm going to look into Litchfield......thanks!

 

[winniethepoohsmom]

Our favorite place to stay is the Caravelle Resort on the beach but north of the amusements, quiter, indoor and outdoor pools lazy river, hot tubs clean rooms and property. We're planning on going back next year.

 

[mdsouth]

Thanks to eeyorefan74 for starting this thread. We will be going to Myrtle Beach in late June. My DB and his family live a few hours away. We plan on both our families staying at Mrytle Beach for a few days. My heart hasn't been into planning the days at Myrtle Beach. I have been in the past and was not really impressed with the beach access and all the crowds.

I have been hoping instead we could all swing a quick trip to WDW during that time instead. But with the extra travel and WDW park tickets, and both our families' budgets, I don't think the WDW trip is possible at this time. So, I have been checking into Myrtle Beach on my own but with not much enthusiasm. With everyone' suggestions, especially about Huntington State Park and the less crowded areas I am now a little more excited about the trip.

Thank you all. Thanks to CarolinaGirl 453 for giving everyone the REAL picture of bike weeks. And thank you for wtching out for us all on a daily basis.

 

[ogreenlee]

Do you guys know if there are hotels in this area? I'm having a hard time finding anything but rental homes..........thanks

Ocean Club and Sands Club are on Shore Drive.

http://www.sandsresorts.com/