On the Road with the Rambling Reporter: Myrtle Beach
The pier at Springmaid resort where fishermen can haul in a big catch or visitors can take a leisurely stroll
Springmaid Beach Resorts is an oasis amidst all the attractions of Myrtle Beach. Springmaid is a family friendly resort spread across 27 lush acres on the quieter south end of Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Boulevard. The resort has recently undergone a $7 million renovation that included redecorating nearly 500 rooms.
The resort features a quarter mile of white sandy Atlantic Ocean beachfront where guests can access swimming, enjoy a variety of watersports, including parasailing, and take romantic walks on the moonlit beach.
The rooms are cozy and each room features a private balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
The rooms feature free wifi, private balconies, coffee makers, refrigerators, microwaves and flat screen TVs. The property features six pools, a miniature golf course, two lazy rivers, a health spa, a conference center which boasts award-winning service, two on-site restaurants and numerous activities.
The property is flanked by a 1,068ft. pier on one side, and Myrtle Beach State Park on the other. From the pier fishermen can test their skill at hauling in a big one.
The resort is uniquely private but conveniently located just minutes from the excitement and attractions of Myrtle Beach. But with so many attractions and activities at Springmaid Resort, why would anyone feel the need to leave? With the family activities, beach access and restaurants, families could spend the week at the resort where they would have access to everything they need.
Hula dancers are featured in the luau which brings to life the rich heritage of the Polynesian Islands
The resort features numerous activities for entertainment such as watercolor and crafts. Wednesday night is luau night featuring an authentic and extensive Hawaiian Luau Buffet followed by a true Hawaiian experience, filled with traditional stories and dancing. The evening culminates with a daring and dangerous Polynesian Fire Dance. The luau captures the essence of the Hawaiian and Polynesian islands bringing to life the traditional customs and the hula dances that have been handed down through the centuries.
The resort features three restaurants. Enjoy great traditional low country favorites in a buffet style atmosphere at Marlin’s. The breakfast buffet is filled with biscuits and gravy, old fashioned favorites like hot cakes and sausages, egg dishes, potatoes, breads, a cereal and fresh fruit bar, custom omelet station and more. Marlin’s award winning omelets are a perfect start to your day. You can add breakfast to any package at time of booking. Marlin’s is located next to the Cypress Building and the Cypress Pools complex. Marlin’s is always a great value.
Nothing’s better than dining on the Pier with incredible beach and ocean views. At BARnacles, guests can enjoy a casual bar and grille atmosphere with affordable favorites like grilled catch of the day, nachos, salads and much more. BARnacles is open daily for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and cocktails. BARnacles also features hand dipped ice cream treats. New this year, BARnacles offers outdoor seating on the pier with tables and umbrellas overlooking the ocean.
The Back Porch Pool Bar and Grill is located behind Marlins Restaurant. The restaurant serves hamburgers, nachos, hot dogs, mixed drinks and features live music.
To make a reservation at Springmaid Resorts call 866-764-8501. www.springmaidbeach.com.
Chivalry is alive and well at The Medieval Times Dinner Theater where knights engage in hand-to-hand combat
Chivalry is not dead in Myrtle Beach. The Medieval Times Dinner Theater serves up a meal fit for a king. The dinner fare includes oven roasted chicken, garlic bread, tomato bisque soup, spare ribs, a pastry and drinks. The meals are meant to be eaten the same way diners ate in the 11th century. That is, with your fingers as there was no dinnerware in the 11th century.
During dinner guests will enjoy a show featuring performers, clad in armor, trained in jousting, sword fighting and horseback riding in an enclosed arena. Six knights take turns jousting to the delight of the king and the princess. The knights engage in hand-to-hand combat using swords, maces, nets and other weapons common in the 1200s.
A demonstration is given in the art of falconry, the sport of kings. The falconer steps into the arena and releases the raptor which responds to his every command. The falcon flies to both ends of the arena and at the command of its trainer it returns and lands on the trainer’s arm.
Another demonstration is given in the art of horsemanship in which the rider demonstrates racking, a technique in which the mounted horse leaps into the air to kick backwards to fend off approaching enemy combatants. A demonstration in the art of archery will keep fans at the edge of the seats.
The knights compete in a variety of events including throwing battle axes and riding. The jousting is the finale that will excite and amuse the crowd.
The theater is designed like a medieval castle and no detail is spared. The show is great entertainment for the entire family and a must see attraction in Myrtle Beach. Medieval Times operates nine theaters across the nation. For reservations at any of the nine theaters call at 1-866-543-9637 or visit www.medievaltimes.com.
Visitors can experience the white knuckle excitement of driving a real racing car at the NASCAR Ultimate Driving Experience
NASCAR fans can experience first- hand the feeling of driving a real race car at the NASCAR Racing Experience. NASCAR race fans can drive a real NASCAR race car on the Myrtle Beach Speedway. Experience the white knuckle excitement as you roar around the half mile track at speeds of 100 mph or more. The racing experience provides different packages that accommodate any fan on any budget. You may decide to ride as a passenger or as the driver.
The car has been driven by professional drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and many other NASCAR favorites. Timed racing sessions are offered with number of laps varying depending on your driving ability. Get up to 8-10 laps of driving in the Fan Favorite to the Extraordinary Experience with (4) 8 minute timed racing sessions, up to 40 laps of driving. There’s no lead car to follow and no instructor riding with you. Drivers can experience in-car radio communications with a spotter and YES, passing is allowed.
Or more information call 1-877-RACE-LAP (722-3527) or visit
http://www.nascarracingexperience.com/myrtlebeach/.
For the best in seafood no restaurant in Myrtle Beach compares to the Sea Captain’s House Restaurant located at 3002 N. Ocean Blvd.
Located on the beach, the restaurant won the prestigious Southern Living’s Best Seafood Restaurant Reader’s Choice Award. The menu features breakfast, lunch and dinner. The breakfast menu selection is as diverse as it is scrumptious. Among the many selections is a Seafare Omelet with fresh Crabmeat, Shrimp, Mushrooms and Monterey Jack Cheese that is not to be missed.
The Sea Captain’s made to order Shrimp Salad has been a Myrtle Beach favorite for over 30 years. Each night the Chef offers a selection of fresh caught fish of the day. Each one is prepared and cooked to perfection.
The menu features an extensive wine list, a children’s menu, crab, lobster and many other seafood favorites such as New England clam chowder, she-crab soup, traditional shrimp and grits, shrimp cocktail, McClellanville crab dip, crab and avocado, sea island shrimp, sautéed Crab Cakes, pan seared sea scallops, and much more. For those that prefer turf to surf, the menu has a selection of chicken, filet mignon, pork chops and ribeye steaks.
The dessert menu features a cornucopia of delights including hummingbird cake, a delicious southern favorite of layers of spice cake with pecans, pineapple, banana, and cream cheese frosting. The key lime pie is not to be missed. Hot fudge sauce cake or chocolate bourbon pecan pie with vanilla ice cream is another sure fix for any sweet tooth.
Guests can relax in the Florida room directly on the beach while dining in a casual setting. For reservations call (843) 448-8082 or visit http://www.seacaptains.com/index.html.
