As we near the end of July 2009, the time has come for everyone hoping or planning to come to the beach to do just that! Still deliberating about your beach vacation? Fall is only weeks away, and the advertisements for "back-to-school" items have already begun to appear in the Sunday newspapers. We still have some great prices to offer on beautiful vacation accommodations.
One way to tell that the summer is moving quickly is that July 4th is behind us. The wonderful Independence Day holiday officially marked the heart of summer, and June 20th marked the longest day of the year. Have YOU had your summer vacation yet? With the challenges of 2009, some of you did well just make time to join us for the big party on July 4th here at Grande Shores (more details appear in an article later in this newsletter)-a relaxing day with perfect weather, great food from the Shoreline Grill, and poolside entertainment before fireworks blazed into the sky from offshore later that evening. Everyone, including the staff, had a wonderful day, and we hope that you did, too!
Summer guests able to stay longer have enjoyed the many amenities of the resort. In June over 400 of our youngest guests have had fun participating in planned summer activities such as shark tooth searches, tie-dying T-shirts, and playing pool games. Many children's favorite activities have focused on the pool.
June and July have also inspired many weddings here at the beach. Grande Shores was pleased to serve as the requested site for weddings and family reunions (see the section below entitled "Welcoming Groups to Grande Shores").
If you are one of those who have contacted us with questions to explore a beach vacation, we can offer you budget-friendly rates* between now and Labor Day. Just give us a call or email to see how our specials match with your need to get away while the weather is still warm.
Your Friends at Grande Shores Resort
*Subject to availability
Grande Shores for Golfing This Fall
After Labor Day, the fall season draws many golfers to our area in pursuit of our attractive golf packages. Timing being crucial, people are now booking their '09 golf reservations in anticipation of saving money with the advantageous cooler-weather tee times.
What about playing golf before Labor Day? Anyone questioning whether mid-summer golf is any fun in our heat and humidity might want to talk with our many guests who come here specifically in summertime to play golf. The reason is the angle of the sun after June 20th, the longest day of the year. Golfers, especially those who live in the Deep South, have found that the angle of the sun begins to move off its center, off of its HOT zone overhead, to a less direct position. There is just as much daylight, though. Of course, sunscreen is recommended all year long here in the South, but we often hear from guests booking August golf vacations here look forward to enjoyable rounds of golf, made challenging yet pleasant with off-shore breezes.
Whether you are planning a September golf outing or are considering late-summer tee-times, pack more golf into your vacation by booking multiple rounds! We have many packages to consider, two of which are the Burroughs and Chapin package and the Myrtle Beach National package to find full golf enjoyment! Let our friendly Reservation agent golf specialist help you find the right combination of course tee times to suite your schedule and your group.
Tax-Free Weekend at Grande Shores
Another reason to plan a family vacation in early August is the state's tax-free weekend, August 5-7. Timed for fulfilling the shopping list of back-to-school essentials, the first week in August provides a great balance of air temperature for swimming, golf, and other outdoor activities with shopping. The tax exemptions are targeted to specific school items, and for more details on the criteria in sales tax exemptions from the State of South Carolina during this period of time, go to web site www.sctax.org.
For accommodations availability, plus golf and shopping suggestions, contact a friendly Reservation agent at the Grand Shores: Click Here.
Featured Employee - Eric Gaunt
Now in his fourth year with the company, Eric Gaunt works with the various branches of the hospitality staff to ensure that each and every guest is comfortable and satisfied with a food and beverage event, no matter whether a few guests or an entire group. Perhaps his overriding skill is reliability. He supports whatever the event is with his usual high quality productivity. For example, one of his assignments places him at either the pool bar and restaurant bar, and at other times when needed in the restaurant, he can be found serving. Not limited to those skills, he is equally capable and talented in the kitchen, putting together dishes for the chef's menus.
Eric delivers top-quality service with a pleasant demeanor. In fact, we find his name on everyone's "request" list, especially for banquets where the pace of work increases. As friendly and energetic as anyone would want on a team, Eric contributes not just hard work and skills in whatever he is doing, but he makes the work environment easy-going and friendly.
Originally from southeast Pennsylvania, Eric has lived in the Grand Strand for the past 9 years and loves working at the beach.
HAPPENINGS AROUND GRAND SHORES AND THE IMMEDIATE AREA
Over the past month, summer activities here at Grande Shores have brought much laughter and joy to all ages of our guests staying with us:
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July 4th
The Independence Day holiday fell on a Saturday this year. To accommodate the large number of guests enjoying a mid-summer vacation, Grande Shores ' Pool Grill expanded its menu from 11:30 am to 7:00 pm to accommodate the expanded appetites from all the outdoor dancing with the oceanfront lawn music and entertainment by Brian Tiernan. Then, there were the ever-popular duck races in the lazy river, with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The children's activities directors also stayed busy with fun and interesting crafts and games for little ones, and others enjoyed the buffet dinner at the Shoreline Café. Later, everyone enjoyed watching the fireworks from their chosen vantage points, whether from the elevated pool deck or down by the shoreline.
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Children's Activities All Summer Long
All summer long, planned activities have been a popular attraction for families with children. Though the water sports have been especially popular (relays and other pool games), the face painting, T-shirt tie-dying, and shark-tooth hunts have all drawn crowds, too. The photo at the left shows the Activities' Director, Jessie Derbyshire from Ithaca College, New York.
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Special Discounts at the Area's Entertainment Sites
Grande Shores has been able to pass along to its guests some exceptional offers from some of the biggest names in our area's entertainment:
- The Alabama Theatre - Discounts tickets to children (16-under) with a paying adult (see details at the web site http://www.alabama-theatre.com/06/SpecialsDiscounts.html).
- Legends in Concert features 2 free tickets to kids (ages 16) and under. Ask your reservation agent about complimentary tickets for your children when accompanied by a paying adult at Legends in Concert. The offer continues through the remainder of the summer to September 6, a wonderful way to include an entertainment package with your beach vacation and still save money!
- For those interested in amusement park thrills, Freestyle Music Park has eye-popping rides and entertainment all through the summer (see their web site at www.FreeStyleMusicPark.com)
For those who have yet to make summer plans, summer is winding down, so contact a reservation agent soon for details in booking your Grande Shores' accommodations and tickets to any of these and other great activities that we offer.
Featured Recipe - Blueberry Cobbler
Claiming to be the "best cobbler ever," this recipe comes from AllRecipes.com, especially well timed because here in the Carolinas this is blueberry season. The end result for the batter is a cake-like texture, not crumbly.
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 cups fresh blueberries (washed)
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- Two 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon (optional)
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Berry Mixture: In an 8 inch square baking dish, mix blueberries, 3 tablespoons sugar, and orange juice. (Option: consider adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for added flavor.) Set aside.
- Cake Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, and salt. (Option: consider adding ½ teaspoon of cinnamon for added flavor.) Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, cream butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour mixture, stirring just until ingredients are combined.
- Drop batter by rounded tablespoons over blueberry mixture. Try to cover as much of filling as possible.
- Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbling.
- Serve with ice cream (optional).
Welcoming Groups to Grande Shores
For your next big event of family or group, consider bringing everyone here to Grande Shores where you can be assured of a coordinated event with attention to details important to you. Because we are a beachfront resort with a wide array of amenities and easy access to the entertainment and attractions of the Grand Strand area, every member of your party will be glad of your decision. Here is a list of groups staying here recently:
- White Brown Family Reunion
- Poplar Springs Baptist
- Jean-Louis Cormier Family Reunion
- Team Phoenix
- Duckworth Family Reunion
- LCL Class of '56
- Eatmon/Atkinson Wedding
- Goose Creek Diamondbacks
- Williams Family Reunion
- Yellow Mustang Group
- Smith Family Reunion
- Lawrence Family Reunion
- Baron-Eagleton Family Reunion
- Palmer-Smith Family Reunion
- Sisters That Are Rising
- Fowler Family Reunion
- Turnipseed/Dixon F. Reunion
We want to take this opportunity to recognize our talented staff who coordinate and ensure that each is a huge success. The photo at the right recognizes the Arenas sisters and cousin, a family-team of capable staff who work at special group events.
We want to extend thanks to each guest with each and every group who selected Grande Shores as their preferred site for their event. May you return soon to our shores.
Tip: Plan now for end-of-year holidays! Come here for Christmas and New Year's for a beach get away. Take advantage of end-of-year shopping bargains, plus take in some great shows, attend some parties, of course, take advantage of great rates!
Local Events Calendar
Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Live and lively performances of song, dance, and comedy at Alabama Theatre where kids are FREE (ages 16 and under from now through Labor Day on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and SATURDAYS, with booking at least 7 days in advance).
August is TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH at Teacher Appreciation Month at Broadway at the Beach. Teachers receive special discounts by showing their faculty ID cards to receive a "Preferred Guest Card." 843.444.3200 or www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com.
Now through 8/14. Charlotte's Web at the Palace Theatre, presented by Long Bay Theatre. Performances occur on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am, and again on Friday at 2 pm. Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. For tickets, 843.448.9224 or online https://palaceticketstheatremyrtlebeach.com.
8/1. Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts presents its first annual Swinging Fore the Cure Charity Golf Tournament at Kings North located at Myrtle Beach National. MBSR and Kings North at Myrtle Beach National are honored to host this tournament benefitting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For more information, www.mbsrannualgolftournament.com, or Brenna (251.3519) or Jenna (655.1409.
8/7-9. Craftsmen's Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Myrtle Beach event featuring original work from over 250 talented artists and crafts people. Hours: Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 336.282.5550. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
8/8. Dog Days Blues and Jazz Fest. Little River, SC. Live music non-stop at this blues and jazz festival. For more information, 843.399.9463 (Ext. 4867).
8/14. The Stones-A Tribute to The Rolling Stones Band, presented by the City of Myrtle Beach in its Sun Fun Concert Series. 7 pm concert at Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach. For information, 1.800.FUN.INMB (or 386-4662).
8/21. From the Forest to the Sea: Myrtle Beach State Park Maritime Forest Stroll. From 9:30 am to 10:30 am, experience the unique natural wonders of our Southern environment in a leisurely ¼ mile walk, seeing forest, grassland, and beach. Meet at the Nature Center, 4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information 843.238.0874 or go online to www.myrtlebeachsp.com.
8/31 to 9/4. PGA Tour World Am Handicap Championship Golf Tournament. Four-round competition on a different Grand Strand course each day. All amateur golfers with an established USGA Slope Handicap or equivalent 18-hole handicap are eligible. Deadline for entries August 1, 2009. For more information, www.worldamgolf.com.
See our full calendar of events around the Grand Strand by clicking on "2009 Events".
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Guest Comments
Grande Shores isn't in the heart of Myrtle Beach but it's right on a less crowded part of the beach. You still get the same Beach but less crowded, good service and room and a nice value. The kids loved their pools, all 3 of them (2 outside and 1 indoor); they were exhausted after spending so much time in the (2) 3ft high Lazy River pools. Every major attraction was a short drive away. We rented the 3-room suites, and it was very clean and roomy. The washer/dryer combo was helpful. We're planning on staying there again in a couple of months when we come back to Myrtle Beach. Go to their website and check out the manager's specials; we saved about $30 a night by booking directly on their site.
Email on TripAdvisor.com from Cleo D, Atlanta, GA. 06.01.09
The entire staff was most courteous and helpful during our stay [in May 2009]. I would like to point out one individual who's name is Aimee. She went over and above common courtesy and made our stay extra special. She is to be commended for her personalized service. In my opinion, she should recognized for her customer service. We had a great stay and would recommend this hotel to anyone.
Email on TripAdvisor.com from "Wilson19" from Hawaii, 05.22.09.
My husband has stayed with Grande Shores during the spring for many years. Last two myself and three girls have joined him. We fly in and rent a car…. Love your place.
Email from newsletter response, Tracey Family, 07.05.09
We traveled with a dance group that was performing at the convention center. Our location was perfect only 10 minutes from the convention center. Rooms were fine, no problems, worked with the sales manager to accommodate our large group and our families loved the pools and the location. Lots of fun activities by pool in the afternoon. Planning on staying at the Grande Shores for our national competition next year. Hats off to Grande Shores' Ocean Resort for such a memorable stay!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Email on TripAdvisor.com from "jdance" from Ohio, 07.09.
Fun Facts
The "Grande" summer appetite is growing.
What a list of tasty items that people enjoyed outdoors by the pool over the past few weeks: daiquiris, smoothies, chicken wings, burgers and 'dogs, chicken sandwiches, and more.
Just sitting around the pool? Try these two popular and difficult tongue twisters:
If you must cross a course cross cow across a crowded cow crossing, cross the cross coarse cow across the crowded cow crossing carefully.
Imagine an imaginary menagerie manager managing an imaginary menagerie.
Oral hygiene is said to date back to the age of Buddha who used a tooth-stick to clean his teeth. The first toothpaste was invented in 1780 and applied every other day: cinnamon, dragon's blood, and burnt alum.
Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying.
Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with.
Bruce Lee was so fast in his moves that production managers actually had to s-l-o-w film down for anyone to see what he was doing.
The next time that you watch the movie Ben Hur, keep an eye open for the following details during the chariot race scene: a small red car in the distance and a watch on Charlton Heston's wrist.
Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it will digest itself.
You might have heard that American pizza is different from Italian pizza. The same is true of a coffee "latte." The word "latte" means milk in Italian. If you are to ask for a "latte" in Italy, you will get a glass of milk.
In the 1980s, the world's most expensive swimsuit costing $12,000 boasted a scattering of diamonds and pearls on a jet-black maillot-style cut.
Swim trunks first came on the scene at the turn of the 20th century. Despite their more modern appearance, these swimsuits became extremely heavy when wet (approximately 9 pounds when soaked) and had a tendency to fall down.
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