So far, summer 2009 might not have the multitudes of people who arrived by the car-load a year ago, but the benefits have certainly been clear to those vacationers who DO come to the beach.
Isn't this the vacation scene that YOU crave? It's all here, waiting for you:
- Fewer drivers on the road
- More beach space to spread out your blanket near the surf
- Shorter lines at restaurants, area attractions, and ice cream stands
- More personal attention from customer service
- More options in area-wide things to do through incentive packages
Here at Grande Shores, our summer is already under way, and the children's activities are in full swing. Activities' coordinators are available on site from Tuesday through Saturday located near the pool. If you and your children enjoy arts and crafts, water and beach sports, and fitness activities, pick up a flyer at check-in or come to the activities tent near the pool area.
Other activities include the ever-popular "KenDucky Derby" duck races, continuing their trek around the lazy river. As in the past, all proceeds from this activity go to Relay for Life, as affiliated with The American Cancer. Please ask at the front desk for the next race during your vacation here at Grande Shores.
June, July, and August have the potential to renew, refresh and invigorate everyone after the battering of the past twelve months or so. We hope that you, too, will let Grande Shores be your respite while 2009 comes back up to speed.
Your Friends at Grande Shores Resort
What's THAT at the Bottom of Grande Shores' Homepage?
We have begun using a tool on the Grande Shores' web homepage. You can see evidence of it by scrolling down to see the icons at the very bottom. If you are not already familiar with social networking on the internet, we use the social networks of Twitter and Facebook to help keep you informed about what we are doing, what is going on here on the beach, what you can expect in vacation discounts, and even review the newsletters.
If you would like to join in and have not already discovered the added value to our website at the bottom of the home page, please take a moment to log on and scroll down. Try them and let us know what you think.
Look for these icons:
TWITTER
Started in 2006 as a free social networking and micro-blogging service, Twitter enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets. Regularly, we "tweet" about the beach weather, links to the newsletters, and events that are going on here and around the Grand Strand.
When you see this icon,
click on it to connect with the Grand Shores Twitter site.
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FACEBOOK
is another social networking website tool, launched in 2004. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people. One of the more popular features of Facebook is photo applications where people can post albums with up to 200 photos.
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STUMBLEUPON
is an internet community that allows users to discover websites such as ours and rate them. If you enjoy our website at www.grandeshores.com, then you could go to Stumbleupon and rate it. That way, others can try it, too. This technology is people-friendly and built for sharing information.
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Information on the internet changes rapidly, and with the aid of these three internet tools, Grande Shores can share its news with anyone interested in relaxing at the beach at affordable rates!
More Activities with Relay for Life
The First Annual "Swing Fore the Cure" Golf Tournament. On Saturday, August 1st, we hope that you will have your golf game tuned for what promises to be a fun and exciting day out on the golf course at Myrtle Beach National. Kings North course, in conjunction with our own Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, is sponsoring this tournament to raise money on behalf of The American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. With plenty of exciting prizes for everything from the top finishing spots to last place to longest drive to closest to the pin, players can expect lots of action. Beverages will be provided during play, and raffle tickets are available to draw for more prizes. For more information, go to the tournament's website at www.MBSRAnnualGolfTournament.com or call 843.251.3519 or 843.655.1409.
Silent Auction. This event will collect bids on exciting prizes donated by the contributors listed below, and all proceeds will be presented to the American Cancer Society on behalf of Relay for Life. The number of contributors is growing, and the prizes that they are offering are incredible. As soon as details become available for bidding on the prizes, we will announce the information through the "news" section of the Grande Shores' web site and also in the next newsletter and on Twitter and Facebook. Here is the list of supporting companies at this point in time:
- T-Bonz
- Family Kingdom
- Ripley's Aquarium
- Tanger Outlets
- Tri-County Mechanical Inc.
- Enchanted Sailing Charters
- Wal-Mart
- SeaBoard Signs
- Target Media
- Legends in Concert
- Medieval Times
- Justine's Photography
 Duck Races. A visit to Grande Shores is further enhanced with a "KenDucky Derby" duck races experience, located in the lazy river at the resort. Stop by the front desk and ask when the next race is expected. Not only is the competition friendly and cool, it's also for a great cause, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at $1 per duck (all proceeds to Relay). Spectators cheer on their favorites and also enjoy the finale of each race, with the "Chief Duck Trainer" singing part of the national anthem and a "duck" fly-over. All in good fun and all for a great cause!
Step Into Summer
Grande Shores Poolside Grill is now open from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm each and every day this summer. This alfresco snack-bar offers the perfect place to find a quick snack and cooling beverages while you are unwinding and relaxing.
It serves a tasty variety, from hot dogs and hamburgers to crisp salads and fruit bowls, with a selection of cold drinks to complement any summer's meal.
Featured Employees - Some of Our Best Faces Brought Forward
Here are employees on the Grande Shores' team who are especially notable this month. Some are new, and some are veterans. Guests enjoy the beach and the glistening blue Carolina sky, yet they come to Grande Shores for a comfortable vacation, knowing that our conscientious staff will take care of them! Here are some of the faces to know:
Kaylee Maxey is one of our new front desk agents at Grande Shores who came to us from the Myrtle Beach hotel industry with experience and a flair for customer service. After seeing her work, we feel especially lucky to have her because she greets everyone with a smile and a very calming personality. Even though she is new to Grande Shores, she is quite knowledgeable about the Grand Strand and our area's attractions and can help you customize your next stay to make this the best summer vacation you have ever had!
Congratulations to George Thompson who has been cleaning our pools for over 20 years. George knows pools, and we thank him for his good work. Great job, George!
Here, he is pictured with Noemi Diaz on the grounds crew who is modeling one of the new uniforms.
Say, don't these new uniforms on the grounds crew look clean, neat, and professional! Here are Felix Maya, Noemi Diaz, and Heriberto Gómez, just some of the hard-working team who keep our landscaping neat and green! The team reports that these garments are comfortable, light-weight, and well-ventilated to keep skin cool in summer's heat and humidity.
We bid "goodbye" to Anastassia Stoenelova (shown on the right of the photo), our previous golf specialist who had been with the company for many years and recently moved out of South Carolina. She provided valuable, helpful services and the guests loved her.
We say "hello" to our new golf specialist, Danielle Duncan (shown on the left of the photo), who can provide guests with information about the area's courses and golf-related information.
Star Spangled Fourth of July at Grande Shores -
Are you looking for a no-hassle, no-work, no-traffic way to treat family and friends to the Fourth of July celebrations? Our gala salute is the only ticket you need. Our July 4th celebrations have been planned to bring joy to everyone spending the holiday here at the Grande Shores, at no problem to you!
The convenience of your July 4th feast at Shoreline Grill will be part of your peace of mind on this otherwise busy holiday. The menu is packed with traditional favorites, plus the chef's special strip steak sandwich/potato salad special created just for this occasion. Serving hours (subject to change) are planned for 11:30 am to 7:00 pm.
If your group just wants a snack and frosty beverage during sun-bathing hours, the pool bar will be open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. You're in position almost everywhere to enjoy the sounds of the afternoon's entertainment, but you'll want to get a closer view for the performance and lively music by Brian Tiernan right there on the lawn. Lasting until 3:00 pm, this delightful musician and comedian performs your much beloved tunes, entertains the audience, and keeps you charmed with his hilarious ventriloquist skills.
After dark, enjoy the fireworks best from the seventh floor pool deck or grab your beach towel and lie back on the beach. So, if you have not already contacted us about reserving your place by the sea for July 4th, give us a call or go online. Summer is closing in fast!
Featured Recipe - Strawberry Shortcake
It's strawberry season! This fast and easy recipe is perfect for a low fat, low calorie, high taste dessert.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup skim milk, divided in half
- 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 1/4 cups Jiffy baking mix (or your favorite biscuit mix)
- 4 ounces fat-free, sugar-free instant cheesecake pudding mix (vanilla flavored works well, too)
- 8 ounces light whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 4 cups of fresh strawberries, washed and sliced
- 1/3 cup Splenda granular (sugar substitute)
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
- Mix 1/2 cup of the skim milk, sour cream, and 3 tbsp sugar in a large bowl.
- Stir in the dry biscuit mix until well blended.
- Spread evenly into a greased 9-inch round cake pan.
- Bake 12-15 minutes or until top is golden.
- Remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack.
- Mix the fresh strawberry slices and 1/3 cup Splenda in a bowl and set aside.
- Combine the dry pudding mix and remaining 1/2 cup skim milk and mix well.
- Gently stir in half of the whipped topping until well blended.
- When cake has cooled, carefully slice in half horizontally to make 2 layers.
- Place bottom of cake on a serving plate. Top it evenly half of the strawberry mixture.
- On the top of the strawberries, spread the pudding mixture. Place the cake layer on top of the pudding layer.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping on top of cake. Decorate with the remaining strawberries.
- Serve immediately!
- Leftovers, if available, should be refrigerated.
Welcoming Groups to Grande Shores
Planning a group event such as a family reunion or an on-the-road sporting event is much easier with Grande Shores because here we have a wide array of amenities to please a wide variety of people.
Here are the latest groups to stay here:
- US Navy Iron Angels
- Cryans/Feister Wedding
- Kurtzman Wedding
- Green Family Reunion
- Garrick Family Reunion
- Iovinelli/Sciullo Wedding
- Noblesville Heat
- Dickerson/Lewis Wedding Guests
- Jillian Rians Dance School
Local Events Calendar
Glance here for any events that you would like to attend. Also, check with the Front Desk for a list of such activities such as the summertime children's activities schedule, baseball tickets with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, theater tickets, or other items. Arrange accommodations for the events through your link to availability at the hotel and condos at Grande Shores
Currently underway until 8/30. Jack Thompson: The Wonder Years: Myrtle Beach Photographs from the '50s and '60s. Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum, 3100 South Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach.
Currently underway until 10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. For information, 800.356.3016.
Currently underway until 8/19/09. Fireworks over the ocean. Occurring every Wednesday night, 9:30 pm to 10 pm, Second Avenue Pier or Plyler Park downtown. Information at 843.997.6695.
Currently underway, the Sounds of Summer Concert at McLean Park. Occurring now until 9/18/09, every 3rd Friday of the month at 7 pm, this free concert is located in McLean Park, North Myrtle Beach. For information, 843.280.5570.
Currently underway until the end of August, Songs of Hannah Montana at Broadway at the Beach. Occurring every Monday until the end of August, this 8 pm performance is located at Heroes Harbor. Gabbie Rae will sing as "Hannah Montana" and also performing other pop Disney tunes. For more information http://broadwayatthebeach.com.
7/4. 26th Annual July 4th Boat Parade at High Tide. Watch decorated boats cruise down the creek for the Murrells Inlet Fourth of July parade. Fireworks at 10 pm off the Inlet waters. Information at 843.651.5675 or 843.357.2007.
7/14-19. Junior SOS in North Myrtle Beach. Participating SOS lounges are Boulevard Grill, Ducks, Fat Harold's, and the OD Arcade. For more information contact: www.juniorshaggers.com.
7/16 - 18. National Father and Son Team Golf Classic. The largest father and son golf tournament in the world. For more information, 866.497.2627 or visit www.fathersongolf.com.
7/23. Rise Against at the House of Blues with special guests Rancid and Billy Talent. Reservations and information at 843.272.3000.
7/24-25. Fabulous 50's Festival. Relive American Bandstand with Elvis, Buddy Holly, the Crew Cuts. For more information, 843.349.7122.
See our full calendar of events around the Grand Strand by clicking on "2009 Events".
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Guest Comments
We encourage guests to send us their comments about their stays so that we know what is working well and what needs improvement. Here are some of the most recent comments about Grande Shores:
[When] we visited last month during "Bike Week," everyone told us we should cancel because of it, but I want you to know we had a great time relaxing there, and it would not deter us from returning during "Bike Week" any other year.
Email from the Grande Shores web site quality control, D Terry Family, 06.12.09.
I stay at Grande Shores often and countless times over the past several years [most recently in May 2009]. Something fantastic is that they remain consistently good. Consistency is the hallmark of a well-run establishment with owners and employees that take pride in their product and their service. The front desk staff is always friendly and welcoming, checking me in quickly and efficiently. The rooms are comfortable, neat, clean, and always tidy upon arrival. Should any small thing go wrong or be missing, a quick phone call to the desk and it's taken care of in moments. The Shoreline Café Lounge and Restaurant is always a fun casual place to chill out and have a couple beverages with my room just upstairs. The restaurant offers a great variety of casual dining, carry out or even room service so you don't have to leave the property. Grande Shores offers several pools outside and inside, lazy rivers and hot tubs. They also have a seasonal outdoor grill and poolside bar for very casual dining or a pick me up while lounging outside. They have an exercise room, small meeting space, and computers with Internet access near the restaurant for those without a laptop. For those with a laptop they provide free Internet access in each guest room. All in all I highly recommend Grande Shores. I feel it is one of the best if not the best value in Myrtle Beach year in and year out. I never lack for anything during my frequent stays and always enjoy myself.
Email on TripAdvisor.com from Mark MBAHA, 06.03.09.
I stayed at the Grande Shores Resort in Myrtle Beach! I loved everything about it and have every time I've come to visit. Unfortunately, due to the economy and things being tight, I won't be able to visit this year; however, the Grande Shores Resort is an incredible resort, with excellent customer service and professional staff. I only ask that they maintain their level of professionalism and customer service. They're the best!
Email as a newsletter response from Denise Russell, received 05.26.09.
I stayed at the Grande Shores at the end of April and had a very nice time. The room was clean, and the view was fabulous.
Email as a newsletter response from C. Steinbock, received 05.27.09.
I sincerely enjoyed my stay at Grande Shores. Mark and all the Hotel employees were so kind, helpful and willing to assist with any occurring situations. The location and accommodations were simply the best. Rates were quite affordable and I plan to return again as soon as possible. Thanks for a great vacation.
Email as a newsletter response from P. Panton, 05.26.09.
I just spent several wonderful days at Grande Shores. This was our VERY FIRST vacation, and I have to express how great it was!! We had a perfect room with the best view! The cleaning staff was the best; they cleaned every single day and did a very good job at it. I can not express how much we enjoyed our time there, and if we ever come back to Myrtle Beach, then Grande Shores is the ONLY place we will stay at. .I highly, highly recommend this amazing place!
Email directed from the Grande Shores web site from the Nelson family, 06.08.09
Fun Facts
Grande Shores' guests love their summertime food! Recently, the weekly consumption of wings was 704, plus 101 hot dogs/chili dogs, 49 chicken sandwiches, 103 burgers and 33 kid burgers. This is a 19% increase from the previous week, a clear sign that summer has arrived! So when you visit us, bring that growling tummy to the poolside grill! We can fill it.
Splashing, wading, paddling - the ocean makes a great place for a cool dip on a hot day. Yet, it is also a vast wilderness, a wild habitat, not a swimming pool. As long as swimmers respect the ocean creatures that live there, all is well.
If a wave crashes down on you while you are surfing or swimming and you find yourself being tumbled in bubbles and sand like a sheet in a washing machine, don't try to struggle against the pushing water. Curl into a ball, go limp, and float. You will rise to the surface, and the wave that grabbed you will move you to the beach. Swim as you are able. It's a good idea to practice this a few times by deliberately selecting your choice of waves while you are relaxed and having fun. That way, if a sudden wave surprises you with its force, you will know what to do.
Never swim alone. It's always best to swim with a buddy or two so that if something happens, one can call for help.
U.S. Ocean Safety uses different colors of flags on lifeguard towers to indicate ocean conditions. Remember that the ocean is unpredictable and can quickly turn from calm to forceful.
Mild ocean conditions with some larger waves and rip currents.
Check with lifeguards before swimming. Be cautious. Frequent large waves and rip currents.
No swimming. Extreme ocean conditions with large powerful waves and rip currents.
No swimming, surfing, or boogie boards.
Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties when you are swimming in the ocean. Permanent rip currents often exist along side these structures.
Polarized sunglasses at the beach help you spot characteristics of rip currents by cutting down glare and reflected sunlight off the ocean's surface.
A rip current is not tidal flow. A rip current occurs because pent-up excess water has onshore (example-storm water washed in through jetties and other openings) moves back out to sea. If you swim into its path as it backs out, you are caught in a rip current.
If you are caught in a rip current, remain calm. Think of the water flow as a treadmill that cannot be switched off. You cannot out-swim against it. Stay afloat. Tread water parallel to the shore to move gradually to the side of it. When out, swim at an angle toward shore but away from the current.
If you are on shore and see someone caught in a rip current, do not try to swim out with them. Instead, remain calm. Take note of where you are. Call 911. Keep an eye on the person in it.
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