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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Around the World Mega Author Blog Hop: Ticket to Paradise

Summer's fast approaching, and I'm ready for a vacation. Join the authors of Ticket to Paradise for a virtual vacation to some of the most exotic and wonderful spots in the world. Here are the rules for our blog hop.

TOUR RULES:

1) Have fun!

2) INVITE ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!! SPREAD THE WORD!!!

3) THIS TOUR STARTS: Monday, May 16, at Midnight (Arizona Time)
THIS TOUR ENDS: Monday, May 23, at Midnight (Arizona Time)

4) MEET AND MINGLE WITH ALL THE AUTHORS! EXPERIENCE A NEW DESTINATION AT EVERY STOP! PARTICIPATE IN EVERY BLOG CONTEST AND BE ENTERED FOR CHANCES TO WIN MULTIPLE PRIZES! EVERY BLOG VISITED IS ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO WIN!!

5) 5) PARTICIPATION AT EVERY BLOG IS RECOMMENDED. BUT REMEMBER: THE MORE YOU HOP THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN EVERY AUTHOR IS WAITING TO MEET AND INTERACT WITH YOU, SO PLEASE BE SURE TO SHOW EVERY AUTHOR SOME LOVE!

6) DID I MENTION TO HAVE FUN? WHOO! HOO!! HERE WE GO!

After you check out my fun place Myrtle Beach, South Carolina go to http://www.facebook.com/l/8c68cl-YKTEIQq6XizF70Oidc_g/jodilangston.blogspot.com/2011/05/trip-around-world-mega-author-blog-hop.html to continue your tour.



Myrtle Beach is one of my favorite places in South Carolina. The area opened for tourism around 1900 and was named for the Sweet Myrtle Tree which is a waxy shrub native to the area. It had inexpensive accommodations and wide, sandy beaches guarded by giant oaks. Simple cottages started popping up along the coast. A beachfront lot back then cost a whopping twenty five dollars. People spent peaceful summers playing on the beach and enjoying the ocean. Here’s a picture of me when I was three playing in the water with my mother. Notice the beach houses in the background.



That was then, and this now. Although the lovely weather and beautiful water is still a big draw, there’s far more to do than swim or sun. Do you like golf? Myrtle Beach is called the ‘seaside golf capital of the world.’ Many hotels offer golf packages, and if you need lessons you can take them. You can find lots of nice places to buy new golf equipment too. If you prefer miniature golf to the real thing, you can find a course on almost every corner.

If golf isn’t your thing, maybe you’d like to go to a dinner theater and watch a show. Myrtle Beach has been called ‘the Branson by the sea.’ Medieval Times where you can watch knights on horseback joust is one that’s fun, but you might prefer the Alabama Theater, Legends, or the Carolina Opry. And my list isn’t complete.



Do you have a camper? When my kids were small we went camping at Myrtle Beach and had a wonderful time. There are plenty of quality campgrounds to choose from, and most of them have things like pools and video games to please the kids.

Like shopping? You’re in the right place. Barefoot Landing is one place I think you’d like. Besides shopping you can ride a carousel, have an alligator adventure or go to the House of Blues or Alabama Theater. Broadway at the Beach might appeal to you. That’s an outdoor festival shopping experience. One of my favorite places to browse is the Hammock Shops. They have twenty two specialty stores and restaurants clustered under moss draped trees on the edge of a salt marsh. While you’re there, buy a hammock. And of course there are cheesy souvenir shops and outlet malls galore.




Don’t forget to sample the variety of local restaurants. Some of the seafood places serve freshly caught seafood which is to die for. A suggestion; try the Sea Captain’s House.

Myrtle Beach has great nightlife too. There are plenty of clubs that offer entertainment from karaoke to darts.

Hotels? You’ll find a big variety, everything from high-rise condos to small houses for rent. You’ll need to research this one.

Attractions? Try Battleship North Carolina, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and Aquarium, Brookgreen Gardens, deep sea fishing, dinner cruises on the Intracoastal Waterway, and many, many more. Oh, and ladies, don’t forget to get a manicure.



Guess where I’m going on vacation this year? Yep, you guessed it. Myrtle Beach. We’ll be there on July 4. Last year the fireworks were spectacular, and I’m betting they will be this year too. Hope to see you there!


That's me and my family last year.

46 comments:

  1. Been to Myrtle Beach a few times and I love it. Great post!

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  2. I would love to visit Myrtle Beach someday!

    fadeintofantasy(at)live(dot)com

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  3. Hmmmmmmmm, I'll pass on the allegator adventure! The rest sounds awesome. $25.00 dollars a plot? Wonder what they're worth now?
    Enjoy your holiday.

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  4. yeay! We just got back from a holiday at Myrtle Beach -- what a fun place it is. Although I wished someone had warned me about the fun-fair -- the roller coaster is so old, it almost gave me a hysterectomy, and my son whiplash! It's so rickety LOL But I love the old sea-side town feel about it, and it reminded me of my own sea-side hometown in North Wales, back in the day, when it was still a successful, popular tourist destination for the English. I love the boardwalk, and arcades! Fun for all. But some of those hotels need some upgrades LOL

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  5. I've never been to Myrtle Beach. I love the east coast though. One day I will sit on the beach and read a bunch of books...LOL

    koonie2888 at yahoo dot com

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  6. Never been to Myrtle Beach! But I love the beach!
    Thank you for the giveaway!!
    shannonjean14(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Looks and sounds beautiful!

    http://klearsreviews.blogspot.com/

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  8. bring me with u! lol Beautiful family photo!

    leanne_gag[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  9. that looks like a lovely place to visit....

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  10. Sounds like a lovely place. I have never been on the east coast. Always wanted to visit!

    tsteinerid (gmail.com)

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  11. I would love to visit Myrtle Beach soon! My kids have never seen the ocean.
    heltondexter@yahoo.com

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  12. We have been going to Myrtle Beach the last 4 years as a family (23 of us). Its a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery and not to metion the awesome rainbows! We went as teens and now we get to share that experience with our children.

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  13. I want to go to Myrtle Beach too! Sounds like a great time for the whole family. Thanks
    longlegs_browneyes@hotmail.com

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  14. I've been to Myrtle Beach -- but it was about 40 years ago! From your photos, I'd say it's still lovely. Thanks for taking me back there.

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  15. Interesting to see Myrtle Beach since part of my book is set there.

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  16. Such a beautiful place, and so much to do. Would love to visit there.
    mmbourassa(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  17. I've been there several times and I love it. I can't wait to take the family and enjoy the water and sand.

    feliciarogersauthor (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  18. Looks like you had fun, Elaine. Great post.
    Gunnar

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  19. ive never been to Myrtle Beach but i have always wanted to go. i can always fit in your suitcase

    babydoll82959307@aol.com

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  20. Now there is a place I really want to go. It's so not beach weather where I'm living :( Great post!

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  21. Summer fun and Family. Great fun.

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  22. Thanks everyone for stopping by. I really do recommend Myrtle Beach. I can't wait to get there!

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  23. I have never been to Myrtle Beach but would love to go.

    manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

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  24. So many of my friends go to Myrtle Beach every year for vacation. I don't know why I haven't joined them yet?! Great post! Love the pics! :)

    tricia(at)triciaschneider(dot)com

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  25. I've never been to Myrtle Beach. Sounds like a fun, relaxing place!

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  26. Living as I do on a Greek island, I love the sea. I couldn't live far from it. Myrtle beach sounds wonderful.

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  27. Myrtle beach def sounds like an intriuging holiday spot !!! Would lvoe to visit someday great family pic btw !! great post !!

    kat ;)

    kittee_cat@bigpond.com

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  28. Looks like a great place to visit. Great post :)

    s_l_a_s_c69@hotmail.com

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  29. I've never been a fan of beaches (I'm lame), I'm more of a pool kind of girl but Myrtle Beach might just change my perspective :)

    claudine_princess@yahoo.com.ph

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  30. I would love to visit Myrtle Beach!
    Teamedward841(at)live(dot)com

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  31. Never been there, but I'd love to!
    Thanks for participating in such an awesome giveaway tour!

    inga(dot)kupp(at)gmail(dot)com

    inga from http://www.ingasilbergbooks.com/

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  32. Haven't really heard about Myrtle Beach other than golf XD Might be interesting to see and experience more of the US.

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  33. Haven't really heard about Myrtle Beach other than golf XD Might be interesting to see and experience more of the US.

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  34. i'm pretty sure i didn't get my email in here.... shadowestr @ aol . com

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  35. Have never been there but your photos are beautiful....


    Sharonramos2(at)gmail(dot)com

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  36. Looks like a beautiful and fun place to visit :)~

    Reannabartley(at)Gmail(.)com

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  37. I went to Myrtle Beach for my honeymoon 17yrs ago. My hubby pated away 2 yrs ago, so I may go back one day but it will be awhile

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  38. I've been to Myrtle Beach a few times, I think it's time to take my nephew there he'd have so much fun!

    Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

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  39. Myrtle Beach sounds like a wonderful place full of live! Thanks for sharing it with us, I don't know if I will be able to go one day but it's definetely on my list now!

    Wonderful giveaway^^

    sontrei2000@yahoo.com.br

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  40. I love all of South Carolina.
    amandawoodward1976@yahoo.com

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  41. Myrtle beach sound like a lovely place, although it's name reminds me of a rather annoying ghost from Harry Potter^^ Ignore me my friends know that I will quote Harry Potter at every posible occasion so I couldn't let it pass^^
    Thanks for the giveaway!!
    melissasanchezdempsey@hotmail.com

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  42. Myrtle beach looks nice never been but did live in FL Jacksonvilla area and Coco Beach loved it! Great Post thanks for sharing :)
    tishajean@ charter.net

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  43. I only live an hour and a half from Myrtle Beach. I miss the old Pavilion. Glad you had fun.

    Teresa K.
    tcwgrlup41(at) yahoo.com

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