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.