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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – January 6, 2011 – As one of the fastest-growing family and vacation destinations in the nation, the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina currently attracts an average of 14 million visitors annually along with thousands of new residents to the destination each year. Known affectionately as “The Grand Strand,” Myrtle Beach has grown more than 35 percent over the past decade and continues to evolve and expand, giving way to an entirely “New” Myrtle Beach area of accommodations, attractions and events. In May 2010, the destination welcomed a brand-new oceanfront boardwalk and promenade, spanning 1.2 miles of oceanfront property and kicking off a revitalization of the classic downtown area. Already established as a must-see for visitors and residents alike, this addition is just the beginning of an ongoing growth process that will bring a wealth of new options and activities for visitors. 2011 is already seeing a variety of new attractions and below is a sneak peek at some of the newest developments debuting this year.
~ Air Service~
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines will begin non-stop flights between Myrtle Beach and five new cities on May 5, 2011. Spirit Airline will feature daily non-stop flights from Washington, DC Reagan National Airport, non-stop flights four times per week from Plattsburgh, N.Y. and Latrobe, P.A., and three times a week from Niagara Falls, N.Y. and Charleston, W.V. Spirit’s new non-stop trips will lead to a growing number of residents traveling to Myrtle Beach. For information on booking flights, please visit www.spiritair.com.
Porter Airlines
For the second year, Porter Airlines is providing non-stop seasonal service from Toronto, Canada. Porter is providing four weekly roundtrips, increased from two last year, between Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Myrtle Beach International Airport, beginning February 17 with service through May 23, with flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. For information on booking flights, please visit www.FlyPorter.com.
~Attractions and Exhibits~
SkyWheel Myrtle Beach
May 2011 will mark the grand opening of Myrtle Beach’s new attraction, SkyWheel Myrtle Beach. The giant attraction will stand at 196 feet (60 meters) and 18 stories high and span 2 ocean front lots along Ocean Boulevard, on the north side of Plyler Park. It has been specifically designed to include 42 glass-enclosed, temperature-controlled gondolas manufactured in Switzerland that can hold six people. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is an exciting new addition to the Grand Strand area, along with the newly renovated Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Plans for the SkyWheel Myrtle Beach’s upcoming launch include a full service Jimmy Buffett’s Landshark Bar and Grill restaurant, observation deck overlooking the ocean and gift shop. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach will also incorporate a complete light show in the evening. The only one of its kind in the United States, this family-friendly attraction is sure to become an iconic staple for Myrtle Beach. The SkyWheel Myrtle Beach is owned by Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, LLC, a joint venture between Koch Development Co. and Pacific Development, both of St. Louis, Missouri.
Wonderworks Science Center
Wonderworks – a hands-on science attraction – is slated to open in Myrtle Beach in the spring of 2011. The attraction will be housed at family favorite Broadway at the Beach, and will include peculiar yet whimsical sights such as an upside-down building, a volcano, a lighthouse, and an Egyptian pyramid. Wonderworks, based in Orlando, F.L. has two other locations in Orlando and in Pigeon Forge, T.N., and two others planned at the Meadowlands Xanadu in New Jersey and in Panama City, F.L. The Myrtle Beach site will be one of the largest, with about 35,000 to 40,000 square feet of attractions that allow people to feel what it's like to be in an earthquake and hurricane, fly a NASA space shuttle or fighter jet, or ride a virtual rollercoaster. WonderWorks also features two outdoor adventures that are already open. The zipline takes participants soaring 50 feet above water on a course that travels 1,000 feet between towers. The pirate-themed ropes course stands a staggering 40 feet tall and spans three levels. For more information visit www.wonderworksonline.com.
Wheels of YesterYear
The Wheels of Yesteryear’s collection of muscle and classic cars is currently in the process of being rotated and augmented. With over 50 cars and trucks currently on display, a portion will be moved out to make room for additional automobiles. Among the new cars, there will be one of only 35 1969 Mercury Cyclone Dan Gurney Special Spoiler II cars and a rare 1984 Pontiac Fiero Indy Pace Car. The new and improved collection will be available to view beginning February 2011. For more information, visit www.wheelsofyesteryearmb.com.
Brookgreen Gardens Exhibitions
Brookgreen Gardens released its 2011 exhibition schedule featuring new history and sculpture exhibitions. The first history exhibition is set to open January 10 – February 28, followed by sculpture exhibitions running from May through October, 2011. For more information regarding exhibition schedules, please visit www.brookgreen.org.
Butterfly Exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens’ new Butterfly House displays dozens of species of butterflies that are native to the Southeast and will support the organization’s mission to exhibit and educate visitors about the animals, ecology and plants in the Myrtle Beach area. All of the visitors’ senses will be engaged in this exhibit through fragrance (flowers and other plantings), sound (sound system, water-fall feature), sight (flying butterflies and colorful plants), and touch (natural boulder seating, overhanging plants, butterflies who come to rest on individuals). The exhibit will be open to the public through the month of October 2010 and will re-open the in the spring of 2011. Spineless Wonders, a company based in Minnesota that specializes in turn-key butterfly exhibits will build the structure which will include a planted butterfly garden area 36 feet by 78 feet, plus an entrance and exit vestibule approximately 9 feet by 20 feet. The total footprint would be 100 feet by 36 feet. Spineless Wonders will supply all materials- including 500 native species pupae, water features, ambient sound system, lighting, graphics, all native plants and USDA permits to build the butterfly house and will train the staff to manage the exhibit once it is open. The exhibit is estimated to cost $125,000. For more information, visit www.brookgreen.org.
~Entertainment~
Pat Boone Family Theater
This spring, the Pat Boone Family Theater will open in place of the former NASCAR Café. The exterior façade of the building will remain intact with the addition of a few signs, but the interior will be transformed from a café to a 600-seat theater. Pat Boone, who rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s and continues to record, will help book acts and also perform several times a year. There will be up to 1,400 performance slots at the venue, 500 of which will be open to resident illusionist, Morgan Strebler, along with local gospel groups and regional singers.
Pirates Voyage
Dolly Parton sets sail and is opening a new show in Myrtle Beach in June of 2011. Guests will truly experience the wonder, excitement and spirit of the pirates who docked on the shores of Myrtle Beach. In an interactive experience, viewers will start out in the Pirate’s Lair and Crow’s Nest and then make their way in the Crimson and Sapphire pirate’s camps in the main arena. Not only does the show feature brand new music by Dolly Parton and Mark Brymer, but the presentation also includes acrobatics and live animals. This new adventure attraction will receive over $11 million in production upgrades. Dolly’s current show, Dixie Stampede will start its move out after a Christmas Spectacular on December 31, 2010 in Myrtle Beach and will make its way to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri. For more information and ticket reservations, call (843) 497-9700 pr visit www.dixiestampede.com or www.piratesvoyage.com.
Legends in Concert
The Legends in Concert show in Myrtle Beach is the greatest live, celebrity show of impersonators. The show features some of the best musical legends of our time. Since 1995, the show has had a successful run at its Surfside Beach location, but after 15 years, it’s time for some change. The show will be renovating a commercial building near Broadway at the Beach, next to Planet Hollywood in Myrtle Beach, and will officially open on March 11, 2011. For more information and ticket reservation, visit http://www.legendsinconcert.com/locations/myrtle-beach/.
Hooray for Hollywood at The Palace Theatre
Take a journey and relive some of the greatest movies and musicals from the last 50 years. Myrtle Beach is bringing Hooray for Hollywood to the stage as a brand new production for 2011 at The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach, located at Broadway at the Beach. The show features some of the greats in Hollywood film and music, such as Fred Astaire, Ginger Roberts, Judy Garland, Titanic, Friday Night Lights and Footloose! Viewers will watch the original on film and then watch as their favorites come to life on stage with this wonderful cast. Greatness is expected from the award winning producers that brought Myrtle Beach the Spirit of the Dance and Le Grand Cirque. For more information, visit http://www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com/shows-hollywood-overview.cfm.
~Major Construction Projects~
Myrtle Beach International Airport Extension
To accommodate growing numbers of visitors arriving by air, Myrtle Beach International Airport is planning to expand with the recent addition of a new general aviation terminal, which opened in 2010, and the continued expansion of a new passenger terminal. The massive projects, which will expand the passenger terminal from seven to 12 gates, are expected to increase the airport’s capacity and efficiency for vacationers, business travelers, and locals alike. M.B. Kahn Construction is serving as the program manager for the $130 million-passenger terminal expansion which began in June 2010 and will be completed in 2012. For more information visit: http://www.flymyrtlebeach.com/expansion.cfm.
Summit Shores on the Waterway
Summit Shores on the Waterway, a new 33-acre, multi-use complex, is currently in development across from the Myrtle Beach Airport. Summit Shores, an urban concept similar to the Market Common, will be built near the existing Lauderdale Bay Villas and Yacht Club. Table of Cuba, a new Cuban restaurant, is a confirmed addition to the development. The restaurant will serve upscale Cuban/Calusa/Spanish fare and is planning to open in the spring of 2011. For renderings of the project, visit www.myrtlebeachrestaurantnews.com/files/Summit%20Shores%20Retail_brochure%202.pdf.
~Lodging~
Kingston Resorts Renovates Sports & Health Club
In the goal to bring new state-of-the-art equipment and an updated physical space to the facility, the Kingston Resorts has completed the first round of renovations to its 50,000 square-foot Sport & Health Club. Along with new equipment and updates to the space, the renovation also includes upgrades to the fitness center as well as renovations of the retail space. The space now houses a new coffee shop, the Caffeinated Fish, which features Starbucks coffee. The Sport & Health club is accessible not only to guests of the resorts, but also to the public. The facility, offering vast numbers of recreational activities, is a great resource for your fitness needs. For more information, call (800) 876-0010.
The Inlet Sports Lodge
The Inlet Sports Lodge, a new 30-unit resort geared toward sport enthusiasts, just opened its doors in Murrells Inlet this past November. A fractional ownership resort, the Inlet Sports Lodge contains studios and two-bedroom luxury suites and truly caters to sporting. The resort’s amenities include a fish cleaning station, a courtyard with grills and a fire pit, and ample storage space for golf and fishing gear. The development also features a pool, tiki bar, and Bliss restaurant along with an owner’s club room and concierge services to help plan fishing trips and sporting outings. The Inlet Sports Lodge also caters to eco-tourists, since Murrells Inlet is a natural spot with a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy. For more information visit www.inletsportslodge.com.
Surfside Beach Resort
Surfside Beach Resort, adjacent to the Surfside Pier is currently undergoing major renovations throughout the hotel that will be completed by spring 2011. Visitors can look forward to a redesigned interior complete with a new color scheme, furnishings, and fixtures. Plans also call for reconfiguring guest rooms to take advantage of the scenic oceanfront views, as well as upgrading room types to include double queens and king-sized beds. Although plans are still in the works, Surfside Beach Resort also aspires to include a new, independent restaurant to replace the Surfside Beach Café that resided in the lobby. For more information visit www.SurfsideBeachResort.com.
~Dining~
Jimmy Buffet’s Landshark Bar and Grill and Landshark Surfshack Retail Shop
Slated to open in May 2011, the new LandShark Bar and Grill will be located on the new oceanfront boardwalk next to the planned SkyWheel Myrtle Beach observation wheel. Inspired by the great “beach joints” that once dotted the Atlantic coast, LandShark Bar & Grill will be the perfect blend of ocean breezes, boardwalk action, spectacular views, great food, generous drinks, your favorite beach tunes and good old fashion fun. The LandShark Surfshack will offer an array of merchandise themed around the popular beer brand, LandShark Lager, as well as a selection of Sky Wheel souvenirs. LandShark’s laid back atmosphere, casual dining, bar and entertainment will soon be a favorite with both tourists and the Grand Strand’s local residents.
Nacho Hippo
The newest restaurant from Divine Dining Group opened in Myrtle Beach on December 15, 2010. The Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo, which replaced Roy & Sid’s American Kitchen, features cuisine not only from The Carolinas, but also includes a variety of international influences. Chef Sean Christenson prepares a menu to appeal to all taste buds, creating unique twists on classic favorites like tacos and barbeque. Even the ambiance has a flare of the international, including Caribbean elements. Restaurant goers will not be disappointed in the funky, fun and delicious new restaurant. For more information, call (843) 839-9770 or visit www.nachohippo.com.
Mykonos
Just opened on December 31, 2010, Mykonos is a new casual dining restaurant and bar with a menu featuring Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Two-time award winning celebrity chef, Andreann Geise serves as the Executive Chef. Her Mediterranean and French fusion recipes led her to The Ultimate Recipe Showdown hosted by the Food Network’s Guy Fieri. The Great Taste Challenge at the famous Bon Appetite Supper Club is where she won her 2nd title that led to a recent adventure with Chef Fabio Viviani. The restaurant will also have a stage for live regular entertainment. For more information, call (843) 839-1965.
Mama Rue’s Blues Garden Restaurant & Lounge
Chef Eric Sutherland, a native of Galina, Jamaica, will be bringing his authentic Jamaican cuisine to Pawley’s Island. Sutherland, formerly of the popular EZ Jamaican Café in St. Petersburg, Fla., has partnered with restaurateurs and Pawley’s Island residents Steve and Marrue Bleau on the grand opening of Mama Rue’s Blues Garden Restaurant & Lounge. Located at 9737 Ocean Highway, the building was formerly a thrift shop and had to be completely stripped to undergo the transformation. Chef Sutherland will be serving up Jerk Chicken, Jerk Pork Curried Chicken, Peas and Rice, Oxtails, Festival (Johnnycake), Steamed Cabbage, Plantains and Codfish with Calaloo. For more information, call (843) 235-3853.
The Myrtle Beach area, popularly known as the Grand Strand, stretches from Little River to Pawleys Island, comprising 12 distinct cities along the South Carolina coast. Home to world-class golf, 60 miles of sandy beaches, an assortment of entertainment and family attractions and Southern hospitality, the Myrtle Beach area presents the quintessential vacation experience. For additional information on the Myrtle Beach area, visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com or call (888) Myrtle-1.
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Media Contact
Seagren Doran
M Booth & Associates
212.481.7000
mybeach@mbooth.com
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