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MyrtleBeachOnline.com online editor Dwayne McLemore has worked at The Sun News since 1999. He lived in Myrtle Beach more than 25 years and now splits his time between the coast and Columbia, S.C. Ask him about such things as getting here, getting around, local events, the weather, shopping and attractions.
Submitted by phyllis k from simpsonville sc
Q: I will be coming in June and know there are lots of changes to Cherry Grove area. Is the Prince Resort worth the cost or is it still under contruction. If not can you recommend somewhere quite and still have things to do at the hotel with a 14 year old. Other condors or hotels. Thanks for the help too many to choose from.
Answered 05/16/07 16:31:43 by Dwayne McLemore
A: The Prince Resort is open and is a very nice place from all indications. It is new, has plenty of on-site things to do (including the pier) and is still in a relatively quiet part of the Grand Strand.I can't say whether or not any specific hotel is worth it since I've only stayed in a few here. I'm always the one using Priceline and looking for something that seems like a good deal. I wouldn't pay $200 a night to stay anywhere, but that's me. Most places that are very nice (and new) will cost that or close to it in the peak summer months. I just did a quick search and most of the bigger oceanfront towers start at around $150 a night in the middle of June.
If you want to stay at The Prince Resort, call and see what is the best deal you can get. Usually calling them or booking directly on their web site will get you the best deal.
Submitted by Anonymous from Abingdon Va
Q: We are thinking of coming down during the first part of June. I was there about 10 years ago during this time and had a bad experience with High School Senior week. Just wondering if this is still a big event there and if so, what are the dates for it this year?
Answered 05/16/07 16:20:21 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Yes, seniors come here the first part of June. There is no set week - it's really up to when the kids graduate where they live. My guess is there are seniors here in some form for at least the first two weeks of the month, maybe more.I wouldn't call it a big event since it's certainly not promoted. I delivered pizza for a few years in my younger days and senior week kids were the worst tippers.
If you are worried about your hotel experience being bothered, ask your hotel if they rent to kids. A lot of places won't rent to anyone under 25.
Submitted by Anonymous from pittsburgh, pa
Q: I have reservations for the new cayman tower of Caribbean Resort for June 9th. I am wondering if construction will be done by then, in your opinion.
Answered 05/16/07 16:16:24 by Dwayne McLemore
A: My inside sources at the Caribbean say the tower will be ready by June 1.Submitted by rob from pennsylvania
Q: im planning a trip the first week of july.i want to be minutes from the bar and club scene but everything is so confusing regarding distance.i read about broadway @the beach and celebrity, i rented at 4876 barefoot resort villas,n. myrtle beach but im having regrets.how far fom the action are we really? we also need to visit family in garden city. HELP
Answered 05/16/07 16:13:30 by Dwayne McLemore
A: If you rented in North Myrtle Beach, you're about 10 miles from Broadway at the Beach and Celebrity Square. It's a straight shot down U.S. 17 Business and then U.S. 17 Bypass. So either plan for a designated river or rethink the accommodations. I'm sure Barefoot is nice, and there are plenty of places to hang out at Barefoot Landing and in the northern area in general.Submitted by Jay from Charleston, WV
Q: I would like to visit the strand the week of June 10th thru 17th. Is there a bike rally that week. I don't want to visit during a bike week.
Answered 05/16/07 16:10:20 by Dwayne McLemore
A: No bike rallies after Memorial Day. You're safe.Submitted by Donny from No location specified
Q: The family and i will be coming down the first week of April and we will be spending the week down there. I know that there are a lot of coupons down there for different stores but where would you recommend going for the coupon books. Thanks
Answered 04/03/07 22:06:38 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Sorry if I missed you. Try Wal-Mart or grocery stores for the coupon books.Submitted by Anonymous from Kingsport Tn
Q: We will be in Myrtle Beach during the first week of May. Do you know if the newly renovated IMAX 3D will be open by then?
Answered 04/03/07 22:05:55 by Dwayne McLemore
A: "Late May" is the timeframe we have for an opening.Submitted by M from Beckley, WV
Q: Me and my family are going to be staying at Myrtle beach for a week in April, and we love to fish. Is this a good time to fish and are there any nice fishing spots around South Ocean Blvd.
Answered 04/03/07 22:04:58 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Any time is a good time to fish. (I've fished once in my life.) Seriously, try Springmaid Pier.Submitted by C.P. from NC
Q: I'm attending a business conference in Myrtle Beach from April 11th to the 13th. This also happens to be my daughter's Spring Break (10 years old). She would like to come with me, but I have not been able to find any organized/supervised daily kids activities. Are there any weekly camps, daily nanny service, or full day activities (with supervision) that I can sign her up for during this time frame? I was hoping for something at Ripley's Aquarium for example. The only thing I can find on the internet are summer camps.
Answered 04/03/07 22:04:10 by Dwayne McLemore
A: There's not that much structure to these kinds of activities that I'm aware of. Some hotels have kids clubs, but they operate more on the summer schedule. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce lists one such business on their site -- Vacationers Dream Nannies/Sitters (843-446-2687). Try them or try them chamber at (800) 356-3016 to see if they know of other options.Submitted by Jennifer C from Grand Rapids MI
Q: I am visiting Myrtle Beach for the first time in a couple of weeks with my 8 year old daughter. We are coming from Michigan. Now with most of the directions that I received from different websites, once I get off of I-77, I'm going to travel on I-74, US 52, US 220 (in NC) and then eventually end up on US-1 in SC and drive through SC-9, etc, until I land on US 501. From other forums and websites a lot of people are saying stay on 77 S until I20, I95 and than onto MB. Which way is a better way to take and is there a big time difference? Thank You.
Answered 04/03/07 21:59:14 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Definitely take 77 to I-20 East (from Columbia), then I-95 North toward Fayetteville. Follow the signs to Myrtle Beach. Timewise, you might save 5-10 minutes by going the other way, but you'll be driving through small towns, 35 mph zones, speed traps, etc. Stick to the interstate.Submitted by Deb from Estherville, IA
Q: Thinking about visiting April 23-27 - what can we expect the temperatures to be at that time?
Answered 04/03/07 21:57:31 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Hope for upper 70s as highs and upper 50s as lows.Submitted by crazy in the zoo from Kalamazoo, MI
Q: We are planning our first family vacation and staying at the Springmaid resort, the first week in April. Any comments to share with us. Having not visited before, we are trying to get info for the kids.
Answered 04/03/07 21:55:49 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Sorry if I missed you. Springmaid is a great place to stay. My 3-year-old could live at the kiddie pool if you let him, and you've got a nice pier on site. Take the kids to Family Kingdom and Broadway at the Beach for sure.Submitted by K from Chinquapin NC
Q: My fiancee and I are looking for a nice place to stay for our honeymoon. We will only need a place for 2-3 days, and we need it around the first of December. Do you have any suggestions of where would be a good place to stay, and what could possibly be opened at that time of year?
Answered 04/03/07 21:54:37 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Oceanfront, the Grande Dunes Marriott is a top honeymoon spot. But you should do some looking as you can probably find a good deal that time of year. Most restaurants and attractions will be open that time of year, except for maybe a few outdoor places.Submitted by Anonymous from berryville,va
Q: I'm so sorry to see The Pavillian torn down. Will it relocate to another area ? What do you suggest for rides for the kids?
Answered 04/03/07 21:53:23 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Some of the rides are being relocated to Broadway at the Beach. For now, the kids can go there (in July and beyond) or Family Kingdom.Submitted by Ginger from Morehead, KY
Q: I need to do something "educational" with my children while we vacation in Myrtle Beach. Can you suggest some activities? Some possibilities could include museums or historic sites.
Answered 04/03/07 21:52:11 by Dwayne McLemore
A: The Horry Couny Museum or Kaminski House Museum in Georgetown County would be good places to start. There's a cool planetarium in Brunswick County, just above Myrtle Beach's county. And there's always education at Ripley's Aquarium. There's an education spot at Broadway at the Beach that focuses on the Hunley submarine as well. If you have little kids, try the Children's Museum.Submitted by Anonymous from Buffalo, NY
Q: We are traveling to Myrtle Beach over Easter. We are looking for a nice restaurant for our family to have dinner on Easter Sunday, as well as a recommendation for a good Italian restaurant. Thanks!
Answered 04/03/07 21:50:23 by Dwayne McLemore
A: Look at our Easter Dining directory on the homepage for advertised specials. Look in the paper when you get here (The Sun News) for more deals. I like Carrabba's, but I'm a sucker for chains. Others who placed or won in our Best of the Beach contest were Olive Garden, Rossi's and Angelo's.Submitted by Anonymous from Mount Airy, Nc
Q: I have some friends that are going to get married at myrtle beach during bike week 2007. I am going to marry them and we are looking for a public place to hold a small ceremony, nothing big,,just somewhere nice, so so quiet for about 30 people outside. Can you help me out?
Answered 04/03/07 21:47:39 by Dwayne McLemore
A: As you know, quiet during Harley week is hard to come by. That being said, I asked some colleagues and here's what we came up with ...
Submitted by jennifer lee from winslow twp, nj
Q: hello dwayne!!! we will be vacationing in myrtle beach mid-june, 07 and we are need of renting a baby crib. can u please tell me of some companies in the area that rent them? thanks for all of your time!
Answered 04/03/07 21:37:27 by Dwayne McLemore
A: TheNewParentsGuide.com lists these places....
If you're staying at a hotel, they may have one to offer.
Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified
Q: Me and my family are coming to Myrtle Beach with 18 people. Can you give ideas for rides, and amusement.
Answered 04/03/07 21:33:36 by Dwayne McLemore
A: I apologize for the delayed response. Only rides until early July would be those at Family Kingdom (in July, a scaled-down version of the Pavilion opens up at Broadway at the Beach). I would plan for a show -- The Carolina Opry and Alabama Theatre are the most popular -- and plan some outings at Broadway at the Beach.Submitted by Mapod from washington, Pa
Q: Was concern with all the golf coures closing in the Grand Stand. Was wondering if all the good courses are now going to in that $75 and up range. Is this the start of pricing going up in the area?
Answered 03/04/07 12:18:19 by Dwayne McLemore
A: CLICK HERE to read the latest thing we wrote about course closures' effect on rates.