MYRTLE BEACH, SC – As spring starts to shine and summer inches closer by the second, the Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina is opening its arms to travelers looking for the ideal spot to enjoy the best nature has to offer. Whether travelers are searching for fascinating wildlife, peaceful trails, or interesting educational programming, the Myrtle Beach area has plenty to offer in its great outdoor areas.

The region’s year-round temperate climate offers travelers unique nature and open-air adventures, such as exploring the beauty of the Brookgreen Gardens, setting sail on South Carolina’s pristine coast, or taking a stroll along the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk. For a listing of fantastic outdoor and green activities to enjoy while vacationing on the Grand “green” Strand this spring, visit: visitmyrtlebeach.com/nature.

Attractions

Brookgreen Gardens: The Oaks Plantation History and Nature Trail brings to life an important element of history “off the beaten path." Through interpretive panels stationed along the natural walking trail, guests learn the story of The Oaks Plantation and see archaeological sites that include the plantation owners’ and slaves’ areas. Transportation to The Oaks Plantation History and Nature Trail is only by mini-bus, which departs on the hour from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. from Brookgreen Gardens. Tickets are $3 per person in addition to garden admission. For more information, please call (800) 849-1931 or visit: www.brookgreen.org/oaks_plantation_trail.cfm.

Captain Smiley Charters: Embark on a fishing adventure with discounted rates at Captain Smiley’s this spring! From March 27 to September 1, 2009, Light Tackle/Fly Fishing Charters are $5.00 off! For more information, please call Patrick Kelly at (843) 361- 7445 or visit www.captainsmileyfishingcharters.com.

Coastal Scuba/Little River Fishing Fleet:

Fishing: Half day, three-quarter and full day 11-hour Gulf Stream trips are all offered as private charters and as head-boats where you can pay by the person. A variety of semi-private trips including trolling and shark fishing are also offered. For more information visit www.LittleRiverFleet.com. Half day trips go out several times a day and start at only $42 for adults and $35 for kids 12 and under. Mention code CHAMBER1 for a $3 discount on the half or three-quarter day trips OR $5 off the full day Gulf Stream trip.

Scuba Diving: Join us to Discover Scuba – a first time opportunity to put on the gear and experience breathing underwater in our on-site pool! There is also an opportunity to go out and Discover Scuba Diving in the ocean dive with an instructor. The price is normally $40 for the Discover Scuba pool session and $125 for the ocean. Mention code CHAMBER1 and you are eligible for $5 off both the pool and ocean. Bring a group of 4 or more and $10 will be taken off each adventure. For more information visit www.CoastalScuba.com.

50’ Rock Wall/ High-Ropes Course: Located on Highway 17 right in North Myrtle Beach. The fun starts at only $10 for 3 trips up the rock wall, $15 for unlimited time on the rock wall and $20 for unlimited time on both the rock wall and ropes course. Mention code CHAMBER1 and you’ll received $5 off the unlimited rock wall/ropes course. For more information please visit www.MyrtleBeachCoastalAdventures.com, or call (843) 361- 3323.

Hawaiian Village Minigolf: Plan a golfing excursion that is fun for the whole group, not just the golf pros! Everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can buy one get one free at Hawaiian Village Minigolf. For more information, please call (843) 458-2585.

Myrtle Beach State Park: Visitors to Myrtle Beach State Park can immerse themselves in beautiful natural surroundings while taking part in a variety of fun and educational programs from crabbing in the ocean to bird watching. Admission prices: ages 5 and under-free, ages 6-15- $1.50, and ages 16 and up- $4.00. For more information please call (843) 238-0874 or visit www.myrtlebeachsp.com. Check out the following programs:

Myrtle Beach Segway: Experience the feeling of “gliding” on a Segway with the Market Common District Tour. The tour - a little over an hour in length - takes visitors around the natural beauty, wildlife and history of this newly renovated Market Common district. Have some fun the “eco-friendly” way on a Segway! Advance reservations required, book now to buy one, get one half off- (good for up to eight in a group). For more information, please call (843) 477 – 0800 or email tours@mbsegway.com. Mention code MBACC1 for discount to apply.

Thomas Outdoors Watersports: Spend some time on the water this summer with Afternoons at the Grove - daily kayak eco tours on the marsh at Cherry Grove. The tours meet every afternoon at 4:30 p.m., and are approximately two and a half hours long with bottled water provided. Tours are also $5.00 off, For more information, please call (843) 280- 2448 or visit www.mbjetski.com/index.php/page/coupons.html to print out discount coupon.

Events

2nd Annual Park Palooza at Myrtle Beach State Park: With more than 20 programs based around nature and the outdoors – everything from “Spineless Wonders” to “Make a Garden Grow” – for enthusiasts young and old, Park Palooza is a great opportunity to participate in fun activities inside the gorgeous setting of Myrtle Beach State Park. Throw a cast net, plant a tree, learn about earth friendly products, build a campfire and much more! Various programs will continuously run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 and are free with park admission. For more information, please call (843) 238-0874 or visit www.myrtlebeachsp.com.

13th Annual Spring Festival at Broadway at the Beach: The 13th Annual Spring Festival will be on April 25 and is featuring some fantastic “Go Green” event! Stop by and take part in workshops focusing on recycling, energy and paper, or enjoy Earth Day activities, food, drinks, and the fireworks show at 9 p.m.! In efforts to promote “green-lifestyles”, April has been designated “Go Green Month” at Broadway at the Beach! Bring in 20 plastic bags and receive a Preferred Guest Card along with recycling tips at the visitors’ center. For more information, please call (843) 913- 9320 or visit www.broadwayatthebeach.com.

George Goes Goes Green: This inaugural environmental educational event will be held in at East Bay Park in Georgetown, SC on April 18, 2009. The mainstage will feature presentations throughout the day on a variety of topics including: Georgetown County recycling studies and programs; the value of Rain Gardens and how to plan them; Dr. Terry Walker from Clemson University talking about biofuels and using switchgrass as an alternative energy source; a session on smart homes, both new construction and retrofitting; and a special segment on water quality issues. There will be a Kids Zone which will have everything from building art with found objects, to touch tanks and information about indigenous wildlife, to nature walks and scavenger hunts. Locally grown produce will be on hand at the area’s local Farmer's Market on site; Green Fare will be the dining area featuring locally caught and grown dishes for event goers; businesses and non-profits will be exhibiting around the event with table tops and tents to show off their goods and services that will help get and keep everyone GREEN. For more information visit www.visitgeorge.com.

Spring Wing Ding at Barefoot Landing: This outdoor festival, April 11 and 12, focuses on the natural environment, waterfowl, wildlife and more at Barefoot Landing. Bird experts will speak and lead a nature walk (weather permitting). There will also be live animals, mascots, bird house painting, “chick or treat” for the kids for Easter candy, plus numerous other activities the whole family can enjoy! For more information, please call (843) 272- 8349 or visit www.barefootlanding.com.

Nature-Themed Accommodation Packages

Dayton House Resort: Come enjoy Nature at the Beach with ocean view accommodations at Dayton House Resort, plus tickets for two to the National Historic Brookgreen Gardens. Package starts at $59 per night with double occupancy and a 3 night stay available March 10 through September 1, 2009. Based on availability, rate is exclusive of taxes and fees and is not subject to any additional discounts. Some restrictions may apply. Please visit www.daytonhouse.com and click on “Specials” or call (866) 467-4229.

Hampton Inn: Both The Hampton Inn Northwood and The Hampton Inn at Broadway are offering guests getaways from March 27 to September 1, 2009, that lets visitors see many sides of nature:

Hampton Inn Northwood: Package includes two night’s accommodations, deluxe continental breakfast daily, and admission for four, on the Salt Water Marsh Explorer along with a goody bag ($200 value in discounts) upon arrival. Package rates starting at $229.00 inclusive based on 2 adults/2 children 12 & under. No other discounts allowed. Space is limited. Blackout dates are Memorial Weekend and July 4th Holiday. For more information please visit: www.myrtlebeachnorthwood.hamptoninn.com or call (843) 497- 0077.

Hampton Inn at Broadway: Package includes two night’s accommodations, deluxe continental breakfast daily, and admission for four on the Salt Water Marsh Explorer along with a goody bag ($200 value in discounts) upon arrival. Rates start at $275.00 inclusive based on 2 adults/2 children 12 & under. No other discounts allowed. Space is limited. Blackout dates are Memorial Weekend and July 4th Holiday. For more information, please visit www.myrtlebroadway.hamptoninn.com or call (843) 916-0600.

Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort: Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort is offering guests the ultimate getaway package. Package includes the following:

• Three nights select luxury accommodations
• A fine-dining certificate valued at $25 per person
• Daily breakfast buffet at Webster’s
• Unlimited bike rental
• Unlimited access to tennis courts
• Daily passes to Brookgreen Gardens

Packages available March 1 – December 31, 2009 with rates starting at $282. Taxes and fees additional. For more information, please call (888) 714- 5993 or visit www.litchfieldbeach.com.

Marina Inn at Grande Dunes: The Celebrate Summer at the Vineyard package wines and dines guests, creating a perfect summer getaway. The package, available from March 27 to September 1, includes:

• Luxury room accommodations for two nights
• Bottle of wine and two wine goblets upon arrival
• Entrance to La Belle Amie Vineyard, along with a tour of the winery/vineyard, plus a wine tasting
• Basket of gourmet cheeses and snacks to bring along on your wine excursion

Wine tasting is available Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Guided tours are available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:00 a.m., but self tours can be done all day. Wine festivals are held twice a month, visit www.labelleamie.com/htmlpages/calendar.html for a complete calendar listing. Rates start at $334.00 in a Grande guest room-for two night stay based on double occupancy. For more information about the package, please call (866) 353- 9418, or visit www.marianainnatgrandedunes.com/vineyard.

Surfside Realty Beach Vacations: From March 28 to September 4, 2009, Surfside Realty is offering visitors a Ride with the Dolphins package that includes a 10 percent discount off advertised rental rates, plus up to 5 free tickets to go on a Blue Wave Adventures’ Dolphin Watch. Not available for all properties. For more information, please call (800) 833- 8231 x 1, or visit www.itsabeachthing.net.

Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort: Guests can truly experience nature at the Eco-Adventure at Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort! From March 27 through September 30, 2009, book a stay in a three-bedroom, three-bathroom condo with lake and golf course views and enjoy a two-hour eco-tour of the barrier islands, including netting and shelling with Captain Michael Rutenberg. Additional add-ons available at a minimal cost. Rates run from $160 to $265, and are not valid during holidays and special events. For more information, please visit www.tilghmanresort.com/myrtle-beach-vacation-specials.htm or call (888) 280- 0913.

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.

Copyright 2009 Myrtle Beach Area CVB. All rights reserved. From http://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com.
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