Myrtle Beach for Families

A local mom's guide to family fun in the Grand Strand

About Melissa

My name is Melissa Byers and I've been a Grand Strand resident for 12 years. I love living and raising my family here. We're all about the events, activities, and discounts!

Christmas at Pirates Voyage is a Holiday Hit!

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The holidays are officially upon us in the Grand Strand and I couldn’t be happier. Whether you’re a local or visiting the Myrtle Beach area, there’s no shortage of things to do to celebrate the season!

My family and I were invited to see Christmas at Pirates Voyage and enjoy their holiday show in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.

First and foremost, the website is a wealth of information about the entertainment, food, and tickets. If you’re even remotely interested in seeing the show, check it out.

The Pre-Show

The night we saw the show, it started at 6:00 PM, but they told me to come about an hour early. I assumed it was to chat about the show and take some pictures. Not at all! There’s a fantastic and FUN pre-show with singing pirates, a sea lion, and acts galore! Trust me, you don’t want to miss it!

In the seating area for the pre-show you can order drinks from the bar, get popcorn, and even take a wander around the gift shop. In fact, should you want to take home a stuff version of one of the stars of the show, you can get yourself one of these. In fact, they come in a variety of sizes!

One of our favorite acts was this pirate balancing on giant rolling pins. I was impressed enough when he was able to stand up on one. I about lost my mind when he did it on two. But when his tower got higher and higher, it was NUTS! It’s all real and the talent is through the roof!

The Show

When I talk to folks thinking of attending Pirates Voyage, the most frequently asked question is “What ages will enjoy the show? Is it a good choice for little ones?” The answers are any age and absolutely!

Joining me were my mother and two teen daughters. While they weren’t with me, we have young children in our family ranging in age from 8 to 3-months old. I’ve often wondered, myself, how they’d do. After seeing the show, however, I know they would love it!

Once you enter Buccaneer Bay, the show was about 90 minutes and it moved fast! There were zero slow parts. It’s act after act with a story driving the sequence. There are divers and zip lines. Lively music, sword fights, fire, juggling, acrobatics, dancing…it has something for EVERYONE! Some of it is quite thrilling! These guys below had me on the edge of my seat!

My favorite parts included the animals. Camels, a donkey, dogs, birds, they were all fantastic! If you want a close-up view, get seats on the lower level. The sea lions, for example, will pass right in front of you! If you’re nervous about getting too close, choose a higher seat.

The Food

Dinner was served and it was delicious! I was impressed when our server asked if we had any food allergies or dietary restrictions. I was also impressed when the food came out fast and hot. The portion were huge AND they’ll gladly wrap up anything you don’t finish for you to take home. You can see the full menu here.

The Touches of Christmas

Truly, from the moment you approach the Pirates Voyage property, you feel the Christmas spirit. The theming is beautiful! From decorations to music, there’s no doubt it’s the holidays! There’s even a beautiful living nativity complete with animals.

We had a truly wonderful time seeing the Christmas at Pirates Voyage show and it’s sure to be a holiday favorite of yours, as well! To learn more, visit their site, but don’t wait! The show is only around until January 5th with two shows a day during the busiest time of the holiday season. You can get tickets here.

The four of us left the show smiling, chattering about how great it was, and how we’d definitely go again. So family with the little kids, listen up. You need to come visit so we can do exactly that!

Thank you to Pirates Voyage for hosting us. We had a wonderful time and can’t wait to return! Performers and animals, you’re incredibly talented. The Myrtle Beach Area is so fortunate to have such high-quality entertainment!

With so many choices in holiday shows to see, Christmas at Pirates Voyage is at the top of my list!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

#LetTheFinBegin @ LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach!

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Welcome to my favorite time of year here in Myrtle Beach. It’s less crowded and the weather takes a breather making it the ideal time for outdoor dining. My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit LandShark Bar & Grill on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, at the base of the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, and I wanted to stay all day!

Disclosure: We were compensated with a free meal and $50 American Express gift card for one lucky reader in exchange for this review and promotion. Scroll down to learn how to enter to win! All opinions expressed are my own.

LandShark Bar & Grill is beachfront

LandShark Bar & Grill offers indoor and outdoor seating. We dined on a beautiful August evening, so I got as close the railing as possible. The view is stunning!

The restaurant is beachfront and what’s cool is that this is literally the type of place you can go for a nice dinner with a view OR walk up from the sand to grab a drink. Whether you’re there for a meal or a frozen beverage, it’s got this very sandy, beachy, summery vibe that I’ll never get enough of.

LandShark Bar & Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach

LandShark Bar & Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach

LandShark Bar & Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach

The LandShark Bar & Grill menu has something for everyone – get excited about the food!

I’ve probably never mentioned it before, but this girl loves an appetizer. I’ve been known to order them as entrees. Okay, I actually probably do this more than I order entrees, if I’m being totally honest. At the LandShark Bar & Grill we stuck with the classes – nachos and wings.

First up were the Taco Nachos. Tortilla chips, tons of meat, beans, pico, and fresh jalapeños…get in my mouth! Hubby loves nachos more than normal people should.

We tried our hardest, I swear we did, but we couldn’t eat them all!  The portion was huge and I’m, frankly, disappointed in us that we didn’t dig deeper to finish them off!

LandShark Bar & Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach

Next up were the Chicken Wings with Buffalo sauce. They were messy, saucy, juicy, crispy, and just spicy enough to feel it. I sometimes do “best of” blogs for food items across the Grand Strand and these wings may soon deserve their own post! I would go back to LandShark Bar & Grill just for those wings. We DID finish those. Priorities, people.

LandShark Bar & Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach

LandShark Bar & Grill is a quintessential beach bar with a menu with everything from frosty beverages to upscale food choices. There’s something for everyone, including the littles. It’s open-air, but shaded. It’s casual, but with high-quality food. It’s laid back, but with very good service.

With the backdrop of the beach on one side, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel on another, and Ocean Boulevard and all of its attraction on yet another, it’s at the center of all the downtown Myrtle Beach action. Plus, it’s easy walking distance from loads of popular hotels!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

Hurricane Preparedness 101 – What to do before and after a hurricane

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hurricane preparedness

Are You Ready for a Hurricane?

Official Atlantic Hurricane Season runs June 1 through November 30, peaking in late August and September. September is National Preparedness Month, and as such, it’s probably a good idea to think about hurricane preparedness and what to do in the event of a major storm.

Myrtle Beach has seen some strong hurricane and tropical storms in recent years, most notably Hurricane Matthew in October 2016 which took out power, ripped off the Springmaid and Surfside piers and caused millions in damage to homes across the Grand Strand.

Create an Emergency Plan and Be Ready to Go

Thanks to advanced storm tracking technology, we typically get a decent sized head start on a storm coming our way. Here are some of the things you should do to prepare before the hurricane arrives:

  • Create a small kit of emergency supplies including first aid, drinking water, medicine, non-perishable food, flashlights and batteries
  • Trim trees and shrubs, if you have time
  • Gather vital documents (birth certificates, deeds, etc)
  • Protect vulnerable areas of home (board/shutter windows and bring in lawn furniture)
  • Secure evacuation housing (stay with friends, book a hotel, find a shelter, etc)
  • Fuel up your vehicles
  • Know the evacuation route for your zone and pay attention to road closings

For more information, The South Carolina Emergency Management Division website has additional resources to boost hurricane preparedness.

Plan for Long-Term Power Outages

One thing we’ve learned from Myrtle Beach storms is that the power often stays long after the storm has left and the sunshine returns. One of the first items to disappear from big box home improvement store shelves are the portable, gas-powered generators.

For those looking for a more permanent and comfortable solution, consider a permanently installed standby generator. These residential generators tie directly to fuel lines underground and automatically restore whole house power within seconds of a utility outage.

At the very least, consider life without power for a couple weeks. Stock up on non-perishable, easy to prepare meals, and consider alternative ways to stay cool without an HVAC system running.

Post-Storm Cleanup and Repair

Assessing damage, filing insurance claims, and repairing your home is stressful. It is especially challenging if your house has damage that makes living in it impossible.

If your home has seen flooding or water damage and has standing water inside, it’s critical that you do not enter without clearance from an electrical inspector or public safety official. If your power has not been disconnected fully, you may be wading in to a fatal situation. There are a number of licensed, professional services in Myrtle Beach that can help with water damage restoration and mold removal.

Structural damage to your home from flooding or high winds can be overwhelming, and it’s worthwhile to meet with a few Myrtle Beach custom builders who specialize in repair and remodeling to compare estimates.

As you rebuild, consider “storm-proof” upgrades to your home to protect against future hurricanes.

Guest post submitted by Dean Blumberg

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At Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Myrtle Beach, it’s vacation time all year long!

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Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville is a summer state-of-mind

We had the opportunity to eat at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Whether you’re on vacation or just want to feel like you it, it’s *thee* place to head to at Broadway at the Beach for cool drinks and fresh food!

Disclosure: We were compensated with a free meal and $50 American Express gift card for one lucky ready in exchange for this review and promotion. Scroll down to learn how to enter to win!

The day we visited, it was no less than 142 degrees outside and we had been walking around Broadway at the Beach forever. It’s fun and festive, but hot and crowded. We were ready to sit down, relax, and take a real break. The very first thing this mama needed was an beverage. Behold. The Pear-A-Dise Margarita.

Just look at it. It was as refreshing as it appears! The Pear-A-Dise Margarita is a only available for a limited time and is made with prickly pear. A cactus, people. And it was exactly what I needed!

The next steps in our culinary journey was the Loaded Tots. They’re typical tater tots dressed up with queso cheese, bacon, and scallions, with ranch dressing on the side. I could have eaten them as an entree, but the family insisted I share.

 

Hurricane Myrtle is coming…but don’t panic!

One thing you’ll love about Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville in Myrtle Beach is how themed it is. From the minute you enter the door, you’re in a easy breezy tropical location. All around you are reminders of the islands including palm trees, decor (including a boat!) and, of course, the iconic music. So when Jim Cantore shows up talking about a hurricane approaching the Myrtle Beach area via a crazy path there’s no need to panic.

What? A hurricane that’s not dangerous and doesn’t pose any threat of damage? I’ll take it!

Instead of wind damage and flooding, we’re talking about a hurricane PARTY! It comes complete with a swirling “weather” system and a fun HUGE blender with a sloshing concoction that helps us hang on.

To view the “weather system” you’ll need to be indoors, as this location offers both indoor and outdoor seating. While Lake Broadway is great scenery, the kids will love a quick trip inside to see this!

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville’s Food is Ah-mazing!

Our food arrived shortly after and we dug in. I’ll share what we go.

  1. CRAB CAKESSSS! Forgive my ALL CAPS, but we’re a crab cake kind of family. When they’re an option, one of us typically gets them. This time it was one of my teenage daughters. We all sampled and they were given an enthusiastic eight thumbs up.

2. Seafood Mac & Cheese was a hit too. It comes with shrimp. but my younger daughter asked for it to be omitted. No problem, though, because there was a TON of crab!

The portions are big! More than half of these meals were brought home in to-go boxes and eaten for lunch…which is better than the PB&J I would have made for them!

3. Dad had Fish Tacos. Mahi mahi was the catch of the day and our server offered to feature it in the tacos, grilled or blackened. He went with blackened and they were very fresh and flavorful! And again – very large portions!

4. The Cheeseburger in Paradise was the ONLY option for this Parrothead and I got it with the sweet potato waffle fries. It was a big, sloppy, messy, delicious burger that had great seasoning. I enjoyed every bite. No leftovers here!

No visit to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville would be complete without a stop at the retail store where you can choose from tons of shirts, bags, stickers, glasses, and any number of other items that will help you feel like it’s 5 o’clock somewhere and it’s time to chilllll out!

 

Thank you to everyone who entered to win a $50 American Express gift card to experience this amazing food and service for yourself! The contest has ended and the winner was randomly selected. Stay tuned for more giveaways!

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach – Amazing New Show

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Disclosure: While all opinions and descriptions are my own, my family and I were invited guests of Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Castle to experience the show and provide a review in exchange for admission.

Medieval Times has been a headliner in Myrtle Beach entertainment since 1995 and it never disappoints. I’ve had the opportunity to attend once before several years ago and while some parts of the show were equally entertaining, many others were so much better! Let me explain.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach – A Whole New Show!

In previous years, a king presided over the kingdom. Sadly he’s passed on and the heir to the throne was a daughter. Now, there’s a queen! A strong queen, who uses her power for good and rules with fairness and mercy. Why the change? Show attendee feedback and I love it! My daughters who joined me are teens and girl power is a real thing in their lives. Women in leadership roles are important for everyone to see and experience.

Beyond a strong female leader, the show got a major overhaul with a phenomenal new musical score, and brilliant new costumes including suits of armor, shields, and helmets. We got a very cool backstage tour which included a view of the costume racks. Impressive!

Backstage with the Queen

During our tour, our next step was to meet Queen Maria Isabella. A beautiful queen who was both gracious and full of information for us. She was showed us around the barns that house Medieval Times’ 25 horses who all live and train on the property.

Each stall is complete with a memory foam mattress and fan. You have to admit that this guy looked pretty chill. And I have to totally admit that I was 100% fangirling. I’ve been an equestrienne since I was young. My love of horses and horsemanship runs deep. My dad, though never trained, was one of the best horseman I’ve ever known. He passed away several years ago and I know he would have loved to be on this backstage tour with us.

Perhaps one of the coolest view we got was over the staging area. Our visit to the barn was while a show was going on. Here we were able to see the knights and other cast, mid-performance. To be totally honest, I likely would have a better appreciation for this area AFTER seeing the show because there are SO MANY acts. So. Very. Many! There are zero slow moments.

We only watched for several minutes, buts I can only imagine how busy this spot is throughout the course of the show. Yet, everyone made it look relaxed and easy. These folks and animals are pros.

Queen Maria Isabella has her own horse and she told us about the bond they have. In fact, she talked about how all of the riding performers have a similar relationship with their horses. “They’re like big dogs! My horse loves attention and to play!”

Watching the Show

Our final stop on the tour was the actual arena. We were seated on the lower level with the Queen at our right. We had a close-up view of where the performers come in and out of the arena. We were members of the mighty Green team.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Food

The price of admission comes with a full four-course meal that’s delivered to your table. Our food was seriously delicious.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach

As in real medieval times, there are no utensils. I won’t lie, I could have used an extra napkin or ten! Kidding – our server took excellent care of us, including providing as many napkins as necessary.

Here’s what you need to know about the food and beverage situation.

1) HUGE portions. You start with tomato soup, move on to HALF a roasted chicken, potato, corn, and garlic bread, then finish with dessert. You will NOT leave hungry. And if you can’t finish it, they’ll send you home with a carryout box. Nice!

2) There are vegetarian options. When we were seated our server asked about any dietary restrictions and if we preferred a vegetarian option. During our backstage tour, we were able to tour the kitchen, which can prepare up to 4000 meals daily, and they can accommodate you. Just talk to your server.

3) Drinks are included with the meal, but you can purchase adult beverages and have them brought to your seat throughout the show. Show pictures and flags to support your team are also for purchase at your table throughout the show.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Performers

I mentioned it before, but the colors, costumes, lighting, musical score, and performers are phenomenal. Everyone from your toddler to grandma will enjoy it. There isn’t a boring moment.

The first time I saw the show I was nervous. In many scenes there’s fighting with swords, jousting, and tactical hand-to-hand maneuvers. I’m a peaceful person, ya’ll. I was worried for the performers’ safety and those in the audience. When a sword splinters upon impact, it’s no joke. But here’s the deal. It’s all very theatrical, happens in the middle of the area, and during the battles nets are drawn down to protect the audience.

And while the jousting and fight scenes are exciting, they’re only a small portion of the show. There are games and absolutely beautiful displays of horsemanship. The connection between the animals and riders is apparent.

We can’t recommend this show enough. If you’ve been before this year, visit again. The changes in the story line and characters make it worth the repeat trip. We left wanting more!

Learn More about Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Castle

To learn more about the castle, show times, and to purchase tickets, visit the Medieval Times Myrtle Beach Castle website. To keep up with all that’s going on at the castle and with the performers, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.

Thank you to Medieval Times for hosting us. We’ll treasure the memories and know your family will, as well.

Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.

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