Speaking of vacations, we are leaning heavily toward Myrtle Beach this year, and I am getting overwhelmed. We've got a vacation book from there, and I'm trying to find a place to stay and ideas for things to do, other than the obvious beach thing. Has anyone had a great experience at a certain resort? We don't need anything fancy, but I do want to stay beachfront. Two kids, 16 and 11. Any advice? We've never been to the east coast! TIA

By Luvn29 on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 04:11 pm:

Last year was my first time at Myrtle Beach! We fell in love with the place and are going back in June. We stayed at the Dayton House Resort and were thrilled! The beach in that area was wonderful. We were close to everything, but far enough away from the "Pavillion" area that we the crowds, traffic, and noise level were not bad. They also have a grassy lawn between the pools and lazy river and the beach with tons of chairs, tables, and lounge chairs to relax in. We are staying at this resort again this year.

There is SO much to do. There are two state parks within driving distance, a place with lots of shopping called Broadway at the Beach, an aquarium, lots of miniature golf, an aquarium, two water parks, two amusement parks, go-carts, teen only clubs, fireworks several times a week all summer, parasailing, banana boat rides, boat tours, a speedboat with guaranteed dolphin sightings... I could go on and on!

Here's a link to the greatest Myrtle Beach message board. I learned so much here before our first trip, and by the time we got there, I felt so comfortable and like we had been there before. Look through their different topics and you can get some great info.

Myrtle Beach Message Board

I think they may be having problems right now, but this is the right link...

Also, here's a link to The Dayton House where we stayed. It's wonderful.

The Dayton House

I could give you more information than you would ever want probably because I spend from January to June planning and looking for things to do. So if you have any specific questions either let me know or you can e-mail me: ea laney at adelphia dot net with no spaces of course. I'd be happy to share some of our photos, also.

By Janet on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 04:30 pm:

I've actually been looking at the Dayton House.. it looked so nice on the website, but it's better to hear from a real, live person, ya know? Thanks! I'll go check out the message board, too, and will no doubt be bugging you about details!

By Luvn29 on Monday, February 6, 2006 - 04:54 pm:

It's just as nice as it looks! Are you thinking of a suite or just a room? The four of us get a suite with one bedroom. We get what is called a King End Suite. It is the same price as a regular King Suite but you are guaranteed a room on one end of the building or the other and you will have a huge window in the bedroom with an oceanview, as well as your ocean front balcony.

By Imamommyx4 on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 11:41 am:

Just be sure when you get directions, know if you are staying in Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach. I put in to Mapquest the address and Myrtle Beach. We got to an empty lot and was about 25 miles from where we needed to be in North Myrtle Beach. That was a bit frustrating.

Myrtle Beach is busier, has the big amusement park, and the Aquarium. North Myrtle Beach seems cleaner, more families. We loved our stay.

By Luvn29 on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 12:07 pm:

Yes, that's a good point. We stayed in Myrtle Beach, but in the Northern part of it. It was more family oriented, but still near everything. North Myrtle Beach is an actual city separate from Myrtle Beach, and is a little farther away.

By Kolbysmom on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 12:15 pm:

I've been to Myrtle Beach 7 times. I LOVE it there. There's so much to do. We usually do either The Dixie Stampede or Medivel Times. They're both great!

You can look online, there's usually concerts and shows going on all the time.

I love Broadway At The Beach. There's tons of restuarants and shopping.

There's a million different bars and clubs. I don't know if you'll be doing any of that, but if you do, there's a great retro(60-90's music)club at Broadway At The Beach.

Oh, by the way, the best breakfast is at The Oympian Pancake House(I thinkt that's the name of it). It's on Ocean Blvd.

If I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

By Janet on Tuesday, February 7, 2006 - 12:57 pm:

Thanks! I've nearly got my dh talked into it (the girls and I are sold)!