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Ride on a “Top Ten Horse-Friendly Beach in the Southeast” on Your Next Trip to Myrtle Beach!

Posted on May 2, 2012 by OceanaMarketing
Horseback Riding, Inlet Point Plantation, Myrtle Beach

Riders cross over the dunes onto Waites Island at Inlet Point Plantation. Photography by Beach Dreamers Photography.

Inlet Point Plantation, beach photography, Myrtle Beach

Beach photography for families at Inlet Point Plantation. Photography by Beach Dreamers Photography.

Visitors to the greater Grand Strand area looking to do something off the beaten sand this summer but still wanting to enjoy the beach from atop a horse need look no further than Inlet Point Plantation in Little River. Unlike the local municipalities who must limit horseback riding to the off-season, Inlet Point Plantation allows guests to ride on the beach year round on their private island! In 2008’s Equus Caballus “Life’s a Beach” issue, Inlet Point Plantation was named as one of the Top Ten Horse-Friendly Beaches in the Southeast!

Guests can select the hour long waterway trail ride which winds through their pecan grove along a path of their 4,000-acre plantation (mostly in its wilderness state) to the IntraCoastal Waterway; the two-hour beach/wooded trail ride, which is available in the off season meanders through the plantation over Dunn Sound  to the 1,200-acre private Waites Island for a spectacular riding experience on the solitude of the beach and enjoying the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. During the summer, guests enjoy the one-hour beach ONLY ride. Children ages 7 and older are able to enjoy the one-hour rides while children ages 10 and older can enjoy the two-hour rides. Hand-held pony rides are available for children under the age of 10. Group discounts and “bring your own horse” opportunities are also available. Helmets are available for everyone. Photo packages are available of your riding experience as a keepsake from Beach Dreams Photography.

Inlet Point Plantation also features sunset/moonlight rides and special occasion/private rides, perfect for weddings, honeymoons or proposals.

Beach family photos are available by scheduling a session with the Beach Dreams photographer. The advantage of this session is there are no other tourists to fight behind you and no tall resort hotels in the background, only the Atlantic Ocean or private sand dunes. Incredible keepsakes for your family vacation to the Myrtle Beach area. Ponies are also available to be in these family photos as well.

Brimming with history, Inlet Point Plantation was once the home of Fort Randall, a confederate fort from 1861 to 1863. The open fields at the entrance to the stables was originally cleared by the 9,000 confederate soldiers, as the tree line along the IntraCoastal Waterway served as a barrier from coming enemy ships. Famous residents include Billy the Kid and even Blackbeard is rumored have used the island as a safe haven. Waites Island is 1,380 acres, located on the state line north of Cherry Grove Beach, SC and south of Sunset Beach, North Carolina. On the plantation itself, Indian burial grounds and archeological finds date back to 600 BC.

Rides are available Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. until Sunset March through the end of the summer season. After summer, call for specific times and availability.  For reservations, call 843.249.2989. For additional information, visit www.inletpointplantation.com or email InletStable@gmail.com. For directions or GPS information: 5800 Highway 236, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

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Add Sea Screamer Dolphin Cruise to “Must Do” List While in Myrtle Beach

Posted on April 27, 2012 by OceanaMarketing
Dolphins, Atlantic Ocean, Myrtle Beach

Dolphins frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean spotted during Sea Screamer cruise.

Plan to set sail on a two-hour dolphin adventure cruise above the Sea Screamer or Sea Thunder during your visit to the Myrtle Beach area.

Guests can choose to depart from the Harbourgate Marina or the Little River port, the Sea Screamer and Sea Thunder Dolphin Cruise take passengers out in the Atlantic Ocean to the NC/SC state lines to look for dolphins. Along the way, passengers enjoy a narrated tour, the views of golf courses, a state park, beautiful terrain, a private island that once held Fort Randall, an old Civil War fort, which is now a private residence; Waties Island and Bird Island; and see the blue granite rock jetties, opening to the Atlantic Ocean and playground for the dolphins.

Families can purchase beach buckets of soft drinks, adult beverages and snacks from Captain Jeul’s Hurricane Restaurant (whose hostess stand also doubles as the ticket office for the dolphin cruise during the day). The beach buckets are keepsakes from the trip aboard the cruise. No personal coolers or strollers are allowed on the cruise.

This cruise is perfect for locals with friends in town; tourists traveling alone, with families and anyone from toddlers to the older folks looking for a fun afternoon on the water. It’s great for families. Guests are almost certain to get wet with the waves and will want to bring a few items mentioned in this article along for the ride.

Items to bring for the dolphin cruise: sunscreen; Ziploc bag to keep cell phone or camera dry; rain jacket; beach towel; extra change of clothes in car (for sightseeing or dining out afterwards). Appropriate swim suits will be fine as well. Casual dress is perfect!

Please note: The Sea Thunder guarantees that passengers will see a dolphin. If passengers do not see a dolphin on their cruise, the cruise line issues each party a voucher for a free cruise to travel with them again to see dolphins! On our recent trip, we did not see any dolphins, but enjoyed a beautiful afternoon seeing bald eagles, deer, boaters, sun bathers, golfers and pelicans. Yes, we received our vouchers and will go back out in hopes of seeing a school of dolphins frolicking in the Atlantic Ocean!

Reservations are recommended but check with the Front Desk at any of the Oceana Resorts hotels for special ticket prices and departure times, due to weather conditions. Or, visit www.myrtlebeachwatersports.com for more details about the Little River and Harbourgate Marina departures on the dolphin cruises, jet ski rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and parasailing.

Dolphin Cruise

Sea Thunder leaving Harbourgate Marina for Dolphin Cruise. Photos provided by Myrtle Beach Watersports.

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Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Park Resort Earns TripAdvisor’s Number 3 Spot for Jet Setting Pets

Posted on September 15, 2011 by oceanamb
Pets enjoy Ocean Park.

Pets enjoy staying at Ocean Park with their owners.

TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site*, announced the results of its pet travel survey of more than 1,100 U.S. animal-owners, revealing that pets today are vacation veterans. Forty-four percent of respondents have traveled with their pets in the last 12 months, while 47 percent plan to do so in the next 12 months.

“We’re honored to receive such recognition by TripAdvisor. We strive to make all of our guests, including our four-legged ones, feel at home during their stay with us,” says Michael Deaton, General Manager of Ocean Park Resort. “When a guest with a pet checks in, they receive special treats for the four-legged family member, we have a pet area on property with synthetic grass that’s equipped with baggies, and in the fall and winter we have a yappy hour social for our guests. Each October, we have Barktoberfest and a pet costume contest, which the guests seem to appreciate.”

TripAdvisor identified the Top 10 pet-friendly properties in the U.S., based on accommodations with rankings 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor, and feature the greatest number of TripAdvisor traveler comments describing them as pet- or dog- friendly.

In the announcement, TripAdvisor noted about Ocean Park: “For travelers seeking to enjoy an ocean-side outing with their furry friend, this Myrtle Beach property gets the thumbs and paws up. ‘Brought our two dogs with us and were never made to feel anything but welcome with them there,’ said one TripAdvisor traveler. “A $15 per pet, per night surcharge applies, and any accessories must be provided by the owner.”

The other Top 10 pet-friendly hotels listed include the Affinia Dumont in New York City; Hotel Monaco Portland in Portland, OR; Palomar Washington, DC in Washington, DC; A Laughing Horse Lodge in Port Aransas, TX; The Paw House Inn in West Rutland, VT; Carmel Country Inn in Carmel, CA; Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MASS; La Quinta Inn & Suites in Valdosta, GA; and Cypress Inn in Carmel, CA.

“TripAdvisor’s survey shows that for 22 percent of pet-owners, finding quality pet-friendly accommodations is the most frustrating aspect of traveling with their animals. Yet while some accommodation options may be off-limits, there are countless fantastic properties which extend a warm welcome to four-legged companions,” said Karen Drake, senior director of communications for TripAdvisor.

“Recognizing many years ago that guests enjoyed traveling with their pets, Oceana Resorts prides itself in offering three pet-friendly resorts in our collection for vacationers traveling to Myrtle Beach,” states Frans Mustert, CHA, President & CEO, “Ocean Park embraces the pet-friendly traveler. We also have pet friendly units available year round at Patricia Grand in Myrtle Beach and in the fall and winter months at Bay Watch Resort & Conference Center in North Myrtle Beach.”

For more information about Ocean Park Resort and the remaining collection of Oceana Resorts’ collection of properties, visit www.oceanaresorts.com

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BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort Receives Top Designation As “Ultra Clean” Hotel

Posted on August 20, 2011 by oceanaroot
BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian, Myrtle Beach

BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian sits oceanfront in downtown Myrtle Beach.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort has received Best Western’s Ultra Clean Designation, making it one of only 6.5% of hotels in North America to receive this distinction.

“Receiving the designation as an Ultra Clean hotel is extremely exciting for our guests,” said Ray Harter, General Manager for the BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort. “By tailoring our services to meet guest needs, we are generating high customer satisfaction. When a guest stays with us, he knows what to expect—our staff strives to ensure that the guest’s stay is welcoming, comfortable and exemplary.”

This select honor is given to Best Western properties that demonstrate exceptional levels of service and care through its “I Care 2” Certification, a collaborative guest service program based on services guests desire most when staying in a hotel. The Ultra Clean designation gives guests confidence in the room’s cleanliness by letting them personalize their service, choosing the time of day a room gets cleaned and the level of cleaning service they prefer.

Launched by Best Western International in 2007, “I Care” is a staff training program designed to provide better customer service and fewer problems during a guest’s stay. With the success of “I Care,” Best Western expanded the program in 2009 to initiate “I Care 2.” Because the BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort highly values the trust guests place in accommodations and service, it was important to implement both programs to heighten that trust.

While “I Care” focused on timely problem resolution, “I Care 2” is focused on problem prevention and enhancing trust between the hotel and its guests. Hotel staff members are trained to be proactive in anticipating guests’ needs and concerns and to exceed expectations by delivering superior customer service and deep cleaning. An intensified inspection program takes cleaning to the next level—furniture is removed and anything that gives the impression that the room isn’t clean or well-maintained is addressed.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort is located in the heart of the Grand Strand, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at 2506 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC. The hotel features 231 standard hotel rooms as well as spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, complimentary high-speed Internet access, free local calls, cable tv and free HBO, game room, fitness room, business center, oceanfront pools, Lazy River and Kiddie Pool, and a hot tub. Children under 18 stay free with parents.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-624-8969. Reservations are also available online at www.carolinianbeachresort.com.

About Oceana Resorts

Oceana Resorts in Myrtle Beach, SC consists of a collection of oceanfront resorts, a marina club, a full-service spa, a boutique motel, and a condominium rental management company. With over 25 years of experience in family, golf, and group vacations, Oceana Resorts has earned a reputation for providing quality vacations and excellent service to our customers. Its collection of resorts is among the finest on the Grand Strand, offering full-service accommodations and on-site amenities for fun and relaxation. Learn more at www.oceanaresorts.com.

ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Best Western International, Inc. is THE WORLD’S BIGGEST HOTEL FAMILYSM, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in 90* countries and territories worldwide. Each Best Western-branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Now celebrating 65 years of hospitality, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts hundreds of thousands each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western has embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world’s biggest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing™ and Harley-Davidson® help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night globally, join Best Western Rewards®. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

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TripAdvisor Names Myrtle Beach’s Wild Water & Wheels in its Top 10 Water Parks for 2011

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Oceana Resorts
Wild Water & Wheels Makes TripAdvisor's Top 10 Water Park List

Guests cool off on hot summer days in Wild Water & Wheels Wavepool.

TripAdvisor® recently announced the top ten water parks in the U.S., according to TripAdvisor travelers. Aquatic enthusiasts can enjoy cooling off this summer at some of the most splash-tacular parks with slides, wave pools, adventures, dives and dips.

Making the grade in the 10th spot was Myrtle Beach’s very own, Wild Water & Wheels, deemed by TripAdvisor as Poolside Pleasures. According to a TripAdvisor press release on August 3, 2011, Wild Water & Wheels is: “Located just south of Myrtle Beach, Wild Water & Wheels boasts 24 slides – from the “White Water Express”, whose invigorating tosses and turns will give visitors an adrenaline boost, to the enclosed depths of “The Dark Hole”. One TripAdvisor traveler commented, “Although the park is small, there were enough quality rides to keep us entertained for the day.” Admission is $29.25 for guests measuring 4’8” and over, $18.40 for those under 4’8” or over 55, and is free of charge for children under two.

Other parks listed in the Top 10 include Watery Wonderland Aquatica (SeaWorld’s Waterpark), Orlando, Florida; Divine Dip: Adventureland Des Moines, Iowa; Spectacular Slides: NRH20 Waterpark, North Richland Hills, Texas; Thrills and Spills: Water Country USA, Williamsburg, Virginia; Dunking Delight: Kahuna Laguna, North Conway, New Hampshire; Beachfront Bonanza: Morey’s Piers, Wildwood, New Jersey; Splashy Scene: Noah’s Ark Water Park, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin; and, Wondrous Waves: Typhoon Lagoon, Orlando, Florida. And the No. 1 water park is Sensational Soaking: Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari, Santa Claus, Indiana.

Wild Water & Wheels is open daily through Labor Day. Guests with Oceana Resorts receive FREE tickets to Wild Water & Wheels water park through Labor Day. For more information on Wild Water & Wheels, visit www.wild-water.com.

Congratulations to our sister hospitality partner along the Grand Strand for this honor! You’ve always been tops with us and our guests love your park!

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Oceana Resorts Includes FREE Water Park and Adventure Camp Tickets with Vacation Rental

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Oceana Resorts
Water Park

Oceana Resorts Guests receive FREE admission to Wild Water and Wheels water park Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Frans Mustert, President & CEO of Oceana Resorts, recently announced the inclusion of FREE summer admission to Wild Water & Wheels Water Park and Diamondback Adventure Camp for all Oceana Resorts guests.  He stated 2011 vacation lodging rates will remain the same, but would now include FREEadmission to the family vacation camp located adjacent to and within the Diamondback Golf Course, set in natural forest and wetlands, as well as the water park based in Surfside Beach. Admission is valid Memorial Day through Labor Day to both attractions.

The camp features horseback riding, archery, shooting, climbing walls, a zip line, and fly fishing among other activities.  All activities are counselor supervised and include instructions from experienced staff.  Diamondback Adventure Camp is a first for the Myrtle Beach vacation destination and adds a huge new element to the Oceana Resorts family vacation experience.

Wild Water & Wheels has been a family vacation staple for years. The 16-acre park is filled with exciting rides, 24 slides, Wipe Out Wave Pool, Lazy River Ride, Wally’s Kiddie Lagoon, Adult Lounge Pool, Snack Bar, Gift Shop, Lockers/Showers, Kiddie Rides, Sundecks, Picnic Area and Group Tent Area. For additional fees, guests can enjoy the rides and special events scheduled at the park. However, water park admission is free.

In addition to these special summer family fun passes, guests staying at Anderson Ocean Club, Patricia Grand Resort, and BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort will receive unlimited free day play at Lost Mine Miniature Golf Course, across the street from Anderson Ocean Club and BEST WESTERN PLUS Carolinian Beach Resort.

Oceana Resorts has also rolled out the Oceana Resorts Guest Rewards Program in 2011. Local Grand Strand merchants have agreed to offer Oceana Resorts guests special discounts or deals when presented with the Oceana Resorts Guest Rewards card. Participating merchants include local service providers, restaurants, attractions and entertainment, golf courses, activities, miniature golf and shopping. Guests receive items such as discounted specials to free admission or free with purchase.

Mustert believes this packaging family fun has timely appeal to many families seeking affordable packaged vacations.

“The economy has everyone paying attention to added value and affordability in ways we haven’t done in years,” says Mustert. “Oceana Resorts is proud to be able to offer more value to our guests for their family vacations. Our Family Fun Passes and Guest Rewards Program enables our guests to pack more fun into their vacations and to stretch their hard earned dollars a little further while enjoying time with each other.”

Learn more at www.oceanaresorts.com/family-fun-pass or  www.wild-water.com.

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Myrtle Beach Can-Am Days

Posted on February 16, 2011 by Oceana Resorts

This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Myrtle Beach Canadian American Days. Oceana Resorts in Myrtle Beach is offering special rates to our Canadian Travelers. Check out the awesome deal. Myrtle Beach Can-Am Days

Below you will find the activities scheduled during the Canadian American Festival along the Grand Strand.

What’s being planned

• March 12: 23rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, North Myrtle Beach. Free, with a parade down Main Street that begins at 9 a.m. Street festival follows.

• March 12: Ocean Boulevard’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, on the boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach. Eight bands and other entertainment; free.

• March 12: IrishFest at Market Common, noon-5 p.m. Kids’ activities, Irish food, Irish music. Free.

• March 14: Free concert featuring No Strings Attached and Top Hat Marching Band, Inlet Square Mall, 10125 U.S. 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet.

• March 15: Free concert featuring Burlington Teen Tour Band, Myrtle Beach Mall, 10177 North Kings Highway.

• March 16: RBC Battle at the Beach golf tournament, Prestwick Country Club, 1001 Links Road, Myrtle Beach. Cost: $135 per person, $450 per foursome. Register by March 9: (843) 444-3800.

• March 17: Festival Expo, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Coastal Grand Mall, 200 Coastal Grand Circle, with No Strings Attached, Top Hat Marching Band and the Burlington Teen Tour Band. Prize drawings. Free.

• March 19: Fourth Annual Taste of the Coast at Barefoot Landing, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Local restaurants will set up booths and offer samples of their specialties.

• March 19: Canadian-American Mini Golf Tournament, 10 a.m. at Hawaiian Rumble, 3210 U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach. Parent-child event; a parent can play with more than one child at a time. $5 per person.

• March 19: Equinox Art & Music Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Elm Street and Third Avenue at the Historic Horry County Court House, Conway. Local musicians, artists selling glass, wood, handcrafted soap, paintings, drawings and more. Free

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6 Ways to turn your wet Myrtle Beach around

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Oceana Resorts

Here are a few ways to turn wet days into fun days:

1. Have a movie fest.

Visit the local movie theater and catch up on the movies you’ve been wanting to see and witness the blockbusters on the big screen. Visit the Market Common on your next Myrtle Beach rainy day, see a movie and then hit the shops.
2. Make use of hotel amenities. The majority of the Oceana Resorts Accommodations have indoor amenities from: lazy rivers, indoor pools, game rooms and hot tubs.  What will you do while they are being entertained?  Hit the Awakening Spa at the Anderson Ocean Club or go shopping!

3. Hit the museums.

Rain in Myrtle Beach can come and go just like that, I understand rain is inevitable during a trip at any time of the year. Just before my departure, I check the 10-day weather forecast and plan my museum visits for days slated for rain. But even if a surprise shower rains on your parade, find the museums in your destination in which to wile away the rain hours. Even small towns and beach communities have little museums that can shed light on the town, the region or the people of the community. Check out the Childrens Museum of South Carolina.

4. Get wet. If you’re at the beach, there’s something serene about walking on the beach when it rains. You were planning on getting wet anyway, and if in a warm-weather destination, a rain can cool you off and give you a different view of the landscape around you. Equally, a walk in the woods when it rains can be equally tranquil. And really, when do you ever allow the kids to walk in the rain? Let them get a little dirty and splash in the puddles! (Just be sure to skip this idea when thunder and lightening are present.)

5. Make a game of it.

If you’re going to be stuck indoors, enjoy the quality family time by picking up a deck of cards at the hotel sundries shop and striking up rousing games of “Go Fish,” “21″ and other card games. If you’re near a drugstore, pop in and purchase board games, car games and coloring books, as most have a small toy section. Break up the monotony of sitting in your room but bringing the games to the hotel lobby and relaxing on some comfy sofas. And if your hotel has a game room, of course, join the crowds clamoring to play Wii, air hockey and Xbox games.

6. Picnic indoors. Run to the local grocery store and pick up all the ingredients for an indoors picnic. Lay a few bath towels on the floor, turn on the radio, and pop a squat around the towels and eat with our hands. Cheaper than a restaurant, stay dry and the kids will love the uniqueness.

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Oceana Resorts Launches Website

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Oceana Resorts

Oceana Resorts, a management company in Myrtle Beach; launches a new user friendly website.

A new site plays an important role in communicating not only with our existing guests but also captivating future guests. It was important to create an award winning website that tells our story and presents our brand using captivating content and vibrant photography of our resorts and the Myrtle Beach area.

Along with detailed property information, a mobile website and a sophisticated look and feel, OceanaResorts.com puts our guests right in the middle of the fun and excitement that is Myrtle Beach SC.

For more information, please visit Oceanaresorts.com or call 866-469-7853.

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Oceana Resorts

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Oceana Resorts

Oceana Resorts consists of nine resorts – six resorts on oceanfront, one resort on the intracoastal waterway, a boutique motel, and a condominium rental management company.  With three properties in North Myrtle Beach and the remaining properties spanning the coast in Myrtle beach,  Oceana Resorts offers accommodations at the very best locations along the Grand Stand.

For more information, visit them at www.oceanaresorts.com

With over 25 years of experience in family, golf, and group vacations, Oceana Resorts has earned a reputation for providing quality vacations and excellent service to our customers.  Our collection of resorts is among the finest on the Grand Strand, offering full-service accommodations and on-site amenities for fun and relaxation.

No matter what your desires are… some quality time with the family, a romantic getaway with that special someone, a girls getaway to the beach, or a golf outing for the guys… our staff is here to ensure you make the most of your visit to Myrtle Beach.

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