July 16, 2010
Huntington Beach State Park
South Carolina’s Huntington Beach State park is 2,500 acres of coastal preserve nestled just south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet. Comprised of beaches, marshland, Atalaya Castle and an Educational Center, Huntington Beach State Park is ideal for spending a day away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Named after Archer M. Huntington, the park is home to Atalaya Castle where the Huntingtons spent the winter months. Atalaya, meaning “watchtower” in Spanish, is named for the 40 foot tall brick water 
tower inside the courtyard that dominates the 30 room property. The castle, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built during the Great Depression using only local construction workers and is designed after Moorish architecture. Huntington, a noted scholar and philanthropist, donated the castle and land to the state after his death. Every September for the past 35 years Atalaya has been host to the prestigious Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival which boasts over 100 artists.
Nature lovers will enjoy the Educational Center, featuring a saltwater touch tank with loggerhead turtles,
a baby alligator and many other aquatic species. The center was built to help educate visitors on the importance of human interaction with the critical ecosystems that are found along the coastal area. An array of programs are also available at the center such as Birding, a class that teaches beginners the basics of the hobby. With more than 300 recorded species the park is considered one of the top spots on the East Coast for birding. Another favorite program is Feeding Frenzy, which provides visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a sting ray and other sea creatures.
Huntington Beach State Park also has 3 miles of private beach access that are perfect for sun bathing, swimming, fishing and a leisurely stroll. The beach is typically not as crowded as the public beaches north in Myrtle Beach giving visitors a chance to truly relax. In addition the the beach hikers can also enjoy a 2 mile trail around Sandpiper Pond where alligators are regularly spotted. Picnic tables and grills are also located on the grounds.
Huntington Beach State Park is open Saturday – Thursday 6 a.m.- 6 p.m. and Friday 6 a.m. – 8 p.m. There are varying admission charges for the park, castle and different programs. For information call (843) 237-4440 or visit online. For lodging check out Festiva Hospitality’s resort, Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet. Guests staying at Ellington receive free passes to Huntington Beach State Park.
July 8, 2010
Shopping in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach, S.C., is a vacation destination overrun with a variety of entertaining activities for visitors to the area. Shoppers will find the area to be a perfect paradise overflowing with a multitude of options ranging from outlet malls to local specialty shops and of course the shopping and entertainment complexes.
One of two megaplexes in the area Barefoot Landing is located on a 27-acre lake in North Myrtle Beach and is compiled of countless shops, numerous restaurants and multiple entertainment venues all accessible by a boardwalk. While the hardened shoppers spend their time amongst the endless stores and boutiques others can catch a show at one of Barefoot Landings venues such as the Alabama Theatre or House of Blues. Also located in the shopping complex is Alligator Adventure, a zoo specializing in reptiles that features over 700 alligators and crocodiles.
The second shopping megaplex is Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. The 350-acre
complex is home to over 100 specialty shops laid out over three distinct villages that provide the consumer with a plethora of options. Like Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach also offers a variety of other entertainment options for the non shopping fanatic such as putt putt, IMAX Theatre and an aquarium. Visitors should plan to spend all day at either Barefoot Landing or Broadway at the Beach as both are filled to the brim with shops and activities.
For those who are more interested in saving money do not worry, the Myrtle Beach area can accommodate your outlet shopping needs. With a location in North and South Myrtle beach the Tanger Outlet Center is a must visit for the bargain shopper. The outlet centers are home to such major name brands as Polo, Liz Claiborne, Banana Republic and many more. Since all the stores are stocked with overstock and out of season clothes the prices are highly discounted, making the outlet malls a must visit for shopping aficionados.
In addition to these great shopping options the area is also home to a multitude of small 
communities only minutes outside Myrtle Beach like Little River, Windy Hill and Murrells Inlet, all of which boasts a variety of locally own shops and galleries. Stroll down the Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet which offers views of wildlife then stop at the Lazy Gator, a unique gift shop with over 15,000 square feet of shopping paradise. After visiting the shops along the Marsh Walk be sure to stop at one of the many restaurants.
Myrtle Beach is a shoppers haven and offers a large and varied assortment of options. While visiting the area check out one of Festiva Hospitality’s resorts or go to www.festiva.travel for more information on accommodations.
