May 16, 2011
Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Weekend
MayFest, a month long celebration in Myrtle Beach, S.C., will conclude Memorial Day weekend with a family-friendly finale that includes an unforgettable parade, appearances by various Disney and Nickelodeon celebrities, and the 60th Annual Sun Fun Festival Kickoff.
On Saturday May 28 at 9:30 a.m. the festivities begin with the Myrtle Beach Memorial Day Parade. The parade starts at 27th Avenue North and
heads south on North Kings Highway before ending at 9th Avenue North. A variety of decorative floats, giant helium-filled balloon characters, military and high school bands will stroll through the excited crowd all in honor of our country’s fallen military heroes. A selection of celebrities and local dignitaries will precede this year’s grand marshal, U.S. Senator John McCain, before the parade ends at 9th Avenue North, the site of the 60th Annual Sun Fun Festival Kickoff.
Taking place between 8th and 9th Avenue North right after the Memorial Day Parade, the 60th Annual Sun Fun Festival Kickoff will continue until 9:30 p.m. and includes live 
music, a meet’n greet session with a selection of stars, and plenty of food, arts and crafts. Fans of Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel will be elated at the chance to meet and obtain autographs from many TV stars such as Noah and Ethan Muck from “iCarly, Jake T. Austin from “Wizards of Waverly Place, Grady Mitchel from “Sonny with a Chance” and many more. American Idol Season 7 runner-up and national recording artist David Archuleta will close the day-long celebration with a free live performance at 8 p.m.
For more information on the Memorial Day activities in Myrtle Beach and the Sun Fun Festival Kickoff visit www.visitmymyrtlebeach.com. With a selection of resorts in the Myrtle Beach area that include the Peppertree Ocean Club, Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East, the Sandpebble Beach Club, Sea Mystique and the Sands, Festiva Hospitality Group offers the perfect accommodations for all occasions.
May 2, 2011
Ebb & Flow Art Co-op and Coffee Shop
Residing in an inviting white house with a tin roof along U.S. Highway 17 in Murrels Inlet, S.C., is the Ebb & Flow Art Co-op. Considered a favorite hangout by locals, the Co-op serves up the area’s best coffee and art in a casual atmosphere that is not to be missed by anyone visiting the area.
Founded by four local artists, Lee Arthur, Gaston Locklear, Keel Culberson
Swinnie and Ted Watts, the co-op is a far cry from the large corporate coffee shops that can be found at the corner of every city block. Each room is filled with local artwork from all mediums including pottery, blown glass, canvases and much more. Resident artists are often found mingling amongst patrons answering questions, engaging in casual conversation or haggling with prospective customers as all prices are negotiable.
Of course the art is more enjoyable while sipping on a latte, cappuccino or espresso, all made from 100 percent organic coffee beans roasted regionally by Cashua Coffee Company. Fittingly, all of the drinks are creatively named after famous artists throughout history such as Picasso, Monet, Gaugain and Renior. Committed to running a green business, the coffee shop only uses products that are 100 percent biodegradable and compostable, leaving guests with peace of mind.
Throughout the year Ebb & Flow also hosts an array of events including the upcoming Art Show being held
on Sunday, May 15, from 1-8 p.m. The Art Show will include 35 artists displaying new works along with live music, wine and hors d’oeuvres. In October the gallery will be featured as part of the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art while each Thursday night from 7-9 p.m. local bands grace the stage.
For more information on the artists, coffee and happenings at the Ebb & Flow Art Co-op visit www.ebbandflowartco-op.com. For accommodations in the area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East, only one mile from Ebb & Flow.
