November 21, 2011
Nights of a Thousand Candles in Murrells Inlet
Last week we took a look at some of the seasonal happenings in two of Festiva’s vacation destinations, Branson, M.O. and St. Augustine, F.L. The journey continues today in Murrells Intlet, S.C., home to Festiva’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East and the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens. The first public sculpture garden in America, Brookgreen Gardens is home to Nights of a Thousand Candles, a top 20 event in the Southeast according to the Southeastern Tourism Society.
Now celebrating its 13th year, Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South
Carolina’s premier holiday festivals and will be held on the weekends of Dec. 2-3, 9-10 and 16-17 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. During the festival the 30 acres that are open to the public are adorned with more than 5,500 hand-lit candles and countless lights, creating a magical wonder land that will leave visitors awe struck as they meander about the 10 unique garden areas. Candles aboard colorful floating bulbs drift softly in the fountains and ponds surrounding the sculptures as white lights gently cling to the limbs of mossy oaks, all illuminating the gardens with the magic of the holiday season.
Each night there is also an extensive array of musical performances that can be heard throughout the gardens as local choral ensembles, handbell choirs and jazz groups play classical and current holiday favorites. Bagpipes can also be heard as a bagpiper strolls the illuminated paths carelessly wandering about the grounds as visitors enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to check out the full schedule of musical performers here.
In addition to live music and an extensive display of candles there are two indoor exhibits that can be enjoyed during the festival. Starting one weekend earlier on Nov. 25-27, Signs of the Season in Flora and Fauna is an 
exhibit created by the horticulture staff to help inspire home decor. Bromelaid trees, wreaths, poinsettias and an assortment of natural materials are all masterfully used to create holiday decorations that leave enduring memories for all. Opening the same weekend, Signs of the Season in Art and History will include seasonal paintings and sculpture accented by an array of Christmas trees decorated with Victorian and pre-World War II-era ornamentation. Period costumes made by local fabric sculptor Mary Roehr will accompany the displays as you travel through the history of Christmas in this indoor exhibit.
Founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington to help preserve native flora and fauna while displaying art within a natural setting, Brookgreen Gardens has more than 1,200 pieces of figurative sculpture by 350 artists and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark.
January 28, 2011
Valentine’s Day in Myrtle Beach
Escape the doldrums of the winter blues and deliver an arrow of love to warm up the heart with a surprise weekend getaway to Myrtle Beach this Valentine’s Day. Nothing will remind that special someone how you feel better than a romantic weekend beach excursion filled with relaxation, excitement and whatever the heart desires
With Valentine’s Day falling in the slower season beaches will be mostly vacant,
providing the perfect opportunity to start the day with a private sunrise walk along the shoreline. After an early morning walk re-energize with a feast of chocolate in the nearby town of Conway as they host the Conway Chocolate Walk in downtown. On Saturday February 12 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. sweethearts and those with a sweet tooth are invited to meander hand-in-hand amongst local chocolatiers as they create masterpieces to stimulate the senses and induce love. Be sure to plan ahead though as the $8 tickets are limited and will sell out quickly as chocolate-lovers from all over the area flock to the event.
If you’re looking for a more intriguing way to enjoy chocolate you can spend the afternoon forgetting about the worries of the world with a chocolate honey wrap at the Body and Soul Spa. 
Voted #1 Valentine’s Spa Special, the Valentine’s Special features a private mineral bath for two prior to an hour long massage on a heated table that is sure to leave both you and your loved one melting away.
Continue melting with Hearts-a-Fire Glass Blowing class at the Conway Glass Center. Create two original glass hearts with your loved one as you learn the Venetian style of glass blowing in this unique hands-on experience that will test each couple’s team work. Classes will be offered on February 12 and 13 throughout the day with the finished piece of art being mailed on February 14 just in time to greet you at home after a long weekend of love.
For those seeking a hilariously good time the Carolina Improv Company will be serving up two orders of lung-busting laughter. On February 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. the area’s only improv comedy club will perform Love, Improv Style at Uptown. The interactive Valentine-themed show is guaranteed to keep you laughing as marriage, dating and other love related topics are taken head on with a twist.
Of course no romantic weekend would be complete without dinner for two, and with local restaurants like 
the Aspen Grille offering Valentine’s Day specials all weekend there is ample opportunity to enjoy the best of the Lowcountry. Located in old Myrtle Beach, the Aspen Grille is offering a 4-course pre fixe menu for two at $80 which includes delectable edibles such as Oysters Rockefeller, Crab Stuffed Flounder and Key Lime Pie with Strawberry Mint Compote. With a special menu and limited space available reservations are highly suggested so be sure to call ahead.
With a variety of events and specials in the area, Myrtle Beach is calling out for a Valentine’s Day visit so treat yourself and a loved one to a well deserved escape. For accommodations in the Myrtle Beach area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Wild Wing Resort, Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East or Peppertree Ocean Club, all conveniently located along the Grand Strand. As always with Valentine’s Day less than 30 days away Adventure Club members can enjoy the Late Break reservation rate and save points by booking now.
December 22, 2010
A Low Country New Year’s tradition
If you are spending this New Year’s holiday at one of Festiva’s resorts in the Myrtle Beach area, or if you would simply like to partake in a delicious Low Country tradition wherever you are celebrating, get the family together and make Hoppin’ John for your first meal of 2011.
While the history behind the Hoppin’ John dish is varied, most Low Country residents agree that this Gullah dish will bring you good luck for the entire year if it’s the first thing you eat on New Year’s Day. The dish is fairly basic, with rice, black-eyed peas and ham hock or bacon. Some believe that pairing Hoppin’ John with a side of collard greens could bring you financial luck in the new year.
There are many recipes available for both Hoppin’ John and collard greens, but we’d like to share recipes from a couple of familiar faces from the Food Network. Feel free to leave a comment with your variation on the recipe or other New Year’s traditions your family has!
Emeril Lagasse’s Hoppin’ John recipe on Food Network:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large ham hock
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
- 1 quart chicken stock
- Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
- Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
- 3 cups steamed white rice
Directions
Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions. Serve over rice.
*For a vegetarian-friendly option, omit the ham hock and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Paula Deen’s Collard Greens recipe on Food Network:
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound smoked meat (ham hocks, smoked turkey wings, or smoked neck bones)
- 1 tablespoon House seasoning, recipe follows
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon hot red pepper sauce
- 1 large bunch collard greens
- 1 tablespoon butter
Directions
In a large pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add smoked meat, house seasoning, seasoned salt and hot sauce. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 1 hour.
Wash the collard greens thoroughly. Remove the stems that run down the center by holding the leaf in your left hand and stripping the leaf down with your right hand. The tender young leaves in the heart of the collards don’t need to be stripped. Stack 6 to 8 leaves on top of one another, roll up, and slice into 1/2 to 1-ince thick slices. Place greens in pot with meat and add butter. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. When done taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve with favorite dish as a side.
*For a vegetarian version, omit meat.
House Seasoning:
- 1 cup salt
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 1/4 cup garlic powder
Mix ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
October 14, 2010
Myrtle Beach Halloween Weekend 2010
Make this year’s Myrtle Beach Halloween weekend spooktacular with 3 days of frightening family fun. With October 31 landing on a Sunday this year many Halloween festivals and special events are being held throughout the weekend giving visitors to the Myrtle Beach, S.C., area plenty of options to choose from so dress up the family and head out for a howling good time.
On Friday October 29 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. the Children’s Museum of South Carolina will host the Wee Ones Boo Bash for children ages 6 and under. The museum’s variety of interactive exhibits keep the little ones engaged while teaching them about the functioning world around them. All visitors wearing a costume receive half off the $8 admission price and with a Mad Science Lab, treats and multiple games the not-so-scary Wee Ones Boo Bash is the perfect way to spend this Halloween with the children.
On Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. Barefoot Landing will hold a Kids Costume Contest followed at 2 p.m. by the Pet Costume Contest. Dress up the family’s furry friend and go trick-or-treating with the children or take a stroll through the hundreds of carved 
pumpkins that make up Jack-O-Lantern Alley. Be sure to return to Barefoot Landing the following night from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. for the official Halloween trick-or-treat festivities.
Another option for Saturday is the Howl-O-Scream festival at McLean Park in North Myrtle Beach. Running from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Howl-O-Scream features a Scare Zone for the older crowd and a Scare Free Zone that caters the younger crowd making the event ideal for the family. With plenty of fun activities such as pumpkin painting, hay rides and marshmallow roasting available the free event is sure to be a hit.
Broadway at the Beach, one of Myrtle Beach’s main attractions, will be holding a special 2 
hour trick-or-treat party from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 30, for the younger crowd. The family-friendly event features a pumpkin pyramid, hay maze and enough candy to make Willie Wonka content. The evening’s festivities end for the children with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Broadway.
A few minutes south of Myrtle Beach the town of Murrells Inlet will be holding Halloween on the Marshwalk. At 4 p.m. on Sunday the stores along the Marshwalk will be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters with prizes for the scariest, funniest and most creative costumes to be awarded out at 5 p.m. by the pirate statue behind Drunken Jack’s.
Make the 2010 Halloween a memorable one for the entire family with a visit to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. For accommodations be sure to check out one of Festiva Hospitality Group’s resorts in the area like the Peppertree Ocean Club in North Myrtle Beach or Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation in Murrells Inlet.
December 7, 2009
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Christmas is near and the Lights are here! Brookgreen Gardens’ Night of a Thousand Candles is here. Brookgreen’s most popular annual event has been named one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeastern Tourism Society. There are more than 4,000 candles lit each night and 145,000 mini and traditional lights on display.
Brookgreen Gardens is a sculpture garden and wildlife preserve just south of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. The 9,200-acre property includes several themed gardens with American figurative sculptures, the Low Country Zoo, and trails through several ecosystems on the property.
The ‘Night of a Thousand’ visitors will stroll through the gardens and view spectacular lighting displays along with hand-lit candles that illuminate garden paths.
Visitors will walk through the gardens to view the light and candle displays as well as open entertainment. Visitors are recommended to wear comfo
rtable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.
Adult tickets are $10, kids ages 6-12 are $4 and children under 5 are free!
If you are in the area and would like to hear about this event call the Festiva Resorts Welcome Center (843)357-5239. Don’t forget to ask about our gift packages; all you have to do is meet the qualifications!
October 15, 2009
Halloween Is Just Around The Corner!
Everyone is excited that Halloween is just around the Corner, and that it falls on a Saturday this year. No school for the kids so this day they can start early. Halloween is a day we can all dress up and get our faces painted and carve pumpkins. Festiva Resorts has provided some safety tips below to help adults and kids have a safe and great Halloween night!
Safety Tips!
- Make sure your kids are secured in the appropriate child safety seat or safety belt for their age and size.
- Children should go out during daylight hours unless accompanied by an adult.
- Instruct kids not to eat candy until brought home and examined by a parent.
- Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
This year there is a Halloween Costume Party at Broadway at the Beach!
Time: 8pm
1325 Celebrity Circle
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
-Trick or Treating, 5pm-7pm at participating merchants
-Adult Halloween costume party in Celebrity Square, 8pm
-Costume Contest in Celebrity Square, 10pm with DJ Mixon Dixon. Cash prizes totaling $5,000. Free admission to the clubs with costume
-BOOVILLE at the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, 12pm-7pm. FREE professional photos of costumed kids.
Festiva Resorts is located in the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Plaza in Murrells Inlet. If you need help preparing for Halloween stop in or give us a call. Don’t forget to ask about the free Visa debit card. All you have to do is preview our property for a minimum of 90 minutes. You can spend our visa card anywhere visa cards are accepted!
Just Call (843) 357-5233 and ask how. Mention Code Halloween!
October 13, 2009
Fall into fun with Festiva Resorts!
Finally it’s October, and we can all celebrate Autumn. Autumn marks the transition from summer into winter, usually in late September when the arrival of night becomes noticeably earlier. Tree leaves turn orange and skies began to turn Gray.
Fall is here and there is lots to do in Myrtle Beach! Halloween is right around the corner whether you trick or treat. There are plenty of events and attractions in the area to keep the entire family entertained and spooked!
The Experiment Haunted House 
Prepare to bear witness to the best haunt in the Grand Strand. The Experiment Haunted House is the newest haunted attraction located in Myrtle Beach and is filled with live actors, zombies and professional effects. It is a must see. Come and witness the future of genetic mayhem next to P.F. CHANG’S at The Market Common.
Come learn about several chowders containing clams and broth. Along with the clams, diced potato is common, as are onions, which are occasionally sauteed in the drippings from salt pork. Celery is frequently used. Other vegetables are uncommon, but small carrot strips might occasionally be added, primarily for color.
Event: Chowder Talk
Date: October 20,2009
Time: 6:30 Pm
Price: Free and open to the public
Address: Inlet Affairs Highway 17 Bus. across from Druken Jacks
Taste of the Town 2009
Come and enjoy the Grand Strand’s premier culinary social event of the year, and delight your palate with samplings of specialty menu items from 50+ area restaurants! In its 26th year, this annual event is Myrtle Beach’s largest food festival, with attendance of over 10,000 people, and is proudly presented by St. Andrew’s Catholic School.
Date: October 27, 2009
Time: Tuesday, Oct 27 4:00p to 10:00p
Price: $4 adv tickets / $5 at the door /children 14 & under free with adult.
Address:
503 37th Ave. N.
Myrtle Beach, SC
29577
843-448-5930
Contact: Joseph Roth
If you have any questions about area attractions call Festiva Resorts Welcome Center (843) 357-5233
Don’t forget to ask about our gift packages.
