November 12, 2010
Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens
Celebrating its twelfth year, Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles is one of South Carolina’s premier holiday festivals not to be missed. Thousands of candles and lights illuminate the garden paths and sculptures while carolers and bells echo in the distance. Come see why the Southeastern Tourism Society calls Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.
Brookgreen Gardens, the first public sculpture garden in American, was founded in 1931 by Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington to help preserve the native flora and fauna while 
displaying art within that natural setting. Today, the gardens have over 1,200 pieces of figurative sculpture by 350 artists and an accredited zoo while being listed on the Register of National Historic Places as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark. In 1999 Brookgreen Gardens started Nights of a Thousand Candles and each of the past 11 years has hosted the festival over the first 3 weekends of December.
During the festival the 30 acres that are open to the public are adorned with over 5,000 hand-lit candles and countless lights, creating a magical wonderland that 
will leave visitors awe struck as the 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. There are also two indoor exhibits than can be enjoyed during the festival. Signs of the Season in Flora and Fauna features evergreen trees, wreathes and plaques decorated with natural materials. Holiday sculpture, painting and decor dating from the late 19th century to the present will be on displayed during the Signs of the Season in Art and History exhibit.
Each night an extensive array of musical performances 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.
Brookgreen Gardens’ Nights of a Thousand Candles will be held Dec. 3-4, 10-12 and 16-18 from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m. just minutes south of Murrells Inlet. Gather friends, family and loved ones and come enjoy the beauty that is Nights of a Thousand Candles. For accommodations check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East located in Murrells Inlet.
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.
September 8, 2010
Myrtle Beach: Mini Golf Capital of the World
Known as one of the top golfing destinations in the world with over 100 courses, South Carolina’s Grand Strand also has a lesser known distinction related to golf, The Mini Golf Capital of the World. Myrtle Beach, a family vacation destination, features over 50 distinctly themed miniature golf courses including what is widely known as the best course in the world, Hawaiian Rumble. With such a large selection of styles and themes to choose from a few rounds of putt-putt with the family is the perfect way to spend the day in Myrtle Beach.
Hawaiian Rumble: Treat the family to an Island experience at this world famous course. Designed after the layout of the Hawaiian Islands, Hawaiian Rumble is dotted with palm trees, waterfalls and volcanoes. Every 20 minutes players will feel the ground tremble beneath their feet as the 40 foot volcano in the center of the course spews flames into the sky. As you putt your way through the tropical islands be wary as Hawaiian Rumble is regarded as the best course in the world and is even home to the Pro Mini Golf Masters National Championship. Having been listed in such publications as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and on The Travel Channel it is clear this course is not to be missed.
Cancun Lagoon: Designed after the ancient Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza, Cancun Lagoon is located inside a large replica of the Temple of Kukulcan. Located inside the temple are two courses, Chak’s Revenge and Pakal’s Adventure, each named
after Mayan Gods. With extensive artwork of ancient Gods, multiple waterfalls and mysterious chambers inside the temple there is plenty for the family to explore. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of Cancun Lagoon is the opportunity to escape the summer heat as the indoor facility is fully air conditioned. Be sure to escape the heat and explore the ancient Mayan ruins of the Yucatan with a challenging round at Cancun Lagoon.
Mutiny Bay: Sea lovers should be sure to sail on over to Mutiny Bay and explore Barbados and Port Royal. The 2 courses are based off of 17th century Caribbean towns infested with marauding pirates and scoundrels. Discover hidden treasure as you putt your way under waterfalls, around smoking skulls and past hungry alligators. Be sure to stay alert as every 30 minutes pirates aboard Jolly Roger Ship fight their way onto the shores of Port Royal in a family friendly show that is sure to entertain.
Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf: The search for the lost city of Atlantis is over. Mt. Atlanticus is a portion of the city of Atlantis that floated to the surface and landed in Myrtle Beach. The 36-hole course has quickly become a local favorite and features the answers to all of our planet’s great mysteries, like where is Bigfoot, are UFOs real and where did the Loch Ness Monster retire? If your skills are sharp enough you can even win a free lifetime pass with a hole-in-one on the nearly impossible, but legendary, nineteenth hole.
Whether you’re looking to uncover the secrets of Atlantis, a pirate adventure, or an island escape to the tropics of Hawaii, the mini golf courses of Myrtle Beach have something for the entire family. If you will be in the Myrtle Beach area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation, a family friendly resort only minutes from downtown.
August 4, 2010
Golfing Myrtle Beach With Festiva Hospitality Group
Known as “The Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach, S.C., is peppered with over 120 championship golf courses that offer the true golf enthusiasts an endless array of year-round choices. Located near the heart of the Grand Strand just minutes south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Festiva Hospitaly Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East provides luxurious accommodations while offering highly discounted rates at 8 area golf courses for any Festiva member staying at the resort.
While on vacation at Ellington Festiva members will enjoy the privilege of green fees being waived and only having to pay the cart fee of either $25 or $30 to play a full round on one of 8 unique courses. With the average green fees ranging from $65 to $95, golfers will benefit greatly from these savings while still having the pleasure of selecting from a variety of courses and playing levels. Located on Wachesaw Plantation East, Ellington is ideally nestled only a few minutes from each of the 8 courses.
Considered year-in and year-out as one of the top courses in the Myrtle Beach area, Wachesaw Plantation East was built on a former rice plantation amongst mossy oaks
and pristine lakes. The championship course was designed by award-winning architect Clyde Johnston and features rolling mounds and hills giving the 18-holes a Scottish-flair. The nationally televised course offers five sets of tees to ensure an enjoyable game for all ages and skill levels. Wachesaw East has also been mentioned on multiple “best of” lists over the past 14 years in such publications as Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf for Women. In 2007 Wachesaw East was named “Course of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association, a distinguished honor amongst such a rich golfing community.
Also located in the Southern Grand Strand area are Indian Wells and the International Club, each with their own distinct list of accolades. The International Club, caressed by lakes, pine forest and pristine wetlands, has received a 4 Star Rating from Golf Digests “Best Places to Play” in addition to being honored with the “Best Greens in Myrtle Beach.” Another option is Indian Wells, named “2004 Course of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association and home to one of the Grand Strand’s Dream 18, a list of the toughest holes in the area. Both courses also offer 5 sets of tees to accommodate all levels of play.
Below is a list of all golf courses where Festiva Hospitality Group members enjoy golf privileges:
● Wachesaw East - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● International Club - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● Indian Wells - Garden City, S.C.
● Wicked Stick - Surfside Beach, S.C.
● Indigo Creek - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● Heron Point - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
● Island Green – Myrtle Beach, S.C.
● Founders Club – Pawleys Island, S.C.
With over 120 golf courses, the majority of which are public, Myrtle Beach is a true paradise for the avid golfer. For more information on golfing in the area visit the Myrtle Beach Golf Association at www.mbga.com. For reservations visit Ellington online and for information about becoming a member with Festiva Hospitality Group call toll-free 866-229-0022.
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.
June 18, 2010
Myrtle Beach Live Entertainment
With 13 million visitors a year, Myrtle Beach, S.C., is one of America’s top destinations for a family vacation and it is easy to see why. Widely known for its miles of beaches, large selection of world class golf courses, shops and seafood restaurants, the town has plenty to offer. While the area is well known for each of these Myrtle Beach is now also considered a great destination for its variety of year-round live entertainment. With an array of shows including music, dance, comedy, dinner theater and major concerts the area has something for everyone.
It all began in 1986 when entertainer and entrepreneur Calvin Gilmore opened the Grand Strand’s first major theater, The Carolina Opry. The theater presents three award winning shows: The Carolina Opry, Good Vibrations and The 
Carolina Opry Christmas Special, all of which have been highly acclaimed by such publications as The New York Times, CNN and USA Today. Each show consists of a collection of live musical performances and has been voted Best Live Show in Myrtle Beach a multitude of times.
With over 2,600 seats the Palace Theater is home to a variety of tribute acts, concerts and their smash hit Le Grand Cirque Adrenaline. The show is a spellbinding event with elaborate costumes, state-of-the-art lighting and acrobats that fly high above the spectators and has been compared to the world famous Cirque du Soleil. Be sure to contact either The Carolina Opry or The Palace Theater ahead of time to reserve your tickets as shows often sell out.
If you’re trying to kill two birds with one stone then be sure to check out either Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede or Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. Both locations provide guests with a large four course meal while they are 
treated to an extravagant live show. The Dixie Stampede is a western style show with dancers, cowboys, wagons and comedians while Medieval Times hearkens back to the days of dragons, castles, jousting knights and fair maidens. Either is a viable option for a fun filled night with the family!
For music lovers the Grand Strand also provides a medley of choices. The Alabama Theater focuses on country and western music and has featured such legends as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride and the auditorium’s namesake, Alabama. If you have ever missed your favorite artist in concert 
then be sure to check out Legends in Concert, the place to go for the industry’s best impersonators, all of which sing in their natural voice. Some performances include the Beatles, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. For live bands, The House of Blues regularly hosts jazz, blues, gospel and rock artists both local and from across the country. Be sure to attend the Gospel Brunch held each Sunday from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. The $20 price of admission includes an all-you-can-eat buffet and the soul wrenching gospel music of the House of Blues Gospel Band.
With a mixture of live shows the Myrtle Beach Grand Strand has become a hot spot of family entertainment. For more information on the shows visit www.mymyrtlebeach.com and for accommodations in the area check out www.festiva.travel.
January 20, 2010
Consumer advisory for Festiva owners and members
If you have been contacted by someone regarding the resale of your unit on the website listingdepartment.com, please be advised that this is NOT a Festiva affiliated company, nor can we verify their legitimacy.
We have had reports from several owners and members who have been contacted by e-mail or regular mail and we are currently investigating this company.
If you have received an e-mail from this or any other suspicious company please forward it to ownerservices@festiva.travel.
Please note that Festiva does not offer a resale program at this time. Further, if anyone from Festiva does contact you, their e-mail address will end with @festiva.travel. An e-mail from any other domain regarding your ownership or membership could be an illegitimate business and should be forwarded to us for further investigation.
For information on legitimate resale agencies and practices, please click here to read the Resale Guidelines from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
January 18, 2010
Festiva Hospitality Group creates Haiti Relief Fund
Thousands are feared dead and millions have been affected in Haiti by the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake and its aftershocks. People all over the world are doing what they can to help, but it will be a long, difficult road to recovery for the country and people of Haiti. They need all of the assistance they can get in the form of funds, supplies, water and food.
The earthquake has not only affected millions on the ground in Haiti, but has had an impact on the Festiva family as well. We have several employees and service providers at our Caribbean resorts and sailing destinations whose friends’ and families’ whereabouts are as yet unknown.
Immediate help is needed
Festiva Hospitality Group’s Charitable Fund has pledged an initial $1000 to the American Red Cross for Haiti relief. Festiva employees are able to make donations through payroll deductions. Guests can add to that by contributing a few dollars upon checking out of any of our resorts. No matter how small or large, every single donation will help whether it’s for immediate or long term needs as we cannot yet comprehend the extent of the damage.
You can also donate through the following organizations:
- American Red Cross has raised over $5 million through $10 donations. Text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate through your cell phone bill. Most wireless carriers are waiving messaging fees.
- Doctors Without Borders has treated over 1,000 victims, and an inflatable hospital with operating facilities should arrive soon.
- CARE is continuing to send emergency team members into Haiti, CARE is also distributing food.
- UNICEF has released $3.4 million in emergency funds and is focusing on the safety and care of children in Haiti.
- Oxfam will be flying in 10 tons of equipment including water, sanitation, health and shelter equipment and tools to help clear rubble in the search for trapped people.
Be wary of hoaxes
Unfortunately, there is misinformation circulating about certain organizations’ efforts and some are trying to make a profit from this terrible disaster through scams or hoaxes. Before you donate to any organization, particularly on the Internet, be sure that they are legitimate.
A Reuters article published today has tips to avoid getting scammed and useful information to determine whether a charity is legitimate. For example, be aware of e-mails sent to you from an unknown person or organization, donate to organizations rather than individuals and check out charity-watchdog group the American Institute of Philanthropy for a list of reputable organizations with specific relief operations now underway.
Rumors circulating about UPS shipping packages under 50lbs for free are not true. The UPS website explains that they have halted all shipments from individuals and local organizations to Haiti so that they can help organizations like Red Cross, UNICEF and CARE ship supplies there.
Rumors about JetBlue and American Airlines flying nurses and doctors to Haiti for free are also false. According to CNN, this hoax originated from an unknown source on Twitter. In fact, American Airlines has been sending relief flights full of supplies, food and water to Haiti. JetBlue is working with agencies such as the American Red Cross to transport relief workers to the Dominican Republic who have already been vetted by the Haitian Consulate, who then helps them get to troubled areas. At one point Thursday, the FAA halted all U.S. flights to Haiti because of lack of fuel and overcrowding on the runway.
Looking ahead
At Festiva Hospitality Group, we will continue to keep the people of Haiti and their loved ones in our thoughts. This far-reaching tragedy is deeply saddening and we will do all that we can to assist, and hope that you will too. A huge amount of help is needed right now, but there will be many long term needs as the country and its people go through a tough recovery process. If you aren’t able to help financially right now, think about saving a little every week and donating to an organization for Haiti relief in the coming months when resources may be running low.
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!
