Visit Myrtle Beach Reunion & Specialty Groups Guide

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The Beach BRING IT TO READY

TO RE-CONNECT?

MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE

MEET THE STAFF 1 BY THE NUMBERS 2 TESTIMONIALS 3 WEATHER & TRANSPORTATION 4 WHAT’S NEW AT THE BEACH? 6 WEDDINGS & ENGAGEMENTS 8 HOLIDAY GUIDE 10 DAY TRIPS 13 REUNIONS CHECKLIST 14 GROUPS SERVICES 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS Myrtle Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 1200 North Oak Street P.O. Box 2115, Myrtle Beach, SC 29578 800-488-8998 Start planning today at VisitMyrtleBeach.com #MYMYRTLEBEACH

MEET OUR TEAM

The Beach

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with family, old friends, classmates or colleagues, there isn’t a better place for your next reunion than The Beach. Our 14 unique communities and 60 miles of beaches, provide endless ways for your group to have fun, reminisce and relax.

With pleasant weather year-round, your group might enjoy guided or selfguided tours of historical sites, botanical and sculpture gardens, or state parks. More active groups might prefer catching up over a round of golf at one of 90 area courses or fishing from a chartered boat.

When your group gets hungry, they’ll find over 2,000 restaurants to choose from in the Myrtle Beach area. From morning pancakes to seafood lunches to evening cocktails, your options are plentiful.

Looking for entertainment? We have it nightly, with more than 25,000 live performances per year including outstanding variety shows, a vibrant live music scene, and events including magic, comedy, dance and more. Every group is different, and that’s where Myrtle Beach shines. There are endless ways to personalize a trip, so please contact our team today to begin planning itineraries, activities and accommodations.

Melanie.Doty@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

Direct Line: 843-685-8585

Get Hands-on Help!

Ready to begin planning your next family reunion, military reunion, class reunion, church retreat or other group trip? Connect with Melanie today! She and our award-winning group sales team can provide lead service to connect you with the area’s top hotels, facilities, restaurants, and attractions, who will submit bids and information to you so that you can save time.

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE 1
FIND
WHERE YOU BELONG AT

The Beach

BY THE NUMBERS

60 Miles of Beaches

300+ Outlets for Shopping

158,000 ACCOMMODATIONS

More than 158,000 rooms and condo units to choose from — that’s more than Las Vegas!

WEATHER

215

The Beach has amazing weather throughout the year averaging 215 sunny days per year!

14 Unique Communities

90+ GOLF

We have more than 90 great golf courses and more than 30 mini golf courses for players of all ages.

2,000+ RESTAURANTS

Tons of great options for feel good eating including the best fresh seafood and much more!

Countless Post-Game Activities

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE 2

TESTIMONIALS

There are so many reasons a trip to The Beach is a great choice for your next group outing. But don’t take it from us ... check out why other reunion planners say Myrtle Beach, South Carolina was a great experience for them:

“All reunion and event planners are faced with a myriad of issues when trying to schedule and then execute an event such as dining venues, transportation services, cultural and non-cultural events. In many locales the planner has to do all of the legwork with little or no support from the local CVB. That is not the case in Myrtle Beach. The cooperation between the CVB and the vendors was that of a well-oiled machine. This was in comparison to other locales that I considered. The best testimonial that I can give is that the USS Manley (DD940) Association will return to Myrtle Beach in the Spring of 2022.”

President and reunion planner – USS Manley (DD940) Association.

“Having planned our ships reunions for the last ten years ... You will be hard pressed to find a better place than Myrtle Beach to hold your reunion. The support of the CVB, the affordable room rates and the many reasonably priced tour options and packages make it a reunion planners dream. I’ve gotten more positive feedback from this reunion than any other reunion.”

Reunion Planner, USS Prairie, USS Puget Sound and USS Sierra

“For anyone considering having a military reunion in Myrtle Beach, I highly recommended you contact Melanie and go there. It is a Christian community that loves the Veterans. There are many things to do there and it is a short drive to Charleston and the sights there. Our Myrtle Beach reunion was one of the best we had, thanks to Melanie and the Visit Myrtle Beach team.”

Gary Comstock

Former E-6 Platoon Sgt of C Company Weapons Platoon

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE 3 AFFILIATIONS

GETTING TO The Beach

Hit the road for a scenic adventure or choose one of Myrtle Beach International Airport’s flights arriving from more than 50 nonstop destinations.

WEATHER AT The Beach

Mild temperatures, gentle ocean breezes and an average of 215 sunny days per year make The Beach an ideal vacation destination any time of year.

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE 4 75 16 75 10 75 95 95 95 95 65 75 75 59 65 65 59 55 55 75 4 Columbia Macon Atlanta Montgomery Tallahassee Raleigh Nashville 24 24 40 40 40 40 40 85 85 85 26 26 20 20 20 77 77 81 N.C. S.C. GA FL AL MS TN KY VA Charleston Wilmington Savannah Jacksonville Charlotte Asheville Knoxville Birmingham Miami Orlando Tampa Mobile Chattanooga Jackson Memphis MO IL MYRTLE BEACH MONTH AIR WATER January 58o 51o February 61o 52o March 68o 66o April 75o 72o May 82o 82o June 87o 87o July 90o 90o August 87o 83o September 85o 80o October 76o 73o November 68o 65o December 60o 55o
CITY DISTANCE Atlanta, Ga. 358 miles Boston, Mass. 871 miles Buffalo, N.Y. 835 miles Charleston, S.C. 98 miles Charlotte, N.C. 175 miles Chicago, Ill. 907 miles Cincinnati, Oh. 625 miles Columbia, S.C. 139 miles Detroit, Mich. 792 miles Hilton Head, S.C. 198 miles Indianapolis, Ind. 737 miles Lexington, Ky. 578 miles Miami, Fla. 695 miles Mobile, Ala. 681 miles Montreal, Quebec, Can. 1,016 miles Nashville, Tenn. 587 miles New Orleans, La. 822 miles New York, N.Y. 662 miles Orlando, Fla. 485 miles Ottawa, Ontario, Can. 991 miles Philadelphia, Penn. 573 miles Savannah, Ga. 207 miles St. Louis, Mo. 892 miles Syracuse, N.Y. 799 miles Tampa, Fla. 535 miles Toronto, Ontario, Can. 535 miles Virginia Beach, Va. 370 miles Washington, D.C. 434 miles

TRANSPORTATION AT The Beach

When bringing a group to The Beach, transportation is an important part of your experience. We know that in order to enjoy everything our 60 miles of beach and 14 unique communities have to offer, your group needs to be able to easily get to our area and have a reliable way to get around the Grand Strand once you’re here.

Public Transportation

The Coast RTA public transportation service provides public, reliable and affordable bus transportation along major routes throughout the Myrtle Beach area.

Myrtle Beach International Airport

Flying to The Beach

Getting to the Myrtle Beach area is easy when you fly. Centrally located and close to many major accommodations and attractions, Myrtle Beach International Airport — recently named best small airport in the U.S. — is a great way to get here. You can fly to MYR on any of 9 great airline partners including:

• Allegiant

• American

• Avelo

• Delta

• Frontier

• Southwest

• Spirit

• Sun Country

• United

For information on destinations served, direct flights, rates and more check out VisitMyrtleBeach.com/flights.

Driving at The Beach

Accessibility is one of the key factors in many groups choosing the Myrtle Beach area. Motorcoaches and individuals can travel using both U.S. routes 17 and 501, as well as S.C. 9 that provide direct access to the area from Interstates 95 and 20.

The 28-mile-long Veterans Highway (S.C. 22) offers an additional route from U.S. 501 to S.C. 17. Carolina Bays Parkway, also known as S.C. 31, is popular with locals and extends from S.C. 9 to U.S. 501 and S.C. 707. There are future plans to extend Carolina Bays Parkway even further south.

Coast RTA operates a FREE Entertainment Shuttle each summer through Labor Day. The Shuttle runs every 30-35 minutes from 11 AM until 11 PM daily.

Points of interests along the Entertainment Shuttle include Broadway at the Beach, Broadway Grand Prix, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Helicopter Adventures, Hollywood Wax Museum, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Myrtle Waves, Ripken Experience and SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, as well as select dining, shopping and hotels.

Visit coastrta.com for more information.

Car Rentals

Rental car companies operating out of Myrtle Beach International Airport make getting to your final destination easy. Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar Rent a Car, Enterprise Rent-ACar, Hertz, National, Thrifty and U-Save Auto Rental all serve arriving visitors from the airport. You can also find select rental companies available throughout the Myrtle Beach area.

Rideshare & Taxi Services

Uber & Lyft are available in the Grand Strand. Car services can be requested, on respective apps, via your cell phone. Download Uber or Lyft and request a driver to pick you up, much like a taxi service. All transactions are handled through the app, so you never have to exchange cash or pull out your credit card.

The Myrtle Beach area has an efficient and impressive taxi system. The numerous taxi companies each have their own phone number, but nearly all respond to a common dispatcher.

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The Beach WHAT’S NEW AT

THE BEST OF 2023 & BEYOND

One of the best parts about bringing your group to The Beach is that no matter how many times you come, there’s always something new to explore. This year is no different with many new restaurants, attractions and entertainment options opening up this season, and several others being announced for future fun.

RESTAURANTS

The Hangout added to Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach has added a new restaurant, retail and entertainment venue to its Entertainment District, called The Hangout.

The Hangout is a new gathering place for great food and family fun, offering seasonal seafood dishes, burgers, sandwiches and tacos, appetizers and sides made from locally sourced ingredients prepared from scratch in a world-class hi-tech kitchen designed to handle thousands of diners daily.

It also offers live music year-round, both on indoor and outdoor stages. For more information, visit www.thehangout.com.

ATTRACTIONS

Stars and Strikes Now Open

Now open is a new family entertainment center at Coastal Grand Mall in Myrtle Beach.

The 52,500-square-foot Stars and Strikes offers “high-tech” bowling, an arcade, a multi-story laser tag arena, axe throwing lanes and a full-service restaurant and bar perfect for any group outing!

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Swig & Swine BBQ Joint coming to town

The award-winning Charleston-based BBQ joint, Swig & Swing, will open a new location in the 500 Block of Broadway Street in historic downtown Myrtle Beach–its first location outside of the Charleston market.

Under pitmaster and owner Anthony DiBernardo, the menu includes beef brisket, pork, sandwiches, sides, desserts and a full bar—all served with genuine hospitality. Swig & Swine has a devout following and is a Southern Living Magazine Top 50 BBQ joint. The downtown Myrtle Beach location is expected to open mid-2023.

generate up to 1,000 waves per hour, with waves between 2-6 feet in height.

The development will also include an amphitheater to accommodate up to 15,000 people, a surf school, a restaurant, and a brewery. Preliminary renderings of the park have been completed and the building is expected to be completed in 2024.

For more information, visit www.surfworks.com/myrtle-beach

Surfside Beach Pier to Reopen

The Surfside Beach Pier was destroyed and washed away during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The town of Surfside Beach is reconstructing their iconic pier to withstand hurricane force winds, making it stronger and safer than ever before.

The pier will feature a restaurant and vendor space and is slated to be completed in Spring 2023. For more information, please visit www.surfsidebeach.org/pier.

ENTERTAINMENT

New Show Debuting at Alabama Theatre

ATTRACTIONS

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach welcoming new animals

There’s no better place to be “hanging out” than at Ripley’s Aquarium’s awesome new sloth habitat, Sloth Valley. These cuddly sleepers will slowly make their way to join the Aquarium’s dazzling collection of animals in late spring of 2023. Ripley’s is also bringing two new attractions to Ocean Boulevard this year with the announcement of, Ripley’s Crazy Golf and Ripley’s Illusion Lab.

Grab a drink and put your skills to the test under crazy lights with out-of-this-world trick shots, as the indoor Ripley’s Crazy Golf or descend into a mind bending lab of illusions, where things are not always what they seem at Ripley’s Illusion Lab.

Surfworks Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach will soon be home to South Carolina’s first manmade surf park, called Surfworks. The park’s surfing lagoon will

The Alabama Theatre of North Myrtle Beach is bringing their new production, ICONIC, to The Beach in 2023. This new show is a cutting-edge, brand new production show on stage and in the air.

Along with visual elements and a state-of-the-art video wall unlike anything you may have seen along the Grand Strand. Featuring memorable music, comedy and widely recognized Country music chartbusters, Classic Rock anthems, Broadway and Pop power ballads. This family-friendly production begins in February and runs until the end of October.

Greg Rowles Dinner Theatre

Longtime Alabama Theatre performer and emcee Greg Rowles is also introducing a new show of his own with the announcement of his own dinner theater.

The Greg Rowles Dinner Theatre will feature world-class entertainment along with a fine dining experience reminiscent of the retro Vegas showroom style setting. The theater will be located along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach and is expected to open in 2024.

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ROMANTIC ENGAGEMENTS, WEDDINGS & HONEYMOONS

There’s nothing like the combination of natural beauty and captivating romance in Myrtle Beach!

Stroll along a moonlit stretch of sand alongside rolling waves and the soothing surf.

Enjoy dinner for two in an intimate oceanfront café, or pack a picnic lunch for two on the beach.

Visit Myrtle Beach provides easy accessibility to the Grand Strand’s best reception sites.

Whether you want the perfect place to get engaged, plan to exchange your vows on the sandy beaches, or spend your honeymoon in this sunny paradise, you’ll find everything you need for a memorable celebration along our 60 miles of beaches.

ENGAGEMENTS Places to Propose at The Beach

The day you get engaged is a day you will remember for the rest of your life. Here are some of the best locations to get engaged that offer romantic settings and picture worthy views for that coveted social media picture.

• On The Beach!

• Brookgreen Gardens

• Second Avenue Pier

• Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

• Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

• Downtown Conway

• Ripley’s Aquarium

Scan here to read the full article

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Planning a Destination Wedding

Myrtle Beach is a popular wedding destination, so its best to plan ahead to get your ideal location and accommodations.

When choosing a date, fall and spring are the best times to get married here, because the weather is fantastic and beaches, restaurants and hotels are all easier to access.

Some of our top wedding venues include beautiful parks, oceanfront resorts, historic sites, quaint farm settings and romantic restaurants, perfect for hosting your special day.

Many of our resorts offer banquet halls with ocean views, ceremony set-ups, and even their own event coordinators who can help tackle all your wedding needs.

You’ll also find great outdoor venues, including along our 60 miles of beaches, which offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning to get married on the beach, there are laws about where your event can take place, so it’s best to contact a wedding planner for details on where the best spots are.

HONEYMOONS

our quick, blissful list of things you should try while you’re here on your honeymoon.

• Take a romantic sunset cruise

• Explore Brookgreen Gardens

• Enjoy a luxury spa day

• Get adventurous with a jet ski, banana boat or helicopter ride

• Romantic dining at one of our oceanfront restaurants

WEDDINGS

The Beach’s Best Venues

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorite wedding vendors and event spaces:

• Atalaya Castle

• Barefoot Queen Riverboat

• Brookgreen Gardens

• Hopsewee Plantation

• House of Blues

• Ripley’s Aquarium

• Wedding Chapel by the Sea

Scan here to read the full article

Honeymooning in Myrtle Beach

You said, “I do,” so now what to do?

The honeymoon is the grand finale on a bride and groom’s wedding checklist. And, as a honeymoon destination, Myrtle Beach is the perfect ending to your dream wedding.

Whether you’re in the mood for romance, adventure, relaxation, or anything in between, we’ve got tons of great ways to make a romantic trip full of lasting memories.

Scan here to read the full article

The first step is to find accommodations, choosing from more than 400 great hotels and resorts across the area. We recommend staying oceanfront to get the full experience. Finding a hotel package with meals, spa days and other great amenities is an awesome way to get the most for your money.

Once you know where your staying, it’s easy to find things to do. Whether it’s fun in the sun, exciting attractions, great nightlife, exploring our beach communities or just kicking back and relaxing by the pool, you’re sure to find fun here.

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‘Must do’s for after your ‘I do’s Here’s

HOLIDAYS ARE BIGGER, BRIGHTER AT The Beach

They say sand is the new snow. Maybe that’s why The Beach is such a popular spot for group getaways during the holidays.

In recent years, Myrtle Beach has become a place that takes its holiday cheer seriously, transforming into a warm winter wonderland from the beginning of November straight through to New Year’s Day.

With ten top-notch theaters featuring live holiday shows, seven shopping centers filled with gifts of all types and five large lights displays across the area, its no wonder Myrtle Beach was recently named one of “25 Most Festive Christmas Towns” by Travel + Leisure magazine.

THINGS TO DO The Beach’s Best Holiday Attractions

During the holidays, many of our top attractions embrace the season and go all out with holiday spirit. Here are a few favorites:

• Ripley’s Aquarium: Experience the magical sights and sounds of the holidays at Ripley’s Festival of Trees — South Carolina’s largest collection of Christmas trees with trees for all 50 states and holiday decor galore.

• Brookgreen Gardens: One of the area’s most breathtaking holiday experiences is Nights of a Thousand Candles. The 9,000 acre sculpture garden comes to life with more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and a myriad dazzling lights. Recently named “Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina” by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

• Broadway at The Beach & Barefoot Landing: Your group can’t go wrong at either of these holiday hubs. Throughout the season, both complexes offer tons of festive fun including tree lightings, parades, Santa visits, fireworks and much more.

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HOLIDAY SHOWS

The Alabama Theatre

The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre is a vivid live performance of all your favorite classic Christmas songs in a production unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Each year, this extravaganza brings a great combination of talent, scenery, and special effects. Most well-known for their exquisite costumes and backdrops, this show is perfect for merry visitors of all ages. Alabama-Theatre.com

The Asher Theatre

The Asher Theatre is where performers bring Christmas carols to life with a taste of soul.

The Spirit and Soul of Christmas show features The Christmas Belles and James Stephens III —aka The Man of a Thousand Voices —wowing audiences with comedy, singing, dancing and more! Ashertheatre.com

Broadway Theater

One of the newest Christmas shows in the area, Broadway Theater presents Hot Jersey Nights Christmas Special that combines holiday classics with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons songs you can’t help but tap your toes to.

This show is designed for you to walk down memory lane and

enjoy jolly, holiday music from some of the very best male singers in America. BroadwayTheaterMB.com

The Carolina Opry

“The Christmas Show of the South” is a holiday tradition like no other! This show brings the warm, wonderful, and fun spirit of Christmas to life with music, comedy, and dance and has stood the test of time for its spectacular Christmas decor around the theater, stunning Christmas trees, thousands of twinkling lights, fluffy snow, musical numbers and more. TheCarolinaOpry.com

GTS Theater

The spirit of the holiday season shines through GTS Theater’s four holiday shows — the Magical Christmas Magic & Comedy Show, the Original Motown Christmas Show, Christmas With Elvis, and Step Into Christmas with Elton John.

These four shows entertain guests with their lively cabaret numbers and comedy antics. GTSTheatre.com

Legends in Concert Theater

Experience the World’s Greatest Live Tribute show this holiday season with a splash of Christmas cheer.

Located at Broadway at the Beach, this live tribute show features performances and hit songs from the classic stars, such as Reba McEntire and Elvis Presley.  LegendsInConcert.com

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Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

The epic competition of valor and feasting continues throughout the holiday season at Medieval Times.

Join the Queen’s court for an evening of jousting, falconry, horsemanship, and a delicious 4-course meal that you and your family will never forget. MedievalTimes.com

Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show

Captain Scrooge takes over the Mystical Christmas Spirit pirate ship and journeys through time to bring Christmas cheer to all the pirates and landlubbers.

Enjoy a Christmas feast while you and your family are dazzled by the amazing acrobatics high above the lagoon and swashbuckling excitement.

There is also a live nativity, complete with wise men and an angel, with a special holiday message for all. PiratesVoyage.com

Wonders Theatre

The Biggest and Best Magic Show in Myrtle Beach is bringing the Christmas Spirit to town. “The Wonders of Christmas: A Holiday Magic Spectacular” will begin on Nov. 11 and run through the end of the year.

Illusionist Charles Bach brings Christmas wishes to life, creates magic with milk and cookies, makes it snow inside the theater, and even performs an incredible appearance with a red suited super-star! You’ll experience incredible magic, holiday music, fabulous dancers, beautiful costumes and lighting, and more in the intimate Wonders Theatre at Broadway at the Beach! Wonderstickets.com

SHOPPING

Buying Gifts at The Beach

No holiday trip would be complete without at least a little shopping, and we’ve got you covered with seven massive shopping centers, more than 200 outlet stores and thousands of gift shops located across the Grand Strand.

Get your discount on with deals galore at Tanger Outlets, with two convenient locations off of U.S. 501 in Carolina Forest or on U.S. 17 on the north end of Myrtle Beach.

Explore more than a million square feet of shopping space and more than 170 stores at Coastal Grand Mall, or hop on over to Myrtle Beach Mall and shop at hubs such as Bass Pro Shop, Belk and Books-A-Million

The Market Common — known as Myrtle Beach’s uptown downtown — is a slightly more upscale experience with wellknown chains such as Anthropologie, Orvis and Pottery Barn, as well as unique local shops like Bijuju and Random. Round out your shopping experience at Barefoot Landing or Broadway at the Beach to explore a wide variety of gift options from well-known apparel and housewares to unique novelty shops and holiday-friendly gift shops like The Christmas Mouse.

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Lights Displays & More!

Our area offers five great lights displays including the Great Christmas Lights Show, a drive-thru attraction that takes over North Myrtle Beach’s Sports & Recreation Complex, Winter Wonderland at The Beach, a walking tour of lights along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk’s Wonderland of Lights.

You’ll find a variety of festive tree lightings throughout the season at places such as Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, The Market Common, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, North Myrtle Beach and downtown Conway.

Other great happenings include parades like the unique Intracoastal Waterway Christmas Regatta in Little River, filled with lighted boats, the Dashing through the Glow Fun Run 2-mile race in North Myrtle Beach, and holiday markets such as the Dickens Christmas Show at Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

ONLINE More Holiday Fun

Find even more festivities including parades, craft shows and holiday meals in our Holiday Getaway Guide at VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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3 QUICK DAY TRIPS FROM The Beach

With 14 unique communities to explore, including hidden gems like Conway, Pawley Island and Little River, there’s already so much for your group to explore along The Grand Strand. But for those looking for even more adventure than they can fit into 60 miles of beaches, we also offer great proximity to some of the Carolinas’ other most visited cities.

With just a short drive, any of these great Southern gems can serve as a fun day trip while you visit the Myrtle Beach area.

Charleston, S.C.

94 MILES • 2 HOUR DRIVE

A short drive south along U.S. 17 will land you in Charleston. Three hundred years of rich history make Charleston a living monument to both the foundation and evolution of our nation. Hundreds of historic and preserved structures grace the city’s narrow cobblestone streets, lined with picturesque homes. Stroll through formal gardens, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, participate in a ghost tour or enjoy the vibrant downtown with top-notch shopping and restaurants.

Florence, S.C.

67 MILES • 1 HOUR, 20 MINUTE DRIVE

Located to the west of The Beach, the Florence region is packed with heritage sites worth the drive.

The S.C. Revolutionary Rivers Trail offers kayaking excursions

into the cypress and tupelo-laden hiding spots of General Francis Marion, nicknamed “The Swamp Fox” by the British who couldn’t keep up with him during the Revolutionary War.

Visitors are in awe of the living artwork at The Pearl Fryar Topiary Garden, designed and maintained by self-taught botanist/artist Pearl Fryar.

Florence downtown offers the new Florence Museum, live performances nearly every evening, and an array of restaurants offering dishes made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Wilmington, N.C.

77 MILES • 1 HOUR, 30 MINUTE DRIVE

A short drive north over the North Carolina border will take you to Wilmington and surrounding Cape Fear coastal area.

Some of the port city’s many attractions include museums, historical sites, war memorials, battlefields, and more than 230 blocks of community designated as a National Register Historic District. The USS North Carolina Battleship is also a worthwhile stop, as it’s one of the most historic battleships in the nation.

Downtown you’ll find a revitalized scene of restaurants, breweries, shops and artisan galleries worth exploring.

Wilmington is also one of the nation’s top locations for film and television production and those visiting for the day will certainly enjoy taking a tour of a working film studio while there.

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The Beach REUNITING AT

REUNION PLANNING CHECKLIST

Bringing your reunion group to The Beach is a great decision that your members are sure to enjoy, but planning an outing can also be a lot of work. That’s why the Visit Myrtle Beach team has created the following checklist of items to help assist you in your planning journey.

Make a Plan

Ideally planning for your event should start about a year ahead of when you want your reunion to happen. Key steps include:

• Decide on a date

• Target a location or locations

• Send a questionnaire for attendees to rank options for destination, activities and other key topics

Recruit Help

In addition to help within your group, you can always contact the Visit Myrtle Beach team for help in planning your event.

• Form a committee or committees to handle areas such as finances, entertainment, food, lodging, correspondence and welcoming

• Delegate tasks with detailed steps for each position

REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE 14

Get the Word Out

Make sure to start this promotional phase as early as possible for best results.

• Send out “Save the Date” postcards or newsletters — Contact us for complimentary pre-designed templates.

• Create social media accounts and/or Facebook posts specific to your event.

Set the agenda

Try not to overschedule your event! Remember the reunion is to give everyone the opportunity to reconnect and to make new memories. Things to plan for reunion event agenda include:

• Meet and Greet/Welcome

• Group Banquet

• Group Activities/Tours

• Closing event to discuss business such as future reunion dates or to hold a memorial service, religious ceremony or wreath-laying ceremony,

Make Memories

Things to remember during and after your reunion event:

• Take photos. Designate a photographer in your group or hire a local to help you document the day. Make sure you get a group photo to commemorate the event.

• Follow up! Don’t forget to send thank yous and and share photos with everyone in your group afterwards, possibly with dates for the next reunion!

CONTACT INFO

Ready to plan?

Connect with Specialty Market Sales Manager Melanie Doty at 843-685-8585 or melanie.doty@visitmyrtlebeach. com for more information on accommodations and more!

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REUNION & SPECIALTY GROUPS GUIDE

The Beach GET THE MOST FROM

CVB GROUP SERVICES

Take advantage of the services offered by the Myrtle Beach Area CVB Group Sales team, nationally recognized with the Gold Service Award by Meetings & Conventions magazine and the Pinnacle Award by Successful Meetings magazine.

From the initial planning stages to execution, our staff will partner with you to match the best of Myrtle Beach with the needs of your group.

Promotional Collateral

Promotional and attendance building materials are available to help showcase the Myrtle Beach area to your attendees.

In addition, items with the Visit Myrtle Beach logo are available for purchase. Contact us for details.

MORE INFO Event Planning & Registration Assistance

Our convention services staff is eager to assist and answer any questions you may have to make sure your meeting is a success.

We can provide assistance with spousal programs, speaker selection, group outlining information, dining, entertainment information and more.

On-site registration assistance also can help make sure your convention runs efficiently and smoothly. Our team can provide visitor info and services to your attendees. Contact us at 800-488-8998 for more details.

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MORE INFO Stop by Our Visitors Centers

Our two official visitor centers are great resources for more information on transportation as well as attractions, lodging, and all things Myrtle Beach!

Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Office and Welcome Center

1200 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 626-7444 or (800) 356-3016

Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Lead Service

We can help connect event planners like you with the facilities, hotel, attractions and restaurants you need to run a successful event. Participants in our lead service will have their group needs distributed to the area’s top suppliers.

Your group will receive a compiled bid book of proposals or partners will submit their bids directly to you.

Site Visits & FAM tours

The Visit Myrtle Beach team can help you vet potential

Myrtle Beach International Airport Welcome Center

1100 Jetport Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (843) 626-7444 or (800) 356-3016

Hours are seasonal, call for more info

locations for your group event meeting or conference.

We will arrange site inspections of the facilities, hotels and attractions that you are considering for your event.

Promotional Assets

Our marketing team can provide you with photography and other assets for your promotional and marketing materials.

For more information on obtaining assets, email your request to media@visitmyrtlebeach.com or request photos at visitmyrtlebeach.com/media

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See Why We’re America’s Beachiest Beach!

Our accolades speak for themselves — it’s no wonder so many groups choose to visit Myrtle Beach. Here are some of the honors we have received that show why we’re America’s Beachiest Beach!

Conde Nast Traveler

Most Popular Summer Travel Destinations

ConventionSOUTH Magazine

Readers’ Choice Award - Top Meeting Site/Destination in South

FamilyFun Magazine

Top 10 Tourist Towns; Top 10 Vacation Destination In The South

Hotelplanner.com

Top 10 Most Group Friendly Beach Cities in the United States

Parents Magazine

Best Hotels for Kids Around The World

Reader’s Digest

15 Best Affordable Beach Vacation in U.S.

Southern Living

South’s Best Holiday Experiences

Travel + Leisure

25 Most Festive Christmas Towns

Travel Awaits

10 Best Multigenerational Trip Destinations

Tripadvisor

Top 25 Beaches; Top 25 U.S. Destinations

U.S. News & World Report

Best Family Beach Vacations In the USA

USA Today

Best Golf Destination; Best Small Airport in U.S.; Top Autism-Friendly Vacations

Start planning today at VisitMyrtleBeach.com

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