When it comes to specialty dishes in Myrtle Beach, many places claim to have the best.  In most cases they serve up a good meal, however sometimes good is not good enough.  Certain people won’t settle for anything but the very best, especially when it comes to pizza.  Some prefer Chicago’s deep dish while others crave the New York style.  Wherever the location, pizza lovers constantly debate which pizzeria serves up the best of either.  When it comes to New York Style, Gino’s is the best that Myrtle Beach has to offer.  Boasting two locations, one in North Myrtle Beach and the other further south in Carolina Forest, Gino’s commands respect with its thin crust delicacy. 

The pizza comes made to order in pies or individual slices.  Sicilian style is also available upon request.  The usual toppings of sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, etc. can all be added for an additional charge.  The best aspect of Gino’s pizza is its freshness.  The sauce and cheese are balanced in perfect harmony as to not result in a slice that is greasy.  This allows the crust to stay super crispy, with a texture that snaps when you bite into it.

Gino’s extensive menu also offers other Italian favorites such as baked ziti, lasagna, Stromboli, calzones, pasta, and manicotti.  A number of signature salads are also served.  Hot subs come with Parmigiana options, but if by some strange reason you aren’t in the mood for Italian cuisine altogether, traditional sandwiches are also available. 

My first experience at Gino’s brought me back to my old New York neighborhood and my childhood.  This is no surprise since Gino’s history dates back to 1969 where it started in Astoria, Queens.  I’m not sure as to why they left, but I’m sure happy that they did.  And you will be too once you’ve gotten a taste.  So come on in and see the reason why Myrtle Beach is on the pizza map.

North Myrtle Beach Gator Hole Plaza – 532 Hwy 17 N.3771 Renee Drive, Carolina Forest

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Vacationers are always on the lookout for hidden gems when they choose a destination and this one is at the top of the list.  Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises is a must for anyone in the mood to go on a boat ride and see animals that you don’t get to see every day.  This is the ONLY charter cruise in Myrtle Beach that guarantees dolphin sightings with free tickets issued to anyone who is not able to spot the ocean’s sleek, graceful creatures.  (Ripley’s Aquarium does not have dolphins.) 

The cruise boards at the Little River Marina and lasts for about two and a half hours.  The speakers play music as the watercraft glides across the Intercoastal Waterway toward the Atlantic Ocean.  Once on the open sea, the captain trails safely behind the many shrimping and fishing boats in the area, and this is when the fun begins. 

Dolphins are very smart, and over the many years of sharing the water with humans, they have learned that boats with big nets mean lots of food.  They follow these fishing trawlers in large groups and swim in and out of the nets, taking what they want.  When they come to the surface for air, that’s when you get to see them up close in the wild.  Environmental regulations require that a certain distance must be kept at all times, but Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises gets as close as legally allowable to give their guests the best views possible.  As for the views, guests are encouraged to take all the pictures and video that they can, so be sure to bring cameras to go along with your sharp eyes. 

Dolphins are not the only marine life to see on this cruise.  Whenever free food is available, a number of other sea scavengers are on the prowl waiting to have their turn at the buffet.  Sharks, turtles, and smaller fish are all possible animals that might pop out of the water to say “Hi”.  When one boat pulls up their nets, the captain simply finds the next boat and heads toward it.  These cruises are a great way to spend a few hours of the day.When planning your trip with Myrtle Beach Dolphin Cruises, also note that every boat provides ample seating with shaded areas.  Along with unlimited photography, guests are also allowed to bring their own snacks and beverages including alcoholic ones.  For those who wish to travel light, a selection of some provisions are available for sale on the boat, but be sure to come prepared with suntan lotion as the reflection of the sun off the water will cause sunburns faster than normal.  Seasonal tickets are available, so reserve yours now and bring the family to the only dolphin attraction of Myrtle Beach.

Located at 1407 13^th Avenue North, just off of Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, this next place is a must stop restaurant/bar for visitors looking for a fun time, friendly crowds, and good food.  Boardwalk Billy’s boasts an extensive menu and offers live music seven days a week.  Who could ask for anything more?

The variety of food available is what really makes Boardwalk Billy’s stand out from the other hotspots of Myrtle Beach.  The only problem you will have here is deciding what to order considering everything I’ve tried there has been excellent. Burgers, sandwiches, wraps, seafood, even sushi and sashimi are fresh and available.  I personally recommend the Diablo Burger which is really spicy.  The thick beef patty is complimented with Pepperjack cheese, fried onions, and smothered with slices jalapeno peppers. 

Open from 3 – 10 weekdays and 3 – 11 on Fridays and weekends, Boardwalk Billy’s is always full but guaranteed packed during the busy season.  Whether you choose to sit inside or outside the large restaurant, the atmosphere is as friendly as it is busy.  Even though families and small parties are welcome, Boardwalk Billy’s is definitely the place for large groups.  It is the perfect place for company outings as well as the night spot after a day of golf.

Be sure to check their website as the kitchen is seasonal which may affect pricing.  In addition, the live music is updated monthly, so you can see in advance which band is playing on any given night.  The site is easy to navigate making it just another reason why Boardwalk Billy’s should be a destination on your next vacation.         

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Now it’s no secret that Myrtle Beach is known for its many summer attractions.  Anyone knows that there’s nothing better on a hot day than to cool off in some nice clean, cold water.  There were already lots of places to find water in the area.  However, the beach always leaves people, especially children, covered from head to toe in sand that’s almost impossible to get off no matter how hard you try.  And if you haven’t figured it out by now, the lazy rivers at the resorts, are just that, lazy.  They don’t really go anywhere.  You could always try the pool where you’re staying, but that gets bored really fast.  What you really need to cool off from the sun is a place that not only has water but lots of things to do.  Myrtle Waves is just the place to bring the family.

Located at 3000 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Waves has everything for the entire family.  A number of different waterslides will keep adults and the older children busy as they fly down vertical slides at breakneck speeds.  The highlight here is the Turbo Twisters, which include three slides that send the rider spiraling down in closed chutes all the way to the bottom where they come out of the tunnel splashing into the pool.  There also many large waterslides that offer different effects and are available only to those riding on the inner tubes provided.  Please note that these rides adhere to strict 42 inch tall policies.

For a just as intense experience, there are never-ending pools for boogie borders and a lazy river that is not so lazy.  This winding waterway sends swimmers down the path with an extremely strong current, so you better hold on to the floating boards provided.

Water parks need to be fun for all ages and Myrtle Waves comes through for the kids.  There have Bubble Bay which is a very large play area for kids.  The water is not too deep in their objects to climb and jump over as they splash in the water.  Parents watching their children can do so from the comfortable lawn chairs surrounding the pool area.

Myrtle Waves like any other attraction, has concession stands conveniently located throughout the park.  You might want to call in advance for prices, specials and discounted admission times. (evenings) Special events are held throughout the season, including a movie night for guests as they lounge in the massive wave pool.  However, whether you choose to come in the day or evening, you’re sure to have a great time.  So grab your towels and head out to Myrtle Waves.

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In a lifetime we could expect to have only a handful of dining experiences that stay with us forever.  Captain George’s is one of those times.  I was 10 years old when I first ate at the seafood buffet.  Thirty years later the quality and the atmosphere still haven’t changed.  The only thing that has changed is that thankfully I can eat more of it now. 

Located at 1401 29^th Avenue North in Myrtle Beach, the seafood palace is home to a massive amount of entrees that will be sure to please any appetite.  Like any of the other seafood buffets Captain George’s offers non seafood options that are all great, but considering the fact that their specialty is seafood, I’m going to focus on that for the purpose of this review.  That being said, there are many good things to say about this long standing restaurant chain. 

To start, the amount of seafood within these walls is staggering.  Stuffed clams, steamed clams, mussels marinated in a garlic broth are just the beginning.  Oysters Rockerfeller, salmon fillets, fried scallops, and tons of shrimp cooked in a variety of ways also tempt the hungry diner.  The highlight would have to be the station that serves the steamed crab legs.  Many seafood buffets in Myrtle Beach have such stations, but Captain George’s always seems to have the largest and freshest specimens in stock. 

Now I use the word fresh because any seafood lover knows that the value of any seafood buffet is judged mostly by how fresh it is.  There is no doubt that Captain George’s has a complete understanding of what it takes to ensure the best quality food and do so in a relaxed, clean environment.  The huge dining area surrounds the many serving stations that are separated by the type of cuisine, making it easy for people to quickly choose their food.  Also, a constant presence of staff members are on hand to replace trays when there is even the hint of them becoming emptied while others will clear your used plates so you are free to fill new ones with food.  This ensures that nothing sits out and risk getting the least bit stale.

Of course only the best desserts await those who left any room for them.  Being too full, I myself did not partake although those in my party assured me that I was missing out on something special.  Try as I might, I never seem to be able to make it for dessert after having all that Captain George’s has to offer.  Perhaps if I learned to resist the great seafood I might have a chance.  Oh well, maybe you’ll have better luck than I always do.  See you at Captain George’s soon.          

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Barefoot Landing is a wonderful place for the family to spend an afternoon or evening strolling the shops that Myrtle Beach has to offer.  Conveniently located right next to Alligator Adventure and the Duplin Winery, there’s no better place to go after a day of sightseeing.  The shops at Barefoot Landing are not what you would expect as they are not all tourist trap souvenir stands, although there are some of those.  In reality, they are interesting storefronts that will appeal to both children and adults alike.

The businesses are all connected by a system of wooden boardwalk style bridges that surround the property.  If you get lucky you might even see a stray alligator or two lurking in the waters below.  The usual fare of shoe stores and clothing shops are complemented by specialty stores such as one selling just olive oil and another just Christmas items.

The children will also be kept busy as they decide whether they want candy from Wee R Sweetz or IT’SUGAR, ice cream from Sweet Molly’s Creamery, or to try their hand at the many games at Lulu’s Beach Arcade.  There is also a newly constructed playground for the children to run around in.  These are just a few of the many places that will keep the family entertained for hours.

After a long day of touring and taking in what Barefoot Landing has to offer, there are also many family-friendly restaurants to help end your evening with a good meal.  From the upscale Greg Normans Australian Grille to the popular Joe’s Crab Shack, there’s plenty to satisfy every family’s needs.  All the flavors seem to be represent Barefoot Landing as well.  There is the Stillhouse BBQ, Flying Fish Public Market and Grill, Johnny Rockets, Blueberry’s Grill, and Taco Mundo Kitchen and Cantina. 

Barefoot Landing is a great place the family to get out, take a nice walk, do some shopping and get a bite to eat.  With tons of parking conveniently located near the shops, there’s no excuse to not spend time here when visiting Myrtle Beach.  So the next time you’re in town make it your business to give Barefoot Landing your business.

As much as we would like to believe that Myrtle Beach is a place with the sun never goes down in that rain happens only once in a long while, the truth is that it’s no different from other places.  Sometimes bad weather will rear its ugly head.  And when that happens, another sad truth comes to light.  Children, always wanting something to do, will stop at nothing to drive us crazy until your energy is expended or their needs are met.  Thankfully, Myrtle Beach has just the place to make the kids happy and keep the parents from pulling her hair out.

Rockin’ Jump, located at 2200 North Oak St., provides a myriad of activities that will be sure to tire out the little ones and give the adults a breather.  If we had places like this when I was a kid, I would never want to go home.  From basketball hoops, to dodge ball courts equipped with trampolines, this place has it all.  A rock wall extends all the way to the ceiling for the older children, and challenging obstacle courses are sure to keep them busy for hours for the ones that don’t like heights. 

The best part about Rockin’ Jump is that they are more than adequately staffed, so that every child in every area of the building is being supervised round-the-clock.  This prevents smaller children from missing out on the fun because older children keep getting in their way.  It also allows children of the same age to play together so that the age differences won’t ruin anyone’s day.  I take my own child to Rockin’ Jump on a regular basis and I have never been disappointed.  My little guy always comes home panting with a flushed face just wanting a bath before bedtime.  Multiple rooms to host birthday parties are also available on the premises.  Call in advance for details at each location might be different. The next time you’re Myrtle Beach on a rainy day and you’re not sure of what to do, make sure to visit Rockin’ Jump for an affordable afternoon of activity.  You won’t be disappointed.

rockinjump.com/myrtlebeach

(843) 242-3264

When visitors find their way to Myrtle Beach, they usually discover that it is the home of Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White.  That is until now.  The Hollywood Wax Museum located at 1808 21^st Avenue North is full of awesome likenesses of the best and brightest of Hollywood.  The museum is also close by to the other attractions that Broadway at the Beach has to offer making this spot impossible to miss.  And you probably couldn’t miss it if you tried considering it is difficult to ignore a full-sized replica of King Kong climbing atop the Empire State Building!

Once you pass the colorful and inviting entranceway, guests are treated to a variety of celebrities posed perfectly within sets from their most iconic films.  Some stars include Reese Witherspoon, Elizabeth Taylor, Duane “The Rock” Johnson, Robert DeNiro, Bruce Lee, Samuel L. Jackson, and Charlie Chaplin along with tons of others.   

The lifelike figures are also not encased behind glass the way other attractions might have them, so guests are encouraged to take pictures alongside their favorites using some of the props that are offered.

Movies are one of the best mediums that bring together the young and old alike making The Hollywood Wax Museum a great place to take the family during your Myrtle Beach vacation.  With ample free parking surrounded by many other family friendly attractions, this place is a must for when you are planning your next stay.          

http://www.Hollywoodwaxentertainment.com 

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Kings Sushi

If you find yourself touring the Grand Strand and become hungry, look no further than Kings Sushi located at 801 Highway 17 S. in North Myrtle Beach.  With over 100 items to choose from, this restaurant is a place that everyone must visit at least once on their vacation.  The best part about this eatery is that it is an all-you-can-eat menu without having to continually leave your seat to partake of a buffet.  That’s right.  Everything you want to consume is brought right to your table in a quick and efficient manner.  Like its title implies, that also includes sushi.

The first thing one might think when hearing this, is that the quality of the fish used in the delicacy is not the best.  They would be sorely mistaken.  Kings Sushi ensures the utmost freshness by making each order as it is requested and the low prices will make you think twice About choosing another location to eat. 

On my many visits to Kings Sushi I was always seated right away and given a vast menu of items to choose from.  Many favorites such as spicy tuna rolls, salmon rolls, and tempura were included, as well as a sizable menu for children, making this restaurant as family-friendly as they come.  They also include the specialty rolls that attract the more seasoned sushi connoisseur like Dragon rolls and Christmas rolls.  Non-seafood lovers can enjoy heaping portions of delicacies from the Hibachi grill or other Asian favorites like dumplings and fried rice.  The size of the fish used in the rolls is also worthy of mention because usually an all-you-can-eat restaurant offering sushi more than likely uses less fish in their orders.  This is not true with Kings Sushi.  Each order is specially made with the exact ratio of fish needed to make the roll and no one is ever left thinking that their order was less than it should be.

Kings Sushi also offers a large seating area and bar for those that wish to have a drink before dining.  Happy hour combinations are available at low cost and are complemented by cold beer bottled or on tap.  When you come for lunch or dinner you are sure to leave both full and satisfied.  So when planning your next trip to Myrtle Beach, be sure to include Kings Sushi in your itinerary.

After a day of fun in the sun and surf or on the golf course bring the family down to Ticket Return Stadium to enjoy the baseball game under the lights.  As the moths flutter about under the bright lights, watch the Myrtle Beach Pelicans as they take on their rivals.  As the Single A Advanced affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, the Pelicans are always eager to impress the crowd.  Many past players have made it to the pros including, Jason Heyward, Ian Happ, and Joey Gallo.   Who knows?  The young team you watch tonight could be the future stars of the Major Leagues soon after.

Now baseball is the main reason you come down to the ballpark, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other things that will keep the kids from wanting to leave.  The food is not only affordable, it’s incredible.  Brats, hot dogs, pretzels, and nachos are just a few of the snacks that can be had at the many concession stands throughout the stadium.  There are also some treats for the thirsty as well.  Ice cold soft drinks always on tap along with beer.  Check your schedule for special offers as on some nights beer is only one dollar and food prices are also reduced.

Throughout the season there are also many nights when there will be a fireworks show after the game.  The Myrtle Beach Pelicans have more fireworks nights than the average team does at the Major-League level.  There are also 50-50 drawings and entertainment for the kids to keep them entertained between innings.  If the little ones have a hard time sitting still, there is a small playground behind the right field stands and throughout the game booths within the concession areas with games to test their skill.  It’s also important to consider arriving at the ballpark early.  Although parking is free and plentiful, it is also a lot easier to get autographs from the minor leaguers than at the professional level.  So bring some balls to autograph and you probably won’t be disappointed.

Ticket Return Stadium is a “must visit” destination when booking your trip to Myrtle Beach in the summertime.  By booking your tickets online you can score seats close to the field for as low as $13 a piece.  However, even the seats furthest from home plate will still put you closer than at a major league ballpark.  If attending a game is a last-minute decision, the friendly staff makes buying your seats quick and easy.  Either way, there’s no reason to miss an opportunity to watch baseball at the beach.  So grab your glove and some sunscreen can come see the boys of summer before they make it big!