OWJ1 & 2 return to Myrtle Beach with 3 & 4
Jul 5th, 2009, 01:38 AM
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We had a great week of relaxing which was our goal. Since it was a beach vacation, that was about all we did! Each morning, armed with plenty of SPF 50 for the kids (and me, pasty white OWJ) and SPF30 for my husband who turns golden bronze just checking the mail, we threw the girls in the stroller and towed a wagon filled with beach supplies the 4 short blocks from icee's beach house. For the next couple of hours, we chilled while the girl's dug their way to China as they sat at the water's edge. The beaches weren't overly crowded, at least at the hours that we went, and there was some seriously good people watching. If one was ever considering getting a tattoo, this was the place to shop designs because there were lots on display 
Our girls are under 3 so we didn't do a whole lot of touristy stuff though we did go to Barefoot Landing one evening and saw the Siberian tigers that they have from 5-9. There was also sloths and a few other smaller animals on display. For those braver than us, you can have your picture taken with a lion cub but I'm a wuz and that wasn't an option for us. Barefoot Landing has stuff for older kids, at least now in the summer...bouncy thing, a bungee bounce...It's a mall that definitely caters to tourists. Based on the license plates in the parking lot, most everyone was from somewhere else.
Another evening we headed over to GoTravel's stomping grounds of Murrell's Inlet but we didn't get to meet her cuz the girl has been working her tail off. Waaa! We had dinner at Creek Ratz. It was good and super kid friendly. We got there around 6ish and were able to be seated right away but it started filling up shortly after that. Afterwards, my husband, kids and I enjoyed the marsh walk. The girls were fascinated by a group of wild(?) goats living on a tiny island in the marsh. We would've stayed longer but a sudden summer t-storm nixed that idea. An aside: It was my husband and I's 2nd time to Murrell's Inlet and we loved it over there as much as the last time. If we were w/o kids, we would've bar hopped and enjoyed drinks and live music at several spots along the marshwalk.
We had a couple of dinners out: Bonefish, which is a chain, but IMO a good one. I forget what we ordered but both entrees were good. We also went to Calabash Seafood Hut. When we arrived, there was a pretty good line and I was concerned the girls wouldn't be able to handle the wait. The people who run the place have their system down to a science, so it moved pretty quickly. Most everything on the menu is fried, which I knew ahead of time, so I stopped counting calories and fat grams and ordered fried shrimp. Mmmm. Seriously Mmmm. It was crispy but not greasy and didn't have inches of breading. The meals came with hush puppies, sweet cole slaw and fries. I got the small platter and OWJ2 got the large, which for $1 more, had almost 2x the shrimp. That said, the small was plenty for me! Our last night we went over to Liberty Tap Room, the same one we met Mr. and Mrs. Beachdweller at 3 yrs earlier. (If you're still on fodors BD, we missed seeing you guys!)
We also brought in dinner twice from Platt's Seafood shop in Cherry Grove. Great store with super friendly staff and really fresh fish. The first night we had steamed lobster (a total treat for me!) and steamed shrimp. They cooked both perfectly. It was so good that the next day, we preordered a small low country boil and picked up right before dinner. My husband and I ate our way into little piggy heaven and I still had lunch for two days. Yum! (A small is a full sized steamer pan filled to the brim with tons of shrimp, crab leg clusters, mussels, clams, potatoes and corn with just the right amount of Old Bay.)
Oh! For those with kids staying in NMB: McLean Park is a good one to go to. It has one playground with smaller equipment for tots that was adequate, but adjacent to it, is a super cool area for the older kids. The older kids have an awesome playstructure that is different than one typically sees in in playground. I wish I had taken a picture of it!
I think that wraps up the highlights of our trip. Icee and the Real Icee--thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
PS Painter's ice cream: a big so what. They say it's homemade but I thought it was pretty tasteless and not worth the calories.
Our girls are under 3 so we didn't do a whole lot of touristy stuff though we did go to Barefoot Landing one evening and saw the Siberian tigers that they have from 5-9. There was also sloths and a few other smaller animals on display. For those braver than us, you can have your picture taken with a lion cub but I'm a wuz and that wasn't an option for us. Barefoot Landing has stuff for older kids, at least now in the summer...bouncy thing, a bungee bounce...It's a mall that definitely caters to tourists. Based on the license plates in the parking lot, most everyone was from somewhere else.
Another evening we headed over to GoTravel's stomping grounds of Murrell's Inlet but we didn't get to meet her cuz the girl has been working her tail off. Waaa! We had dinner at Creek Ratz. It was good and super kid friendly. We got there around 6ish and were able to be seated right away but it started filling up shortly after that. Afterwards, my husband, kids and I enjoyed the marsh walk. The girls were fascinated by a group of wild(?) goats living on a tiny island in the marsh. We would've stayed longer but a sudden summer t-storm nixed that idea. An aside: It was my husband and I's 2nd time to Murrell's Inlet and we loved it over there as much as the last time. If we were w/o kids, we would've bar hopped and enjoyed drinks and live music at several spots along the marshwalk.
We had a couple of dinners out: Bonefish, which is a chain, but IMO a good one. I forget what we ordered but both entrees were good. We also went to Calabash Seafood Hut. When we arrived, there was a pretty good line and I was concerned the girls wouldn't be able to handle the wait. The people who run the place have their system down to a science, so it moved pretty quickly. Most everything on the menu is fried, which I knew ahead of time, so I stopped counting calories and fat grams and ordered fried shrimp. Mmmm. Seriously Mmmm. It was crispy but not greasy and didn't have inches of breading. The meals came with hush puppies, sweet cole slaw and fries. I got the small platter and OWJ2 got the large, which for $1 more, had almost 2x the shrimp. That said, the small was plenty for me! Our last night we went over to Liberty Tap Room, the same one we met Mr. and Mrs. Beachdweller at 3 yrs earlier. (If you're still on fodors BD, we missed seeing you guys!)
We also brought in dinner twice from Platt's Seafood shop in Cherry Grove. Great store with super friendly staff and really fresh fish. The first night we had steamed lobster (a total treat for me!) and steamed shrimp. They cooked both perfectly. It was so good that the next day, we preordered a small low country boil and picked up right before dinner. My husband and I ate our way into little piggy heaven and I still had lunch for two days. Yum! (A small is a full sized steamer pan filled to the brim with tons of shrimp, crab leg clusters, mussels, clams, potatoes and corn with just the right amount of Old Bay.)
Oh! For those with kids staying in NMB: McLean Park is a good one to go to. It has one playground with smaller equipment for tots that was adequate, but adjacent to it, is a super cool area for the older kids. The older kids have an awesome playstructure that is different than one typically sees in in playground. I wish I had taken a picture of it!
I think that wraps up the highlights of our trip. Icee and the Real Icee--thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
PS Painter's ice cream: a big so what. They say it's homemade but I thought it was pretty tasteless and not worth the calories.
Jul 5th, 2009, 03:39 AM
#24
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Did you get Vanna's favorite at Painter's? To me, Painter's is hit or miss. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I don't! When you went to Calabash, did you go over to the Calabash Creamery and have their ice cream? Thanks for trying the Low Country Boil at Platt's. I'm excited to order it now! Glad y'all had such a good vacation.
Jul 6th, 2009, 03:28 PM
#27
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Icee--What's Vanna's flavor? We got strawberry for the girls (Our girly girls insist that even their ice cream has to be pink!) I probably got black cherry and Howie had something chocolate...We missed Calabash Creamery--next time...
Thanks, GoT. And here I thought you wanted to meet us grown ups.
MI is awesome and can see why you like living there.
Siena1--Have a great trip.
Thanks, GoT. And here I thought you wanted to meet us grown ups.
MI is awesome and can see why you like living there.
Siena1--Have a great trip.
Jul 6th, 2009, 04:56 PM
#28
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL....don't remember what her fave is....Her picture is autographed at the order window saying what her favorite is!!
My sister is down at the shack right now and really enjoyed her dinner at TBonz. I remember having dessert at Kaminsky's in Charleston, a sister restaurant, and it was very delicious.
Not to worry OWJ, GoT won't come to see me either!!!
smooches, GoT
My sister is down at the shack right now and really enjoyed her dinner at TBonz. I remember having dessert at Kaminsky's in Charleston, a sister restaurant, and it was very delicious.
Not to worry OWJ, GoT won't come to see me either!!!
smooches, GoT
Jun 5th, 2010, 03:57 PM
#29
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're baaaack! Our 2nd trip with the kids and again the word bliss comes to mind....I need to hit the lottery because having a place at the beach would make me so happy.
GoT--Gonna call you tomorrow and figure things out.
GoT--Gonna call you tomorrow and figure things out.
Jun 5th, 2010, 05:23 PM
#30
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OWJ...this time instead of doing Painter's for ice cream, go to The Calabash Creamery after you go to The Seafood Hut! It's pretty decent! And, if you want something different one night, try ENoodles. M/M beachdweller turned us on to the place and it was enjoyable.
Jun 6th, 2010, 01:01 PM
#31
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Icee--
So funny you posted right now! OWJ2 and I were literally just talking about this...I think we're going to head to Calabash tomorrow and hit both your suggestions. Tonight, anniversary night, OWJ2 is going to make his amazing grilled shrimp for me, steak for him and then we'll take the kids to Barefoot Landing to see the tigers.
Weather has been fantastic and I feel so at peace here at the beach. It's nice to pretend this is my life all the time!
Where have the beachdwellers been? We had such a great time with them 3 yrs ago and would love to reconnect.
OWJ
Hey--Do you have any idea which put put golf place would be good for the kids?
So funny you posted right now! OWJ2 and I were literally just talking about this...I think we're going to head to Calabash tomorrow and hit both your suggestions. Tonight, anniversary night, OWJ2 is going to make his amazing grilled shrimp for me, steak for him and then we'll take the kids to Barefoot Landing to see the tigers.
Weather has been fantastic and I feel so at peace here at the beach. It's nice to pretend this is my life all the time!
Where have the beachdwellers been? We had such a great time with them 3 yrs ago and would love to reconnect.
OWJ
Hey--Do you have any idea which put put golf place would be good for the kids?
Jun 7th, 2010, 10:57 AM
#32
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,834
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For mini golfing with preschoolers (somewhere in this thread you mentioned naps so I presume they are preschool age) in Myrtle Beach, I suggest going in the morning when the mini golf places are the least crowded so your kids can take as much time as they would like without a group waiting impatiently behind you (of course, it's polite to let a group play through your hole if you are slow moving, but you can't do that throughout 18 holes and ever finish 
. The busiest times are the evenings after dinner. Between 4 and 6 is usually a good time if there are no afternoon thunderstorms.
Reading your thread, it appears you are probably staying in North Myrtle Beach. I suggest the Black Pearl in the Cherry Grove area, Tribal Island on Highway 17 in Little River, SC, and the mini golf place (can't recall name) on the road to Calabash, NC. I suggest these places because they are almost never crowded, particularly during the day. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure in NMB on Hwy 17 is fun because it has a small train the takes you to your first hole. Molten Mountain in NMB and Cancun Lagoon in MB are partially indoors, which can be good if you need to escape the heat and sun. Do not go to either one on a rainy day because everyone else will be there too.
If you are in Myrtle Beach proper, then try Jungle Lagoon on Business 17 or Mount Atlanticus in downtown MB (must go there during the day, too crowded at night).
BTW, there are at least 23 mini golf locations in the greater MB area. My sons (ages 10 and 12 at the time) and I played 16 of them on a single day a couple of summers ago. If you beat our record, let us know.
For non-mini golf activities, take your kids to the Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing to see the gators, lemurs, etc. The Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway on the Beach is good (but don't go when it rains, because it will be too crowded). To escape the rain and the crowds, go to the Imax theatre at Broadway on the Beach. Your kids will enjoy the ocean and other nature theme films there.
For restaurants, Joe's Crab Shack (seafood) and River City Cafe (burgers) have multiple locations around MB and play areas for young kids (good distraction while you wait for food). Thorny's, just south of downtown MB, also has a play area in the restaurant and televisions in the booths so your kids can watch the Disney channel while you dine. My kids' favorite restaurant, Overtime Sports Grill on Hwy 17 in NMB has sports memorabilia hanging from the ceiling and is a great place to play I Spy while you dine. It's family friendly with a kids menu.
Have fun. We just came home from 12 days in NMB last night.
. The busiest times are the evenings after dinner. Between 4 and 6 is usually a good time if there are no afternoon thunderstorms. Reading your thread, it appears you are probably staying in North Myrtle Beach. I suggest the Black Pearl in the Cherry Grove area, Tribal Island on Highway 17 in Little River, SC, and the mini golf place (can't recall name) on the road to Calabash, NC. I suggest these places because they are almost never crowded, particularly during the day. Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure in NMB on Hwy 17 is fun because it has a small train the takes you to your first hole. Molten Mountain in NMB and Cancun Lagoon in MB are partially indoors, which can be good if you need to escape the heat and sun. Do not go to either one on a rainy day because everyone else will be there too.
If you are in Myrtle Beach proper, then try Jungle Lagoon on Business 17 or Mount Atlanticus in downtown MB (must go there during the day, too crowded at night).
BTW, there are at least 23 mini golf locations in the greater MB area. My sons (ages 10 and 12 at the time) and I played 16 of them on a single day a couple of summers ago. If you beat our record, let us know.
For non-mini golf activities, take your kids to the Alligator Adventure at Barefoot Landing to see the gators, lemurs, etc. The Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway on the Beach is good (but don't go when it rains, because it will be too crowded). To escape the rain and the crowds, go to the Imax theatre at Broadway on the Beach. Your kids will enjoy the ocean and other nature theme films there.
For restaurants, Joe's Crab Shack (seafood) and River City Cafe (burgers) have multiple locations around MB and play areas for young kids (good distraction while you wait for food). Thorny's, just south of downtown MB, also has a play area in the restaurant and televisions in the booths so your kids can watch the Disney channel while you dine. My kids' favorite restaurant, Overtime Sports Grill on Hwy 17 in NMB has sports memorabilia hanging from the ceiling and is a great place to play I Spy while you dine. It's family friendly with a kids menu.
Have fun. We just came home from 12 days in NMB last night.
Jun 7th, 2010, 04:08 PM
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
PAdams--Your mini golf record is safe with us. Your boys are too hardcore for us wimps
You were right we are staying in NMB and my kids are preschoolers; however, since I started this thread last year, naps have gone by the wayside. (Waaaah, says mom!) Thanks for all great info on the put put courses. Clearly you are THE expert on the subject!
You were right we are staying in NMB and my kids are preschoolers; however, since I started this thread last year, naps have gone by the wayside. (Waaaah, says mom!) Thanks for all great info on the put put courses. Clearly you are THE expert on the subject!
Jun 7th, 2010, 11:04 PM
#34
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A word of caution for those wanting to go to the Seafood Hut in Calabash, NC on a Monday. You'll have to enjoy it the other 6 days of the week. We pulled up and realized it was closed Mondays and headed across the street to Ella's because it had been suggested to us earlier in the day. Portions were more than ample but thought that Seafood Hut was better. We promised the kids ice cream and drove around the corner to Calabash Creamery--mmmmm. Double Mmmmm!! Much better and half the price of the ice cream we bought at Barefoot Landing...
Speaking of Barefoot Landing, I encountered a really rude employee at Hats Galore (think that's the name) OWJ2 and I were looking for beach hats and as we were doing that, the kids started trying on one too. They weren't being bad, loud or anything like that but a sales person came up and loudly and aggressively snatched the hat off one of my kids and asked me if he, "Should ring that up right now for you??" Before I could even answer, he kept repeating that same question 2-3 more times. Could I have had that dumbfounded look on my face for a couple of seconds? I can tell you I was so shocked at the tone he took. This guy was just so rude and aggressive from the start. Not that this clerk would know us, but we work really hard to keep our kids from running wild in public or mess up stores and have removed our children from a situation if they're not behaving. As I grabbed the kids and walked out, I explained I didn't have a problem with him asking the kids not to touch the hats but had a major issue with how he spoke to me. He ended up losing 2 sales. The store, though IMO somewhat overpriced, had a great selection and I had already found the hat I wanted. As it turned out, I found a cheaper and perfectly adequate sun hat at the Totes store of all places.
Speaking of Barefoot Landing, I encountered a really rude employee at Hats Galore (think that's the name) OWJ2 and I were looking for beach hats and as we were doing that, the kids started trying on one too. They weren't being bad, loud or anything like that but a sales person came up and loudly and aggressively snatched the hat off one of my kids and asked me if he, "Should ring that up right now for you??" Before I could even answer, he kept repeating that same question 2-3 more times. Could I have had that dumbfounded look on my face for a couple of seconds? I can tell you I was so shocked at the tone he took. This guy was just so rude and aggressive from the start. Not that this clerk would know us, but we work really hard to keep our kids from running wild in public or mess up stores and have removed our children from a situation if they're not behaving. As I grabbed the kids and walked out, I explained I didn't have a problem with him asking the kids not to touch the hats but had a major issue with how he spoke to me. He ended up losing 2 sales. The store, though IMO somewhat overpriced, had a great selection and I had already found the hat I wanted. As it turned out, I found a cheaper and perfectly adequate sun hat at the Totes store of all places.
Jun 8th, 2010, 03:53 AM
#35
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are thinking of heading to Murrell's Inlet for dinner, consider taking your children to either Myrtle Beach State Park (in South Myrtle Beach) or Huntington Beach State Park (below Murrell's Inlet). Both have lovely natural beaches with picnic areas. Huntington Beach State Park has a couple of nature trails, birdwatching boardwalks and two lagoons where there may be alligators for them to see. A nice break from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach.
Jun 8th, 2010, 10:07 AM
#37
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL, OWJ, that fellow must be the grandson of the owner or employee of the shop in Rome that we went into back in the 1970's. We were seriously looking for a present for a dear friend and we saw a table with lots of crystal/silver items. One particular item caught our eye and looked perfect so I picked it up and the woman in the store came running over screaming at me over and over again, grabbed it out of my hand and started clomping back to the counter where the cash register was. What the heck? We didn't know that touching an item was a big "NO,NO", that one should let the store person handle it instead. Anyway, she lost a sale (did I mention she was still screaming at us when we left the store?). Thankfully we found the perfect present when in Milan.
I am thinking of you four and love reading about your adventures! The family and I are so happy you are getting this special time together.
I am thinking of you four and love reading about your adventures! The family and I are so happy you are getting this special time together.
Jun 14th, 2012, 03:31 AM
#38
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nice to see Hats Galore is still making friends.
I was in the store and the same thing happened. I think the rude guy owns the place.
Anyway, Barefoot Landing is great for shopping. Broadway on the Beach has many of the same shops too.
I was in the store and the same thing happened. I think the rude guy owns the place.
Anyway, Barefoot Landing is great for shopping. Broadway on the Beach has many of the same shops too.
