Around Your Hotel: Avista Resort
Located in the heart of North Myrtle Beach, guests of the Avista Resort don’t have to travel very far to find some of the best restaurants, entertainment, and attractions on the Grand Strand. From shagging through the old dance clubs on Ocean Drive to some of the newer nightlife in town, the Avista is close to it all.
Here are some of the highlights of places you should hit in the neighborhood:
* Fine dining: Just down Main Street to Kings Highway you’ll find SeaBlue, one of the nicest restaurants on the Grand Strand. With a decor that revolves around the name, SeaBlue features tropical fish tanks and aquatic-inspired lighting that sets a relaxed tone for a modern dining experience one might expect to find in a big city. The innovative menu allows patrons to sample exotic seafood and other creations, as well as a wine list and bar that takes you around the world. The perfect spot for a romantic night out.
* Casual/family dining: Just a bit north on Sea Mountain Highway rests a North Myrtle Beach institution – the Shack, formerly known as the Biscuit Shacks, which has been serving up comfort food for generations. The daily meat-and-three specials are the way to go, with cooking that makes you feel like you’re at your grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner.
*Breakfast: Just around the corner on Main Street, you’ll find the Golden Griddle Pancake House, serving up delicious pancakes alongside all your breakfast favorites. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the food is worth the trip!
* Fast food: As further proof that North Myrtle Beach has hit the big time, a Starbucks is just down the road on Kings Highway for visitors from the big cities looking to get their mocha latte fix. But don’t worry, burgers and fries guys, there’s also just about every fast food restaurant known to man in the neighborhood – McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Dominos, you name it.
* Shopping: The Avista Resort is located just a short drive away from a huge Wal-Mart Super Center so you can get all the basics you need for the trip, but there are also several shopping plazas in the area, like the Surfwood and North Strand shopping centers, that feature a diverse array of boutiques and novelty stores. For bargain hunters, the North Myrtle Beach Flea Market is just a mile south on Kings Highway, and there are plenty of beachwear shops in the vicinity.
* Bars: Ocean Drive is loaded with hot spots, ranging from the shag dance bars of old and the more contemporary beach hangouts. Fat Harold’s is a must-visit watering hole, featuring a saw-dust dance floor and big crowds that come to shake a leg with South Carolina’s state dance, the shag. The place is world-famous for the dance and still hosts annual shag festivals throughout the year. Other cool places to hang out are Pirate’s Cove, Deckerz, Coconut’s Tiki Bar and Flynn’s Irish Tavern.
* Attractions: The beach, of course, is the main attraction near the Avista, but there’s also plenty to do just a short drive inland. La Belle Amie Vineyard is off nearby Highway 90 and offers daily tours, but also hosts outdoor wine tasting parties with live music and bonfires on the expansive property around the winery. For those coming to town to play golf, the nearby Surf Golf & Beach Club is one of the oldest and nicest courses on the entire Grand Strand.
