Chris Crowl, Author at Sands Resorts

Plan a Visit to the World Famous Blue Crab Festival

The tastiest weekend of the year here in Myrtle Beach is quickly approaching as we’re on the heels of yet another annual World Famous Blue Crab Festival. The festival takes place in nearby Little River, SC, and it attracts thousands of locals and vacationers who’re looking for an authentic taste of Coastal South Carolina. And Sands Resorts in Myrtle Beach SC is approximately 18 miles from the Historic Little River Waterfront’s Blue Crab Festival, making it a must-visit in mid-May. This year’s celebration will showcase some of the best fresh-caught blue crab in the world, live music, a lively “Kids Zone,” and over 300 vendors ranging from handmade jewelers to glassmaking demonstrations. Keep reading to learn about this exciting annual festival!

Juicy Fresh-Caught Blue Crab

Unlike most seafood festivals, the blue crab is primarily sold inside the waterfront restaurants located within the festival grounds, which includes these local staples:

The Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro and Snooky’s On the Water will also be slinging fresh blue crab inside the festival grounds. There’s no end to the delicious possibilities, as is the case every year. Each restaurant will have several blue crab-related dishes that will readily available for consumption. Many of these waterfront restaurants will be selling their seafood outdoors in a booth; otherwise, the wait times for seating is typically quite short.

Entertainment and Vendors

We recommend taking the $15 water taxi to the Blue Crab Festival from the parking lot – it’s the perfect entrance to a day filled with fresh seafood, live music, and shopping. The fee includes parking, the water taxi ride, and admission to the festival! This year’s live entertainment includes Rivermist, Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot, Carolina Soul Band, and Jim Quick & Coastline. There will also be photo booths, live demonstrations, business expos, a car show, a 50/50 raffle, and so much more!

Hundreds of Vendors

This year’s Blue Crab Festival is expecting approximately 300 vendors, who will be selling homemade jewelry, clothing, shell art, paintings, beauty supplies, hats, metalworks, eyewear, soap, magnets, flowers, and so much more! Along with a heap of fresh seafood, you can expect typical fair food, fresh-squeezed lemonade, margaritas, cocktails, and ice-cold beer.

Oceanfront Resorts in Myrtle Beach SC

While we urge you to visit the Blue Crab Festival, you’ll also want to spend as much time as possible at the beach and Sands Resort Waterpark, which is entirely free for all of our guests! We’re one of the only resorts in Myrtle Beach SC to provide guests with free entrance to an on-site waterpark, exclusive beach access, and affordable oceanfront accommodations. Browse through our family-friendly Myrtle Beach packages to find a special that perfectly fits your group’s size, style, and budget. All three of our Myrtle Beach resorts have something to offer everyone! Give us a call at 1-800-726-3783 to get matched up with an ocean-view condo today!

Myrtle Beach Getaway: 5 Reasons to Visit the Horry County Fair

Families are always looking for some late-afternoon or evening family-friendly fun while vacationing here in beautiful Myrtle Beach. While we encourage our guests to spend as much time as possible at the free Sands Resort Waterpark and our pristine white sand beaches, the entire family will undoubtedly have the time of their lives at the annual Horry County Fair. The Horry County Fair is entering just its fourth year at Myrtle Beach Speedway, which may surprise some. This growing event gets bigger and better every year as they continue to expand and innovate. Sands Resorts, one of the largest oceanfront Myrtle Beach resorts, is an easy 11-mile drive from Myrtle Beach Speedway, so the kids won’t have to wait too long for tasty fair food, exhilarating rides, and amusing entertainment. Here are five reasons why you need to visit the Horry County Fair this April.

Reasons to Visit the Horry County Fair

1. Unlimited Ride Bands – Ride bands can cost a small fortune at most state and county fairs, but the Horry County Fair is known for their inexpensive prices. For just $25 per person, you can hop aboard as many rides as your heart desires. The Ferris Wheel is a popular ride after dark as the fairgrounds become a beautiful meld of bright colors and flashing lights with the heartwarming sounds of laughter. The “Cliffhanger” was a crowd-favorite ride last year, as well as the Sky Flyer, Zero Gravity, and Musik Express.

2. Pig Races – The Horry County Fair is becoming known for their exciting and amusing pig races. These intelligent and highly-sociable pigs aren’t your average hogs. The nail-biting races are often one of the main highlights for youngsters and adults alike.

3. The Food – It’s nearly impossible to visit any type of fair without trying at least one rare delicacy. Word of mouth usually spreads around the fairgrounds about which unique concoctions are worth a try. The red velvet funnel cake and fried Oreos were hits last year, but you’ll always be able to find homemade corn dogs, loaded fries, tasty cotton candy, and an abundance of wild creations.

4. Character Meet and Greets – There aren’t many things that could pull your kids away from our kid-friendly Myrtle Beach resorts, but the opportunity to meet a beloved television character is one. Pose for photos with Darth Vader, the Paw Patrol, Olaf Snowman, and Mickey Mouse in-between carnival rides!

5. Petting Zoo – The petting zoo at the Horry County Fair gets bigger and better each year. The baby goats are always a hit for the kids, as are the massive camels. You’ll also be able to meet friendly pigs, large cattle, and even a small colony of dogs from the Grand Strand Humane Society who are in need of a home.

Premier Myrtle Beach Resorts

There are nearly a dozen more reasons to visit the Horry County Fair, including free parking, live music, and a $5 admission fee! Before your evening at the fair, remember to splash, float, and sunbathe at our free Myrtle Beach water park. When you choose Sands Resorts, you’ll always be steps from a day at the beach. We also have a wide variety of unbeatable Myrtle Beach packages for golfers at Sand Dunes Resort. After a full day of beach relaxation, waterpark excitement, and fair rides, retreat to one of the most luxurious suites in Myrtle Beach at Sands Resorts!

Experience a South Carolina Winter in Myrtle Beach

For those who are tired of snow and days with no sunlight, Myrtle Beach has the cure for all your winter blues. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, resorts will give you the best experience the East Coast has to offer without breaking the bank. A stay with Sands Resorts will guarantee a beautiful South Carolina winter in the best resort in Myrtle Beach.

A Year-Round Destination in Myrtle Beach

While the summer has always been a big draw for Myrtle Beach, this South Carolina destination is indeed a year-round vacation spot. With discounted off-season rates at our Myrtle Beach resorts, there is no need to break the bank on a great winter getaway. From shopping and dining to entertainment, Sands Resort offers premium vacation add-ons to make the most out of your stay in Myrtle Beach.

Gorgeous Myrtle Beach Weather

The weather in Myrtle Beach may be brisk during the early months, but that doesn’t stop the fun! The cooler temperatures in the first months of the year make for a relaxing getaway from the heat. Take a stroll along Myrtle Beach and enjoy the breezes, or enjoy the outdoor Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The sun shines all year, so you’ll be able to relax during your Myrtle Beach South Carolina resort stay in Sands Resorts.

Things to Do in Winter in Myrtle Beach

There’s never a dull moment during winter in Myrtle Beach. With the summer crowds disappearing, there is plenty to do without having to fight through lines or busy events. Barefoot Landing offers dining and shopping with events happening all year round. Don’t forget to check out Sands Resorts for packaged deals with local golf courses that you can play during the winter, as well as plenty of other options to pick from during your Myrtle Beach resorts stay.

Myrtle Beach Resort in Winter

Winter in Myrtle Beach offers a whole host of activities for you to enjoy. Stay at the best resort in Myrtle Beach with Sands Resorts, featuring four different properties to provide you with the perfect vacation. Take advantage of their amenities, including indoor pools and coupons, so that your winter vacation in Myrtle Beach is the best that it can be. Book today at Sands for a beautiful Myrtle Beach resorts vacation in the wintertime.

Cozy up for a Cute Couples Getaway This Winter

Are you looking for a comfy getaway with your loved one that doesn’t involve snow? Stay at a Myrtle Beach resort, and you’ll never have to worry about the cold ruining your romantic winter getaway. Sands Resorts offers every kind of room and amenity for the perfect couple’s retreat. From suites to townhouses, and with four pristine properties to pick from, you’ll be able to find the best location for your romantic winter vacation.

A Romantic Winter on Myrtle Beach

Nothing is as romantic as a beachside getaway with your loved one, and when you stay at one of our fantastic resorts in Myrtle Beach, you’ll never be far from the ocean. As the summer crowds fade, you and your sweetheart can enjoy having the beach all to yourself. Collect seashells along the shoreline or have a blast in the sand without others to interrupt your peace. Stay at one of our beautiful Myrtle Beach resorts, and you’ll always be close to the famed South Carolina shoreline.

Amazing Couples Activities at Myrtle Beach

After booking your stay with Sands Resorts, one of the best resorts in Myrtle Beach, you’ll be close to plenty of activities that you and your sweetheart can enjoy. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, famed for its Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel, is open year-round. The Sky Wheel features covered gondolas, so you’ll never have to worry about the weather, and without the summer crowds, the boardwalk is a leisurely place to stroll hand-in-hand.

A dazzling display awaits at the Ripley’s Aquarium. Without the summer travelers, you and your paramour can watch sharks and colorful fish up close. Ripley’s Aquarium has always been a treat for families and couples of all ages in Myrtle Beach. When you pick one of Sands’ amazing ocean resorts in Myrtle Beach, you’ll be able to book a vacation add-on that will save you $5 off per ticket!

The Best Resort in Myrtle Beach

Look no further than Sand Resorts for a quiet couples getaway with a great Myrtle Beach resort destination. Indoor pools are open year-round for those who want to escape the shoreline during the winter at the Ocean Dunes Resort, while the Sands Ocean Club offers the Atlantis Spa North for a relaxing, romantic spa. Book today with the Sand Resorts for a great couple’s retreat during the wintertime.

Experience History with Medieval Times in Myrtle Beach

Book a fun-filled family vacation to Myrtle Beach with Sands Resorts, and experience the wide variety of quality entertainment offerings in this beachside destination. Enjoy the beautiful Atlantic Coast, famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and a plethora of other activities and events when you stay at one of our lovely resorts. One such event takes guests back to the era of fairytales. Take the family to the Myrtle Beach Medieval Times dinner attraction and experience a history lesson full of knights and royalty. Enjoy one of the most uniquely entertaining activities in Myrtle Beach!

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach

Medieval Times, rated the number one dinner attraction in North America, is a family-friendly show offering guests an authentic and exciting Medieval experience. Feel what it would be like to witness a real-life sword battle and jousting match in the company of the queen! Medieval Times has nine locations – called ‘castles’ – throughout the United States, and is based upon an actual feast and knight tournament from the 11th century. Head to the Myrtle Beach castle, located just minutes from your Sands Resort accommodations, and indulge in nearly two hours of high-energy sword fighting, horsemanship, and historical displays. While watching the action unfold before your very eyes, feast on a roasted chicken, sweet buttered corn, herb-basted potatoes, tomato bisque soup, and other delicious offerings! Medieval Times also provides vegetarian options, along with a full bar.

The Number One Dinner Attraction in North America

The lights dim, and a hush falls over the Coliseum. You, as noble guests of the court, are ready to experience the very best display of force and skill that the queen’s top knights can muster. Suddenly, blasts of trumpets sound welcoming the participants into the arena. As you study each knight, deciding on your favorite, the first of four courses in your royal feast arrives. Since this is the 11th century (when silverware did not exist), you will be enjoying a “hands-on” dining experience. The excellent show begins with an expert showcase of the players’ horseriding skills. Watch in awe as these majestic beasts display their training in the decorated Hall of Arms. After a variety of captivating tournament sporting events, it is time for battle. See if your chosen heroic knight has what it takes to claim victory and honor.

Sands Resorts

While on your Myrtle Beach vacation with Sands Resorts, take a trip back in time and experience dining in the presence of royalty. This exciting attraction is just one of the many fun-filled events that beautiful Myrtle Beach has to offer. Book your vacation to enjoy time with your loved ones and to make unforgettable memories. Sands Resorts and Myrtle Beach Medieval Times are waiting for you!

Holiday Spirits! Three Myrtle Beach Bars to Visit This Season

While the winter months in Myrtle Beach can get a little bit chillier than the high-eighties bliss of summertime, there is an easy remedy! Take advantage of the smaller crowds this season and warm up with a drink at one of these fantastic Myrtle Beach Bars. Enjoy a lovely holiday at the beach this year, and indulge in some adult beverages at the best watering holes in South Carolina. A winter vacation to this beachfront city with Sands Resorts will provide you with great opportunities to relax and have a little fun. Here is a short guide to some of the best bars in Myrtle Beach where all visitors should grab a pint!

Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar

It makes perfect sense to start with one of the top-rated bars in Myrtle Beach located right at our own Sands Resorts, Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar! Ocean Annie’s has not only been voted one of the top ten pool bars in Myrtle Beach but has also been rated as one of the ten best bars in South Carolina! For over three decades, this Sands Resorts staple has been offering great deals, delicious drinks, and good times to guests from around the world. Grab a spot to sit at Ocean Annie’s and enjoy this Myrtle Beach icon.

Flynn’s Irish Tavern

Flynn’s Irish Tavern is a local favorite offering some of the best drinks and most authentic Irish pub food found on the coast. What’s better on an autumn day than a warming pint of Guinness or a finger of your favorite Irish whiskey? Nothing – that’s what. Flynn’s is full of personality, having at one time been the location of the North Myrtle Beach Jail. Drink alongside all walks of life at the old wooden bar and experience a little true Myrtle Beach spirit.

8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill

Did you really vacation at the beach if you didn’t grab a drink at the local Tiki bar? The 8th Avenue Tiki Bar & Grill is a venerable Myrtle Beach institution offering a wide variety of signature and frozen cocktails. Also praised as one of the best oceanfront beach bars in Myrtle Beach, 8th Avenue gives visitors the classic coastal drinking experience. Take on the ‘Beer Challenge’ at the bar and see if you can guess the mystery beer for a round on the house!

Make a trip to the South Carolina coast this season and have some fun at the great variety of Myrtle Beach bars. Spend a weekend relaxing at the beautiful Sands Resorts and take advantage of the great deals and area offerings of this time of year. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation now!

A Sands Resort Holiday Getaway

Myrtle Beach is not only a summer paradise but is also an ideal fall and winter getaway! Book a stay this holiday season and take advantage of the unbelievable deals throughout this oceanfront city. During the colder months, many Myrtle Beach establishments offer you fantastic bargains on the best area attractions and events. Whether you stay at our Ocean Dunes Resort, Sands Ocean Club, Sand Dunes Resort, or Sands Beach Club, visit Sands Resorts and indulge in the fabulous fall savings! For better deals, smaller crowds, and loads of fun events visit Myrtle Beach this fall and have an incredible holiday vacation!

Thanksgiving

Smart travelers know that November is a fantastic month to visit Myrtle Beach. With temperatures hovering just below 70 degrees, this South Carolina vacation spot provides a great escape from the tundra of the northern states. Along with the weather, many Myrtle Beach restaurants offer delicious Thanksgiving meals on the highly-anticipated turkey day. Avoid hours of stressful cooking and instead, appreciate the day with your loved ones. Myrtle Beach also offers the annual Surfside Beach Turkey Trot! Start off the day with an exciting run, and you won’t feel so bad about indulging later on in the evening! After the holiday, make sure to take advantage of the fantastic Black Friday Deals offered at various Myrtle Beach shopping centers.

Christmas

Do Christmas differently this year, and head down to Myrtle Beach. The South Carolina city comes to life with holiday spirit as the big day approaches. Make a trip to the annual Carolina Opry Christmas Speical, dubbed ‘The Christmas Show of the South,’ and experience a fantastic family show full of music, dance, and comedy. Along with the wide variety of Christmas events taking place, our Sands Resort Waterpark is an excellent option for some Christmas entertainment. Create lasting memories with the kids by spending this Christmas splashing around in the world-class waterpark located within our Sand Dunes Resort. Admission to this park is free for all Sands Resorts guests! Happy Holidays!

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is another fantastic time to visit Myrtle Beach. While thousands of people freeze waiting to watch the ball drop in New York City, come to South Carolina and experience the Southern Times Square. Starting at 7 PM on December 31st, The Market Common New Year’s Eve street party will light up downtown Myrtle Beach. The party features a live stream of the events happening in NYC, along with multiple performance stages, a beer garden, food vendors, and fireworks to conclude the night.

Sands Resorts

Make your way down to our Sands Resorts this holiday season and experience the magic of Myrtle Beach during this time of year. From incredible events to discounted rates, there are so many reasons to make Myrtle Beach your new holiday destination. Visit our website now to book your family trip to Sands Resorts!

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Cuisine

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a beautiful getaway perfect for fun family vacations. The white sandy beaches, gorgeous weather, and a wide variety of fun activities make this destination one of the most popular spots for a little oceanfront relaxation. If you find yourself growing hungry while enjoying the beach, take a walk with the family along the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, and discover some of the area’s best eateries. Book your coastal vacation with Sands Resorts, and get ready to experience the delicious offerings while staying at the best resorts near Myrtle Beach. Read on to learn where you can find the best cuisine along this 1.2-mile stretch!

The Bowery

Nicknamed ‘The Eighth Wonder Of The World,’ The Bowery is one of South Carolina’s most famous night-clubs. Country supergroup ‘Alabama’ performed as the house band in the 1970s, and live music has been a Bowery staple ever since. Order one of the most delicious burgers you will find on the boardwalk from Duffy’s Tavern located within The Bowery, and experience a part of Myrtle Beach history!

Landshark Bar & Grill

Landshark Bar & Grill is a Myrtle Beach Boardwalk must-visit for first-time vacationers. Landshark serves up tasty American classics with a delicious coastal flair. The restaurant’s location alongside the boardwalk’s dazzling Skywheel adds to the fun and relaxing beachside atmosphere.

Pier House Restaurant

For excellent cuisine in a historic boardwalk landmark, visit the Pier House Restaurant. Since 1936 guests have been sinking their teeth into a wide array of tasty offerings, including incredibly fresh seafood dishes. Enjoy happy hour on the second-floor deck and admire the breathtaking beachfront views. Pier House is the quintessential Myrtle Beach Boardwalk eatery.

Boardwalk Snack & Ice Cream

Our Sands Resorts not only provide fantastic accommodations, but they are also the best resorts near Myrtle Beach for delicious food! If you happen to dine at Dino’s Oceanfront Cafe or Oceanside 74 Pizza & Pasta, make sure to save room for dessert and head to the boardwalk for a sweet treat! Boardwalk Snack & Ice Cream is an excellent excuse for a fun family trip down to the boardwalk. Indulge in a sundae or banana split as you walk along the shore.

Sands Resorts

Book your South Carolina coastal vacation with Sands Resorts, and experience this incredible slice of heaven. From lovely weather to fantastic cuisine, this beachfront location has it all. All it takes is a few steps to find great places to eat along the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Visit our Sands website today to book your stay at the best resorts near Myrtle Beach.

Little River Shrimp Festival

If a fun-filled fall festival centered around succulent shellfish sounds like a good time to you, then the Little River Shrimp Festival is the place to be. The festival is a short twenty-five-minute drive up the coast from Sands Resorts and takes place on the shores of the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River. With a wide variety of entertainment offerings, vendors, and – of course – shrimp, the Little River Shrimp Festival’s tagline rings true: There is something here for everyone!

Vendors

The annual Little River Shrimp Festival takes place on the second weekend in October. During this time, the streets surrounding the Historic Little River Waterfront are closed to traffic and lined with over 150 local and regional vendors. While walking through the streets of the Little River Shrimp Festival, you can expect to find everything from arts and crafts hand-made clothing.

Entertainment

Like any good outdoor festival, the event features multiple live entertainment performance stages and a wide variety of musical genres. Since starting as a shrimp and jazz festival back in 2004, Little River Shrimp Festival has broadened its entertainment offerings to host something for everyone. Music begins at 11 am each day, so leave your Sands Resorts accommodations early to get to the fest and enjoy all of the great acts!

Food

It wouldn’t be the Little River Shrimp Festival without the shrimp! Enjoy the star of the show as local waterfront restaurants prepare the local catch. Plenty of fresh savory shrimp will be cooked up in every way imaginable during the two-day Little River event. If you aren’t attending the fest for the shrimp, however, a myriad of classic fair food will be provided as well.

Little River Shrimp Festival

Make your way out to Little River during your stay at Sands Resorts, and take in all that this fantastic fall festival has to offer. Bring the kids along and enjoy face painting, balloon artists, stilt walkers, and so much more in the children’s area. Spend some quality time with the family while experiencing a bit of South Carolina’s local culture. As the motto goes, there really is something here for everyone!

Oktoberfest in South Carolina

The distant oompah of a band fades brighter into focus. The savory smell of freshly fried schnitzel wafts through the autumn air. Is this another one of your dreams? No, this time it’s really here – Oktoberfest in South Carolina. Just this morning you were waking up in your beachfront room, but now you find yourself transported to a far-away land, standing within a friendly mob of lederhosen-clad Bavarians. So raise your stein and sing along; the annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest is underway. Join the celebration happening just minutes from Sands Resorts, the best oceanfront resorts in Myrtle Beach SC. Prost!

Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest

If you’re craving some excellent German beer, traditional food, and plenty of polkas, then the annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest is the place to be. This celebration of German culture and heritage takes place on the second weekend in October and is one of the largest fall fests around Sands Resorts in Myrtle Beach SC. Join locals and visitors alike and take part in the array of entertaining activities. Grab your partner and dance to the Channellheimer Oompah German Band. All that polkaing is sure to work up an appetite. Sink your teeth into traditional foods from over fifty vendors.

Fun for the Family

The Oktoberfest fun isn’t just for the adults, however. The Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest has many kid-friendly activities waiting to be enjoyed by the little ones. Bring the kids along and let them enjoy face painting, pony rides, inflatables, and so much more! There is also a pumpkin patch at the festival for the whole family to enjoy together.

Take advantage of the area’s best Oktoberfest celebration while vacationing at our beautiful Sands Resorts in Myrtle Beach SC. Visit our website and book your oceanfront fall getaway today. Pack up your traditional garb and get ready to enjoy all things German.