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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!

Where to Find Live Music in Myrtle Beach

While many may not consider Myrtle Beach a music hotbed, our live local and regional music scene is exponentially growing. With dozens of locales to discover new artists and rediscover old favorites, Sands Resorts should be your next coastal South Carolina getaway headquarters. Sand Dunes Resort is king among Myrtle Beach hotels with water parks, and Sands Ocean Club and Beach Club are a short walk away from Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar. Throw on a band tee, grab an ice-cold beer, and seek these local music halls for an entertaining evening of live music.

Rock and Roll at the House of Blues

Co-founded by actor Dan Aykroyd, the House of Blues is a Barefoot Landing staple. While it’s unlikely you’ll be hearing any blues at this venue, a memorable night of hard rock awaits. This unique, two-story concert venue sees a large number of rock bands, spanning generations, including Seether, Blues Traveler, Marilyn Manson, Puddle of Mudd, Steel Panther, and Gwar. Rappers Pusha T and Lil Xan will also be performing later this year. The tribute bands are just as popular. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a Tom Petty, Dave Matthews, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson, Johnny Cash, or Stevie Wonder tribute band. These artists are as close to the real thing as you can get. The House of Blues not only has nightly entertainment, but their jambalaya, baby back ribs, sliced brisket, and fried chicken is to-die-for.

Beach Music at Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar

For an entirely different concert experience, Sands Ocean Club guests can walk 10 feet to Myrtle Beach’s premier beach bar experience at Ocean Annie’s. Nearby Sands Beach Club is also a scenic three-minute beach walk from a specialty cocktail and hot summer jams. Our talented cover bands play Michael Jackson, Bruno Mars, Patsy Cline, Willie Nelson, Journey, Guns and Roses, Little Big Town, and many more. There’s nothing better than free live music steps away from a cozy accommodation.

Local Favorites Worth Checking Out

If you’re in the Murrells Inlet area south of town, stop by Dead Dog Saloon for daily live music and the best fish tacos on the coast. Two miles south of Sand Dunes Resort, chief among Myrtle Beach resorts with water parks, you’ll find Bourbon Street Bar & Grille. Bourbon Street is a local favorite because of their nightly entertainment and food and drinks specials. The supergroup Alabama performed six nights a week in 1973 at The Bowery. Alabama mostly covered Lynyrd Skynyrd and Merle Haggard during their stint at this oceanfront bar.

Myrtle Beach hotels with water parks are few and far between. Your family can gain free access to Sand Dunes Resort Waterpark by staying in any of our four Myrtle Beach resorts. Consult our packages and specials for up-to-the-minute discounts on week-long and mid-week stays!

A Visitor’s Guide to Myrtle Beach Fireworks

Summer is still heating up in lively Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Sands has four grand Myrtle Beach family resorts central to the area’s best fireworks shows. While summer does, unfortunately, have an expiration tag, Myrtle Beach’s fireworks shows are a year-round spectacle. Witness stunning seasonal and year-round fireworks at these five South Carolina staples: Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Second Avenue Pier, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Pack your lawn chairs, a blanket, and a pair of binoculars because the show is about to begin!

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach is a family-friendly entertainment hub with live theater, premier shopping, hip restaurants, and the state’s best amusement park, WonderWorks. Families can (and do) spend an entire day at Broadway. You can also witness the area’s best fireworks show from March through December. Broadway hosts 23 events during the summer months as well as six during the “off-season;” please consult their event calendar for specific dates.

Barefoot Landing

North Myrtle Beach also has a fantastic entertainment center at Barefoot Landing, five miles northeast of Sands Beach Club and Ocean Club. Both of these Myrtle Beach family resorts are next to the area’s famous hot spot: Ocean Annie’s Beach Bar. Barefoot Landing has 14 light shows in the summer and one each in September, November, and December. The fireworks fly high into the night sky above Lewis Pond and Joe’s Crab Shack.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans – Pelicans Ballpark

We’re proud to be the home of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Class A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs and four-time Carolina League champions. Not only are the Pelicans full of future MLB ballplayers but Pelicans Ballpark has fantastic daily promotions, including fireworks on Sundays and Tuesdays. Come for the $2 tacos and tallboys on Tuesdays and stay for the exciting light show. Visit on a Sunday and enjoy free face-painting, balloon artists, and a pregame catch on the field.

Second Avenue Pier/Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. during peak season, Second Avenue Pier and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk host a firework show for the locals and tourists. Take a stroll down the Boardwalk or to the pier at sunset then sit back and witness a glorious display high above the ocean’s waves.

Myrtle Beach Family Resorts

Sands Resorts is home to Myrtle Beach’s best waterpark: the Sand Dunes Waterpark, entirely free to guests of all four Sands Resorts. Discover the Sands Family Funzone, a sizable arcade and pool area, at our beautiful Ocean Dunes Resort. Start planning your next family getaway by booking a stay at one of the best Myrtle Beach family resorts!

Get Patriotic with Sands Resorts

The 4th of July is arguably the busiest, most enjoyable and entertaining holiday in the United States. The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and the beach is near at Sands Resorts. The fun is endless, and life is more comfortable thanks to our inexpensive Myrtle Beach packages and excellent amenities. Enjoy free water park access at Sand Dunes Resort, play free golf with a stay at Sands Ocean Club or Sands Beach Club, and witness a distinct parade and breathtaking fireworks in Myrtle Beach.

Sand Dunes Waterpark

Sands Resorts Waterpark is free to guests at Sand Dunes Resort in beautiful Myrtle Beach. The oceanfront property has not only breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views, exclusive beach access, and insanely low prices. Also a secluded world-class water park with a relaxing lazy river, bubble pool, fast waterslides, an aquatic treehouse, and waterfall pools. Try prying yourself from the endless summer fun at Sands Resorts Waterpark.

Free Golf at Diamondback

One of the many perks at Sands Ocean Club or Sands Beach Club is the free golf. Sands Resort has partnered with Woodland Valley Country Club to bring guests a free round of golf at scenic Diamondback Golf Club. Diamondback, located in North Myrtle Beach, is challenging, quiet, and rustic–not the type of golf course you would expect in Coastal South Carolina. The course has large trees, pristine greens and bunkers, and short rough. Ocean Dunes Resort and Sand Dunes Resort also offer exclusive Myrtle Beach packages for golfers starting at $289 for three nights!

Unique Parades

Catch one of South Carolina’s unique parades in the Myrtle Beach area. Boring, old street parades won’t cut it ever again after witnessing the Murrells Inlet Boat Parade and the 51st annual Pawleys Island Golf Cart Parade. The colorful and patriotic boat parade runs through wild Murrells Inlet where spectators can watch from the marsh walk. The golf cart parade has cars, trucks, and boat floats, but the little golf carts are always the main event. These two July 4th parades don’t run at the same so that you can catch them both!

Fireworks at Barefoot Landing

Before finishing the Fourth with fireworks, grab some tasty grub and a signature cocktail at Ocean Annie’s, located at Sands Ocean Club right on the beach. Barefoot Landing, Myrtle Beach’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment hub, is home to the best fireworks show in South Carolina. The fireworks at Barefoot Landing fly high above the Intracoastal Waterway in the heart of the restaurant and carnival district. Your week with Sands Resorts will go down in history much like Independence Day.

Glass Kayaking: The New Must-Try Water Activity

Summer beach season is upon us. Coastal South Carolina is flush with enlivened families and couples from all over the globe visiting Sands Resorts’ Myrtle Beach Waterpark at Sand Dunes Resort. Convincing you to spend one afternoon away from our waterpark will be difficult. The waterpark is free for guests–yes, you read that right. A new Myrtle Beach craze, however, is blossoming on the surrounding rivers, marshes, and beaches: glass kayaking.

Glass Kayaking is For Everyone

The idea is simple: create a transparent kayak so adventurers can see into the clear waters below. The 21st century sure is fun! The idea was simple, but the creation was complicated. Glass kayaks, sometimes called clear or transparent kayaks, are frequently made from the same material as bulletproof glass. These modern marvels also feature a UV layer to keep the glass from yellowing and your skin from burning. The frame is anodized aluminum, which in layman’s terms is a protective layer that prevents the kayak from being susceptible to breaking. The glass has an imported Lexan film, a high-tech polymer to make the vessel smooth, durable, easy to handle and soft.

Being able to look down into the Atlantic Ocean is a dynamic thrill. The most inexperienced individual can pick up the sport in nearly an instant in these kayaks built for all skill levels. Glass Bottom Kayak Tours is the lone Myrtle Beach adventure company to offer glass kayak rentals and tours. Tours start at an astoundingly low rate of $25 per person. Take a glass kayak tour of Cherry Grove Salt Marsh or Wacammaw River, or try the Waites Island Kayak Shelling Tour. The tours last up to 3 ½ hours, are family friendly, and professionally guided. Tandem kayaks are available, and remember to make reservations online.

The Best Myrtle Beach Waterpark

After a spectacular afternoon of glass kayaking through a nature preserve, saltwater marsh, and shelling on the beach, head back to Sands Resorts Waterpark. Don’t worry about long lines, high admission prices, or long drives–the waterpark is just steps away from your cozy guest room. This Myrtle Beach waterpark offers speedy waterslides, waterfall pools, an aquatic treehouse, lazy river, bubble pool, and prime sunbathing. Come for the area’s adventure, and stay for Sands’ exciting waterpark and incredible amenities!

August Events

August is a great time of year to visit Myrtle Beach. Summer is in full swing and there are tons of fun things to do for the whole family, including festivals, concerts and more. Here are two ongoing events to check out during August.

Hot Summer Nights: All Summer long, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is one big party. There’s a variety of live entertainment including music, karaoke, DJs, open mic nights and even a Boardwalk Elvis. Along with all the music, there’s appearances from your favorite superheroes and princesses, a kids carnival, games, food and fireworks displays. With something different to do every evening, you’ll never be bored during these Hot Summer Nights!

Summerfest! at Barefoot Landing: Barefoot Landing is bringing the fun all Summer long with Summerfest! Every night at 7, the landing comes to life with music, entertainers and more. Fridays are Family Fun Night and are hosted by Mr. Nigel with comedy and sing alongs. Accompanying the music are characters from your favorite shows and movies and other entertainers like Nick Pike from America’s Got Talent. At 10:15 on Monday nights a fireworks show lights up the night. So bring the whole family and celebrate all Summer has to offer at Summerfest!
Sands Resorts brings you and your family the ultimate vacation experience, offering admission to Wild Water & Wheels waterpark, on-site dining and bars, indoor and outdoor pools and much more. The resort has made many exciting renovations for 2016 and we can’t wait to see you this Summer!

Sands Resorts Donates Military Memorabilia to State Museum

The Sands Resorts located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has recently donated its collection of displayed military memorabilia to South Carolina’s largest military museum. The “Hall of Heroes” is a permanent tribute to the men and women of the armed services, law enforcement, and firefighters who protect and defend our nation. The display celebrates these men and women and their history.

The centerpiece of the Hall of Heroes is a replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and includes each of the 58,253 names. The Gold Dog Tag display honors soldiers who have died from the end of the Vietnam War until after 9/11. Every gold dog tag has the name, rank, branch of service, date of casualty and location of each soldier.

For nearly a decade, Sands Resorts proudly displayed a “Hall of Heroes” Collection on the first floor of the Ocean Dunes/Sand Dunes Resort & Conference Center. The new resort owner, Eddie Frazier felt like the collection was not getting the amount of attention it so rightly deserves, so he wanted to find a better home for this collective tribute. He decided the right home is the South Carolina Military Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. In the best interest of this collection along with those dedicated heroes this collection represents, Eddie Frazier decided to donate this tribute so they could be better recognized and appreciated.

As an appreciation to Mr. Frazier’s thoughtful donation of the Hall of Heroes to the museum, Director Ewell G. “Buddy” Sturgis of the South Carolina Military Museum, presented Frazier The Military Support Medal honoring his decision to showcase this memorable collection to the military museum.

The SC Military Museum is volunteer-based, and depends on state funds and donations like Mr. Frazier’s in order to remain open. Since 2007, the museum has featured a variety of weapons, artillery, uniforms and more to give a complete view of our State’s military history. The building is the largest land based military museum in South Carolina and is located at 225 Bluff Road, in Columbia, South Carolina. The museum has free admission and parking, and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.

The Sands Resorts and Eddie Frazier are proud to have made this donation and will continue to pay tribute to the brave men and women that serve our country.

Sands Resorts Presents its Signature Collection

Just in time for prime vacationing to Myrtle Beach, Sands Resorts is presenting its Signature Collection, a collection of premier luxury bedroom suites and townhomes.

Featuring one, two, three and four bedrooms, the collection has the perfect size for you and your guests to have a relaxing stay.

The two bedroom suites and condos have a fantastic view of the ocean, shutter-style furnishings, and a fully equipped kitchen with granite counter tops. You are close to all the fun, including the beach, the pools, lazy rivers, Sand Dunes WaterPark, and the oceanfront restaurants.

The three bedroom penthouses are luxurious, elegant and comfortable. They are newly remodeled and decorated with a beachy vibe that encourages you to relax and enjoy your time. With a fully equipped kitchen and a private oversize balcony, you will have everything you need for a great vacation.

A four bedroom townhouse is an excellent option for large parties that don’t want to be separated, but still want access to all the resort amenities. These multi-level townhouses have: an attached two-car garage, wifi, a washer and dryer, a kids room with bunk beds and a DVD player, and more. The townhomes are located right across from Sands Resorts so you will only be steps away from all the amenities the resort has to offer.

Staying at Sands Resorts is now better than ever. The Signature Collection offers you even more choices of accommodations so you can pick the best setting for your dream vacation with us.

Enjoy a Meal at Mango’s Lounge and Restaurant

It’s that time of year again for Myrtle Beach visitors to begin booking their spring and summer vacations. At Sands Resorts, we have the best accommodations and specials making your stay a memorable and affordable one. There are plenty of amenities leaving the entire family satisfied. When you’re ready for a bite to eat after a long day at the beach, head on into Mango’s Lounge and Restaurant.

The eatery can is located at Sand Dunes Resort and Spa. Mango’s Lounge and Restaurants offers lunch and dinner daily. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, it’s a great spot to grab a drink and cool off. It doesn’t get much better than having an oceanfront view during your meal.

Come to Mango’s for lunch and enjoy a delicious sandwich or stick around for dinner and try out the steaks, seafood, and pasta. Some of the appetizers at Mango’s include lump crab cakes, crispy fried calamari and hot spinach and artichoke dip. Order a few appetizers and sit back and enjoy happy hour from 4-7pm. Plus, there is live music daily!

Other favorite menu items include the Mango’s Ultimate Cheeseburger, the Teriyaki Glazed Salmon, and the Steam Crab Legs. Mango’s also offers a kids menu, desserts, and a wine list that you won’t want to miss.

Be sure to stop and enjoy a meal at Mango’s Lounge and Restaurant on your next vacation to Myrtle Beach!

Book Early and Save Big at Sands Resorts

Are you planning your next vacation to Myrtle Beach? We have just what you need at Sands Resorts including the best amenities, beautiful accommodations and amazing getaway specials. At Sands Resorts, it is always better to book in advance, no matter how long you plan to stay.

Did you know that when you book six months or more in advance, you can save up to 33% on your vacation? Talk about a great deal! Now is the time to book your 2016 summer vacation and take advantage of our book early and save package. While there are restrictions that apply, our staff at Sands Resorts is ready to help you find the ultimate deal.

Our book early and save package applies to any of our six oceanfront hotels and resorts along The Grand Strand. Each resort is located nearby the best attractions, golf, dining and shopping. Guests can enjoy one of the many oceanfront rooms, villas and 1, 2, or 3-bedroom suites.

Also, guests of Sands Resorts can enjoy the wonderful amenities at each property. Some of our amenities include the Atlantis Spa, Health Club, Sands Water Park, Mango’s Restaurant, Ocean Annie’s and more. There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy when you book a vacation at Sands Resorts.

Now is the time to take advantage of the book early and save deal! Enjoy great savings now, allowing you to have more for those shopping trips, golf days and show tickets!