|
January 2009
Volume 2, Issue 1
With Prince Resort's Christmas celebrations and the highly successful New Year's Eve gala festivities at 3500 Ocean Grill now behind us, we enter 2009 with hope and possibilities for many great achievements ahead, also with excitement for the many new guests we expect to meet as they come here to the beach, perhaps to fish at the Cherry Grove Pier, perhaps to explore our coastal surroundings.
News for us in January includes not only paying tribute to human rights issues represented by Martin Luther King Day on the third Monday of this month, but also in the same week celebrating the nation's inauguration of its 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. He will be sworn in on January 20th, the first elected African-American president. Stated Obama on the night of the November 2008 election, "If there is anyone out there who doubts that America is a place where anything is possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer."
Other news for us in January in the South includes weather, always part of life at the beach. Indeed, as we prepare this newsletter a cold front creeps steadily into our region, dangling its icy fingers here and there for a few days. The warmth of our coastal sun and moderate ocean temperatures will keep our spirits optimistic for the speedy passing of this front, however, and forecasters predict warmer days ahead.
So, while much change lies ahead in 2009, we at Prince Resort look forward to the future, both on the broad scale and also here along our little part of North Myrtle Beach where sunshine is nearly an every-day occurrence. We hope that you will join us in these spectacular days ahead, perhaps to spend a mid-winter Valentine's Day or just to take some time off of your work. Don't forget to book early for summer, either! We have everything you need for your relaxation and enjoyment!
Your friends at Prince Resort!
What a great way to ring in the New Year 2009 at 3500 Ocean Grill. In the end, the special moments of well-handled small details such as the festive decorations, chilled champagne, the sparkling glasses, the exquisite dinner served cheerfully, and the starry sky overlooking the broad expanse of ocean through the wide panoramic picture windows were all part of the extraordinary occasion that was New Year's Eve at Prince Resort!
Food and Beverage Director Lou Favata, Chef George, and their resolute staff had worked hard for weeks on end, along with the entire team at Prince Resort, to ensure that the planning, coordinating, and arranging of the tiniest of details for the New Year's Eve party at Prince were well covered. In the end, all went well, and the guests marveled at the views from the ocean front restaurant, 3500 Ocean Grill.
So, whether or not you had the good fortune to attend Prince's year-end celebration this year, mark your calendars to make reservations for next year's event. Click here to see how many more days to January 1, 2010. We would love to see you with us next year.
During the Christmas holidays, Prince Resort participated, along with other of its sister properties, to help soften hard times for disadvantaged families at Christmas. When job lay-offs and other setbacks occur at the holidays, children cannot understand how Santa skips over their homes, but Prince's "elves" gave an extra effort in that regard and brought joy to the hearts of several children and a beam of hope to the eyes of their parents.
By arranging clothing and toy drives and collecting new playthings and garments for the young children on our list, the staff of Prince was able to amass quite a nice assortment of fun and practical things. Employee contributions of items plus cash enabled the Prince families' children (three little girls, twins at age 5 and a younger child age 3) to have an enjoyable Christmas together.
Prince Resort is Valentine's Day headquarters for anyone arranging a special get-away with a true love. No need to rent a plane for sky-writing, "I love you!" Let us help you plan just the perfect respite to the winter doldrums, something fun and fresh and lovely for your loved one(s). Whether you are a couple of lovers, a pair celebrating a 50th wedding anniversary, or a family wanting to say "I love you" among yourselves, this Valentine's Day special package pays tribute to love, warmth, and relationships.
Say "Please be mine, Valentine!" with our February package for lovers and anyone wanting a really sweet retreat. Click here for more details.
In 2009, Prince Resort is going to be involved in the Myrtle Beach Relay for Life (coordinated by the American Cancer Society). The event will be held on April 24, 2009, at The Ripken Experience, and as a whole Prince will be representing Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts as a whole, but both Prince and each property of its sister properties is arranging their portion of the team effort. Each will have a coordinator and team members to help handling the raising of funds for this good cause, as well as helping with idea creations for fund raising. Not only our team leader, Jeff Wood at Prince, nor any of the team members feel that the lean times will hinder us from this great cause, so we plan to be positive and motivated to do all we can.
If you would like more information about this worthwhile effort, please see www.RelayforLife.org or come see us in April at The Ripken Experience!
At Prince Resort, Lauren Porter wears a number of hats, but her most recently designated role as Boardwalk Beach Café Manager has added even more tasks to her busy day. On most days, guests might be tempted to tease, saying that they see her coming and going, and certainly her sense of humor and hard-working nature keep her balanced in her tasks.
Her valuable assistance with the Prince Resort toy and clothing drive for needy families helped ensure that others might have a memorable holidays, so typical of her team spirit around Prince Resort.
Whether dealing with three management organizations, planning the budgeting, managing approximately 40 employees, training and scheduling, and generally organizing and coordinating, this young and energetic talented person stays full of good humor. Her two-year history with the company, even before Prince Resort was part of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts family of properties, has made her a valuable asset by providing a depth of understanding of Prince in particular, its pier, and its connection to the community of North Myrtle Beach.
Lauren's supervisor, Lou Favata, refers to her as a born leader, even a "salmon swimming upstream" on some of her busier days. Originally from Tabor City, currently she lives in Little River and also attends college courses to further her interests in business management.
Paula Deen's Chili in a Biscuit Bowl
This tasty, hearty meal is ready in minutes and great for serving as a half-time snack during football season.
INGREDIENTS
- Vegetable oil cooking spray
- 2 cups biscuit baking mix (recommended: Bisquick)
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Flour, for dusting the work surface
- 1 pound ground chuck
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 (14-ounce) cans Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
INGREDIENTS FOR OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
Toppings:
- Shredded sharp Cheddar
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions (white and green parts)
- Corn chips
DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Invert a muffin tin and spray the underside with vegetable oil cooking spray.
- Stir together the baking mix, milk, and cayenne. Shape into a ball. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead 3 or 4 times. Divide the ball into 6 pieces. Roll each piece into a 6-inch circle. Place a dough circle over the back of each muffin cup. Press around the cup to form a bowl shape. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until lightly browned. Let cool slightly. Remove the biscuit bowls and reserve.
- Brown the ground chuck over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add the onion and green pepper and continue to cook until the meat is completely browned and the vegetables are tender. Drain off any fat and discard. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 35 minutes.
- When ready to serve, spoon the hot chili into the biscuit bowls. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and corn chips.
2/1. Murrells Inlet Community Theater (: 4450 Murrells Inlet Road, Murrells Inlet) presents A.R. Gurney's "Later Life." Enjoy a romantic comedy/drama about a couple who reunite at a party after 30 years. Starts at 8 p.m. Cost: $10. Reservations required to this "kid-friendly" event. 843.651.4152 www.mictheatre.com.
2/2 Groundhog Day. Originally a weather day, Groundhog Day is when the woodchuck emerges from his hibernation hole and check the weather. If he sees his shadow (that is, the sun is out), then he retreats back to his burrow for 6 more weeks of winter. If he does not see his shadow (that is, the day is cloudy), then winter will soon end. See the countdown at www.groundhog.org.
2/5. Grand Strand Strutters Invite You to Square Dance. Starting at 7 pm and lasting until 9 pm, this variety of square dance includes a pre-dance training from 6-7 at the Grand Strand Senior Center (1268 21st Ave N., Myrtle Beach). For more information, call 843.497.0470.
2/12-15. The 12th Annual Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon. Pasta dinner, expo, fun run, 5K, half-marathon, and marathon (no relay this year), with a post-race party. For more information, 843.293.RACE or www.mbmarathon.com.
2/11 to 3/1. Enjoy live theater at Theatre of the Republic, performing "Blood Brothers." This musical tells the story of two fraternal brothers, separated at birth. finding friendship, love, and betrayal. Theatre location 337 Main St. Conway, SC 29526. For more information: 843.488.0821.
2/13. Meet the Snowbirds. Held from 2 pm to 4 pm at the North Myrtle Beach Chamber (270 Hwy 17 N in North Myrtle Beach), this reception honors visitors and residents from Canada with door-prizes, give-aways, refreshments. For more information, call 877.332.2662.
2/14. Free Weddings for Horry County Residents from Always & Forever Weddings, LLC. In an effort to assist during the economic down-turn, this company offers a 2009 "special" with a free courthouse wedding (limited to the first 48 couples). More information at 843.249.2933.
2/14. The North Myrtle Beach Community Band's Valentine's Day Dance. Held from 7 pm to 10 pm in the Bryan Floyd Community Center (1030 Possum Trot Road, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582), this exciting and fun event includes professional and skilled amateur musicians. For more information, 843.280.5570.
2/14-15. 17th Myrtle Beach Stamp and Postcard Show. Lasting from 10 am to 5 pm. (4 pm on Sunday). The show is open to the public and includes 7 dealers, exhibits, door prizes, youth area. Located at the Holiday Inn West (101 Hard Rock Parkway, Myrtle Beach SC). For more information, 843.347.0087.
2/15. Joyce Yang, Pianist, presented by FPC Concerts, Inc. Enjoy this Van Cliburn Silver Medalist performer from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church (1300 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach). For more information 843.448.4496.
2/21. The Business and Technology Expo. Scheduled from 9 am to 3 pm, this event occurs at Brunswick Community College Virginia Williamson Event Center. Open to the public, this is a display of local businesses' products and services. For more information, contact The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce at 800.426.6644.
2/25. Pre-school Wonders: Recycling can be Fun! Held at the Myrtle Beach State Park from 11 am to 12 pm, this youth-focused event is for children ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. Kids learn about recycling and nature while having fun with stories, songs, and art. Very hands-on with clean recycled products. Location: 4401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information, 843.238.0874.
2/28. The Ocean and Us at the Myrtle Beach State Park. Held from 10 am to 11 am, this kid-friendly event includes fascinating information about the earth, the ocean, and all of us. Learn about toothpaste and ice cream. Ask questions about the ocean's plants and animals. Event is free with park admission at 4401 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information, 843.238.0874.
|
|
Guest Comments
Our condo was spacious and beautiful. My husband and I, our three boys and my mom stayed for 6 days. Everything about the hotel was perfect. We had an oceanfront condo and the view was awesome. Having a washer and dryer was great too. We enjoyed the tiki bar and restaurant. We loved dining right on the beach.
Email sent to TripAdvisor.com from "barbieNewYork," December 31, 2008
Our hotel visit was absolutely wonderful with our family. We were close to everything and the ocean view was better than I ever dreamed. The boys loved the pier and it kept them very busy all day and evening.
Email sent to TripAdvisor.com from "tonetone3" from Cumberland, SC, December, 2008.
Because of its North Myrtle Beach location, its proximity to the Cherry Grove Pier, and its fabulous accommodations, many groups book their events at Prince Resort. Here are some of the most recent groups that enjoyed the amenities at Prince.
- Harrington 50th Birthday Party
- Central Baptist Church
Finding a place with an openness to many activities and interests is one of the key criteria for people looking for a venue for major anniversaries, school events, reunions, and the wide array of reasons why people get together.
Fun Facts
Why does the winter sun feel colder than the summer sun, not as intense? Because the sun is lower in the sky, and there are fewer hours of daylight. Well, we might have fewer sunny hours here at Prince Resort in winter, but we know how to make good use of them any time of year. Come check out the Cherry Grove Pier and the many things to do here in North Myrtle Beach, winter or summer. Some things do not even require daylight!
Why is winter warmer in some places? Winter temperatures are warmer in the UK because of the Gulf Stream that transfers warm, tropical waters into the higher latitudes then. Here on our Carolina coast, you will see that our own coastal temperatures can be quite pleasant because our proximity to the water, even when inland areas of South Carolina experience cooler temperatures.
Why are temperatures warmer on the coast than inland? Continental places far inland have greater temperature extremes while coastal places have fewer extremes of temperature (another reason why people like to live beside the seaside). The sea retains heat whereas the land warms and cools quickly.
Why do pelicans fly so close to the water? Some think they are looking for fish, but, according to our pelican friends, that is best done higher up. Actually pelicans fly low to get better flight control and to reduce energy-sapping drag-short answer: it's easier.
Why do pelicans fly in formation? The same short answer applies here, too. Flying in formation is easier than flying solo - better flight control and reduced drag.
Why is the ocean so glass-smooth one moment and rough the next? Earth's ocean molecules remain in perpetual motion. Sometimes pulling tides, changing weather, and other factors slow the ocean's motion to a state of calm. Have you heard tales of sailors becalmed at sea? If sail power is your only source, a glass-like ocean can mean trouble.
What is beach foam, and why is it here? Beach foam is really marine microorganisms whipped into a froth by the active waves. Neither soap nor pollution, it is not harmful, so come on out with your bare feet to walk the shoreline!
In winter at the beach where can you sit to keep warm? Slopes that face the sun are warmer than those facing away from the sun. Watch the birds because they can tell you that not only are you out of the wind, also the sand has retained heat that it can share with you.
Things to Do in Winter at the Beach
Turn a day at the beach into an adventure that you and your family will remember for a long time., Imagination holds great potential, so consider combining beach fun with added thrills and excitement of our newest special packages such as the romantic Valentine's Day package or a an adventurous helicopter tour around the area.
Here are some more ideas of the adventures to plan at the beach:
The temperature feels warmer if you stand on shore, even in winter. Out on a boat, you will feel cooler than on shore. Because land is quicker to heat and quicker to cool than water, vacationers wearing their warm weather clothing on warm winter days still might not want to dive into the still-chilly water. If you bring a wet suit to play in the surf, your agenda can change, and our winter waves can be fun for surfing, boogie-boarding, and sailing.
Have children? Are you a child at heart? Turn any sunny day at the beach into sheer delight just with a bucket and a sheet of plastic. Whether you have children or not, the beach holds many possibilities for the creation of fun, and here is one suggestion. In a sandy spot of your choosing, fold out your sheet of plastic, partially in and out of the water. Dump a pile of sand at each corner to hold it. Dump a bucket of water over the dry end of the plastic. Starting back several yards from the dry end, take a running start toward the water. Slide into the waves toward the wet end. Should anyone's skin be irritated by the type of plastic, an over-sized t-shirt should remedy abrasions.
Winter here on the Carolina coast has temperatures below 50 on occasion, but we tend to avoid the ice and sleet of the northern states. Those of you who enjoy playing with ice, however, might enjoy this game at the beach.
Bring an ample supply of ice cubes to the seashore, and allow 5 or more ice cubes per player in your group. Give each player a crab or butterfly net (any length of pole - the longer, the more challenging). At the count of "go," each person not only tosses ice cubes in another player's direction, he also tries to capture his own cubes coming his way. He must collect 5 or more ice cubes, putting them into a bucket one at a time, and moving on to capture the next cube coming his way in order to qualify. Anyone dropping a cube must begin the count again. The player with the most captures in the least amount of time wins.
A variation of this game occurs in "barefoot" weather, that is, warm enough to put bare feet in the water (remember - our area has been known to have barefoot weather during any part of winter). With the players standing in the moving water of the surf, the challenge lies in the motion of the waves. A sort of vertigo can mean missing an ice cube when it appears like a sure thing. (Note: this game works best in the ocean, not the swimming pool).
|
