Spring is in the air, and the jonquils are in full bloom along the Grand Strand. People strolling along the beach have been observed wearing sporty short sleeves and bright smiles, thanks to the warmer temperatures and sunny days. Even though we are still in the first quarter of the year, the shoreline is beginning to show signs of sunbathers around the pool and beachcombers relishing the seasonal changes and Daylight Savings Time. With water temperature averaging around 60º at the moment, those people who ARE out in the water either have a boat or a wet suit. Now and then, though, we do see some enthusiastic swimmers, perhaps from Canada, bobbing in the waves. In another month, however, more will appear as the water warms 10+ degrees, gentle enough for everyone.

With the approach of April, the North Myrtle Beach activity calendar is also bursting with more and more opportunities for locals and visitors alike to get out and enjoy the beautiful climate. At the Prince Resort, we're happy to see you anytime of the year, but we think that Spring is just a little more special-it's a time of new beginnings, fresh chances to DO something - fun things, "together" things that include friends and family.

With events such as Canada-America Days, Easter, and SOS Spring Safari, as well as a host of exciting things to see and do along the Strand in the months to come, we hope to see you soon!

Your friends at Prince Resort!

Easter at Prince Resort at The Cherry Grove Pier

We invite you to join us for the following events, suited to everyone from the young to the young at heart. In participating, you can donate to the Relay for Life fund-raising event here at Prince. Share Easter memories with your family, take home a keepsake from Easter 2009 at the beach, and also donate to a worthwhile cause, the Relay for Life!

	Check in for a stay over Easter and receive a coloring page, age-appropriate. Entrants: age groups 0-3, 4-5, 7-11, and 12-15. Winners announced Sunday morning at 10 am.
	Check in for a stay over Easter, and you will have a "Mystery Egg" hidden somewhere in your unit. These eggs contain prizes ranging from candy to tickets to area attractions to dinner vouchers. Only the Easter Bunny knows which eggs contain which prizes!
	Come stay with us at Prince Resort during Easter for lots of fun, beautiful beach, and a fabulous opportunity to relax from winter's stresses. In addition to the activities listed above, we have some surprises lined up including an opportunity to participate in Relay for Life through Easter baskets, Easter egg sales, and other activities.

So, bring children of all ages. Easter at the beach is a sure mark of Spring's arrival!

Featured Employee - Mike Hilton at The Cherry Grove Pier

Mike Hilton, Assistant Pier Manager at The Cherry Grove Pier, has seen many changes in his three years with the operation of this family-focused pier, and he looks forward to this year being the best year ever. Say "Hi" to Mike at your next visit. In fact, you will also probably run into the other three members of the pier team: Larry McDaniel, the pier manager, Annie Dobson, and Ronnie Goodwin. If they are not too busy taking care of fishing needs, any one of these hard working and delightful people will share their enthusiastic stories of life at the pier. Their love of their jobs is catching-you might even find yourself breaking out in smiles, taking hold of some fishing gear, and heading out to catch some fish.

The most recent change in the Tackle and Gift Shop is a bright new tile floor. Freshly laid within the past week or so, this light-colored floor makes a huge difference by providing an openness, an airy quality to the place. In fact, the staff was so motivated in this renovation that they even re-designed the layout of the displays of the place, making new shelves and display racks. Mike even hand-tied some fishing lures and made hooks to sell. Requiring about a week from start to finish, the floor's overhaul process occurred during nights, with the pier only closed to the public for one day.

Mike said that the current water temperature, about 54 degrees, is perfect for catching skates and sharks off the pier, something that many are doing as a catch-release. Keepers include whiting and black drums. As the weather, and the water, warm by mid-April, anglers expect to catch blue fish, Spanish mackerel, red fish (a.k.a., spot tail or drum), and flounder.

Now, with an even more customer-friendly, open-air quality to the place, Larry, Mike, Annie, and Ronnie are all ready for business. Their full-service tackle shop is full of everything an angler needs, including advice, to catch fish, and then some. Just here to look and not fish? Hey, this shop has gifts, too. Check out the items in this shop - not just a fishing tackle shop!

Prince Resort Gains Momentum with Relay for Life

As mentioned in previous newsletters, Prince and its sister property Towers on the Grove are participating as a team in our local branch of the American Cancer Society's marathon called Relay for Life. Employees are out and about, raising funds through sales and other efforts to raise money toward the fight against cancer.

Motivation is high here as almost everyone has come into contact with this disease in some way, either directly or indirectly such as knowing someone with this disease. Our Relay for Life team members have been building donations steadily, currently at $521.02, nearly half way to the goal. Some recent efforts, in addition to accepting donations, includes selling tickets to special Manager's lunches, "selling" dress-down opportunities for employees to wear jeans to work, and selling "footprint" donations at the Front Desk.

Click here to donate

Featured Recipe - Cherry Flan

This easy recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish -- 20 minutes for the preparations and about an hour for the chilling and serving process.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (5.5-ounce) box of flan mix with caramel sauce (recommended brand: Royal)
• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cherry extract
• 1 cup frozen cherries, thawed

DIRECTIONS:

• In medium saucepan, whisk together flan mix, milk, and almond extract.
• Bring the mixture to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
• Remove the pouch of caramel sauce from flan package.
• In a small bowl, stir together caramel sauce and cherry extract.
• Divide the amount among 8 (6-ounce) ramekins (small oven-proof ceramic serving bowl). The amount is about 1/2 teaspoon per bowl.
• Drop 2 or 3 cherries into each ramekin.
• Carefully pour half-cup of flan mixture into half of each ramekin.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Mixture will thicken as it cools.
• To serve this dessert, run a knife around the inside of each ramekin. Place a dessert plate over the ramekin and hold the two together as you turn both upside down. Let gravity shift the flan dessert from the ramekin to the plate before you separate the ramekin and remove it.
• Serve the plated flan immediately, with an optional garnish of ice cream or other topping and a cherry if desired.

Prince Resort Supports MB Military Appreciation Days

All along the Grand Strand during the entire month of May, spring festivities will gain momentum -from Mother's Day on May 10th, Armed Forces Day on May 16th, and on to Memorial Day. Our area is accustomed to hosting events for bikers, shag dancers, and family vacationers. Now, thanks to an initiative out of the Myrtle Beach Mayor's office, we can also focus on thanking our military for their sacrifices in the line of duty.

While Prince Resort, and indeed all of its sister properties in Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, have a year-round policy of offering military personnel a 20% discount from published rates, we are especially pleased to support Myrtle Beach Military Appreciation Days from May 28-30. Prince has some wonderful specials to customize military families' beach R & R, too. Suggestions include spa escape options, golf packages, and entertainment deals to see fabulous shows at the Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede, and Medieval Times.

We want to invite military personnel to let us know how we can make their stays in our resorts extra special. For more information about Military Appreciation Days, see www.militaryappreciationdays.com/welcome.html.

Local Events Calendar

4/1. Lenten Organ Meditation, an event at the First United Methodist Church in Conway, SC. Beginning at 12 noon at 1001 Fifth Avenue in Conway, SC, this event is lead by Billy Fallaw, Music Director. Call 843.488.4251 for details.

4/1-10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. Anglers are invited to enter their catches in the tournament held all along the Strand with cash prizes. More information at 843.626.7444.

4/3-4. Prince George Plantation Tour. The majority of the plantations and town houses on this tour are privately owned and lent to the Episcopal Church Women of Prince George. Ticket prices for the tour are $35 for either day (see web site for details). Online at www.pgwinyah.org or call 843.545.8291.

4/4. Celebration of Market Common's First Birthday. This free event includes food, family activities, a fashion show, and plenty of surprises. Join in the fun from 1 pm to 5 pm at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Call 843.839.3500 for details.

4/4. Park Palooza at Myrtle Beach State Park. Outdoor family activities and programs running from 10 am to 3 pm. Park location 3 miles south of Myrtle Beach off Highway 17. Meet at Shelter B at the park. For more information see website www.myrtlebeachsp.com or call 866.224.9339.

4/5. Vespers for the Passion of Our Lord, an event with the Chancel Choir of the Long Bay Symphony. Held at the First United Methodist Church (1001 5th Avenue) in Conway, SC, starting at 5 pm. For more information, 843.488.4251.

4/5. Eddie Miles' Salute to Elvis at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. This live performance begins at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.

4/6. American Heart Association Charity Golf Tournament. This once-in-a-lifetime event is being hosted at the exclusive Reserve Golf Club in North Litchfield, SC. Open to the public, entry is $80 for age 18 and up. Sign your golf team up with Christie Holland at 843.333.7066. Includes a raffle, chances to win prizes, and an opportunity to benefit a great cause.

4/10. Killswitch Engage with Chimaira and Lacuna Coil. This popular heavy-metal music group is coming to the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach. See this live performance of "KEC" starting at 7 pm. See the group's web site at www.killswitchengage.com to sign up for their "meet and greet" at the concert. For more details, call House of Blues at 843.272.000.

4/9-11. The Palmetto Golf Championship. The Palmetto High School Golf Championship. 800.833.8798 (press option 7) or email to palmetto@golfholiday.com. This premier event hosts 150 high school golf teams and includes a fall championship, as well (dates as yet undetermined). If not cheering on a team, come watch future PGA players in the making!

4/10. Spring Fling at the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. Starting at 10 am, this family-oriented event includes inflatables for the children, an Easter-egg hunt, and much more. Held at 500 Fourth Ave. North, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577. Call 843.448.3155 for more details.

4/13. Hootie and the Blowfish Monday-After-Masters Golf Tournament. Held at The Dye Club at Barefoot in North Myrtle Beach, this fund-raiser draws celebrities from near and far, both in the world of golf and otherwise. See more information at www.HootieGolf.com.

4/17-26. SOS Spring Safari. This is the first major outing of summer for the shag dancing enthusiasts, and it is held in North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy 10 days of this big party, plus smaller member-club parties for the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs. For more information, see the web site at www.shagdance.com.

4/18. George Jones at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Don't miss this live performance by one of country music's greats. A legend in his own right, George Jones begins his show at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.

4/18. Blues and Jazz Festival at La Belle Amie Vineyards in North Myrtle Beach. 843.399.WINE (9463) or send an email to info@labelleamie.com. Plenty of food, live music, art, wine, and fun. Plenty of opportunities for memorable fun! Bring your own outdoor chair and stay awhile.

4/18. Jewelry Art in the Park. Artists with specialty in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings bring their award-winning wears for sale out-of-doors at Market Common from 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, call the Waccamaw Art and Craft Guild at 843.448.7690.

4/18. Oak Island Lighthouse, NC, Run-Walk. A leisurely hour's drive north leads you to Oak Island for this relaxing and enjoyable event. See the lighthouse, visit the Intracoastal Waterway up close, use the many public oceanfront access points, and savor life on an island. Sponsored by the Southport Chamber of Commerce, this event begins at 8:30 am and includes 10K and 5K runs. Call 800.457.6964 for more information or see "events" at www.southport-oakisland.com.

4/24. John Brown Big Band. Located only an hour's drive north of Myrtle Beach, the Brunswick County Community College's Williamson Auditorium is the site of this lively evening of big-band jazz. Performance starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets on sale at 800.754.1050, Ext.416, or www.bccowa.com/contact.html.

4/25. SOS Spring Safari Parade. All eyes turn to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach where excitement fills the air and SOS dancers and floats fill the street. Be a part of all the fun and excitement generated by The Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC).

4/25. Art in the Park. The 37th annual juried art show presented by a local art guild in Chapin Park. From 10 am to 4 pm, this outdoor show includes food vendors and other interesting sights. For more information, call 843.448.7690 or see www.wacg.org.

4/25. First Annual Forget-Me-Not Ball Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association in the Grande Strand. Fine food, beverages, live entertainment by the Arlin Strader Band, and a silent fund-raiser auction. The event occurs at 6:30 pm in Myrtle Beach at the Marina Inn in Grande Dunes. More information at 800.860.1444 or by email at cameron.renwick@alz.org.

We greatly enjoyed getting the newsletter. My husband and I and my mom stayed at The Prince Resort at The Cherry Grove Pier, and immensely enjoyed our stay. We were there for 4 days and 4 nights in mid October; our anniversary was October 17th, and my mom celebrated her 79th birthday on October 15th. It was the first family vacation we had taken in over 15 years. Our son and his fiancé came and loved the Prince Resort, too. I cannot compliment your resort enough, wonderful accommodations, beautiful rooms with a great view, great location and superb prices!!!!! Thank you so very much. We will be back to stay at your resort March 20th-March 24th. Can't wait see you then. A very satisfied family.

Email response to the newsletter from families of Reese, Ellis, and Nance, February 2009.

Everything was perfect. I was very pleased with my stay. Everyone was friendly, and this was the cleanest hotel I have stayed in. Thanks for making it a very pleasant stay.

Email to "online comments" at Prince Resort came from guest C. Bone, 02-28-09 [top ranking in all categories].

We stayed last year in June in one of your 2 BR condos. It was beautiful and very spacious. There were 3 children with us, and I think the best part was when they got to go fishing on the pier (the short walk to it was wonderful) and seeing all of the different fish. My daughter caught some sort of fish and a small shark. She still talks about it today. They also got to see large sharks and stingrays being caught (which my husband caught on of the stingrays). It was so exciting. We also enjoyed the pools, lazy river, and restaurants. We did not leave the grounds often. We plan to be back in June. The newsletter is great. I look forward to reading it and really like the facts and recipes.

Email in response to the newsletter from the Shropshire Family, Georgia, 02-26-09.

Our stay was excellent. Everything was nice; we will definitely come back again. We love the layout of the corner units, so that the second bedroom has a view of the ocean also. Our coffee pot was broken, and your maint. staff was there promptly to bring us a new one. Thanks again for the lovely visit. We were [there] to celebrate birthday and anniversary.

Email to "online comments" at Prince Resort guest M. Stewart, 03-16-09 [citing Prince with an "easy-to-find" location and top ranking Prince Resort in all categories].

...Fantastic! My wife and I (with or without the kids) love your resort, and we stay there virtually every time we come to Myrtle Beach - usually 3-4x/year. The view of the ocean is amazing, and the balcony is great. Generally, we tend to come during off-season times of the year, and the prices are hard to believe. You could either go to a hotel and rent a room, or, for just a scant few dollars more, come to your resort, and rent an entire ocean-front condo. We love it, and can't wait until the next time we come! The worst part of the whole trip is having to leave... ;-)

Email to "online comments" at Prince Resort from M Wiggens, 03-17-09 [citing Prince clean water amenities with top ranking]

Groups

Whether to save money or focus on a common agenda, group travel has many advantages. Sports teams to "away" games, wedding groups, birthday parties, and church retreats are only some of the purposes that bring people here at Prince Resort, and these are the groups who joined us this month:

• First Apostolic Church of Sanford
• Thomas Hogan Travel - Wiltshire Hall Wedding
• South Carolina Basketball Coach Association
• Musgrave / Norris Wedding Reception
• Batchelor / Vick Wedding
• McKenzie 16th Birthday

If you have a group who loves to travel, give some thought to organizing an "outing" here at the beach! The advantages of group travel include ease of booking, camaraderie that guests enjoy from knowing many of the people traveling with them, lower costs, and great value because of the many resort amenities and discounts from local area entertainment activities.

Being GREEN at Prince Resort

Wasting drinking-quality water is wasting all of the energy that goes into making our water drinkable in the first place, all the expensive stages of development that went into processing that final drop -- a lot of energy!

The operation of Prince Resort includes many ways in which we try to save our valuable natural resources along this beautiful South Carolina coast. One of them is a new campaign called "Save Our Planet." Guests will begin seeing "Save Our Planet" cards in each bathroom of each property:

To help conserve water and electricity, guests can chose to keep their towels and face clothes beyond their first use. As soon as Housekeeping sees them on the floor instead of hung on towel racks, the items will go to the laundry, restoring clean towels to the guest.

Fun Facts