The new trend on the Grand Strand this summer has to be zip lines.  There are currently five of them either in the planning stage, under construction or already open.  The zip lines range from 600 ft to 1000 ft and reach heights of up to 60 ft.  No matter your age, if you enjoy having a good time while suspended in the air and traveling at high speeds then you need to visit either of the following locations.   

At the Family Kingdom Amusement Park on 300 South Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach the zip line rises to 60 ft and spans the waterway running through the park.  Passes are $10.00 and it is currently open.  The Oceanview Adventures zip line on Springmaid Boulevard in Myrtle Beach has four zip lines that run parallel to the coast.  In addition to the zip lines there is the 40 ft Powerfan Free-Fall Express Jump.  Once completed the zip line will cost $45.00 and the free fall will be $25.00.  At the site of the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion there will be the Adrenaline Adventures zip line on 321 Ninth Ave North in Myrtle Beach.  They offer both a zip line and 60 ft free fall.  The 600 ft long zip line propels riders at up to 40 mph and costs $25.00.  Passes for the free fall cost $25.00 as well.  Located next to Wonder Works in Broadway at the Beach is the Soar + Explore zip line in Myrtle Beach.  This 1000 ft long line starts on a 50 ft tall platform and spans Lake Broadway.  There is also a pirate-themed ropes course consisting of 33 different challenges.  Passes for the zip line costs $19.99, ropes course is $11.99 and combo passes are available for $26.99.  Lastly we have the Ocean Drive Pavilion Amusement Park zip line on 90 S. Ocean Blvd. in North Myrtle Beach.  Construction on this zip line has not begun as of yet and details should be released shortly.

  When you have some time to spare in between going to the beach, shopping and dining remember that there is a zip line within miles of where ever you may be.  These zip lines are an excellent addition to the already long list of attraction in Myrtle Beach.  So if you are looking for a little excitement while on vacation check out any or all of these five locations. 

Looking for places to worship on Easter Sunday? Here’s a list of churches offering services all along the Grand Strand.

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church | 4761 Highway 501, Myrtle Beach (843) 236-9134
Join Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in Myrtle Beach for a sunrise service on Easter Sunday at 7:30 a.m. An Easter Festival Worship is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Barefoot Church | 701 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach (843) 280-1270
Barefoot Church will hold a sunrise baptism on Easter Sunday at the end of Main Street in North Myrtle Beach.

First Presbyterian Church | 1300 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843) 448-4496
The First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach will hold Easter Services at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 8, 2012.

Grand Strand Baptist Church | 350 Hospitality Lane, Myrtle Beach (843) 236-2233
Grand Strand Baptist Church will hold a sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. on Easter Sunday at the 2nd Avenue Pier. The main Easter service will be held at 11 a.m. at the church.

Ocean View Baptist Church | 7300 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (943) 449-3384
Ocean View Baptist Church in Myrtle Beach will host a contemporary Easter worship service from 8:30-9 a.m. Sunday, April 8, 2012. A Catalyst is planned for 8:30-9:30 a.m. A Blended worship service is scheduled for 10:10-10:50 a.m. followed by a traditional service from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sunday school is planned for 10 a.m.

St. Andrew Catholic Church | North Kings Hwy & 37th Ave North, Myrtle Beach (843) 448-5930
St. Andrew Church will host Sunday masses at The Palace Theatre on Easter Sunday at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. A Spanish mass will be held at the church at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 8, 2012.

St. Philip Lutheran Church | 6200 North Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach (843) 449-5345
St. Philip Lutheran Church will have 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services on Easter Sunday.

St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church | 180 St. Paul Place, Pawleys Island (843) 237-2294
St. Paul’s Waccamaw UMC in Pawleys Island will hold several Easter Sunday services. Traditional worship will begin at 8:45 a.m. A celebration worship service is scheduled for 11 a.m.

The innovative, educational and fascinating new exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium is definitely a Dino-mite Exhibit.

Featuring life-size fully animatronic animals, several hands-on activities and nuggets of information about these great creatures, the exhibit will both entertain and educate visitors about the era when these amazing, massive creatures walked the Earth. 

Making the ground shake with every thundering footstep, Dinosaurs were some of the largest, most incredible animals ever to inhabit the Earth. There were more than 700 different types of Dinosaurs that lived all over the world. Some were very small while others were enormous.  Some Dinosaurs looked utterly bizarre, while some might not look unusual if they were alive today. The Dinosaurs were one of the most successful groups of animals our planet has ever seen….then they vanished! 

“This is the first time that Dinosaurs have invaded Myrtle Beach.  Not only will they be showcased in our 2,000 square foot exhibit hall, but the theme will be carried throughout the Aquarium. Our Feeding Frenzy Snack Bar will have a Dino themed menu, great merchandise in our Cargo Hold Gift Shop and even a Geode-splitter in our Discovery Center,” said Chad Netherland, Director of Marketing of Ripley’s Aquarium.

As visitors come eye-to-eye with these giants and take a journey back in time, they will be able to:
• Uncover Dinosaur bones
• Have their picture taken with a Tyrannosaurs Rex
• Operate an animatronic Tyrannosaurs Rex
• Learn interesting facts about Dinosaurs

The aquarium is located off of 29th Ave N. at Broadway at the Beach and is open 365 days a year.  Contact Beach Cove Resort for discounted tickets to Ripley's Aquarium!

Do you like getting dirty?  Of course you do, who doesn’t.  Then good news the 2^nd annual Myrtle Beach Mud Run and Mini-Mud Run is on Saturday May 12^th.  This is the final event of the Myrtle Beach Race Series and your last chance to be crowned the overall series champion.  The race begins and ends at the Grande Dunes Marina just off Hwy 17 Bypass.  It covers 3 ¾ miles of off road terrain along the Intercoastal Waterway and consists of obstacles, water hazards and plenty of mud.  The Mud Run began last year and attracted over 600 runners.  With the growing popularity of this type of military style race this year’s Mud Run is expected to have a massive turn out.

You can compete individually or as part of a 2 or 4 person group.  If you’re competing as a group remember that all teammates have to cross the finish line in order to get your points.  And for kids 9 to 13 there is a Mini-Mud Run consisting of some of the same muddy obstacles at about half the distance (1.5 miles).  There is also a 100 yard mud dash for the little ones 8 and under. 

To commemorate the run all participants will receive a Mud Run t-shirt and medal.  In addition the first place finishers in all of the individual and group categories will get a trophy.  The Mini-Mud Run starts promptly at 7:00 AM followed by the full Mud Run at 7:30 AM.  The registration deadline is Thursday May 10^th and race packets can be picked up on Friday May 11^th.  Entry fees are $45 in advance and $50 on race day for individuals, for groups of 4 it is $160 in advance and $180 on race day and for groups of 2 it is $85 in advance and $95 on race day. 

The best part of the Mud Run is that proceeds go to the Grand Strand Humane Society.  You know that great non-profit organization, the one committed to the care and protection of all homeless and abandoned animals.  Last year’s race brought in over $7000 for the Humane Society and there should be no problem exceeding that amount this year.

So if your looking for a challenge, need some exercise or just enjoy being covered in mud then the 2^nd annual Myrtle Beach Mud Run is for you.

Beach Cove Resort has taken an initiative this spring to support Help4Kids and their Backpack Buddies program, a Myrtle Beach and Horry County based program that aims to assist children in need. Each week the Backpack Buddies program provides a package of food for over 2,000 area children to take home on Friday so that they have food to eat over the weekend. Beach Cove Resort's campaign to support the Backpack Buddies program will run this March and April, and will allow guests the opportunity to make a small donation at check in or at the time of booking and Beach Cove Resort will make a matching contribution.

Help4Kids Executive Director Barb Mains established the organization in 1989 to provide basic necessities to the children of the working poor in Horry County and later introduced the Backpack Buddies program in 2004. Mains said "We have been very fortunate to have the community support our program, but in these difficult economic times we've had more children with need in our area and less individuals and businesses who are able to contribute to our program. We are excited to have Beach Cove Resort running the campaign to help raise both funds and awareness for our program." The Backpack Buddies program and the Help4Kids organization is made up completely of volunteers.

Beach Cove Resort is hoping to help the Backpack Buddies reach every child in need. Bob Singleton of Beach Cove Resort commented, "We are fortunate that we are able to support such a worthy cause like Backpack Buddies and we want to do whatever we can to assist their efforts. It is inspiring to see what Barb and her team with on their own time to help all of these children in need. It certainly was an easy decision by our ownership, management and staff to jump head first into this campaign to assist the Backpack Buddies program."

While all guests will be given the opportunity to make a donation at the time of booking and at check-in, all others who are interested in making a donation, however big or small, to the Help4Kids fundraising drive can call Beach Cove Resort or Help4Kids at 843-651-4310 to do so.

When dining along the Grand Strand of South Carolina, the biggest problem is choosing where to eat from the more than 1700 restaurants in the area. The Myrtle Beach area is famous for extraordinary, fresh seafood, but you’ll also find something to please everyone in the family including: Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Chinese, German and more. Some of our favorites are Captain Dave's Dockside Restaurant, Original Benjamines, Captain Georges's, Sea Captain's House and a new favorite is Mykonos.

After a day on the beach many visitors decide to unwind at one of the areas many nightclubs, discos, sports bars or beach clubs. Want to enjoy some live music? Strand clubs offer a variety: pop, rock, country, R&B and more. Whether you are a teenager looking for the hot teen club, a fan of shag music or just want to dance the night away we have something for you. The hottest nightlife in Myrtle Beach can be found at Broadway At The Beach

Myrtle Beach Shopping is the 3rd biggest reason people visit the Strand (behind the beach and golfing). The area is home to 3 huge factory outlet centers as well as 3 shopping malls, including the new Coastal Grand Mall (the largest in SC). For a change of pace from the mega-shopping complexes, visit the many specialty shops in the low country setting of Pawley’s Island.

Myrtle Beach is also home to a growing number of new attractions. We have an amazing Sky Wheel that is the largest east of the Mississippi, Wonder Works and the all new Pirate’s Voyage. Your North Myrtle Beach Vacation is sure to be fun filled with our sandy beaches, oceanfront boardwalk and amazing nightlife.

 If you've never tasted fresh local oysters from the South Carolina coast, you're missing a savory, salty treat that's served by the bucket or in blue speckled roasting pans at Myrtle Beach area restaurants.

In either case, you get about two to three-and-a-half dozen oysters in a typical batch. Many people share a roast as an appetizer, or order a whole one as an entree.

Local South Carolina oysters do not look like the single select oysters such as you'd get if you ordered Oysters Rockefeller. The local variety is Cluster Oysters, and the name comes from how the oysters clump together in clusters. Some look like oyster condos with a big one in the middle and several small oysters stuck around it.

When you're shucking a Cluster Oyster, don't stop until you're sure you've reached the middle, because often the biggest and juiciest prize is tucked away at the cluster's core. Cluster oysters have notoriously jagged edges, so placing a rag of some sort in the hand that holds the oyster during shucking is a good precaution against cuts.

Your server might ask you how you want your oysters cooked. Some diners like them cooked dry, so the oysters are firm and there is no "oyster liquor," or juice, left in the shells. Others prefer them juicy and jiggly and savor every drop of the oyster liquor. If you're not sure what you'd prefer, order them medium.

Normal condiments that come with a roast are hot sauce, lemon and cocktail sauce. Some people like to put the oyster on a Saltine cracker and add a couple drops of hot sauce before relishing the treat. Melted butter is also nice to dip your oysters in before popping the salty morsels in your mouth.

Big E's Seafood & Barbeque, 1250 S.C. 9 E., Longs, 843-399-3399.

Locals who live west of the waterway swear by the oysters at Big E's.

Bimini's Oyster Bar & Seafood Cafe, 930 Lake Arrowhead Rd., Myrtle Beach, 843-449-5549.

Much great seafood and finger foods are on the menu at Bimini's, but they're known for Oyster Roasts.

Boom Boom's Raw Bar, 1407 13th Ave. N., North Myrtle Beach, 843-427-7304.

The kitchen cooks the delectable clusters just right. Boom Boom's is a great spend-the-evening party spot with its deck overlooking Vereen's Marina and the Intracoastal Waterway, and they have live music.

Crab Catcher's on the Waterfront, 4474 Waterfront Ave., Little River, 843-280-2025.

The restaurant is on the second story of this ramshackle building overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway, and the seafood sandwiches are yummy.

Creek Ratz, 4065 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-357-2891.

If the weather is temperate, most people enjoy sitting on the waterfront patio to enjoy sandwiches and raw bar seafood.

Gulfstream Cafe, 1536 S. Waccamaw Dr., Garden City, 843-651-8808.

There is hardly a better place to catch a sunset in the entire Grand Strand, because this beautiful and spacious restaurant is at the south end of Waccamaw Drive on Garden City Beach and faces the inlet, toward the west. The setting sun over the inlet is magical. Oyster Roasts are not on the menu, but here's an insider's tip: Call ahead before you visit, and they'll steam a batch for you for $15.

Hot Fish Club, 4911 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-357-9175.

The Hot Fish Club has a gorgeous setting on the west bank of Murrells Inlet with a large lawn, children's playground and incredible view. A nicely appointed restaurant and bar are in the main building, and outside is a roomy gazebo where some legendary parties have taken place. You can eat inside or at the gazebo, where after 9 p.m. there's often live music.

J&J Cafeteria, 1301 4th Ave., Conway, 843-248-6281.

This home-spun restaurant in downtown Conway serves a lot of great food from a popular lunch buffet to salads and seafood baskets.

Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant, 3401 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, 843-492-3474.

Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Mr. Fish (Ted Hammerman) and his daughter, Sheina Hammerman, serve a variety of seafood, including sushi.

Nance's Creekfront Restaurant, 4883 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet, 843-651-2696.

Located on the waterfront in picturesque Murrells Inlet, Nance's has its own oyster beds.

Steven's Oyster Roast, 3912 Sea Mountain Highway, Little River, 843-399-3508.

Those looking for an authentic rustic oyster-eating experience should check out Steven's, which is all about the food instead of the decor. They're known for Calabash-style (fried and crispy) seafood and their oysters.

Here’s a list of the top 10 places to celebrate the holiday on the Grand Strand, ranked from north to south for your convenience so you can hit as many as you can. Good (Irish) luck:

10) Get the party started early at the 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival in North Myrtle Beach. Crowds line Main Street at 9 a.m. as the floats and convertibles ride by and wave and throw out candy, so this is one of the few kid-friendly events on the Strand. Live music, food booths and, of course, green beer are available from vendors.

9) Just crawling distance away from the parade is one of the best Irish pubs on the Strand - Flynn’s Irish Tavern, formerly known as The Pale. Owned by an Irish family, Flynn’s offers authentic draft beer from all over the U.K., but the Guinness will be flowing for this celebration, which features great Irish food like Shepherd’s pie and live Irish music.

8) Also on the north end of the Grand Strand, residents of Little River flock to Pat and Mike’s Irish Pub for a full day of good food, beer, music and times. Pat and Mike’s rolls out authentic Irish music for this occasion and serves up its usual tasty Irish dishes. But the main course for this holiday is green beer, as it should be.

7) Working our way south, one of the best St. Paddy’s Day celebrations on the Strand can be found at Finn McCool’s Irish Pub on Lake Arrowhead Road. This place puts on the party every year, with the crowds usually spilling out onto the porch and the parking lot. Lots of good food and cold beer are on tap and live music for those lucky enough to get a seat inside.

6) The next stop on our Tour de Strand is Broadway at the Beach, where all the clubs of Celebrity Square and beyond will be celebrating St. Paddy’s Day into the next morning. Pub-crawl your way around the usual bars of Celebrity Square, like Froggy Bottom’s, Malibu’s, Sharkey’s and Crocodile Rocks, and check out some new hot spots like Carlos and Charlie’s, the Tilted Kilt and Wet Willie’s.

5) Downtown Conway has gotten into the St. Paddy’s Day spirit and will again this year with the second annual Gathering of the Green at the Conway Farmers Market. The event begins at 5 p.m. and will feature live music, a costume contest and other entertainment for the whole family. In addition to the good food and fun, of course, green beer will be on tap. It’s worth the trip to Conway.

4) The newest St. Paddy’s party to the Grand Strand scene has quickly become one of the biggest. The third annual Downtown Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Celebration has become one of the biggest block parties of the year, with Ocean Boulevard being closed for food, beer and dancing in the streets. This year’s headliner, Rusted Root, is sure to induce plenty of the latter. There’s also an alcohol-free kids’ zone featuring rides and games.

3) Next on our venture south is another growing celebration is the third annual Irish Fest. Held in Valor Park at The Market Common, this festival features Irish food, beer and entertainment as well as lots of activities for the kids. Best of all, patrons can walk (or crawl) a short distance to more St. Paddy’s Day parties at Market Common’s many bars and restaurants.

2) Another newcomer to the Strand has quickly become one of the can’t-miss places to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day. O’Keefe’s Irish Pub gets the indoor/outdoor festivities started before anyone else on the Strand with its “Kegs and Eggs” party bright and early at 9 a.m., followed by a full day of Irish food, beer and music. Last year’s inaugural event was a blast, but not necessarily memorable.

1) Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in true Lowcountry style at the Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk. This walkway along the inlet allows patrons to pub crawl to restaurants and bars located up and down the Marsh Walk, including the Dead Dog Saloon, Bubba’s Love Shack, Creek Ratz and Drunken Jack’s. Relax by the waterfront, enjoy the live music and drink in the green beer.

The weekend-long event features several races so runners of all levels can get in on the fun. A huge post-race bash is held at the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach after the marathon.

Here are the planned events:

Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon - 6:30 a.m. Feb. 18, 2012

The main event, the Bi-Lo Marathon, is a USATF certified race and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. Runners enjoy the flat, fast-pace of the course as well as the beach view. The course starts at 21st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach and winds through The Market Common before heading north up Ocean Boulevard. All finishers in the race receive a finisher’s medal, and awards are also given for the top three female finishers, top three male finishers as well as the top three male and female master’s finishers.

The record finishing time for the race (2:28:33) was set in 2008 by Garick Hill of Winston Salem, N.C. Last year’s race was won by Kathleen Castles of New Providence, N.J., with a finishing time of 2:40:11. Registration for the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon is $120, and the event is limited to 3,000 participants.

Dasani Half Marathon – 6:30 a.m. Feb. 18, 2012

The Dasani Half Marathon’s course is part of the full marathon’s route. Finishers also receive a finisher’s medal, and awards are given to the top three men and women as well as the top three masters’ men and women. Age group awards are also presented.

Registration for the Dasani Half Marathon is $110, and the event is limited to 5,000 runners. Expo registration is discouraged as the race often sells out before the expo.

RBC Bank 5K – 7 p.m. Feb. 17, 2012

The RBC Bank 5K takes runners around the Broadway at the Beach complex, ending at Coastal BB&T Field.

Registration is $35, and the event is limited to 2,000 runners.

Ripley’s Family Fun Run – 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18, 2012

The Ripley’s Family Fun Run is a one-mile course open to runners of all ages. The event starts and ends in front of Ripley’s Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. The event supports Horry County Schools, and the school with the most participants receives a traveling trophy. Seaside Elementary in Garden City Beach has won the trophy every year.

The entry fee for the Fun Run is $15.