I just got back from a week long vacation in Florida.  It was through RCI and the place where we stayed was a Gold Crown Resort. It was nice but there really wasn't much to do except go to the ocean, the pool, or golf.  The restaurant choices were scant even though the beach was lined with many, many high rise condos.  My husband and I were a bit disappointed.

As I entered Myrtle Beach it struck me about the many differences between these two vacation/second home destinations.  Myrtle Beach has over 100 golf courses and over 1000 restaurants as well as several theaters which offer great evening entertainment.  We have over 60 miles of coastaline with great sandy beaches and Ocean Boulevard is dotted with unique shops that are fun to stroll through.

We also have 'mini cities', The Boardwalk and Barefoot Landing, which offer unique shopping, rides for the kids, water parks, museums, cinemas, and unique entertainment - i.e Magic Quest  one of only two in the United States. 

The new Market Common is another unique venue with upscale shopping and great restaurants with Live/Work Townhomes and Carriage Homes reminiscent of the olden days.  It is just fun and relaxing to window shop at night and stop off at Gorden Biersch or PF Changs for a late night snack. 

The new Hard Rock Theme Park opened up this spring and it is a fun place to be, especially if you like to ride roller coasters - there are several of them!  The Zepplin is the most impressive and scariest - only the strong survive. It has a great open air theater and has already brought in some impressive entertainers including Kid Rock and the Eagles.

If you are thinking of a destination for your summer vacation, check out all that Myrtle Beach has to offer. I am sure you will not go home disappointed!