The long-awaited Hard Rock Park has finally opened. As Myrtle Beach's first full-scale theme park, excitement is high and the park expects to draw more than 40,000 visitors each day. It's sure to make the top five list of what to do in Myrtle Beach for many returning and new visitors to this beachfront town.

But there is another option in Myrtle Beach that should not be forgotten with all of the hoopla surrounding the "New Kid" in town. Our area is also home to a seaside gem, Family Kingdom.

More than 40 years ago, when Family Kingdom was built, seaside amusement parks were commonplace and virtually every beachfront resort town from Maine to Florida had one. But today there are fewer than twenty oceanside parks along the entire East Coast, making Family Kingdom all the more special. Its oceanfront location is unique; its wholesome atmosphere is appealing to families, and its status as Trip Advisor's "#5 Amusement Park" in the country (outside Orlando) distinguishes it from all other coastal attractions between Virginia and Florida.

Family Kingdom offers attractions that parents will remember well, and that today's kids should absolutely experience: the legendary Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster, the largest Ferris wheel in the state of South Carolina, and more than thirty other rides and attractions. It offers a complete amusement park experience with midway games, family entertainment and traditional park temptations such as funnel cakes, cotton candy and corndogs.

For some, Hard Rock's $50 admission fee will be hard to swallow. Family Kingdom's "no general admission" is a budget-friendly policy that enables families to stroll the midway affordably, buying tickets by the ride or purchasing unlimited-ride wristbands.

Family Kingdom is taking advantage of Hard Rock's opening by using a new tagline for this summer: "Nothing Rocks Like Family!" Now, now. We say that there's room in this town for both of you!

Visit them both at Hard Rock Park and Family Kingdom.

- Richard Sander, P&C Sales Manager