“Beautiful Places and Smiling Faces”

South Carolina of the SE United States, is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW).

Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km).
Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15.1% increase since the 1990 census.
Capital and largest city, Columbia. 
Mottos, Dum Spiro Spero [While I Breathe, I Hope] and Animis Opibusque Parati [Prepared in Mind and Resources].

            State bird, Carolina Wren. 
            State flower, Carolina Jessamine. 
            State tree, Palmetto.
  

South Carolina is roughly triangular in shape. The long, even coast lined with beautiful sand beaches on the “Grand Strand” north of Georgetown becomes generally marshy to the south and is sliced by a network of rivers and creeks, creating a maze of inlets and the famous Sea Islands . The coastal climate is humid subtropical, with long, hot summers and short, mild winters. In this area are found cypress swamps, moss-hung oaks, beautiful flowering gardens, antebellum plantations, and the historic seaports of Georgetown, Beaufort, and Charleston, the latter a major tourist attraction and one of the chief ports of entry in the Southeast.

Vacationers are attracted to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, to the Sea Island resorts, and to Charleston's stately homes and gardens. The state's historical places of interest include Fort Sumter National Monument, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and Cowpens National Battlefield. Columbia is the capital and the largest city; Charleston and Greenville are other major cities.

In agriculture, tobacco and soybeans now rival cotton as South Carolina's chief crops. Broiler chickens and cattle are economically important, and peanuts, pecans, sweet potatoes, and peaches are grown in abundance. Fishing is a major commercial enterprise; the chief catches are blue crabs and shrimp. Military bases and nuclear facilities are important to the economy, and the tourist industry today ranks as the state's chief source of income.

*Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, Copyright (c) 2003.

To the best of my knowledge, prices are correct for the 2006 seasaon. However, prices may change without my knowledge. Please call ahead or check the website for the latest information.

Shows - Live Entertainment

THE ALABAMA THEATRE, Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach, variety show, "One: The Show," performed this week at 7:30 p.m. Saturday through Thursday. Preshow at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $30.65-$35.30 for ages 17 and older and $15.80 for ages 3-16 (prices plus tax). 272-1111, 1-800-342-2262.

THE CAROLINA OPRY, northern intersection of U.S. 17 and U.S. 17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, variety show, performances this weekend through August are at 8 p.m. Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Pre-show 20 minutes before each show. The annual Christmas Show will run from Nov. 1 - Dec. 21 and from Dec. 26- Dec. 31. "Good Vibrations!," featuring music from the '60s, '70s and '80s, will be performed in Nov. and Dec. 1-800-843-6779.

DOLLY PARTON'S DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER AND SHOW, northern intersection of U.S. 17 and U.S. 17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, dinner and equine show. Performances are 6 and 8 p.m. today; 6 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday; and 6 and 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with an additional 4 p.m. show Wednesday and Thursday. Preshow about 45 minutes before each show. Tickets are $35.99 for ages 12 and older; $18.99 for ages 4-11; children 3 and younger free when sitting on a parent's lap (prices do not include tax and gratuity). 497-9700, 1-800-433-4401 or www.dixie stampede.com.

LEGENDS IN CONCERT, 301 U.S. 17 N., Surfside Beach, tribute show. Shows are 8 p.m. today and Saturday; and 6 and 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Tickets are $29.72-$32.52 for ages 17 and older; $13.90-$16.70 for ages 3-16 (prices plus tax). 238-7827, 1-800-960-7469.
Please note: Tribute in Concert has merged with Legends in Concert. Shows will be held at Legends

MEDIEVAL TIMES 2904 Fantasy Way, Fantasy Harbour, off U.S. 501, Myrtle Beach, behind Waccamaw Factory Shoppes, dinner and jousting show, 6 p.m. today, Saturday, Sunday and Monday; 6 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Cost is $41.95 for ages 13 and older; $25.95 for ages 3-12 (prices do not include tax and gratuity). 236-8080, 1-800-436-4386.

TRIBUTE IN CONCERT - See Legends in Concert above.

Amusement Parks

FAMILY KINGDOM AMUSEMENT PARK, 301 Third Ave. S., Myrtle Beach. Rides include the Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster and a 100-foot ferris wheel. Hours vary; opens 4 p.m. daily, with the exception of Saturday when the park opens at 1 p.m. $20.97 plus tax for an all-day wristband (excludes go-karts and pony rides); individual tickets available. 843-626-3447.

FUN WORLD FAMILY AMUSEMENT PARK, 700 Seventh Ave. S., North Myrtle Beach, miniature golf, skate park, kiddie rides, go-karts and more. Open 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Prices vary; miniature golf $5-$10; skate park $8-$12; go-karts $6-$7. 843-361-9845.

GRAND PRIX FAMILY THRILL PARK, 3900 U.S. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, includes racing cars and amusement rides for all ages and an arcade. Opens at 11 a.m. daily through Sept. 15. Full-park wristbands for ages 6 and older $29.95 unlimited access to the Kids Zone and Thrill Zone $19.98; All-U-Can-Ride Race Zone $24.98 (prices plus tax); individual tickets available. 843-272-7770.

KART-TRAX FORMULA RACING, 3901 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, indoor facility featuring electric go-karts, hours are 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. Children 42-54 inches ride junior karts at $5 for four minutes; children above 54 inches and adults ride faster karts at $13 for individual races, $50 for five races, $100 for 12 races (races can be shared with multiple drivers). 916-1111.

MYRTLE BEACH PAVILION AMUSEMENT PARK Ocean Boulevard between Eighth and Ninth avenues North, opens at 1 p.m. daily through Aug. 21. Individual ride tickets are $1 each (rides require two to five tickets); daily ride passes $24.95 for ages 7-54 and $15.95 for ages 3-6 and 55 and older. Prices plus tax. 913-5200. Note: The Pavilion will close at the end of the 2006 season.

NASCAR SPEEDPARK, U.S. 17 Bypass at 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. through Aug. 13. All-day ride pass $15.95 for ages 3-12 and 55 and older, $24.95 for ages 13 and older (does not include rock climbing wall, miniature golf or Thunder Road track). 843-918-8725.

Family Attractions

ALLIGATOR ADVENTURE Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach, reptile park including hundreds of American alligators of all sizes. Hours vary; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily; tickets sold until 10 p.m. Admission is $14.95 for ages 13-54; $12.95 for ages 55 and older; $9.95 for ages 4-12; free for 3 and younger; locals half price with ID. 843-361-0789.

BAREFOOT LANDING offers outlet shopping, restaurants and other attractions included separately on this page. attractions. Be sure to visit their website for details.

BROADWAY AT THE BEACH features 100 stores, 20 restaurants, 15 attractions, 10 nightclubs and 3 on-site hotels. This is one place you don't want to miss!

BROOKGREEN GARDENS, U.S. 17, between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Seven-day gate admission for ages 19-64, $12; ages 65 and older and ages 13-18, $10; free for ages 12 and younger. Call (843) 235-6000.

CAROLINA SAFARI Jeep Tours, open all year round. Fascinating lowcountry history, plantations, ricefields, Huntington Beach State Park. Fun for all ages! $32.00 ages 13 and older; $31.00 Seniors; $17.00 ages12 and younger

CHILDREN'S MUSEUM The Children's Museum of South Carolina features hands-on exhibits that combine education with entertainment. Displays include the U.S.S. Kids Afloat boating safety exhibit, Bubble Mania, where children can make giant bubbles, and the Express Yourself Arts Center. Cost is $5 per person; 2 and younger free. 2501 N. Kings Highway (843) 946-9469

CIVIL WAR COLLECTION, 4857 U.S. 17 Bypass S., Myrtle Beach, next door to the Myrtle Beach Indoor Shooting Range. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday - Saturday . Free admission. (843)293-4345.

FRANKLIN G. BURROUGHS-SIMEON B. CHAPIN ART MUSEUM, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Tuesdays - Saturdays and 1 - 4 p.m. Sundays. Free admission; donations requested. (843) 238-2510.

FUN WORLD Take a few laps around a go-kart track, play a few rounds of miniature golf or treat the children to some kiddie rides. There's also a skate park for skateboards, in-line skates and scooters. Those younger than 18 must wear helmets. Rental helmets are avaiable. Prices vary; miniature golf $5-$10; skate park $8-$12; go-karts $5-$6. 700 Seventh Ave. S. NORTH Myrtle Beach (843) 361-9845

GREAT AMERICAN RIVERBOAT CO. Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy sightseeing, dancing and dining as you cruise the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway on the Jungle Princess. Afternoon sightseeing and Sunset Cruise also available. Or take an amazing trip down the waterway on the Pirates of Barefoot Landing. Choose from the Sunset Cruise, Pirate's Feast. or Moonlight Cruise. See the website for current prices.

GHOSTS AND LEGENDS THEATRE Barefoot Landing, U.S. 17, North Myrtle Beach, "Ghost Show!," about Lowcountry tales. Shows are presented every half hour from 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. $8 for ages 13 and older; $5 for ages 4-12; free for ages 3 and younger; $1 discount for locals with ID. Yhe Ghost Walk is at 8 PM and 9:45 nightly. $16. for ages 13 and older; $11. for ages 12 and younger. Reservations required. Blackbeard Seance Friday and Saturday at 10 PM. Reservations required. Adults only. $45. (843) 361-2700.

HAMPTON PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE - 15 miles southwest of Georgetown off U.S. 17, near McClellanville, state historic site of a Lowcountry rice plantation. Grounds open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily through Labor Day. Guided mansion tours on the hour 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily (last tour begins at 3 p.m.). Ages 13 and older $4, ages 7-15 $3, ages 6 and younger free. S.C. residents ages 65 and older $2.50. Grounds admission free. (843) 546-9361.

HOBCAW BARONY VISITOR CENTER, U.S. 17, 35 miles south of Myrtle Beach, operated by the Belle W. Baruch Foundation, features exhibits focusing on local history and ecology. Baruch History Tours 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, $15. Reservations required for tours. Visitor center hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. Free admission. 546-4623.

THE H.L. HUNLEY EXPERIENCE, at the Adventure in Science, History & Nature building, Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 29th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, near Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. $8.95 for ages 13 and older; $5.95 for ages 55 and older and for children ages 3-12. 913-7899.

IMAX DISCOVERY THEATER, Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach. Showtimes and shows vary. See wibsite for more information. Shows hourly noon to 8 PM. $8 ages 13-64; $7 ages 3-12 and 65 and older. For schedule, call 448-4629.

INGRAM PLANETARIUM at the Village at Sunset Beach, N.C., N.C. 179. Shows on the hour from 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Tickets are $5 ages 12 and older, $3 ages 11 and younger. (910) 575-0033.

LAZER FX-LAZER TAG, 964 Lake Arrowhead Road, Myrtle Beach, noon-midnight daily; reservations are accepted for private outings. $7.99 per person for one mission pass; $19.99 for three mission pass; $23.50 for unlimited play pass noon-2 p.m. daily. Group rates available. 467-2229.

MAGIQUEST, Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. $10.99 for a wand; $7.99 for one hour of playtime; $5.95 for a key; $7.95 for a compass. Magic Quest. 843- 913-9460 or 1-866-353-6244.

MAZE MANIA 3013 U.S. 17 S., Garden City Beach, attraction features a fence maze that changes daily. Open 9:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. $7.for ages 6 and older, $4.for ages 5 and younger; $10 for miniature golf and maze until 6 p.m. 651-1641 or www.mazemaniasc.com.

MYRTLE BEACH PELICANS, Coastal Federal Field 1251 21st Avenue N., Myrtle Beach, Phone: (843) 918-6002
Tickets: (843) 918-6000. Many of our visitors enjoy s fsmily night out, watching our Class A Carolina League Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Individual tickets range in cost from $5.50 to $25.00 For information, call 843-918-6000, purchase online or stop by the Pelicans box office at Coastal Federal Field

RIPLEY'S AQUARIUM Broadway at the Beach, U.S. 17 Bypass and 29th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, features displays of sharks, rays and other underwater creatures. Open 9 a.m.-11 p.m. daily. $16.95 for ages 12 and older; $9.95 for ages 5-11; $3.95 for ages 2-4; free for those younger than 2; half price with local ID. Prices plus tax. 843-916-0888.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT! MUSEUM Ocean Boulevard and Ninth Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, includes more than 500 exhibits, oddities and off-the-wall artifacts. Open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. $11.95 for ages 13 and older, $7.95 for ages 6-12 and free for 5 and younger. Prices plus tax. Ripley's has two additional attractions on Ocean Boulevard. They are Ripley's Motion Master Moving Theater and Ripley's Haunted Adventure. 843-448-2331.

TOURS DE SANDY ISLAND - Learn about the Gullah/Afro-American Community with a history of the nearby island. The cost is $25. for adults ages 55 and older; $30 for ages 18 to 54; $10. for ages 7-17; ages 6 and younger free. See the web site for directions.

Water Parks

FAMILY KINGDOM OCEANFRONT WATER PARK Third Avenue South and Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. All-day wristband $15.95 for adults and children taller than 48 inches; $14.75 for children shorter than 48 inches (prices plus tax). 916-0400.

MYRTLE WAVES U.S. 17 Bypass and 10th Avenue North, Myrtle Beach. Open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. today; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday through Aug. 21. Admission is $15.95 for ages 3-6 and ages 55 and older and $24.95 for ages 7-54. Prices plus tax. (843)913-9269.

WILD WATER-WATER AND RACE THEME PARK, 910 U.S. 17 S., Surfside Beach. Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. through Aug. 20. Water park admission is $24.98 for those over 48 inches tall and $16.98 for those under 48 inches tall and for ages 55 and older. Unlimited go-karts, bumper boats, paddle boats and miniature golf $10 with paid water park admission. Prices plus tax. 238-3787.

Parasailing

CAPT. DICK'S PARASAILING AND JET SKI
U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet
8 a.m.-until
$59 single, $98 double 651-3676

DOWNWIND SAILS & WATERSPORTS
2915 S. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, next to Damon's restaurant
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
$55 single, $95 double, $130 triple 448-7245

EXPRESS WATERSPORTS
4042 U.S. 17, Murrells Inlet
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
$55 per person 357-7777

MYRTLE BEACH WATER SPORTS
17th Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach; Little River at SunCruz Casino Boat
8 a.m.-until
$50 single, $90 double
361-3322
North Myrtle Beach - 280-7777

OCEAN WATERSPORTS
405 S. Ocean Blvd., on the beach at Family Kingdom Water Park
8:30 a.m. -until
$50 single, $95 double, $140 triple
445-7777

SHORELINE WATER SPORTS
409 S. Ocean Blvd., Surfside Beach
10 a.m.-until
$55 single, $95 double, $130 triple
238-2359

River Boat Casinos - gambling and cruise

SUN CRUZ - Located in Little River, SC on the waterfront.

SOUTHERN ELEGANCE - On the river front in Little River, SC

Must present a state or federal ID to board. Must be 18 to sail and 21 to consume alcoholic beverages.

State Parks

HUNTINGTON BEACH STATE PARK U.S. 17, Murrells Inlet. Park offers camping, fishing, coastal hiking trails and general access to three miles of remote beach. Site of the Spanish-style castle Atalaya, former winter home and studio of noted American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Park hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Ages 16 and older $5, ages 6-15 $3, ages 5 and younger free. S.C. residents ages 65 and older and S.C. disabled residents $3.25. 237-4440 or the education center at 235-8755.

MYRTLE BEACH STATE PARK, 4401 S. Kings Highway, beach access, picnic areas, camping and fishing pier. Park hours 6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Park admission of $4 for ages 16 and older, $1.50 for ages 6-15 and free for ages 5 and younger. S.C. residents 65 or older $2.50. 238-5325.

Night Spots for Young People

HOUSE OF BLUES - TEEN NIGHT - Sunday ~SEASONAL~The House of Blues transforms into a teen-friendly dance club Sunday, as another edition of Teen Night opens the venue up exclusively for kids age 13 to 17. Alcohol- and smoke-free, and security will be enforced. Doors open at 8:00 PM See web site for information or call 843- 272-3000.

HIP HOP -N- CHILLIN’, For children in grades 3-8. Disc jockey, karaoke, live music, located in Surfside Beach. Officer inside at all times. Must be checked in by an adult. See website for mope information and pricing. 700 Business Highway 17N, Surfside Beach, South Carolina 29575; 843-238-1200

THE ATTIC, Myrtle Beach's only Under 21 Club. Electrifying dance music, hip-hop,Top 40s, light shows and deejays. Upstairs lounge and oceanfront balcony. Ocean Blvd. 8th-9th Ave. N in Myrtle Beach. at the Pavilion. Note: The Attic will close at the end of the 2006 season.