Myrtle Beach Family Vacation About This Page:

[minushka72]

This is my 1st ever TR so bear with me please.

Cast: April (Me) 34
Nicholas (DS) 2
Nana (my mom)
Papa (my dad)
Dawn (DSis) 40
Al (DB in law) 39
Tristan (DNephew) 20
Rina (DNiece) 19

Dates: 10/12-10/20/08

Originally my husband was also supposed to come on the trip with us, but he was unable to take the time off from work so we went without him.

I had been apprehensive about the trip without my husband since we were all driving. My parents in 1 car, my sister and niece in the 2nd car, my brother in law and nephew in the 3rd car and me and my 2 year old ALONE in my car from MA to SC. The furthest I have ever driven by myself is Southern CT. I was determined to go on this trip though and prove to myself that I could handle the long drive. I left home at 6am on 10/12 and watched the sun rise as I set off down I-95. Pretty uneventful ride as we stopped every 2 to 2 1/2 hours to rest. We stopped at a Comfort Inn in Ruther Glen VA for the night around 6 pm. This is where my sister and her family were also staying that nught. Mom and Dad were taking 3 days to get to SC and stopped in Burlington NJ. Up early Monday morning to have breakfast. We were on the road again at 7:45am. We arrived at our resort in Myrtle Beach at 2pm. I am thrilled to say that I drove the trip with no problems and my 2 year old was extremely well behaved. Thank God for whomever created portable DVD players!!!!! We checked in and my sister was also there so they put us in rooms right beside each other on the 14th floor. We went up to our rooms with all our luggage and looked out on the balcony overlooking the ocean. So peaceful and relaxing. The view of the water was so wonderful. We decided to walk a few blocks up the road with my sis and her family and then stopped for an early dinner at Friendlys. Very good meal and I always like their ice cream sundaes. Back at the hotel we unpacked and put everything away and then wandered around exploring. We then watched the sunset from our balcony and Nicholas and I were in bed by 8pm that night.

The SeaCrest Resort is absolutely beautiful and the rates were wonderful. I had an oceanfront room with 2 queen beds and small kitchen (equipped with everything we needed dishes and appliances). The rate for the entire stay of 6 nights was only $330.00 including taxes. This is off-season and we got an early booking discount of 15% since we booked more than 90 days in advance but the price was right and the resort is wonderful. If you would like to see the resort, the website is Myrtle Beach Resorts | Oceanfront Resorts in Myrtle Beach SC .

I'll post pictures of our amazing view and more about our trip in the next installment.

[sparks74]

Great start! It is definitely scary to drive that far with little ones. I did it 2 years ago with my DDs and it was great.

I too love the Seacrest at Myrtle Beach. We live only 4 hrs. away from the beach in Virginia and go 2 times a year.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

[minushka72]

Originally Posted by sparks74

Great start! It is definitely scary to drive that far with little ones. I did it 2 years ago with my DDs and it was great.

I too love the Seacrest at Myrtle Beach. We live only 4 hrs. away from the beach in Virginia and go 2 times a year.

I can't wait to hear more about your trip!

Thank you, more will come. We plan to stay at the SeaCrest again next year when we go and my husband will be able to join us then.

[Colexis Mom]

Great start!! Congrats on making the long drive by yourself!!

[DyanKJ130]

Great start!! Looking forward to more

[minushka72]

I woke up before sunrise at approximately 6am. Took a quick shower while the little one slept and then sat on my balcony and watched the sunrise.


Nicholas woke soon after the sun was up and we ate Cheerios for breakfast. Then met up with my sis and her family to go to the beach and pools for swimming. Nicholas has never been to the beach before so I wanted to see his reaction to the sand. All the way on the walk down to the water, he kept saying "no, icky, icky" but he did keep walking and we stood in the water just to his knees. He just is not a beach baby yet. ( I burn easily and the water is not very clear at home so I prefer nice clean chlorinated pools.)

Anyway we decided to go in to the pool and lazy river areas and also the small water park splash area. He would only go in the water while in my arms so not much swimming was done.

While we were in the pool, my parents showed up. Mom and Dad were put on the 14th floor too but further down the hall and around the corner. Nicholas was so happy to see his nana and papa and quickly soaked my dad in pool water in the parking lot. We helped them unlad the car and then went back to our rooms to shower and change for dinner. Ate the neverending shrimp feast at The Red Lobster. At 2 years old, my son loves shrimp. He ate 7 of my shrimp scampi, some broccoli, mac and cheese, and a third of a biscuit. He eats like a bird at home so he definately had what I began to call 'Vacation Belly"! Every day we were tehre, he ate really well and with no arguments. He is a well behaved kid in general so far but was better behaved on vacation then he is at home!

Nicholas was in bed at 8:30 pm and after a quick check of my email, I soon followed.

To be continued: Tomorrow is shopping day!!!!

[sparks74]

When he gets a little older you should try staying at the sand dunes/ocean dunes. My DDs love it, there is a waterpark for kids that is sooo much fun and a lot of daily activities as well.

[valegirl5292]

Great start April, I am glad you had a smooth road trip down to SC. I have taken many road trips with my kids, by myself, and love it. I agree the DVD player is awesome, keeps the boys entertained. We LOVE Myrtle Beach too, we haven't been there is a few years though, so I can't wait to read your TR and see if any places sound familier. Hurry back with more.

[chezp]

Great start.

[minushka72]

This morning I slept in (7:30 which is late for me). My sister and I had decided to go shopping at Barefoot Landing. We drove over and got all our shopping coupons in order. ( I love those coupon books!) I got my free tote bag with a $5 purchase at the Del Sol store. I loved the Del Sol store when I went on my Disney Cruise earlier this year. I remembered our shopping guide telling us about the color change nail polich. There was one called Peek-a-boo which goes on clear and turns pink when exposed to the sun. She had told us jokingly that if we got angry w/ our husbands, to do his nails while he was sleeping and then when he went outside they would turn bright pink!!! My sis thought this was hilarious and we had to get some. We each got 1 bottle and a few other things and turned in our coupons for the free tote bags. We then bought some amazing pralines at River City Sweets. By then Nicholas was hungry so we stooped for a quick bite at Dr. Rootbeers Hall of Foam. We had hot dogs and soda and then he rode to carousel. I found the H2O Spa store and bought some shampoo. I fell in love with their products as a result of my cruise also. We were done for the day and headed back to the resort for more swimming. Nicholas still would not let go of me when we were in the water but we all had fun anyway. Decided to just cook dinner in the room that night and hang out. Played cards and relaxed. Went to bed early again around 9pm.

(Forgot the camera today so no pictures)

[Colexis Mom]

More great updates!! Glad you're having a great time!!

[minushka72]

Today was another beautiful day weather-wise. My dad's brother lives in Myrtle Beach and his other brother and sister were visiting from Virginia along with my cousin and her husband. The last time I saw any of them was for my wedding 9 years ago so I spent the day visiting w/ family. They were so happy to meet my Nicholas and spend some time with us. My cousin Linda gave Nicholas a Curious George stuffed animal which has quickly become his favorite stuffed animal.

More time at the pools this evening and then to Applebee's for a late dinner. Most evenings I just relaxed in my room since Nicholas was going to bed around 8:30pm.

[minushka72]

Today we all split up and I tollk nicholas to the Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach. The "Dangerous Reef" walkthrough was beautiful but a little scary. We spent a few hours here and then met up with my sis and niece for lunch at Margaritaville. I had never been and really wanted to go. We had a great lunch and Nicholas ate so much with his "vacation belly". Really enjoyed seeing the "Hurricane" also. We then played a game of mini-golf at Dragon's Lair and played a few arcade games in the Pavilion Amusement area. Nicholas loves Skee-ball.

Back to the hotel for dinner in the room and swimming for the evening. My mom watched Nicholas by the pool so I could spend a little time floating on the lazy river in peace. Only one more day until we have to leave.

[minushka72]

Woke up with the sunrise again today. Walked on the beach and at the water's edge. It is overcast and I really cannot complain since the rest of the week was beautiful blue skies and sun. We spent the morning in the pool and doing laundry. i hate bringing home dirty clothes. It is bad enough that vacation has ended and now you have a pile of laundry to do when you get home. I would rather do laundry while I am away and wait for it while lounging by the pool. It starts raining today so we spend a few hours in our room and Nicholas takes a nap. He wakes at 3pm and we go back to Broadway at the Beach for more shopping. We ride the carousel, and feed the catfish and ducks. It is still overcast so it is rather quiet and not busy at all. On the way back to the hotel, we stop and have dinner at Friendlys. I figured we ate there the 1st day and we are eating there the last day. Good start and finish to a great vacation. I get everything packed up for the morning and then we go to the pool for one last swim. We spend the evening in my parent's suite looking over all our purchases and enjoying our last night.

The drive home was uneventful. Made it to Burlington NJ and spent the night. Left the next morning after breakfast and arrived home at 4pm. Nicholas was an angel the entire ride home. (i am not exagerating his behavior either, he really was a total and complete angel, no complaining or whining at all).

Now that this vacation is over, I can start planning for WDW next year and another trip to Myrtle Beach next year as well.

Thank you to all who read my report and thanks for all your excouraging and wonderfull comments.

[chezp]

What a wonderful time you had. Thanks for sharing it with us.