Weekend List: Santa, a North Pole Express Cruise, Rivertown Christmas Celebration, Myrtle Beach Bowl + personal note

📝a personal note

I thought I’d introduce myself since we have so many new subscribers! Welcome!

what is this newsletter?

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, and I know you do, too. My goal with this newsletter is to share all of the fantastic local businesses and things to do that locals will enjoy.

This Grand Strand area is such a cool place to live - we have gorgeous beaches and amenities that draw millions of non-locals to our hometown each year.

We live our lives in others’ vacation dreams.

Eventually, I’d love for more people to add content to this newsletter so I’m not the sole voice, but until then, I’ll be the one sharing all of the local recommendations + links to local news + things to do for locals. I’m looking for locals to share their favorites - so if you’d like to be a featured Local to Know, send me an email.

Please feel free to share what you like, what you’d like to see, and any improvements - because as it continues to grow, it’ll be because of you.

THANK YOU for subscribing.

❤️, Hatton

CONTRIBUTE

• If you’re interested in being a contributor, let me know! Send me an email!

• Local businesses, share your sales, special events, etc. etc. so I can include it.

PS - Also, this isn’t my job… just my creative project. I work for the YMCA of Coastal Carolina, which improves the lives of locals and makes our community better each day.

📰 NOTEWORTHY

GRAND STRAND NEWS THIS WEEK

A new place to chill…

A new restaurant is opening in North Myrtle Beach called Big Chill Island House, developed by the same company that built Crooked Hammock Brewery (My Horry News)

Everyone’s favorite local bagel spot is making moves…

The owner of The Bagel Factory just opened Scrambled, a new restaurant in Carolina Forest. (The Sun News)

Stars and Strikes promotions starts Friday….

Stars and Strikes is offering a Holiday break special from Friday, Dec. 18 until Jan. 5 $25.99 per person includes: 60 Minutes of Bowling Shoe Rental, One Hour Unlimited Arcade Play**, and One Session of Laser Tag or VR Experience*** (read the details and the ***)

Applications are now available for the next session of the MyBeach 101 Citizens Academy…

Classes take place on Thursday evenings, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center, 900 Dunbar Street. The next session begins January 25, 2024. Each year, the Neighborhood Services Department hosts a general government series that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the City of Myrtle Beach’s daily operations. The eight-sessionprogram gives participants a unique experience and a chance to learn about the city’s daily operations. Sessions include appearances by department directors, city staff and elected officials, along with the history of Myrtle Beach and how each of the departments within the city operates, including Fire, Financial Services, Police and Public Works. Spaces is limited to 28 participants. (City of Myrtle Beach)

❤️ Let’s get social

• Follow us on Facebook for local recommendations + reviews + links

• Follow us on Instagram for pretty square pictures + videos of the Grand Strand

📆 WEEKEND EVENTS

Santa is coming to the beach this weekend! “The Myrtle Beach Fire Department has been coordinating with the North Pole to prepare for the arrival of Santa Claus next Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17. Santa's elves keep him on a tight schedule, but he makes time to visit boys and girls throughout Myrtle Beach when he can ride the big red fire engine. See the estimated times and dates below where Santa Claus will be next Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17 only! Again, please note, these are time estimates. It is best to wait 15 minutes ahead of time for Santa's arrival.” See the schedule

Thursday, Dec. 14

• Hanukkah Menorah Lighting at The Market Common

• Photos with Santa at The Market Common

• Complimentary Carriage Rides at The Market Common

• Rivertown Christmas Celebration in downtown Conway with Snowfall Park, Curtis the Camel, carolers, candlelight shopping, and gingerbread house challenge displays

• 2nd Annual Twinkling Two Miler in Plyler Park downtown Myrtle Beach

• Jukebox Bingo at Tidal Creek Brewhouse

• Karaoke Night With Grady at SoCo Wood Fired Pizza in Georgetown

• New South Brewing Tap Takeover at Local on the Water

• Holiday Designers’ Showcase at the Kaminski House Museum (continued)

• North Pole Express Cruise on the Barefoot Queen - Come dressed in your favorite Christmas PJs and enjoy an evening of Christmas Magic with us onboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat! Cruise includes The Polar Express Story, your very own Believe ticket, surprise Santa visit with a special delivery and a variety of Christmas snacks and hot chocolate/milk. You can also make a take home bag of Reindeer Food with Santa after the Cruise to feed Rudolph and all his Friends on Christmas Eve!

• Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More at The Hall at St. Johns

Friday, Dec. 15

• Angel Card Readings at Yoga In Common at The Market Common

• Krampas Nachtoberfest at New South Brewing - “We are tapping our Twelve 33 Big Six Bourbon Barrel-Aged Oktoberfest this Friday at 4:30. It's Roddy's birthday, so come out and celebrate with him! We're also going to roll out some new Big Wooly variants - so come taste the ones you haven't had yet!”

• Holiday Designers’ Showcase at the Kaminski House Museum (continued)

• North Pole Express Cruise on the Barefoot Queen continued - Come dressed in your favorite Christmas PJs and enjoy an evening of Christmas Magic with us onboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat! Cruise includes The Polar Express Story, your very own Believe ticket, surprise Santa visit with a special delivery and a variety of Christmas snacks and hot chocolate/milk. You can also make a take home bag of Reindeer Food with Santa after the Cruise to feed Rudolph and all his Friends on Christmas Eve!

Saturday, Dec. 16

• Wood Slice Ornament Workshop at Nailed It DIY Studio

• Myrtle Beach Bowl Game at CCU (Ohio University vs. Georgia Southern)

• Okra Stew Bookfest with children’s book author and artist Natalie Daise 16th at the Gullah Museum in Georgetown

• Holly Jolly Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Cafe

• View the Surfside Beach Christmas Golf Cart Parade from Neal & Pam’s deck!

• Parris Island Marine Band at the Winyah Auditorium in Georgetown

• Toy Drive with Handyman Hal at Dirty Myrtle Wing Company - Please bring an unopened toy donation & enjoy a day of FREE activities! Super cool cars, kids Skateboarding, BMX, Santa Claus, Delicious food, animals and a FREE meet & greet with children's show host Handyman Hal!

• All Aboard the Holiday Trolley for Family Night in Georgetown - Bring out the kiddos for hot cocoa and holiday cookies. A Scavenger Hint and tour of the Kaminski House will also be included. Tickets for Adults (non-members) are $15 and Adults (members) are $10. Adults with children are $10 and children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

• 3rd Annual Wicked Holiday Market hosted by The Wicked Tuna and Neptune Bistro and Raw Bar. “Come down and shop, sip, play, and stay! It's fun for the whole family! Find the perfect gift while Christmas shopping with our MANY local vendors, sip and dine at the restaurants, let your kids enjoy our free craft activities, and Frosty the Snowman photo opportunities, and of course the big guy- Santa himself! The best part about this event- it is FREE ADMISSION and all Photo Opportunities are FREE as well!”

• Christmas at the Farm - Experience life on the family farm in Horry County from 1900-1955 at the L.W. Paul Living History Farm! Join us on December 16th from 9 AM until 12 PM to see how the farm family would have prepared for the Christmas season. Visit the farmhouse to see seasonal activities including cooking on the wood burning stove and decorating the Christmas tree. We’ll also have activities for children and a variety of demonstrations throughout the Farm!

• Coastal Youth Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” in Conway

• Georgetown Christmas Parade on Front Street in Georgetown

• Holiday Designers’ Showcase at the Kaminski House Museum (continued)

• North Pole Express Cruise on the Barefoot Queen continued - Come dressed in your favorite Christmas PJs and enjoy an evening of Christmas Magic with us onboard the Barefoot Queen Riverboat! Cruise includes The Polar Express Story, your very own Believe ticket, surprise Santa visit with a special delivery and a variety of Christmas snacks and hot chocolate/milk. You can also make a take home bag of Reindeer Food with Santa after the Cruise to feed Rudolph and all his Friends on Christmas Eve!

Sunday, Dec. 17

• Reindeer Games Pro Pickleball Exhibition at Litchfield Pickleball will include food trucks, drinks, and pickle ball action from 8 professional players. Get ready to witness some epic pickleball action at Litchfield Pickleball in Pawleys Island, SC, USA. It's going to be a blast!

• Complimentary Carriage Rides at The Market Common

• Holiday Designers’ Showcase at the Kaminski House Museum (continued)

Coming up

• Monkees of Georgetown Sip & Shop on Thursday, Dec. 21

• Beach Ball Classic starts Dec. 27

• Nicolas Cage Wine Dinner at Local Eat Drink Celebrate on Jan. 24

🍻SURVEY SAYS…

We will compile the list and share in next week’s newsletter!

🎄CHRISTMAS SHOWS + EVENTS

(this weekend + throughout the season)

• The Great Christmas Light Show –  The drive through light show will feature over 2 million lights festively displayed along a 2-mile drive throughout the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex. Over 500 magical light displays, some up to 55 feet tall, have been custom made for The Great Christmas Light Show. Visitors will experience NEW enchanting animated figures and holiday scenes where the lights will come to life.

• The Christmas Show of the South – The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is in its 38th season of enchanting holiday performances. The Christmas special creates a family experience that is second to none as new talent mingles with acclaimed rotating artists and long-standing Opry favorites.

• The South’s Grandest Christmas Show – the Alabama Theatre’s award-winning production brings an enchanting blend of talent, breathtaking scenery, and magical special effects to the Grand Strand, delivering an unforgettable holiday musical experience that will immerse you in the spirit of the season.

• Live Music every night of the week

• The Wonderland of Lights Event on the Marshwalk

• Let it Snow Campfire Experience at the Crooked Hammock

👓 On the blog this week