February 2019 – Palmetto Vacation Rentals

February 22, 2019February 22, 2019

Friday Finds – Hi-Fi Coffee Bar

In this week’s edition of Friday Finds, Alison and I made our way down the storied Myrtle Beach Boulevard where we visited a truly unique Myrtle Beach coffee shop. Hi-Fi Coffee bar started as a project for businessman, Chris Walker, who has a great love for art and nostalgia.

What makes Hi-Fi different than your run-of-the-mill coffee shop is the fantastic, comfortably retro aesthetic that makes you feel right at home. Here you’ll find a large collection of vinyl records (patrons can pick out and play at their leisure), a muli-cade arcade machine complete with Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and more, and a hodgepodge of cassette tapes. You’ll also find framed album covers, and Atari 2600 cartridges, and even a 1980’s handheld football game. It’s all tastefully placed and never feels cluttered. What a great place to reminisce, unwind, or contemplate life’s mysteries!

The atmosphere is all well and good, but let’s get to the real reason we visited today: The Coffee. Our barista Connor, was excellent in explaining the many options that they have and let us know that if we “Ever thought of being Mad Scientists, working as a barista is a great start!”. Soon, I saw what he meant as he went to work on my Caramel Frappe and Alison’s Coffee Frappe. Connor and his colleagues take great pride in producing the perfect cup for each order and it was entertaining to see the caffeine concoctions come to life. Boy did they ever! Both Frappes were better than anything we’ve had at that larger, ubiquitous coffee empire. Definitely Hi-Octane in nature, they helped us shake off the afternoon cobwebs.

The next time you visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, definitely step in for a cold or hot treat that will help you get to where you’re going!

Hi-Fi Coffee bar is located at 918a, Ocean Blvd in Myrtle Beach and are open 9 a.m. to Midnight.

Follow them on Facebook HERE
and their website HERE

Jason Coker is originally from the metropolis of Burlington, NC and is passionate about vacation rentals. Having served on the front lines of a premier vacation rental company, Jason has a great understanding of all aspects of this fantastic industry. An aficionado of music, sports, and all things geeky, Jason spends his free time performing music, grilling out, and relaxing with his son, daughter, and lovely wife, Amy.

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019

Friday Finds – The Uncommon Chocolatier

The highest quality of ingredients and flavors!

Welcome to our first installment of Palmetto Vacation Rentals “FRIDAY FINDS”. Each week we’ll be visiting local businesses and attractions, bringing visitors to the Grand Strand a taste of new places to visit and focusing on attractions that are off the beaten path.

This week we visited “The Uncommon Chocolatier” a brand new fudgery located in the heart of The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Made from the finest ingredients, The Uncommon Chocolatier offers a variety of handmade fudge, chocolates, and gift items.

Fudge is a staple of Myrtle Beach shops, restaurants, and markets. For half a century, travelers have been able to find fudge at mom and pop stores all along the Grand Strand. Usually only offering Chocolate and a few other flavors to eager travelers, the fudge presence here is as ubiquitous (and drab) as saltwater taffy, hermit crabs, and $99 cent shark tooth necklaces. But, No longer! Today, Alison and myself have discovered a culinary pleasure that would make Gordon Ramsay silent with content.

Originating in Pittsburgh, The Uncommon Chocolatier was started by Christine Falvo. Christine was inspired by her mother, Teresa and now has a third generation of fudge makers in her granddaughter, Elle, whom we spoke with this afternoon.

With over 35 varieties of fudge, chocolate-dipped fruit, and even specialty items, such as chocolate footballs, you can easily spend a whole day sampling and debating which is your favorite. Good luck, though – they are ALL fantastic! Some of the most amazing taste combinations and textures can be had such as: Crème Brule, raspberry cheesecake, cherry bourbon, chocolate strawberry, birthday cake, bananas foster, peanut butter, mint chocolate, red velvet, and “Unicorn Poo” (Cotton Candy – it’s delicious, I swear!).

The décor of the establishment is classic and inviting and is only rivaled by the breathtakingly artistic designs and textures of the main attraction – the fudge. Great care is taken by their artisans Elle and Brittany as you’ll find candy, nuts, and other delectable toppings that make it almost too pretty to eat – ALMOST!

The next time you are near The Market Common, take time to stop in and sample this very unique delight on the Grand Strand. You’ll be glad you did!

You can find the Uncommon Chocolatier at 3351 Reed Street in the Market Common. Be sure to like and follow them on Facebook under “The Uncommon Chocolatier”.

February 7, 2019February 8, 2019

Top Free (or close to it!) Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Top Free (or close to it!) Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

Jason Coker

Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is renowned as a vacation spot that the entire family can enjoy, but it can get expensive when you factor in entertainment for everyone. When you’re on a family vacation, you need to get the most out of the money you’re spending. This is the reason why we have come up with a list of free things you can do at Myrtle Beach. These include the following options:

Gorgeous, Serene, Unspoiled – Huntington Beach State Par

· Check out the Beach

Of course! The beach is the main reason why you have decided to visit! With over 60 miles of gorgeous, pristine white sand it’s no surprise why Myrtle Beach is one of the top destinations on the entire East Coast. Not only is the beach fantastic in front of your vacation rental, there’s also miles of unspoiled and undeveloped oceanfront located right down the road at Huntington Beach State Park. At Huntington Beach State Park, there’s tons of wildlife such as water fowl, otters, sea turtles, and especially alligators! You’ll be able to take a stroll through the live oaks and pines as you make your way to Atalaya Castle, a 1930’s Moorish-style castle with exceptional views. There is also camping, picnic areas, and perfectly located across from the gorgeous Brookgreen Gardens. Check it out here: https://southcarolinaparks.com/huntington-beach

Vereen Memorial Gardens is the perfect place to unwind

· Parks

Myrtle Beach has a lot of great parks nearby that are beautiful and provide you with the ideal spot to relax during the day. The low country is known for beautiful rivers, lakes, ponds and live oaks. You’ll be able to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists looking for entertainment as you watch the wind lazily play with the hanging Spanish moss. There are dozens of parks with playgrounds and picnic areas where you can sit and let the kids have fun during the day. You can check out Grand Park or Valor Park, where you can stroll around the lakes and have fun on the playgrounds. Many parks on the Grand Strand can be reserved for family and group events and are quite inexpensive.

There is also the Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens that have more than 100 acres of amazing vegetation and wildlife for you to explore. Here, there’s plenty of shaded paths to explore amongst the live oaks and there’s plenty of opportunities to spot deer, raccoon, and possum tracks on the sand. Ask a local how you can do some crabbing or simply relax on the shell beach along the waterway and marsh. There’s family swing sets that overlook the marsh as well as a picnic area. Vereen Gardens is also very pet friendly, so be sure to bring fido! https://scgreatoutdoors.com/park-vereengardens.html

Also, be sure to check out Savannah’s Playground located in the Market Commons. Savannah’s Playground is free and open to any one, the playground is named after Savannah Thompson, a Myrtle Beach native with Williams Syndrome who is actively involved in the Grand Strand community. It’s proudly the Southeast’s first “Enabling Playground” where all equipment is ADA approved and children of all needs can socially interact and have a great time. It’s a multi-acre park that is perfect for a great day of inexpensive entertainment and fun. Being in the heart of the Market Commons, it’s a great place to play, relax and then get lunch, dinner, or a movie. Check it out here: http://savannahsplayground.org/

The Carolina Country Music Festival is one of many throughout the year on the Grand Strand.

· Festivals

Myrtle Beach plays host to various annual parades and festivals throughout the year and you can take part in any festival during various seasons. The summer months bring about the MayFest that has nightly celebrations on the Boardwalk. During spring, you can check out the St. Patrick’s Day street parties and the Canadian-American Days Festival. The Carolina Country Music Festival is one of the South’s biggest music events. Fall brings several Oktoberfest events, a Greek Festival, the Endless Summer Festival, and more. Winter is also a great time for car shows, Holiday Events, Food Festivals, and Sports. https://www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/things-to-do/events/festivals/

One of the best ways to find out inexpensive and free things to do is to ask your vacation experts at Palmetto Vacation Rentals! We can let you know what’s going on in the Grand Strand no matter what you like to do. See you soon!