August 2009, Volume 2, Issue 8

Greetings from the Beach, Friends

As we take a peek of Labor Day looming just around the bend from late in the month of August, the staff and management at Horizon at 77th want to extend a heart-felt "thank-you" to those who chose our beautiful oceanfront vacation site as their top choice for a summer vacation. Though the past months have tested all of us in one way or another, some vacationers found a way to scale back regular vacation plans and adjust for this year's eccentricities. We are grateful that you discovered us here at the beach as a superb alternative, especially since throughout the summer months we were able to offer a number of cost-savings deals, advertised in e-notices and through various travel media.

In addition to our own discounts, the price of gasoline surprised everyone. Usually gasoline runs high in summer, but this year prices held steady at a relatively moderate level compared with what they were earlier this year when they went sky-rocketed to over $4/gallon. Other price cuts occurred in entertainment around our area. The "kids free" deal, for instance, at The Alabama Theatre and Legends in Concert, both of which end after Labor Day, brought a lot of families great joy in being able to see a live show together. Others, such as the new Freestyle Music Park featured specially slashed prices starting with their July 4th extravaganza and then continuing with other price cuts later in the summer.

As 2009 moves toward autumn, we hope that you will assess your holiday plans for the year and consider saving money with our Thanksgiving specials or Christmas holiday get-aways. Some people feel that off-season beach get-aways can provide more rest and recuperation than a high-season summer vacation! Just toss your golf clubs in your car and come here to take advantage of our fall golf jaunts. Ask us about our newest offer called "Terrific Tuesday."

Looking for you here at the beach!

Your Friends at The Horizon at 77th



Golf To Your Liking

If you plan any golf outings this fall, you have a good chance of finding some real deals here, both in accommodations and tee times. Because of the unprecedented turn of events in this year's economy, we are able to offer some amazing rates in accommodations, tee times, even post-golf entertainment such as The Alabama Theatre.

While we have many golf packages for you to consider, we hope that you will include the "Glens" courses among those in your itinerary. The following courses compare in layout and design courses found in the Scottish Highlands and are worthy of your attention:
  • Glen Dornoch - A Johnston-design in Little River, this course uses natural terrain to challenge players

  • Heather Glen - Combined talents of Byrd and Johnston blend to produce a Scottish feel in Little River

  • Shaftesbury Glen - A little further out in Conway, SC, this challenging Johnston-designed course delights players

  • Possum Trot - Known as the "friendliest" course, this Fazio-design works well for all skill levels

Explore more about these and other great courses at www.MyrtleBeachGolf.net. Ask about a new arrangement called "Terrific Tuesday," too. Our golf agents can help you arrange your plans with exactly the right combination of courses that you want to play. Call 800.682.5699 to start planning.



Employee of the Month - Diego Martínez

Diego Martínez, shown here to the left, illustrates his pleasure at earning his promotion to Supervisor from Houseman. Certainly, Horizon is even more pleased because from the moment that Diego began working for Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, he has consistently demonstrated a dedication to his work, a positive attitude, and a strong determination to finish assigned tasks on time and with results. He continues to grow as an employee, as well as a person, and his colleagues take delight in having him on the team.

Of course, his success has come from hard work, not only on his part, but also his parents who emigrated from Veracruz, Mexico, to move to the United States. Today, at 22, Diego appreciates even more the sacrifices that they made in order to provide a better life for their children. In addition to learning perseverance and hard work from their example, he realizes even more that their patience has been rewarded.

Diego's ability to create a pleasant work environment for his teammates is not limited to work. A charismatic and a happy person, Diego's infectious smile and an agreeable character are part of each of his own family reunions. Other of his outside pleasures include meeting new friends, enjoying long-standing friendships, cooking (his specialty is seafood), and dancing at parties (we hear that he is quite good at this skill).


Featured Recipe - Summery Fruit Tart

Preserve the sweet taste of summer fruit in a delicious fruit tart. Not only does this look elegant enough to take as your contribution to barbeques and pot-luck suppers, it is delicious, too. This recipe comes from Kraft Foods; its preparation time is 15 minutes, and its cooking time is approximately 2 hours.

Ingredients:
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar (divided)
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup toasted slivered almonds
  • 2 Tbsp. cold water
  • 1 pkg. (8 oz.) creamed cheese (softened)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup fresh ripe peach slices
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds
  • 1 tablespoon melted apricot jelly (optional)

Directions:
  • PREHEAT oven to 350 degrees (F). Mix flour and 1/4 cup of the sugar in medium bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  • PLACE 1/2 cup almonds in blender container; cover. Process until ground. Add to flour mixture. Add water; stir until dough forms a ball. Press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch tart pan. Bake 12 to 15 min. or until golden brown. Cool.

  • BEAT the creamed cheese, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and egg with electric mixer until well blended. Pour into crust. Top with peaches and berries. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of almonds.

  • Bake 25 to 30 min. Cool.

  • Brush tart after baking with 1 tablespoon melted apricot jelly for a beautiful, shiny glaze.

  • Refrigerate 1 hour or until chilled.




Groups Staying at Horizon

At Horizon, guests have ample room to spread out, have fun, and take part in activities of their own interests. Over the past month, the family and friends Hatcher-Scott Reunion enjoyed their stay here, playing in the surf and reconvening for a delightful get-together.

Consider your own group needs. Whether you want a formal event or can make everyone happy with a pot-luck spontaneous weekend, consider Horizon as a centrally located, oceanside playground where everyone in your group can have fun.

Say, here is an idea - how about planning the Thanksgiving holiday here where you can skip all the work of preparing food and doing laundry in favor of enjoying your family in our comfortable accommodations with our Thanksgiving feast so that you can relax and just have fun.



Local Events Calendar for September

Events come in all sizes and shapes around the Grand Strand. Some are planned and published. Others just happen, so you have to be here when they do.

There is nothing wrong with planning ahead. See our web site's section "Events Calendar" under "Activities" for a more complete list, but here is a sampling of what is occurring in September. Click here to book

Ongoing events:
  • Pelicans Baseball! Now through Labor Day. See the Pelicans' web site at http://www.myrtlebeachpelicans.com for details. (843) 918-6000.

  • Summerfest! Now through September 5, 2009. See the 10:15 pm fireworks every Monday at Barefoot Landing over the lake. Boardwalk entertainers nightly. www.BarefootLanding.com.

  • Now until 10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. For recreational fishermen only. Fishing area: coastal waters from the NC line at Calabash southward to the South Santee River. Where boats are involved, only the fish caught from those that depart and return to port within the above named area are eligible. Entry card must be completely and clearly filled out. Anglers must see weigh masters to certify fish. For more information, contact the Fishing Rodeo Committee at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce: 843-626-7444 or toll-free at 800-356-3016. Email - info@VisitMyrtleBeach.com

9/4-5. Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival. This event includes a run/walk, live music, plenty of kid-friendly activities and food, car show, and much more.

9/5 to 1/3/2010. Faces and Stories: A Portrait of Southern Writers. Bibliophiles and art lovers alike will appreciate seeing these moving black-and-white photographs taken by internationally acclaimed photographer Curt Richter. The first author to sit for the series was Eudora Welty and the last was Alice Walker. This project grew over a seven-year period as Richter photographed more than 200 writers associated with the South. Sixty of these portraits are presented in this traveling exhibit from the Southern Arts Federation at the Burroughs and Chapin Art Gallery. For more information, 843.238.2510 or email to artmuseum@sc.rr.com.

9/6. Barefoot Improv Comedy Show. The Barefoot Improvisers perform in an audience-interactive comedy show every Sunday from 4:30 - 5:30pm through September 6 at DockSider's Grille. For more information, 843-597-6393 or online at www.carolinaimprov.com.

9/7. South Carolina Senior Open Pro/Am. Tidewater Charity Tournament Committee. Play with a PGA Senior Professional. Have a chance to win a 2009 Volvo C30 in hole-in-one contest, closest-to-the-pin gift certificates, and many other prizes. Details 843-283-3752 or www.tidewatercharitytournament.com. Proceeds benefit Autism Advocate Foundation and North Strand Helping Hand. Tidewater Golf Course in beautiful North Myrtle Beach, SC.

9/12. Loretta Lynn at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Get tickets now to be part of the audience for this country music legend. Her live performance begins at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.

9/12. LeAnn Rimes at Freestyle Music Park with Billy Joe Royal. The park opens at 11 am, and the concert begins at 8 pm. For details about park events call 843.236.7625.

9/12 and 13. The 4th Annual Oktoberfest in Little River, SC. Celebrate the fall season on the waterfront in historic Little River. Starting at 9AM. and lasting to 6PM, you will enjoy authentic German cuisine prepared by Erna Blome, special musical guests providing live German music, and dancing throughout the day. With free admission to all children under 12, a special Children's Booth holds lots of fun, games, and surprises. More than beer, authentic German music, bratwurst, and polka, Oktoberfest is a great party! For details 843-249-6604.

9/18-27. Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art. The 2009 Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art will be held September 18-20 and September 25-27. Headlining the Festival will be Steve Tyrell, jazz vocalist, arranger, producer. This is a "Kid Friendly" Event. Location is Brookgreen Gardens and Litchfield Plantation. Call for details: 843-237-4774. Online: www.pawleysmusic.com.

9/19. Beach Sweep. Become a part of the "keep the beach clean" solution and join volunteers around the country, state, and nation in this annual event as we band together to "sweep" our beaches clean. In order to make it more fun, prizes will be awarded for certain categories and a raffle drawing will be held for all participants. Drinks will be provided. Appropriate for all ages. Contact Myrtle Beach State Park or SC Department of Parks and Recreation at 803.734.1700 or toll free 866.224.9339.

9/30 to 10/3. Fall Myrtle Beach Bike Rally. Located in Inlet Square Mall Event Grounds at Murrells Inlet, SC. Also, Ragtops and Roadsters Auto Museum, Murrells Inlet, SC. For more information see http://www.myrtlebeachbikeweek.com. 		Guest Comments


I must say after reading reviews about this place, my wife was worried after I had booked a week for us there. I truly believe that everyone one who wrote a bad review about this place stayed at a different hotel. When I arrived, everything was EASY to find, including the lobby. My wife and I arrived before the 4 o'clock check-in time and asked if our room was ready, knowing that we may have to wait, but sure enough, our room was clean and ready for us to begin our vacation. When we arrived to our room, it was perfect. We had everything we needed from a full-size 'fridge to pots and pans which saved us a ton of money on food because the grocery store was less than 5 minutes down the street. We had a great ocean view, and the room was perfect size for the two of us. Here are a few things I liked about this hotel:
  1. Covered parking (it was nice not getting into a 300 degree car)
  2. Location (we were just minutes to everything at MB)
  3. View (from the balcony we had a great ocean view)
  4. Very quiet (there were a lot of families there, and I was never awakened during the night)
  5. Use of the sister hotel (more cool pools and "Tiki" bars)
  6. Service (anything we needed was taken care of promptly)
  7. Staff (all questions answered and great suggestions made)
  8. Value (I felt like I robbed them at the rate we paid for the week)

Over all I got my money's worth, I enjoyed my vacation. My room was well-cared for, and my wife and I were very pleased with our stay at the Horizon at 77th. We will return for future stays there. We hope your stay will be as pleasant as ours was.

Email from TripAdvisor.com from "HandMadeLuck," and spouse, 08.10.09.

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We stayed at the Horizon in May 2009. The hotel was impeccable. ... We enjoyed our stay with you very much and look forward to returning.

Email in a newsletter response from Howarth Family from Canada, 08.02.09.

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I stayed at the Horizon and really enjoyed it. The room was spacious, modern and clean! I will certainly stay here again.

Email in a newsletter response from "Teneya" and family, 08.03.09.

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We were at the Horizon on 77th last week (June 20-27th) and had a great week!! The rooms were fantastic and I really enjoyed staying at the property for the whole week!! We really hated to come back home, but reality sets in, as the bills keep coming! The employees were very nice to us and I really appreciate the kindness offered by your staff!! We will be staying here again in the future!! Thanks for everything!!

Email in a newsletter response from Daniel Family, 06.30.09.



Fun Facts



  • When you spend your vacation time in a seafood capital such as ours, you are bound to want some of our tasty, freshly-caught shrimp. Here are some tips if you buy shrimp to cook yourself:
    • Buy the freshest shrimp you can find (ask when it was caught). If you buy from a boat or roadside stand, ask if the shrimp are the "last drag of the day," meaning the last shrimp pulled up in the net on that given day. Older shrimp might have been dipped in sulfides to preserve them, and you don't want those.

    • Buy shrimp with their heads-on because older shrimp lose their heads within hours.

    • A shrimp holds up pretty well refrigerated for about a week if has been purchased as fresh shrimp and then de-headed, not put in sulfides.

    • Always select shrimp of the same color throughout. If you see any black or orange anywhere on the shrimp, the shrimp has been held too long. Shrimp do turn pink once they are cooked.

  • The strength of human hair is amazing. One hair can support 3kg (6.6 lb) of weight.

  • There are approximately 550 hairs in an average adult human's eyebrow.

  • A woman's heart beats faster than a man's.

  • The sound you hear when you crack your knuckles is actually the sound of nitrogen gas bubbles bursting.

  • Most soccer players run 7 miles in a game.

  • The rules of golf state that players must carry no more than 14 clubs in their bags during the game. Players are well advised to play with the clubs that makes them comfortable.

  • A weekend player or high handicapper might consider leaving drivers and specialty clubs at home and bringing the basics — 3-wood, 5-wood, 7-wood, 5-iron through 9-iron, pitching wedge, and putter.

  • Before playing the Heritage Club, warm up with 3-woods and irons before you step up to the tee box and use your driver. Some holes are sharp doglegs and pitched landing zones, so you will need to be accurate.

    • Forward to a friend or colleague