July 2009, Volume 2, Issue 7

Greetings from the Beach, Friends

Even in the economic challenges of 2009, this summer has had its precious moments in one form or other. Many of our guests reconnected with family and friends here at the beach. Also, we met many new guests who turned to us because they found surprisingly great rates, plus we saw even more of previous guests who found that they could stay longer than they originally thought through the price advantages of our special deals.

Some guests came for the July 4th festivities over a long weekend - a relaxing day with great poolside entertainment, music for the occasion, wonderful food from the Shoreline Grill, and later fireworks illuminating the night's sky. Everyone, including the staff, had a wonderful day!

Summer guests who were able to stay longer enjoyed the resort's many amenities, with the youngest of the guests delighting in the arranged children's activities, as we note later in this newsletter. Over 400 kids have participated in June alone. Many children's favorite activities have centered around the pool with the tie-dying of shirts and collecting shark's teeth as popular runners-up.

Guests arrived in groups, too. June and July have also inspired many weddings here at the beach. Horizon was pleased to serve as the requested site for weddings and family reunions (see the section below entitled "Welcoming Groups to Horizon").

Turning the calendar sheets to July means that now we have moved past the half-way point in the year, the point at which the sun reached its highest angle in the sky, approximately June 20th. Gradually, the angle of the sun at noon will now move farther down toward the horizon, beaming its rays less intensely on us. This is good news for golfers, beach-goers, and anyone one outside here in our coastal environment.

At this point in time, anyone who hopes or plans to come to the beach will need to act soon. Fall is only weeks away! After all, advertisements for "back-to-school" items have already begun to appear in the Sunday newspapers. Are YOU still deliberating about YOUR beach vacation? Ask one of our friendly and knowledgeable Reservations staff about special offers on our beautiful vacation accommodations.

If you are one of those who have contacted us with questions to explore a beach vacation, we can offer you budget-friendly rates* between now and Labor Day. Just give us a call or email to see how our specials match with your need to get away while the weather is still warm.

*Subject to availability.

Your Friends at The Horizon at 77th




Golf Along the Grand Strand

So far this year, our golfers have generously expressed their enjoyment of Horizon's amenities and balmy golfing weather. The first is something that our guests have come to depend upon with Horizon - a very good accommodation with delightful amenities and great customer service. The second, the surprisingly comfortable summer weather, has been astounding. More often than not, fairways are toasty, a bit dry, and exceptionally sunny during June, July, and August with a "blanket" of high humidity over everything so that the golf the ball's progress down a fairway is a bit slower and golfers' shirts soggier.

Contrasting the summer's relatively mild conditions, we have been offering some "hot" golf deals, and this fall is no exception. Planning now for fall '09 golf outing is a good idea because tee times will fill up. Our skilled golf agents can match your needs with the Grand Strand courses, plus offer guidance, should you request it, in finding golf club fitting services, lessons, or other related assistance in the golf industry.

  • Burroughs and Chapin Package ~ spanning geography from Myrtle Beach to North Carolina, this package includes Grande Dunes, Tidewater, Myrtlewood Palmetto and Pine Hills, Meadowlands, Farmstead, and River Hills Golf and Country Club. Offering a unique combination of design and location, these courses run alongside the Intracoastal Waterway and marshland areas, changing elevation and scenery. All levels of golfers will enjoy these Burroughs and Chapin courses, so ask your Reservation agent about "The Grande Daddy" specials (3-night or 5-night special).

  • Myrtle Beach National Package ~ When you play these courses, you will tread in the footprints of legendary greats such as Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. The package includes the courses of Aberdeen, The Long Bay Club, SouthCreek and West Course at Myrtle Beach National, Litchfield Country Club, Waterway Hills, River Club, Willbrook Plantation, and the ever-popular King's North. Design and vista will take your breath away. Enjoy the four-course package or the six-round package for greatest cost savings.





Can You Believe How Few Weeks of Summer Remain?

July 4th is behind us (and wasn't THAT a great Independence Day party that we had by the pool!). Guests enjoyed themselves all day long, eating, soaking in the pool and surf, and enjoying the live entertainment of Brian Tiernan. And if we missed seeing you and saying "hello," we certainly hope that you were here!

So, now the count-down begins before school resumes and the end-of-year parties are planned, so for those yet to take their once-a-year get-away to the beach, check out our web site first (Horizon at 77th) for late summer deals or give us a call at 866.413.8310.

One idea might be to plan a multi-tasking vacation - that is, you come for the rest and relaxation at the same time you take advantage of South Carolina's tax free weekend on August 7-9 where you can stock up on essentials for the school year. The three-day "sales tax holiday" is held annually beginning at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ending on the following Sunday at midnight. More information about the tax free holiday is available through the state web site at www.sctax.org. Certainly, the location of Horizon at 77th lies near the outlet malls of Highways 22 and 501, plus the large indoor malls (Coastal Grande and Myrtle Beach Malls) - no shortage of places to take advantage of the state's tax savings weekend.



Free Tickets for Kids

One of the money-saving features of coming here to the beach is the cost-savings in entertainment. Two of the best deals in town appear below. If you have children ages 16 and under, entertainment cannot be less expensive when it is FREE!

Both Legends in Concert and The Alabama Theatre are offering free children's tickets, as described below, from now to Labor Day:
  • Legends in Concert, an chance to experience an replication of a legendary music great such as Elvis Presley, The Blues Brothers, Tim McGraw, just to name a few. Enjoy an event suitable for the entire family, a concert experience with all the thrill of live performances. From now through September 6th, kids* are free.

    *2 free children's tickets (ages 16 and under) per paid adult to Legends' concert performances. For details 843.477.5678.

  • The Alabama Theatre, a fast-paced live variety show right here in North Myrtle Beach features everyone's favorite tunes, from country, mo'town, and classic tunes. The whole family will have a great time, plus children are free through Labor Day for performances on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays with 7-day advance booking*.

    *2 free children's tickets (ages 16 and under) per paid adult to Alabama Theatre on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. For details, 843.272.1111.

By the way, also "free" in a "buy one / get one free" deal are tickets to Freestyle Music Park (see details at www.FreestyleMusicPark.com) if purchased before 4 pm until Labor Day. This exciting music-themed amusement and entertainment park near Highway 501 makes a great place to spend the day because it features age-appropriate activities for the entire family with plenty of action and pizzazz for the energetic, plus places to sit and relax.

What money-saving deals these are at the height of summer!




Featured Employees - Joe Hafner and Cemile Kahraman

At your next visit to Horizon, say hello to Joe Hafner and Cemile Kahraman, two of our staff members serving guests at the front desk. Cemile comes from The Netherlands and is an intern with the American Hospitality Academy (AHA).

Both Joe and Cemile enjoy their work with the guests, meeting new people, and helping everyone in making their vacations special! Great smiles go a long way in helping a weary traveler to settle in and begin to relax on vacation. Good job, Joe and Cemile!




Featured Recipe - Warm Peanut Butter Dip

Looking for something quick to serve as a snack or hold-over to the next meal? This recipe makes 6 servings.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup Skippy Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread
  • 1/3 cup Welch's Reduced Sugar Strawberry Spread or Concord Grape Jelly
  • Sliced apples or other fruit (or even veggies)
  • Graham cracker sticks, pretzels, or crackers of your choice

Directions:

  • In 1-quart microwave-safe bowl, layer cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly. Microwave on HIGH for 1 minute or until heated through. Serve with fruit, veggies or crackers of your choice.
  • Tip: As an alternative to microwaving the dip, bake it in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 20 minutes or until heated through. The baking takes a little longer but adds extra flavor.
  • Serve on a tray with a selection of fruit and crackers.



Groups Staying at Horizon

To book a group engagement, whether it requires the full effect of catering and a public address system or just accommodations, just go to our web site under "Reservations" and click on the menu option for "group reservations." Staying at Horizon is perfect for large groups of any purpose because of our many options for the individuals included.

This past month, Horizon welcomed several sports teams to the resort:
  • Indiana Cobra's
  • Lady Phoenix
  • Charlotte Hurricanes

At Horizon, guests have ample room to spread out, have fun, and take part in activities of their own interests.




Local Events Calendar for August

Information about the Grand Strand area's diverse sightseeing options is available on our web site, as well as through the many local information sources. Here is a sampling of several events in August:

Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Live and lively performances of song, dance, and comedy at Alabama Theatre where kids are FREE (ages 16 and under from now through Labor Day on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, and SATURDAYS, with booking at least 7 days in advance). This is a really special deal to see a variety show of a life-time.

August is TEACHER APPRECIATION MONTH at Teacher Appreciation Month at Broadway at the Beach. Teachers receive special discounts by showing their faculty ID cards to receive a "Preferred Guest Card." 843.444.3200 or www.BroadwayAtTheBeach.com.

Now through 8/14. Charlotte's Web at the Palace Theatre, presented by Long Bay Theatre. Performances occur on Tuesday and Thursday at 10 am, and again on Friday at 2 pm. Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach. For tickets, 843.448.9224 or online https://palaceticketstheatremyrtlebeach.com.

8/1. Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts presents its first annual Swinging Fore the Cure Charity Golf Tournament at Kings North located at Myrtle Beach National. MBSR and Kings North at Myrtle Beach National are honored to host this tournament benefitting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For more information, www.mbsrannualgolftournament.com, or Brenna (251.3519) or Jenna (655.1409).

8/7-9. Craftsmen's Summer Classic Arts & Crafts Festival. Myrtle Beach event featuring original work from over 250 talented artists and crafts people. Hours: Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5 336.282.5550. The Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

8/8. Dog Days Blues and Jazz Fest. Little River, SC. Live music non-stop at this blues and jazz festival. For more information, 843.399.9463 (Ext. 4867).

8/14. The Stones-A Tribute to The Rolling Stones Band, presented by the City of Myrtle Beach in its Sun Fun Concert Series. 7 pm concert at Celebrity Square, Broadway at the Beach. For information, 1.800.FUN.INMB (or 386-4662).

8/21. From the Forest to the Sea: Myrtle Beach State Park Maritime Forest Stroll. From 9:30 am to 10:30 am, experience the unique natural wonders of our Southern environment in a leisurely � mile walk, seeing forest, grassland, and beach. Meet at the Nature Center, 4401 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575. For more information 843.238.0874 or go online to www.myrtlebeachsp.com.

8/31 to 9/4. PGA Tour World Am Handicap Championship Golf Tournament. Four-round competition on a different Grand Strand course each day. All amateur golfers with an established USGA Slope Handicap or equivalent 18-hole handicap are eligible. Deadline for entries August 1, 2009. For more information, www.worldamgolf.com.

See our web site's section "Events Calendar" under "Activities" for a more complete list. Should you see an event here and want accommodations to see it, here is a booking link: click here.
Guest Comments


I really enjoy my stay at Horizon Hotel and the place is lovely and the staffs was very helpful and friendly. I looking forward to coming back next year. This is the vacation that I only dream about. Thank you for making my dream a reality. See you next year.
Email through Horizon's Information Online, from K. Hall, June 17-21 Stay.

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We stayed at Horizon at 77th from June 20 to June 27. We enjoyed our stay very much. The maid service was excellent. We were three couples and two small children. The rooms were beautiful. We loved the pools and lazy river. The only thing we missed was not having a couple of frying pans. We would recommend this room to other people and would definitely stay here again.
Email from Newsletter Response from P Ziemba, July 1.

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Hello my family stayed at the Horizons at 77th property the end of May. We were all so pleased with the accommodations and the friendliness of the staff. The rooms were decorated great and the layout was wonderful. The kids (ages 4 and 6) had a blast at the lazy river and the kiddie pool inside. We enjoyed our stay so much that we all ended up staying an extra night because we didn't want to leave. I loved the fact that there were DVD players in each room. One night we all rented a movie of our choice and one for the kids and we all enjoyed our different movies in our respective rooms. I can't wait to plan our next trip because we know where we will be staying!!!
Email from K McCoy from Greensboro, NC, Response to stay July 6th.

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My husband and I stayed a few days for our honeymoon, and it was amazing! The room was like a mini condo. Washer/dryer, dishwasher, stove/oven, microwave, stainless steel sink, marble countertops, full-size refrigerator/freezer, full shower/bath with jets, king sized bed, 2 wall/mounted flat-screen TV's, etc. The balcony and every window had an ocean view which was great because I had never seen an ocean! They have many pool options-indoor and out-even a hot tub. The only problem was that all the pools were 3ft deep or less! We could see other hotel pools from our balcony, and they were just as shallow, though. The room was very clean and comfortable. The staff was polite and helpful as were everyone we met. The front desk was always occupied. The attendants gave us maps and directions and were more helpful than I expected. When we got there the room wasn't ready, and my phone wasn't working, so the guy at the desk sent a text to my family on his personal phone to let them know we had arrived safely! We went for lunch and came back and the room was ready. The hotel is about 1 block (sidewalk-no cars) from the beach and a few minutes from downtown and Broadway at the Beach (also very cool-like and outdoor mall). Another amazing feature is the 4 level parking garage that begins at street level. The hotel is on top of this, so the first floor is actually the fifth floor! I could tell that the majority of the rooms were ocean views. I loved the city and people. It is a tourist area so I guess people are afraid to break the law due to serious consequences, which is great for tourists! Everyone was polite and friendly and helpful. We are planning to take our children in the near future for a family vacation.
Email on TripAdvisor.com from "VioletMist" from KS, 07.11.09.




Fun Facts



During the last week in June, Horizon's guests enjoyed 109 frozen daiquiris, 278 smoothies, and 504 chicken wings, and lots of other tasty things to eat. Makes a person want to get some lunch by the pool!

The longest word in the English language with no individual letter appearing twice is "uncopyrightable."

There are four words in the English language in which all of the vowels appear in alphabetical order: "facetious," "abstemious," "annelidous," and "arsenious."

"Screeched" and "strengths" are the two longest one-syllable words in the English language.

Cats have language too. Cat lovers, did you know that meowing is not for other cats but for you. Cats meow to communicate with humans.

Fish do not have eyelids. This design works well for them because eyelids hold moisture to eyes, but since fish live in water anyway, they don't need added moisture to their eyes. So don't ask a fish to blink; if you do, he'll just look at you.

India has the most post offices in the world.

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't. (quotation credited to Erica Jong)

The "heads" side of a penny weighs more, so it ends up on the bottom more often.

Toothpaste dates back to 1,500 years before Crest and Colgate. Long before shops sold pre-made toothpaste, most homemade toothpaste recipes added charcoal to clean the teeth. In the 19th century, toothpaste evolved to become tooth powder.

The tallest building in the Western Hemisphere (Sears' Tower) has been renamed the Willis Tower and has undergone a $350 million "green" retrofit, making the 110-story office tower a beacon for environmentally sound space. Engineers have reduced its electricity consumption by 80% and its water usage by 40 %.

Canadian scientists are breeding a special burp-less type of cow, a breakthrough that could reduce a significant source of greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

Most of the methane produced from cows comes from their belching, 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide as a greenhouse gas.

As of 2006, 200 million blogs were left without updates.

Iceland has the highest concentration of broadband users in the world.

The total combined weight of the world's ant population is heavier than the weight of the human population.

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