Columbus Chit Chat: Pelc Spring Break 2012

A few weeks back we decided to take a trip down south to South Carolina. Myrtle Beach specifically. It was a long car ride but an awesome trip. Alex did great in the car (thanks to a Ben 10 DVD!). We drove to Winston-Salem on our first day and then onto Myrtle Beach the next. Here is our story in pictures...

Our stop at the North Carolina travel center. Yes, he is in his jammies!

We found a hotel with a sports bar in walking proximity. Then we headed there to catch March Madness! This was Alex's first trip to HOOTERS. I think he enjoyed it. Let me tell you, don't order the 911 Wings. Your stomach will get the meaning of "911" the next day!

Winston-Salem was only 4 hours from Myrtle Beach so we drove the rest of the way. We reached the Dunes Resort about 1 PM and were able to check in immediately. Each room is furnished with a kitchenette and accessories. We thought the birds made out of towels were pretty neat!

Then we headed to the beach! The temp was about the same as in Michigan so we were prepared with our sweatshirts and jackets!

That evening the hotel showed "Finding Nemo" on the beach. So we grabbed our warm clothes and a blanket from the room and headed down. It was pretty sweet! And chilly!

We woke up bright and early the next day to catch the sunrise.

After the sun came up, we headed down to the beach to scope out the waves and seashells!

So much for attempting to stay dry...
The water was very chilly, but after you stood in it for a few minutes it wasn't so bad...

The resort had two water parks and two outdoor pools. One day we decided to give the outdoor pool a shot. It was cold but Alex loved it.

Getting drenched by the splash bucket!

I think Bob got some water in his eye.

The water park also had a large lazy river. It was a hit!

Here's a panoramic shot of the view from our room...

One day we headed to the boardwalk area. As you can see there is a LOT to do here. Alex fell asleep in the car so we had to take turns carrying him. We got a bite to eat here and took a ride on the Sky Wheel in the background.

Here we are at Jimmy Buffet's Landshark restaurant. Me with a Beer-garita and Alex with his smoothie.

Next up we checked out the Sky Wheel. The Sky Wheel has glass enclosed compartments. It even includes ventilation. Some compartments have glass floors. Luckily enough we didn't have one of those! It was super high up but the view was awesome.

An incredible view!

After the Sky Wheel we headed back to the beach for some relaxation.

The resort also included a mini put course. I think we have a golfer on our hands here...

There was also a very nice playground area for the kids.

It started to rain while we were playing at the playground so we made the decision to check out the Ripley's Aquarium. We've visited the Ripley Aquarium in Tennessee but this was different!

The aquarium featured a shark theme. You travel through an enclosed tube and sharks and fish swim all around. It was creepy but very cool to see the sharks up close.

The aquarium was located in an area called Broadway on the Beach. After the aquarium we walked around to check out some attractions.

Someone didn't make it the entire time...

We stopped to grab drinks and a snack. This was some super awesome calamari. With tomatoes and banana peppers on top. So good!

Broadway on the Beach must be a prime Spring Break location because there were several college age bars there. One place we stopped at was called "Wet Willy's" they had 20 or more frozen drinks on tap. I tried one called Chocolate Thunder and Bob had the margarita.