Set Sail with Pirates Voyage for Swashbuckling Entertainment on the High Seas

Ready to set sail with Pirates Voyage? Myrtle Beach’s newest show features fun, feast and adventure as two pirate crews battle it out for the rights to Davy Jones’ lost treasure. The show bills itself as “The Most Breathtaking Dinner Show Ever” and after seeing the show, I have to agree!
 

Pirates Voyage is an immersive experience from the start as pre-show festivities begin at the interactive Pirate’s Village at about an hour before show time.  Be sure to get there early, grab some popcorn and a tasty rum (or non-alcoholic) drink and learn to talk like a pirate, enjoy sing-a-longs, juggling and even some sea lion showmanship, along with other strolling entertainers.  During the pre-entertainment, kids can join the pirate crew by getting outfitted with pirate make-up and costume (for an additional cost) as well as hunt for buried treasure.  It’s great fun for the kids and they even get to take part in lessons on how to be a proper pirate, complete with sword play. 

Just as I was getting my “Aarrgggh’s” and “Ahoy’s” perfected, it was time for the show to start.  Once inside the main arena, I was impressed by the epic staging.  Known as Buccaneer Bay, guests are seated around two pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep, 750,000-gallon lagoon.  Attendees are divided into pirate crews – Crimson or Sapphire – and are urged to cheer their crews on as they battle for treasure on the high seas with about 30 actors tumbling, swimming, singing, dancing and sword fighting their way to victory.  Pirates Voyage Myrtle Beach begins with the introduction of the Captains for both pirate crews, with Captain Red Scarlet leading the Crimson Crew and Captain Indigo Blue in charge of the Sapphire crew.  Creamy vegetable soup and cheddar biscuits are served promptly after pirate crew introductions and the fight for treasure is on.   I was amazed at the acrobatics displayed with pirates leaping from diving boards, tumbling across the decks, and jumping from ship to ship with ease.   All of this happens while you’re dining on your Pirate Feast.  Succulent chicken, savory barbeque ribs, mashed potatoes and corn on the cobb are piled high on your plate.  No matey goes hungry at Pirates Voyage as dessert, an apple pie turnover, rounds out the feast.

The show features comedy too, as First Mate Snipe’s shenanigans routinely keep him just out of trouble’s reach.  Other highlights include an aerial dance mermaid segment, set to an original Dolly Parton score, raising the drama to new heights with acrobatic dives and a dramatic lagoon fire scene.  One of my favorite portions of the show featured talented sea lions who want to be pirates.  They dance and do creative tricks all before a storm brews inside Buccaneer Bay.  That’s when the real fight to the death begins, as the ghost of Davy Jones rises from the lagoon and declares a Pirate Competition, the winner taking the prize of Davy Jones’ lost treasure.  From pirate crew diving competitions to a rope swing relay race to Labrador and sea lion swim-offs, the competition is a fast-paced, action-packed segment. 

No pirate competition would be complete without some audience participation, though.  Bilge Bucket Brigade was the most entertaining segment as participants had to quickly fill a barrel of water using buckets with holes in them.  Watching that scramble brought barrels of laughs for all.  A final Pirate Relay Race rounds out the festivities before cheating claims mars the competition and a sword fight to settle the score takes place.  The incredible energetic showmanship and skills of the pirates mesmerized me, but soon enough the ghost of Davy Jones appears, all pirates are declared winners and the lost treasure rises from the lagoon, and both pirate crews join in a rousing performance of “Treasure of Gold” to close the show. 

Get ready for a swashbuckling experience at Pirates Voyage Myrtle Beach SC, a show for buccaneers of all ages. 

Pet-Friendly Ocean Park Resort Gets Two Paws Up

Are you the type of traveler who likes to vacation with their pets?  If so, I have the perfect place for you to stay in Myrtle Beach – the Ocean Park Resort.  The resort has comfortable yet affordable accommodations and also recently earned the ranking of the #3 pet-friendly hotel in the nation, giving it a thumbs up (and paws up) from its travelers.   

Some of the reasons the Ocean Park Resort has received such a high ranking is for their pet-friendly price point.  For only $15 a night, guests can have their furry friends at their side while they enjoy all that Myrtle Beach offers.  They also have on-site dog-grooming services, including pet’icure, teeth brushing and custom cut and style services.  Plus, there is a pet potty area, outfitted with anti-bacterial synthetic grass, on the first floor parking deck of the hotel that is stocked with doggie bags. A park is also located next door, perfect for walking your pet.  There are pet policies guests must follow, all of which you can find in our Ocean Park Resort FAQ section.

One of the hardest parts about traveling with a pet is finding a hotel that is not only pet-friendly, but has quality accommodations for humans as well.  Thankfully, at Ocean Park Myrtle Beach their units are clean, value-friendly rooms that provide all of the amenities and comforts one looks for while on vacation.  There are three room types to choose from – Oceanfront One Bedroom, Ocean View Standard and Oceanfront Efficiency – all of which feature a private balcony.  The oceanfront rooms are equipped with full kitchens (upgraded kitchens available in the one bedroom units), with the ocean view units equipped with microwave and fridge.  Both unit types have flat screen televisions, with the Oceanfront One Bedroom unit featuring a second flat screen TV in the bedroom.  The linens and bedding were high quality and restful, and the case goods in-room, as well as bathrooms, were standard but in good condition. 

One of the highlights of a vacation at Ocean Park Resort Myrtle Beach are their property amenities.  They include a spacious oceanfront sundeck, heated indoor pool, outdoor pool, kiddie pool and hot tub, and direct access to the beach.  The pools all sparkled clean, too.  My absolute favorite amenity was the oceanfront sundeck equipped with rocking chairs.  It was a wonderful place to greet the morning and, if you wake up early enough, to enjoy a gorgeous sunrise over the ocean.  The additional green space, outfitted with lounge chairs, also created a nice oasis for soaking up the sun and relaxing.

Overall, I would recommend Ocean Park Resort to not only travelers with pets but to travelers looking for a quality place to stay.   

Note:  As an Ocean Park Resort guest, you guest you have free access to Wild Water and Wheels, a sixteen-acre park filled with 24 slides, lazy river, lagoons, and more that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Atlantic Breeze Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach a Modern Standout

If you’re looking for an oceanfront Myrtle Beach hotel that is modern, spacious and boasts amenities that make your stay not only comfortable but enjoyable, then Atlantic Breeze Ocean Resort is the property for you. 

Specializing in fully-furnished suites, oceanfront three bedroom and partial ocean view two bedroom suites are the standard room type.  Both suite types feature glass-paneled balconies – a huge selling point as the views of the ocean are unobstructed by railings.  The furnishings are upscale and modern, and make you feel right at home.  From the kitchen, outfitted with sleek black appliances and granite counter tops, to the living room with flat panel TV, queen sofa sleeper and floor to ceiling windows, the attention to detail is apparent.  All of the case goods throughout the suites are in excellent condition and the bedrooms are all equipped with a flat panel TV and restful beds. 

The Atlantic Breeze Myrtle Beach oceanfront three bedroom suite is the premier unit to stay in at as it has an oversized balcony directly facing the ocean that can be accessed from both the living room and master bedroom.  The master bath is identical in both the three and two bedroom suites, with both equipped with whirlpool tubs and dual sinks.  The guest baths feature curved shower rods, sizeable vanity and square footage larger than your average hotel bath.  The layout of both units features the guest bedrooms towards the entrance, with the living area and master suites towards the ocean front/ocean view area.  Overall, both suites feature a spacious design that serves guests well during their stay

Diving into the property amenities available at Atlantic Breeze Resort, you’ll be pleased to find  an oceanfront heated pool and lazy river, zero entry kiddie pool, oceanfront deck with hot tubs, seasonal indoor pool with atrium enclosure and numerous sun decks throughout the property.  A beach access boardwalk and seasonal tiki bar add to the sun in the fun. 

Even better, as an Atlantic Breeze guest you have free access to Wild Water and Wheels, a sixteen-acre park filled with 24 slides, lazy river, lagoons, and more that is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Dixie Stampede Branson Features Family Fun at its Finest!

Dixie Stampede touts itself as the most fun place to eat in the Branson, and after attending the show, I have to agree!  From start to finish, the show features nonstop entertainment, including singing, dancing, trick riding, comedy and a friendly North and South rivalry that had me stampeding my feet in delight. 

The show I attended officially started at 6pm, but be sure to get there early for the Carriage Room show opening act which begins at 5:15pm.  Dick Franco, the featured performer, had me laughing along with his jokes and amazed by his juggling expertise. 

The Dixie Stampede Branson tickets include a delicious feast, which is served promptly after the introduction of the armies and cavalries.  I was seated in the North section and loudly cheered on my troops and cavalry as they were introduced.  While the friendly North and South rivalry got started, I enjoyed a hot bowl of Dixie’s creamy vegetable soup, along with a yummy cheddar biscuit. 

While enjoying the rest of my first course, I was awed by the roman riding and fiery hoop jump the skilled riders and horses performed, as well as the “Into the West” segment of the show which paid tribute to frontiersmen and Indians and featured “Sha-Kon-O-Hey,” written by Dolly Parton, as well as an amazing aerialist who gracefully soars high above the audience.  The buffalo were a highlight of this segment of the show as well, as they stood their ground in the settlers-themed arena.  Skeeter, the pesky and hilarious Dixie Stampede comedian, kept the show rolling with funny jokes, shenanigans and magic tricks too. 

Before I knew it, the dinner bell rang and my plate was being piled high with a whole rotisserie chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob and herb-basted potato, all while more spectacular trick riding, comedy and a beautiful tribute to the South is performed.  Not soon after, the competition begins between the North and the South, where horsemanship and other feats are tested.  Some of the competition is also done between audience members, such as the chicken chase for little ones and horse shoes for the adults.  Plus, Skeeter gets in on the rivalry as he hosts races between mini-horses and pigs.  The audience was roaring with applause and stampeding thunder as they cheered on their respective side, a sure sign everyone was having a great time at the Dixie Stampede Branson. 

As the show winded down, I dug into my flaky apple pastry and watched the competition heat up as the North and South were neck and neck.  The very last event – Pass the Flag – includes the entire audience and during my visit, it sealed the win for the North!  The show finale is a patriotic salute to America as riders and horses in luminous costumes perform to Dolly Parton’s “Color Me America.”  It was the perfect way to end a night that truly was the most fun place to eat in Branson.

Camden Hotel Branson Newly Renovated for 2012 Season

The Camden Hotel is a newly renovated Branson property located conveniently near Branson shows and Branson Outlet shopping, with Tanger Outlet Mall within walking distance.

The Camden Hotel Branson has new brick exterior and has received various amenity upgrades, including new mattresses, linens, curtains and flat screen televisions in all rooms. The hotel offers guests a selection between Double Queen and King rooms. Their price is appealing to money-minded travelers, as is the hot complimentary breakfast which includes biscuits and gravy, waffles, eggs, and other breakfast staples and the complimentary cookies, ice cream and cobbler served in the evening. It’s a great treat to have before you visit Branson attractions. An on-site guest laundry facility and 6,000 square foot convention space with great view of the Ozarks is also available for guest use.

The Branson Camden Hotel is still in the process of being renovated, so guests should note the indoor pool area is currently under construction as is exterior brick work on the hotel buildings. Over the winter, new tile and sinks are expected to be installed in the bathrooms of the hotel rooms at the Camden Hotel. In 2012, this property will debut an all-new look but the same customer service their loyal guests have come to expect.

See the Smokies in all their Splendor with Scenic Helicopter Tours

Scenic Helicopter Tours is the top Pigeon Forge attraction to go to see the Smokies in their entire splendor. With a variety of scenic tours to choose from, guests leave satisfied and awed by their helicopter tour. Take my word, as I recently went on my very first helicopter ride with Scenic Helicopters and can’t say enough about the wonderful experience.

After arriving at the Scenic Helicopter Tour headquarters in Sevierville, I was greeted by friendly staff that told me about the tour I had chosen. I felt assured my experience would be safe and memorable, and soon after climbed into the front seat of the copter, adjusted my headphones that let me communicate and hear pilot Dan Haynes, and was off the ground. The initial lift is a unique moment, as before you know it you are flying above the ground you were just standing on.

I had chosen the Gatlinburg Tour, or Mountain Valley Tour, and it provided the perfect mix of scenic images from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bluff Mountain and Tennessee Valley. It rained in a few short patches during my tour, forming a beautiful smoke over the mountains, creating a memory of the truly Great Smoky Mountains no other experience had been able to do. Credit has to be given to Dan Haynes, who navigated and narrated the trip with ease. Some of the most memorable moments include soaring over mountain tops into a vast valley down below, seeing the Smoky Mountains from the best vantage point you can imagine and the pure joy I felt my simply flying above it all. It is not an experience to be missed.

I recommend everyone make Scenic Helicopter Tours Pigeon Forge a part of their Pigeon Forge vacation experience.

Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge is Family Fun at its Best!

Dixie Stampede touts itself as the most fun place to eat in the Smokies, and after attending the show, I have to agree! From start to finish, the show features nonstop entertainment, including singing, dancing, trick riding, comedy and a friendly North and South rivalry that had me stampeding my feet in delight.

The show I attended officially started at 6pm, but be sure to get there early for the Carriage Room show opening act which begins at 5:15pm. Mountain Ruckus, the featured performers, pick and grin their way through some sing-a-long style tunes and a few other interesting ditties that got me ready for the main event.

The Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge tickets include a delicious feast, which is served promptly after the introduction of the armies and cavalries. I was seated in the North section and loudly cheered on my troops and cavalry as they were introduced. While the friendly North and South rivalry got started, I enjoyed a hot bowl of Dixie’s creamy vegetable soup, along with a yummy cheddar biscuit.

While enjoying the rest of my first course, I was awed by the roman riding and fiery hoop jump the skilled riders and horses performed, as well as the “Into the West” segment of the show which paid tribute to frontiersmen and Indians and featured “Sha-Kon-O-Hey,” written by Dolly Parton, as well as an amazing aerialist who gracefully soars high above the audience. The buffalo were a highlight of this segment of the show as well, as they stood their ground in the settlers-themed arena. Skeeter, the pesky and hilarious Dixie Stampede comedian, kept the show rolling with funny jokes, shenanigans and magic tricks too.

Before I knew it, the dinner bell rang and my plate was being piled high with a whole rotisserie chicken, pork loin, corn on the cob and herb-basted potato, all while more spectacular trick riding, comedy and a beautiful tribute to the South is performed. Not soon after, the competition begins between the North and the South, where horsemanship and other feats are tested. Some of the competition is also done between audience members, such as the chicken chase for little ones and horse shoes for the adults. Plus, Skeeter gets in on the rivalry as he hosts races between mini-horses and pigs. The audience was roaring with applause and stampeding thunder as they cheered on their respective side, a sure sign everyone was having a great time at the Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge.

As the show winded down, I dug into my flaky apple pastry and watched the Rumble in the Treetops salute to the North highlighting the skills of lumberjacks. From log climbing to sawing and chopping competitions, the lumberjacks raced from one event to the other as I cheered on the North. The very last event – Pass the Flag – includes the entire audience and during my visit, it sealed the win for the North! The show finale is a patriotic salute to America as riders and horses in luminous costumes perform to Dolly Parton’s “Color Me America.” It was the perfect way to end a night that truly was the most fun place to eat in Pigeon Forge.