Avista Resort an Amenity-Filled Retreat in North Myrtle Beach

Choose Avista Resort for exemplary service, quality amenities and a quiet retreat in North Myrtle Beach.  The large resort offers everything a guest might need while on vacation. The rooms are spacious and inviting and the on-site dining options, water features and pristine oceanfront setting adds a lot of value to your stay.

At Avista Resort oceanfront and oceanview condos are available ranging in size from one to three bedrooms.  During my vacation in Myrtle Beach, I stayed in One Bedroom King Oceanview Condo and was pleased with not only the beautiful view but the level of comfort provided too.  The bedroom, which is located towards the entrance of the room, had a flat screen television and sleep-worthy bed.   A private bath situated off the bedroom was much larger than a standard hotel bath which made preparing for the day much easier.  Plus, tiled floors, a pedestal sink and a jetted tub made the bath area much nicer than a typical hotel.  For your convenience, all units at Avista Resort Myrtle Beach are equipped with full kitchens.   Stocked with basic pots and pans, kitchen utensils and plate ware, the kitchen allows you to save on eating out during your visit.  If you’re traveling as a family, it’s also nice to have a full size fridge to store snacks and drinks.   The living area, decorated in ocean blues and yellows, is outfitted with a murphy bed, sofa, café table and chairs, and flat screen television.  It’s a great place to kick your feet up at the end of a day spent at the beach.  A private balcony provides a nice space to enjoy ocean breezes and views.  Try to wake up early one morning and watch the sun rise from your balcony.  It’s worth it!

 

One can enjoy a variety of things to do at Avista Resort.  The water features, which includes outdoor options as well as indoor, total three pools, two lazy rivers, kiddy pool, and three hot tubs.  I especially enjoyed the outdoor poolscape.  Its design created a sprawling space to play, soak up some sun and splash around.  There are plenty of loungers too, so relaxing is a breeze.  A poolside grill makes grabbing bite to eat easy, and if you want to hit the beach it’s just steps away from the pool area.  You can also grab a drink at the end of the day at Treetop Lounge or have dinner at Just Off Main.  If you want to keep up with your fitness routine, the on-site gym is well equipped to help you do so.  You really can do it all at Avista Resort North Myrtle Beach. 

Go On a Musical Journey with Good Vibrations in Myrtle Beach

Good Vibrations is an outstanding show featuring the best of music from yesterday and today.  Attendees are taken on a musical journey through the 60s, 70s and 80s, with stellar showmanship, vocals and dancing highlighted throughout the two hour production.  From the very first note of “We Built This City,” I knew I was in for an entertaining and energetic show filled with nothing but Good Vibrations.

Located at the state-of-the-art Calvin Gilmore Theater, home of The Carolina Opry, Good Vibrations does an excellent job of engaging the audience and keeping guests clapping and singing along to some of their favorite songs.  The fast-pace of the show allows entertainers to perform a variety of hit songs.  Everything from The Beach Boys to Boston to The Beatles, Fleetwood Mac, ABBA and ZZ Top are showcased.  Of course resident comedian Eric Gumm shakes things up a bit and adds lots of laughs to an already stellar show.  Some of his best comedic routines included misunderstood musical lyrics, with songs by Garth Brooks, Eric Clapton and The Who getting the “Gumm treatment.”  There’s even a segment dedicated to Cheech and Chong, two characters that epitomize the good times of the 70s.  The dancers in Good Vibrations Myrtle Beach also deserve recognition – especially clogging group All That.  These gentlemen received some of the loudest applause from the audience, wowing guests with their quick moves.  The group really shined during a “Black Betty” inspired performance which combined the rock edge of the classic Ram Jam song with spirited moves and signature clogging steps.

 

So much musical entertainment is packed into the Good Vibrations show it’s hard to pick favorite selections.  However, renditions of “Rock and Roll” by Led Zeppelin, “Go You Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles, “Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes and “River Deep, Mountain High” by Tina Turner really stood out.  Vocalists Brad Long, Christie Templeton, Gary Brown and Kim Perry Williams proved their prowess on various songs throughout the night, while guitarist Gary Baker dazzled on lead guitar, especially during a performance of Jimi Hendrix’s Star Spangled Banner. 

Good Vibrations is a show filled with incredible talent, endless energy and amazing performances.  Treat yourself to an evening of nostalgic melodies in Myrtle Beach – you won’t be disappointed!    

Families Love LEGOLAND Florida

Geared towards children 12 and under, LEGOLAND Florida is an Orlando attraction where families can visit to build memories and enjoy a day of LEGO-filled fun.  From the moment you arrive at the park you are immersed in a world of giant and colorful LEGO creations.  From interactive shows to engaging attractions, the park is a wonderland of imagination kids absolutely love.

One of the highlights of LEGOLAND Theme Park is the fantastic show “Battle for Brickbeard’s Bounty” at Pirate’s Cove Ski Stadium.  Hosted at 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 3:30pm and 5:00pm, the show is a water-ski live-action performance during which guests are asked to help defeat Captain Brickbeard and his pirate gang.  Around 20 minutes in length, the Pirate’s Cove Ski Show keeps the attention of little ones.  If you sit in the first row you can also use water cannons to shoot at the pirate gang, so try and grab a seat early if you can.  Stay after the show to get your photo taken with one of the LEGO imperial guards, too! 

 

After the Pirate Show, I suggest quickly touring through the botanical gardens LEGOLAND preserved from its predecessor – Cypress Gardens .  A sprawling banyan tree over 70 years old, a tranquil gazebo and lush, vibrant plants and flowers create a horticultural masterpiece worth your time.   It’s also a nice place to take a rest with kids if they start to tire or get fussy. 

There’s a lot to see at LEGOLAND Orlando, what with the numerous displays built entirely of LEGOS and the exciting attractions built just for kids.    Plus, there are even LEGO factories where you can design your own LEGO creation.  Attractions at LEGOLAND put kids in the driver’s seat – literally.  One of the most popular attractions is the Ford Driving School at LEGO City, where kids earn an official LEGO license after they maneuver through the test track.  Kids can also get their flying and boating license at LEGO City.

With ten different lands to explore, LEGOLAND brings to life not only scenes from across these United States but also faraway lands.  Two of the most popular lands include LEGO Kingdoms and Land of Adventure.    At LEGO Kingdoms, kids grin ear to ear while they ride the Dragon Coaster and Royal Joust.  The smiles get even bigger at Land of Adventure where kids can go on a Safari Trek or brave the Egyptian desert during a Lost Kingdom Adventure.  Of course, no trip to LEGOLAND Orlando is complete without a trip to Imagination Station.  Build, test, explore and create while you let your imagination run wild!  Don’t miss the Factory Tour at Fun Town, either, as you can see how LEGO’s are made – a must for any LEGO enthusiast!

A day at LEGOLAND is pure entertainment for those young and young at heart.  Visit the Orlando theme park today to build memories with your family. 

Star Island Resort a Spectacular Orlando Vacation Destination

If you’re looking for a unique vacation experience that puts you just minutes from Orlando attractions yet encompasses you in an amenity-filled resort, choose Star Island Resort and Club.  A Mediterranean design, along with spacious villas and a private setting create one of the best places to stay in Orlando.  The prices at Star Island Resort are also appealingly affordable too.

Upon arriving at Star Island Resort Orlando you immediately know you’re in for a treat.  A private, palm-tree lined drive leads you to the registration and club house building – a place you’ll want to spend a lot of time while you stay at the resort.  The Club House is home to the full service Celebrity Spa, the Star Island Hair Salon, a massive and well equipped fitness center and Chillie Hillie’s gift shop and snack shop (open from 8am-9pm).  Of course, the star of the club house is the pool deck which is one of the finest in Orlando.  Featuring two expansive outdoor pools, indoor/outdoor whirlpools and a kids splash fountains as well as plenty of lounge space, it’s easy to soak up some Florida sun and enjoy your vacation time while staying at Star Island Resort.  The poolside snack bar, which opens at 11am, was a convenient amenity that made my day at the pool even better.  An upstairs bar – The Star Bar – opens at 4pm daily and is a fantastic place to take in the vistas of the resort. 

 

During my visit, I also enjoyed the numerous activities available at the resort.  Nine tennis courts, a large game room, golf driving range and putting green, child’s playground, miniature golf course, nature trail and walking paths, basketball and volleyball court provided plenty of things to do.  Star Island Resort Kissimmee also offers water activities on beautiful Lake Cecile.  Wave runners, paddle boats, kayaks and fishing boats and pole rentals are all at your ready when you stay at this full-service resort.  Supervised children’s activities like noodle races, hula hoop contests and arts and crafts are also scheduled daily.  The location of the resort, which is only four miles from Disney World, is certainly a bonus as well.

The spacious, luxurious villas at Star Island impressed me from the minute I walked into my room.  Every detail, from décor to comfort, was covered.  Villa options range from mini-suites to three bedroom deluxe villas and each villa has a private patio or balcony with fan perfect for enjoying those balmy Orlando days.  Units surround the pool and wrap around the resorts beautiful, landscaped grounds with ponds and water features, creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere.  All villas except the Mini-Suites are equipped with a full kitchen and dining area, washer/dryer, queen sofa sleeper and flat screen televisions.  (Note: The Mini-Suites do feature a kitchenette).  Designed for the ultimate in comfort, the furnishings were light in color and modern in concept and the spaciousness of each unit was an added bonus.  The luxury suites at Star Island have just what you need for to enjoy a vacation in Orlando. 

Indoor Skydiving at iFly Orlando is Extreme Fun

Have you always wanted to skydive? If so, iFly Orlando is one central Florida attraction you must try. How does indoor skydiving work exactly? Simply put, iFly is flying; you will soar on a column of air inside a vertical wind tunnel. The vertical wind tunnel moves air up in a vertical column, creating the indoor skydiving experience. The unique system allows visitors to experience the freefall and flight of actual skydiving without the cost or courage needed to do the real thing.

Kids and adults alike can skydive at iFly Orlando. All you need to do is bring your sense of adventure and a smile. The process is an easy one: Once you check-in you head to the iFly tower where you can watch other fliers test their skills. Soon enough, the training portion of the activity starts. An iFly Orlando indoor skydiving instructor – mine was named Stryker – showed my group how to control our bodies in the flight chamber and outfitted us with flight gear such as a flight suit, helmet, and glasses. Safety first, people! Then, we headed to the flight deck to start our experience.

My group, which had about 10 or so people, filed into the waiting area and watched as Stryker showed off some high-flying moves in the flight chamber. He was like Spider Man in there, hopping from wall to wall and flipping like a gymnast through the air. Purely for show, we were instructed to not try these moves during our turn. Each member of the group gets two flight times, lasting one minute each. This might not sound like a long time, but a minute lasts a lot longer when you’re flying through the air. Your instructor is inside the air tunnel with you, helping you control your body and guiding you as needed.

No worries if you have trouble controlling your body. I didn’t have the moves down perfectly but Stryker made the experience of flying a fun one, especially when he guided me towards the top of the tunnel and spun me around and around at varying heights before we glided back towards earth. (Earth in this case means the base of the tunnel but still – that’s how it felt.) It had to be my favorite part of the iFly Orlando experience! I couldn’t help but have a silly grin plastered on my face and the subsequent photos and video captured it all. That’s right – iFly is shooting your entire session and I highly recommend purchasing the multimedia package available. It’s the only way to see yourself in all your indoor skydiving glory.

Soar with iFly Indoor Skydiving to see what indoor skydiving is all about. It’s a unique activity you won’t soon forget!

Stay at Vista Cay Resort for an Exceptional Orlando Vacation Experience

Envelope yourself in luxury at Vista Cay Resort by Millenium. The sprawling resort is a haven for visitors looking for an upscale retreat in Orlando’s entertainment district as theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort are just three miles away. A tropical setting with a Mediterranean theme creates a sophisticated yet relaxed yet atmosphere where not only the condo suites and townhomes impress but the clubhouse amenities as well.

Upon arriving at Vista Cay Resort I felt as though I was stepping into an exclusive residence. Every detail from the manicured, lush landscaping to the appealing design of the buildings to the elite clubhouse featuring some of the nicest amenities in Orlando created an alluring place to stay on your vacation. One of my absolute favorite aspects of Vista Cay is the Clubhouse. Equipped with a state-of-the-art fitness center (which had views of the stunning pool deck for extra motivation), a movie theater, sundry and gift shop, game room with pool tables, basketball court, business center with printer, and an amazingly refreshing oversized infinity pool overlooking Lake Cay. The oh-so-inviting, sparkling pool is surrounded by sun loungers and has a splash area specifically for the kids. A 12 person hot spa is waiting for you as well and if you’re looking to enjoy the fresh Florida air a 3 ½ mile jogging trail around Lake Cay may interest you. Of course, the private setting and scenic views available at Vista Cay’s pool deck is another reason to spend a relaxing day soaking up some Florida sun. I really can’t rave enough about the Clubhouse and services available at this resort.
 

As impressive as the Clubhouse is the accommodations at Vista Cay Resort Orlando are even more so. Deluxe two and three bedroom condo suites as well as executive townhomes are standard at the resort, all of which are elegantly appointed with the best of today’s modern furnishings. A person could find themselves right at home in the suites at Vista Cay. Heavenly beds, plush furniture, a granite countered and stainless steel furnished kitchen, living room with large flat screen television, formal dining area and spacious master bath with walk-in shower, whirlpool tub and dual sinks fashioned a retreat where you can relax, rejuvenate and reconnect with friends and family. All units are accessed through interior corridors designed to keep you safe and secure during your visit. Details such as crown molding and wainscoting make even the hallways look extraordinary.

You really can’t help but fall in love with a vacation at Vista Cay Resort. The property exceeded my expectations and I’m sure the exceptional quality of the resort will exceed yours as well. Make a reservation with Vista Cay for your next Orlando vacation to experience all the resort has to offer.

Treasure Tavern Blends Cabaret & Burlesque for Adult-Style Show

Eccentric and entertaining, Treasure Tavern is an uproariously good show in Orlando themed specifically for adults. Hosted by Madame Gretta in Pirate’s Dinner Adventure’s very own tavern, the atmosphere is swanky yet laidback with just the right amount of tawdriness. That’s part of the fun, though, as Treasure Tavern blends cabaret and burlesque for one of the most unique dinner show experience in town.

When I attended the Treasure Tavern Orlando show the intimate wood and leather furnished dinner-club style theater was filled with patrons creating a lively atmosphere.  Madame Gretta’s “Jewels,” the beautiful and talented servers assisting you throughout the night, added to the atmosphere as their attire and playfulness played up the burlesque aspect of the evening. One Jewel is quite unlike the rest, however. “Jinx” excelled at the improv bits throughout the night. Corny yet hilarious, her routines had the entire audience in stitches. She was part of a comedy troupe that kept the show rolling from one segment to the next and kept the audience in stitches for most of the night.

The laugher flows pretty easy at Treasure Tavern, as do the drinks. Once I was shown my seat, Sapphire took my drink order and kept a swift hand ready to refill on request. Alcoholic drinks aren’t include in the ticket price of the show, but a full bar is available to serve up any concoction you would like. There is plenty to keep your attention at Treasure Tavern, and during the show zingers, quips and innuendos keep the production fast-paced and continually funny. Definitely a show for adults, the humor is typical for comedy clubs but with enough added vaudevillian-effort to make it stand out from the crowd. Star performers come out to play too, with magicians, a quick-change dance act and Russian acrobats delighting the audience.

Dinner at Treasure Tavern Orlando FL is served in courses throughout the evening. Sometimes dinner at a show can be somewhat disappointing, but not at this show. Treasure Tavern makes meal service a full-on production, with the “Jewels” even performing a tongue-in-cheek “salad” song. Presentation of the dinner didn’t end with the “Jewels,” though. Each course was served in an elegant manner, and was a step above most other dinner show meals. The flavor of the beef tenderloin was on point and the proceeding opera cake was a decadently rich dessert rivaling only the richness of the comedy served during the show.

If you're searching for an outlandish way to spend an evening in Orlando, stop by Treasure Tavern.  It's one of the only Orlando shows specifically for the 18 and older crowd, and certainly one of the most entertaining.