North Myrtle Beach Travel

Pack Efficiently for Your North Myrtle Beach Vacation

2012-01-28T16:10:00.000-05:00

Don’t let the little things complicate your beach vacation. Start off on the right track to avoid family conflicts. Your North Myrtle Beach vacation begins when you drive out of your driveway or board the plane to the coast. To make your trip more enjoyable, follow our tips on how to pack your car or prepare your luggage for a flight.

Road Trips are a great idea when traveling. Most of the time, you’ll spend less money than flying and you get to see the countryside. It is important that everyone in the automobile is comfortable and has enough room to stretch, especially after a two-hour, or in some cases, five-hour nap. Don’t clutter the seats with luggage, that’s what the trunk is for! Keep only in-car entertainment on hand, such as an interesting book or iPod. Avoid packing perishable food, as spoilage may occur if packed improperly, and could provide an unpleasant odor the rest of the trip. North Myrtle Beach is a haven for grocery stores. Buy your food locally on vacation.

Think these folks packed just a little too much into that wagon?

Make use of all nooks and crannies when packing the car, but don’t stuff the available trunk space. Pillows, blankets, and linen are great, and they don’t take up much room. These things can easily fit into small spaces between luggage. Leave your windows free and clear and make sure you can see out into traffic. You wouldn’t want to wreck on your way to North Myrtle Beach by not being able to properly see out the windows.

Use common sense when packing your car. What do you really need to bring on vacation? If you find the back end of your sedan weighed-down and nearly touching the pavement, then you’ve packed too much. Grills, kitchen appliances, coolers, bikes, and beach equipment are either provided with your North Myrtle Beach Vacation Rental, or are offered for rent through area vendors. Remember to only pack the necessary clothes, bathroom supplies, and limited entertainment options. Guests always go back home with more than what they brought, due in part to the great shopping at the beach.

You have to be even more efficient if you’re flying to North Myrtle Beach. Checking bags can get pretty expensive these days. It’s not unusual to spend over $40 per bag to check. Try your best to pack everything in a suite case that will fit in an overhead compartment. Certain liquids and sharp objects can’t be taken onboard an airplane. Remember to carry on a good book or an iPod as flights can get boring.

The more efficient you pack, the more money you will save. Lighter cars will save you more gas money, and carry-on bags are mostly free on flights. Don’t subject yourself to any conflicts on your trip to North Myrtle Beach.

View Available North Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals HERE

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

The Best Time To Rent

2012-01-20T16:33:00.003-05:00

The summer season is definitely the busiest time of year for vacation towns such as North Myrtle Beach. School is out, the weather is hot, and many families like to be around for Independence Day to participate in the festivities on the beach. While there is no doubt that the most action takes place between Memorial Day and Labor Day, things start to heat up much earlier and folks like to stick around much later than the traditional summer season. Some people are more flexible in their vacation dates and want to know the best time of year to plan their trip. The answer to that question depends on what you want to get out of your time here.

Some vacationers look forward to the excitement of the tourist season and can’t wait to make friends on the beach, go out with fellow out-of-towners, and swim in the warm water of the Atlantic. If this is you, then June, July, and August offer the most activity. There are more people in town during July 4th week than any other week of the year, mostly because of family traditions and the Grand Strand’s impressive Independence Day events. Our famous summer-long fireworks displays are among the East coast’s favorite, the Myrtle Beach boardwalk area is bustling with activity, and the nightlife is in full swing.

For those who prefer thinner crowds, less traffic, and cooler temperatures, spring is a fantastic time of year for a trip. Though the ocean is sometimes too cold to swim, the weather stays in the 70s and 80s during April and May. Since school is still in session, families will save their trip for later in the summer. This allows for some of the most prime conditions for a vacation. All the local businesses are open, and even the seasonal ones will open in March or April. You can also take advantage of offseason prices at this time. After summer, mid-September to mid-October offers some of the best weather of the year. The ocean is still warm, the days are still long, and there is still plenty to do. Though most of the crowds have gone home, many will stay through October to golf, lounge on the beach, shop, and enjoy the area’s attractions. Remember, prices go down after Labor Day. So if you are unsure of when to take your vacation and are concerned about saving a few dollars, consider the late or early offseason and call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals to book!

North Myrtle Beach Weekend in Review

2012-01-14T15:37:00.000-05:00

January is a popular time for snowbirds to visit the beach to enjoy our mild winter and exciting events. The winter Shag weekend is here and Ocean Drive of North Myrtle Beach is alive with sounds of beach music and tapping feet. Myrtle Beach has captured the Nation’s attention as the GOP candidates gather for a debate at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

Carolina Shag events take place in North Myrtle Beach throughout the year, and the winter Shag weekend is this weekend, January 13th -15th. Many Shaggers take the entire week to make the most of a trip to the beach. We still have vacation rentals available, if you’d like to participate in the action! Even if you don’t dance (shag), there is still plenty to do in and around the beach. Most area attractions are open in the off-season.

The Republican Presidential debate will be hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on January 16th. Visitors from all over the Nation are in town to participate in the political events. As you can imagine, tickets to the Debate are sold out. You may want to try and catch your favorite candidate at congressional town hall meetings, or mingling with the locals.

Aside from all the exciting things happening in the off-season, we are looking forward to a great summer season in 2012. Our beautiful North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals still have dates available for upcoming spring and summer weeks. Call ahead for special occasions with nightly rentals.

Written By: Brandon Moss of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, 2012

North Myrtle Beach an Affordable Family Destination

2012-01-07T15:48:00.001-05:00

You want to take your family on vacation this year, but the money situation is still a little tight for 2012. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals believes everyone deserves a memorable family beach vacation. North Myrtle Beach is an awesome family-friendly destination with lots to do and see. Our beach won’t break your bank, and you’ll be traveling back home with more money than you can imagine by following a few simple money-saving tips.

Invite the whole family down to North Myrtle Beach to enjoy a vacation. How great would it be to share the experience with relatives? When was the last time your family shared a vacation rental home or condo with cousins? Family reunions are an extremely popular vacation trend, and it serves as a chance to catch up on all the current events in your extended family. Ask family members to chip in to the total cost of the vacation rental. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind donating a few extra dollars to have fun at the beach – miles away from home.

It's free to build sandcastles on the beach! Little goes a very long way...

One major advantage to vacationing in a vacation rental vs. a hotel or resort room is that you have a fully equipped kitchen to cook some great meals. Save vacation dollars by dining in more, and eating out only a couple nights in North Myrtle Beach. Get creative, research coastal recipes, and cook a new meal for the family! Prepare for your feast, and visit local fresh seafood markets for the daily catch and unique seasonings.

Another way to save big on your North Myrtle Beach vacation is to buy attraction tickets in advance on the internet. Most, if not all, popular attractions sell tickets through their websites. You may be able to save up to 15% off the gate or admission price just by buying your tickets in advance. Plus, you won’t have to waste time by standing in long lines at the ticketing booths on site at the attractions. It does make a difference on the cost of your vacation, especially for large family groups. Mix up the adventure on your vacation, and visit Ripley’s Aquarium or Myrtle Waves Water Park.

I have only touched on a few of the many ways you can save on your next North Myrtle Beach family vacation. Visit our Specials Page to view seasonal deals on our vacation rental properties, and check out our Endless Fun Club to save real vacation dollars at popular area attractions, shops, and restaurants! We all know how important vacations are; don’t let it slip by in 2012.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

A North Myrtle Beach Vacation in 2012

2011-12-31T15:31:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving and Christmas is now behind us for 2011. New Year’s Eve brings one more chance to celebrate this year. We celebrate the passing of this year, and what our resolutions are for 2012. Make sure to include a North Myrtle Beach family vacation in your list of New Year’s Resolutions, as everyone needs a little rest and relaxation in the year to come.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals believes that vacation time is just as important as fitness goals, family plans, and financial stability. In fact, a family vacation will help you re-connect with family and eliminate some of that debt cluttering up your pockets. North Myrtle Beach is an attractive and affordable family destination that will most definitely contribute to lasting memories from 2012. Our gorgeous beach has great attractions, Broadway-Style shows, lots of shopping malls and outlets, outstanding seafood and steak restaurants, and hundreds of highly rated golf courses just a short drive from your vacation rental home or condominium.

Make a commitment to treat your family to a great vacation in 2012. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals makes planning a vacation a breeze. Our vacation rental inventory provides a great selection to even the most-limited budgets. Guests can take advantage of our Endless Fun Club for exclusive discounts at area businesses. Get started right away, and give us a call at 877-287-2977 to plan your next vacation!

Visit Ocean Drive Beach Rentals on the web!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Merry Christmas! From North Myrtle Beach

2011-12-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals would like to say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all their fans. Staff members all have great things planned with family over the course of this weekend. Our North Myrtle Beach office will be closed on Saturday and Sunday – opening back up on Monday December, 26th.

L to R: David, Marlene, Jake, and Brandon. Merry Christmas!

Guests in North Myrtle Beach for the Christmas holiday are enjoying warm weather and special theme shows and events. We won’t be getting any snow, and our temperatures will likely hover around 60 degrees. That’s warm enough for a Christmas Day walk on the beach, playing a great game of frisbee, or building sandcastles.

If you missed out on Christmas at the beach this year, don’t forget us next year. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will always have great holiday promotions that add more value to your North Myrtle Beach holiday plans. Visit our website and check out detailed information about our vacation rental properties, both homes and condos.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Time to Plan for a North Myrtle Beach Vacation in 2012

2011-12-17T12:12:00.001-05:00

Come splash around in our warm ocean in 2012!

Although the holidays are not quite over, some people have started planning their 2012 North Myrtle Beach summer vacation. Colder weather has come, and it’s easy to recall summer memories of lazy beach days, laying by the pool, or visiting popular area golf courses. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is seeing an increase in reservations for 2012 by early birds who want to make sure they have the best choice in rental properties for their vacation.

Our rental properties are filling up fast already for 2012, although we do have lots of options still available. It’s the best time of the year to make your vacation plans, especially if you know right now when you can take off from work. If you have your sights on a specific property right now, make sure you lay first claim to it. Keep your eyes and ears out for special seasonal promotions. One great idea would be to gift a North Myrtle Beach family vacation for Christmas! Your family would love a summer beach vacation as a gift.

New properties have been added to our rental program during the winter months. Whether you’re planning a week long family reunion or a simple weekend escape with your significant other, we have various types of properties in all North Myrtle Beach locations. All our vacation rentals are close to the beach. Call us today, at 877-287-2977, or visit our website to plan a memorable vacation next year!

Written By: Brandon Moss of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, 2011

Sun Splash Joins Ocean Drive Beach Rentals of North Myrtle Beach

2011-12-10T13:09:00.000-05:00

Sun Splash, of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals in North Myrtle Beach

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals would like to welcome Sun Splash to our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals program. Located within an easy walk to the beach, this private vacation rental cottage provides for the perfect family beach vacation experience. Its coastal personality brings you back to the simple joys of spending quality time with family and friends.

Vacationing families who are looking for a nice, inexpensive vacation rental home will love Sun Splash! This nautical themed North Myrtle Beach cottage features a spacious interior with a more traditional feel. It’s got all the modern amenities you could want, such as multiple TVs, DVD player, and WiFi internet access. Beautiful wood flooring covers the main living areas, as well as all the bedrooms. A big hit with guests is the private sunroom off of the living room.

Spacious living area with a classic nautical theme

Three clean, refreshing bedrooms with real wooden flooring

Enjoy the ocean views from the living room, sunroom, and front deck. The large backyard provides fenced privacy to enjoy outdoor family games and picnics. Both the front and rear decks provide plenty of room for socializing. Sun Splash is a dog-friendly vacation rental, and is sanitized before every new guest. This North Myrtle Beach vacation rental will sleep up to 15 persons.

Sun Splash is located in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. Experience the festive atmosphere of Main Street, as you are a short walk from popular beach clubs and specialty shops. You’ll be in close proximity to popular Grand Strand attractions and shopping malls. Hundreds of golf courses lie within a half hour’s drive from this vacation rental.

Large decks are perfect for reading your favorite books

Call today and book your North Myrtle Beach family vacation in Sun Splash with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. Not only will you receive exceptional value at this beach cottage, but you can take advantage of special value-added programs through our rental program, such as the Endless Fun Club. Check out additional information on Sun Splash by clicking through on this link. Spring and summer weeks will fill fast in this property; dial 877-287-2977 to plan your next beach vacation.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Nights of a Thousand Candles of Myrtle Beach

2011-12-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

Our mild winter weather is perfect for a visit to the Myrtle Beach area. You can still enjoy beach activities, our golf courses, and plenty of indoor options. Theatres with live entertainment provide for great winter fun. You’ll want to check out Brookgreen Gardens, as an outdoor wonderland of art and wildlife.

Brookgreen Gardens is located in Murrell’s Inlet, just south of Myrtle Beach down Highway 17. Internationally known for their impressive displays of horticulture and sculptures, they also host a spectacular Christmas event every year called Nights of a Thousand Candles. Every Friday and Saturday night in December, the gardens are lit with a beautiful combination of electric lights and thousands of hand-lit candles. The atmosphere feels almost surreal as you wander through mazes of brilliantly lit trees, hanging Spanish moss, and wonderful works of modern and traditional sculpture created by renowned artists.

Several scenes are set up throughout the gardens which feature vocal ensembles, jazz groups, and bell choirs. The music sets a holiday mood as you stroll along the pathways between each exhibit. While the emphasis is placed on the nighttime ambience and soft light, there are still trees in blossom and green fauna everywhere – impressive considering the season and chill in the air.

Nights of a Thousand Candles provides hours of family fun. You’ll want to plan your time wisely so you can appreciate each piece of art and light displays. The musical performances last until the gardens close at 10:00 pm. Refreshments and drinks are available for purchase. Have dinner at their onsite restaurant before the tour!

Don’t miss this impressive attraction while you’re here at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals of North Myrtle Beach. Your family will want to make it an annual Christmas tradition!

Written By: Brandon Moss of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, 2011

North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade - December 3rd

2011-12-01T17:15:00.000-05:00

H.G. Worley with our mascot, Odie the Dolphin, during the 2010 parade

We hope to see you at this year’s North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade, set for this Saturday, December 3rd. Several floats will be motoring down Main Street to Ocean Boulevard in familiar holiday fashion, with marching bands, beauty queens, and local personalities. The annual celebration kicks off at 5:30 pm and lasts until at least 8:00 pm.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will be passing out assorted candy from their brightly decorated holiday float. As an even sweeter gift, we will also be passing out our popular signature beach frisbees. Make sure you get to the parade route early, so you can stake out that perfect spot to watch the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade with family and friends.

Our 2010 North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade Float

We love participating in the Christmas parade. It gives us a chance to celebrate the holidays with our family, friends, and meet new people. Some spectators even put on as much of a show as the parade itself. Countless elves and Santa impersonators always stick out in the crowd. Stay tuned to Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ Facebook page and vacation blog for event pictures in the coming week.

Dress warm! Saturday’s North Myrtle Beach forecast is calling for sunny skies, with high temperatures topping out at around 65 degrees. Expect the temperature to drop to around 45 – 50 degrees by the time the parade kicks off. There is no rain forecasted until late next week.

For North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, please follow this LINK. Thanks!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

TJ's of North Myrtle Beach

2011-11-26T16:38:00.000-05:00

TJ's of North Myrtle Beach

TJ’s is the newest member to Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ vacation rental program. The 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom beach house is located in the Cherry Grove Beach section of North Myrtle Beach. It features a spacious interior with all the comforts of home.

A traditional and inviting living room with plenty of space

Guests staying at TJ’s will enjoy two levels of living space, with a large living room and a well-equipped kitchen including granite countertops. There is a full bathroom on both levels. As a standard amenity, a clothes washer and dryer is located in the house. This rental includes high speed internet access, DVD players, and a TV in each bedroom (not that you would be spending any time away from the sand, sun, and surf).

Imagine...relaxing to all the night sounds of the Carolina coast

No North Myrtle Beach vacation is complete without adequate family space outside. Guests staying in this house will enjoy a large screened porch. Uncommon in many vacation rentals at the beach, there is a sizable back yard – perfect for cook-outs and outdoor games! TJ’s is just a short walk from the beach, located in a safe neighborhood.

Make sure you check out TJ's before you reserve your North Myrtle Beach vacation. This may be the rental that's perfect for your family. You can find more information by following this link on the Ocean Drive Beach Rentals website. Remember, you'll get more room and value from a beach house vacation rental than a hotel room.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Barefoot Church in North Myrtle Beach

2011-11-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

People escape to North Myrtle Beach to relax from every day life. Work and school really takes a toll on us, and the Grand Strand is the perfect cure for that. But, there are some things that visitors would like to remain constant even while on vacation. Sometimes, our guests will ask for advice on where to go for Sunday Church Services.

Barefoot Church, of North Myrtle Beach, is located on Main Street – not far from Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. They have both Saturday night and Sunday morning services. A children’s play area next door will keep the kids busy, and will allow them to worship with kids their own age. Pastor Clay NeSmith is a youthful, engaging speaker that will have you thinking deeper into spiritual things. His passionate messages are challenging, yet simple and easy to relate to.

Barefoot Church brings a unique, live worship style to North Myrtle Beach. Worship is highly non-traditional; think rock concert with lights, electric guitars, drums, and worship leaders that encourage the congregation to sing and get excited. They play new contemporary worship songs from the new generation without losing the basic message of Christian spirituality. Brandon Moss, of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, plays the drums in the worship band and loves serving the church while expressing worship through music.

You’ll want to check the website for the Barefoot Church for year round events. There are Men’s and Women’s ministries, a youth group, and several other groups you can participate in. Beach Baptisms are a popular celebration for those who want to be baptized on vacation in the ocean and fellowship with other believers. Awakening is a monthly service that features worship and a special message. Barefoot is also involved in benevolence programs that help feed the poor and assist disaster victims. Before each weekend service, they even invite everyone to have a meal, whether you belong to the church or not. It is a wonderful church experience. Check out their website for service times, directions, and live streaming services!

Surf the website HERE for Barefoot Church!

Written By: Brandon Moss of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, 2011

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' Newest Penthouse in North Myrtle Beach

2011-11-12T17:24:00.000-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals just added a gorgeous penthouse to their vacation rental program, located in the Windy Hill section of North Myrtle Beach. Windy Hill Dunes 1603 lies on the oceanfront with stunning panoramic views of the wide, sandy beach below. This 5 bedroom and 4 bathroom penthouse features over 3,400 square feet of space for ultimate relaxation!

Wake up to gorgeous ocean views every morning!

Guests will enjoy large ocean-side balconies, of which are accessible from the master bedroom, dining area, and living room, and the comfortable outdoor furniture. Granite countertops and cool tile flooring compliment the spacious interior. A wet bar, with a complete set of glassware, and electronic fireplace add to the joy of entertaining at the beach. There are ocean views of North Myrtle Beach from most of the bedrooms.

Windy Hill Dunes provides lots of amenities for guests staying with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. Adults and children alike will love the lazy river, swimming pool, and hot tub - all of which are located outside. There are multiple permanent grills located on property. Free parking, with an air-conditioned walk-over the boulevard, and glass elevators with views add to the comfort level for visitors. Guests staying at Windy Hill Dunes 1603 can take advantage of a private beach access to the beautiful wide, sandy beach of North Myrtle Beach.

Luxury accommodations with space and views!

Imagine napping in this bed

Large gourmet kitchen with granite counters

Take a moment to check out additional information on the online property profile page for Windy Hill Dunes 1603 at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. You’ll be able to view additional pictures, a detailed property description, and year round rental pricing. Would you love to reserve this property for vacation? You may book a reservation online, or give us a call directly at 877-287-2977.

See you at the beach!

Your beach awaits!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Fall and Winter Vacations

2011-11-05T13:13:00.003-04:00

It’s November, and the cold weather is beginning to settle on the Grand Strand. While snow is normally nothing to worry about here, it can and does get chilly over the fall and winter months. Temperatures dipping down into the teens and twenties will convince people to keep off the beach and stay indoors to keep warm. But there’s still plenty to enjoy in the offseason!

Many snowbirds make their winter home in North Myrtle Beach to escape the weather in their hometowns and take advantage of the many activities outside of the tourist season. Even though you may not want to stay outdoors too long, the views are still spectacular. If you still want to be by the ocean and feel the brisk sea breeze, an afternoon walk on a pier or on the beach is invigorating. A beach game like Bocce ball or Frisbee is a fun way to pass the time. With the holidays just around the corner, shoppers will be hitting the malls and Broadway at the Beach. A day of Christmas shopping with a break for hot chocolate or coffee can be a great way to stay warm on a cool day. Outdoor enthusiasts might take advantage of a local fishing fleet’s late-season trip, and fish off the coast in the Gulf Stream. If you don’t mind the cold, this is a great time for fishing in South Carolina. You might also want to plan to attend one of the area’s fall and winter festivals. Market Common in Myrtle Beach has wine tastings and a tree-lighting ceremony. Little River has a Christmas Market on the Oceanfront. And North Myrtle Beach has the Endless Summer Festival and Shag dancing events. If you want to stay inside, maybe plan on seeing a Christmas production at one of our famous theaters, or a simple dinner-and-movie night with a loved one.

Though our region is known for summer fun, cold-weather activities can be just as exciting. Check out Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ website for fall and winter promotions to save money, and come see why North Myrtle Beach is a great vacation choice, no matter what season!

Written by Brandon Moss of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, 2011

Weekend In Pictures: 2011 Endless Summer Festival of North Myrtle Beach

2011-10-31T15:43:00.000-04:00

A cold, windy and cloudy morning gave way to sunny afternoon weather for this year’s Endless Summer Festival, held October, 29th on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals enjoyed meeting new friends at our booth. We handed out freshly-popped popcorn, our signature frisbees, and Halloween candy to visitors. Several attendees entered our drawing for a Free Weekend at the Beach and $100 gift certificate for a 2012 vacation. Those people who attended the celebration enjoyed arts & crafts displays, food vendors, and live entertainment at the Horseshoe on Ocean Drive.

We hope you make plans to attend the 2012 Endless Summer Festival in North Myrtle Beach.

Jake Foutz, our Marketing Director, tends to our festival display

Jake Foutz (L) and Brandon Moss (R) of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Free frisbees!

Festival-goers enjoying the sunshine

Shopping and Adventure at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach

2011-10-22T15:39:00.000-04:00

Our destination has lots of activities, including the beach, which will keep you busy while on vacation. Enjoy the family fun such as shopping, dining, attractions, golfing, and comfortable movie theaters. Broadway at the Beach, in Myrtle Beach, offers an atmosphere where you can take advantage of all those activities in one central location.

Primarily a large outdoor shopping complex, Broadway at the Beach takes what most people love about “getting away” and combines it into a single experience. Visitors will have no problem spending an entire day browsing the outdoor mall, playing a round of mini-golf, exploring ocean life at Ripley’s Aquarium, and topping off the day with dinner and a movie. Catch a summertime Pelicans game in the baseball stadium next door! There’s an arcade, a small amusement park with rides, and the new WonderWorks museum (the famous upside down building). Cool off at the nearby Myrtle Waves water park, and race go-karts against family and friends at the Nascar Speedpark. Popular themed restaurants, such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Hard Rock café, Senor Frog’s, and Planet Hollywood are all within walking distance. Liberty Brewery brews their own beer and has some great meals as well.

Enjoy Myrtle Beach nightlife at the many clubs that crowd Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach. Catch live Broadway-Style shows year-round at the theatres that surround the complex, Legends and The Palace. All of which are situated around a small lagoon community connected with boardwalks.

Broadway at the Beach is a must-see attraction for anyone staying at the beach. Barefoot Landing, by the House of Blues, offers a similar shopping and entertainment atmosphere. Save money at the nearby attractions - Ocean Drive Beach Rentals sells discounted tickets for Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Waves, and the Nascar Speedpark.

Written By: Brandon Moss - Vacation Rental Specialist, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

North Myrtle Beach is Represented at the Vacation Rental Managers Association Annual Conference in Orlando

2011-10-15T17:12:00.000-04:00

Jake Foutz, Marketing Director for Ocean Drive Beach Rentals in North Myrtle Beach, attended the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) Annual Conference October 9th – 12th in Orlando, Florida. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals attends both regional and national VRMA events to better understand the vacation rental industry and to gain a competitive advantage of the current market trends that affect our niche of vacation travel. This conference was the second-largest annual conference in the history of the Association.

Orlando hosted over 60 educational seminars and incredible keynote speakers this past weekend at the Annual VRMA Conference. Hundreds of vacation rental companies throughout the country and abroad were present to take advantage of several networking opportunities with other successful companies. Conference attendees learn how to improve their company’s bottom line, better serve their homeowners, market their destination effectively, and keep guests happy to come back for more.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals can take advantage of a lot of information that I got from the Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. I learned quite a bit, especially about how much of an impact social media will have in the travel industry in the future. Vacation rental companies have to embrace social media tools, such as Facebook, Google +, and company blogs to stay in touch with their audience and learn what kind of services and amenities they enjoy. - Jake Foutz

About the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA)

Founded in 1985, the VRMA is the professional trade association of the vacation rental, property management, and hospitality industries. Membership includes hundreds of professional vacation rental manager and associate suppliers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, representing tens of thousands of vacation rentals, condos and villas.

The Endless Summer Festival in North Myrtle Beach

2011-10-08T14:54:00.001-04:00

Make plans to attend the North Myrtle Beach Endless Summer Festival, held on October 29th. The Saturday – only festival lasts most of the day (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and is packed with fun for the whole family. It will be located on Main Street at Ocean Boulevard, with most of the free live entertainment taking place on the stage at the famous Horseshoe of Ocean Drive.

Visitors have swarmed to the Endless Summer Festival in the past, and we’re expecting nothing less this year. Typically, over 10,000 people attend this one-day event to celebrate summer’s end. North Myrtle Beach hosts several arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, a classic car show, carnival rides, street performers, and live bands at this annual event. There is no admission charge. Best of all, the gorgeous beach is just steps away from the festivities!

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals confirms that they will have a display once again at this year’s Endless Summer Festival. We’ll be giving away free gifts and will have a drawing for a free vacation at our Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort, of which is located on the oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy freshly-popped popcorn and take a picture with Odie, our dolphin mascot. See why Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is the place to host your next family vacation on the Grand Strand.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' 2010 Display

H.G. Worley, of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, popping corn in 2010

Let Ocean Drive Beach Rentals find you that perfect vacation rental property to stay in while you’re in North Myrtle Beach during the weekend of the Endless Summer Festival. Our properties are spacious, well-kept, and offer full kitchens and living areas. Take advantage of our Extend Your Vacation promotion and add on a free night or two to your stay.

Clich HERE for available vacation rentals in North Myrtle Beach during the Endless Summer Festival.

What's happening in North Myrtle Beach this fall? Click HERE for information on all other popular festivals and events.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Extend Your North Myrtle Beach Weekend

2011-10-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

The fall festivals are in full swing in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding coastal communities. We’re enjoying beautiful 70-degree weather, perfect for various outdoor activities. Beach crowds are now down to a bare minimum. Our Grand Strand boasts a great weekend escape for all family sizes.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has the best fall weekend rates in North Myrtle Beach! Come down for a nightly stay this fall and extend your stay for free. When you book a 2-night stay with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, you’ll get an additional night added at no charge. The deal gets sweeter if you book a 4- night stay – get an additional 2 nights free! Click through on this link to learn about the latest promotion at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals.

How about a nice fall picnic on the beach?

It’s not uncommon for the mild beachy weather of North Myrtle Beach to last into the winter months. The Grand Strand of the Carolinas has proven to be a hot destination in the off-season. Popular restaurants still cater to fall visitors, and most attractions are open year round. There are several top shopping malls and outlets that dot Myrtle Beach. Golf tends to heat up as the weather cools down.

The Extend Your Vacation promotion is perfect for couples or families who would like to escape to the beach for a break from work or school. We all hate leaving North Myrtle Beach after visiting for such a short time. Now you can extend your stay for free! Call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals today and schedule a weekend away from home.

Phone Number for Ocean Drive Beach Rentals: 877-287-2977

Click HERE for visit Ocean Drive Beach Rentals on the web!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

North Myrtle Beach Life

2011-09-30T11:34:00.000-04:00

One great thing about living in a popular tourist destination is that it feels like you’re on vacation every day. North Myrtle Beach restaurants, golf courses, and beach spots are places you may pass on the way to work or while running errands. You might think that these attractions would become commonplace and boring if you live right next to them through the year. However, the opposite is true.

The beach is much better when it’s only 10 minutes away from your living room. Full time living in North Myrtle Beach allows you to explore the area and pick your favorite places to eat, drink, and play. Experiencing these activities helps recommend them to others.

Food:

North Myrtle Beach is clearly not lacking on great restaurants. Endless buffets with delicious seafood, fine dining establishments, and family-friendly restaurants crowd Highway 17 - each with lights brighter than their neighbor and marquees boasting “crab legs on the buffet” or “half price lunch specials.” I like to skip Restaurant Row and visit the smaller hidden gems.

One of my favorite restaurants is Thai Season, located a few blocks south of Main Street on Highway 17. It’s got that small town attitude and a tiny sign – you’d miss it if you weren’t looking for it. Inside, it’s small, clean, and quiet. Their food is outstanding, and the wait staff is very friendly and fast. Thai Season is priced reasonably, at around $11 per meal, and offers a great take-out service. This is definitely the place to go for authentic Asian cuisine.

Drinks:

There are great classy, metro-style pubs and restaurants in North Myrtle Beach. You can get away from the younger college crowd and escape on a date night with your significant other. Sea Blue offers an upscale atmosphere with an extensive list of fine wines. Seasoned bartenders create refreshing mixed drinks, made using only the top-shelf brands. Food is made-to-order with fresh, high quality ingredients. Try their Maryland crab cakes; wonderfully crispy and served with vegetables and homemade sauce.

North Myrtle Beach Fall Festivals:

Come to North Myrtle Beach in the off-season and enjoy our fall festivals. From motorcycles and Ford Mustangs, to the Shag, beer, and oysters, there is a reason to party for most anything. The Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest is set for October 8th, in downtown Myrtle Beach. Enjoy the live music, street shows, and concerts that are taking place at the popular annual event. There is also another Oktoberfest this weekend in the Market Common district. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals keeps a current list of events on the website. Click through on this link to learn more about our great fall festivals!

North Myrtle Beach is vibrant all through the year. Whether you live here or vacation here, you already know about all the fun you can have at the beach. Try new things, as you never know what might be the highlight of your stay!

Written By: Brandon Moss - Vacation Rental Specialist, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

North Myrtle Beach Photo Contest Winner Announced

2011-09-24T16:27:00.001-04:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, of North Myrtle Beach, picked the winner of their 2nd Annual Endless Summer Photo Contest on September 17, 2011. Fans of the popular vacation rental company’s Facebook page submitted vacation photos for a chance to win one of three great prize packages. The grand prize winner was to receive a voucher for a free weekend stay at the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Club, with a $100 check for spending money.

Aondria Berry, from Knoxville, Tennessee, won the contest with her beautiful picture of a North Myrtle Beach sunrise. As part of her grand prize package, Aondria will get to spend 2 lovely nights in the oceanfront Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort; in the Ocean Drive section of the north Strand. A $100 check is a great compliment to the package, of which can help with gas money or a night out on the town. Pay close attention to future projects by Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, as her winning picture may be used in content.

Aondria Berry, first place

The second place prize package goes to Savannah Robinson, from Sevierville, Tennessee. Savannah earned the prize of an official North Myrtle Beach t-shirt and a surprise gift that goes along with the shirt. Her beach portrait describes perfectly of what a Grand Strand vacation is like; relaxed and care-free. Laura Hartman, from New Haven, Indiana, won third place with her clever footprints in the sand photo. For her prize, she won a gift bag from Ocean Drive Beach Rentals.

Savannah Robinson, second place

Laura Hartman, third place

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals hosts a vacation photo contest every summer. We love to see what our guests are up to on vacation in North Myrtle Beach, and the memories they choose to capture on film. There are tons of great photos that are submitted; it’s so tough to pick three winners out of the bunch. Click through on this link to view more photos that were posted by our awesome Facebook fans.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

The Best Sunny Spots in North Myrtle Beach

2011-09-17T12:06:00.000-04:00

North Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are famous for many things. We’ve got beautiful resorts, expansive and abundant golf courses, fresh seafood, family entertainment, and mild climate. But, there’s one thing that draws millions of people to come back year after year, our gorgeous beach.

Thousands of vacationers fill the beaches in the North Myrtle Beach area on any given day in the summer season, enjoying a swim in the Atlantic, tossing a frisbee, building sandcastles, or just soaking up the rays with a magazine. While you can do any of these things by just stepping out your oceanfront condo and onto the sand; there are some choice spots in the area that stand out, and there are also some hidden gems that could become your regular go-to place on the beach. Knowing the best places to park and enjoy the ocean will save you time and money.

If you’re visiting in south Myrtle Beach - residential areas tend to have great beaches that are not crowded. There is plenty of free parking. Look for the gravel-paved lots from 34th avenue north, up to 51st avenue north. Some of these public beach accesses have showers, so you don’t have to worry about the kids tracking lots of sand into your car. Parking tolls in south Myrtle Beach don’t charge into the off-season, but the parking can be scarce

Photo by: David McClain

Staying in the North section? You can always secure a great spot for yourself if you hit the beach early. Bigger resorts guarantee crowds. If you’re willing to drive or walk a short distance up the road, you’ll have a better experience all together – with more beach space and less crowds. Free parking can be found from 8th avenue north, to 18th avenue north.

Guests of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals have enjoyed the fishing piers in Cherry Grove Beach, one at 34th avenue north, and the other at 60th avenue north. A small inlet, around 60th avenue, provides a great place to relax on the beach. The water is shallow there, with minimal waves and lots of sandbars to explore. Rent jet skies from one of the vendors and cruise the day away on the inlet.

It’s important to know what the locals know to get the most out of your North Myrtle Beach vacation. Our beaches are some of the best on the East Coast. Now you know where to find the best spots in town to enjoy the sun and surf.

Written By: Brandon Moss - Vacation Rental Specialist, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Auto Care in North Myrtle Beach

2011-09-10T15:29:00.001-04:00

Most of our guests opt to drive into town rather than fly. Usually, it costs less than a flight and you’re able to bring more luggage and beach gear on vacation. Just because your mind is on vacation once you leave home doesn’t mean that vehicle maintenance takes a vacation as well.

A few tips for your trip to the Grand Strand:

Make sure you do a thorough fluid check before leaving for North Myrtle Beach. Oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are extremely important. If these aren’t at proper levels, your automobile can be in severe damage. Have a mechanic service your car before going on a long road trip.

Think fuel efficiency and don’t over pack your automobile. The heavier your car, or the most add-ons (trailer, luggage rack, bike rack, ect…), the less fuel efficient it is. Pack smart and economical to help you save money on your trip to North Myrtle Beach. Also, plan a route with plenty of gas stations. 10 hour trips require quite a few restroom breaks, and you’ll be assured of enough fuel for the trip. Running out of gas in the mountains of West Virginia is not an enjoyable experience.

1985 Volkswagen Vanagon GL

Visit a full service car wash when you’re in North Myrtle Beach. Many contaminants such as tar, oil, salt, and bugs can damage your automobile on the way to the beach – not to mention the misty salt air along the coastal Carolinas. Sparkle Car Wash is a great local full service wash that many of our guests have recommended. It’s important to the life of your car to have it washed regularly, especially while on vacation.

Follow the advice above, and your road trip to North Myrtle Beach will be more enjoyable. Don’t forget pillows or in-car entertainment, such as movies and games. They become necessities on the long drive to the beach.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

North Myrtle Beach Property Management

2011-09-05T12:18:00.000-04:00

Do you own a home or condo in North Myrtle Beach as a second home or just an investment property? Have you considered renting your property out as a vacation rental – allowing guests to rent your home on a nightly, weekly, or monthly term? Renting your property as a vacation rental can be very rewarding if you have the right property management company supporting your venture.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, of North Myrtle Beach, has the experience to keep you ahead of the trends in the vacation rental industry. Our proactive business model helps us stay ahead of dramatic economic changes that could affect your investment. Homeowners enjoy peace-of-mind with our in-house housekeeping and maintenance staff. We’ve got that “family business” atmosphere and team work that many other area companies lack.

August, 2011 Homeowner Postcard. Design by Jake Foutz.

We were the first property management company in North Myrtle Beach to harvest the relationship marketing power of Facebook, and the social importance of maintaining a company blog. It didn’t take long for other companies to catch on to Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ innovative marketing processes. We already have an impressive reach; being in business for just over two years! Having captured the attention of industry marketing gurus, our website remains one of the most well-developed sites in the vacation rental industry. The usability and bright design has turned many heads.

We’d love to host your property in 2012. Please give our office a call at 877-287-2977 for more information on our property management services. Our property services email is: ownerservices@odbeachrentals.com. We’ll talk to you soon!

Check out our beautiful website! www.odbeachrentals.com

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Irene Takes a Pass on North Myrtle Beach

2011-08-27T16:21:00.000-04:00

North Myrtle Beach escaped serious damage from Hurricane Irene this past weekend. Irene, which was originally forecasted to hit the Myrtle Beach area directly, dropped dramatically in strength and changed to a more North-Easterly path at the last minute. The category one hurricane swept through the area on the way to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Big, Bad Hurricane Irene - photo courtesy of the NOAA

The greatest effects of Hurricane Irene were felt early in the morning. We had an entertaining evening of showers and thunderstorms. Although we did receive incredible amounts of rain and heavy wind, it wasn’t enough to cause any serious damage or flooding in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding coastal areas. By the afternoon, streets were littered with branches, leaves, sand, and patio/deck furniture. Few trees were uprooted and there was minimal beach erosion.

Business is running as usual through the weekend. The week ahead looks beautiful and will be perfect for beach activity. Come down to North Myrtle Beach for Labor Day weekend and bring the whole family with you.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Summer's End in North Myrtle Beach

2011-08-20T17:04:00.000-04:00

Summer has flown by way too fast. It seems like just yesterday, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel opened before a highly enthusiastic summer crowd. With extremely low rainfall these past few months, our guests experienced beautiful summer days with lots of sunshine! We’d hate for the North Myrtle Beach summer to end. Extend your summer as long as you can with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals!

Photo By: Krista Watkins per the 2011 Endless Summer Photo Contest

It’s never too late to make your Labor Day Weekend plans for a North Myrtle Beach escape. This is the last chance to grab a slice of the summer excitement. Bring your family to the beach to enjoy the fireworks shows and local festivals, such as the Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival (September 2nd – September 4th). The beach will be packed with the holiday crowds and popular shops will be offering Labor Day specials galore! Browse our inventory of vacation rental homes in North Myrtle Beach to see which properties are available for the coming holiday.

Can’t make it to the beach for the Labor Day Weekend excitement? North Myrtle Beach is the most economical vacation destination to visit this fall! Warm fall weather, mild ocean temperatures, low beach crowds, and a wide variety of attractions makes the Grand Strand a favorite with our Northern friends. Most restaurants, attractions, and shopping centers still cater to a growing off-season vacation market. You’ll find the lowest vacation rental prices outside of the summer season.

Check with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals to see how you can escape for a weekend, week, or a whole month to enjoy the coming off-season months. All of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rental properties rent year round. It’s not unusual to see prices $1,000 less than what they would be during the summer months.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

2nd Annual Endless Summer Photo Contest

2011-08-13T16:43:00.001-04:00

It’s time for Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ 2nd Annual Endless Summer Photo Contest! We want to see how much fun your family had in North Myrtle Beach this summer. While sunsets tend to be the most popular photographs, we are really searching for a picture that shows the whole family having a great time.

Winner of our 2010 Endless Summer Photo Contest - By Kelly Godden

Submit your photo(s) to our Facebook page for a chance to win cool prizes! The photos that you submit must be taken in North Myrtle Beach and not a professional photograph. Please mention by caption that the photo(s) are for our Endless Summer Photo Contest. The theme of this year's contest is "Family Fun." We'll pick three photos as winners on Saturday - September 17th, 2011. Winner will be contacted through Facebook. You must be a Fan of our Ocean Drive Beach Rentals Facebook page to be eligible for a prize.

Three Categories of Prizes are as Follows:

1st Place Grand Prize: $100 check and a free two-night stay in the off-season at our Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort **

2nd Place Prize: 1 North Myrtle Beach T-shirt.

3rd Place Prize: Gift bag from Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Get rolling! We want to see some great pictures from your vacation!

** The Grand Prize, Free Weekend at the Beach, is only good for the off-season months of September - May. It must be used my May 31st, 2012. Transportation and meals are not provided, however - we do offer a nice $100 check for you to use how you wish.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

New Staff at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals in North Myrtle Beach

2011-08-06T16:39:00.001-04:00

As the summertime has been growing, so has Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. While David Robinson joined us as our new controller in June, we added Brandon Moss as our second Vacation Rental Specialist, and Shane Vereen as a full time maintenance man. We’re proud that both of these skilled individuals have decided to join our talented staff, and hope that you’ll take the time to introduce yourself when you visit North Myrtle Beach next.

Shane Vereen is skilled in construction, HVAC systems, and handy man services. He is extremely efficient and knows how to get the job done right. If anything goes wrong with your rental property, he’s on the scene immediately. Our guests find that he has a great personality and that he’s easy to get along with. You can be rest assured that he’ll help make your North Myrtle Beach vacation a memorable one.

Our newest addition, Brandon Moss.

Brandon Moss -

I moved to Myrtle Beach in the summer of 2010 from Colorado. My wife and I moved out to the coast for the sole purpose of trading the Rocky Mountains for the Atlantic Ocean. We love the warm weather of South Carolina, and living by the beach is great! I have a background in music, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Colorado State University. I still play various instruments, but mostly stick with drums. Working at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is great, and I love helping people have fun while they’re on vacation. The Grand Strand is much more than a beautiful beach, and it’s great to share fun things to do around North Myrtle Beach with people who are here to get away.

Pet Friendly Options in North Myrtle Beach

2011-07-31T20:20:00.000-04:00

You don't have to leave home without your best friend. More vacation rental properties are accepting dogs in North Myrtle Beach. Most of the staff at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals own pets, and realize how difficult it is to find a house-sitter while on vacation. We believe that we have a solid selection of properties that can help in your dilemma.

As with most rental properties in North Myrtle Beach, some of our pet friendly rentals offer pools, lazy rivers, and other popular amenities. Click through on this link to view all our pet friendly offerings. All these rentals will be charged a pet fee - to make sure they are cleaned properly after departure. Follow up on our Pet Friendly Information page to view helpful tips if you're planning on bringing your dog(s) on vacation.

August is here, and you'll find the best prices of the summer! Book with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, of North Myrtle Beach - where you won't have to sell an arm and a leg to bring your dog down on vacation with your family. Let us know how we can better accommodate that extra family member.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

On the Road to North Myrtle Beach

2011-07-25T22:23:00.000-04:00

North Myrtle Beach is an easy destination to reach by car travel from most Eastern U.S. cities. Many people find it cheaper to take a road trip than buy expensive plane tickets. You'll save money by driving your own car to Grand Strand attractions that are all a short drive down the road from your vacation rental.

Highway life is not all that boring. Many families use the several hours as quality bonding time. Take along portable DVD players and a few great movies, and North Myrtle Beach doesn't seem that far away from home. Books, hand-held video games, and Ipods are sometimes all children need to stay occupied.

Estimated Eastern U.S. Driving Times:

Atlanta, Georgia: 6 1/2 hours

Baltimore, Maryland: 8 1/2 hours

Charleston, West Virginia: 8 hours

Charlotte, North Carolina: 4 hours

Columbus, Ohio: 11 hours

Knoxville, Tennessee: 7 hours

Lexington, Kentucky: 10 hours

New York City, New York: 11 1/2 hours

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: 11 hours

Richmond, Virginia: 5 1/2 hours

** Please visit our directions page for maps and more information **

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk; A Popular Attraction

2011-07-16T17:22:00.001-04:00

Just a short drive down the highway from Ocean Drive Beach Rentals and Main Street lies the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade. A new addition to Myrtle Beach’s downtown area, the boardwalk stretches just over a mile in length and features beach-side shops, restaurants and bars, and popular family attractions. Be sure to plan a visit this summer to catch great live entertainment and sample local seafood.

Beautiful day for a stroll along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk!

Summer nights, through September 3rd, enjoy the free nightly events as part of Ocean Boulevard’s Hot Summer Nights at Plyler Park on the Boardwalk. Your family will enjoy a carnival-style beachfront atmosphere full of concerts, fireworks, and street performers. Each night of the week features a different theme! Stop by the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel to take in breathtaking views of the oceanfront and the Boulevard from 200 feet above the beach.

Come see why Myrtle Beach’s Boardwalk was ranked as #3 on National Geographic’s list of the Top Ten Boardwalks in the Nation. Ocean Boulevard has been completely revived because of this downtown addition. There is plenty to see and do for the whole family!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Healthy Options in North Myrtle Beach

2011-07-09T21:49:00.000-04:00

You don’t have to drop your healthy lifestyle when you go on vacation. There are a lot of ways to stay fit while visiting North Myrtle Beach. Pay attention to your diet and visit one of the many fitness facilities along the Grand Strand when you visit.

Dining out is a popular past-time for North Myrtle Beach visitors. Hundreds of seafood restaurants with their 4 hour wait times show this. Take your time and study the menu and ask wait staff about the various dinners before you go jumping into the buffet. Most restaurants will cater to the pickiest health nut and offer some fabulous alternatives. Fish is actually one of the best foods you can eat if you’re watching your weight – and we have tons of it!

When you’re at the beach, it’s not hard to stay active. In fact, most of the time, you are actually getting more exercise on vacation than you ever would imagine back at home! There is an endless supply of beach and water sports, such as beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, surfing, and para-sailing. Our wide beach strand is perfect for distance runners. Outdoor shopping malls, such as Myrtle Beach’s Tanger Outlets, are a good place to get in hours of cardio. You end up walking several miles as you check out all the hot merchandise.

Don’t stop going to the gym just because you’re on vacation. North Myrtle Beach is host to hundreds of fitness clubs. Most of them feature pools, state-of-the-art weight rooms and cardio machines, and saunas. Guests of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals get discounts at Sports Doctors Fitness - located just down the road from major Grand Strand Resorts. Inquire within about what gym would be perfect for your needs.

There is no excuse for you to let your body go while in North Myrtle Beach. Although there is plenty of tempting treats to sway your healthy habits; it is extremely easy to stay on course. Instead of that ice-cream sundae on Ocean Drive, how about a delicious homemade fruit smoothie just a couple stores down?

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

David Robinson Joins Ocean Drive Beach Rentals of North Myrtle Beach

2011-07-02T12:34:00.002-04:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals , of North Myrtle Beach, is proud to announce the addition of David Robinson to the team! David joined the staff mid-June and has already made tremendous strides. He comes aboard as controller (accounting) and property manager alongside Marlene Marcum.

David has enjoyed a successful career in hospitality for nearly 30 years, of which 14 years have been spent in management positions in the Myrtle Beach area. He’s taken positions with top hotel brands, condotels, and vacation rentals. The addition of David Robinson compliments our in-house staff of H.G. Worley, Jake Foutz, Marlene Marcum, and Kristen Leonard.

“I look forward to using my experience in fulfilling the fiduciary responsibilities to both the enterprise and the clients/owners. It is a challenging opportunity to work with this team and I’m always looking to what the next day brings and how we can have a positive impact.”

- David Robinson

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Keep North Myrtle Beach Beautiful

2011-06-25T21:26:00.001-04:00

Beautiful North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

When you're at the beach this summer, it's important to remember to pick up after yourself. We all love to bring our favorite drinks and snacks to the shore so we can stay refreshed throughout the day. But, it's no fun to walk on cigarette butts, peanut shells, and band-aids. It's not necessarily a pretty sight either - for those of us who love to see and visit North Myrtle Beach's beautiful shoreline.

A couple tips on how to make the beach more enjoyable for you and others:

Bring a trash bag with you to the beach. Trash bags are easy to pack within the cooler or beach bag. Pick up your peanut shells, candy wrappers, beer and soda cans, and cigarette butts as you finish. It's simple to do, and involves very little thought. Most sections of North Myrtle Beach feature public trash cans so you don't have to carry your trash back to your vacation rental condo or home.

You brought it down to the beach, so take it back to your vacation rental with you. Don't forget to take the cabana or beach umbrella down when you go back inside. Likewise for beach chairs, towels, beach toys, and clothes. There's a good chance that you may find your belongings missing when you come back to the same spot the next day or later that night.

I'd like to think that these are just a couple simple, common sense, ideas on how to better your day on the beach. A lot of people forget, and so it is important to remind everyone. Let's keep North Myrtle Beach beautiful for many years to come!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Fun on the High Seas at Pirates Voyage

2011-06-20T00:10:00.000-04:00

Staff of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals were treated to a special viewing of Myrtle Beach's new dinner show, Pirates Voyage. The show is Dolly Parton's newest production, of which replaced the Dixie Stampede - just down the road of our North Myrtle Beach rental properties. Pirates Voyage is an amazing experience that out performs other dinner/theater shows on the Grand Strand.

With the Hollywood debut of Pirates of the Caribbean 4 and the start of what will be a super summer season, Dolly Parton and group couldn't have picked a better time to introduce us to Pirates Voyage. The dinner show is similar to other shows in that the plot revolves around a competition of sorts while your family enjoys a 5-course feast, of which you are served a chicken, BBQ pork, fried shrimp, mashed potatoes, soup, corn-on-the-cob, dinner roll, and apple pie. The differences are plentiful! Three true to life pirate ships float on an indoor lagoon. Pirates battle for treasure, dive from high platforms, and interact with the audience. There are mermaids, skeletons, and amazing visual effects throughout the production.

We advise you to get to the show an hour early to enjoy pre-show entertainment in the Pirates Village. Musicians interact with spectators with familiar music and skits. Drinks and snacks are provided at an additional cost. There are full bar options for adult guests. The Pirates Village is an excellent idea for larger groups.

Pirates Voyage is located approximately 15 minutes from Main Street in North Myrtle Beach - south on Highway 17. Buy your tickets early, as this show will sell-out weeks ahead of time. Arrive hungry, as you will be stuffed by the end of the night.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Experience the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

2011-06-11T21:51:00.001-04:00

It's much bigger in person.

I recently took my parents and girlfriend for a ride on Myrtle Beach's new SkyWheel, which embraces the oceanfront in downtown Myrtle Beach. The SkyWheel and Jimmy Buffett's LandShark Bar & Grill are the newest additions to the Grand Strand and the thriving boardwalk along the popular boulevard. This is one attraction that you can't miss on your next family vacation to North Myrtle Beach.

The only wheel of it's kind in the United States, the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel stands nearly 200 feet tall with impressive views of the beachfront, Atlantic Ocean, and inland towards Conway, South Carolina. One ride will last up to 12 minutes and three revolutions. There are 42 climate-controlled pods, or gondolas, that dot the giant Ferris Wheel. For a slightly elevated ticket price, you can choose to ride in a VIP gondola, complete with leather bucket seats and a glass floor. Thanks to the amazing comfort in these gondolas, the SkyWheel is open year-round - you won't be freezing in the winter, and you'll be cool in the summer.

The best views at the beach! At nearly 200 feet above the Atlantic.

Your pod awaits!

Our ride this past week went really well. It was a beautiful day; sunny skies and warm 80-degree beach weather. The SkyWheel turned very smoothly and the gondola never rocked or swayed, despite the breezy afternoon conditions. There was an amazingly short line waiting to board for our "flight." I strongly believe that the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel will fill the void of the old Pavilion and will bring the magic back to Ocean Boulevard. The old carnival atmosphere is still present along that stretch of the Boulevard.

Check out Jimmy Buffett's LandShark Bar & Grill after your flight on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. Similar to his Margaritaville restaurant in Broadway at the Beach, you're sure to find lots of great food and fun on your night out with the family. There is also a LandShark store on the premises to stock up on souvenirs of your adventure at the SkyWheel. You'll want to plan for a few hours at this attraction - there is so much to do and see!

Director of Marketing, Jake Foutz, with his girlfriend, Juanita, aboard the SkyWheel

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is located at 1110 North Ocean Boulevard. Visit the ride at night for a special treat (of which I'll save for your enjoyment). General admission tickets are priced generously at $8-$12 per ticket, depending on age, and can be bought online or at the attraction. Plan ahead of time and don't miss this unique experience on your next family vacation in North Myrtle Beach.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Wet & Wild in North Myrtle Beach

2011-06-04T17:52:00.000-04:00

Typical daytime temperatures in North Myrtle Beach during the summertime range from a low of 85 degrees to a high of over 100 degrees. It is important to stay cool on the beach, and to stay refreshed so you can have an enjoyable vacation. If you’re not one to lazy the day away with your feet in the ocean, and need a little more excitement without leaving the beach strand, then try out a few wet and wild activities while you’re on the Grand Strand this summer.

Surfing has been popular in the Myrtle Beach area for decades. Not only are our waves great for beginners, but our water temperature heats up to over 80 degrees – which makes for an even more enjoyable experience. Participate in a surf camp, such as the Myrtle Beach Surf Camp, to learn this sport or to capitalize on your shredding skills. Most of the local instructors come with years of experience and provide all equipment and even snacks and drinks. You’ll find yourself wanting to go back in the ocean for several hours at a time.

After your surfing adventure, you may want to try something more high speed. Check out Bob’s Watersports in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach for high flying parasailing fun. It’s a great way to see the shoreline of Cherry Grove from the air. They also have a great banana boat ride aboard their Red Shark inflatable. Families will love the speedboat and dolphin watch ride. Visit their website before you get to the beach for big money saving coupons!

Although it’s very tempting, don’t just lie around the beach on vacation. Take our advice and check out the various water activities on the strand. It’s a great way to stay cool on vacation.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

It's Summer in North Myrtle Beach, 2011

2011-05-28T22:03:00.001-04:00

Sunshine, the roar of motorcycles, and a Saturday cook-out for our arriving guests officially welcomed our summer rental season today. Though stormy weather was forecasted for North Myrtle Beach, all we saw were sunny skies with high temperatures dancing around 85 degrees. Our hard work at preparing for our first cook-out paid off with a better-than-expected lunch crowd.

Jake cooks some delicious burgers for our arriving guests!

Our rental inventory is booked solid for this Memorial Day weekend, though we were able to accommodate a few last minute vacationers. We’re very happy to meet and great guests who came to North Myrtle Beach as far away as Ohio and Illinois. Arriving guests really enjoyed our arrival cook-out, of which we will continue with through the summer weeks (with a special surprise for the July 4th week). Staff members at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals love Saturdays, and it shows with our positive attitudes and great customer service.

There are still plenty of weeks available this summer. Don’t wait until the last minute to make your North Myrtle Beach family vacation plans. Plan early - so you can reserve the best available property for your vacation needs. With over 85 vacation rental properties, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has a rental for every budget!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Arrive Hungry for Your North Myrtle Beach Vacation

2011-05-21T17:10:00.001-04:00

Starting Saturday, May 28th, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will be grilling out every Saturday in anticipation for arriving guests. After a long drive, pull up at our office on Main Street to pick up your arrival packets and grab a burger, hot dog, and drink! Your first family dinner at the beach will be provided free of charge – as a thank you for being our guest this summer.

Many of our guests drive more than 6 hours to come to North Myrtle Beach. Several hours on the highway can become very tiresome and annoying. It is a pleasure to provide that relief for when they [guests] check-in. We plan to have plenty of burgers, hot dogs, chips, soft drinks, and water available for everyone. Locally – born Beach Music in the background will compliment your mood for vacation. Stick around for awhile to chat with staff members and socialize with other arriving guests.

Don’t eat too many snacks on the car ride to North Myrtle Beach! We’ll take care of your dinner plans at arrival. Take advantage of all this great tasting free food. All you need to do on arrival day this summer is RELAX.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Live Music in North Myrtle Beach

2011-05-14T16:31:00.000-04:00

Nadirah Shakoor, of Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, performing at Margaritaville of Myrtle Beach. May 2011

Beach weather is very much here and summer is right around the corner! Many families are in town, or are planning to visit in the next few months. Our peak season brings some of the best live acts and bands you’ll find in North Myrtle Beach all year. Spring and summer street festivals, such as Mayfest and the Little River Blue Crab Festival, bring in thousands of spectators.

The Legends of Surf Music, featuring Al Jardine and David Marks of the Beach Boys, put on a great concert before a packed house last weekend at North Myrtle Beach’s Mayfest celebration. Beach Music greats, such as The Fantastic Shakers and The Catalinas, are set to perform in front of a record crowd at this year’s Blue Crab Festival – happening right now. Great weather, delicious local food, and arts & crafts vendors compliment these popular festivals. You’ll want to stay tuned-in to our OD News page for more information about upcoming outdoor festivals along the Grand Strand.

Al Jardine, of the Beach Boys, rockin' at Mayfest 2011

The House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach is your chance to get up close and personal to some big acts. Its small venue size is perfect for the most intimate experience between musician and fan, and provides for great views almost anywhere in the theater. Popular bands and artists such as, Willie Nelson, Peter Frampton, .38 Special, and Good Charlotte are all expected to perform at the House of Blues within the next few months. Make sure to check out the band schedule online HERE before planning your next North Myrtle Beach family vacation.

Whether it’s popular mainstream musicians or regional and local bands, North Myrtle Beach has some of the best live acts in town when you’re in town. Stop in the office at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals or give us a call for our recommendations when planning our next family vacation. Most of the local venues keep us up-to-date with what’s going on around town.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Book One Vacation, Get the Second Vacation Free

2011-05-07T16:35:00.000-04:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is known for their great North Myrtle Beach vacation savings. With our EZ Breezy Pricing program, we’re comfortable in saying that we have the best value at the lowest pricing at the beach. Our Endless Fun Club gives our guests real dollar savings at all the popular area businesses and attractions! What more could we offer that will ensure that our guests have the best vacation possible?

For a limited time only, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is giving away a free vacation! Call our office at 877-287-2977 to book your 2011 North Myrtle Beach vacation in one of our nearly 90 vacation rental properties, and we’ll give you a free weekend stay at our Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort. Located along the famous Ocean Drive, our resort features its very own beach club, indoor and outdoor pools, outdoor lazy river, beauty salon, and much more! You’ll be in close proximity to great restaurants, clubs, and live entertainment. The Ocean Drive Beach & Golf resort has been a popular attraction along the Grand Strand for many years.

Rent This...

Coastal Cottage - 2nd Row in North Myrtle Beach

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals makes your vacation planning easy with the lowest vacation rental prices in town. There are over 85 properties in our inventory for every sized budget. Our rentals are perfect for couples just married, or large 15-24 people family groups. We have a special arrival day surprise for all of our summertime guests that will surely be a big hit. We’re here to help you realize your vacation memories!

Get this FREE!

Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort - Oceanfront in North Myrtle Beach

Click through on this link to learn more about our limited time May promotion. Hurry and book your 2011 weekly vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals before it’s too late! I’m sure your family could use some extra time at the beach this year – one week is just not enough.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

May is Here, Where are You?

2011-04-30T13:11:00.000-04:00

North Myrtle Beach has been pretty fortunate through the recent Spring months. Threatening storms that caused misery through the mid-west didn't put up much of a fight along our beaches. We've escaped horrible weather, and had some excellent beachy weekends. Where were you?

May is fast approaching with a great forecast. This next week will bring sunny skies and temperatures in the 70's and low 80's. Your favorite North Myrtle Beach hotspots will be packed with happy visitors. Our beach strand will be flooded with beach-goers. Everyone knows that this is a great time to be on the beach. The humidity is low, and temperatures are up! The ocean should be warmed-up to near 70 degrees; which is much warmer than some popular northern lakes and other waterways. You can still find some great deals on vacation rentals with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals!

The weather is HERE, so where are YOU? Take a short weekend trip to North Myrtle Beach with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals this month. Time is of the essence - Memorial Day weekend is filling up fast!

Visit www.odbeachrentals.com NOW for great spring vacation rental deals!!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Colt Ford Vacations in North Myrtle Beach Too

2011-04-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

Country Music star, Colt Ford, was in North Myrtle Beach in the beginning of April vacationing with his family. Ford participated in the 17th Annual Hootie & the Blowfish Monday after the Masters Celebrity Pro-Am Golf Tournament, held at the Dye Golf Course – located close to Barefoot Landing. The annual charity event usually brings in a sold out crowd to watch celebrities and golf professionals battle each other on the golf course.

Colt Ford with H.G. Worley of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Colt Ford chose to stay in a vacation rental condo in the Tilghman Beach & Golf Resort, of which is managed by Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. The resort lies directly across the ocean with easy access to the beach. Every condo that Ocean Drive Beach Rentals manages in the Tilghman Resort features great views of the ocean and beach.

“We were caught by surprise” said Jake Foutz, Marketing Director for Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. “Colt Ford used an alias when he booked his reservation. We didn’t know who the guest was until he came into our office to pick up his rental keys.”

For more information about popular North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, please visit Ocean Drive Beach Rentals at www.odbeachrentals.com

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Beach Music Lives On

2011-04-16T17:24:00.000-04:00

H.G. Worley of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals being DJ for the day.

This past week, the owners of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals and the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort, the Worley family of North Myrtle Beach, officially brought back the Beach Music legacy of Ocean Drive and bought the famed radio station, 94.9 The Surf. The station briefly went off-air in January of this year and the Worleys acted fast to save what could have been the end of Beach Music along the Grand Strand. Locals and visitors alike have been buzzing since the sale.

The Surf can be heard within a 2 hour radius of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. That’s approximately a 120 mile radius from the Main Street headquarters of the station. Anyone with internet access will be able to listen to live streaming Beach Music tunes when the website comes live in the near future. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will post updates on this blog as they become available. Ted Bell is the chief on-air personality of 94.9 and will bring you many great hours of quality Beach Music.

Ted Bell and H.G. Worley on Opening Day

When you’re on the beach this summer, tune in to 94.9 The Surf. It will serve as a nice compliment to the beautiful scenery on the beach strand. Don’t forget to call in to the station and request your favorite bands.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Deeper Canals Coming to Cherry Grove

2011-04-09T16:57:00.000-04:00

35th Avenue Canal in Cherry Grove

The Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach features beautiful canals. They’re excellent for small watercraft, such as fishing boats and jet skis. A few Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' vacation homes are located canal-front with docks or piers that allow for prime waterfront relaxation. At low-tide however, the canals appear nearly waterless.

A judgment passed at the end of March that gives the ownership of the canals to the state – ending a dispute amongst the state of South Carolina and a local real estate company as to who legally owned the canals. It is now possible for the state for dredge the canals and remove the years of accumulated sediment. If left untouched, canals could eventually become impassable. This is a major project that could cost up to $10 million.

What does this mean for you? Canals and marsh waterways will become more boater-friendly. Our canal properties will also benefit from the improved waterfront views. There hasn’t been a date set for when dredging will begin.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals Announces Winner of a Free Weekend at the Beach

2011-04-02T15:57:00.001-04:00

H.G. Worley, President of OD Beach Rentals, picks our winner!

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals ended their successful Family Vacation Awareness Month this past Thursday, March 31st. As part of the month long celebration, guests that booked a vacation during the month of March were automatically entered into a drawing for a free weekend at the beach. The winner of the drawing was to receive a two night stay during the off-season months at our Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort in North Myrtle Beach. Yesterday, we picked Colby Srsic, from Ohio, as the winner of our Free Weekend at the Beach drawing.

Colby has actually reserved a few of our beautiful condos for a vacation this summer. She has the option to use this free weekend at our resort anytime before Memorial Day, or after Labor Day. This will be an awesome treat, especially if she chooses to use this during the harsh winters of Ohio. There is still lots to do in North Myrtle Beach outside of the popular summer months.

The Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort in North Myrtle Beach, SC.

The Family Vacation Awareness Month with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is an annual holiday that takes place during the month of March. We will typically offer a few special deals for guests that book their vacation during March. This year, every reservation made during March is to receive $100 off, an entry into the drawing for a free return trip in the off-season, and the guests will be able to lock-in the same published rate for a 2012 reservation. How’s that for adding more value to your vacation?

www.odbeachrentals.com

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has the Value

2011-03-26T15:41:00.000-04:00

Along with extremely comfortable weather, springtime in North Myrtle Beach brings a high rate of reservations for the coming summer season. Our Family Vacation Awareness Month during March reminded people that it is time to plan ahead for their family vacation. At the beginning of next month (April), we’ll announce another great promotion that will help families save this year.

North Myrtle Beach beautiful

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals typically have the most competitive rental rates in North Myrtle Beach. Our Endless Fun Club value program saves guests 10% - 15% at area attractions, restaurants, services, and shops. Add in our seasonal promotions and specials from our website, and people can expect to save up to $500 or more on their beach vacation! We remain committed to giving our guests the best in customer service and value.

Become a fan of our Facebook page, or fill out our online contact form to stay up-to-date on the various vacation promotions at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. You shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to get away from home and spend some quality time with your family. Our inventory of vacation rentals are priced with all budgets in mind. Plan your North Myrtle Beach vacation today to take advantage of super savings!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Keeping It Cool

2011-03-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

North Myrtle Beach is a great place to relax while on vacation. We have a beautiful, clean, and wide beach strand perfect for all kinds of beach activities - from beach volleyball and bocce, to building sand castles, swimming, and surfing. It does get pretty hot on the beach strand; with temperatures clearing the mid-90's during our peak summer months. Use the following tips to stay cool on the beach, and you could enjoy several hours of fun in the Carolina sun.

Set up your beach chair at the water's edge so you can rest with your feet in the water. The combined ocean breezes and cool touch of the ocean will make you feel so relaxed and take away the effects of the hot air. I find this much more enjoyable than sweating bullets by setting up camp closer to the dunes.

If you desire to be closer to the dunes and want to stay dry, bring a cabana or a beach umbrella to the beach for some shade. The shade that's provided by a good umbrella or cabana will take care of the direct glare of the sun and reduce the temperature by 10 degrees at times. Cabanas are great for larger family groups who want to stay on the strand for several hours.

Stock a cooler with your favorite drinks and plenty of ice. An ice cold drink on the beach is a MUST, and keeps you hydrated while dramatically cooling you down. Keep in mind; glass containers are not allowed on our beach and you may be fined if you have glass bottles. You wouldn't want to step on broken glass would you?

Take a dip in the ocean! After a long period of time laying or playing in the sun, it sure feels great to go jump in the Atlantic. Ocean temperatures warm up to 85 degrees. Time spent in the ocean will give you plenty of added energy to enjoy the rest of your time on the beach strand.

Our last tip to stay cool in North Myrtle Beach: Have a water balloon fight on the beach! This is another great idea for family fun. Just make sure to pick up all the pieces of broken balloon after you're done. There are other people and wildlife that would like to enjoy our clean beach as well.

www.odbeachrentals.com

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

North Myrtle Beach Shopping

2011-03-12T16:21:00.000-05:00

North Myrtle Beach keeps you busy with clean beaches, thrilling attractions, challenging golf, and some of the best seafood restaurants along the East Coast. Shopping is also very popular along the Grand Strand. Several malls, outdoor shopping complexes, and specialty shops attract millions of customers every season.

The beach’s newest shopping mall, Coastal Grand Mall, is located by the Myrtle Beach airport and is just a short drive south of Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. The modern, well-decorated atmosphere and name-brand retailers is sure to impress. Myrtle Beach Mall offers a similar assortment of shops and includes an on-site Bass Pro Shops store. It’s located south of Main Street, after Barefoot Landing as your driving south on Highway 17 from North Myrtle Beach. Both of these malls offer movie theaters and are a great place to visit on rainy, cloudy days.

Outdoor shopping complexes, such as the Tanger Outlets and Myrtle Beach’s Market Common, are popular in the spring, summer, and fall months. Over 100 name-brand stores, including Old Navy, Izod, Polo, and Reebok, can be found at the Tanger Outlets. The Market Common features popular brands and specialty shops in a unique urban setting just south of Coastal Grand Mall in Myrtle Beach. It also hosts one of the best movie theaters along the Grand Strand. Visit one of these outdoor shopping complexes after a day on the beach. You’ll find excellent dining options within walking distance.

Visit this cool sculpture at the Tanger Outlets in North Myrtle Beach!

If you find that you forgot your bathing suit or beach towel when you left for vacation, don’t worry! There are lots of beachwear stores that crowd North Myrtle Beach. Here is a good spot to find souvenirs of your vacation or a t-shirt for a friend back home. Beachwear stores are also a great place to find beach-related toys, frisbees, and rafts for use while you’re at the beach. They aren’t hard to find and are most likely walking distance from your beach house or condo.

Remember to save up a little money before your vacation if you plan to do some shopping. With exception of the beachwear stores, retail prices tend to be very competitive in town. Due to the spring and summer beach crowds, we advise you to do some research before hand, to see which shopping destination fits your desires better. Use the links throughout this blog post to visit a particular shopping center.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Marketing Director, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

FYI: Beach Rules of North Myrtle Beach

2011-03-05T17:04:00.000-05:00

March brings us beautiful weather after a few months of unusually chilly temperatures. The beaches are starting to fill out nicely with visitors from all over the world. Phone calls are starting to come in for people that want to come to North Myrtle Beach this spring. Stay ahead of the game and familiarize yourself with our beach rules and regulations before you come to the beach.

It is important to note a new law that came into effect at the start of the year. Cabanas are a great source of shade out in the hot sun. More and more people want to put up large shades, such as cabanas, to protect themselves and their family from the ultraviolet rays. Sometimes, these can interrupt emergency personal or crowd the beach so much that it makes the beach experience uncomfortable for others. Follow this link to read about the new law governing the use of beach tents and cabanas.

Most of the beach rules issued by the City of North Myrtle Beach are common sense and should be obeyed for the enjoyment of other vacationers and residents. Please direct any questions or concerns to the City, at (843) 280-5511. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals hopes you have a safe and enjoyable day out on the beach!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Family Vacation Awareness Month at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals!

2011-02-28T16:44:00.000-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has made March the annual Family Vacation Awareness Month. We understand and appreciate the value of an annual family vacation and want to make it easier for your family to come stay in North Myrtle Beach. It’s important that families get away and enjoy quality time together. Take advantage of three huge savings by making your vacation plans during the month of March.

There isn’t a better place to unite with friends and family than North Myrtle Beach! By booking your 2011 vacation in March, not only do you get a better selection of vacation rentals to choose from, but you’ll also qualify for an immediate $100 OFF your vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. You’ll also secure the same published rate for a North Myrtle Beach vacation in 2012 (normally prices increase 5% - 8% year to year). All guests that book their vacation in March will also be entered into a drawing for a return weekend at our Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort in the off-season. Your vacation can take place anytime this year. Just make your plans and reserve your vacation rental during March, and take advantage of these great deals!

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is the only vacation rental company in North Myrtle Beach that is celebrating a Family Vacation Awareness Month. We created this holiday to give something back to those families that frequent the Grand Strand. Don’t delay - March just became the BEST time to book your next family vacation!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

A Day on the Beach

2011-02-26T15:02:00.000-05:00

North Myrtle Beach weather is getting much warmer and we’re seeing more sunny days than not. It only makes sense that we beach people migrate to the shoreline to waste away our days. Eight hours of beach time is normal from spring to fall. Whether it’s soaking up the rays, riding the waves, or playing a game of frisbee, there are many things to keep you occupied on the beach.

Our wide, sandy beaches of North Myrtle Beach are perfect for most sports. Popular beach sports include lacrosse, football, frisbee, and beach volleyball. You’ll always find a father and son playing a game of catch for hours at a time. Ocean temperature gets pretty warm in the summertime (over 80 degrees) and is perfect for swimming and surfing. As a young kid vacationing on the Grand Strand, my family held relays. Competition wasn’t the most important thing. It was the time spent together as a family that was priceless.

The sand is perfect for football!

Some people would rather lie out and enjoy the Carolina sun and soothing sounds of the ocean. Kick back and build a sandcastle or two with the children while people-watching. The beach is a wonderful spot to get a deep bronze tan. Remember to set up a cabana or a couple umbrellas for shade. Pack a lunch and don’t forget your favorite beverage. Heat and salt air will wear you down if you aren’t prepared.

Sunscreen and a cooler with water are some important things to remember to pack for your day on the beach. The right SPF of sunscreen will help keep your skin healthy and keep you comfortable during your vacation. You wouldn’t want to live out the week in severe pain because of excessive sunburns; that wouldn’t make your vacation very pleasurable. I’ve seen many people suffer on vacation because of bad sunburns. Plenty of refreshing water will keep you properly hydrated during those 95-degree summer days.

After a good eight hour day on the beach, most families go out on the town and visit North Myrtle Beach attractions, restaurants, and outdoor shopping hubs. There is plenty to do, all within a short ten minute drive from your vacation home or condo. A handful of popular businesses offer guests of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals discounts through the Endless Fun Club. If you have any questions on what you should do while on vacation and what’s the best way to lazy around, feel free to ask us!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

How About That Weather

2011-02-19T15:59:00.000-05:00

Looking down Main Street. Gorgeous day in February!

North Myrtle Beach weather has definitely taken a turn towards the better this past week. With sunny skies and highs in the mid-70’s today, you’d think that we skipped March and progressed right into April. No, we’re not that fortunate, but after a winter full of unusually frigid days and threats of record snowfall, it looks like this mild weather is here for good, until next November.

Looking at the 10-day forecast from The Weather Channel, North Myrtle Beach will have mild temperatures in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s the rest of this month with very few rain days. The next couple of months bring in average temperatures in the 60’s and 70’s. We’re loving this weather and glad it’s finally back on the Grand Strand. Although the ocean temperature is still a little too cold for most, the sun will surely pamper your skin.

February 19, 2011 - Perfect weather for a day on the strand!

Call now to schedule your spring vacation! With our mild temperatures in full “swing,” it is the perfect time for a game of golf. We’ve got an in-house golf professional to save you dollars on your next round. Outdoor shopping centers, such as the popular Tanger Factory Outlets are a great place to hang out at after an afternoon on the beach. Most of our rental properties feature a screened porch or deck – wonderful to lazy around and fall asleep to the breezes off the nearby Atlantic Ocean.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has the right vacation rental for your spring getaway. With school in session and job limitations, most people can’t escape for a week until summer. That’s alright! Our vacation policies are flexible, in that we allow nightly stays equal to, or greater than, 2 nights until the end of May. Call us at 877-287-2977 and let us help you plan a special weekend at the beach for your family.

"Hey, I'll settle for a couple months of unusually frigid weather if it means that February will be this nice!" - J. Foutz

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

What to Bring on Vacation in North Myrtle Beach

2011-02-12T16:01:00.002-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals provides their guests with a unique experience that most vacationers don’t have the access to. Most of our vacation rentals have full kitchens, spacious living areas, and some room outside to enjoy our mild climate. Your experience here is much more different than that at chain hotel or resort. You can think of it as you’re moving into your very own second home for a short escape from reality. Linens and bath towels are provided, but you still have to bring some daily necessities.

When packing for your North Myrtle Beach vacation, don’t forget the all too important toiletries. Everyday items from your toothbrush and toothpaste to shaving supplies, soaps, shampoos, and nail clippers are very easy to pack and will save you money by not buying them at grocery stores when you’re in town. Suntan lotion is definitely a necessity during the spring, summer, and fall months. Restrictions may apply if you’re flying to the beach, so don’t forget to check with the airport well ahead of your trip.

Dress accordingly to the time of year you visit North Myrtle Beach. You can pretty much count on shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, and sandals being the usual from May – October. Through the remainder of the year plan to juggle your attire to include light jackets and pants. Sandals are usually good the entire year. This past winter has been unusually brutal to us beach people, which included a couple days of light snow. It’s always a good idea to pay attention to The Weather Channel in the days leading up to your Grand Strand vacation.

No matter how well you pack for vacation, there is always a great chance you’ll forget something. North Myrtle Beach has lots of grocery stores and beachwear stores. Prices are relatively fair no matter where you choose to shop. The local Walmart tends to be extremely popular with our guests on that first trip to buy groceries, but be prepared for long lines on arrival day.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

EZ Breezy Pricing in North Myrtle Beach

2011-02-04T15:54:00.000-05:00

Linens and bath towels included in every rental at NO CHARGE!

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals believes that planning a family vacation should be as much fun and hassle-free as your North Myrtle Beach vacation. We take pride in our great customer service and extensive knowledge about the Grand Strand. Our website is extremely user-friendly and we’ve created the Endless Fun Club to add more value to your vacation. It doesn’t stop there. We have another great surprise for you!

EZ Breezy Pricing, from Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, ends the confusion of complex vacation rental prices. It’s common practice for vacation rental companies to add more costs onto your reservation. Many times, you’ll see an administration fee, security deposit, maid service, or other additional fees added on to the published rate of the rental, BEFORE the taxes! This only confuses people and puts a headache into planning for your next vacation, which is one of the main reasons why we came up with EZ Breezy Pricing. Simplify your hunt for that perfect vacation place!

At Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, the price you see advertised is the price you pay, plus tax (12%). Other North Myrtle Beach companies can easily trick their customers into paying a lot more money for their vacation. In fact, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is the ONLY company along the Grand Strand that offers this simple pricing structure. To further the value to our guests, we aren’t going to charge a security deposit (you’re covered up to $500 of accidental damage), and we’ll take care of departure maid service and all linen and bath towels at no cost to you.

Check out our rental inventory of over 80 premium properties. Remember, the price you see advertised is the price you pay, before taxes. Linen, bath towels, and departure maid service are included at no cost to you. We’ll even make the beds and set out your bath towels in anticipation for your arrival! Our pricing, friendly customer service, and Endless Fun Club proves that you really can get great value while vacationing in North Myrtle Beach. It’s as easy and breezy as that!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

"Simple Pleasures" Joins Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

2011-01-29T16:47:00.001-05:00

"Simple Pleasures" on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach.

Simple Pleasures is the latest vacation home to join our vacation rental program at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. This privately owned property meets the high standards of ten other full-sized houses in our rental inventory. Your family will want to take advantage of the great amenities that this property has to offer.

Conveniently located on the second-row along Ocean Drive, Simple Pleasures is a short stroll across the road to the wide, beautiful strand of North Myrtle Beach. Not only are you across the street from the beach, but there is a large yard to host fun family games in the warm Carolina sunshine. Enjoy a bright, colorful interior with lots of space to unwind and relax during your vacation. Tropical decorations adorn the walls and really put you in the mood.

Plenty of space with two large living rooms.

Guests who vacation in Simple Pleasures will enjoy various amenities during their stay. There are two levels of living space at this property. The lower level features three bedrooms, of which all have their own televisions, and two full bathrooms. A kitchenette and large living room with a television and DVD player nicely compliment the space. Four more bedrooms with televisions and two full bathrooms are located on the upper level. Another large living room and full kitchen are located upstairs. Enjoy morning coffee or family picnics in front of an ocean view on the spacious screened porch. As with most of our vacation rental properties, there is a grill and outdoor shower on the premises.

With occupancy of twenty people, this vacation home is excellent for large family groups. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals also manages the large home next door, Coastal Cottage, which features five bedrooms, over three bathrooms, and a fenced-in yard that includes a volleyball net, private pool, and optional hot tub. Combined, these two properties serve occupancy of thirty-six people; a perfect arrangement for church groups, family reunions, or weddings in North Myrtle Beach!

Seven beautiful bedrooms with comfortable bedding.

Large screened porch with ocean views!

A property profile with detailed information for Simple Pleasures will be online starting tomorrow, January 30th. Cruise on over to our website to view our other vacation rental homes, or some of our fine condominium and villa rentals. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals has properties for every budget and desire. Once you find that perfect vacation rental, give us a call at 877-287-2977, or book online, to reserve your next visit to the North Myrtle Beach area.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Just for You, From Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

2011-01-27T15:33:00.001-05:00

In keeping up with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals’ commitment to quality customer service and providing our guests with the most value for their vacation dollars, we have re-vamped our popular Endless Fun Club. Come to North Myrtle Beach with your family and enjoy the wide beach strand and gorgeous weather while saving money in the process. We’re proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a memorable family vacation.

Our Endless Fun Club is a value program that was designed to save our guests valuable vacation dollars at popular Grand Strand attractions, restaurants, specialty shops, and other top amusements. In 2011, we plan to limit this exclusive program to just over 15 of the most visited businesses in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities. All discounts and perks will be available to our guests beginning March 1. Big name attractions, such as Myrtle Waves, Ripley’s Aquarium, and Wild Water & Wheels were anxious to join the program and offer up to 15% off admission to guests vacationing with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. Also on the program, are the area’s most successful smaller businesses, such as Beach Memories, Melissa Skidmore Photography, Sports Doctors Fitness Studio, Sugar Shack Ice Cream Parlor, and the Parson’s Table Restaurant of Little River.

Look Out.....SHARK!

We think it's important to keep the Endless Fun Club limited to only the best area businesses, as to not overwhelm and confuse our guests. There won't be any more than 25 businesses on the program for this year. More great businesses are going to be joining our savings program by March. It’s important to note that this program will continue to grow year after year with even bigger discounts to our guests that even locals aren’t entitled to.

Guests of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will have to show their vacation rental keys when they purchase products or services from one of the participating businesses. It doesn’t get any simpler than that! No coupons to print, or phone calls to authorize permission. For the amusement parks, you’ll have to come to our office, at 453 Main Street, to purchase your discounted tickets. There will be an Endless Fun Club pamphlet in your arrival welcome bag that shows all businesses that are participating, with their exclusive deals for you.

Be on the lookout for more great ideas to save with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. There is no other value program in North Myrtle Beach like our Endless Fun Club. We want to help you save on your North Myrtle Beach family vacation this year. Spring is just around the corner, and we have quite a few more surprises to “spring” on you.

Click HERE for more information about Ocean Drive's Endless Fun Club.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

The Deal of the Summer?

2011-01-22T14:26:00.001-05:00

You took advantage of a valuable promotion being offered by a popular vacation rental company. Your family is going to save over 50% on a vacation rental property during the summer! Great find on your part, but what is happening behind the scenes? Protect yourself and understand what the business is cutting back on in order to offer you that steep deal. Sometimes that deal is not as good as it seems.

Getting a great rate on a vacation rental property is important, but you have to want the excellent services and support that goes along with a memorable, hassle-free vacation. A heavily discounted rental doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best deal. Guests should read between the lines and always ask about the disclaimer if the deal is too good to be true. Properly cleaned vacation properties, a prompt maintenance staff, and great customer service are all very important factors in your family’s vacation. Be leery of companies that skimp on their support services to offer you the best rate – it does happen.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals takes time to research vacation rental prices throughout the industry, and to get our guests the right price. Our prices are competitive with other companies along the Grand Strand. We won’t slump on our great customer service, superior housekeeping, and maintenance support. Specialty programs, such as our Endless Fun Club, are designed to SAVE you valuable vacation dollars to give your family that added value while visiting North Myrtle Beach. You won’t be going home broke at the end of your week of rest and relaxation.

I hope we offered some good advice for you to plan your next family vacation. Don’t rent a vacation property because of the big discount, but research as to what value the company offers your family when at the beach. Make sure they aren’t cutting back on their services.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Waties Island: Time Off the Usual Path

2011-01-15T13:06:00.000-05:00

Grand Strand Beautiful, Waties Island

Need a day away from the beach crowds of North Myrtle Beach and Cherry Grove? Would you like to find that perfect spot in the sand where you’re not smacked in the face by a frisbee or stumbled upon by a passerby? Believe it or not, there is a place down the strand where you can set up your beach headquarters, away from the invasion of other sun worshippers. Waties Island is a gem that is a wonderful stretch of beach to spend the day.

Waties Island is an undeveloped barrier island that straddles the border between North Carolina and South Carolina. An inlet separates the island off the northern tip of Cherry Grove Beach. Students from Coastal Carolina University primarily use it as a marine biology research location because of its pristine, untouched environment. It’s a beautiful place that can be a high point in your trip to North Myrtle Beach. Lots of wildlife can be found here, from sea turtles and crabs to various species of birds.

Stranded on The Island

A couple years ago, I found myself stranded overnight on Waties Island with friends. What originally was planned as a day trip, turned into an overnight stay. We enjoyed uninterrupted sun bathing, kayaking, and swimming the entire day before eating supper on the beach while watching a gorgeous sunset. By night time, high tide came and the inlet became too aggressive to cross in the canoe and kayaks that we used earlier. Our only option was to make a camp with the canoe, kayaks, and beach towels and stay the night. Morning brought a calmer low tide and we were able to cross back to the “main land” of Cherry Grove beach.

Leave Only Your Footprints

If you decide to have a Waties Island adventure yourself, remember to study the tide charts and cross the inlet at low tide. I’d suggest crossing in a canoe or kayak instead of swimming – fighting the strong currents of the ocean that are frequent there. Sharp oyster shells can be found on the bottom of the inlet. At the end of your visit, please remember to take all your trash and equipment with you, and to leave the island how you found it - beautiful and unpolluted.

For more information, follow this link.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Plan Your Vacation Now For The Best Selection

2011-01-07T16:17:00.000-05:00

It’s hard to believe; less than five months to go until the start of summer, and even a shorter amount of time until the mild spring weather. North Myrtle Beach will be bustling with vacationers before we know it! Available weeks in our rental properties are filling up fast every day. Have you made your summer vacation plans yet?

We like to refer to this time of year as the “peak booking season.” Most guests will call around the holidays, and shortly thereafter. By booking their vacation rental earlier in the year, guests have a better chance of getting the type of property they desire. You’ll risk losing important amenities and the ideal beach location if you wait until the last minute. That second-row home with a large swimming pool and volleyball net may not be available a month from your planned family vacation. Not always do you get a better price either.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals now has an inventory of over 80 properties. We work hard to accommodate every budget, and will work feverishly to find you that perfect vacation rental, no matter the time of year. Enjoy the one-stop-shop features of our website, and visit often for new and helpful information about our company and the North Myrtle Beach destination.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

What Songs Are On Your Vacation Soundtrack?

2011-01-01T11:32:00.001-05:00

Our favorite music plays an important role in life. It makes cleaning the house easier, road trips much smoother, and sets the mood for a romantic evening away from the stress of daily life. The right vacation soundtrack will make your beach vacation much more enjoyable. Part of the packing process for your North Myrtle Beach vacation should include a homemade vacation soundtrack of your favorite beach music.

Before you come to the Grand Strand this year, buy a blank tape or CD and record your favorite beach or summertime songs. If you are more techno-savvy, download a custom-made album onto your IPOD. This soundtrack will set a positive mood when driving a long distance or on a cumbersome flight. You’ll be on vacation long before you reach the beach. Carry a portable battery-powered stereo, or your IPOD, to the beach and relax to the vibes of your vacation music.

What do you like to listen to while on vacation, or the trip to the beach? Popular bands and musicians include Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, Kenny Chesney, and the Zac Brown Band. Their laid-back lyrics promote a stress-free, beachy feeling. Of course, there are many summertime songs by various mainstream artists that put you in the center of paradise, including It’s Five O’clock Somewhere, by Alan Jackson. Perhaps you’re more into the regional Beach Music acts such as the Chairman of the Board, Tim Clark Band, Sea Cruz, or Rick Strickland. These bands cater more to the shagging lifestyle and early North Myrtle Beach era. Beach Music still has a huge following along the Grand Strand.

Whatever your personal taste in music, it’s an excellent idea to personalize your vacation sound. You’ll find that it helps with creating those vacation-time memories that you pay so much to enjoy. The best thing about it is that the music takes you to a place that is far removed from work, and in many cases, reality.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Vacation Rental vs. Hotel Room

2010-12-30T15:26:00.002-05:00

We know that most of our customers have had enough of this aggressive winter weather. December has brought massive amounts of snow to the Northeast and frigid temperatures to the normally mild South. Now is the time when people are thinking about their North Myrtle Beach vacation, and the warmer spring and summer temperatures. We’d like to offer a little “Vacation Rental 101” advice on the advantages of choosing a vacation rental over a typical hotel room.

Vacation rentals are typically owned by homeowners who treat their property as a second home, and not a huge corporation such as Hilton or Best Western. The property is custom-furnished to the homeowner’s personal taste, and is better taken care of than a hotel room. You won’t find a monochromatic environment in any one of our vacation rentals at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. Hotel rooms lack this personal touch and variety of themes.

Living room of an Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' rental property

Most of our vacation rentals have three to six bedrooms, along with a living room, dining area, and fully-equipped kitchen. Some rental properties feature additional living area with a loft or game room. Even in our smaller one bedroom condominiums, there is plenty of room to stretch and relax as compared to popular Grand Strand hotels. Families who stay in individually-owned vacation rentals really enjoy saving valuable vacation dollars by using full kitchens. Large living rooms, maid service included in rent, and modern technology (flat screen TVs, wireless internet access, Jacuzzi tubs) also are huge advantages to vacationing in one of our vacation rentals.

Check out our vacation rental inventory by following this link. We have over 78 properties to choose from, for all budget sizes. You don’t have to book a rental months ahead of time. Guests that have a favorite rental home will tend to book well in advance to be sure to reserve that home for the same time next year. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is walk-in friendly and frequently take last minute reservations.

When planning your next North Myrtle Beach family vacation, consider staying at a vacation rental instead of a hotel. You’ll find that you save lots more money, and have much more green in your pocket on the trip home. We’re here to help you with any questions you have during the incredibly important process of planning your annual vacation.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Who Said It Doesn't Snow in North Myrtle Beach?

2010-12-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

North Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas, got their share of the Holidays today. A storm system that blew down the eastern seaboard brought a wintry mix of rain and snow to the Grand Strand throughout the day. Our temperatures only reached the mid-30's, and the snow flurries lasted all day long. Though we had a full day of snow, there wasn't much of an accumulation to give us any great pictures.

Although not many people think of snow when they think of North Myrtle Beach, we do get a dusting of snow at least once a year; typically in January or February. It's very exciting when it does happen. Palm trees are covered in ice, and a blanket of snow lightly covers the beach strand. This is hard for many to imagine at a popular southern beach destination such as ours.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Be Our Fan and Participate

2010-12-18T12:24:00.001-05:00

With the help of a few solid promotions and word-of-mouth, your favorite North Myrtle Beach vacation rental and property management company, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, is growing rapidly on Facebook. We’re proud to announce a strong and loyal fan base of over 1600 fans to date. This huge population is sure to grow throughout the spring and summer, as we introduce more promotions with bigger prizes and fun seasonal contests.

L to R: Kristen, H.G., and Jake give away a $500 Pre-Paid Credit Card as a prize in Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' latest Facebook promotion.

Facebook serves as an excellent social tool for us to personally reach out to our vast customer base. It’s a way for Ocean Drive Beach Rentals to announce special deals on vacations in North Myrtle Beach and surrounding communities. With this popular social tool, we can take our creative ideas to another level with an even greater audience. It also serves as a portal site for our popular company blog. Every time we post to our blog, we make sure that there is a mention on our fan page.

Several fun interactive ideas are going to be launched on our Facebook page in 2011. One of those break-through ideas, being another Free Vacation for Life contest, will happen this spring. Simply put, we’re going to give away a Free Vacation for Life to one of our fans. We do love to give away free vacations and North Myrtle Beach merchandise on or page. There will be frequent photo contests during the late spring and summer season - more opportunities for our fans to win cool stuff. A vacation planner tool will be integrated into our Facebook page in the coming months.

If you’re not a fan of our Ocean Drive Beach Rentals Facebook page, log on or sign-up with Facebook and take advantage of this. Help us grow, and tell your family and friends about us. We’re sure to keep you interested with our weekly updates and awesome promotions.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Perfect Time for Golf

2010-12-11T16:33:00.000-05:00

The Grand Strand, a beautiful coastline of over 50 miles, provides one of the best values for golf in all of the United States. With over 100 courses available for your enjoyment, you and your foursome will always be able to find a course suitable to your tastes. From the group looking for a high-end experience, to a couple of friends interested in having a good time off the course as they are on it, the Grand Strand meets all needs. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals can customize your golf vacation for any size group.

You'll enjoy quality golf, tremendous value, and a fun-filled experience, on and off the course even in difficult economic times. Visitors are immersed in the game and a good time from the moment they arrive, a needed reprieve from the stress of daily life. Once the round is over, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy long into the night.

Fall and Spring are the most popular times of year for golf on the Grand Strand. The weather is perfect for a day on the links. North Myrtle Beach crowds are down, allowing for easy access to all the attractions and restaurants. There is a great supply of quality accommodations to suit all size groups. Get your group together, set your dates, and call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals for your next golf vacation to North Myrtle Beach.

Golfer-Friendly Vacation Rentals:

Conched Out in Cherry Grove

Atlantis Villas #205 & #302 along Ocean Drive

Beachy Keen in Ocean Drive Beach

Cest La Vie along Ocean Drive

Written By: David Haynes - Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Good Things are Coming Our Way

2010-12-04T14:50:00.000-05:00

Cover, 2011 Ocean Drive Beach Rentals Vacation Planner

A lot of great things are happening with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals now, and in the coming months. We pride ourselves with the fact that we are an ever-developing property management and vacation rentals company. This is all possible with great customers, and an innovative, creative staff.

Our 2011 Vacation Planner is being printed right now. It will feature a sampling of our North Myrtle Beach vacation rentals, helpful information on the Grand Strand, and a detailed destination map. This year’s planner is designed in a unique manner, in that no other company on the beach has the same format as ours. We feel that our website is the most important tool in planning your family vacation, and so this planner will serve as a compliment to our incredible online presence. Please give us a call at 877-287-2977 to reserve your FREE COPY.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals now has 74 properties listed on the website! By Christmas, this number could easily swell to 80 properties. That means more vacation rentals to choose from. Each and every one of them is unique and offers different amenities. We offer rentals for every budget and preference; along every location in North Myrtle Beach. Our pet friendly (dog friendly) offerings are growing rapidly as well. You can check out the newest properties to our inventory here.

The Endless Fun Club was designed a year ago to give our guests more value for their vacation dollars. In 2011, we’re going to grow this program bigger, and include more Grand Strand businesses. After March, Guests vacationing with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will be able to take advantage of big discounts at popular shops, attractions, and restaurants. Check our website often to see what businesses are participating.

Social media is extremely important to us. Our goal is to post a new blog article every Saturday, possibly more than once per week. We also have a strong presence on Facebook, with over 1,000 fans to date. This is a great way to get announcements out to our customers, let you know about North Myrtle Beach news, and have a little fun with contests. Right now, we have a Facebook contest for our fans to win a $500 pre-paid American Express credit card, and a $100 Gift Certificate to go to the runner-up, if we reach 1,300 fans by December 9th. Stop by our page before then and become a fan, you may be one of the two winners announced on December 10th.

Favorite our website in your internet browser so you can keep up with our changes. Every day we’re doing something different. We appreciate everyone for helping us grow successfully in the past year, and look to the future in anticipation.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Holidays at the Beach - We've Got Everything but Snow

2010-11-27T17:16:00.000-05:00

Office Christmas Tree

We hope your holidays are off to a great start, and that your plans include time well spent on the beach in North Myrtle Beach. Of course, we don’t have the 80-degree weather that you would find in the summer or fall, but it’s mild enough for a walk on the beach or a family game of frisbee. It’s not unusual to have Christmas Day temperatures in the 70’s.

As mentioned in previous blog posts, there is a lot to do along the Grand Strand this time of year. Christmas festivities kick off this weekend, with the popular and brightly decorated Regatta along the Intracoastal Waterway and the Nutcracker Fair at Myrtle Beach’s Market Common. The city of North Myrtle Beach hosts the annual Christmas tree lighting on Friday, December 3rd. You won’t want to miss the highly anticipated Christmas Parade the following Saturday. Click through on this link to view detailed information about upcoming events along the beach.

After you’re done with all these festive holiday events, spend a day shopping at one or more of our several shopping centers located within a fifteen-minute’s drive from Main Street and Ocean Drive. There are thousands of name brand stores that call North Myrtle Beach home. Grab some local seafood along restaurant row and hit the beach for an evening stroll. You’ll find the sky is clearer along Carolina’s southern coast than anywhere else.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals provides the most reasonable off-season prices in the best selection of vacation rentals. Give us a call for more information on how you can escape for a weekend, week, or a whole month to enjoy this holiday season away from the ordinary. We have just added several rental properties to our inventory. Come visit North Myrtle Beach this holiday season, we’ve got everything but snow!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Look at what you are missing

Win a Vacation for Life!

2010-11-20T17:22:00.002-05:00

It pays to be a fan of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, really. On November 18th, we launched our second Facebook promotion, to give away a free North Myrtle Beach vacation for life. For those Facebook users that “like” the Ocean Drive Beach Rentals page and become one of our fans, they’ll automatically be entered in a drawing to win a free off-season weekend stay every year of their remaining life.

There isn’t only one winner of this promotion. The grand prize winner of the Vacation for Life can bring three of their closest friends, or family, with them when they come to the beach every year. A runner-up to the promotion will receive a $100 gift certificate to vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals in 2011. That big savings certificate can be used any time of the year for a nightly, weekly, or monthly stay.

Of course, there is a catch to winning such a great prize. Our Facebook page must reach 2,000 fans by the promotion end date of December 2, 2010. If we reach 2,000 fans, we’ll draw the winner of both the Vacation for Life and gift certificate the very next day. This is an easy opportunity to get a very nice early Christmas gift from your friends at Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. Click this link to visit our Facebook page and become one of our great fans.

Rules…Yes, there has to be rules:

Grand prize winner and the runner-up must be 25 years of age to claim prize.

Grand prize winner is entitled to one free weekend stay every year for the remainder of his or her life, or until the closure of Ocean Drive Beach Rentals as a company.

The free weekend stay can only be used for two free consecutive nights, September 1 – May 1.

Some availability restrictions apply as to special resort events including, but not limited to the SOS weekend, and the Carolina Beach Music Awards weekend.

Free weekend stay can only be reserved up to 6 months in advance of arrival.

Prizes are non-transferable and only good for the person intended.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

2010 Carolina Beach Music Awards in North Myrtle Beach

2010-11-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

LIVE at the Alabama Theatre

Tim Clark Band

The 16th annual Carolina Beach Music Awards Show, or CBMAs, were held at the Alabama Theatre this past Sunday. It was such a treat, especially with the venue being decorated for the holiday season. This year’s awards show was held in honor of General Norman Johnson, band leader of the popular beach music supergoup, The Chairmen of the Board. It was great to see live performances from top artists such as, Rhonda McDaniel, Jim Quick & Coastline, Sea Cruz, Craig Woolard Band, and the National Shag Dance Team.

Every year, the big beach music party comes to North Myrtle Beach. The Carolina Beach Music Awards caps off a week full of live music at top clubs up and down Main Street and Ocean Drive. Fans take advantage of the night life Wednesday through Friday, with award ceremonies at the Spanish Galleon and Alabama Theatre over the weekend evenings. It’s just another great reason to come visit during the off-season.

For those people who missed the show this year, enjoy the pictures posted here, more of which are posted on our Ocean Drive Beach Rentals Facebook page. You can view a complete listing of the 2010 CBMA Winners here. Remember to make plans early for next year’s event, held during the first part of November 2011. Beach music fans and shaggers call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals home.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Sea Cruz

Rick Strickland Band

Jim Quick & Coastline

The National Shag Dance Team

Ocean Drive's Inventory Keeps Growing!

2010-11-13T14:42:00.001-05:00

Abode Of Peace, Canal - Cherry Grove

The fall season has been very good to Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. After rounding out our first successful summer season, we have added several high quality and beautiful vacation properties. We have a much wider selection of vacation rentals to please the ever-increasing demand in the vacation rental industry.

Over 70 vacation rental properties will soon call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals home. With these properties, we cover all areas along North Myrtle Beach, from Windy Hill up to Cherry Grove Beach. Search our inventory for oceanfront, canal front, second row, and other locations. Our properties feature amenities such as flat screened HDTVs, high-speed WIFI internet access, hot tubs, private pools, billiards' rooms with state-of-the-art gaming tables (Atlantis Villas), Jacuzzi tubs, and walk-in showers. We are able to offer homes and condos priced in every budget range. No vacation is expensive with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals.

You can view a listing of all our latest additions on our specials page. Our property profiles are very detailed, with interior pictures of every room, a detailed property description, and pricing chart. Many homes feature a virtual tour. Feel free to call us TODAY for help in planning a future family vacation to the Grand Strand of North Myrtle Beach.

Don't forget about our Gift a Vacation promotion, which expires January 1, 2011.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Gift a Vacation This Holiday Season

2010-11-06T17:13:00.000-04:00

We know what Santa is thinking this year...

Need an idea for gift-giving this holiday season? Think out of the box for 2010 and give something that will really impress your family or loved-one. Gift a vacation this holiday season and gift memories that last a lifetime.

If you have a family, buy the gift of a family vacation. North Myrtle Beach is an excellent destination that will help create memories that last forever. The mild year-round weather, clean beach strand, warm ocean, and top Grand Strand attractions and restaurants are more appealing than the traditional gifts. This idea is also great for couples (birthdays, honeymoons, and engagements).

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals makes it really simple. You’ll receive a free linen package and set-up when you book a week’s stay and pay in full within 10 days of making your reservation. Book a two week stay in one of our vacation rentals, pay your deposit within 10 days, and get 10% off the second week stay! SAVE money on your 2011 vacation and take advantage of our “Gift a Vacation” promotion. This holiday deal ends on January 1, 2011. You can view details by clicking this link.

We have the best quality selection of vacation rentals in North Myrtle Beach that appeal to all budgets. Choose from locations along Crescent Beach, Windy Hill, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove. Most reservations are on a weekly basis, but we do support nightly and monthly reservations. Whatever the occasion, we can help you find that perfect present.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Endless Summer Festival a Hit!

2010-11-03T16:04:00.000-04:00

If you did not attend North Myrtle Beach's Endless Summer Festival this past Saturday, you missed a great time. With sunny skies and high temperatures in the mid-70's, thousands of visitors crowded Main Street and Ocean Drive to enjoy the six hours of live entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, and awesome food. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals had a booth at the festival and enjoyed meeting people from all over the country.

Our booth was beautifully designed, which featured brightly colored balloons and flower arrangements by the North Myrtle Beach Florist. The balloons were popular with children as well as the popcorn popper. Odie the dolphin, our official mascot, made an appearance before noon and stayed with us the remainder of the festival. Other free giveaways plus two chances to win big complimented Ocean Drive Beach Rentals' offerings.

We held a drawing for a free two-night stay at our Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort. The runner-up would receive a $100 gift certificate to apply to a vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals in the future. Tim Tobey, from Statesville, North Carolina won the free weekend stay. Linda Stuart, from Fayetteville, North Carolina was the runner-up, to receive the $100 gift certificate. Congratulations to both of our Endless Summer winners!

If you did not celebrate with us at the Endless Summer Festival, make sure you mark your calendar to come down next year. This is a great way to close-out the North Myrtle Beach summer season and gear up for the coming winter. Ocean Drive Beach Rentals would be happy to help you with your lodging needs.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Winter Blues at the Beach...Think Again!

2010-10-30T21:28:00.002-04:00

Long gone are the days filled with sand, sun, and surf but that doesn't mean that all is lost at the beach. Winter allows the locals to come back out to play and has attracted many "snowbirds" looking to escape those long cold nights and shoveling snow on a daily basis.

North Myrtle Beach still has plenty to offer when the temperatures cool down. Even though it may not be bathing suit attire, you will still find people enjoying the sun at the beach while reading a book, fishing, or just enjoying the peaceful scenery. In addition to the beach, Brookgreen Gardens offers many events focusing on the holiday season, including the ever popular Night of a Thousand Candles. This annual event has been listed as one of the Top 20 events in December by the Southeastern Tourism Society.

If, as far as you go with nature is looking out of your oceanfront condo, no need to worry - the Myrtle Beach area has many varieties of live theater to choose from. For the holidays, choose from Christmas on Ice at the Palace Theatre, The Christmas Show at the Alabama Theater, or The Carolina Opry Christmas Show. These venues also offer a variety of other shows. If theatrical plays are more your style, be sure to check out the Theatre of the Republic in historic Conway, South Carolina. Their season starts in the fall and offers a wide variety of plays to choose from each year.

Off-season also brings the multitude of restaurants a much different crowd. Say goodbye to the crowds and lines; head on in to your favorite local establishment or try something new! You're sure to find something you will fall in love with in the more than 1,000 restaurants along the Grand Strand, within a short drive from your North Myrtle Beach vacation rental.

While these are some great ideas to start with, make sure you get out and explore. You will be amazed at how much more there is to see when you can slow it down and take your time! Get rid of those winter blues and call Ocean Drive Beach Rentals to plan your vacation.

Written By: Holly Wharry, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Ocean Drive Pavilion and Amusement Park

2010-10-23T15:03:00.001-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit the Ocean Drive Pavilion and Amusement Park along Ocean Drive. The amusement park is conveniently located at the horseshoe, at the intersection of Ocean Drive and Main Street. It's the only oceanfront amusement park in North Myrtle Beach, and one of the few still left in the area.

I would definitely recommend the OD Pavilion to vacationing families. The park attracts families from all over. Rides include a ferris wheel, giant swing, carousel, tilt-a-whirl, Flying Bob, and the popular tea cup ride. Younger crowds seem to enjoy the arcade, super slide, and bumper cars. In typical carnival fashion, the smell of cotton candy, carmel apples, and funnel cakes fill the air.

Free parking and admission make the Pavilion budget-friendly for everyone. Just pay as you go for ride tickets. Whether you're five years' old or seventy-five, the Ocean Drive Pavilion and Amusement Park is the place to be when you're at the beach!

Written By: Kristen Leonard - Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

The Excitement of Ocean Drive

2010-10-21T13:12:00.001-04:00

Ocean Drive, known for its contribution to beach music and the Shag, is the center of excitement in North Myrtle Beach. This two mile strip of the Grand Strand plays host to many specialty shops, live entertainment, and beach side bars. Several condos and beach homes dot the oceanfront and serve as a prime vacation spot to visitors. With mild year-round temperatures, OD presents the perfect atmosphere for popular festivals.

North Myrtle Beach takes claim as being the birthplace for the Shag, a beach boy-style dance which incorporates techniques from the jitterbug and swing dancing. The Shag is still very much alive here, and we have plenty to show for it. It is a common sight to see expert Shaggers show off their fancy footwork and smooth moves every weekend, if not every night, along Ocean Drive and the intersecting Main Street. Society of Stranders (SOS) takes over the famous beach bars for week-long celebrations every April and September. You may want to get involved if you love beach music.

Along with Fat Harold’s Beach Bar and Duck’s, which are shagging hotspots, there are several options for energetic nightlife and live entertainment along Ocean Drive. Spanish Galleon, beside the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort, hosts a young, hip dance crowd late night to the early morning hours. OD Pavilion is North Myrtle Beach’s only oceanfront amusement park. The Pavilion features family-friendly rides, carnival-style games, and refreshments.

Thinking about visiting Ocean Drive on your next North Myrtle Beach vacation? Leave all of your planning up to Ocean Drive Beach Rentals. They feature beautiful vacation rentals up, down, and all around the Ocean Drive section suited for all budgets, big or small.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Endless Summer Festival in North Myrtle Beach - October 30th

2010-10-16T16:17:00.002-04:00

We beach people don't want the warm, summer-like weather to leave us, but we know that the cooler months lie just around the corner. It only makes sense that we close out October in style. North Myrtle Beach's own Endless Summer Festival is just a couple weeks away!

Thousands of people, locals and vacationers alike, are expected to show up at this year's event. The Endless Summer Festival will only last from 10:00 - 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 30th. It takes place down Main Street, right off Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach. There will be plenty of things to keep the family busy during those hours.

If you like beach music, than this is the place to be during the last weekend of October. Popular bands, Sea Cruz and The Extraordinaires, are going to be putting on great performances. The live entertainment will begin at 11:30 am, at the well-known Horseshoe. Enjoy plenty of great food, arts and crafts, and a children's play area. Don't forget the classic car show, for all of you car buffs. A beach volleyball tournament will be held both Saturday and Sunday.

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals of North Myrtle Beach will be participating in the festival. We'll have a bright and colorful display, and a couple staff members to greet visitors. Stop by, say hi, and grab free stuff while at the event. If you need a place to stay during the weekend, week, or even month, you can count on us for having the best available properties at the most reasonable prices.

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Event poster compliments of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce

Flynn's Irish Tavern in North Myrtle Beach

2010-10-09T13:53:00.001-04:00

There is a hidden gem located at 421 Main Street in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. Just a short walk from the wide sandy beaches and excellent accommodations of Ocean Drive, Flynn's Irish Tavern is a must visit for great food and drinks. Flynn's is the locals' favorite bar to enjoy a perfectly poured pint after a day on the beach or a round of golf. Visitors to North Myrtle Beach are always welcomed at Flynn's. You'll feel right at home when you walk through the front door.

Marty and Jane Flynn are the proud owners of Flynn's. The authentic old country atmosphere of the tavern comes from Marty's place of birth, County Roscommon, Ireland. Adorning the walls are memorabilia depicting the old country and sport's legends. The tavern is housed in the old North Myrtle Beach jail. The jail cells are still there and tours are given upon request. Flynn's hosts a seasonal Beer Garden, which is always a great time, and allows guests to enjoy the wonderful weather for which the Grand Strand is known for. Of course, the front porch is always open for your relaxation.

The menu features authentic Irish fare, steaks, fresh seafood and sandwiches. There are nightly specials ranging from traditional corned beef and cabbage to the best prime rib on the beach. Over 40 different kinds of whiskey adorn the back wall behind the bar. Flynn's Tavern opens its doors at 4:00 in the afternoon Mondays - Saturdays. Happy hour runs from 4:00 - 7:00 daily, and live music is played in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 7:00. On your next trip to North Myrtle Beach, make sure you visit Flynn's. Stop in, say hello, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and warm hospitality that only Flynn's Irish Tavern can provide.

Written By: David Haynes, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Oktoberfest Comes To Myrtle Beach

2010-10-02T14:25:00.001-04:00

Reason # 10,001 why you should visit North Myrtle Beach in the fall...OKTOBERFEST! The second annual German celebration returns to downtown Ocean Boulevard; with over 10,000 people expected to attend the one day fall festival. As of today, the Weather Channel is predicting sunny skies and highs in the upper 70's. It doesn't get any better than that for an October afternoon.

Oktoberfest 2010 will feature authentic German food, unique international beers not normally found in area bars, and wine. Popular area bands are scheduled to perform the entire day. There will be a Bratwurst Eating Contest, children's play area, street performers, and fireworks. The Channelheimer Oompah Band will compliment the German atmosphere with an entertaining show. This is the place to be if you're visiting the Grand Strand next weekend. Sample the culture of Germany and have a great time.

Some of the Ocean Drive Beach Rentals staff will be at Oktoberfest. We'll be posting pictures on our Facebook page to show how much fun it was. Make a weekend reservation in one of our properties and stay a couple days. Experience North Myrtle Beach in the off-season while the water is still warm!

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Summer's Over! Come to North Myrtle Beach

2010-09-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

The first of October is coming up next week, and I still haven't taken off my board shorts or stowed my surf board away for the year. In fact, I find myself hitting the beach more and more as the days inch closer to 2011. With the dense summertime humidity out of the area, high temperatures in the upper 80's and nighttime temperatures in the mid 60's; soon it will be time to open the windows on my beach cottage and relieve stress and my electric bill. As with most of the locals, I love this time of year!

Now is the best time to visit the Grand Strand if you can break away from the job and get your family to the beach for a weekend getaway. Not only is the weather near perfect, but there are fewer crowds on the beach strand, restaurants are still open, and most of the popular attractions and amusements still cater to fall and winter visitors. North Myrtle Beach and the rest of the Grand Strand host hundreds of fall festivals, such as the Shrimp & Jazz Festival in Little River and the South Carolina Bluegrass Festival in Myrtle Beach.

Spring and fall is usually the best time to "hit the greens." With daytime temperatures ranging from 75 - 85 degrees and low humidity, the golfer(s) in the family will likely spend all day in competitive play. A nice evening swim in the pool or ocean is a nice way to end a full day of golfing. There are several area golf courses with great pricing and available tee times.

No need to worry about finding a place to stay. Most of our properties have plenty of availability in the off-season. You can find the best prices of the year now, with rental pricing dropping up to $1000 or more from our in-season pricing! Leave the vacation planning up to us, and give us a call for advice. Our website: Ocean Drive Beach Rentals.

For a listing of area festivals this fall; visit http://www.nmbevents.com/ or http://www.myrtlebeachcalendar.com

Written By: Jake Foutz - Director of Marketing, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals

Interesting 4th of July Facts

2010-07-03T11:50:00.000-04:00

Did you know....

John Hancock was the only signer of the Declaration of Independence to actually sign on July 4, 1776. 50 signed on August 2nd and 3 later that month. Thomas McKean was the last to sign in January, 1777.

The identities of the signers of the Declaration were kept secret for 6 months after the signing. If the Declaration had failed, it would have meant death for the signers, since it would have been considered high treason by the British.

In 1778, George Washington celebration Independence Day by giving the soldiers under his command a double ration of rum.

The 4th of July was not a legal federal holiday until 1941. It remains one of the few federal holidays not to have been moved to a Friday or a Monday.

Three U.S. Presidents have died on Independence Day: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826. James Monroe died July 4, 1831. And one president was born on the 4th....Calvin Coolidge in 1872.

The first two Liberty Bells were defective and melted down to be recast a third time. The third Liberty Bell rang on every 4th of July from 1778 until it cracked in 1835. It has since remained quiet. The first time it rang was July 8th, 1776 to summon the citizens of Philadelphia to hear the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence, read by Colonel John Nixon.

"The Star Spangled Banner" is set to a tune that was originally a British drinking song called "To Anacreon in Heaven" and was sung in pubs throughout England.

Benjamin Franklin argued heartily for the national bird to be the turkey. Thankfully, he was outnumbered and we ended up with the much more noble bald eagle.

At the Constitutional Convention, the ailing Benjamin Franklin was often transported to meetings in a sedan chair, carried by four convicts.

Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee. However, there is no historical evidence to support this.

The words "Under God" were not added to the Pledge of Allegiance until the year 1954.

More than 74 million Americans will celebrate the 4th of July holiday by having barbeques. They will also consume an estimated 150 million hot dogs!

Membership has its privileges at OD Beach Rentals too!

2010-05-25T15:40:00.000-04:00

The Memorial Day holiday has always been known as the "unofficial" start of the summer season along the Grand Strand. Visitors flock to the beach to take advantage of the warm weather and pre-summer rates.

Memorial Day is also the opening of the Ocean Drive Pavilion & Amusement Park. It's the only oceanfront amusement part along the entire Grand Strand and this year promises to hold a lot of excitement and fun for the entire family.

Taking a stroll through the park is a blast from the past for a lot of folks who remember the old OD Pavilion. The smell of cotton candy, the bright lights and excited faces of kids as they spin and twirl on the rides bring back cherished memories of times spent in Ocean Drive.

This year, make sure to plan a visit to the park while you're here. Don't forget to tell us you're interested and we might just be able to swing a few free ride tickets for you!

In fact, when you book your North Myrtle Beach vacation through Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, you'll get lots of added value. You'll be automatically enrolled in our "Endless Fun Club." Membership means fun for the family and dollars saved! With free adult tickets to the Carolina Opry, dolphin watch cruises, deep sea fishing charters, miniature golf and a free beach umbrella rental every single day of your stay, you'll have a lot more cash in your pocket.

We're also working on adding new amenities to the club as well, so keep a watch out for other great values.

Remember, Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is helping you make memories...one vacation at a time!

An Area Rich With Pirates

2010-01-06T16:45:00.005-05:00

For decades, vacationers have been coming to North Myrtle Beach to relax, enjoy the sand, salt air and warm temperatures. But even before this area became a mecca for summertime visitors looking to escape the city, the Grand Strand, known then as Long Bay, was a magnet for a few unsavory characters. Edward "Blackbeard" Teach is among one of the most famous historical figures to call the Grand Strand a home port. The area's many coves and harbors provided excellent "hideaways" for pirates and legend has it that Blackbeard was particularly fond of going ashore in a small boat with one crewman to bury chests of treasure, only to return to his ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, alone.

Teach cultivated his fearsome reputation as a mental warfare tactic to inspire terror in his prey, encouraging early surrender with minimal resistance. His dress was entirely black, much like funeral dress to inspire fear of death. To add to his image, Teach took advantage of scare tactics. He was a tall man with a muscular physique, features he played up, inspiring men to stay away from personal confrontation. He had a dark black beard, which before battle was braided and tied with colorful ribbon, and held pieces of match cord that were slowly burning. The smoke rising up would give him a grim halo, aiding in a satanic appearance. He was equipped with a belt that held cutlasses, pistols, and daggers. Across his chest he carried bandolier with six ready to fire pistols. All in all, his image was that of a man, or perhaps a demon, to be reckoned with.

Women pirates also terrorized the waters off the coast of South Carolina. One of the most famous, Anne Bonny, proved to be just as bloodthirsty as her male counterparts. Bonny, a red-haired beauty with a fierce temper, is believed to be the daughter of a prosperous Charles Town planter. At 16, she ran away with a sailor, and they joined pirates in the Atlantic. Bonny encouraged fellow pirates to raid the Carolina coast, and she killed opponents in battle with a dagger. Eventually, Bonny fell for Calico Jack Rackham, a pirate known for his fancy calico attire. The two sailed and fought together until a British sloop captured them. Bonny blamed their capture on Calico Jack’s poor fighting and cowardice. As he visited her the day of his execution, legend has it that she said, “I’m sorry to see this happen, but if you had fought like a man, you would not now be hanged like a dog!” Bonny, however, escaped the gallows due to her pregnancy. But, after her capture, no one knows for certain what became of Anne Bonny. Some legends say she reconciled with her father and remained in Charles Town, while others say that she returned to a life of piracy.

Piracy also influenced the names of several locales throughout South Carolina. Drunken Jack Island allegedly was named for a pirate who, drunk from too much rum, died on the island. Murrells Inlet supposedly was named for Captain John Murrell, who used the inlet as his headquarters while he preyed on ships at sea.

Many areas throughout South Carolina felt the influence of piracy.
Although each pirate’s legend is unique, the men and women who thrived during the “Golden Age of Piracy” shared several traits—they yearned for adventure, loved the seafaring life and craved the wealth that piracy provided. And, according to legend, they took advantage of the marshes and islands throughout South Carolina to hide their treasures for safekeeping until their return from the sea.

On your next visit to North Myrtle Beach, you might want to try your hand at treasure hunting. With time, ingenuity and some luck, you may uncover riches from these colorful pirates’ past.

Hand made Christmas Decorations

2009-12-10T16:08:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to get into the spirit of the holidays than by getting the kids together for some old-fashioned decoration making? It's a great way for the entire family to spend some quality time together and start a collection of keepsakes that will be handed down from generation to generation.

In browsing the internet, we came across this site, http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/index.shtml that appears to have everything you need to get started on making your next family heirlooms.

Ho Ho Ho!

Christmas at the Beach

2009-12-01T15:20:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is over and its time to get down to the business of Christmas in earnest. The day after Thanksgiving is a popular day to get the decorations up, unless you're one of those who can't wait that long and start stringing lights around Halloween. But hey, Christmas comes only once a year, right?

North Myrtle Beach as a couple of festive events this weekend to help kick off the season in style. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. this Friday, December 4, the City of North Myrtle Beach will light the city's Christmas tree, a 36-foot tall beauty at McLean Park. The tree will have 2,780 lights and Mayor Marilyn Hatley will be on hand to welcome everyone to the festivities. Holiday music will be provided by Mary Kline and MC Susan Trexler and the kids can visit with Santa and enjoy a bag of candy!

The following evening, Saturday, December 5, the North Myrtle Beach Christmas Parade will get underway at 5:30 p.m. Be on hand to watch as Main Street fills with floats, beauty queens, marching bands and of course Santa Claus! Any spot along Main Street will provide a perfect viewing platform for this annual event.

While you're in town, make a weekend of it. Enjoy one of our fabulous Christmas shows along the Strand, do a little holiday shopping, dine out and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic each morning!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!!

Creating an online photo album of your vacation shots

2009-11-25T16:14:00.000-05:00

What makes a good photo album? The answer is just about anything... any topic, person, place, or event that you want to share. Vacations are a great place and time to start photo sharing with friends and family. Whatever the topic of the album, the idea is to group photos in such a way that the folks viewing them will understand how they're connected.

If you don't have your own Windows Live account, go to http://windowslive.com and sign up today! It's free, it's easy, and it’s one convenient place online to share photos, files, e-mail, and see what’s new with your social network.

You can stitch photos together, remove red-eye, crop, and tag photos on your PC with Windows Live Photo Gallery, then upload your albums to your Windows Live Photos page to share online with others. You can also add your favorite photos on your profile so your “What’s New” feed updates to keep friends and family up to date on your latest adventures.

Perhaps after you create your vacation album, you might like to share some of the shots with us. We love to see our guests having fun at the beach!

Christmas Regatta

2009-11-24T13:33:00.000-05:00

The 25th Annual Christmas Regatta is being held this Saturday, in North Myrtle Beach, along the Intracoastal Waterway. The holiday boat parade begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Little River Inlet and travels south, arriving at Dock Holiday's Marina at approximately 7:00 p.m. Regatta-goers can catch a great view along the waterway at several different viewing areas.

As always, the regatta's goal is to continue its work in helping the children of Horry County with basic needs as well as providing each child with a Christmas gift on Christmas morning. People are encouraged to drop off a new, unwrapped toy at various dropoff points or monetary gifts are graciously accepted as well. And "Santa's Angels" don't forget the four-legged members of our community either. Donations of pet food and pet supplies are collected and given to local humane societies.

Many restaurants along the parade route offer specials on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to correspond with the regatta. Visit the regatta's website at http://www.christmasregatta.com to get more information on this spectacular holiday event you won't want to miss!

Black Friday

2009-11-23T13:01:00.000-05:00

Personally, I don't understand the whole deal with Black Friday. I know its the official kickoff for the holiday shopping season and according to people I've talked with, apparently there are some fantastic deals to have out there. My question is simply this: if a store can afford to give that great a deal one day a year, why can't they do it more often? Or, for more than one day? I read the horror stories of fights, trampling, etc resulting from some "over zealous" shoppers on the Friday after Thanksgiving and it just makes me wonder...

At any rate, if you are planning to venture out, check out this website. It has the specials for just about every retailer you can think of and they have a handy "list maker" if you register with the site. Registering is absolutely free too. Maybe this will help make your shopping go more smoothly. And if you do go, please be safe, be courteous and get home in one piece!

http://bfads.net/

Sign!!!

2009-11-23T12:54:00.000-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals now has a sign! It was erected this morning at the front of our office at 453 Main Street, in the Ocean Drive Section of North Myrtle Beach. And if we have to say so ourselves...its a beautiful sign! The decorator says our furniture is in too so we're starting to shape up nicely here. We'd like to invite everyone to stop by and see us soon.

Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort announces its Vacation Rental Division

2009-11-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort announces the opening of its new vacation rental division

Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, the newest member of the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort Family, specializes in providing value-packed condo and beach home rentals to vacationers.

Owner H.G. Worley, Jr. cited the need for a vacation rental company that put a decided emphasis on customer service, both from the standpoint of the homeowner and the guest. As the area has grown and new condominium buildings are constructed, growth in the vacation rental industry has also occurred. "Larger companies on the beach just aren't able to provide that "one on one" service that our homeowners and guests can come to expect," he said. "And in the current economy, we believe people will still want to come to our beautiful beaches but they're going to be more careful about how they spend their money. So, we've added a lot of extra value to each vacation booked with us."

Guests who stay with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals will not only be guaranteed a clean and well-maintained vacation destination but will also receive an amenity package that is unsurpassed in North Myrtle Beach. With free tickets to the Grand Strand's only oceanfront amusement park, the Ocean Drive Pavilion & Amusement Park, free dinners, theatre show tickets, discount shopping, free ice cream, bicycle rentals and much more, a vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals is more than just a place to stay.
When you book your next vacation with Ocean Drive Beach Rentals leave your worries at home. Our caring, friendly, and professional staff will make sure everything is just as you have dreamed. You are guaranteed to enter a clean, well maintained beach property that will make your vacation unforgettable. At Ocean Drive Beach Rentals, we believe you deserve more than average service. You deserve the best! We are here to help you make memories...one vacation at a time.
Visit our website at http://www.odbeachrentals.com/ or call us at today at 877-287-2977.