article Destinations, News, USA

CAN-AM KICKOFF USHERS IN MYRTLE BEACH MIGRATION

With the 63rd Annual Can-Am Days set to kick off Saturday (March 9) – coinciding with some school breaks – Canadians will begin their annual seasonal migration to Myrtle Beach. But while the festivities and special offers continue through March 17th, the Grand Strand region of South Carolina has a host of new offers and attractions that carry on throughout 2024.

“Our ever-evolving destination continues to see exponential growth, innovation, and advancement in terms of diverse offerings and experiences for all,” says Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “We look forward to welcoming Canadian visitors to The Beach who are looking for year-round relaxation and adventure paired with sunny skies and Southern hospitality.”

But first is the annual friendship festival in which Myrtle Beach and its neighbouring two dozen-plus communities welcome Canadians back to “The Beach” with a host of special events and exclusive savings at hotels and activities, up to 50% off select live entertainment, attractions, restaurants, and more.

Special Can-Am Days events include:

  • March 11: Can-Am reception sponsored by TD Bank at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
  • March 12: Ripley’s Can-Am Plaza Party in front of Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Additional events happening across the Grand Strand during Can-Am Days include the Ontario Junior players Invitational Golf Tournament, March 11-12, in Myrtle Beach; the Run to the Sun Car Show, March 14-16, in Myrtle Beach; the Surfside Beach BBQ Festival, March 9; Nights at Nance Spring Concert Series, March 14, in Myrtle Beach; the 34th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade, March 16, in North Myrtle Beach; and the 9th Annual Luck of the Marshwalk Event, March 17, in Murrells Inlet. For a full schedule, click HERE.

Accommodation offers for Can-Am Days (and beyond) include:

  • Avista Resort: Save over 25% off during Can-Am Days with Canadian ID
  • Beach Colony Resort: Receive up to a 50% discount on stays 7 nights or longer with valid Canadian ID through Oct. 20
  • Condo-World: Save up to 40% during Can-Am Days when booking one of Condo-World’s oceanfront condos, beach homes, or resorts along the Grand Strand
  • The Caravelle Resort: Book a stay of 7 nights or longer and receive up to half off. Valid through Oct. 20
  • Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark: Receive up to a 50% discount on stays 7 nights or longer with valid Canadian ID through Oct. 20
  • Dayton House Oceanfront Resort: Canadians enjoy 20% off plus free breakfast daily throughout the year
  • Forest Dunes Resort: Book a stay of 7 nights or longer and receive up to half off. Valid through Oct. 20
  • Landmark Resort: Receive up to a 50% discount on stays 7 nights or longer with valid Canadian ID through Oct. 20
  • (Exclusions apply to all offers).

But the fun doesn’t end with Can-Am Days. Here is a look some news and notables taking places throughout the year along the Grand Strand, including events, hotels, and dining:

Events & attractions

  • Myrtle Beach Classic – The inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic (May 9-12, 2024) will be the first PGA Tour event in Myrtle Beach history. Hosted by Visit Myrtle Beach, along with the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Golf Tourism Solutions, and South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism, the event will be held at the Dunes Golf & Beach Club, a championship golf course, well renowned for its beauty along the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Carolina Country Music Festival – After a sold out 2023 event, the Carolina Country Music Festival will be returning to Myrtle Beach June 6-9. Carrie Underwood and Morgan Wallen are already confirmed as headliners along with other fan favourites.
  • PopStroke – Designed by Tiger Woods, PopStroke will be opening at Broadway at the Beach in spring, offering a family-friendly golf experience that offers a full-service restaurant and two putting golf courses.
  • Greg Rowles Legacy Theater – The brainchild of veteran local performer Greg Rowles, the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre is slated to open in spring. This popular venue will feature world-class singers and musicians offering diverse and captivating performances.
  • Myrtle Waves Water Park – In addition to over 20 waterslides, a wave pool and lazy river, Myrtle Waves Water Park will be adding a new “Wild Water Racer” mat slide for the 2024 season. This exhilarating ride will allow up to four people to lay on a mat on their stomachs and slide down headfirst. The water park will also be expanding its cabana and shaded seating area for the season.
  • Surfside Beach Pier Reconstruction – The town of Surfside Beach is reconstructing its iconic pier after it suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. Built to withstand hurricane force winds, the pier will feature a restaurant and vendor space and is slated to be completed in 2024.

Lodging & transportation

  • DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront – Slated for completion in spring, the $30-million renovation of the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront will see the north tower transformed into a Tapestry Resort by Hilton, offering luxurious waterfront amenities.
  • Holiday Inn Club Vacations Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort – Sheduled to open in April, the new 4.5-hectare resort on the Grand Strand is already available to book and features 152 one-to-four-bedroom villas, each including patios with ocean views and a portion designated for luxury options, with 60 villas that will be part of Signature Collection, the company’s luxury product.
  • The George Hotel – In Georgetown’s historic district, The George is the town’s first boutique hotel and offers 56 artfully-inspired guest rooms, creative on-site dining, meeting space, and direct marina access for guests arriving by boat.
  • Compass Hotel North Myrtle Beach @ Margaritaville – Featuring approximately 150 guestrooms, an indoor and outdoor pool experience, fitness centre, meeting space, a 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar & Grill, Provisions Grab & Go and a complimentary breakfast buffet, Compass Hotel North Myrtle Beach will bring a laid-back, boutique hotel vibe and a sense of paradise to the community with inspired rooms and thoughtful amenities. Opening is slated for early 2025.

Food & drink

  • Coffee & Cream Cabana – A new addition to award-winning Chef Heidi Vukov’s portfolio, Coffee & Cream Cabana at Heidi’s Corner opened in 2023 and offers 16 hand-crafted seasonal flavours of ice cream, homemade waffle cones, cookie ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cakes, as well as specialty coffees, light fare foods, and treats.
  • Mimosas – The new breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant offers indoor/outdoor seating, an extensive list of mimosa drinks and a unique menu that includes elevated brunch offerings like their signature, fried lobster, and waffles.
  • The Tasting Room on 9th – Opening this spring, The Tasting Room on 9th will be the first official wine bar in the newly developed Arts and Innovation District. Boasting a wide selection of wines from around the world and a curated menu with food pairings, The Tasting Room will offer an inclusive, community-centered space where everyone from the wine novice to the experienced connoisseur feels welcome.
  • Swig & Swine – Its first venture outside of Charleston, Swig & Swine’s fifth location will be opening in Myrtle Beach’s Arts and Innovation District later this year, offering award-winning barbecue and a diverse selection of craft beer.