Trip Down Memory Lane

For an afternoon of history, one of a kind cars and lunch at a diner that takes you back to the 50’s, drive down to Murrells Inlet and visit the new Ragtops and Roadsters vintage car museum.
The display of cars changes but when we were there they had a 1917 Budweiser Beer Ford Model T delivery truck as well as my favorite a 1952 Jaguar. What a beautiful car! Every car has its history posted beside it. Take the time to read them; I’m sure you will learn something new and interesting. I know we did.
For the car collector, the museum also has several cars for sale. So take your checkbook, you just might be taking a “new” car back home with you!
After viewing the cars take a trip down memory lane at the recently opened 50’s style diner inside the museum called Woody’s. Enjoy the memorabilia and jukebox music while waiting for your order. Sandwiches, salads, and wings are highlights of the menu. For a real treat have an old time ice cream float. I opted for the orange soda float-Delicious!

Enjoy!
Debbie

Wine Tasting at it's Best

If you are a wine lover or just love being outdoors, add the LaBelle Amie winery on your list of things to do while in town. Located off Hwy 90, the LaBelle Amie winery is locally owned and home to monthly festivals, daily wine tastings and a very unique gift shop. Their gift shop offers wine related novelties, jewelry, and of course wine! For all of the at home chefs and grill masters, be sure and check out the gourmet spices, dressings, and sauces. My favorite is the Wasabi Ginger Dressing, wonderful for tuna steaks!
LaBelle Amie Winery welcomes you to walk thru the grounds of the former tobacco plantation, enjoy a picnic, or sit on a rocking chair on the covered porch area and escape with a glass of their private labeled wine. Guided tours of the vineyard are also available in advance and are a must for history buffs.
Inside their gift shop is a wine tasting bar where you can sample their wines. If your tastes sway towards the white wines, try my favorite, Phillippe-“High Maintenance”. They also offer a variety of muscadine wines which is a nice change from your usual whites and reds.
Their monthly festivals are a favorite spot for locals to enjoy live music, good company, and excellent wine! Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and plan to spend the afternoon. They also have several bonfires planned for the winter. Visit their website www.labelleamie.com for a complete list of festivals and business hours.
Before leaving, take time to meet Bella, the winery mascot. A beautiful white border collie, Bella is one of the main attractions of the winery. She always seems to find us for a game of catch with her tennis ball and enjoys being the center of attention.

Enjoy and Cheers!
Debbie

Christmas at the Beach

Although we probably won’t have a “White Christmas”, there are still plenty of festivals, shows, and decorations to put you in the Christmas mood while you are far from home. I would like to share my favorites with you that I look forward to every year.
I kick off my holiday season with the Intercoastal Christmas Regatta held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The festivities start at 5:00 at the Little River inlet, traveling south to their finishing point at Petes Landing in North Myrtle Beach around 7:00. The parade can be viewed along the waterway at various restaurants and marinas. My friends and I normally enjoy it from Filets Restaurant by the swing bridge. We arrive early, grab a table by one of the fire pits, and enjoy a wonderful evening of hot chocolate and great appetizers while “judging” the decorations on the boat. Be sure to bring a unwrapped toy with you as the regatta benefits area children on Christmas morning.
My one, can’t miss event of the season, Nights of a Thousand Candles starts Dec. 5th and runs thru Dec. 20th on Friday and Saturday nights 3:00-10:00.
For an amazing evening of lights and music, take a trip down to Pawleys Island to Brookgreen Gardens for this mystical event. The sculpture gardens are transformed into a magical wonderland of illuminated garden paths, sparkling live oaks, and live entertainment. We make an entire evening out of it, enjoying roasted oysters and homemade soup, getting a front row seat for the one-man rendition of A Christmas Carol at 7:30 and sipping on a glass of wine while listening to the hand bell choirs. A remarkable experience not to be missed!
And last but not least, the holiday season isn’t the same without a hometown Christmas parade and a Santa sighting! North Myrtle Beach hosts their Christmas parade on Saturday December 6 at 5:30. Stop in at the International Café for a bowl of homemade chili and hot cocoa while waiting for the bands, floats, and of course the man of the hour, Santa!
Enjoy your holiday season and feel free to share some of your favorite Christmas traditions at the beach!

Happy Holidays,
Debbie