Almost Myrtle Beach

Not wanting to deal with finding campsites over Christmas holidays, we booked a month at Carolina Pines RV Resort in Conway, SC. We've noticed that monthly rates at RV resorts, especially in the off-season, tend to be a quite reasonable. It's a great way for us to experience the nicer campgrounds at decent rates. Carolina Pines was a definite win. 

They bill themselves as an upscale RV resort, and we agree. It was the first resort where we would have liked a golf cart. Walking the outer perimeter of the current sections is a two-mile walk. There's a new section under construction.  When completed, the resort will have over 840 sites, including the rental cottages.

There's tons to do on-site, indoors and out. Off-site, they have a clubhouse cabana on the beachfront in North Myrtle Beach. Shuttles ferry people and gear back and forth. However, I read where there's a lawsuit on that. So who knows what will happen next season. Off-season, shuttle schedules are primarily to large shopping centers.

Ok, that's enough about the campground, well, almost. Carolina Pines also has tiny cottages available to rent. They allowed us to rent a unit for a month, and we were able to have a succession of friends and family visit. 

The guest house for the month

First up to visit were Glen and Tanna. They're kite-flying friends who were glad to welcome the warmer SC temperatures. We flew kites at North Myrtle Beach one afternoon. Whew! That ocean breeze made me wish I had worn a warmer jacket! 

That breeze was cold

Tanna flying one of the kites she made

Glen, Tanna and us

Playing mini-golf with Glen and Tanna, we established the winner-buys-ice-cream rule that continued for all our guests. We're a little suspicious that the scorekeeper always seemed to win, but hey, I like the swirl flavored soft-serve.

Next up to visit was my sister Karen and her family. Their visit resulted in our first foray into the indoor pool and hot tub. Our niece enjoyed being a mermaid for awhile. Then it was off to the mini-golf course, where once again the scorekeeper won.

Karen and family with us at the 11th hole

Then my friend Deirdre and her family visited. We ventured to the beach where Harold gave junior his first sport kite flying lesson. We played several board games and yes, we played mini-golf as well. 

Deirdre and family with us

First sport kite

To round out our month, my dad and stepmom visited. In addition to a round of mini-golf, we found ourselves trying out the cornhole boards. Perhaps we should have switched things around and had the cornhole winners buy ice cream. We were soundly beaten. 

The winners

We certainly enjoyed being able to spend time with family and friends. We liked the concept of everyone having their own place and the plethora of activities from which to choose. Since we were in a single location for a month, friends and family were able to visit as their schedules allowed. Hmm...

Where Are We Going Next?