April 2011 Archives

We had a wonderful opportunity this morning to serve our winning couple of the Happily Ever After contest.  Happily Ever After was a contest for military couples to enter to win the wedding of their dreams.  Chef Sean Grady spotted the soon to be wed military couple arriving at the Captain's Cove Restaurant for breakfast this morning.  We are delighted to have them with us and wish them the very best. 

Michael - Food and Beverage Department

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Alligator Adventure located near Barefoot Landing.  I was amazed at all the different alligators ranging in size from eight inch babies to fifteen foot adult gators weighing anywhere from 500 to 1000 pounds.  It was very interesting listening and watching the staff explain the life of these creatures.  They feed the large reptiles by hand as they speak about them.  I was facinated by all the other animals they had such as the giant Anaconda and Pythons which were as long as 37 feet long and the King Cobra's were 18 feet long.  They also had frogs, lizards, all size turtles, beautiful tropical birds, crocodiles, tigers, lemurs, and Egyptian fruit bats.  There is defintely a lot to experience.  They have different sitting areas throughout the property which is great because there are many areas to walk.  It is a nice way to spend an afternoon and when you purchase your ticket, you get a pass for the next day to come back free.  So you can have twice the fun.  It is defintely a great place to bring the family.

Maria - Guest Services

I found myself pondering about Myrtle Beach the other day.  I could not help but think of how much my family and I have excelled in this area.  We moved down here to Myrtle Beach about 7 years ago from Massachusetts.  From snow, ice, freezing rain and sub zero cold weather to FUN in the SUN!  The first  year we lived in Myrtle Beach, we celebrated Thanksgiving Day on the beach with 80 degree weather.  What a difference!  But honestly that wasn't the best thing about this area for me, it was the "Southern Hospitality"  that really stood out.  Up North, life moves at a much faster pace and you have to run to keep up. Don't get me wrong, some people enjoy that fast pace life.  In the South, life is more on cruise control set for "the right pace".  Living in this great area I just want to tell others how much they can enjoy it too.  It just made sense that I joined the hospitaliy industry and shared the dream.  When you're in  Myrtle Beach take the time to listen to the ocean waves, if only for a minute.  They will remind you why you have come to the beach and why you should come back again and again.

Bruce - Maintenance Department

I moved from up North to Myrtle Beach six years ago and I have been with Sea Watch for five years now.  Guest ask me if I am still happy with my decision to move here and my answer is always YES!  It seems no matter what time of the year it is, you can find something nice to say.  In the summer you have the warmth of the air and of the water.  I remember my first time stepping into the ocean here in North Myrtle Beach - the water was so warm I felt like I was taking a bath.  In winter, even when many say it is cold, I find it pleasurable, cool breezes, palm trees, nice people and still plenty to do.  If by chance they call for snow, you may see it fall lightly, yet not stay for very long.  Then in Spring on a day like today when the winds are blowing, the rain is falling, the trees look like they are waving, the ocean crashing against the sand, and the rain and wind making ripples in the pools - it is still a wonderful site.  My suggestion is if you are not able to live here, then definitely take the time to visit. 

Dawn-Guest Services

I have been living in Myrtle Beach for over 15 years and I have dined at many of the finest area establishments.  I have found that  "JimmyZ  Hibachi" is a local's favorite and well kept secret right here in plain sight.  It is located on King's Hwy. (business side) heading South around 61st Ave.  Locals consider this place a great place to "feed the masses", while college kids working on the beach for the summer find it a great value.  JimmyZ is defintely offers great food at great prices.  I Iike the shrimp "meal".  The shrimp bowl comes with fried rice and hibachi shrimp but no vegetables.  My suggestion is to order the meal for a few extra dollars, there is alot more.  I always make sure I order enough of the homemade "white sauce" which I use to slather on my shrimp.  It goes well with the rice too!   It's a great place to eat and I like the convenience of picking up my food from the drive-up window if I choose not to go inside.  Truly if a meal at the beach is going to taste genuine and you didn't make it yourself,   hibachi -cooked food is where it's at and JimmyZ has it covered.  Tell them Barbara sent you!

Barbara - Housekeeping Department

I recently visited the Wonderworks museum.  First thing my wife and I noticed as we walked up to the peculiar looking building was the architeture.  The building looked though it was flipped over and placed back on its foundation up side down.  As we got our tickets in the booth it looked as though this room was upside down and we were walking on the ceiling.  It had an oscillating tunnel that you walked through to enter this big wide open room geared toward weather.  It had a hurricane simulator (to experience 78 mile an hour winds).  It had weather quizzes and three 46' TV's set up to see Google Earth.  The next room had a bicycle machine that was air activated and the more you pedaled the more you flipped upside down.  At the risk of giving away the secrets of Wonderworks, I just want to say it was fantastic adventure for my wife and I.  It was defintely worth experiencing.

Mason - Maintenance Department

I believe there is a saying that goes something like "life is what you make it". Well, here at Sea Watch we believe "work is what you make it" and that most days should be enjoyable with some feelings of accomplishment. No doubt about it, we do work hard! Last week all the department manager's were put to task to work hard and get their staff involved making an Easter bonnet. Now, some of you will know what an ol' fashion Easter bonnet is and some of you won't but it is a prissy, frilly hat that had to be very special and we shopped to find just the right one to wear to church on Easter Sunday with our brand new Easter dress. Anyway, I worked very hard shopping (Wal Mart) for just the right hat  so everyone started out with the same base for their bonnets. The employees worked very hard planning and scheming and building the perfect bonnet. They also worked very hard making sure mum was the word on what they were doing because the winning hat would get lunch for the department. As you can see by their creativity their hard work paid off. We decided to run a contest with the bonnets so we worked hard and put them on display in the lobby and then had to work hard getting people to vote of them. Today was the end of the contest. I will just let you be the judge on how hard we worked parading the bonnets during the pool party today and announcing the winning name for the complimentary two night stay at Sea Watch! And now it is time for me to get back to work Check out our facebook for more pictures of the event and who won Best Easter Bonnet and you will be able to keep up with all of our hard work! 

Kathy - General Manager

Even though Easter is still officially 4 days away, It is full force at Sea Watch!  We have been drawing two names each day since this past Sunday for kids to win adorable filled Easter eggs.  Each department was responsible for creating their own Easter Bonnet which are posted on our Facebook site where Sea Watch fans can vote for their favorite Bonnet.  We had our Pool Party on Tuesday with our DJ and we will have another one tomorrow (Thursday-weather permitting) where the winner of the Easter Bonnet contest will be announced.  On Easter Sunday our Food and Beverage department will put on a wonderful Easter Brunch (Can't wait!).  I always enjoy special meals at the Captain's Cove (It is where I have my Thanksgiving Dinner each year!!!).  So if you get a chance or do not have plans yet for Easter, come on by.... Oh yeah, Did I forget to mention that the Easter Bunny will be there too. 

Dawn - Guest Services

Yesterday I was putting up the tent structure out at the North Tower pool deck area for our new DJ, Jamming Chris James to set up his equipment under. One of our gentleman guest by the name of Louis Sublet offered to help me. We started talking about where he grew up. He mentioned that he grew up in Warrington VA which peaked my interest because an old friend of mine named is Brian Habrat  that I havn't seen since 1983 lived in Warrington VA. What a small world it really is, Mr. Sublet told me that he had just been at Brian's parents house discussing a project with them!

Michael - Food & Beverage Department

I was hanging up our new catus, hot chili pepper lights at the Tiki Bar this beautiful afternoon and had the opportunity to chat with a gentleman from Vermont. He was enjoying his time at Sea Watch and Myrtle Beach but was more pleased with the tan that he getting to take back to Vermont with him. Our bartender Jesse is also from Vermont so there was some "hometown" comradery until the conversation turned to football. Jesse is a HUGH Giants fan and our new found aquaintenance, well his loyalty is for the Detroit Lions. Unfortunately I couldn't stay and put in my two cents worth in about the Steeler's but I'm sure these two held there own -  talking football!

Michael - Food and Beverage

I was born and raised in this area so while speaking with guests, they like to ask me for my suggestions on places they can go out to eat dinner with their families.  I usually tell them that if they are craving a steak dinner to go to Logan’s Roadhouse.  It really is a fun place to eat and they have a great bar too.  When guests ask about seafood I usually suggest they go to Red Lobster.  It is really close to the resort and it is right next to Tanger Outlet.  This way guests can eat dinner and then walk around shopping the outlets.  For entertainment I always suggest the Alabama Theatre.  They of course have their famous show called One The Show and they also have different acts from time to time too.  Don’t forget to ask us next time your down where to go because we will be happy to tell you!

Patsy – Housekeeping Department 

   I have had the pleasure of living in Myrtle Beach for 11 yrs. now and I have seen many attractions come and go.  But one of the best attractions that was recently built for everyone's enjoyment in Myrtle Beach is the Boardwalk.  I have seen it a few times but never got a chance to actually explore it up close. So last Saturday I had the pleasure of walking the entire boardwalk from the Second Ave. Pier - all the way to the 14th Ave. Pier, start to finish.  The Boardwalk is great because you get to experience the view of the beautiful Atlantic ocean without having to get sand on your toes.  It is also nice not having to walk the main Street (Ocean Blvd) and worrying about the kid's safety with the traffic.   Walking along the Boardwalk you get to see many different attractions such as beach stores, restaurants, and even the arcade.  You can also see the new Sky Wheel under contruction (175 FT Ferris Wheel with closed gondolas) and during the Summer months you will get musical entertainment.  If you ever need something fun yet simple to do with your family - just take a stroll along the beautiful  Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Gabby - Guest Services

On April 9th, 2011, I went to the Celebration Music Theatre in Surfside Beach to watch the Superstarz Live show.  It is a great line up of talented impersonators.  As we entered the theatre, we were greeted and entertained by Minnie Pearl before the show even started.  The first performer was Garth Brooks who put on a great show.  He got the audenice involved by inviting couples to get up and dance while he sang the song "The Dance".  Cher was the next performer and she was GREAT!  She not only looked and acted like Cher, she sounded just like her- She was amazing!  The other performers were Liza Minneli, The Bluegrass Brothers (very funny act), and the night would not be complete without Elvis.  During one of Elvis's last songs, he invited all the ladies to sit on the steps along the stage while he sang to them.  I went up and sat beside him while he sang " Are You Lonesome Tonight?' to me.  WOW, it was awsome!!  After the show, all the performers actually came out  and we were able to meet and talk with them.  To make the perfect ending to a great night, I received a hug and kiss from the KING - Elvis.  It could not have been a better night.  I will be going back again and invite everyone to experience this show for too.

Before I started working at Sea Watch Resort I would love to walk on the beach.  I would drive to different areas so that I could enjoy the views of the different properties.  One particular evening before the sun had set I happened to be walking on the beach in front of Sea Watch.  At that time I was not familiar with the property.  What caught my eye was the very unique architecture.  Two towers with columns and archways, it just looked very different to me than any other property I had been used to seeing in Myrtle Beach.  The day I applied for the job at Sea Watch I was pleasantly surprised to see the columns and archways that had caught my attention.  Sea Watch had already welcomed me from the beach and now I have been welcomed into the Sea Watch family!  You just never know!

Bruce - Maintenance Department

While preparing omelets, waffles and eggs to order I enjoy speaking to our guests to find out where they are from and how they are enjoying their stay.  This morning I had the pleasure of speaking to a guest who is from Hornell, NY which is a town very close to my home town of Rochester, NY.  It was great talking to someone who knew the same places I did and it brought back a lot of memories.  I did ask her if she was enjoying her stay and she was.  She said they love to come to Sea Watch to escape the cold weather.  It truly is a small world.

Sean - Food & Beverage Department

This morning on my way to work, I drove past the new Pirate’s Voyage which is set to open in June.  They have begun to paint the outside of the building.  For those of you that may not know the Pirate’s Voyage is going to be the new theme dinner show replacing the Dixie Stampede.  The Pirate’s Voyage is going to be based on the spirit of Blackbeard and his buccaneers, Captain Kidd and Anne Bonnie who all sailed the coast of the Carolinas.  Similar to the old North/South theme that the Dixie Stampede had there will now be two sides of pirates to cheer for.  The Crimson and the Sapphire pirates will battle each other on deck, in the water and in the sky above a full sized pirate ship in a 15-foot-deep indoor lagoon.

I also found out today that some I will have an opportunity to take a hard hat tour and bring some of the staff with me to see a sneak peek of what the Pirate’s Voyage will be all about.  We are so excited for this new show and hope that many of you will have an opportunity to see it this summer!  I will be sure to fill you in on all the details later next week.

Brian – Golf and Entertainment Department

I hope everyone had a nice weekend.  We had a fantastic weekend at Sea Watch Resort. We were honored to host Fellowship Tours, a bus tour group from Gray Tennessee who made a stop in Myrtle Beach to see shows and enjoy views of the great blue Atlantic ocean. The ladies of Zonta enjoyed our delicious breakfast buffet with waffles and omelets to order during their annual brunch on Saturday. We appreciate Zonta and all that they do! Mary Johnson and Zach Vandecar said "I do" to one another during their wedding ceremony on the beach in front of the resort. After the ceremony, Mary and Zach joined all their family and friends to celebrate and dance the night away in the Calypso Ballroom. A good time was had by all!

It is not too often that we have an opportunity to see nature at its best and I couldn't help but share it with you!  The other day while I was inspecting one of the condos I saw something I just had to share.  What first caught my eye was the way the sun was shining on the water in front of Sea Watch.  The water was sparkling with light and dark spots.  As I looked across the horizon I saw something moving around in the water.  I quickly realized that it was a school of dolphins passing by infront of the resort and they were jumping in and out of the water.   I couldn't help but to watch them and realize how beautiful it was to see such a site.  You never know what you might see when you come to Myrtle Beach and stay with us here at Sea Watch.

Pam - Maintenance Department Administrative Assistant