Hello everyone I wanted to write up our trip report so here it goes. We got off to a late start from Pittsburgh Saturday after having to attend a funeral for our Grandmother (Baba) who will be missed dearly by many. Her passing although sad for us all made leaving for our vacation all the more sweeter and well needed. Me and my wife left around 3 pm and had contacted Garden Cirty Realty (GCR) at the Surfmaster to let them know we'd be late. On the road we hit rain from Beckley WV to just outside Winston Salem but then the night cleared up beautifully and we had a great ride down through Pinehurst on into Myrtle. We stopped at a gas station on Rt 9 (I think) and they had Grape Nehi on ice in bottles. Just what the doctor ordered for me as it was about midnite and I was feeling a bit tired. After my immediate sugar rush we rolled into the parking lot right at 1 am and got the truck unpacked and everything onto a couple carts and up to the room. GCR had the place ready for us and our keys and welcome packet on the table. The condo was spotless as usual and once we unpacked me and Gina crashed in the huge kingsize bed in our room.
Sunday I woke up early around 8 and went out to get some produce at my favorite stand on Atlantic Ave. and picked up some breakfast for us at Dunkin Donuts. We flew our Mom down that morning since she remained at home to tie up some loose ends from the funeral so I left to pick her up around 11:30 and headed to the airport. what a great little airport so convenient and easy to get into and out of. With Mom in the truck it was time to start relaxing and hopefully enjoy vacation.
With regards to our weather for the week. The weather had us worried because early reports called for rain every day. Needless to say the weathermen in SC are as good as they are in Pittsburgh
.....and the week was PERFECT and
![:ac15[1]:](./images/smilies/ac15[1].gif "woohoo")
Me and Mom hit Piggly Wiggly for some incidentals, aka munchies and mixers. I think I bought the entire liqour store in Pittsburgh so we were well stocked in the four basic food groups, Vodka, Rum, Tequilla, and Scotch. Mom loves southern fried chicken and biscuits so we loaded her up with a nice selection from the deli at PW and off to the condo and beach for the afternoon. The excitement for the day was when the lifeguards cleared the water due to a shark about 4' long that was cruising along our little stretch of the strand. Mom decided to stay in for dinner and enjoyed her southern fried dinner on the balcony while me and Gina decided to go get something simple so we tried Creek Ratz. They had a decent band and we both tried some seafood baskets with shrimp, oysters, and fish. A couple cold Corona Lights later and we were happy. We headed back to the condo for the night and relaxed on the balcony just listening to the ocean below us and I kicked back with a nice cigar and some medicinal Vodka and Cranberry to end a nice first day.
Monday everyone was ready to hit the beach for a full day so we loaded up the freezer bags with
Pina Colada's, Margarita's, Rum Punch, and some water. You got to keep hydrated in the hot sun right! The beach was crowded as usual for the Labor Day weekend and we ran into our friends from Charlotte so I was excited that our Bocce 2011 tournament would be going down soon. The problem we ran into this year was the darn tides were against us so we never got to play bocce this day. So we did the only thing we could....nothing
Monday nite we decided to head out to the new boardwalk and try the Landshark Grille. It was a decent joint but the food is much better at Margaritaville. I was in the mood for Fish Taco's but balked when I found out the catch of the day for the tacos was talapia
C'mon Jimmy you can do better than that! I ended up ordering the cuban with some oysters, Mom the burger and some peel and eat shrimp, and Gina did a chef salad. I bought the 22 oz Landshark glass and got a sweet big ol straw hat in the gift shop for our trip to Punta Cana next year. 480 later we left the gift shop and checked out the boardwalk and big wheel in the sky. I really like the atmosphere down there it's old school beach and priceless. Did some more cruising and then headed back to the condo for some more balcony time and watched the fireworks up and down the beach. Not as many this year as in the past.
Tuesday more of the same during the day time....pool....beach....drink...flip...redo..... then we hit up BATB that evening. The girls shopped their little feet off while I was happy to sit around and watch the people come and go as well as LMAO at my main man at Klugs Kites. He was really putting on a show and I know it's silly but he kills me every time I see him. We were going to go to the Tommy Bahama grill for dinner but it got too late and decided just to hit up the Key West Grill. Always a good choice and this time was no different. Best oysters on the half shell I had all week and fantastic big grilled sea scallops. Got some Key Lime pie to go and headed back to the pad. The girls were happy they each bought some jewlery and we got our candy from River Sweets as well. A very good night.
Wednesday I decided to golf so I called Caledonia early in the AM and they fit me in. I went out as a single and had the entire back nine to myself. I picked the worst weather day to play, it was sunny, cloudy, very humid, but most of all incredibly windy. Even though I had a blast and played my favorite course. I love going there they have a starter who is from Pgh and I like chatting with him. He's been there for 16 yrs he said and is a pleasure to talk with. No alligators this round which was a bummer but man some of the holes were tough with the wind. I was going to do a replay since I was able to play 18 in under 3 hrs but I was literally dripping and feeling a little weird after chugging an ice cold gatorade back at the clubhouse when I finished playing. I decided to head back and soak in the pool. The girls were already there you couldn't go on the beach it was like being sandblasted so we just realaxed poolside and then decided to try Angelo's for dinner. I was craving a good steak and have always read and heard theirs is good. The girls went Italian and it got one thumbs up and one so-so. I went big and got the Big Daddy 24 oz strip. I was quite happy and there was enough to share and take home for steak and eggs the next day. I wouldn't say it was the best steak I've had but it certainly was a good one. We thought about playing some mini golf after dinner but honestly we were all stuffed and just went back to our condo again. One quick stop at Painter's Ice cream first......not too stuffed for that and they say the cold shrinks your stomach right....
Thursday it's finally bocce time the tides have turned and given us a court. It is tough finding a decent spot though due to the slope on the beach but we play anyway and end up in a tie. We decide to drink instead of breaking the tie that way every is happy. I am not arguing because typically I get crushed and lose every game. Bocce on the beach...there is nothing so sweet and fun.
Thursday night is Gulfstream night they gave us a great table right along the windows and we had a wonderful dinner as usual there. Gina loves the tenderloin and crab cakes. I threw caution to the wind and ordered the seafood platter. They have my favorite Key Lime pie so we ordered that and Gina had their decadent chocolate cake. We love coming to this restuarant and never are disappointed. Between their regular menu and daily specials there's always something yummy to have and what a view....F'getaboutit!
I did notice that they had a sweet deal that I plan tot try next year in September from 6-8pm they have all you can schuck for $15 up on their deck which they would seriously lose money on me but hey it's not my fault I love oysters.
Friday was spent relaxing......do you guys see the pattern for our vacation. We ended up going in a little early and returned to BATB to pick up a few things for people back home then to the Lazy Gator for our annual xmas ornament selection for our beach themed tree we put up and then just grabbed a bit at River City in Surfside. Headed back and packed the truck and got ready to rise early for the cruise back home. The ride was uneventful as they typically are and that's the best way to have them. We made it back safe and sound.
All in all it was a wonderful trip given the crummy circumstances that we had endured before it started. Mom was glad she came down it gave her a chance to relax after everything she went through and it was a nice slooooooooooow week. We love our little vacation to Garden City every year and hope to be back soon. Now it's time for the Black & Gold fall and winter months. Hope you all had great summers and enjoy a wonderful fall and holiday season.
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