I just returned a few hours ago from a quick trip to Myrtle Beach, SC where my friend Stephanie and her family have just moved to. It looked as though Stephanie would have to make the 16-hour drive by herself, so I volunteered to tag along. It was a LONG overnight drive from Massachusetts starting Saturday around 5:30pm, and we saw some major thunderstorms and downpours, but we made it down there in one piece around 9am Sunday. Stephanie's rabbit also survived the sometimes bumpy-road journey thankfully, as well. On long-distance drives, I think sometimes the most interesting things are the strange town names you see. The town of Zebulon, NC probably topped my list this time around. I thought it sounded like a planet that some crazy aliens would come from.
Stephanie, her husband Bill, and her daughter definitely have a nice apartment in SC, and I'm frankly a little jealous! I could also see why Myrtle Beach is such a major tourist destination. Plenty of things to do. And I haven't seen palm trees in years, so that was cool, too. The weather was a bit too hot for my liking in the 90's (coming from Massachusetts when it was raining and 60 degrees was a shock). But I enjoyed seeing where they are now living. I think once they settle in, they'll really love it.
Sunday was the only day I'd have down there, so I was limited in what I could do. But we all had lunch, took a 4-hour nap, played a round of mini-golf together where a fun miniature train took us to our 18-hole course (playing golf, I came in second... Bill kicked butt, but I had two holes in one!), and had dinner at the Outback Steakhouse. I LOVE that restaurant. Though it's pricey, it's so worth it. I savor every bite of their delicious Victoria's Filet. Perhaps I will write to Outback and tell them how great it is, and they'll send me a coupon for a free meal there. Haha, one can hope!
It really stunk that I had to leave Monday morning since I'm on call this evening at work. But at least I was flying back instead of driving. It was tough to say goodbye, although I know I eventually return down there especially considering my parents live in Hampton Roads, VA and have a vacation home in the Outer Banks of NC, both of which are about 5 1/2 hours away from Myrtle Beach. By the way, I definitely recommend Spirit Airlines as they have quick, inexpensive flights between Myrtle Beach and Boston. Plus they have a $9 fare club you can join.
All in all, I was just happy to help out a good friend make the journey, see where her family's new life is, and get a mini-vacation in there, too! Oh, and I can officially add South Carolina to the list of states I've visited - 38 of 50 now! Woot! Now it's back to work... but I'll be on vacation again in a week and a half in the Outer Banks. Yay for that!
