26040 Fall in Love with Myrtle Beach

Day 1

Day 1 – Friday, October 2
Welcome Aboard!
Your journey begins this morning as we depart from several convenient pickup locations throughout Southeast Iowa and the Quad Cities. Settle into your comfortable Windstar motorcoach and get to know your fellow travelers as we begin our adventure toward the Southeast.
As the miles roll by, enjoy the scenic landscapes of Illinois and Indiana while we make comfortable rest stops along the way. After a relaxing day of travel, we arrive in Seymour, Indiana, where we check into our hotel for the evening.
Dinner tonight is on your own at the neighboring Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, conveniently located just steps away via a small footbridge. This cozy favorite offers classic comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere — the perfect place to unwind after a full day on the road.

Day 2

Day 2 – Saturday, October 3
Through the Appalachian Foothills
After breakfast at the hotel, we continue our journey southeast toward the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Along the way, we travel through the rolling countryside of Kentucky and into the scenic landscapes of North Carolina.
Enjoy comfortable rest breaks and a leisurely lunch stop along the route before arriving in Hendersonville, North Carolina, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This charming town offers picturesque scenery and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
Tonight we gather for dinner at a local restaurant before returning to our hotel for a restful evening.

Day 3

Day 3 – Sunday, October 4
Welcome to Myrtle Beach!
Following breakfast, we continue our journey toward the Carolina coast. Anticipation builds as the air becomes warmer and the landscape begins to shift toward coastal scenery.
This afternoon we stop at Barefoot Landing, one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular waterfront shopping and entertainment districts. Set along scenic Intracoastal Waterway boardwalks, Barefoot Landing offers unique boutiques, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. Enjoy time to explore and have lunch on your own before we continue to our oceanfront resort.
We arrive at the beautiful Avista Resort in North Myrtle Beach, your home for the next five nights. Located directly on the ocean, this stunning beachfront property offers spectacular views, comfortable accommodations, and easy beach access.
This evening we gather for a special welcome dinner at Beachfront Kitchen & Bar, where you’ll enjoy coastal cuisine and warm hospitality as we officially kick off our Myrtle Beach adventure.

Day 4

Day 4 – Monday, October 5
Marshlands & Music of the Coast
Today we experience the natural beauty of South Carolina’s coastal ecosystem with a Saltwater Marsh Eco Tour in Murrells Inlet. Often called the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” Murrells Inlet is famous for its scenic marshlands teeming with wildlife.
As we cruise through winding tidal creeks and tranquil marsh channels, keep an eye out for herons, egrets, dolphins, and other coastal wildlife while learning about this fascinating environment.
Afterward, enjoy time for lunch on your own along the famous Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, a lively waterfront boardwalk lined with restaurants and stunning views of the salt marsh.
Later this afternoon we stop briefly so guests can pick up snacks or beverages before returning to the hotel to relax before the evening’s festivities.
Tonight we enjoy dinner at Local on the Water, a popular waterfront restaurant known for fresh coastal dishes, beautiful views, and live music.
The evening continues with an unforgettable performance at the Greg Rowles Legacy Theatre. This intimate venue celebrates the legendary entertainer’s career with lively music, classic hits, and heartfelt performances that showcase the spirit of Myrtle Beach entertainment.

Day 5

Day 5 – Tuesday, October 6
The South Carolina Pecan Trail
Today’s adventure takes us inland to explore one of South Carolina’s most unique culinary experiences: The South Carolina Pecan Trail.
Our journey begins with a stop at the famous Buc-ee’s, a traveler’s paradise known for its enormous selection of snacks, treats, and quirky souvenirs.
Next, we visit the Pee Dee State Farmers Market, a vibrant year-round market where local growers and artisans showcase fresh produce, plants, and handmade goods.
At Young’s Premium Foods, a beloved South Carolina institution, we discover gourmet pecan treats and Southern specialties. Each guest will receive a sample bag of their famous chocolate-covered pecans to take home.
Lunch today is included at Julia Belle’s, where family recipes and authentic Southern cooking create a delicious taste of Lowcountry hospitality.
Our afternoon continues at the Florence County Museum, where a guided tour reveals the art, history, and fascinating stories of the Pee Dee region.
Later we enjoy free time in Downtown Florence, a charming and walkable district filled with local shops, cafés, and bakeries. Guests will receive a special treat voucher to enjoy at one of the local sweet shops.
This evening we return to Myrtle Beach for dinner at Bubba’s Fish Camp & Smokehouse, where Southern barbecue and fresh seafood come together in a fun and lively atmosphere.

Day 6

Day 6 – Wednesday, October 7
A Day at the Beach
Enjoy a leisurely day to experience Myrtle Beach at your own pace. Walk along the sandy shoreline, explore the shops of North Myrtle Beach, or simply relax and enjoy the ocean views from the resort.
Later this afternoon we gather for dinner at the elegant Uptown Bistro, where guests will select from a delicious menu including options such as Chicken Piccata, Grilled Salmon, Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo, and more.
Tonight we attend one of Myrtle Beach’s most spectacular productions at the legendary Carolina Opry Theatre. The electrifying show “Time Warp” celebrates the greatest hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s with dazzling costumes, multimedia effects, and incredible performers.

Day 7

Day 7 – Thursday, October 8
Gardens, Seafood & Spectacular
Entertainment
This morning we visit the breathtaking Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark renowned for its extraordinary combination of sculpture gardens, botanical landscapes, and Lowcountry history.
Set among ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, the gardens feature the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country, alongside tranquil gardens, historic rice plantation ruins, and a native wildlife zoo.
After time to explore this stunning property, we return to the hotel to relax before an evening filled with Myrtle Beach favorites.
Dinner tonight is at the legendary Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Buffet, famous for its incredible selection of fresh seafood and Southern favorites.
The evening concludes with a dazzling performance of ICONIC at the renowned Alabama Theatre. This innovative production blends music, comedy, stunning visual effects, and aerial performances in a high-energy show that celebrates the spirit of the Carolina coast.

Day 8

Day 8 – Friday, October 9
Farewell to the Coast
After a relaxing morning, we bid farewell to Myrtle Beach and begin our journey home. Enjoy scenic views of the Appalachian region as we travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Southeast.
Tonight we stay in Knoxville, Tennessee, where we enjoy comfortable accommodations and a relaxing evening.

Day 9

Day 9 – Saturday, October 10
Journey Home
After breakfast we continue our journey back to Iowa, sharing stories and memories from our wonderful coastal adventure. By evening we arrive home with new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and plenty of beach memories to carry into the fall season.