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When the snowbunnies hit the slopes and the sun worshipers flock to the Caribbean during the doldrums of the winter months, one coastal South Carolina city offers another, more mellow travel option.

Myrtle Beach, a bustling vacation destination during the rest of the year, settles down a bit with the arrival of winter. With average daytime temperatures reaching into the low 60s, the city offers attractions year-round in a climate that is mild even for winter. Hotels drop their rates during this time to entice off-peak visitors, as do lodging facilities for camping and cabin rentals. Hotel prices can drop by half price or more, to as low as $60 for some double-occupancy rooms.

Golfers are drawn to the warmer winter temperatures in Myrtle Beach, and in a town that is already known for its mlange of courses, resorts frequently offer discounted golfing rates and packages during this time. The Breakers Resort offers a "Mid-Week Supersaver" deal that comes with a 20% discount on four nights' accommodations and four days of golfing.

Myrtle Beach is a shopper's mecca, whether you are a bargain-chaser or have more upscale, refined needs. Hit Ocean Drive for bargain stores like Wings, or head up to visit specialty boutiques nestled around a 23-acre lake at Broadway at the Beach. If your feet aren't aching after all that shopping, you can also try the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes, Barefoot Landing, Tanger Outlets, and the new Coastal Grand Mall.

To enjoy the aura of Myrtle Beach on a day that is cold, or rainy, or both, you can see a show. The Carolina Opry offers a spectacular Christmas Special that combines a live country music variety show with a skilled cast of actors to create a hilariously entertaining presentation. Order tickets ahead of time online to get a discount. Stroll over to Crocodile Rocks dueling piano bar to watch the piano players entertain, while also taking crowd requests. Not to be forgotten are the House of Blues, which attracts legendary greats like B.B. King, as well as the Palace Theater, which has offered the Dean Martin Variety Show.

If you get your kicks from being outdoors, visit Brookgreen Gardens, a sculpture garden designed in the shape of a butterfly. Avid athletes can take their vacation one step further by hitting the pavement for the annual 5K North Myrtle Beach Winter Run or the Bi-Lo Myrtle Beach Marathon. Both winter races offer scenic routes through Horry County. A short distance up Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach, the Society of Stranders kicks off their annual Mid-Winter Shag Classic to showcase the dance in the city where it originated. If you've ever seen the 1989 movie "Shag", this event will feel like a step back in time for you literally!

So leave that winter coat at home and head for coastal South Carolina to soak up the vibe that is Myrtle Beach; a city whose heartbeat continues to pulse throughout the winter!

Learn more about this author, Logan Stewart.
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