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I'd just spent hours in a car, headed to Myrtle Beach with my husband and son. Think on this, Gentle Reader. That's eight hours on I-95, heading south over Christmas. Just us and every other sun-deprived Northerner. There's nothing like an eight-hour drive to promote a little cozy family interaction, which is why I was so keen to put some distance between me and my loved ones when we arrived.
I was relieved to find that the three-bedroom condo I'd booked at the Ocean Reef Resort was, indeed, a full three bedrooms. I'd called to make sure, but still one never knows until the swipe-card lock blinks green and the door swings open.
The Ocean Reef Resort has a new high-rise wing in which most of the spacious condos are located. I'd definitely stay in the new wing again; it's in excellent repair and has a full range of amenities. Having a washer and dryer at the beach is quite convenient. Be forewarned, though, that the kitchen is equipped with dishes, cookware, and appliances, but not with dishwashing liquid, paper towels, coffee filters, and so on. This made no difference to me, however, as I'd read reviews of the resort beforehand and knew to bring such essential kitchen items.
Having stocked the refrigerator from the nearby Winn Dixie, I made my usual "You're on your own, boys" announcement and left them to it. As the Myrtle Beach dining scene leans heavily toward chain restaurants, I didn't feel we were missing much. Later on in the week, having saved a bundle, we felt free to splurge dining out in charming Beaufort, S.C.
What we adults enjoyed most, by far, was sitting out on the balcony and soaking up the sun. Even in late December with temperatures in the fifties, the reflected warmth from the walls and gently waving palmetto trees made us feel like we were in the tropics. When we tired of lounging, we took strolls along the beach, only steps away. The high-rise hotels in North Myrtle Beach are spaced further apart, which means less crowded beaches. Off season, of course, we practically had the place to ourselves. Seagulls outnumbered tourists ten to one.
The Ocean Reef Resort, like most of Myrtle Beach, caters to families. There's a small arcade as well as indoor pool with "lazy river" that kept our son entertained for hours. While it was too chilly to swim in the outdoor pool, which is a beauty, guests were making good use of the outdoor hot tub. (Unfortunately, their conversations echoed straight up to our seventh-floor balcony. Ah well, that's what MP3 players and headphones are for, right?)
A word about the housekeeping staff at the Ocean Reef: they're excellent. Our condo sparkled, inside and out. A big 'muchos gracias' and tip for our hardworking housekeeper.
No cooking, no cleaning, an ocean view from a sunny balcony - Now THAT'S my idea of how to spend Christmas!
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