Why We Love Mr. Fish Restaurant in Myrtle Beach, SC

We frequently visit Myrtle Beach, SC and have tried many of the dining establishments in the area. One of our go-to places is the Mr. Fish Seafood Restaurant located at 6401 North Kings Hwy. We discovered it a couple years ago when we were on the hunt for a very specific menu item. When you first walk into Mr. Fish, you will be greeted in the traditional southern way and escorted to your table. The decor is very funky and whimsical. Very beach-y and fishy, of course. Maybe we have been lucky the times we have been because we have never had to wait and we were served quickly. Once you place your drink order, a basket of golden brown hush puppies are brought over to your table to tease your taste buds. Don't they look tasty?

We dined at Mr. Fish last weekend and I had a grilled chicken sandwich. I was impressed and loved how tender and flavorful the chicken was. I'm always happy when I can see the seasoning. The roll is soft and perfectly toasted.

The steamed oyster are so fresh and delicious. It's actually a lot of fun prying them open and making a big mess. We love topping them with their special cocktail sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

The special menu item we were on the hunt for in the past was the soft shell crab sandwich. Oh man, it is SO good! It's super fresh and prepared so simply to highlight the natural crab flavor. This is a must try if you haven't had a soft shell crab sandwich before.

Nobody would believe this when going to a seafood joint that collard greens would be on the menu. I know we are in the south, but still. Well let me tell you this, these greens are the star of the show! They are the BEST we have ever had and you find yourself craving it. It has an unusual sweet taste that I can't explain. Mind you, I don't normally like collards. I feel like we need to order a bucket of it on our next visit. You can't go to Mr. Fish's without ordering the greens! 

The best part is that the prices are very reasonable and you will not ever leave hungry. Mr. Fish serves a variety of seafood dishes including fish, shrimp, crab, oysters, lobster and even sushi. Of course they offer non seafood options as well. They have something for everyone. We are going back later in March and I plan to try some sushi rolls and of course a side of greens. If you are ever in Myrtle Beach, you must try them out. We have really enjoyed the times we have dined there and figured we would share our experience here. If you go, let us know! 

You can check out the full menu on their website and find them on Facebook. 

Avista Resort In Myrtle Beach Review

If you are planning a trip to the beach on the east coast, I have the perfect place to suggest. Avista Resort (part of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts family) is located in what I call the perfect area of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is the perfect combination of slower-paced along with a splash of the touristy feel. The property is beautiful and offers ocean front living along with so many great amenities. The check-in process is super simple and they offer advance check-in online to make things even quicker. You can count on a courteous welcome from a staff that goes above and beyond to make sure you are happy. You know the old saying about first impressions being everything? Yeah, they have that down. Once you are checked in, you are handed your keys, parking pass(es) and basic information about the resort offerings. Parking is located across the street in a stand-alone parking garage. Honestly, it is no problem at all and is a quick hop, skip and a jump away.

You can stay in 1, 2 or 3 bedroom condos all fully furnished and equipped with a full kitchen, washer/dryer and more. It's like staying at home which is perfect for larger families. The units are spacious and offer magnificent views of the ocean. We stayed there during a busy time to celebrate our little guy's 8th birthday. The layout of the building actually made you feel like there was no crowd. One of the number one things that we liked was the security. It has all indoor entry and the way the units are laid out, it is very private. Also, very clean. There are 3 elevators which made it easier to get around. It was fun talking to different people on the elevator rides.

The nice thing about the Avista is that you really don't have to leave the property during your stay. With a full kitchen including microwave, stove, oven, and dishwasher, you can prepare meals there at your leisure.

If you don't want to cook, you can head down to the Just Off Main restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We had the breakfast buffet and can't stop thinking about how well the staff treated us. It felt like we were the ONLY guests there. The food exceeded our expectations and to my surprise, the coffee did as well. The staff checked on us to make sure we satisfied and never short on beverages or anything else. This was one of the best dining experiences we have ever had.

The Avista has the most gorgeous pool deck I've seen. We stayed way up on the 16th floor and overlooked the outdoor pools. You really don't appreciate the beauty of it until you walk down there. I liked the fact that there was a staff member down there at all times making sure the space was clean and inviting. We loved that there was an indoor pool, lazy river and hot tub since it did rain while we were there. They kept the pool towels well stocked and the area was large enough to make it not feel crowded. We really enjoyed it, especially the birthday boy.

We had easy access to the beach where we enjoyed exploring as well as some family shenanigans. I'm 100% sure that time at the ocean will take away all your troubles. It renews your soul. I think every person I made eye contact with had a smile on their face. Beach = Therapy.

One of our favorite amenities was the Tree Top Lounge located on the 4th floor. On our walk that way, we passed a fully equipped gym. It was far from the one treadmill, one elliptical set-up that most resorts offer. The space could easily accommodate multiple guests at once. Back to the lounge... this spot was perfect for a quick 21+ date. My husband and I snuck down there for a few cocktails and conversation. It was great! They have music, a pool table and plenty of seating available. They have a strict 21 and over policy which we saw it being enforced first hand. The drinks were everything and they were so reasonably priced at just $5 each. The bartender Louise aka "Weezie" came over to our table and made conversation with us. Again, we felt like the only guests in the room.

Let's talk about the bedrooms. Each room was tastefully decorated and offered ample space and storage. The bathrooms were well stocked with towels and basic toiletries, and were sparkling clean. As a matter of fact, everything about the Avista was clean and well maintained. Our son claimed the sofa bed and enjoys having his own space. I think he also loves having his own TV and access to free movie rentals. I think he watched 3 movies during our stay. Another great perk, especially if it's raining. One of those make-it-or-break-it things when it comes to staying at any hotel or resort is how comfortably we sleep. The beds were so comfy and the pillows were too. I usually travel with my own personal pillow and forgot it this time. Now I know not to bother bringing one next time. Part of a comfortable rest is also determined by noise. We heard none of that. No doors slamming, no elevator sounds, no loud music or talking. It was so quiet and peaceful. Our next door neighbors had 5 kids under 8 including a newborn and toddler, and you would never have known.

The Avista Resort is hands down the best place we have ever stayed in Myrtle Beach. We are already planning our next vacation there and look forward to going back. We are officially spoiled and can't imagine staying anywhere else. We all agreed that this was the most relaxing and enjoyable beach trip ever. We made great memories and look forward to many more in the future. This location is so close to many restaurants, attractions, shopping and more.

The Avista Resort is located at 300 N. Ocean Boulevard North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. Phone: (855) 710-4941. You can easily book online and if you need to make any changes, and one of their friendly staff members will get you set up with no problem. If you want an ocean view from the master suite, make sure you look at the map of each condo or call in to ask. You can follow Avista Resort on Facebook and Twitter for promotions and updates.

I received a small discount to stay at the Avista Resort and all opinions are my own as always. Even if I paid full price, my opinions would be the same.

Our visit to The Prince Resort at The Cherry Grove Pier (Review) #MyrtleBeach

This past weekend our family took a trip to Myrtle Beach to celebrate William's 7th birthday. We chose the Prince Resort at The Cherry Grove Pier because William loves that location. He enjoys fishing with his dad, so the Prince was the best choice for his birthday celebration. This was actually our second time staying there, so we had a good understanding of what we needed and how to make our check-in process smoother. The Prince Resort is actually made up of two separate towers; Tower 1- oceanfront and Tower 2- ocean view. We love staying directly on the beach with a full oceanfront view so we stayed in Tower 1. When you get to the actual property, they have temporary guest parking for checking in/out as well as getting your luggage loaded up to take to your suite. All parking is across the street in Tower 2. It's no big deal at all to take the few steps back across the street to have access to Tower 1, the beach, restaurants and the pier.

Checking in was a breeze, just be sure to have the credit or debit card you used to book your suite with as well as your license plate number for the parking pass. It was nice to receive a courtesy call from the front desk to ensure that we had a pleasant check-in experience and to see if our accommodations were to our liking. Very professional!

We stayed in a 1,075 square foot 2 bedroom/2 bathroom oceanfront suite. It was very spacious and included one King bed, two extra long double beds, full kitchen and a Queen sleeper sofa in the living room.  Additional amenities included a private balcony, dishwasher, washer and dryer and three televisions. We loved the overall layout and it really felt like home. The one thing that really was the star of the show was that 6th floor view of the ocean and Cherry Grove Pier. It is incredible! It's so nice to be just steps away from that glorious ocean and sand.

Check out the photos below to get more information and my personal tips to make your stay even better.

The living and dining rooms are very comfy and have plenty of space for your family to eat, lounge or just take in the scenery. It's not unusual to see flocks of seagulls or pelicans a mere 15 feet away flying past your balcony. The couch has a pull-out bed and this was perfect for my little guy. He loves "camping" out in the family room.

The master bedroom was super nice. The bed was very comfy and the bathroom was huge! We love keeping the blinds open to be able to watch the waves crash ashore. The bathroom had a big tub and relaxing waterfall style shower head. They kept it fully stocked with towels and toiletries. Just remember that if you go in the warmer months, bring your beach towels. The second bedroom was very spacious for the girls to share and the bathroom was surprisingly huge!

The homemaking nerd in me loved the full kitchen and washer/dryer unit. I had all of the basic tools I would have in my own kitchen at my finger tips! I recommend packing up food and drinks especially if you have a big family. They provide coffee, but I prefer my brand I use regularly. I am one of those crazy moms who packs the things most people would never think of-- coffee creamer, sticks of butter, condiments, dish scrubbers, kitchen cleaning gloves and laundry pacs. I figured that if I bring everything I need, we won't have a reason to leave the property. It's great to be able to cook up a family style meal while overlooking the beach. 

The weather was in the mid 50's so it was too cold for us to get in the water or the pools. That was fine since the highlight of the trip for William was the pier. My husband rented a fishing pole and purchased bait. Although they did not catch a thing after fishing ALL day long, they were able to make fun father and son memories. They have already planned their return trip for when it warms up and they will bring their own fishing poles. It costs $2 per person to get a walking pass for the pier that is good for the entire day. That's a great deal! In the summer, we were able to see dolphins playing in the water as well as nurse sharks on the side of the pier where the fish cleaning station is set up. The kids love watching the sharks feed on the discarded fish parts left over from cleaning them. 

You can enjoy Oceanfront dining at 3500 Ocean Grill or the more relaxed Boardwalk Beach Cafe and Ice Cream Shoppes. We love ordering shareable menu items from the Boardwalk Beach Cafe to bring back to our suite to enjoy. While we wait for our food to be prepped and cooked, we enjoy a beer or cocktail at the bar. It's nice chatting with other guests to find out where they are visiting from and how they are enjoying Myrtle Beach. One thing that can't be beat in the state of South Carolina is that true Southern hospitality!

You can visit the Prince Resort website to see details of all of their accommodations and book your trip with a few simple keystrokes. You can even call to book a reservation. Their staff is always very courteous and happy to answer your questions. If your budget is tight, consider going in the off season when the rates are extremely reasonable and you don't have to stay the minimum of three days like you do in the summer months. It's really very nice and super relaxing. Also consider getting an ocean view suite. You will still have great ocean views and easy access to the beach, pier and restaurants. The last time we stayed at the Prince we were on the 19th floor in a 3 bedroom suite. I think I actually preferred the 2 bedroom and the lower level being on the 6th floor.

If you ever want to visit Myrtle Beach you should definitely give the Prince Resort a try. Be sure to check them out on the web, Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for their emails so you can see what offers and promotions they are running. We loved our stay and look forward to going back at the end of the summer. This specific area of Myrtle Beach seems a lot less 'touristy' than some other parts we have visited. It's perfect for a romantic couples getaway or even for Mother's/Father's Day. What are you waiting for? Go run and book your Myrtle Beach getaway!

Disclosure: I was given a media discount rate in exchange for an honest review of the resort. All opinions are my own as always. 

Valentine's Getaway for Parents at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts #MyMyrtleBeach

My family visits Myrtle Beach several times a year and have stayed at a couple of the Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts locations. The beach is the perfect getaway no matter what time of year it is and oceanfront accommodations makes it even better. We being able to be soothed and refreshed by the sounds of the ocean, while being able to get to restaurants and shopping nearby. With Valentine's Day coming up, Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts announces their ‘Be Mine!’ Valentine’s Day Package.

Celebrate with Oceanfront Accommodations, Romantic Dinner, Champagne and More

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (MBSR) – operator of the area’s premier oceanfront condo-hotel and vacation rental properties – announces the release of its “Be Mine” Valentine’s Day package.

Available at five MBSR resorts (Avista, Grande Shores, Horizon at 77th, Prince and Seaside) from Feb. 11-18, 2015, the “Be Mine” features oceanfront accommodations, champagne, chocolates, Valentine’s balloon bouquet and rose petal turndown service. Bookings at select properties also include a romantic dinner at area eateries like Just Off Main, 3500 and Shoreline Café, as well as breakfast in bed.

Rates start at $281 and are based on a two-night stay for two adults in a one-bedroom condo.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet this upcoming Valentine’s Day with one of our best holiday offers in recent memory,” says Jim Eggen, General Manager of MBSR. “Day-time highs that frequently hit the 60s and 70s are perfect for exploring the Grand Strand’s renowned sugar sand beaches, exceptional shopping, diverse dining options and other calling cards.”

Myrtle Beach is within a half-day’s drive of population centers like Washington D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Moreover, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is conveniently located to all MBSR properties. Serviced by Delta, Continental, Spirit Airlines and US Airways, it features daily, nonstop flights to over 25 destinations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark, N.J. and Chicago.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, 888.571.4104.

About Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is a collection of six oceanfront and ocean view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach all provide the comforts of full-service resort hotels with the space and luxury of condominiums.

Each property features modern décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle and breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Elegant yet affordable, units are spacious one to three bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer, and private balconies. Most hotels have fitness centers, an array of indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and access to world-class beaches.

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts "Mother’s Day Girlfriend Getaway Package"

My family will be headed away to Grande Shores Resort in Myrtle Beach very soon for a much needed getaway. I wanted to share the latest promotion from Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts.

Spring is finally here! The sun is shining and the flowers are blooming, which means Mother's Day is right around the corner.  Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is offering the ultimate "Mother's Day Girlfriend Getaway" package including oceanfront accommodations, shopping and dining on the world-famous Grand Strand.

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts (MBSR) – operator of the area’s premier oceanfront condo-hotel and vacation rental properties – announces the “Mother’s Day Girlfriend Getaway Package” featuring oceanfront accommodations, daily breakfast, dinner and a Tanger Outlet coupon book.

Starting at $279, the ultimate vacation for mom includes two nights in an oceanview room at any MBSR property, a daily Southern breakfast buffet for two, dinner for two at one of the resort’s acclaimed onsite restaurants, as well as a welcome wine and fruit basket. The package also includes a coupon book valued at up to $1,300 in savings to the area’s premier shopping center, Tanger Outlets.

Rates are based on double occupancy in a one-bedroom suite over Mother’s Day weekend. Price includes all taxes and resort fees. Additional nights and guests can be added. Package is available May – December 2014.

Myrtle Beach is within a half-day’s drive of population centers like Washington D.C., Raleigh, Charlotte and Atlanta. Moreover, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is conveniently located to all Seaside properties. Serviced by Delta, Continental, Spirit Airlines and US Airways, it features daily, nonstop flights to over 25 destinations including Philadelphia, Baltimore, Newark and Chicago.

All lodging options provide easy access to dining, shopping, sugar sand beaches and other area attractions on the world-famous Grand Strand.

For additional information and reservations: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, 888.571.4104

About Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts

Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts is a collection of six oceanfront and ocean view condo-hotels in North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Avista Resort, Prince Resort, Horizon at 77th, Grande Shores, Seaside and the Towers at North Myrtle Beach all provide the comforts of full-service resort hotels with the space and luxury of condominiums.

Each property features modern décor that reflects a coastal lifestyle and breathtaking views of the pristine northern region of the world-famous Grand Strand. Elegant yet affordable, units are spacious one to three bedrooms with fully-equipped kitchens, washer / dryer, and private balconies. Most hotels have fitness centers, an array of indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining and access to world-class beaches.

For additional information: Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, 888.571.4104

Top 5 Fishing Piers of the Carolinas

Here are five of the best in the region:

North Myrtle Beach, S.C. – Cherry Grove Fishing Pier
The 985-foot Cherry Grove Fishing is one of the most popular family fishing and sightseeing destinations on the South Carolina coast. The pier is adjacent to the beautiful art-deco Prince Resort and has a fully equipped bait and tackle shop.

Nags Head, N.C. – Jennette’s Pier
The oldest on the Outer Banks, Jennette's Pier was destroyed by Hurricane Isabel in 2003 but was rebuilt by the NC Aquariums as an all-concrete, 1,000-foot-long educational ocean pier offering educational programs and even fishing classes.

Beaufort, S.C. – Paradise Fishing Pier on Hunting Island
Located on Hunting Island in South Carolina’s most popular state park, the pier extends 1,120 feet into the Fripp Inlet. With five miles of pristine South Carolina beaches, a publicly accessible historic lighthouse and over 200 campsites the island is the premier Palmetto destination.

Hatteras Island, N.C. – Avon Fishing Pier
The 600 foot long Avon Pier offers some of the best redfish fishing in the world. Golfers will love the pier's golf center with an 18-hole par-3 course on the premises!

Folly Beach, S.C. – Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier
Stretching 1,045 feet off the coast, the Edwin S. Taylor Folly Beach Fishing Pier is the second-longest East Coast pier extending directly into the Atlantic Ocean. The 23-foot high pier, offers amazing fishing in the Folly Beach surf, spectacular views and a variety of fishing tournaments, special events and dining.

Our mini-vacation to Grande Shores Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC

My family had the privilege to visit the Grande Shores Ocean Resort in Myrtle Beach, SC for a mini-vacation. I was able to get a special media rate for a 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom oceanfront condo. Our first impression when we were driving up to the resort was, "Oh my gosh, we are staying that close to the actual ocean?!" We were all in awe of the sounds, smell and the sea breeze as we pulled up to the check-in parking area. We walked up to the front desk and were greeted by both clerks and was promptly asked if we needed help. The check-in process was fast and easy. The clerk was super friendly and professional. 

We found a good spot to park our car in the parking garage and headed up to our condo on the eleventh floor. It was very clean and nicely decorated. Here is a quick video of what our space looked like (excuse the shaking)

My husband and kids were instantly drawn to the balcony. Our view was incredible and we were lucky to have such a large outdoor space.

I could not get any of them to come inside for dinner! Speaking of dinner, I was thrilled to have a fully-equipped kitchen. If you have been a reader for a while, you would know how much time I spend in the kitchen!

We packed up our food and drinks so that we could fully enjoy our lovely condo and beach/pool time. It was a pleasure to wake up to the sounds of the waves crashing onto the shoreline as my bacon sizzled away. It was a big money and time saver to be able to eat in.

 It really felt like home away from home.

Another thing that I LOVED was the washer and dryer.  This was such a great convenience for me since I wash clothing daily at home anyway. After all, who wants to go home after a fun-filled trip with dirty clothes to wash? Unpacking was a breeze!

Of course, you can't take a trip to the beach without enjoying the actual beach! It was lovely! You had to option of renting umbrellas and chairs (we brought our own). It was very windy during our stay but it did not affect our fun. The kids thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sand and the water. It was hard to get my husband out of the water each time we went out to the beach. He was like a big kid! 

I think I enjoyed watching my family have the time of their lives. We loved getting into the hot tub and lazy river at night. It was so relaxing! 

We made some wonderful memories that we will treasure.

If you are looking for a nice place to stay in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we highly recommend Grande Shores Ocean Resort. They offer good rates and many hotels and condos to choose from. Of course you can't beat stepping out of the building and right onto the beach! The location was perfect. We had close access to restaurants, shopping and many attractions that Myrtle Beach has to offer.

Stay updated on specials from Grande Shores on Facebook and Twitter. We are already looking at our calendar and planning a return visit!