September 1, 2010
Festiva Adventure Club External Exchanges
Festiva Adventure Club (FAC) members enjoy the privilege of having access to Festiva Hospitality Group’s impressive family of 27 resorts located in some of the most sought after destinations in the United States and Caribbean. One exciting benefit of the Adventure Club membership is the ability to explore outside of the Festiva family of resorts by using points to exchange a week with Interval International. This benefit makes an endless array of vacation destinations from around the world accessible to Club members.
Interval International, with a network of more than 2,500 resorts in over 75 nations, is a leading provider of vacation services. With all FAC members receiving a complimentary one year membership, making your dream vacation a reality is only a few short steps away.
- Consult the Interval International Resort Directory and decide where you would like to go. It is recommended that you select at least 3 different resorts and one travel date, or one specific resort with at least 3 travel dates. Keep in mind the more flexible you can be as to where and when you can travel the more likely you are to get a reservation.
- Take note of the Travel Demand Index (TDI) number that is assigned to the weeks and resorts you are requesting. TDI charts are located inside the Interval International Resort Directory with ratings between 50-150. Also have available your Interval International account number and the unit size required for your stay.
- Contact Festiva’s Central Reservations at 1.866.933.7848 or email us at centralreservations@festiva.travel. With the TDI and unit size Festiva’s experienced Reservation Specialists will be able to determine the color season and total number of points for your deposit.
- Once you receive a confirmation of a deposit number from Festiva, contact Interval International to request a reservation. Interval does charge an exchange fee once you place your reservation request. The fee will vary depending on whether your destination is domestic or international. Upon confirmation of your reservation you will receive details on the resort and destination from Interval.
Determining Travel Demand Index (TDI)
Interval International’s TDI system – based on several factors including resort quality, sleeping capacity, and supply and demand – is designed to ensure a fair exchange wherever you travel. The index ranges from 50-150 with 100 representing the average inbound leisure and travel demand. The higher the figure is above 100, the greater the demand is for that specific week in the area. Numbers below 100 indicate periods of time when it may be easier to secure an exchange. Therefore a week at a particular resort location with a TDI 
of 135 would be considered to be within peak travel season while a week with a TDI of 70 would be in the off-season. It is suggested that the higher the TDI the further out you should deposit your week with Interval. Adventure Club members can deposit 12 months in advance as long as maintenance fees are current.
Knowing the TDI for the requested destination is crucial for a few reasons. Having the TDI readily available when contacting the Festiva Central Reservations office will expedite the deposit process and more importantly assist the Reservation Specialist in finding a week to deposit with a comparable TDI. To determine the TDI, find your desired resort(s) in the Interval International Resort Directory or online. Next to the resort listing on the right hand side of the website there will be a link labeled “Travel Demand Index.” In the resort catalogue, below each listing, there will be a small gray box with a number inside. This number tells you which TDI chart to address at the beginning of each regional chapter. Once you find the TDI chart that coincides with your resort, simply find the week number that matches your travel dates and the chart will tell you the TDI. To find the week number assigned to your desired dates consult a “unit weeks calendar,” which can be found on either Festiva’s or Interval International’s websites or in the resort directories.
Flexchange / Cruises
Traveling on short notice? Any time the check in date for the requested week is within 59 days from the deposit date you will need to request a Flexchange. This is Interval’s way of filling unused inventory at the last minute and can benefit FAC members greatly. If you are flexible and able to travel within 59 days notice or less, you can request a Flexchange, which only requires 1800 points. By traveling on short notice with Flexchange FAC members can maximize their vacation time. Festiva Adventure Club members can also use points towards deposits for discounts on cruises as long you upgrade your Interval International membership to the Gold level. Consult an Interval Gold Concierge Representative for details.
For additional information on exchanging or using your Festiva Adventure Club membership be sure to reference the member directory, visit us online at www.festiva.travel or contact our Owner Services department toll-free at 1.866.933.7848 or e-mail ownerservices@festiva.travel.
August 26, 2010
Family Fun at Silver Dollar City
Every year since 1960 from mid-March until late-December Silver Dollar City has entertained guests and residents of the Ozark Mountains. Located in Branson, M.O., Silver 
Dollar City is a 1880’s western themed amusement park that features a multitude of rides, shows and diverse festivals. With something for everyone the family friendly park is the perfect place to spend the day while in Branson.
Silver Dollar City’s amusement park consist of over 30 fun-filled rides and attractions for children of all ages, including 5 roller coasters, a variety of carnival rides, and 4 water rides such as the newly added RiverBlast. RiverBlast is billed as the largest water battle ride in America. Adventure goers can cool off as they blast water at other park guests while drifting aboard the Tom Sawyer inspired raft. Also new to the park is the explosive PowderKeg, where thrill seekers are blasted from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds. With multiple negative G-forces providing moments of weightlessness PowderKeg is sure to please even the most finite coaster enthusiast.
In addition to the exciting thrill rides Silver Dollar City offers 8 distinctive shows with over 40 live performances a day. Guaranteed to get the children laughing is Choctaw
Charlies’s Frontier Follies, a Wild West comedy show that has become a family favorite. Music lovers have a variety of talent and genres to chose from including Country, Bluegrass and Creole. Cajun Connection is lead by Louisiana Music Hall of Fame member Cedric Benoit and pays tribute to the rich and unique sounds from the Louisiana Bayou. All shows feature professional artists and are family friendly.
Throughout the year Silver Dollar City is home to 6 world-class festivals. Each spring an international flair visits Branson with World-Fest. The month long cultural affair provides guests the opportunity to experience a diverse selection of music and food. The summer 
months at Silver Dollar City welcomes KidFest, a family oriented festival that boasts a large selection of shows and special events aimed at keeping the little ones entertained and on their toes. During the winter months the park is invaded by the most popular festival, An Old Time Christmas. Listed as one of the top five holiday events in the country by both Good Morning America and CNN, the festival stirs the Christmas spirit of even the most hardened Scrooge. During An Old Time Christmas Silver Dollar City becomes adorned with millions of lights and stages such performances as the Charles Dickens’ classic, Christmas Carol. With festivals running all year the park is able to ensure a unique experience for all.
For more information on Silver Dollar City and all the entertaining rides, events and shows be sure to visit them online at www.silverdollarcity.com. While making your Branson plans be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s charming Cabins at Green Mountain and Stormy Point Village.
August 25, 2010
2010 Piggly Wiggly BBQ & Bluegrass Festival
If your going to be in the South Carolina Lowcountry or Charleston area this Labor Day weekend be sure to check out the 2010 Piggly Wiggly BBQ & Bluegrass Festival at Boone Hall Plantation. This years event will be held Sunday, September 5 at 1 p.m. and will feature a barbecue cook-off, demonstrations, fireworks and live bluegrass music with the Grammy Award Winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
The family friendly festival will once again be held on the historic grounds of Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant, only minutes outside of Charleston. The plantation, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the oldest working plantations left and provides the perfect setting for a day of fun and entertainment.
A wide variety of barbecue will be on hand as amateurs and locals are invited to show off
their talents in the cook-off, with winners receiving cash and prizes. Festival goers will also have the chance to learn from the best as multiple “How to cook great BBQ” demonstrations will be held by barbecue guru Jimmy Hagood of Blackjack BBQ. Additional activities include the popular Mechanical Bull Riding Contest and the Celebrity Dunking Booth, with proceeds going to charity.
The festival will also feature a full day of live bluegrass from local artist Homeboy Reunion Bluegrass Band, The Blue Plantation Band and The Dillards Bluegrass Band. At 8 p.m. the Grammy Award Winning Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, with hits like “Mr. Bojangles” and “Fishin’ in The Dark”, will conclude the musical performances. The days festivities will be highlighted with a fireworks display once the concert is over.
Adult tickets for the festival are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. Children ages 6-12 are $8 in advance and $10 at the gate, children 5 and under are admitted for free. Gates for the event open at 12 p.m. To purchase tickets online or for additional information visit www.boonehallplantation.com. For lodging in the Charleston area check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Church Street Inn, located in historic downtown.
Charleston by Carriage
Steeped in Southern allure and charm, the city of Charleston, S.C., is one of the most sought after vacation destinations in America. With over 300 years of rich history, distinctive architecture, and abundance of flora, Historic Downtown Charleston offers a unique ambiance that is unmatched.The best way to experience Charleston’s history is aboard one of the horse-drawn carriages that have become a staple in the city’s landscape. Hop aboard a carriage, relax, and enjoy the ambiance of historic Charleston as your own personal guide takes you on an educational and entertaining trip through time.
All of the carriage companies are located in the Market area of Historic Downtown where
the tours begin and end. Every day carriages line up around the corner of Anson Street and Market Street, rotating every 15 minutes with the carriage in front moving to the end of the line to ensure equal opportunity for each company to compete for business. Choosing a specific company can be difficult as the prices are all within the $20 range and can be negotiated. The suggested method for choosing the right tour is to interact with the guides by asking questions and finding the personality that most appeals to you. Each guide is required to be licensed by the city and undergoes a rigorous written and oral examination on Charleston’s history, architecture and botany.
Listed below are some of the most accredited carriage tours to choose from in Charleston.
● Palmetto Carriage Works- Billed as the oldest carriage tour in the city, Palmetto Carriage Works is located in the famous Red Barn in the Market area and will pick up and drop off guests at their hotel.
● Old South Carriage Company- Features the only guides with Confederate uniforms. Also offers boat tours of Charleston Harbour and 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
● Classic Carriage Works- All carriages are built and maintained by Classic Carriage Tours at their warehouse. Features award winning South Carolina State Grand Champion Percheron Draft Horses, considered to be the city’s best trained horses.
● Olde Towne Carriage Rides- All carriages use solar powered lights. Customized tours for large school groups available.
All tours last about one hour and cover 25-30 blocks, passing through historic neighborhoods with antebellum mansions, churches, and flower filled gardens. After leaving the Market area carriages are required to stop at a city regulated station where they are randomly assigned 1 of 3 different routes to follow. This regulation keeps the traffic of carriages at a minimum in a certain area at one given time and helps ensure an overall better experience for all the carriage tours.
All 4 companies offer additional customized tours for special events such as school trips, family reunions and weddings. It is highly recommended to book ahead either by calling or going online as tours can often sell out weeks in advance, especially during the peak summer months. For lodging check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Church Street Inn, conveniently located in the Market area.
August 23, 2010
Bloody Mary’s New Orleans
Along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, deep in the Bayou of southern Louisiana sits America’s most haunted city, New Orleans. The dark haunted side of New Orleans, filled with seductive images of voodoo, vampires and ghosts, is as compelling as the jazz, spicy food and art that the city is often defined by. To unveil the true mystique of New Orleans’ history join one of the many ghost tours and discover why the city embraces and celebrates the paranormal.
Founded in 1718, New Orleans has had nearly 300 years of murder, mayhem and disaster as as a backbone for the many haunting tales that have unfolded. One of the best ways to get up close and personal with the city and the stories that define her is with Bloody Mary’s New Orleans Tours. Born and raised in New Orleans, Mary Millian has gone by the pen name Bloody Mary for 3 decades. Bloody Mary’s vast knowledge and experience in the paranormal combined with her love for people and storytelling has earned her accolades such as “The Ultimate Insider,” “The Cultural Diva” and “The Poet Priestess of the Spirit of New Orleans” by publications such as Southern Women Magazine and the Times Picayune. Bloody Mary’s knowledge is so respected she has appeared on shows for the Travel Channel, Sci-Fi Channel and National Geographic.
Known by such nicknames as “The Big Easy” and “Crescent City,” New Orleans has also been given the title of “City of the Dead’ for its many famous above ground cemeteries. Due to a high water table settlers had to bury the dead above ground in tombs and vaults
to avoid caskets resurfacing during floods. Bloody Mary’s New Orleans Tours offers 3 different cemetery tours, including the Voodoo Tour of St. Louis Cemetery #1, the oldest cemetery in the city. St. Louis #1 is the resting place for some of the city’s early politicians, pirates and most notably of all the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. For a more in depth insight on the cemeteries check out the Moonlight Graveyard Tour which visits 10 cemeteries and is the only evening cememtery tour offered in the city. Be sure to sign up for a cemetery tour and discover the mystique surrounding these world famous New Orleans burial grounds.
No exploration into the paranormal legends of New Orleans would be complete without a tour of the French Quarter. Bloody Mary’s Tour of the Undead focuses on the French Quarter and the voodoo, vampire and ghost trilogy. The tour begins with a visit to 
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a pirate bar reputed to be the oldest in America and listed by the Discovery Channel as number 5 on the “World’s Ten Creepiest Destinations.” The tour also makes stops at other haunted locations throughout the French Quarter including old slave quarters, a vampire lair and the LaLaurie Mansion where Madame Delphine LaLaurie reportedly killed and mutilated nearly 100 slaves. Let Bloody Mary guide you through the haunted history of the French Quarter, unveiling secrets hidden in brick laden courtyards behind wrought iron fences with the Tour of the Undead.
Not all tours are recommended for younger children. For additional information on kid friendly tours, special events, and Bloody Mary, visit www.bloodymarytours.com. For lodging check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans located in the acclaimed cultural and arts district of Frenchmen Street only a few minutes walk from the French Quarter.
August 19, 2010
Discovering Banner Elk
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains sits Banner Elk, N.C., a quaint mountain village seeking to be discovered. The small town offers visitors the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle of everyday life and wind down while being surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a selection of fine dining establishments, eclectic shops, unique festivals and the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre, Banner Elk provides something for everyone.
Situated in downtown Banner Elk is Louisiana Purchase, an award winning fine dining establishment focusing on Cajun and Creole cuisine. For 26 years the restaurant has been a staple in the community, offering up such dishes as BBQ North Carolina shrimp, Cajun Seafood Etouffee and Creole Jambalaya. Along with their distinct selection of bayou inspired dishes Louisiana Purchase boasts an award winning wine selection. Named “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator on multiple occasions, Louisiana Purchase’s cellar includes more than 400 wines from around the globe. With an extensive wine selection and distinct menu Louisiana Purchase is a dining experience not to be missed.
Also located in Banner Elk is perhaps one of North Carolina’s finest restaurants, the 
Artisanal. Opened in 2005 by locally raised Executive Chef and culinary artist Bill Greene, the Artisanal features a menu best described as “Modern American Cuisine.” The ever changing menu revolves around seasonal ingredients and infuses local flavors to create a dining experience unparalleled in the area. Chef Greene has honed his skills in world renowned kitchens such as Le Cirque 2000 in New York City and the five-star Phoenician in Arizona. Be sure to call ahead as reservations are strongly suggested for Louisiana Purchase and are required for the Artisanal, which can be booked weeks in advance.
After dinner be sure to catch a play at the local theater located on the campus of Lees-McRae College. For the last 25 years the Lees-McRae Summer Theatre series has brought the world of entertainment to the High Country. Lees-McRae College prides itself on their wonderful Performing Arts programs that are available for the community of Banner Elk to enjoy. Located on the campus of the private, liberal arts college, the Hummingbird Theatre’s productions and professionalism have gained it accolades as one of the best summer theaters in the southeast. The plays utilize professional as well as student artists and have included such productions as Oklahoma, CATS, Little Shop of Horrors and Damn Yankees. With shows running from June through August visitors have ample opportunity to enjoy a little slice of Broadway in the mountains.
Throughout the year Banner Elk also hosts a variety of festivals and events, most notably 
the Woolly Worm Festival which averages 23 thousand attendees a year. Held the third week of each October, the Woolly Worm Festival will be celebrating their 33rd consecutive year of family fun. The 2 day event features food, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and most importantly the worm races. Each year nearly a thousand participants enter their woolly worms into the race which consist of heats of 20. At the end of the day the contestant with the winning worm receives $1,000 cash and the honor of having their worm’s color pattern used to predict the severity of the upcoming winter season. With the splendor of the Fall foliage and a multitude of vendors and events the Woolly Worm Festival is a Banner Elk must.
For more information on all that Banner Elk has to offer visit www.averycounty.com and for lodging be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality’s Blue Ridge Village, less than 5 minutes from downtown.
August 11, 2010
Table Rock Lake
Nestled in the unspoiled beauty of the Ozark Mountains are the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake, only minutes outside of Branson, M.O. With 52,300 surface acres of crystal-clear water and 857 miles of shoreline Table Rock Lake provides an endless selection of activities including world-class fishing, skiing, wakeboarding and even scuba diving.
Table Rock Lake is widely known as the ideal destination for fisherman in search of the the big catch and is often listed as one of the top bass fishing lakes in North America. When Table Rock Dam was constructed on the White River many forests were submerged
leaving behind an underwater environment perfect for fish to flourish in. Today anglers of all skill levels flock to the lake for world-class bass fishing that includes large numbers of largemouth, smallmouth, Kentucky spotted and white bass. In addition to bass the lake is also well known for its abundance of crappie, catfish, walleye and bluegill. With a 15-inch length limit and an abundant food chain the fishing conditions at Table rock Lake are ensured to remain at the world-class level year in and year out.
Another way to enjoy Table Rock Lake is aboard one of Ride the Ducks unique amphibious vehicles known as a Duck. The 70-minute tour takes visitors through 
Branson’s entertainment district and over Table Rock Dam before splashing down into the lake. The tour features a plethora of educational information on the history and development of Branson, the lake, and surrounding Ozark Mountains. Ride the Ducks also offers a variety of themed adventure tours throughout the year that coincide with the holidays, such as “Ducks Go Boo” during Halloween and “Holiday Lights” during the Christmas season. Ride the Ducks provides the perfect opportunity to spend time with the family in a fun-filled environment while relaxing on land and in the water.
For water sports enthusiasts the lakes crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountain vistas provide the perfect backdrop for a day of excitement. Three local marinas offer
boat rentals as well as equipment rentals for everything from skiing, wakeboarding and windsurfing to scuba diving. The clear warm waters of Table Rock Lake create the perfect conditions for lake scuba diving. Divers can enjoy swimming among the lake’s aquatic life while exploring the famous underwater petrified forest, sunken boat, boulders and more.
Next time you’re in the Branson area be sure to visit Table Rock Lake whether you’re planning on fishing, scuba diving or enjoying the many water sports. For more information on the lake visit http://www.visittablerocklake.org/index.php. For lodging be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Cabins at Green Mountain or Stormy Point Village in Branson.
August 9, 2010
Festiva’s 2010 Charitable Fund Golf Tournament
Festiva Hospitality Group began a flexible endowment fund in 2006 with the intent of providing permanent charitable resources for all the communities where Festiva’s resorts are located and where our employees live and work. The primary focus of The Fund is to promote education for our youth and eliminate poverty in our communities. This charitable fund has also been used to respond to extraordinary global events.
As you know the need for aid and relief has increased substantially in so many communities in the United States and throughout the world due to economic conditions as well as natural disasters.
Festiva has made a commitment to not only give back, but to create a lasting change in these communities by donating funds to local organizations that directly supply various help for all individuals. To this end, Festiva will be holding its 2010 Festiva Charitable Fund Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 21, at Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East in Murrells Inlet, SC.
In 2007 the tournament raised $40,000 dollars and has since contributed to the following organizations:
- Trust for Public Land, a “national, nonprofit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places,” as stated on their website, www.tpl.org.
- Helpmate, an Asheville, NC organization that has dedicated 30 years to being the primary provider of crisis services to victims of domestic abuse and their children. Helpmate provides safety, shelter, counseling, advocacy and education to assist victims of domestic violence and help prevent it in the community.
- The Boys & Girls Club of Coastal Carolina in Atlantic Beach, N.C. This organization was special to us not only because it offers many valuable programs to local children, but also because an employee and an owner at Peppertree Atlantic Beach both work closely with the organization.
- Camp Kemo in the Myrtle Beach area where Festiva has the highest concentration of properties. This annual weeklong summer camp for children ages 5 – 18 is funded solely by donations, and is free for children with cancer and one of their siblings or friends.
- American Red Cross-Asheville-Mountain Area for Haiti Relief. A company-wide effort over several months gathered donations from employees and resort guests to send relief to Haiti in the wake of the January 2010 earthquake.
Please help us continue to keep giving back and join us for a day of GIVING, GOLF, and FUN! Visit www.festivagolf.com for more information.
The fund is managed by The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and expanding philanthropy. For more information on The Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, visit www.cfwnc.org.
August 6, 2010
10th Annual Satchmo SummerFest
The city of New Orleans, L.A., is steeped in a unique and rich musical history and no other artist reflects that history more than beloved native son Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. In honor of Armstrong the city will hold the 10th Annual Satchmo SummerFest from August 5 through August 8 at the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint. The 4 day festival will feature an extensive array of musical artists, food, speakers and special events.
Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong was born into poverty in New Orleans August 4, 1901. At a young age he quit school and began singing for money along the city streets and outside of clubs. At the age of 11 he was taught by local musician Bunk Johnson to play
the cornet by ear, and as they say, the rest is history. Considered one of the most dynamic personalities of the 20th century, Armstrong single handedly transformed jazz into the popular musical art form it is today. Armstrong’s trademark solos, gravelly voice, for which he earned the nickname “Satchmo,” and numerous other stylistic innovations made him an industry superstar. By the time of his death in 1971 Armstrong had become and international star and ambassador for jazz and American music.
Started as a one-time salute to Armstrong to commemorate his 100th birthday in 2001, Satchmo SummerFest now averages 26,000 guests a year. The event features 4 stages of live music in the 
French Quarter and seminars by leading Armstrong historians at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe. Known as the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans has plenty of local jazz legends that will be paying tribute to Armstrong including the Treme Brass Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels and most notably Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers. Also performing will be international jazz star Yoshio Toyama, who formed a jazz band called the Dixie Saints after falling in love with Armstrong’s music. Toyama and his band have become local favorites at Satchmo SummerFest by consistently delivering stellar performances year after year.
In addition to an endless selection of live music the free community event will feature a variety of alternative activities. Saturday and Sunday the NOLA Jitterbugs will be giving free jazz and swing dance lessons on the third floor of the Old U.S. Mint. Just down the road from the Old U.S. Mint at the Palm Court Jazz Cafe an impressive array of speakers will present seminars that include discussions, music and movies all relating to the importance of Armstrong and his influence on the revolution of jazz. The weekend festivities will conclude with a traditional “Trumpet Tribute” and second line parade down the musically rich Frenchmen Street.
For a Satchmo SummerFest schedule of events visit www.fqfi.org and for additional information on lodging in the area be sure to check out Festiva Hospitality Group’s Frenchmen Orleans, ideally located on Frenchmen Street.
August 4, 2010
Golfing Myrtle Beach With Festiva Hospitality Group
Known as “The Golf Capital of the World,” Myrtle Beach, S.C., is peppered with over 120 championship golf courses that offer the true golf enthusiasts an endless array of year-round choices. Located near the heart of the Grand Strand just minutes south of Myrtle Beach in Murrells Inlet, Festiva Hospitaly Group’s Ellington at Wachesaw Plantation East provides luxurious accommodations while offering highly discounted rates at 8 area golf courses for any Festiva member staying at the resort.
While on vacation at Ellington Festiva members will enjoy the privilege of green fees being waived and only having to pay the cart fee of either $25 or $30 to play a full round on one of 8 unique courses. With the average green fees ranging from $65 to $95, golfers will benefit greatly from these savings while still having the pleasure of selecting from a variety of courses and playing levels. Located on Wachesaw Plantation East, Ellington is ideally nestled only a few minutes from each of the 8 courses.
Considered year-in and year-out as one of the top courses in the Myrtle Beach area, Wachesaw Plantation East was built on a former rice plantation amongst mossy oaks and pristine lakes. The championship course was designed by award-winning architect Clyde Johnston and features rolling mounds and hills giving the 18-holes a 
Scottish-flair. The nationally televised course offers five sets of tees to ensure an enjoyable game for all ages and skill levels. Wachesaw East has also been mentioned on multiple “best of” lists over the past 14 years in such publications as Golf Digest, Golfweek and Golf for Women. In 2007 Wachesaw East was named “Course of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association, a distinguished honor amongst such a rich golfing community.
Also located in the Southern Grand Strand area are Indian Wells and the International Club, each with their own distinct list of accolades. The International Club, caressed by lakes, pine forest and pristine wetlands, has received a 4 Star Rating from Golf Digests “Best Places to Play” in addition to being honored with the “Best Greens in Myrtle Beach.” Another option is Indian Wells, named “2004 Course of the Year” by the Myrtle Beach Golf Course Owners Association and home to one of the Grand Strand’s Dream 18, a list of the toughest holes in the area. Both courses also offer 5 sets of tees to accommodate all levels of play.
Below is a list of all golf courses where Festiva Hospitality Group members enjoy golf privileges:
● Wachesaw East - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● International Club - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● Indian Wells - Garden City, S.C.
● Wicked Stick - Surfside Beach, S.C.
● Indigo Creek - Murrells Inlet, S.C.
● Heron Point - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
● Island Green – Myrtle Beach, S.C.
● Founders Club – Pawleys Island, S.C.
With over 120 golf courses, the majority of which are public, Myrtle Beach is a true paradise for the avid golfer. For more information on golfing in the area visit the Myrtle Beach Golf Association at www.mbga.com. For reservations visit Ellington online and for information about becoming a member with Festiva Hospitality Group call toll-free 866-229-0022.
