Soaring on Myrtle Beach’s Sky Wheel
Myrtle Beach Sky Wheel
Myrtle Beach, SC gets lots of attention for being a sunny family destination brimming with beaches, water parks and Southern hospitality. The fun has increased considerably with the opening of the SkyWheel attraction on Myrtle Beach’s new boardwalk. Flying into the airport, you’ll spot the slowing turning wheel, especially at night, when there’s a light show. But once you get up close, you realize that it’s much more than a fancy ferris wheel.
The most striking detail is that the seats are enclosed. The Sky Wheel boasts 42 glass-enclosed gondola’s that overlook the Atlantic Ocean and much of Myrtle Beach. It winds 200 feet above sea level and is reportedly the only observation wheel of it’s kind in the U.S. Sitting inside a gondola and gazing down the boardwalk, the views are lovely. Although I didn’t quite spot neighboring North Carolina as the attendant claimed. For $12 for adults and $8 for children, you get to slowing spin around for about three revolutions. There’s even a $50 VIP experience that includes special access to a gondola sporting Ferrari leather seats and a glass bottom for views below and above. It’s a nice ride but may be a little scary for those afraid of heights. After the ride, head to the Landshark Bar & Grill next door and sample the fish tacos and chips with salsa.
Photo courtesy of Rosalind Cummings-Yeates
Disclosure: The Sky Wheel excursion was part of a sponsored media trip.
Lincoln Nebraska I-80 Lanes To Shut Down
LINCOLN (AP) — Construction work is forcing the closure of eastbound Interstate 80 lanes in Lincoln.
Eastbound I-80 Lanes to be Closed in Lincoln
Construction work is forcing the closure of eastbound Interstate 80 lanes in Lincoln.
I-95 Delaware Toll Plaza Experienced No Delays Throughout Thanksgiving Holiday
Newark — Despite an increase in traffic volumes through both the manual and E-ZPass lanes from previous years, there were no reported delays at the I-95 Toll Plaza in Newark for the entire Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. On the nation’s most traveled weekend, where toll plaza traffic backups had in the past reached for miles, the newly reconstructed design of the I-95 toll plaza virtually eliminated all delays. The toll plaza now incorporates highway speed E-ZPass lanes where users are able to pass seamlessly under sensor devices with the capability of registering tolls at highway speed. [More]
Bridge Maintenance on Connecticut I-95 Southbound in Waterford
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that bridge maintenance will be performed on the I-95 Southbound Bridge over Route 161 (Flanders Road) in Waterford. Motorists can expect lane closures between Exit 75 (Route 1) and Exit 74 (Route 161). This project is scheduled for Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The regular work schedule for this project is 9:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Wednesday evening).
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving through the work area.
ICE in Orlando at Gaylord Palms
When thinking of Orlando the last thing to come to mind is probably ice. But each year at this time the Gaylord Palms brings in two million pounds of ice and world renowned ice carvers from China to create a winter wonderland in the tourism center of the Sunshine State. Their ICE festivities have become a winter tradition for many families.
Shrek on Ice
Shrek the Halls
A few months ago I wrote that the Gaylord Hotels and DreamWorks® had formed an alliance, which would bring popular DreamWorks® characters into the resorts. The “kick off” event of the alliance is the spectacular ICE, held at each hotel. At the fabulous Gaylord Palms the theme this year is Shrek the Halls, a magical story told in 4 ½ acres of spectacular ice sculptures.
Walking through ICE is breathtaking- and not just because the area is kept at 9ºF. Sculptures of all sizes draw you close to marvel at the detail; signs and narrative tell the story you are seeing.
ICE slide
About half way through ICE are the ice slides. Five slides, created from ice, beckon young and old to take a quick slip.
The most magnificent carvings, however, aren’t of Shrek and the crew, but appear at the end. Carved of crystal clear ice a full Nativity scene is nothing short of awesome.
ICE nativity
Tips for ICE:
- Wear jeans, warm socks, close toed shoes and a sweatshirt.
- Bring gloves or mittens.
- A coat is not required as the resort provides heavy parkas- which you must wear if you want to use the slides.
- Photos are allowed in ICE, though your camera may take a while to thaw out afterward.
- A souvenir photo is taken as you enter ICE; option to purchase.
Kung Fu Panda’s Awesome Snow
Kung Fu Panda Snow
If snow isn’t a natural occurrence where you live your kids will love this! 130 tons of freshly made snow, playground equipment and a carnival slide will keep the kids entertained for the full hour. Po, the Kung Fu Panda, leads you into snow and after it’s over you’ll have your chance to get your picture taken with him (option to purchase).
Tips for Snow:
- This event is best done after ICE as the room is kept at a “crisp” 55ºF.
- Wear water resistant or water proof shoes.
- You will be wet when you leave.
Gingerbread Decorating with Gingy
Gingerbread decorating with Gingy
Step inside Gingy’s house and decorate some gingerbread! You can choose from a small gingerbread house ornament, a big gingerbread house, or a 6 piece gingerbread family. Each kit comes with everything you need to create a tasty treat or keepsake. And Gingy will come in to check your artistic abilities and pose for photos (option to purchase + use your own camera).
Puss in Boots 3D
Inside Holiday Hall is a 3D theater, featuring DreamWorks® newest movie, Puss in Boots. You’ll walk the red carpet, have your photo taken with Puss himself (photo included in movie fee) and be treated to you choice of snacks at the incredible snack bar.
Movie Snacks (choice of 2 + a drink)
After the movie go on the “Quest for the Magic Bean” throughout the Gaylord Palms (pick up your quest form from the DreamWorks® concierge by the lobby). When you complete your quest a prize awaits!
Tip:
The snack bar is fabulous! Don’t eat before coming to the movie.
ShrekFeast
Fiona and Shrek
Join Shrek, Fiona and Puss in Boots for breakfast. Meet the Town Crier to become an honorary ogre and earn your ogre ears. Taste swamp juice and enjoy ogre waffles. You’ll also get one-on-one time with the characters to pose for pictures.
Tip:
Don’t forget your camera!
More Fun Activities
Do you see the polar bear?
Character Meet & Greet The merry friends from Madagascar are here too! Check your Character Passport for meet & greet times.
Polar Bear Pursuit There are 20 Coca-Cola Polar Bears hidden throughout the Gaylord Palms. Find 10 to enter a sweepstakes to win a Gaylord Palms VIP getaway.
Luminescence and Family Traditions Musical Revues Take a seat at the stage under the giant Christmas tree and enjoy live music, dancing and even some breathtaking stunts!
Meet Santa Have you been naughty or nice? Santa knows. And he’ll let you whisper your wish list in his ear.
Pampering at the Gaylord Palms
While you don’t have to stay at the Gaylord Palms to experience ICE, the Christmassy DreamWorks Packages are a great deal and include many of the events for a single price. Staying at the Gaylord Palms is a treat in itself, with spacious rooms, large bathrooms, comfy robes for mom & dad and fun DreamWorks® amenity packs for the kids.
Each of the four Gaylord Resort is hosting it’s own ICE celebration. The other Gaylord resorts are the Opryland in Nashville, the Texan near Dallas and the National in Washington DC. Have you been to ICE at any of the Gaylord properties? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Jody Halsted shares her
family’s travel adventures
at Family Rambling.
All images by Jody Halsted. Family Rambling would like to thank Gaylord Palms for hosting us at ICE.
I-95 Express Lane Construction Begins In Broward
Broward commuters will have to pack some patience for the next couple of years on I-95. Monday morning the Florida Department of Transportation kicked off a three-year construction project to extend the I-95 express toll lanes into the county.
North Carolina DOT Defends I-40 Move
State highway engineers seemed to take a step backward in September when they closed a lane of westbound Interstate 40 near the Wake-Johnston county line.
Construction To Begin Monday On I-95 Toll Lanes In Broward
Broward commuters will have to pack their patience come Monday. That’s because the Florida Department of Transportation will begin its three-year construction project Monday to extend the I-95 express toll lanes into the county.
I-95 Drivers In Florida In For Rough Ride As Construction Starts
Come Monday morning, motorists on Interstate 95 in Broward County will have to grow more patience or fume in frustration as the Florida Department of Transportation begins a three-year construction project to extend the I-95 express toll lanes into the county.