2023 Nov 27-Dec 2, The Club Diamond Bus, Myrtle Beach ShowTrip Myrtle Beach South Carolina (6 Days)

Day 1:

We traveled with a group of about 37 in a tour bus from Florence, Al, to Myrtle Beach, SC.

We left on Monday, Nov 27, at 8:30 AM.  

At about 10:18AM, we stopped in at Walmart in Gardendale to pick up 4 more passengers and picked up a few items there.

Fried Shrimp with Pinto Beans, Tarter Sauce, and hush puppies 

Our next stop was Cracker Barrel in Leeds, AL, for lunch around 11:22AM.

We went through Atlanta, GA, traffic around 4 PM. 

Our next stop was Pilot in Braselton, SC. around 5:53PM

Arrived at Holiday Inn Express room 126 in Greenville, SC, where we spent the night.

Day 2:

We all ate breakfast at the hotel and began our final journey to Myrtle Beach.'

We stopped at Love's Lugoff, SC, around 11:08AM for a restroom break and to fill up with fuel.  

We stopped at McDonald's for lunch in Bishopville, SC, at 12:31PM.  

Checked into the hotel with a few minutes to spare before getting ready for dinner. Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort, room 323.

Crab Leggs, Corn on the Cob, Baked potato, Shrimp and tartar sauce 

Dinner tonight is at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant, which arrived a little after 4:37 PM.

Christmas Show at Alabama Theatre

Finished the night with a Christmas show at the Alabama Theatre. 7-9PM

Day 3:

Breakfast at the hotel.

We loaded onto the bus around 9AM, heading to Conway, SC, to LW Paul Living History Museum. 

After about an hour and a half, we headed to Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

We walked along the boardwalk that was next to the Atlantic Ocean.

We ate lunch at The Bowery, where Alabama, the band got their start. 

News Paper article about The Band Alabama 

Alabama Band/Wild Country 
Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry, Randy Owen, & John Vartanian 

The band area was closed, but hubby asked the waitress if I could go inside to take pictures. The waitress took us inside, and I took a few pictures. They were busy, so I did not stay very long. 

We shared a Cheesecake ice cream waffle cone. After several hours of shopping, we headed back to the bus. 

We rode to Walmart to pick up a few items, then back to the hotel for a couple of hours. 

We ate dinner at Simple Southern Smokehouse. 

Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

We finished the night with a Christmas Show at the Legends Theatre, where we saw the Blues Brothers, Dolly Pardon, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and Aretha Franklin.

Back to the hotel to rest.

Day 4:

Breakfast at the hotel. 

At 9AM, we rode to the Asher Theatre to see A Man of a Thousand Voices by James Stephens III.

After his performance, we shopped at Barefoot Beach Boardwalk. We ate lunch at Lulu's and bought some hot sauce and spices. 

We also bought nail polish and 4 rings at De Sol. 

The bus took us back to the hotel to rest.

At 4:40, we rode to Bennetts Calabash Seafood for dinner. 

Caroling Opry

After dinner, we went to see Carolina Opry and were back at the hotel at about 9:30PM.

Packed our bags, we are leaving tomorrow after our shopping. 

Day 5: 

Watched the sun come up, then walked down to breakfast.

9 AM, we rode to Broadway at the Beach to watch The Jersey Boy sing songs of the 1960s by the Four Seasons and Christmas songs. 

We went shopping at Broadway at the Beach. 

At lunch at Wahlburgers. 

Around 2PM, we were headed to our next stop, Holiday Inn Express Grovetown, Ga. 

Arrived around 8:30 PM

Day 6: 

Breakfast at the hotel. 

On the road around 8:30 AM 

Stopped at Western Sizzlin Oxford, Al, for lunch.

Stopped at Gardendale, Al, to drop off passengers and take a restroom break.

Arrived home around 5PM.

We had a great week with a lot of Christmas Shows, shopping, and eating at Myrtle Beach, SC.

Shows
At the Broadway Theatre, We heard Hot Jersey Nights Myrtle Beach Christmas Show (Frankie Valli and Four Seasons)

At the Alabama Theatre, we saw The South's Greatest Christmas Show.

At Legends Theatre, we saw Legends in Concert (Dolly Pardon, Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Retha Franklin & Blues Brothers)

At the Asher Theatre, we saw the man of 1,000 voices. James Stephens III

At the Carolina Opry Theatre, we heard
vocalist Delvin Choice of NBC’s The Voice, national recording artist Brad Long, hip-hop cloggers All That! of NBC’s America’s Got Talent, powerhouse vocalists Christie Templeton, Tangena Church and Chas Croft Sorrells, fiddling champion Trent Wideman and bluegrass virtuoso Gary Brown.

Restaurants
We ate at the Giant Crab Seafood Restaurant in Myrtle Beach
Simply Southern Smokehouse Myrtle Beach 

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach 
Corn on the cob, cream potatoes, shrimp, and fried green tomatoes

Bennett's Calabash Seafood Myrtle Beach
Lulu's Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach 

Wahlburgers Myrtle Beach
Western Sizzlin Leeds, Al

Shopping
We shopped at The Boardwalk, Barefoot Landing, and Myrtle Beach BoardWalk 

1/2 Hamburger and fries at Lulu's Barefoot Landing 

Lulu's
De Sole
The General Store
It's Sweet
Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream

We stayed in a Resort facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Great to be home.

2018 Jan 31-Feb 5,🚙 Trip to Mobile, Saraland, Alabama and Carnival Fantasy Western Caribbean Cruise Cozumel, Mexico ( 6 days)

Day 1 January 31,

We traveled along Highway 43 passing through Russellville, Spruce Pine, Phil Campbell, Bear Creek, Brilliant, Winfield, Fayette, Tuscaloosa, Fosters, Ralph, Knoxville, Eutaw, Forkland, Demopolis, Providence, Linden, Dixons Mills, Thomasville, Fulton, Grover Hill, Jackson, Macintosh, Movico, Axis onto I-65 s to I-10 W to hwy 90, hwy 59, 188, 193 to Dauphin Island.

We stopped in Forkland to take pictures of Jim Bird's Hay Bale Art and Tin Man.  

Tin Man 

At Dolphin Island, we walked along the boardwalk taking pictures:

Living Marsh & Boardwalk 

Marine Debris, a Silent Killer 

Marine Debris Timeline

Butterflies of Dauphin Island

Mr. Sand Part I, II, III  

A Real Partnership 

Energy from the Sands of Time 

Where am I? 

Alabama Coastal Connection 

Dune plants survive in a harsh environment

Wetland birds 

The tidal Marshes of Alabama

Barrier Islands shaped by wind & Waters

Invertebrate Trail

Research on Marsh Restoration at Dauphin Island’s Sea Lab

Whether the Weather

The Living Marsh

Dauphin Island 

Rays at Dauphin Island 

We went to the Fort at Dauphin Island, but it was closed, and so was Sea Lab.

We drove to the Audubon Sanctuary Nature Interpretive trail, looking for the bird. We could hear them but did not see any. 

We did see several turtles. 

It was getting late, and we wanted to reach Saraland before dark. 

We arrived at Comfort Inn 1200 SHELTON BEACH RD SARALAND, AL, checked into our room and walked next door to eat dinner at Winzell’s. I ordered a fried shrimp basket with Coleslaw and water with lemon to drink.

My friend ordered the Shrimp Poboy served with lettuce, tomatoes, purple onion, and pickles, served out their signature bread served with French fries. 

It had been a long day, so we retired to our room for the night.

The Inn where we stayed was being remodeled. 

Shrimp Poboy

Fried shrimp basket with Coleslaw

Day 2: Thursday, February 1

We ate a continental breakfast at the Inn, packed our bags, and drove to the Port of Mobile.

We were a bit early to board Carnival Fantasy Cruise Line, so we had to wait in line with several other cars. 

We finally arrived at the parking deck, each had a bag checked and parked on deck two.

We unloaded our carry-on bags, walked to the elevators, and had to pay for parking.

We went through security, and because of my total knee replacement, the alarm went off, and I had to be worn down.

We took our bags to our room on level four.

We went up the elevator to the patio pool area behind it are the Buffet Area, Pizza Area, and Guy's Burgers.

We both ordered Guy's burger and Fries.

When we finished eating, we walked around checking out the ship. That night, we attended a Hasbro Game Show and were in bed by 9 PM.

Carnival Fantasy 

Guys, Burger, and Fries

Day 3: Friday 2, Fun Day at Sea

We were up early to see the Sunrise. 

We both ordered a made-to-order omelet and got a couple of pastries and French toast.

For lunch, we both ordered a taco salad with Key Lime pie.

That afternoon, we went to a show about what we may see on the Island Adventures.

They gave away several prizes, but we did not win.

We are going to a formal dinner so we dressed up. 

I ordered baked fish with rice, & broccoli. 

We both bought tickets for tomorrow's adventures. 

That night, we watched a show about Soul Train with impersonators of Temptations and Supremes.

Fresh Rolls for dinner

Grilled fish with rice and broccoli 

Chocolate cake with ice cream 

Day 4: Saturday, Feb 3, 

Watched the sunrise and ate breakfast from the buffet.

Spent the day at Chankanaab National Park in Cozumel.

Landed Cozumel and went ashore around 9 AM. 

I stopped at the World Coral Exhibit to take a few pictures.

Cozumel’s Coral Reef

Reef Systems

Coral & Sponges of Cozumel

Ecosystems Importance

Carnival Corp & Commitment to our Environment

Commercial Threat to Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs

Life of Coral Reefs

We met up with our tour guide (Adolf) and were divided into three groups. 

Loaded into three different vans and was shuttled to Chankanaab National Park.

Several people in the group were going snorkeling.

We watched people swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery

We walked through the Maya replica ruins.

We walked through the Botanical Gardens at Chankanaab Park, where we saw flowers, birds, lizards, and a coral reef. 

We joined the group for lunch and to watch the Sea Lion Show.

 Tequila tasting at 12:50 PM

We were shuttled back to the beach at 1:30 PM and loaded back onto the ship.

Once again, we had to go through security, and once again, my knee set the alarm off, and I had to be worn down again.

That night, we saw our host dress up like Richard Simmons and do an 89’s trivia show.

For dinner, we both ordered a hot chocolate cake with French sauce. 

My friend ordered a taco, and I ordered grilled salmon with carrots and broccoli served with potatoes.

Sea Lion Show.

Coral Reef

Swimming with Dolphins

Day 5: Sunday, Feb 4, 

Fun day at Sea 

We watched the sunrise &  on the Deck, we met a woman from Florida.

We ate brunch in the dining room.

We both ordered the huevos Rancho, delicious chicken quesadillas topped with fried eggs,

& Manchebo cheese and orange juice.

huevos Rancho

Sunrise on the Gulf of Mexico 

I wrote in my journal while my friend finished reading her book. 

For dinner, we both ordered green beans, potatoes, and steak. For dessert, we ordered Cheesecake with strawberries, and I wanted to try the caramel popcorn cream custard. 

Day 6: Monday, Feb 5, 

We both enjoyed breakfast before embarking on the ship at 9 AM.

We traveled through Mobile, stopping at Dollar General for Diet Coke and peanut butter crackers.

I had heartburn, and this helped settle my tummy.

We filled up with gas and stopped at Guthries in Haleyville for dinner.

We both ordered chicken fingers with Coleslaw.

Chicken Fingers and Coleslaw 

We arrived at my friend's house around 4 PM.

Hubby came to pick me up.

We stopped at Lawler’s to pick up a barbecue plate for dinner.

Carnival Fantasy Stateroom R18 DECK R MUSTER STATION A

Hotel Comfort Inn and Suite 1200 SHELTON BEACH RD SARALAND, AL  

🎢2001 ~ Nov 9-12, Two Days in Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri

Day 1: Friday, November 9, 2001

My husband drove our 2001 Damon Escaper RV through the crowded streets of Branson Missouri to Silver Dollar RV Park.

As we rode through Branson, we saw feet sticking out of a large sign along the highway that said, “Big Feet, Big Laugh.”

We rode past the Country tonight, The Lumber Jack, Legends in Concert “The Brett Family Singers,” and The Remington Theater.

We parked our RV at Silver Dollar City Theme RV Park.

2001 Damon Escaper RV at Silver Dollar RV Park 

We stayed three nights and two days, which included two-day visits to Silver Dollar City Theme park, we went both days from daylight to dark.

The Lumber Jack 

Legends 

To Big Laughs Two Big Feet 

Day 2 & 3: Saturday 10 & Sunday 11, November 2001

The Silver Dollar City RV Park ran a shuttle bus back and forth from the RV park to Silver Dollar City Theme park. 

We were at Silver Dollar City Park from the moment it opened to the minute it closed both days.

We watched all the shows, we traveled inside Marvel Cave, which is also part of the park with no extra cost.

Marvel Cave opened as a tourist attraction in the late 1800s, Silver Dollar City's entrance was built around Marvel Cave.

 Silver Dollar Coffin

Silver Dollar Coffin

 Christmas Trees

Resting on bench 

 Christman Candy Store

The Silver Dollar Frisco

Day 3: Sunday, November 11, 2001 

We travel down several steps and ramps almost 500 feet down to get into Marvel Cave.
After a sixty-minute tour, we were transported out of the cave by a cable car that is pulled out of the ground by a cable otherwise we would have to climb 1070 feet back to the top.

Marvel Cave Group Picture

View of Marvel Cave 

Rock formations still grow today in the ancient surroundings of the deepest parts of Marvel Cave.

Explorers from all over the world have sought out this cave for its size, geological interest, and its suspected marble and gold treasures. 

No treasure except its timeless beauty was found. 

The Osage Indians left stories of their visits to the cave telling of the strange howling noises created by the cave's vast depths and they named it Devil’s Cave.

The tours of Marvel Cave are an adventurous way to learn the cave's history is an hour-long adventure to the earth's dark depths. 

Silver Dollar City Theme park was decorated for the Christmas holidays with a huge green reef around the entrance “Silver Dollar City” topped with a large red and gold bow.

“This was a great place to take pictures.”

Inside the park, we saw the Silver Dollar Post Office, Feed & Fix it Shed, Large saw blade with writing on it, old train steam engine, 1877 Steamer, & Silver Dollar Coffins made to order.

We saw Huck Fins River Blast and listened to Southern Gospel music at Echo Hollow Amphitheater.

I sat on a bench with different writings: Buy your Grains at Sullivan’s Mill, Fresh bread baked daily.

Dine in the Mine all you can eat buffet. Stock you Wagon General Store, and Visit Grandfathers Mans…

Silver Dollar Entrance at Christmas

Christmas Tree and Packages 

Family Group Singing 

Filling the air was the smell of hot chocolate, marshmallows being roasted, peanuts being parched and the freshly made Cotton Candy.

After dark, the park comes alive with thousands of Christmas lights and a Christmas parade riding down Main Street

In the parade, we saw Ragged Ann and Andy, the gifts of Christmas, with Silver Dollars Cities Train leading the way.

We saw the Ginger Bread House, a Snowglobe filled with snow falling down around Frosty.

We saw a Jack-n-the-box.

We saw Joseph, and Mary holding the Christ Child Jesus with a star shining brightly above them.

The Gifts of Christmas Silver Dollar City Parade

Silver Dollar Parade 

There was the lighting of the five-story special effects Christmas tree, every hour on the hour after dark. 

We heard the songs of Sleigh Ride, Joy to the World, Jingle Bells softly playing throughout the park coming from stores, trees, & Christmas Carolers.

In the Living Nativity area, we watched the celebrated musical performance where the Angel Gabriel brings good news about the birth of the Christ Child. 

Day 4: Monday, November 12, 2001 

As we were leaving Branson, we saw Hollywood Wax Museum, Presley’s Country Jubilee, Jennifer’s American Theater, Grand Palace, Radisson Hotel, Old Grand Victorian Hotel, At the Hop 50s, Grand women of Country, (Leona Williams, Margo Smith, Helen Cornelius, Jean Shepard), Christmas Shop, and the Dixie Stampede 

We had a great time, enjoyed the music, the park, the lights, and the weather was cool but not too cold.

Leaving Branson 

Leaving Branson

I would love to go back someday.