Myrtle Beach Sand & Sun '25

Day 1

Day 1: Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Grab your suitcase and cram it full of Springtime clothing, and your bathing suit! It’s time to enjoy some warmer weather, celebrate Spring and have some fun on another Trailways Travel tour! Board the luxury motorcoach from the available departure location of your choice, meet your friendly on-board tour host and driver, then settle back and visit while making some new friends. We will be making our usual lunch and rest & refresh breaks along the way before arriving for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn. Dinner this evening is at the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store with an included meal card. Don’t forget to check out the shopping – there’s always something interesting to be found there!

Day 2

Day 2: Thursday, April 24, 2025
We set out once more this morning after fueling up on breakfast with our final destination this afternoon of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee! Of course we will be taking rest & refresh breaks along the way – and this one is always a favorite. The Kentucky Artisan Center is not only known for “having the cleanest bathrooms in the state of Kentucky,” but is also a stop where you can shop some of the best craftsmanship in the state featuring the work of over 800 Kentucky artisans. Be sure to visit the bakery too for some great sweet treats!
As we continue on our way, we arrive in Pigeon Forge for a tasting of “Old Smoky Moonshine” at the Ole Smoky Distillery at The Island. Once we’ve had our fill of several samples, some great laughs, and some time to pick out our favorites to take to Myrtle Beach with us we will check into our Pigeon Forge hotel to freshen up for a great night out. This evening, we visit the Titanic Museum with a dinner in the Secret Dining Room that offers an extraordinary experience combining history and elegance. As you explore the museum’s extensive exhibits, you’ll be immersed in the story of the ill-fated ship, surrounded by authentic artifacts and detailed recreations. The highlight of the visit is the exclusive dining experience in the Secret Dining Room, where you can savor a gourmet meal in a setting reminiscent of the Titanic’s opulent first-class dining saloon. This unique combination of historical immersion and fine dining creates an unforgettable evening, making you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to the grandeur of the early 20th century.
We return to our hotel for a great night of rest – tomorrow we arrive in Myrtle Beach!

Day 3

Day 3: Friday, April 25, 2025
Get up and get going – can’t you hear the beach calling you? Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel and making our way to the Avista Resort in North Myrtle Beach. Here you will find your one or two-bedroom condo awaiting you with a balcony that offers the ocean views you have been dreaming about! NOTE: This year we have added a two-bedroom condo that is perfect for friends traveling together but wanting the privacy of their own bedroom and bath. You will also find that this provides a great value as the price of the condo is being split between two rather than being paid in full by only one.
We will have just a bit of time to find your condo and freshen up some before departing. You will find that enjoying dinner with your new Trailways Traveler friends at Paula Deen’s Family Restaurant at Broadway at the Beach in Myrtle Beach, SC, is a true Southern delight. With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and family-style servings of classic comfort foods, everyone can indulge in Paula’s famous dishes like fried chicken, mac and cheese, and gooey butter cake plus more. It’s the perfect spot for sharing a hearty, delicious meal on our first night in Myrtle Beach. After dinner, enjoy some time, on your own, to explore Broadway at the Beach with its many shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Be sure to check out the sky wheel with its great light show! We make our way back to the resort for a restful night with the salt air and ocean sounds lulling you to sleep.

Day 4

Day 4: Saturday, April 26, 2025
Breakfast has not been included daily here at the resort’s restaurant, but you may want to visit it this morning before we depart for a run to the local Walmart for stocking up on food and beverages while we are here. Please note that breakfast, lunches, and one dinner will be on your own at the resort but if you don’t feel like preparing something yourself the Avista offers multiple onsite dining options along with a fitness center and wonderful water amenities. Relax and recharge by the oceanfront pools, lazy river, and hot tubs, or enjoy the same features indoors, no matter the weather! Of course, the beach is always available with umbrellas and chairs available to rent from the city’s personnel offering options for you.
After enjoying free time to explore and enjoy the many amenities, take time to freshen up before our first real night out with dinner and a show. Dinner this evening is a seafood lover’s dream, and offers plenty of options for those not so fond of the ocean’s fare too. Original Benjamin’s Calabash Seafood Restaurant is a renowned dining destination in Myrtle Beach famous for its extensive seafood buffet and charming nautical ambiance. Featuring over 170 items, including fresh local seafood, Southern favorites, and decadent desserts, it offers something for everyone including a huge nautical museum with an in-house shipbuilder! Be sure to go downstairs and see the workshop where Jimmy Frost has either built or restored all the models that are on display within the restaurant. But be prepared, these aren’t your little brother’s model ship kits! Jimmy handcrafts his models and prefers them to be on a large scale, like the 18-foot Queen Elizabeth II. He has been building ships at The Original Benjamin’s since 1996 and over that time has built more than 500 model ships and planes. His collection includes the America’s Cup Collection, Famous Ocean liners, and navel war ships. Oh, and did you catch the part about there being over 170 different items on the buffet? While the nautical items on display and the many models are fabulous, the food is the reason the world-famous Original Benjamin’s has been featured in USA Today, Southern Living and Gourmet magazines. Furthermore it’s also why locals award it as the “Best of the Beach” winner year after year in The Sun News and Myrtle Beach Herald.
After having our fill of all-you-can-eat crab legs and more we are headed off to The Carolina Opry.
You will soon find out why this is the go-to spot for a night of amazing live entertainment in Myrtle Beach. With a mix of music, dance, and comedy, their shows have something for everyone—from country tunes and gospel to pop hits and Broadway numbers. The performers are top-notch, and the atmosphere is lively and fun, making it a perfect place to enjoy a memorable evening out. We return back for a relaxing night at the resort.

Day 5

Day 5: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Today we are going to head out for a little bit of local exploration so that you can experience more of the Grand Strand. After having your breakfast and perhaps a morning stroll on the beach we load up the motorcoach and head out for a guided tour of Georgetown. Here you will get a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and charm of one of the state’s oldest towns. As you stroll through the picturesque streets, your knowledgeable guide will share captivating stories about the area’s colonial past, the significance of its historic homes, and the legacy of its rice plantations. You’ll visit landmarks like the Kaminski House Museum and the Georgetown Harborwalk, learning about the town’s maritime heritage and cultural traditions. You will learn that it is not only rich in colonial history but also deeply connected to the Gullah community, whose vibrant culture, traditions, and language continue to influence the region today.
We are sure you will have worked up an appetite and we have just the place for lunch! It was mentioned by several of last year’s travelers as one of their favorite meals – the River City Café. You will agree with them as you find it is famous for its award-winning burgers that draw both locals and tourists alike. Each burger is crafted with fresh ingredients and creative toppings, offering a variety of unique and delicious options. From the hearty “Kitchen Sink” burger loaded with a little bit of everything to the classic bacon cheeseburger, there’s a mouthwatering choice for every burger lover. The casual, fun atmosphere paired with these top-notch burgers makes River City Cafe a must-visit destination for a truly satisfying meal.
We return to the resort after lunch so that you may enjoy the rest of the afternoon and all this evening however you wish - whether it is relaxing by the pool with a great book, getting up a good card game with friends, or taking an evening stroll as the sun sets over the Atlantic.

Day 6

Day 6: Monday, April 28, 2025
Sleep in this morning or get up early and search the shoreline for seashells, it’s your choice! This afternoon we will provide you with the opportunity to visit the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk if you wish.
You’ll find it is a vibrant, bustling stretch along the coastline that offers a quintessential beach experience. Lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, it’s a hotspot for both locals and tourists. Take a leisurely stroll while enjoying stunning ocean views, play games at the arcades, or grab a bite at one of the many eateries. The Boardwalk also features attractions like the SkyWheel, a towering Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the beach and beyond. Find your perfect souvenir at the largest and oldest shop on the Boardwalk, the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. What started as a small gift shop with a large amusement park for children has grown into the largest gift shop in the area and one of the most visited attractions in the Grand Strand.
Dinner this evening will be at Joe’s Bar and Grill where the name is unassuming but the atmosphere and culinary offerings are anything but. The two-story space here has the look and feel of a cozy, upscale hunting cabin. The first floor features a living room-like area with couches and a fireplace, a quaint bar, and a deck bar that overlooks the saltwater marsh. The tables upstairs are covered in white tablecloths, making for an upscale experience where you will enjoy a fabulous meal.
This evening, we see Iconic at The Alabama Theatre. Iconic is a dazzling musical extravaganza that takes audiences on a journey through some of the most memorable songs and performances from past decades. Featuring a talented cast of singers, dancers, and musicians, the show blends stunning visuals, energetic choreography, and timeless hits to create an unforgettable evening of fun.

Day 7

Day 7: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Get up – today is your last full day to enjoy your resort and the ocean! Take full advantage of your day before cleaning up for a fabulous “Farewell to Myrtle Beach Dinner” at the Greg Norman’s Australian Grille. Savor a selection of delectable entrees, including the signature Outback-style prime rib, a fresh seafood option and more. Each dish is crafted with a blend of bold flavors and unique Australian influences, offering a memorable dining experience in a relaxed, upscale setting. This was also a fan-favorite last year and we are sure it will be once more.
This evening’s show is a new offering, Greg Rowle’s Legacy Theater. This intimate theater showcases a variety of live performances, including country music, classic hits and heartfelt tributes offering an engaging and personal entertainment experience. With its warm ambiance and top-notch shows, the Greg Rowles Legacy Theater is a beloved venue that celebrates the illustrious career of this renowned entertainer and musician.
We return to the resort for one last night of ocean breezes and sounds to lull you to sleep.

Day 8

Day 8: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The day has come to start returning back home to the Midwest, and we know you won’t really want to leave quite yet. That is why we are departing a little bit later than normal this morning so that you can get one more leisurely walk along the beach in before heading out. We bid farewell to Myrtle Beach as we journey on to Princeton, West Virginia to overnight this evening. Rest & Refresh breaks and a stop for lunch will be made along the way. This evening’s dinner is on your own with several restaurant choices next to the hotel such as Applebee’s, Bob Evans, Wendy’s, Texas Steakhouse, and Cracker Barrel.

Day 9

Day 9: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Happy May Day – time to get breakfast in before rolling out this morning as we make our way to the Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel. As usual, we will make Rest & Refresh breaks and a stop for lunch along the way, but today we also have a fun MYSTERY STOP on the way! It will add a bit of fun and excitement today in anticipation of what just might be in store for you.
At the Drury Plaza, enjoy the Kickback Reception from 5:30 – 7:00 pm which includes a selection of hot and cold foods, drinks, (some beers, cocktails, and wines as well) and always the standard fresh-popped popcorn in the lobby.

Day 10

Day 10: Friday, May 2, 2025
Have breakfast at the hotel this morning before we depart to make our way back home today. It is always so enjoyable to get away for a fun vacation, but sometimes it is great to return back to your own comforts of home. We will have an early to mid-afternoon arrival home today so that you will have some time to get settled in for the evening.