Greetings…you may call me…Keeper, for I am the keeper of theme park tales. I love theme parks. But what I love even more than theme parks are small attractions. The phrase “tourist trap” comes to mind but that has negative connotations. When I say tourist trap it’s only with love and affection. I’m the Goof in The Goofy Movie dragging the Mrs and daughter from Chester’s Possum Park to the biggest ball of string while they pretend to be interested. Myrtle Beach, SC…4 hours closer, less country music, and the same type of collection of attractions. In some cases different branches of the same very attractions in Pigeon Forge.The Mrs. agreed and we find ourselves ready to head out for our first out of state family adventure in over 20 years. We further decided that to counter the long drive after a grueling vacation schedule we will make a stop off in Savannah, GA for a night on the way home and possibly squeeze in some southern cookin’ and historical touring to cap off our adventure. The challenges for our adventure…the drive, a very short stay, no fully developed goals, and the biggest going to a beach town in peak season when I’m not even a beach goer. I suspect the girls may take a beach detour at some point while I chase down the biggest glob of silly putty or longest railroad spike or some other perceived treasure to add to my journey of adventure. The fun part on this journey is, you get to tag along too. Although reporting on everything will be impossible due to time constraints I plan on sending “postcards” of my mini-adventures so you can enjoy and discover along with us. As always, I will call em as I see em, the good and the bad along the way to give a flavor of an “away from the big boys” kinda trip. Whether the trip succeeds or fails remains to be seen but I imagine we have many adventures awaiting us, and as you know the journey to adventure is part of the fun cause….
One of the things that was on my list was a visit to the Sky Wheel. It’s located right on the boardwalk and is visible from almost anywhere on the street. I was interested in the view but also the wheel itself since the concept is similar to the wheel that was proposed for I-drive a few years back.
I was curious how popular a “hopped up Ferris Wheel “could be in a market that has many entertainment options. I’m happy to say that not only was the ride very enjoyable but the lines waiting to ride showed its popularity. The big dilemma was day or night trip. Although our tight schedule only allowed us one visit, I’d recommend trying to do both versions.
Like many theme park experiences the day vs. night are completely different shows. I spoke to some guest that went during the day and they said the views of the beach were stunning and you got so high you could even detect the curve of the coastline!
We arrived around 10PM and found the whole area bustling with activity we spend 10-20 minutes just soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the wheel’s amazing light show of over a million synchronized LEDs. To ride you have two options, the standard car which holds 2-6 people or for a few dollars more the VIP cab which holds 4 people and comes with a commemorative t-shirt and lanyard for each rider, in addition to doubling the length of the ride.
Needless to say the VIP cab is the way to experience this. Fully air conditioned, padded seats, and a see thru floor help take the experience to the next level. Now you know my preferred method of communication is words but sometimes AMAZING just doesn’t have the impact that a few pictures can. But maybe this video will help a little.
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxNODuDnDAg&feature=youtu.be
Thanks to Mrs. Keeper on video and our daughter on camera I hope we can convey the absolute coolness of this journey. Seeing the waves of the beach lapping on the shore at night while a block away the lights of the attractions and stores of Ocean Blvd and the cars driving down the strip to their next adventure twinkle.
The Sky Wheel complex also holds the Landshark Bar & Grill and Landshark Surf Shack which will be able to take care of any of your Jimmy Buffett food, drink, or beachwear needs. They have a great selection of retro looking wheel designs that will tempt all attraction fans. If you visit this area the Sky Wheel is well worth your time.
Check out more pics from the Myrtle Beach Skywheel:
For more information about the Myrtle Beach Skywheel, visit the official website! Tell them Keeper sent ya, and get nothing but funny looks!
The Skywheel isn’t set to music, but perhaps they should. Imagine the fun they can have on a Saturday night
httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfu9rijLtNE&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Every Day’s An Adventure
Keeper
