Groundhog Day is February 2 this year, just a couple of days away. Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter… or he won’t. Regardless of where they’re from originally, Punxsutawney (Pa.) Phil, Buckeye Chuck (Ohio), Dunkirk (N.Y.) Dave, General Beauregard Lee (Ga.), Sir Walter Wally (N.C.), Chattanooga (Tenn.) Chuck, Connecticut Chuckles, Staten Island (N.Y.) Chuck, Wiarton (Ontario) Willie, and Shubenacadie Sam of Nova Scotia, all will see their shadows… or not. Regardless of their predictions, The Trembley Group Real Estate Professionals aren’t concerned. They’re already basking in spring-like conditions along the Grand Strand, and the daffodils, yellow jasmine, crocuses, Dutch iris, and bearded iris are already starting to poke their heads up around their yards.

The earliest American reference to Groundhog Day can be found in the Pennsylvania Dutch folklore. The legend goes, if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter. Germans watched a badger for the shadow.  In Pennsylvania, the groundhog, upon waking from mid-Winter hibernation, was selected as the replacement.

Here in the Lowcountry, there aren’t many groundhogs, but there is a lot of water. That’s where The Trembley Group Real Estate Professionals look for signs that winter is coming to a close. Folks living in the Lowcountry, in Myrtle Beach and along the Grand Strand, have their own ambassador of spring – the alligator. The American Alligator is a cold-blooded animal and its body reflects the temperature of the environment around it. Around The Trembley Group offices, the traditional predictor of an early spring is known as Alligator Alfred.

During the cold months, alligators are forced into a sluggish mode, mostly sleeping in their nests. But when the days start to grow longer, it’s not uncommon to see them basking in the sun along waters’ edge on golf courses, in the area’s parks, and in subdivision ponds. Alligators can physically not eat until their body temperature is maintained at 72 degrees or higher. That typically doesn’t happen until April and on the rare occasion March. But a warm spring brings them out of their nests in early February, lethargically warming themselves on water’s edge.

A cold blast can cause an alligator to retreat into its den, but as the temperatures become more moderate, it is more and more common to see them lying on the bank and waiting as the warmer temperatures triggers mating season. The alligator’s daily presence in February signals the end of winter as it waits for the warmer temperatures of the spring. The American alligator is the Lowcountry’s symbol of warmer weather on its way.

While many states and most of Canada, are still battling snow storms in February, the average Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand high-temperature averages around 60 degrees. At 51 degrees, the water temperature is still a bit chilly for a swim, but the air temperature is just about perfect for a long walk on the beach, a bike ride around Brookgreen Gardens, or a round of golf at one of the nearly 100 local golf courses.

There are no crowds in early spring, and the beach is the perfect place to watch a sunrise or sunset, or for a mid-afternoon picnic. And since the off-season is more lenient about pets on the beach, dog lovers can bring their favorite pet along on their beach adventure. Many of the major Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand entertainment attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, Legends in Concert, and the Myrtle Beach House of Blues are open year-around, so there’s no shortage of things to do living on the Grand Strand.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Walk on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk Followed by a Skywheel Ride

SkyWheel Myrtle Beach, Plyler Park, 1110 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Daily: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Less than two weeks after Groundhog Day is Valentine’s Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a romantic stroll down the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Few settings can rival the beach when it comes to romance – the ocean waves’ soothing sounds, the sand’s soft feel between your toes, and the blue ocean water’s beauty, all combine to create an amorous atmosphere. And not many destinations along the Atlantic coast offer the wealth of activities found on the Grand Strand.

On the Myrtle Beach oceanfront Boardwalk, romance is especially easy. A lover’s stroll along the Boardwalk is sure to pack a romantic punch for an amorous couple.

After a romantic walk, lovers can take their romance to new heights with a ride on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. The 187-foot-tall ferris wheel’s 42 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas are the perfect place to get a bird’s-eye view of the Boardwalk, the coastline, the ocean, and downtown Myrtle Beach. While the gondolas have room for up to six, the romance won’t be spoiled by strangers – a private Valentine’s Day flight is assured for all boarding parties. The ride includes three revolutions, which takes about 10 minutes.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is the centerpiece of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and offers soaring panoramic views. When it opened in 2011, it forever changed the downtown Myrtle Beach skyline. Standing nearly 200 feet above the ocean, when it was constructed in 2011, the wheel was the first of its kind in the United States, and the largest wheel of any kind in the U.S. Non-reflective glass on the gondolas make the SkyWheel an ideal spot to take photos of the beach and the surrounding area.

Adults ride for $13 each and children cost $9 per ride.

39th Annual Spring Home Show

February 8 through February 10, 2019

The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Daily Admission: $5.00 – Adults; Children under 16 are free; Three-day passes are available for $10

The Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association will sponsor its 39th Annual Home Show 2019.  It is the perfect place to find ideas for a newly-purchased, or soon-to-be-purchased, Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand home. Anyone thinking about buying a home, making improvements to an existing home, or are just looking for great ideas – this is a great place to start! And no one is better equipped to help start the home search than a Trembley Group Real Estate Professional.

This year’s show has something for everyone. More than 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their products and services. The home show is the perfect opportunity to research many different high-quality companies and products in a fun and friendly atmosphere over a short period of time.  Whether there’s a specific project in mind or just looking for ideas, this show has something of interest for everyone. Attendees will find impressive product displays by specialists in the fields of new home construction, remodeling, outdoor living, swimming pools, home security, hurricane protection, interior design, energy efficiency and much more.  These specialists are committed to their craft and can answer any questions face to face while offering lots of helpful ideas.

The show also includes popular and informative workshops, seminars and special events.  The seminars and workshops include industry experts giving advice on energy conservation, gardening and landscaping, interior design, and culinary demonstrations.  Sample food, learn new things, ask questions, and have fun. Check out the show schedule for a full list of times of the various events.

This year’s show will also include exhibits by some local, non-profit organizations. Coastal Animal Rescue is hosting a Silent Auction including pet and home products, with all proceeds going to the care of homeless animals.  The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild will have an exhibit with paintings and crafts by talented members of our community. The Horry Georgetown Home Builders Association is committed to supporting local charitable groups that help make the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand community a better and stronger place to live.  

Valentine’s Day Complimentary Carriage Rides

Thursday, February 14, 2019, 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Pick-up and drop-off: Dolce Lusso Salon, 3050 Howard Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at The Market Common! Start the day with a little shopping to get the perfect gift for your loved one. Next, enjoy a complimentary carriage ride through the tree-lined streets. Then, of course, the special, romantic day is capped off with a romantic dinner at one of The Market Common’s fabulous restaurants.

Make any day a perfect visit to The Market Common. Dine, shop, learn about the history of the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, maybe take a romantic carriage ride, and stop by The Trembley Group Real Estate offices and discover all the ins and outs the Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand, and The Market Common real estate market.

6th Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser & Bloody Mary Challenge

February 23, 2019, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The Whiskey Fish, 3415 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

An old saying says that it only safe to eat oysters in months with an “R” in their names – the eight months of the year beginning in September and running through April. The other four months of the year – May through August – are off limits.

Like all old sayings, there is actually some truth in the advice. This advice was actually wise when oysters were harvested from the wild rather than farmed. Oysters spawn in summer, when water temps are at their warmest. Traditionally, the season was closed during the R-less months so oysters could reproduce. They’re also soft and rank during this time of year. And before refrigeration, it wasn’t safe to eat a raw animal that had been baking on the docks in wooden barrels all day. Red tide is caused by an algae that is toxic to humans and in the summer there are higher concentrations of the algae. Bacteria is also more prevalent in warmer waters.

But the month of February has an “R”, which means the weather and the oysters will be perfect for the Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser & Bloody Mary Challenge at The Whiskey Fish in Murrells Inlet, SC, between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. There will also be a Bloody Mary Competition sponsored by Charleston Bloody Mary Mix.

The Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser & Bloody Mary Challenge is a fundraiser for the Rape Crisis Center of Horry & Georgetown SC. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. There will be great Music from Miracle Max & the Pet Monsters as well as raffles and games!

Eat, Drink, Dance and support an organization that promotes public awareness of the realities of sexual victimization.

February in the Market Common

The Trembley Group Real Estate offices are in The Market Common.  The Market Common is more than just upscale shopping, fine and casual dining, and upscale living just minutes away from the beach. The Market Common is an urban village located on the south end of Myrtle Beach that offers a unique lifestyle experience to its residents, visitors, and its businesses. If it’s noteworthy and happening in Myrtle Beach, it’s likely happening in The Market Common. That’s why The Market Common is the home to The Trembley Group Real Estate offices.

The Market Common Military History Tour

Friday, February 23, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Tour begins in front of Grand 14 Cinema: 4002 Deville Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Tour ends at Tupelo Honey: 3042 Howard Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

To purchase tickets: Click Here 

Today, The Market Common’s 4,000 acres include parks and ballfields, in addition to shopping and a number and variety of residential developments. But from the early 1940s, the area was used to train pilots for the Army Air Corps, and from 1956 to 1993, The Market Common served as the Myrtle Beach Air Force base.

The Military History Tour is a unique tour created to preserve the rich military history of The Market Common.  A staff member from The Market Common offices is the historian and tour guide. Tickets are available on Eventbrite (or the link on The Market Common website).  The tickets include a 1 hour narrated trolley tour and a catered reception at Tupelo Honey with a special military guest of honor who was the last person on the Air Force Base.  He literally cut the lights off and locked the door when the base closed!

Tickets for the trolley tour and reception are $20.  The tour starts at 2:00 pm in front of the Grand 14 Cinema, at Deville and Reed Streets. Guests board the trolley and begin the one-hour tour which includes three stops. After the tour, at about 3:00 pm, the trolley arrives at Tupelo Honey a one-hour catered reception and historical presentation. The tours make popular gifts.

The Trembley Group Real Estate Professionals encourage everyone to visit Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand, and The Market Common and to explore the proud military history that can be discovered there. The planes that once patrolled the skies of Myrtle Beach, the Grand Strand, and much of the world, are on display at Warbird Park. There are large maps that show the location of more than 150 historical markers found around The Market Common in Valor Pa

Need help? Call The Trembley Group at 843.945.1880 ext. 1 and we’ll help you look for the perfect listing or buyers agent!

At The Trembley Group, we pride ourselves on being the experts at more than just selling real estate. We are local residents, some of us have been here for a lifetime. The rest of us will be here until the end of time. We love living, working, and playing in the diverse backyard of Coastal Carolina, and look forward to helping you live and love your dreams soon too. Please reach out to us by phone or email for personalized service and one-on-one advice. 

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Our agents write often to give you the latest insights on owning a home or property in the Myrtle Beach, SC area.