Welcome!

We're excited, and rightly so!

As a brand new property here in a playful section of North Myrtle Beach, we are celebrating our very first spring. We're all polished and cleaned and ready to welcome you and all your friends and family to our gorgeous oceanfront property for this, the Grand Strand's first taste of 2009 warm-weather fun!

Towers' entire staff and management team have caught Spring Fever and are eager to help you enjoy the tantalizing activities and inviting events popping up all along the Grand Strand over the next month. From catching a few rays beachside on the warmest days, to taking advantage of Myrtle Beach festivals and on-going entertainment venues, there's no better time than now to break free of the mundane and put a fresh skip in your step and routine.

Can't find something on our web site? Just give us a call and ask us - 888.905.3001. Just like all of our sister properties at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts, we're especially customer-friendly and can put you in touch with your favorite coastal activities!

Here's an idea! How about spending Easter at the beach! We can help you arrange an especially relaxing and affordable Easter, spent in ways that will relax and refresh you! Check with us!

The Staff of Towers on the Grove!

Welcome, Military Personnel, for Rest and Recuperation at Any Time of Year

We at Towers on the Grove are proud to honor our military at any time of year, and we are especially pleased that the community of Myrtle Beach is hosting Military Appreciation Days from May 28-30, inviting the hundreds of military families based around this region. The city is planning all sorts of activities for them as a "thank you" - sports events to concerts to picnics. John Rhodes, the Mayor of Myrtle Beach, said recently, "We're looking forward to great participation, to honoring our veterans and also our current soldiers who are serving and protecting us. It's just a way to celebrate the Memorial Day time the way it was meant to be celebrated."

Won't you join the band wagon to help honor any military families that you know? If you are affiliated with the military yourself, we invite you to join us at any time. If you come during this month to participate in the many events, you will see many banners and tributes around town. For more information see www.militaryappreciationdays.com/welcome.html. Of course, national Armed Forces Day occurs on May 16th, too.

In a continuing year-round effort to thank our military for their sacrifices in their wide varieties of duty, Towers and all of our sister properties in Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts offer military personnel a 20% discount from published rates. Being a brand new property, Towers has fabulous amenities to offer families, too, including a jungle-theme water playground area by the pool. For military couples, suggestions include spa escape options, golf packages, and entertainment deals such as the shows at the Alabama Theatre, Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede, and Medieval Times. Ask our expert Reservations agents to help customize your stay.

Green Grows Towers on the Grove

Towers recognized that, as an oceanfront property, we have a huge responsibility to help to protect the coastal environment. With this degree of responsibility, we look for ways to reduce waste, such as with water.

Did you know that wasting drinking-quality water is wasting energy? Since all of our tap water is drinkable, that's a lot of water, a lot of energy. Therefore, we have put into effect a campaign called "Save Our Planet," not only at Towers but also at all of our sister properties at Myrtle Beach Seaside Resorts.

Housekeeping personnel are placing "Save Our Planet" cards in each bathroom at the property. We hope that, as guests read these cards ---

...-- they will choose to rally round this effort. To help conserve water and electricity, guests can chose to keep their towels and face clothes beyond their first use. As soon as Housekeeping sees these items on the floor instead of hung on towel racks, the items will go to the laundry, restoring clean towels to the guest.

Recipe - Grilled Pineapple with Nutella Sauce

This fabulous pineapple and chocolate hazelnut dessert includes mascarpone cheese which might be hard to find in the grocery. Its recipe appears in the box below; make least a day ahead of the grilled pineapple dessert. The pineapple dessert serves 10-12 people. Preparation of the dessert itself is about 15 minutes.

Mascarpone Cheese

• 1 pint heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp confectioner's sugar

Ingredients

• 2 pineapples, peeled, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices and core removed
• 2/3 cup mascarpone cheese*, room temperature (*See recipe in box below if you cannot find this cheese.)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
• 6 tablespoons whipping cream
• Olive oil
• 3 tablespoons chopped toasted hazelnuts

Directions

• Prepare outdoor barbecue to medium-high heat. If you do not have a barbecue, you can use an indoor grill pan set to medium high heat. Lightly oil the grill with the olive oil. Grill the pineapple slices until heated through and beginning to brown (about 3 minutes per side). As you are grilling, do not move the pieces until a side has cooked so that you retain grill marks on the pineapple slices.
• While the pineapples are cooking, whisk the mascarpone and vanilla together in a small bowl to blend. Set aside.
• Combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small bowl and stir to combine. Place in a microwave on high for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds to blend well. (Alternatively, you can combine the chocolate-hazelnut spread and cream in a small saucepan, set over low heat, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Heat until satiny smooth and easy to pour, about 3 to 5 minutes.)
• Transfer pineapple slices to a large serving platter. Drizzle the warm chocolate-hazelnut sauce over them and dollop the mascarpone mixture atop. Sprinkle with the hazelnuts and serve.

Featured Employee - Angela Roberts

First-hand accounts from previous guests about the quality their stays go a long way to reassure potential guests of what to expect. Our guests are of prime concern, so any employee who can focus on delivery quality customer service is highly valuable, and this is the case with Angela Roberts, a front desk agent.

Time and again, guests have expressed great appreciation for the services of Angela Roberts as front desk agent and also as part-time Night Auditor. Recently, guests Liz and Frank Horvath who stayed with us at Towers sent an email after their stay,

Angela at your front desk is great! She is very personable as well as professional. Your facility and [its] staff are top notch.

As one of our most trusted and capable people with a potential of setting that very first impression that guests have of us, Angela delivers Towers' high-level quality in customer service. Here work with details, her patience in taking care of every issue, her eager attitude, and her commitment to guests' needs have all demonstrated that she is willing to go above and beyond the norm to provide our guests with superior service.

Not only did the details of her work ethic catch the eyes of the Horvaths, Angela's attributes are being noticed at Towers. In the words of Towers' manager Mitchell Martin, "In all my years in the hotel business I have never met someone so committed to guest satisfaction." In her spare time away from Towers, Angela delights in raising her daughter, 9-year-old Laniya, who is the joy and inspiration in her life.

Well done, Angela!

Local Events Calendar

4/1. Lenten Organ Meditation, an event at the First United Methodist Church in Conway, SC. Beginning at 12 noon at 1001 Fifth Avenue in Conway, SC, this event is lead by Billy Fallaw, Music Director. Call 843.488.4251 for details.

4/1-10/31. Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo. Anglers are invited to enter their catches in the tournament held all along the Strand with cash prizes. More information at 843.626.7444.

4/3-4. Prince George Plantation Tour. The majority of the plantations and town houses on this tour are privately owned and lent to the Episcopal Church Women of Prince George. Ticket prices for the tour are $35 for either day (see web site for details). Online at www.pgwinyah.org or call 843.545.8291.

4/4. Celebration of Market Common's First Birthday. This free event includes food, family activities, a fashion show, and plenty of surprises. Join in the fun from 1 pm to 5 pm at Market Common in Myrtle Beach. Call 843.839.3500 for details.

4/4. Park Palooza at Myrtle Beach State Park. Outdoor family activities and programs running from 10 am to 3 pm. Park location 3 miles south of Myrtle Beach off Highway 17. Meet at Shelter B at the park. For more information see website www.myrtlebeachsp.com or call 866.224.9339.

4/5. Vespers for the Passion of Our Lord, an event with the Chancel Choir of the Long Bay Symphony. Held at the First United Methodist Church (1001 5th Avenue) in Conway, SC, starting at 5 pm. For more information, 843.488.4251.

4/5. Eddie Miles' Salute to Elvis at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. This live performance begins at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.

4/6. American Heart Association Charity Golf Tournament. This once-in-a-lifetime event is being hosted at the exclusive Reserve Golf Club in North Litchfield, SC. Open to the public, entry is $80 for age 18 and up. Sign your golf team up with Christie Holland at 843.333.7066. Includes a raffle, chances to win prizes, and an opportunity to benefit a great cause.

4/10. Killswitch Engage with Chimaira and Lacuna Coil. This popular heavy-metal music group is coming to the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach. See this live performance of "KEC" starting at 7 pm. See the group's web site at www.killswitchengage.com to sign up for their "meet and greet" at the concert. For more details, call House of Blues at 843.272.000.

4/9-11. The Palmetto Golf Championship. The Palmetto High School Golf Championship. 800.833.8798 (press option 7) or email to palmetto@golfholiday.com. This premier event hosts 150 high school golf teams and includes a fall championship, as well (dates as yet undetermined). If not cheering on a team, come watch future PGA players in the making!

4/10. Spring Fling at the First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. Starting at 10 am, this family-oriented event includes inflatables for the children, an Easter-egg hunt, and much more. Held at 500 Fourth Ave. North, Myrtle Beach, SC, 29577. Call 843.448.3155 for more details.

4/13. Hootie and the Blowfish Monday-After-Masters Golf Tournament. Held at The Dye Club at Barefoot in North Myrtle Beach, this fund-raiser draws celebrities from near and far, both in the world of golf and otherwise. See more information at www.HootieGolf.com.

4/17-26. SOS Spring Safari. This is the first major outing of summer for the shag dancing enthusiasts, and it is held in North Myrtle Beach. Enjoy 10 days of this big party, plus smaller member-club parties for the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs. For more information, see the web site at www.shagdance.com.

4/18. George Jones at the Alabama Theatre in North Myrtle Beach. Don't miss this live performance by one of country music's greats. A legend in his own right, George Jones begins his show at 7 pm. Call 800.342.2262 or see www.alabama-theatre.com for more information.

4/18. Blues and Jazz Festival at La Belle Amie Vineyards in North Myrtle Beach. 843.399.WINE (9463) or send an email to info@labelleamie.com. Plenty of food, live music, art, wine, and fun. Plenty of opportunities for memorable fun! Bring your own outdoor chair and stay awhile.

4/18. Jewelry Art in the Park. Artists with specialty in necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings bring their award-winning wears for sale out-of-doors at Market Common from 12 noon to 6 pm. For more information, call the Waccamaw Art and Craft Guild at 843.448.7690.

4/18. Oak Island Lighthouse, NC, Run-Walk. A leisurely hour's drive north leads you to Oak Island for this relaxing and enjoyable event. See the lighthouse, visit the Intracoastal Waterway up close, use the many public oceanfront access points, and savor life on an island. Sponsored by the Southport Chamber of Commerce, this event begins at 8:30 am and includes 10K and 5K runs. Call 800.457.6964 for more information or see "events" at www.southport-oakisland.com.

4/24. John Brown Big Band. Located only an hour's drive north of Myrtle Beach, the Brunswick County Community College's Williamson Auditorium is the site of this lively evening of big-band jazz. Performance starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets on sale at 800.754.1050, Ext.416, or www.bccowa.com/contact.html.

4/25. SOS Spring Safari Parade. All eyes turn to Main Street in North Myrtle Beach where excitement fills the air and SOS dancers and floats fill the street. Be a part of all the fun and excitement generated by The Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC).

4/25. Art in the Park. The 37th annual juried art show presented by a local art guild in Chapin Park. From 10 am to 4 pm, this outdoor show includes food vendors and other interesting sights. For more information, call 843.448.7690 or see www.wacg.org.

4/25. First Annual Forget-Me-Not Ball Benefiting the Alzheimer's Association in the Grande Strand. Fine food, beverages, live entertainment by the Arlin Strader Band, and a silent fund-raiser auction. The event occurs at 6:30 pm in Myrtle Beach at the Marina Inn in Grande Dunes. More information at 800.860.1444 or by email at cameron.renwick@alz.org.

Hi. We stayed at Towers on the Grove (North Myrtle Beach) this month for 3 days, and absolutely loved it. We come to Myrtle Beach annually, and have been for the last 5 years. This is, by far, the nicest place we've stayed. The customer service was outstanding; it was VERY clean, and the decor was lovely (very contemporary). The price was very reasonable for such a nice place. My only complaint is that check-in isn't until 4:00pm. But, if it means housekeeping has more time to clean the room, then I'm not complaining. We plan to stay there next year. Thank you.

Email about newsletter in an email from guest C Bornemann, 02-26-09

We had 3 couples stay at the Towers on Valentine's Day weekend, and we all fell in love with the resort. I love that end of the beach, and the room was absolutely gorgeous; we could not have asked for more on that weekend. I am really looking forward to my next visit at the Towers.

Email about newsletter from C Brown of SC, 02-26-09

We will definitely stay at Towers on the Grove again. The person at the front desk on Friday evening, 2/20/09, was especially kind. I'm sorry that I don't remember his name, maybe Michael, but I'm not sure. My husband and I go to Myrtle Beach about 5 times a year, and we will certainly stay there again, hopefully, for a longer visit! Thank you so much!

Email from the online comment section of the Towers on the Grove website from K Moore of NC, 02-23-09

Thank you for the Towers on the Grove newsletter. This is a nice touch to help new visitors feel welcome. We look forward to our visit in July.

Email about newsletter in an email from guest N Perine, 02-26-09

Fun Facts

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when (1) You accidentally enter your PIN on the microwave. (2) You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years. (3) You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of three. (4) You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you. (5) Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have e-mail addresses. (6) You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries. (7) Every commercial on television has a web site at the bottom of the screen. (8) Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't even have the first 20 or 30 (or 60+) years of your life, is now a cause for major panic, and you MUST turn around to go and get it. (10) You get up in the morning and go on line even before getting your coffee. (11) You start tilting your head sideways to smile. ) (12) You're reading this and nodding and laughing. (13) Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message. (14) You are too busy to notice there was no number nine on this list. (15) You actually scrolled back up to check that there really was not a number nine on this list.

Towers Teams Up in the Relay for Life

As mentioned in previous newsletters, Towers and its sister property Prince Resort are participating as a team in our local branch of the American Cancer Society's marathon called Relay for Life. Employees are out and about, raising funds through sales and other efforts to raise money toward the fight against cancer.

Motivation is high here as almost everyone has come into contact with this disease in some way, either directly or indirectly such as knowing someone with this disease. Our Relay for Life team members have been building donations steadily, currently at $521.02, nearly half way to the goal. Some recent efforts, in addition to accepting donations, includes selling tickets to special manager-prepared lunches (open to employees), "selling" dress-down opportunities for employees to wear jeans to work, and selling "footprint" donations at the Front Desk.