First off, Garden City is a great compromise for a beach vacation. We love being close to Myrtle for the attractions, but Garden City is just a bit more off the beaten path and just a smidge less crowded. The pier is one of our favorite attractions while we're there. The best part is that you can enjoy the entire attraction without spending a dime, or find some postcards and soveniors to hang onto and take home. The pier is totally low-tech fun, but a place for some great family memories.

We love the beach. Mostly we just like hanging out in the sand and waves, but on the occasion when we need something "more" out of a beach trip, Ripley's Aquarium is just the place to spend the afternoon. The only drawback is the cost, but still, it's an enjoyable afternoon for all ages. We personally all loved the Lethal exhibit of ocean animals and their protection methods that was there this summer. My daughter loves petting the sea life and riding through the underwater tanks ... again and again. A great place to get away from the waves once in a while, but hang on to your pocketbook... we love Ripley's but not so much the price.

My daughter loves spending as much time as possible outdoors and in the spring, Joanie Moser Park is just the place to soak up the sun and have a blast on the playgrounds. For the first couple of years we could be found up the hill at the preschool playground which is fantastic- amazing- for kids and babies smaller than 2 or 3, but as she's grown, we're now down the hill on the "big kids" playground. This park is great for a lot of things, but the playground is definitely our favorite. There's a perfect amount of shade for escaping the NC sun and great equipment that never gets old. An afternoon, a whole day or a picnic are all great ways to spend the day at Joanie Moser Park.

I am not crazy about spending an arm and a leg to visit Tanglewood and have a fancy afternoon at just an average park. But at Christmas, Tanglewood comes alive. We make a tradition of seeing the Festival of Lights every year, even though they don't change much. At $10 per car, it's not a bad price for an evening of fun and Christmas lights and a great tradition for everyone to enjoy. Throughout the year I would not spend the money to get into Tanglewood as you can have just as much fun at another local park, but come Christmas, part with the $10 and take advantage of the Festival of Lights!

We love Korner's Folly, especially at Christmas with all the decorations. A virutal playground for kids and adults alike with a healthy dose of learning, Korner's Folly is a great place to take kids again and again. The house is both whimsical and educational and kids of all ages seem to enjoy tromping about in the house and seeing what wonders that they can find. HIghly recommend Korner's Folly for kids of all ages and a great afternoon (plan on about half a day) for all.