Living, Working and Writing in Myrtle Beach: Thanksgiving & Nice weather "at the beach"

     We had out-of-town guests for Thanksgiving this year. David and Sharon Reynolds from our home town of Lancaster, Ohio were in town and this time they actually called us. We had lunch one day at CrabCatchers with them and then we invited them over for Thanksgiving. We had a delightfull time and later in the week we played golf together at Cypress Bay. If either one of them tells you that Sharon beat me, it's a complete lie, she was keeping score.
     A new eatery is opening at Barefoot Landing. If the Rat Pack reassambled and sought the ultimate hipster hangout, they would need to look no further than Barefoot Landing's newest addition, Castano's. Owners Curtis and Darlene Brown describe the Italian-steakhouse as a "place to hang your hat, sip on a cocktail and slip back into time". For more information go to castanosrestaurant.com We have not been there as yet but it is on our list. I'll let you know what we think.
     Plans are in the works to expand Ripley's Aquarium at Broadway at the Beach, with construction to begin after Labor Day next year and the expanded aquarium opening in time for the busy summer season in 2014.
     In real estate news, the number of homes and condos sold along the Grand Strand jumped 24% in October compaed to the same period last year. Investors, who make up over 65% of the market, are still the strongest buyers. They are seeing really good prices and are taking cash out of other places and putting it in real estate. While sales rose, prices dropped 6.2% in October, compared to the same period last year. Prices continue to be driven down by foreclosures. 29% of single-family home sales and 35% of condo sales are either foreclosures or short sales. Sound interesting? Give me a call, we're dealin!
     As far as my book MURDER ON THE FRONT NINE is concerned, sales are picking up. I just did a booksigning at Barefoot Resort and I'm speaking at the Grand Strand Optimist Club meeting on December 6th, followed by a booksigning. www.stevenmcmillen.com
     My lovely bride Beverly will be back in Lancaster this coming week, so if you see her running around with Liz and Fred, be sure and say hello.