North Myrtle Beach has replaced its popular beachfront inflatable waterslide HIPPO with TRIPPO, which offers three sliding chutes and is the first of its kind in operation in the United States.

The waterslide is about 40 feet tall and weighs 7,000 pounds. Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Ride ticket rates are as follows:

Single ride – $3

4 rides $10

Daily pass $20

Weekly pass $60

Individual season pass $65

Family season pass (4 people standard) $185.

Group rates are also available by calling Lauren Richardson at (843) 280-5674 or Mark Horton at (843) 798-1071. Cash, checks, credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted.

The Legacy Tribute Band will perform for free Thursday night at the Horseshoe from 7 to 9 p.m. The group is known for its Motown and soul-style music.

It’s the time of year for big family get-togethers – college graduations, family reunions, Memorial Day parties. It’s a lot of fun, but sometimes, you just want to get away for a few quiet days. Book a stay at one of our cozy properties in Crescent Beach, Malibu Pointe #802.

The 1BR/1BA condo is across from the ocean and also has indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub and a lazy river. Take a swim, relax on the beach or take advantage of the onsite exercise facility. If you’re staying in, catch up on your favorite shows with the large flat screen in the living room. Like to cook? The kitchen is fully stocked, with updated appliances and granite counter tops. You can even enjoy an intimate dinner on the condo’s oversized balcony.

The condo is also centrally located, so it’s close to all the area’s shopping, dining and attractions.

Now you can throw out your beer cans and picnic lunch leftovers as soon as you leave the beach, instead of hauling them back to the house or, worse, leaving them behind. North Myrtle Beach has placed recycling roll carts at the ends of many oceanfront streets.

Beachgoers at those locations may deposit newspapers, magazines, glass, aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, paperboard, plastic containers and plastic bottles in the recycling roll carts.

The recycling bins are the first step in a larger waste management program. According to a city press release, NMB “has applied for a state recycling grant to help fund the purchase of specialized equipment necessary for recycling collection on the beach.”

Blue Haven

We’ve added some new and renovated properties to our homeowners’ program, which we announced in our press release released on Tuesday. We featured properties such as Blue Haven, a 4BR/2BA in Cherry Grove that’s great for families and people who love to fish. Call to book by May 31 and receive $100 off!

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This 4BR/2BA raised beach house, new to our homeowners’ program, is located only a block from the ocean in popular Cherry Grove.

This comfortable property is great for a large family reunion; it sleeps up to 10, with a queen bed in the master bedroom, a queen bed in second bedroom, a double in the third bedroom and four twins in the fourth bedroom.

The spacious balcony and living room are ideal for family gatherings, whether it’s a home-cooked meal, game night or just some time spent relaxing and chatting. There’s a flat screen TV in the living room as well, and there are TVs in every bedroom. You won’t miss your favorite shows while on vacation.

You’re also close to some of NMB’s best family-friendly spots. Head to Cherry Grove Pier for some fishing, or spend the day at the beach.

Spring doesn’t officially kick off in NMB until May, when the annual Mayfest on Main takes over Main street. This year’s event, the eighth annual, is the 11th, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As usual, Mayfest will feature live entertainment, food and craft vendors, and artwork; you’ll also have access to all of Main Street’s shops and restaurants. You can even bring a beach chair to the main stage at The Horseshoe and relax all day.

Didn’t make it to the run this weekend? Here are some photos, courtesy of the City of North Myrtle Beach:

Check out the dragon boat races this weekend at the Market Common’s Grand Park! The crazily decorated dragon boats feature 20 paddlers and one drummer. This year’s races benefit Ground Zero, a non-profit organization committed to transforming teenagers’ lives through high-quality events, relevant school assembly speakers, student-led campus clubs, and a cutting-edge venue that provides unparalleled entertainment in a safe environment.

The races will also have live entertainment, a food court and kids zone.

Get your fresh produce even while you’re on vacation: NMB’s farmers’ market opens May 1. Market hours are Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and it’s located on 1st Avenue South, near the North Myrtle Beach Library.

The spring 2013 edition of “Currents,” NMB’s city newsletter, reports this year’s market has expanded and includes two new metal-roofed, open-air structures and a restroom facility, allowing both vendors and customers shade from the elements.

The farmers’ market is part of the Waccamaw Market Cooperative, which hosts several other markets in South Carolina.

Nothing like celebrating with an ocean view!

This recently renovated 2BR/2BA condo, located in a quiet Tilghman Beach community, is within walking distance of the beach and perfect for a spring family trip. The fully stocked kitchen has new tile floors and plenty of cabinet space, so you can easily prepare a snack or feast. You’ll also have lots of sleeping room, with a queen bed in the master bedroom and two double beds in the second room.

The property’s best feature is its two covered porches. Each bedroom has a sliding glass door leading to the balcony, so you can take in a view of the lake from the moment you wake up. The porches are also equipped with a table and chairs, so you can eat dinner outside, play a board game or just relax.

The community has a pool and hot tub for you to use when it gets just a little too chilly for the beach. The condo is also close to shopping and restaurants, so you’re never far from a great night out. Don’t forget that we can make reservations and book tickets for you.

The 6th annual Myrtle Beach Zombie Walk is April 28, in which participants dress in their gory best as they walk for charity. It’s not your typical beach activity, but it might be worth checking out, if only for the photos ops. This year, all the registration fees will be donated and split between Project Lighthouse and Wounded Warriors Project.

Registration ($5) starts at 11 a.m. at the House of Blues, and the walk starts at 6 p.m. at Barefoot Landing. There will be two stages of live music, and artists will be on hand until 5:30 p.m. to do makeup. Kids will have their own set of activities, too. Get more details at http://www.myrtlebeachzombiewalk.com/.

Mini golfing is one of North Myrtle Beach’s most popular spring family activities, and there are plenty of putt-putt courses close to our homes and condos.

Mayday Mountain

Just call it “Lost: The Golf Course”; Mayday Mountain features a lush, tropical course built around a (fictional) plane crash. Visit maydaygolf.com for details.

The Association of Carolina Shag Clubs will hold its annual Spring Safari parade this Saturday, the closing event of the 10-day dance festival. It always draws a crowd, so be sure to get there early to check it out!

ACSC member clubs design and build floats, and the most original ones win prizes. Check out past winners on the SOS website.