ReserveAmerica has released its 2008 lists of America’s “Top Outdoor Locations,” resulting in two Myrtle Beach-area landmarks being selected among the country’s elite.

Huntington Beach State Park in Murrells Inlet was included in two rankings – first, among the “Top 25 Park Beaches," drawing these accolades:

"This wide, sandy beach is the best preserved beach on the Grand Strand of South Carolina. The beach includes a well-developed dune system, and provides a habitat for diverse wildlife. There are walkways to provide access to the beach for visitors to crossover the dunes. There are also great restroom facilities for beachgoers."

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Two weeks ago, when we showcased pictures and information on Grand Strand scuba diving activities, little did we know that one of the photographers, Rich Taylor, was also an accomplished videographer. For all his stunning still photography, Taylor has also made YouTube his platform for bringing out the action elements of his crew’s excursions.

Taylor, a 37-year-old teacher and underwater documentary video maker, has made his online video presence known in a hurry. In five weeks’ time, he’s posted 22 videos showcasing a series of fishing excursions and scuba dives – several of which were shot along the Grand Strand shores. They include:

“Genuine” red snapper fishing:

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Summer’s coming, so get off the beach!

No, really, I mean it. You’ve got plenty of time to lay on the sand or toss a Frisbee. While you’re here, Myrtle Beach offers tons of opportunities for fun out on the water, where all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy.

Great American Riverboat Company operates out of the Waccatee Zoo and offers multiple sightseeing cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway, including sunset cruises, moonlight cruises, dinner cruises and even a “ghost & pirate story cruise” that includes games and face painting for the kids. If you’re looking for something a bit more action-packed, Great American’s new Barracuda Jet Boat is a New Zealand-style water rocket that seats 12 passengers and offers plenty of high-speed thrills.

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History, striking scenery, ecological diversity – you’ll find it all at one of the crown jewels of the Myrtle Beach area, Huntington Beach State Park.

This Grand Strand landmark is a study in contrasts, and one of the park’s defining features exemplifies it – Atalaya (pictured, Spanish for “watch tower”), a national historic landmark and the one-time winter home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington.

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For visitors and locals alike, it’s a highly anticipated annual guide to the best the Grand Strand has to offer. Sunday, the Sun News unveiled the 2006 edition of its "Best of the Beach" publication, which breaks out the top local pop culture selections as voted on by the publication, its readers and Myrtle Beach visitors.

Take a good look, and tell us what you think of the list. I’m not going to pick it apart here, but will simply offer a few knee-jerk reactions to some of the guide’s selections:

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