On with the show: summer's hot tickets in Myrtle Beach

(ARA) - Sure, a certain glitzy casino town to the west gets the buzz for headliner shows and exotic animal acts, but on the east coast, Myrtle Beach competes with the best of them as the destination for great, diverse shows.

Whether you're looking for a revue with impersonators who look and sound amazingly like the stars they imitate, a kick-up-your heels true country western experience, or the chance to watch costumed pros recreate the days of Camelot, you'll find it in Myrtle Beach. A host of world-class shows can be found within minutes of all Myrtle Beach hotels.

A car rental is a great way to reach Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand from nearly anywhere on the east coast. Or, check out Web sites like Travelocity.com for cheap flights to the nearby Myrtle Beach International airport. Once you're there, your biggest challenge may be fitting all the shows you want to see into the time you have.

Calvin Gilmore first brought year-round live theater to the city in 1986, according to the Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitor's Bureau Web site. Some of the destination's most popular shows and venues include:

Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show - When it comes to serving up a good meal and a great show, no one does it like Dolly. Admission includes a four-course dinner with dessert, an opening act, and the main show, which features music, pyrotechnics, magic, live animals, stunt riders and audience participation.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament - Another chance for four-course feasting, this time with your fingers, as guests dine in the tradition of medieval banquets - sans silverware. While you're served by costumed "wenches," knights riding Andalusian stallions recreate the thrill and competition of a medieval jousting tournament.

Legends in Concert - If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, entertainers from Liza Minelli and Michael Jackson to the Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley himself would be charmed by this show, just as hundreds of families are every year. Shows feature performances by top celebrity impersonators who look and sound like the real thing.

Carolina Opry - Billed as the theater that started the trend toward live shows on the Grand Strand, the Carolina Opry opened in 1986 and has won numerous South Carolina tourism awards since. The theater has seating for 2,200 guests who can enjoy shows that encompass a range of musical styles, including country, gospel, Broadway, jazz, pop and more. Shows include the hugely popular "Good Vibrations," a salute to the music of the '60s, '70s and '80s, a variety show and "LIGHT," a laser light show.

The House of Blues - Top blues, jazz, gospel and rock performers frequent the House of Blues. Murder mystery theater and a popular Sunday Gospel Brunch mix with performances by entertainers such as Styx, Trace Adkins, the Marshall Tucker Band and Travis Tritt this spring.

Whether you have time for just one show or hope to see several, you'll find plenty of opportunity. Many Myrtle Beach hotels offer packages that include admission to these and many other hot shows.

Courtesy of ARAcontent