Nikki, 12, rips through a tight corner on one of NASCAR SpeedPark's seven challenging go-kart layouts. The park is one of Myrtle Beach, S.C.'s many family attractions. -- Photos by Kevin Hann, Toronto Sun

Twelve-year-old Nikki takes the hairpin turn at warp speed while doing her best Dale Earnhardt impression to intimidate the driver ahead of her.

The pace is blistering and akin to the weather here in the heart of the Grand Strand. At NASCAR SpeedPark, race-car enthusiasts are put through their paces on seven challenging go-kart and mini-car layouts. This 10.5-hectare amusement park also features a full restaurant with thrilling simulator rides, big screens for race action, a mini-golf course and interactive arcade.

"NASCAR SpeedPark's reputation as an exciting venue is unprecedented," said NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne, a spokesman for the attraction along with fellow racers Dale Jarrett, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler and Kevin Harvick.

"I'm really excited about getting the chance to slide into my own go-kart and race the fans head-to-head," said Kahne.

And with the Canadian dollar in the mid-80 cents US range, you can expect sun lovers north of the border will be racing to South Carolina this spring and summer to check out the SpeedPark and other Myrtle Beach offerings.

Myrtle Beach hosts 13 million visitors annually. With sandy beachfront stretching for more than 95 km, top-rated attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, monstrous waterparks, The Pavilion amusement park and a cornucopia of culinary treasures, it's the ultimate family destination. For more than 50 years, it has been a favourite holiday hotspot for Canadians.

In fact, if you want to stretch your cash even farther this spring, the annual Myrtle Beach CanAm Days festival, March 11-19, entitles Canadians to huge discounts and celebrates our nation's love affair with this oceanfront destination. The event officially kicks off Tuesday, March 14 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center with invitations to the best deals in town at 100 area attractions and businesses. In addition, you will have a chance to win one of 100 giveaways throughout the day. For a rundown of events visit myrtlebeachinfo.com/ canamdays.

HEART OF CITY

Accommodation is the key to any enjoyable family vacation. Central to the heart of the city and the action is The Breakers boutique hotel (North Tower) on Ocean Blvd. Tastefully appointed units like the two-room Type G suite are packed with amenities. Awaken to the oceanfront sunrise, sip coffee on one of two balconies overlooking the surf and forgo the morning scramble by cooking up breakfast in the full kitchen with breakfast bar. It's affordable luxury at a family friendly price.

The North Tower features a beautiful oceanfront pool, an extra-large kiddie pool a spacious whirlpool and a well-equipped exercise room. North Tower guests enjoy all of the amenities offered to guests at The Breakers Resort, including the new water park facilities at the adjacent Breakers Paradise Tower complex.

The big challenge is trying to fit so many exciting adventures into one week.

One easy choice is South Carolina's most visited attraction -- Ripley's Aquarium in the massive Broadway at the Beach complex. Sharks, jellyfish, stingrays and exotic fish are just a few of the creatures to be admired as you travel on a 100-metre moving walkway beside and below a 750,000-gallon tank. The award-winning $40-million facility is packed with interactive exhibits, a multimedia playground and educational resource centre that fascinates all ages. Dive shows and marine education classes are presented hourly.

Built around a 9-hectare lake, Broadway at the Beach opened in 1995. Internationally renowned for its innovative design, world-class shopping, dining and entertainment, it draws 12 million people annually to its 16 name-brand restaurants, nightclubs, 100-plus specialty, fashion and gift shops, an IMAX theatre, cinemas and top-notch attractions like MagiQuest.

'MAGIC' WANDS

Alex, 10, visits Ripley's Aquarium.

Like a real-life video game, MagiQuest players choose their own adventures and quests, accumulate powers and use "magic" wands to proceed to higher levels as their achievements and powers increase. MagiQuest doesn't happen on a TV screen; it engages children and families in a three-dimensional "magical" world with live challenges and real physical activity -- which add up to great family or group fun. The patented technology in each wand enables users to make things appear and disappear and to accomplish special effects. MagiQuest technology also remembers each guest's achievements, enabling returning players to retain the powers and levels earned from their previous MagiQuest experiences.

Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park has been entertaining generations of families for more than 50 years. The 4.5-hectare playground features nearly 40 rides including the Hurricane rollercoaster. It's also home to the area's only under-21, alcohol-free nightclub, The Attic.

Myrtle Beach was once home to a Toronto Blue Jays minor league club -- the Myrtle Beach Blue Jays became the Hurricanes. That team is gone, but the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, an affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, make their home at Coastal Federal Field across from Broadway at the Beach. The sparkling new, old-style ballpark has the feel of a bygone era with modern amenities. For those who need a fix, it's the perfect place to spend a summer evening.

Wherever travels take you in Myrtle Beach, you're bound to feel like a kid.

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Alex cools off at The Breakers hotel water park in Myrtle Beach.

SAVING MONEY

Coupons are a family's best friend and you'll find them for just about everything in Myrtle Beach. It's a big money saver for all-you-can-eat seafood buffets, restaurants and attractions. Check the hotel lobby for dozens of different discount books.

BREAKERS NORTH TOWER

Pick a suite with a kitchen and washer-dryer combo. Save money by cooking breakfast and lunch in the unit and splurge on a dinner out. And the in-unit laundry machine will serve up dry, fresh swimwear and towels for the beach when you need them.