It’s only rock ’n’ roll, but we like it, agreed? Music that changed the world. So. Hands up who’s going to South Carolina soon? Anyone? Ah well. This piece of news might change your mind.
Hard Rock Park, a brand new way to have fun to music, is opening at Myrtle Beach next week (June 2), and by all accounts it’ll rock your socks off. Read about it on Jaunted and World Hum. It's already made its mark. I couldn't find a photo of the place, so here's a rock legend instead. Go Mick!
Photo by Samira Khan
There are five “districts” at HRP – Born in the USA; Lost in the 70s; British Invasion (Beatles and more); Rock and Roll Heaven and Cool Country. The rides include the reportedly terrifying Led Zeppelin roller coaster (hurtle and scream your way around this dizzying superstructure to the strains of “Whole Lot of Love” – can’t you just picture it?) and Knights in White Satin – a “dark” psychedelic ride incorporating sight, smell and, somehow or other, touch.
The park has shops, shows – including a night-time fireworks display to Bohemian Rhapsody (what else?) – and, of course, a great selection of restaurants: it’s owned by the people from the Hard Rock Café chain.
Myrtle Beach is a busy holiday area, a bit like a US version of Surfers (that's Myrtle in the on the right – what did I tell you?), so there’s lots more to do when your ear 
drums are aching. For a few ideas have a look at the Myrtle Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau site. South Carolina itself has plenty to offer; don’t miss historic Charleston while you’re there. It's well worth side-tracking to see. For more information check out the official tourism site of South Carolina.
Photo by Kamoteus/Ron Miguel
Hard Rock is the first big theme park to open in the USA in the last decade – and it sounds like a whole lot of fun.
Well, I’m off to listen to some mood-altering vinyl. Rock on!