BURLINGTON, ON – Wednesday May 9, 2018 - Since 1991 a special relationship has existed between Myrtle Beach S.C. and Burlington, Ontario.

Although the two cities are 1,434 km (891 miles) apart and have different climates they do share some things in common: beautiful beaches, world renowned gardens (Brookgreen Gardens & Royal Botanical Gardens), Light festivals, plus the popular dining program Taste of Burlington was inspired by the Taste of Myrtle Beach event. Over the years they have worked together to promote these two cities to local residents.  Myrtle Beach has sponsored various Burlington events such as the Sound of Music Festival and Taste of Burlington, they have brought participants to the Burlington International Games and the Teen Tour Band has visited and performed during the March CanAm Days festival in Myrtle Beach. 

On Tuesday May 8 a reception was held at the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens - The Rock Garden Centre that celebrated the ties between Burlington and Myrtle Beach.  In this picturesque garden setting guests were treated to a delicious southern fare demostration by South Carolina chef ambassador Heidi Vukov, learned how to “shag” with demonstrations by Myrtle Beach shag dancers, and sampled summer menus from some of the long time Taste of Burlington restaurants and recent winners.   Reception guests voted on their favorite dishes and the winners of bragging rights were:

• Best Summer Fare – Paradiso

• Best Presentation – West Plains Bistro

• Best Taste – Hook & Barrel/Visit Myrtle Beach

Visit Myrtle Beach announced their upcoming promotions – the 60 More Days of Summer fall promotion for September and October, and CAN AM Days Festival during March break with savings running from January to April offered only for Canadians.

The event was part of celebrations marking the 10 year anniversary of the Taste of Burlington program. Tourism Burlington announced that the Taste of Burlington will be returning this summer, after a brief hiatus in 2017 and will run from August 13- September 3, 2018.   

Roberta Bielak was the lucky winnner of the fabulous Grand Prize including restaurant gift cards and a 3 night hotel stay plus attraction tickets in Myrtle Beach, SC.  

Thanks to the presenting sponsor Royal Botanical Gardens, Spectra Catering Service, beverage sponsors Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. and Flat Rock Cellars, and restaurants Barque Smokehouse, Downtown Bistro, Paradiso, Royal Botanical Gardens, Turle Jacks, The Coop Wicked Chicken and West Plains Bisto.