Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, one of America's leading resort destinations, is the setting for a new vacation concept designed for adults and retirees who are interested in combining travel and learning. "Learning Holiday at the Beach" is a six-day vacation package which allows participants to take a variety of noncredit courses and enjoy the area's many attractions and activities.

Scheduled for February 4 to 9, 2001, at Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Learning Holiday at the Beach offers more than 50 noncredit classes on topics relating to art, technology, history, health, business, current events, social sciences and other subjects. The classes will be presented by Coastal Carolina University, an accredited, comprehensive four-year institution located near Myrtle Beach.

"The concept of the learning holiday encourages people to learn and share new ideas and knowledge while they golf, play tennis, enjoy the beach and take advantage of all the amenities of a first class resort," said Peter Balsamo, dean of Coastal Carolina University's Division of Extended Learning and Public Services. Balsamo expects the program to appeal primarily to the growing number of retirement-age adults who devote part of their leisure time to learning.

A full-service resort with a nationally-ranked tennis club, Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort is located just south of Myrtle Beach in the heart of South Carolina's famous "Lowcountry," known for its historic plantations, seafood and world-class golf courses. Afternoon excursions offered as part of the program include visits to nearby Brookgreen Gardens, the world-famous outdoor sculpture garden, and Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach.

The tuition for Learning Holiday is $499 per person, which covers the instructional program, five nights of lodging, 14 meals, and all taxes and gratuities. For a free brochure or to register, contact Audrey Johnson of Coastal Carolina University's Division of Extended Learning at 843-349-2544 or visit the Web site at www.coastal.edu/ learn.