For most folks taking a break from the daily grind, a few culinary indulgences rank high among the top features of a memorable vacation. And during a Grand Strand getaway, this rings especially true — in large part because, with more than 1,700 restaurants located along our 60-mile stretch of Carolina coastline, the dining options are as wide-ranging as they are delicious.
But there’s no need to totally ditch the diet when taking a vacation, and maintaining your healthful eating habits doesn’t have to mean enduring one bland meal after another, either. During your next Myrtle Beach area vacation at North Beach Plantation, check out these five dining options that allow you to get a tasty meal without the guilt or excessive calories:
Bay Naturals
Located about 4.5 miles north of North Beach Plantation on Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, this “healthy market and kitchen” prides itself on providing healthful offerings, including raw and organic foods, nutritional supplements, herbs, and homeopathic medicines. For grab-and-go prepared meals without additives and with an eye toward health, the organic kitchen is a great option. Learn more about Bay Naturals on its Facebook page and its website.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe
Another Highway 17 North establishment, this restaurant (as its name implies) blends up an array of fruit-packed Classic Smoothies, as well as Superfood Smoothies with added nutrition boosters such as avocado, acai, chia, kale and spinach. Customers can also add supplements to their cool creations, including the Energizer, fat Burner, Probiotic and more. For those looking to quell their hunger pains, the range of fast and healthful food choices available here includes flatbreads, wraps, quesadillas, sandwiches and bowls. Explore the full menu at com.
Shaka-Laka Bowls of NMB
Found on Sea Mountain Highway on the northern end of North Myrtle Beach, this business run by a mother-daughter duo specializes in acai bowls loaded with fresh and delicious toppings like fresh fruit, granola, chia seeds, peanut butter, honey, Nutella and more. Other offerings include vegan pitaya waffles, acai lemonade and Costa Rican coffee. Learn more on the Shaka-Laka Facebook page.
Fresh seafood
Considered by many to be the Grand Strand’s top culinary draw, fresh and delicious seafood can be found in abundance all over the Myrtle Beach area. And, of course, when it’s cooked the right way (read: not deep fried), seafood can be quite healthful. For some of the freshest and tastiest seafood offerings in the vicinity of North Beach Plantation, head for Flying Fish Public Market & Grill at the nearby Barefoot Landing complex or Platt’s Seafood Market on Sea Mountain Highway.
Farmers markets
Lovers of fruits and vegetables — and even those simply looking to eat healthy — know that the best produce is generally the freshest you can find. And on the Grand Strand, there are plenty of farmers markets around that allow shoppers to go straight to the source. In North Myrtle Beach, farmers markets offering fresh, locally grown produce are held in Dockside Village at Barefoot Landing (from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays in May through October), and at 925 1st Avenue South (from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays in May through October). Find more area farmers markets at org.
These are just a handful of the amazing healthy-eating options available in the Myrtle Beach area. Book your Grand Strand getaway at North Beach Plantation today, and come check out all the delicious and nutritious cuisine our beautiful strip of the Carolina coast has to offer.
