Memorial Day, which many view as the unofficial start to summer, sees Americans from coast to coast gather with friends and family to commemorate those who died protecting our nation’s freedoms. And in perhaps the most fitting way to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our military heroes, most Memorial Day revelers spend the long weekend enjoying their American freedoms to the fullest by relaxing and soaking in some of the best our nation has to offer.
In the Southeast, of course, there are few better places to celebrate Memorial Day and the start of summer than along the Grand Strand, where 60-plus miles of Carolina coastline and a wide range of fun, family-friendly attractions await vacationers. If you’re looking to mark your holiday in Grand Strand style, consider these fun and relaxing ways to spend your long weekend in the Myrtle Beach area:
Salute our soldiers: A long-held Grand Strand tradition, Military Appreciation Days serves as a month-long salute to our veterans. And on Saturday, May 25, the Military Appreciation Days parade offers a great way for visiting families to honor those who served. Join the pageantry as floats, marching bands, decorated vehicles, walking groups and more — along with country music star and former U.S. Army Ranger Keni Thomas, who is serving as this year’s grand marshal — wind their way through The Market Common in a patriotic salute to our soldiers.
Have a patriotic picnic: Celebrating all-American holidays goes hand in hand with enjoying some outdoor feasting, and for vacationers who make North Beach Plantation in North Myrtle Beach their vacation home away from home, it won’t be hard to put together the perfect picnic spread. With fully equipped kitchens in the mix among the resort’s inviting accommodations, guests can easily visit a nearby grocery store, stock up the fridge and pantry, and whip up whatever traditional dishes they’re used to having during holiday celebrations. Or for those looking to make the meal prep especially easy, a range of great restaurants are located within easy reach of the resort property for grab-and-go meals.
Find some family time at the beach: Of course, when at the Atlantic coast for Memorial Day weekend, you and your family will want to soak in some sunshine along the ocean’s sandy shores. And at North Beach Plantation, our guests are within steps of access to a beautiful beach via a private boardwalk. The backyard beach here offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic, and it provides the perfect spot for you and your loved ones to put up a beach umbrella, kick back in a beach chair, and enjoy the sound of the crashing waves while the warm sands tickle your toes. Bonus: The resort also offers a nearly 3-acre oceanfront poolscape featuring personal cabanas and 15-plus water features such as swimming pools, huge hot tubs, an indoor lazy river, and the largest swim-up pool bar on the Grand Strand.
Find fun for everyone: Located less than 5 minutes inland from North Beach Plantation, shopping/dining/entertainment hot spot Barefoot Landing features a range of stores, restaurants and fun attractions worthy of all-day exploration, and its offerings are diverse enough to provide something fun for visitors of all ages and interests. Set around a 27-acre lake and situated along the Intracoastal Waterway, the complex is home to more than 40 retail shops, 25-plus restaurants, bars and snack shops, and multiple entertainment venues such as Alligator Adventure and the Alabama Theatre. So you can bring your entire vacation crew along for the short trip to check this place out — they’re all sure to find some fun.
After marking a truly memorable Memorial Day on the Grand Strand, head back to your comfortable accommodations and wide-ranging amenities at North Beach Plantation to rest up for more fun in the Myrtle Beach area. Book your Memorial Day getaway today — and start planning an unforgettable holiday celebration on the Carolina coast!
