Getting ready for a trip usually employs some form of organization, and what’s more orderly than the alphabet? Inspired by our good old ABC’s, we’re taking you on a 26-letter tour of our great city. Because hey, we’ve got it all.
Start out at the Ripley’s Aquarium, which is both a wonderfully fun and educational way to kick off your trip. Then, send your regards to Broadway, at the Beach, that is, and completely lose track of time. The Children’s Museum of South Carolina is a great way for your little kids to learn and also get tuckered out — the ultimate parenting win. Hey, look at that, it’s lunchtime already. We love Dagwood’s for an easy, family-friendly meal. Grab one of their fresh, tasty deli sandwiches or their crave-worthy chicken fingers. Oh, and you can get beer there. Next up is entertainment, and that’s the Palace Theatre’s reason for being. Next try some fishing, either by charter or off one of our many piers. We’d be remiss to talk anything Grand Strand without mentioning the G-word… Golf. Any collectors out there? You have to check out Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market for that one-of-a-kind Myrtle Beach memory. Grab some ice cream with a side of nostalgia at Kirk’s Ice Cream Parlor. Joust anyone? Why, we’re so glad you asked. Medieval Times can make the most jaded grump move to the edge of his seat. If you want to check out the pulse of the Grand Strand, take a drive on King’s Highway. But prepare to stop because you’ll want to walk around. Ever consider a trip to the beach or the boardwalk but unsure of making the trek? Check for crowd conditions, weather and more with one of the many live (and legal) web cams (http://www.funbeaches.com/beach_cams-new.html) dotting town. It’s peace of mind and a little voyeuristic thrill all rolled into one. Take a short drive out of town to Murrells Inlet for a stroll on the Marshwalk (two M’s!), which is the perfect alone time for dinner and drinks for the over-21 set in your crew. Which reminds us – nightlife — this is the spot to find it. And now we move on to the real reason you are here (and no, it’s not the umbrella drink you enjoyed inlet-side), the ocean. Pick a beach, any beach— you will not be disappointed. There you will surely see some pelicans (lowercase), but we also encourage you to head inland a bit to see more Pelicans (uppercase) with a day at the ballpark. For a dose of surf culture you can bring back home, head to Surf City Surf Shop to find all manner of Quiksilver gear. While it’s just a rental, we’re sure you are or you will be finding your hotel (http://www.surfcitysurfshop.com/ ) stay like a home away from home. And for a bird’s eye view of that hotel and just about everything else in the Grand Strand, you have to try the Skywheel. Did you underestimate the pairs of flip-flops you’d need? Tanger Outlets, their two locations in the area, have got deals galore. Now to head under the sea (did we get that song in your head?) for some scuba diving in the summer months (http://coastalscuba.com/). Have energy for a few more? Wait, you need a pick-me-up? Sure thing. How about some vino at La Bell Amie Vineyard just outside of town. Wax poetic, wax nostalgic and just plain wax at the Hollywood Wax Museum where you’ll be delighted to find how much fun things that don’t move can be. Did you have a nice, relaxing trip through the museum? OK, good, because you’ll need a little zen before taking your brood to Extreme Laser Tag. While yes, it doesn’t start with an X, this is a tough letter so we appreciate you letting this one slide. Calm those laser-y jitters with some rejuvenating yoga … we like the beach kind. And what’s a visitor to do after all that? Well, you better head back your hotel to catch some Zzzz’s because you’ve got another big day tomorrow.
All alphabetizing aside, what is your favorite thing to do in Myrtle Beach? Let us know (bonus points if it begins with an X or Z).
(Posted: 12/1/14)
