Murrells Inlet in South Carolina is bursting at the seams with a fascinating and sometimes chilling history. Tales of pirates (yeah, the kind with eye patches) have been passed down for hundreds of years enticing locals and visitors alike to search for their own hidden treasures. It’s said that the famed Blackbeard himself took refuge in the creeks of Murrells Inlet waiting to attack ships bound for England. Other notable pirates like Stede Bonnet and Calico Jack Rackham also terrorized their fair share of the South Carolina coast.

Beginning in the 1700s Murrells Inlet made its debut in the rice industry and had cultivated close to 47 million pounds of rice by 1850. This lucrative business made many South Carolina rice planters very wealthy including one Joseph Alston, who eventually became South Carolina’s governor. To many people’s surprise, during this time, rice planters in South Carolina became wealthier and more powerful than their tobacco and sugar plantation counterparts in the southeast. Unfortunately, the success and wealth of rice plantations came to an abrupt halt in 1863 when the Civil War intruded on the shores of Murrells Inlet. Confederate troops were secretly using the inlet as a port to send products such as cotton to England in exchange for medicine, food and other war supplies. When the Union learned of this their warships attacked the confederate blockade destroying part of the inlet and a large portion of the rice industry. Although no one could predict this at the time, between the Civil War and a series of hurricanes that followed, South Carolina’s rice industry would be completely gone by 1916.

Following the Civil War, South Carolina in general and Murrells Inlet specifically got into the commercial fishing industry and by 1914 were offering fishing excursions as a recreational opportunity for guests and locals of Murrells Inlet. The commercial fishing industry became an advantageous market for Murrells Inlet although it never became the behemoth that the rice plantations developed into. As a couple decades past on and the Great Depression assaulted the majority of the United States, Murrells Inlet had a bit of good fortune in New York millionaire, Archer Milton Huntington when he rolled into town. Huntington had plans to build an audacious compound for himself and his wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington. Mr. Huntington commissioned all local workers to develop his 9,000 acre estate including brick masons, carpenters, landscapers and painters. Not only did he spend millions of dollars on his homestead, he also funded a community center, medical clinic and church for the people of Murrells Inlet.

Murrells Inlet is a hidden gem of abundant history and enchanting stories for all ages to enjoy. Just 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet is an ideal family vacation destination.

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Hilton Head Island is a popular, family-friendly destination. Countless activities like parasailing and concerts make Hilton Head Island a prominent vacation destination. A unique aspect that puts Hilton Head Island ahead of its competitors is the intricate pathway network that allows visitors and locals to bicycle or walk between communities, beaches and other areas.

Having such a well-thought out biking system allows Hilton Head Island to reduce traffic and congestion that are common in resort towns. Each pathway system has a distinct kiosk that maps out the bike path for travelers and gives descriptions on where to find beach access, rest stops, points of interest and educational information on the surrounding area. Sea Pines, one of the area’s largest communities also has these kiosks providing maps of the Sea Pines bike trails. Biking isn’t only an exhilarating and fun vacation activity; it’s also an environmentally friendly alternative to traveling by car.

Hilton Head Island boasts 6 miles of bike lanes, 117 miles of shared-se pathways and 108 miles of paved shared use pathways. These pathways are a great opportunity for novice riders to gain experience or for more skilled riders to explore. The pathways are not the only area in Hilton Head that welcomes bicyclists. The area’s 12 miles of hard packed beach encourages people to take a leisurely bike ride along the ocean and take in a glorious sunrise or sunset.

Bicycling is quickly becoming a popular pastime for all ages to enjoy. It’s not hard to see why thousands flock to Hilton Head Island to enjoy its breathtaking coastal waters, charming ambiance and environmentally friendly culture.

Hibernating golfers from New York to Michigan and beyond… here is your calling! Spring is in full swing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and so is the golf season. Whether you are an avid golfer or simply looking for a spring getaway we invite you to take a look at Myrtle Beach. With many golf courses and lodging properties teaming up to offer package deals you are sure to find a vacation that will fit your budget.

Too many choices? MyrtleBeachGolf.com has started a three part series entitled, “MyrtleBeach.com’s Spring Golf Guide: Everything you need to know about the packages, the courses, and all things Grand Strand.” The Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s main strip, “presents the traveling golfer with a seemingly infinite matrix of golf courses and accommodations, and an even longer laundry list of providers that want to package the entire deal for the best price available.” Depending on what type of golfer you are and what type of vacation you seek (family trip, gentleman’s weekend, or a romantic escape), Myrtle Beach is sure to have the golf package to fit your needs.
If you are looking for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation with Southern Style Plantation Living, try Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort. Three night and three round lodging and golf packages are around $200 and include a cart. This package is based on four golfers in a two bedroom condominium with a choice of a free breakfast or lunch at an on-site restaurant. Plus, non-golfers and children stay-free.
Brunswick Plantation and Golf Resort also offers daily golf packages with lodging under $100 per person per day. Contact the resort directly to book a vacation for you or your large group at 800-332-8576 or book online at http://www.brunswickvillas.com.

North Myrtle Beach is convenient in that it lies just north of busy Myrtle Beach and is adjacent to the North Carolina state-line creating a lesser chaotic beach vacation destination.  For those looking for a much needed respite yet be close to the excitement of Myrtle Beach’s day and night life, North Myrtle Beach is just the place.  Getting here is easy to do with both ground and air transportation conveniently closeby.

When I think of Myrtle Beach, hanging out at the beach of course comes to mind but many flock here to swing the golf club and be challenged by the coastal links of North Myrtle Beach.  Having fun in the sun in North Myrtle Beach can be had by all ages.  The relaxing part of North Myrtle Beach is what excites me to be honest!

Fishing comes to mind when thinking of relaxing for me and the waters off of North Myrtle Beach produce some great fishing all year-round.  There are several outfitters that can take you out to the deep for some sailfish, marlin and tuna whereas fishing from a pier or in shallower water for red fish, speckled trout and flounder are a must for a day of fun.

The other main ingredient for relaxation is eating especially fresh seafood on vacation!  North Myrtle Beach is home to several authentic seafood restaurants that will give you your fair share of crab, mussels, crawfish, prawns, various ocean fish and of course a fine prime rib and steak are available for those seeking not to take advantage of the fresh cuisine.

So, when you are planning a beach vacation to South Carolina think about heading a bit north of Myrtle Beach to the top of the Grand Strand.

Photos courtesy of:

North Myrtle Beach by dwhuntley

Myrtle Beach Golf by bradleypjohnson

Crab Legs by goyumcha

Deep Sea Fishing by Andrew in Raleigh

Consisting of beach communities along the coasts of North & South Carolina, the Grand Strand is and has been a mecca for east coast beach dwellers for years..

Stretching from Cape Fear, NC to Georgetown, SC – the Grand Strand features a wide variety of attractions, activities and historic sites – there’s something for everyone.

The towns that lie within the Grand Strand zone have long and colorful histories, and are great places to visit while using your Myrtle Beach vacation rental as your home base.

Murrels Inlet

A historic low-country rice growing community, Murrells Inlet is now the Seafood Capital of South Carolina.  This is reason enough for me to want to visit.  Located just 15 miles south of Myrtle Beach its a quick trip for lunch and a walk through Huntington Beach State Park.

Surfside Beach

Six miles north of Murrels Inlet and 9 miles south of Myrtle Beach lies the quiet community of Surfside Beach, SC.  While you’re there – check out the Surfside Pier, originally built in 1953 it has been rebuilt 3 times due to hurricane damage – most recently in 1993.  You can rent a pole and try your luck for some of the native species in the area such as Amberjack, Cobia, Flounder and Black Drum.

Myrtle Beach

This mecca for beachgoers offers something for everyone.  There are over 100 golf courses in the near vicinity and the piers, restaurants and beach combing is unparalleled.  A friend told me about “Broadway At The Beach” which is over 350 acres of dining, shopping and attractions.  This place is HUGE!  From a water park to an Imax theatre – this complex will offer you something to keep the young and old happy.

image courtesy alan2onion