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.

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.

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.

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

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

Heading to Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand and looking to play some golf while you are there?  With over 70 golf courses to choose from every kind of golfer can find his or her match.  Most of the golf courses consist of water hazards and plenty of sand bunkers to make the game even more interesting.

The Man O’ War course boasts of back to back island greens and water on mostly every hole.  Contrary to most coastal golf courses where the layout is flat the Glen Dornoch course actually has high undulations built into the course to create shot-making at its’ finest.  Myrtle Beach also is home to a TPC (Tournament Players Championship) course that allows the amateur golfer to play where the pros play.   

For others who may not want to golf there is fishing, boating, jet-skiing, bicycling, shopping, festivals and great seafood dining.  Myrtle Beach is a destination for all four seasons.

Surfside is known as “the family beach” of the South Carolina coast and is like the Myrtle Beach your parents probably remember. It’s a place of uncrowded beaches where children can roam without parents worrying too much and a place where family cottages are the norm, rather than miles of high rises.

Choosing a Surfside Beach vacation rental will give you a little tamer and quieter Atlantic Ocean getaway than renting a place in Myrtle Beach proper, but you can still find plenty to do here and, of course, the wilder side of the Grand Strand is just a few miles north and a short drive away.  Here are a few of the highlights of the Surfside Beach area:

Surfside Pier at 11 Ocean Boulevard is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together. You can rent rods and buy bait, play games in the arcade and enjoy burgers and hot dogs in the pier restaurant

The Legends Concert Theater, at 301 Business Highway 17 South in Surfside Beach, is a venue for amazing live tribute shows and fun for all ages. The sets, costumes and special effects compliment some of the best impersonators you’ll find anywhere.

Brookgreen Gardens is just a little south of Surfside in Murrell’s Inlet, SC. It’s a combination museum of sculpture, botanical garden and zoo. There are more than outdoor 1,200 statues displayed among the native flora and fauna of the Carolina low country. Each day,  they offer several different interpretive programs, including Meet the Animals, which is sure to is sure to delight the kids.

Today, Myrtle Beach is all about golf. With over 90 courses along the 70 mile stretch of coast known as the Grand Strand, it may well be the most golf-rich area in the the country. The mild climate allows for nearly year round play and the variety of links ranges from ultra exclusive to bargain basement.

With so many to golf courses, it’s sometimes difficult to choose which ones to play during your visit. Numerous golfing websites offer club reviews and star ratings based on playability, course layout, conditions, scenic beauty and other factors. In addition to the top courses in the area, some also flag the worst Grand Strand golf courses in an effort to keep the entire area from suffering reputation problems caused by just a few.

The best way to get real Myrtle Beach vacation deals is by booking a special package that includes lodging along with carts and greens fees. Sometimes, meals and entertainment are also included and you usually get to choose which courses you wish to play. At under $70 bucks a night for an off-season Stay and Play package, it’s almost cheaper than staying home. So, do some shopping and snooping around before you book your next golf trip to the Myrtle Beach. You’ll be glad you did!

 If you’re into adventure – try out Adventure Cove (warning there’s music on that site!).  This entertainment center has a water park, a parachute ride, laser tag, a 4D movie theatre, bumper cars, virtual roller coasters and more.  You could spend a whole day here and not run out of fun stuff to do before you ran out of the energy needed to do them all!

The Art Cafe is a hit with everyone – select your own potter and paint it – make your OWN Hilton Head souvenir for Grandma and Grandpa – it’s the perfect gift.

 The Coastal Discovery Musem is open year round and offers a great variety of indoor and outdoor exhibits.  There are activity centers and you can sign up for one or more of 11 different cruises that take you around the island to learn more about the unique history, flora and fauna.

Saddle up for a ride through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables (843) 671-2586.  Sea Horse Farms (843)681-7746) offers beach rides.  Keep in mind, minimum age for trail rides from both purveyors is 8-years-old.

If you’re going to be on-island from June through August – the kids might enjoy some Kayak lessons or even Kayak Camp.  Outside Hilton Head offers something for kids starting at age SEVEN!

If you’re staying at a resort some will offer on-site kid’s programs – but if you’re choosing a vacation rental or other lodging – consider putting together a variety of activities and making your own kid camp!  I always recommend vacation rentals as I love to have a kitchen and not have to rush to breakfast when the kids’ feet hit the floor.

photo courtesy terren in Virginia

What better way to enjoy your next beach vacation than to take Fido or Fifi along for the ride!  The best part about choosing Hilton Head for your next Pet Friendly vacation is the realative “dog friendly” atmosphere you’re sure to enjoy.

Sun, water and sand are a ball-doggie’s dream as you wander the beaches and parks that surround Hilton Head Island.  Just remember, Dogs are banned from the public beach from June 1 through Labor Day weekend – but from October 1 through March 31 – they can play off-leash to their heart’s content.  Other time’s they’re allowed but need a 6-foot leash from 10am to 5pm. 

Activities for you and your pooch are sure to be fun and a great photo op.  You can rent a double kayak from Kayak Hilton Head and use their private access to Broad Creek – which runs right through the center of the island.  A bottlenose dolphin might even nudge alongside to say hello!

Visit Best Friends Dog Park which is located off Hwy 40.  Dogs are allowed unleashed in the park and leashed outside on the beaches.  Water and cleanup bags are available on-site.

Take your pooch for lunch at Skillet’s Cafe.  It’s cafe with an oudoor patio where dogs are allowed – just make sure Rover is leashed and under your control at all times.

Obviously finding accommodations for you and your pup on the island will be necessary.  There are a variety of hotels and pet-friendly Hilton Head rentals.  I recommend a vacation rental mostly because of the convenience for you AND your pet.

image courtesy: from **spaceMonkey**

There’s something – well, really at least a hundred things – for everyone to do. It’s the kind of place that generations of Southern families return to year after year and decade after decade and, when South Carolinians speak of “the beach”, there’s no doubt that they are referring to Myrtle Beach.

A favorite spot for these loyal fans was the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. Built in 1908, it was a center of entertainment and activity for all ages through out the last century. The old Pavilion is gone, but it has been replaced with the Pavilion Nostalgia Park, which recalls the historic atmosphere and the old school favorite rides – including a stunning 1912 carousel, a totally unique world famous pipe organ and all the boardwalk food you can chow down.

The grand reopening of this classic beach amusement park is a great excuse to take advantage of the Myrtle Beach vacation deals offered in the area. Take a step back in time and visit the Grand Strand this summer for a respite your family will fondly remember.

Learn more about Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Bike Week

Things to Do in Myrtle Beach

One of the highlights is sure to be the Teresi Dyno-Drag, where you can simulate head to head drag racing using your own bike. With christmas tree start lights and side by side acceleration down the track, this is as close as most of us will ever get to the real thing.

Don’t miss the vendor area at Barefoot Landing, where you can meet builder Kim Suter of KC Creations and see Motor Marc’s latest styley bike art.

Golf
Myrtle Beach is like an amusement park for golfers. The venue provides a showcase for nearly every big name links designer and you get a phenomenal choice of styles and terrain. The weather can occasionally shut you out, but the mild climate generally allows for year round play. That’s a plus, since, with over 120 courses, you can play a different one every day for 4 months without replaying a single hole. There’s a lot of competition in the area and you’ll find the best deals by booking one of the many Myrtle Beach golf specials available online.

Baseball
Ever heard of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans? They’re a farm team for the Atlanta Braves and play in the Carolina League against other minor league teams at the 4,300 seat Coastal Federal Field. Fans large and small enjoy the hometown feel of the scene where they can watch and meet soon-to-be stars. Another cool to-do for hardball freaks is The Ripken Experience Cal Ripken’s new youth tourney center in Myrtle Beach.

When planning a family vacation getaway, the choices can be overwhelming. What should you do? Where should you go? To make life easier, these questions should be answered before you start planning. Let’s take a few minutes and help you answer these questions before you get started with the planning.

What Should You Do?
How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Hilton Head’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families. Keep in mind, no matter what type of vacation you choose – there are many Vail Resort Lodging and Hilton Head Island Golf packages to choose from.