It takes time to come to terms with the tackiness of Myrtle Beach, S.C.
After all, what is a beach town without the three-abreast beachwear shops, without its gentlemen's clubs, miniature golf plots and the multitude of Calabash seafood and dinner theaters?
Myrtle Beach certainly can be forgiven its campiness because it also has its gems - glowing hotels that line the beach at night, secret empty beaches, beautiful sunsets and sunrises, sea oats in the dunes, and visits from pelicans, egrets and sandpipers. It can take repeated visits to discover and appreciate them all.
The destination
Myrtle Beach is one of many beaches along the Grand Strand - the stretch of Atlantic Ocean that runs from the North Carolina/South Carolina line to Georgetown, S.C.
Myrtle Beach is no longer the small-town beach your grandparents knew. Three major arteries connect the Grand Strand - U.S. Highway17 (North Kings Highway), Bypass 17 and U.S. Highway 501. Bypass 17 runs parallel to U.S. 17.
The sights
To focus solely on Myrtle Beach and its golf courses would be a disservice. A sense of nostalgia, history and natural wonders in neighboring communities provides the weekend tourists reasons to return.
Start with a cruise along the two-lane Ocean Boulevard for a glimpse of the Atlantic and world-class people-watching.
Look out for the dangerously close roller coaster at the Pavilion amusement park. Head south to Garden City and shabbily chic Pawleys Island for a more laid-back holiday lifestyle where condos on stilts with captivating names such as Panacea and Heaven Can Wait sit near marshes. On a good day, you might be able to see dolphins leaping out of the Atlantic.
Must dos
l SEE AND DO
BROOKGREEN GARDENS (U.S. 17, Murrells Inlet; www.brookgreen.org)
The private collection of sculptures of Anna Hyatt Huntington will wow even non-art lovers. Add to that the flora and landscaping, and the traffic outside the gates is easily forgotten.
SURFING
Local resident Andr Pope recommends renting surfboards and heading out to the ocean. A notable surf shop is Surf City (www.surfcitysurfshop.com) at 3001 N. Kings Highway. Surf novices, fear not; the waves are tame enough for beginners.
THE FRANKLIN G. BURROUGHS-SIMEON B. CHAPIN ART MUSEUM (3100 S. Ocean Blvd.; www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org)
Free to the public, the museum has been host to famous Lowcountry artists such as Jonathan Green. From July 15 to Oct. 31, works by master photographer Ansel Adams will be on display.
l EAT
HERE ARE A FEW OF LOCALS' RECOMMENDATIONS, SEAFOOD, et al. (* denotes more formal dining)
MYRTLE BEACH
HOT WINGS (3001 N. Kings Highway) This humble takeout joint has the best Pad Thai.
MIDWAY DELI (7827 N. Kings Highway) Get the slaw with your sandwich, preferably with the San Francisco sourdough.
PRICELESS DESSERTS (5109 N. Kings Highway) Locals recommend the cinnamon buns, lemon wedge bars, key lime pie and blueberry muffins.
RON JON'S DELIVERY (937A U.S. 501) Delivery or carry-out, the hot wings are the best late-night supper snack.
SEA CAPTAIN'S HOUSE* (3002 N. Ocean Blvd.) Locals rave about the she-crab bisque.
MURRELLS INLET
BOVINE'S STEAKHOUSE* (3979, U.S. 17) Opt for the corn pudding side.
l SPEND
The two TANGER FACTORY OUTLETS are on separate ends of town - one on U.S. 501 and a newer one near North Myrtle Beach on U.S. 17 at South Carolina Highway 22. Merchants include Kenneth Cole, Banana Republic, Coldwater Creek and Pfaltzgraff.
BAREFOOT LANDING (www.bflanding.com; 4898 Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach). What's in store: waterway cruises, Alligator Adventures, House of Blues restaurant, Alabama Theatre.
BROADWAY AT THE BEACH (www.broadwayatthebeach.com; Bypass 17, between 21st and 29th avenues) What's in store: NASCAR Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe, The Discovery Channel Store and the Build-A-Bear Workshop.
Take home an authentic Pawleys Island hammock at the HAMMOCK SHOPS in Pawleys Island, on U.S. 17 in Pawleys Island.
Reach Ling Low at (706) 823-3455 or ling.low@augustachronicle.com.
If you go
The route: Interstate 20 east; Exit 141A to Interstate 95 north. Exit 170 to State Route 327. Right fork. left on Old Marion Highway at light. At end of road, take left on Palmetto Street or State Route 327. Take U.S. 501 south to U.S. 17.
Drive time: 3 hours, 210 miles one way
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012 Morris Communications, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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