Are you ready for REAL ID? On October 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will implement the final phase of REAL ID enforcement, requiring Americans to present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of authenticated ID to go through airport security checkpoints. REAL ID refers to a set of security standards established by Congress in 2005 for card issuance, card design and application processing that individual states must follow when issuing driver’s licenses and other forms of identification; most REAL…

Say ‘I Do’ to a Perfect Myrtle Beach Wedding Experience the natural beauty and captivating romance of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Whether you want the perfect place to get engaged, plan to exchange vows on the sandy beach, or spend your honeymoon in this sunny paradise, you'll find everything you need to experience a memorable celebration along the Grand Strand. We asked local wedding expert, Eric Hunt, Myrtle Beach Wedding Officiant, what you need to know about having a wedding in Myrtle Beach. Eric knows without a doubt that having a…

The Myrtle Beach area is known locally as the “Grand Strand” and includes 60 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline and is comprised of 14 communities and two counties. Myrtle Beach is a dynamic family destination chock full of fun attractions, restaurants, the world-famous Boardwalk with the Skywheel, amusement parks, and much more, but did you know there are numerous opportunities to explore the region’s unique history? Spend a couple of days away from the beach and immerse yourself in the rich unique history of coastal South Carolina. Did you…

Plan your Myrtle Beach vacation now--it’s for your own good! Did you know that more than half of American workers (55%) failed to use all their time off last year? That’s a stockpile of 768 million unused vacation days just in 2018, of which 236 million were forfeited completely! What’s the key to using more vacation time? Planning. But nearly half of American households (46%) don’t do this simple step—and they lose out on their time off and the benefits it brings. “The beginning of the year is the time to pull out the calendar and start…

One of Our Finest Chefs Reveals Her Favorite Grand Strand Restaurants Heidi Vukov is chef and owner of Hook & Barrel Restaurant, located at 8014 N Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. Hook & Barrel opened in early 2017, the first “sustainable” restaurant in South Carolina. Heidi explains that wood from the trees that were cleared to make room for the building were cut and dried and used to decorate the interior of the restaurant. They also use unbreakable plateware, and their wine-by-the-glass is served from barrels, which not only eliminates bottle…

Combine Shopping and Holiday Fun in Myrtle Beach Shopping is a breeze in the Grand Strand area! While you’re here enjoying the beach, holiday shows, attractions, and amazing restaurants, don’t forget about your holiday shopping! It’s a good thing there are extraordinary shopping opportunities all along our 60-mile coastline and in our 14 communities. You’ll easily find everything on your list! From unique boutique shops to the Coastal Grand Mall (the second-largest mall in the state), to beachwear stores and more, you’ll find great gifts for…

Great music, dancing and fun were once a regular occurrence at Charlie’s Place in Myrtle Beach. Even in the puzzling days of Jim Crow-era segregation, both whites and blacks enjoyed each other’s company and reveled in the unifying sounds of jazz, Motown and beach music while they danced away. Today, an annual event is held to celebrate the music and the culture that thrived in the area in bygone days. The fourth annual Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival returns October 4-6, 2019 on historic Carver Street in Myrtle Beach! Charlie’s Place was an…

News Flash: Sharks Live in the Ocean. And They’re Really Cool! Sharks are a source of both fascination and fear. They are an ancient species that has adapted and survived in our oceans for more than 450 million years, and although some species were once hunted to near extinction, many have made a comeback in recent decades. Worldwide, there are said to be more than 400 species of shark that range in size from a few inches to forty feet long. Off the coast of the Carolinas, there are usually 25 - 50 different species of sharks, depending upon…

The first time I went parasailing, I didn’t quite know what to expect. Nervous and excited, I got strapped into a harness while the small boat cruised out to open waters. After a safety check, I was told to hang on, and off I went! The cable slowly rolled out and up, up, up I sailed! Parasailing is thrilling and exhilarating, and it’s a great opportunity to see the destination from a very different perspective. I’m glad to live in a region that has several parasailing options because this activity is also a bit addictive! Here are some of my…

There’s nothing like speeding across the waves, feeling the wind on your face, and the splash of the water as your jet ski powers through the surf. A jet ski is a wonderful way to get out in the water and enjoy sun and speed. If you’d rather cruise slowly and look for wildlife, you can do that, too. Between the Atlantic Ocean, the Intracoastal Waterway, and our inland rivers, the Myrtle Beach area offers a variety of great experiences with a variety of great water sports companies. For an amazing jet ski experience, check out these Grand Strand…