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…

Everyone loves dolphins. Playful, intelligent and beautiful, dolphins have long captured the attention of humans. Seeing dolphins in aquariums is cool, but nothing beats the thrill of coming across dolphins swimming and diving freely in the open water. Here are some fun facts about our dolphin friends: The Killer Whale (aka Orca) is actually a type of dolphin. Dolphins are carnivores (meat eaters). In history, dolphins were sometimes called mereswine--that is, "sea pig". Male dolphins are called bulls, females are called cows, and young…

North Myrtle Beach is, you guessed it, just north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This quaint coastal town was founded in 1968 when four small beach towns, Cherry Grove Beach, Windy Hill Beach, Crescent Beach, and Ocean Drive Beach, consolidated to create City of North Myrtle Beach. Today there are more than 15,000 permanent residents, and on any given day, there are large numbers of tourists enjoying this unique, pleasant town. One of North Myrtle Beach’s “claims to fame,” is that it’s the birthplace of the shag dance, which became the…

So, the kids have spent two days on the beach. They’re having an amazing time, but by day three you’re thinking it would be a great idea to get them out of the mid-day sun. Or maybe it’s raining, and the kids are raring to go, but the beach is out! What are you going to do? I’ve got great news for you! The Myrtle Beach area has an amazing variety of daytime mid-day activities that you will love just as much as the kids will. Rain or shine, you’ll never be disappointed in the entertainment options along the Grand Strand. Attractions WonderWorks…

The Myrtle Beach area is known for its 60-mile long beach and a plethora of amazing attractions, but like most places, the region also has an interesting history. Most of the Grand Strand area resides within Horry County (pronounced O-ree), and residents and visitors are lucky enough to have the Horry County Museum at their disposal, so they can learn about the area’s rich history and partake in many educational programs. Did you know that Horry County was once home to Native American tribes, or that events from both the Revolutionary and…

Each Grand Strand neighborhood has a unique history, but the story of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina is particularly interesting. Atlantic Beach is a small (about 128 acres) coastal town about four blocks long, nestled within the city of North Myrtle Beach. When several small beach towns consolidated to create North Myrtle Beach in the 1960s, Atlantic Beach declined, wishing to preserve their history and heritage. In the days of segregation, Atlantic Beach was formed as a vacation destination for black families. Throughout those years, the…

Litchfield Beach is a small and sophisticated community just 20 miles south of Myrtle Beach. Part of the greater Pawleys Island area, Litchfield has a totally separate vibe and is considered one of the Grand Strand’s 14 unique neighborhoods. The town took its name from a rice plantation that operated near the region in the 1700’s, and it has been carefully zoned to preserve its pristine beauty. Litchfield Beach was established in 1978, and it offers exclusive beach-front family vacation homes and a quiet, relaxed pace. There is a long section…

Twenty-two miles south of Myrtle Beach is a stunning barrier island named Pawleys. The southernmost Grand Strand neighborhood, Pawleys Island is one of the oldest resort towns on the east coast. In the 17 and 1800’s, plantation owners moved their families and often their livestock to the island for fresh ocean breezes and a healthier environment during the hot, humid summer months. A few of the original homes still stand in the historic district on this ruggedly-beautiful island. There are no commercial businesses on the island, as the town,…