Atlantic Beach may be small – only 4 blocks to be exact – but it still has a mighty history in the story of Myrtle Beach. In the early 1930s, Atlantic Beach was formed as a vacation spot for black families to visit and black-owned businesses to thrive. Many of the current residents are descendants of the Gullah Geechee people, who were former slaves from the West Coast of Africa. Atlantic Beach is between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach and has always been named the “Black Pearl.” Today, the town is working hard to preserve its history and…

The very essence of the things we love about The Beach is due in part to the African American History of this area. The Grand Strand has been greatly influenced by its African American heritage and roots that date back to the 1700s – and is still shaping the region today as a major tourism destination. From what we eat to how we speak in the present day, so much of that can be traced back to the African History in the region. There are several locations beyond the beach that visitors can experience that tell this story. We’ll start with the…

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…

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…

An ever-changing cultural landmark Just minutes from Myrtle Beach lays a tucked-away island where the past, present and future collide. Being a history buff, I’ve been intrigued by Sandy Island for a while: where access is only by boat and descendants of former African slaves who worked on local rice plantations still reside. So I reached out to Captain Rodney, a native of the island, who offers tours to the public. It all started with a pontoon boat ride, where Captain Rodney explained the history of the Africans who inhabited the island and…

Gullah Luv ’n Uddah T’ings Pawley’s Island Hammock Shops In December, I visited the Ultimate Gullah shop in Conway and left with what would turn out to be the most amazing souvenir I’ve ever purchased. In addition to a fabulous Gullah cookbook, I also snagged a container of Gullah Luv seasoning. I quickly began a series of culinary experiments with sensational results. When I returned to Myrtle Beach in August, my schedule did not allow for a drive to Conway and I was disheartened that I wouldn’t be able to replenish my stash of seasoning (that…