What was that? No, I don’t mean “shag” the way the popular Austin Powers movies defined it, and I’m not talking about carpet. The shag is the official dance of South Carolina, and the Myrtle Beach area is the best place to learn the dance or at least watch skilled shaggers while you listen to beach music, some of the happiest music ever recorded (and not to be confused with Beach Boys-style “surf music”). The shag is a smooth, laid-back dance that has been called the “swing dance of the South,” and it is often described as “a slow jitterbug.”…

This weekend brings two important dates for beachgoers everywhere—Saturday, June 20, is the official start of summer, and Sunday, June 21, is National Seashell Day! It’s fitting that these two dates happen within a day of each other, as summer at the beach (and especially Myrtle Beach) is the perfect opportunity to find some seashells. I’ve always enjoyed finding shells when I’ve gone to the beach, but never in the past set out with the intention to go searching for seashells. The recent quarantine due to COVID-19 changed that! Shelling is a…

Around the beginning of May—sometimes earlier if we’re having a particularly warm spring—we start to see some cannonball jellyfish wash ashore on our daily beach walks. One of the questions I’m asked frequently online is whether there are jellyfish in Myrtle Beach, and of course, the answer is yes. But that shouldn’t cause too much concern or stop anyone from swimming. The jellyfish most commonly seen along our shoreline are cannonball jellyfish and this particular kind are not generally known for stinging humans. In fact, I’ve lived and swam…

One of Our Finest Chefs Reveals His Favorite Restaurants There are more than 1800 restaurants in the Grand Strand area! Where do you start when looking for a great place to eat? From fast food to Calabash buffets to fine dining, the Myrtle Beach area truly has it all. We interviewed Chef Geoff Blount of the International Culinary Institute of Myrtle Beach at HGTC to learn about the school’s restaurant and to see where he likes to eat when he gets some time off. First, he discussed the wonderful Fowler Dining Room which is located in the…

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is the perfect place to pick up a shelling hobby. With over 60-miles of uninterrupted shoreline, you can walk for miles and explore a variety of beaches in search of the perfect seashell. While even shelling enthusiasts admit that luck and chance have a large role in determining what shells one finds on the beach, there are a few things that can certainly increase your chances. Laura Rusinko, president of the Grand Strand Shell Club, shared these tips with us last week: Have the Right Equipment While all you…

May is one of my favorite times of year here along the Grand Strand. Not just because it’s around the time I’ll start swimming in the ocean, but because it marks the official start of some of our larger area farmers markets. Before tourism was the number one industry in Horry County (where Myrtle Beach is located), farming and agriculture drove our local economy. While the area has evolved as tourism has thrived, it is still home to a number of outstanding farming operations that provide us with fantastic seasonal produce, meat products, eggs,…

As we head into the summer months here in Myrtle Beach, I know our family is going to be doing a lot of our eating outdoors. From grilling out to casual dinners on the porch, summer in the south is the perfect time to take meals outside. One of favorite ways to take advantage of the beautiful beach destination we call home is to pack a picnic for the beach. Before children, my husband and I enjoyed a more ‘upscale’ beach picnic experience. We’d take our fancy picnic basket, complete with cheese board and formal utensils, for an oceanfront…

Before you head out to enjoy the 60 miles of coastline in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, rethink the way you pack your beach bag. By packing only the necessities and by packing them smartly, you’ll cut down on the time it takes to get to the beach and enjoy it more once you’re there. Roll your towel and/or blanket tightly. Slide it into your beach bag vertically, so you’ll be able to pull it out of your bag first. Heavier items are best suited for the bottom of your beach bag. Things like a book and water bottle should go in first. Keep items…

Here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, we have a TON of activities to keep your little ones busy and entertained, but traveling here can be a different story. Whether you’re road tripping or headed to the airport, here are a few tips to make traveling with children just a little bit easier. Schedule travel around nap times. By traveling around nap times or even at night, you can ensure that most traveling time is spent with snoozing kids. This is especially helpful for little ones that get frustrated easily in a car seat. Travel light. Try to…

Yesterday (June 21) marked the official start of summer! Hurray! We’re looking forward to many, many days of fun in the sun here in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. If you’re headed to our shores in the coming months, here are a few tips to make sure your visit is as fun and safe as possible--whether you’re swimming, hunting for seashells or simply laying out: Sun Exposure Always, always, ALWAYS wear sunscreen. Regular application of sunscreen protects against painful sunburn and sun damage. Reapply after swimming and always bring along a hat…