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.”…

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…

There are few things more relaxing than a day at the beach however planning for it with small children (and dealing with the clean-up) can be anything but. Check out our tips to help you avoid waves of stress and make the most out of your beach vacation. Repurpose a Fitted Sheet Instead of towels, use a fitted sheet with bags, coolers, etc. placed at the corners to create a makeshift play pen that keeps sand out. Ditch the Oversized Beach Bag Haul your kids’ beach toys in a mesh laundry bag. It’s the perfect container that sifts the sand,…

Whenever I’m packing for a beach vacation, one of the first things I think to pack is a sarong. From fashion to functionality, it’s one of the most useful beach essentials to bring along. You can use them as a beach towel, or with a little online research, can learn how to fold one into a handy beach tote. But my favorite way to use a sarong is as a cute beach cover-up. Here are just a few of the many ways in which you can tie a sarong: Basic halter dress – Wrap the sarong horizontally underneath arms and cross ends over your bust. Tie at the…

If you’re headed to Myrtle Beach—or any beach—with a little one in tow, it’s easy to have an enjoyable day in the sun with some extra planning and packing. While it may require more than a book, water bottle and tote bag, the extra effort is well worth the reward of family memories you’ll treasure forever. Here is a roundup of twelve baby and toddler beach essentials that will make any seaside outing with a little one both fun and successful. Large Beach Tote: And the more children you have, the larger the tote should be! Lugging more than…