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Myrtle beach is a great family vacation destination, but it has more then just miles of beautiful beaches. There is an old side to this historic city that mixes smoothly to create a one-of-a-kind beach destination, with plenty of extras as well.
OLD:
The Myrtle Beach State Park Piers are said to be the best fishing spots in Myrtle Beach. Popular with locals too, you don’t need to get a license ahead of time and fishing supplies are available on site for your convenience. The views from the piers are some of the best from the city so even if you’re not fishing you’ll be glad you stopped by. Myrtle Beach State Park Pier is a quiet and green ( literally and from an environmental standpoint) beach spot, that is actually an ocenfront maritime forest. Complete with campgrounds, nature trail, fishing, and more, you and your family will love this spot. There is camping and full cabins available on the property as well. On site is a wonderful and well maintained educational center that is both hands on and fun for not only the kids but adults as well. Far and away the nicest center I have seen in a park this size (and many bigger and better funded as well), this is a point of pride and passion of the local staff and ranger, and a real must-do when in the area.
Find out more at http://www.myrtlebeachstatepark.net/fishing-pier.html and http://www.myrtlebeachstatepark.net/
Taking it’s cue form old time vaudeville, The Carolina Opry is an action packed show. Including everything from comedy to dancing, to music of all genres, you’re sure to have a great time watching 36 of the nations best performers. Young and old alike come together in the state of the art, 2200 seat theater to enjoy 2 full hours of fun. This was one of the best times I had while in SC, you would think you were attending a concert. A lot of fun, variety in music, and I swear it wasn’t cheesy (there is, of course, a bit of God and Country, but for those of us who are there for the music more then the patriotism and church bells, it doesn’t last too long and is mostly with one artist. The artists are talented, versatile, and from a variety of backgrounds. You can even see some of your favorites from TV shows like American Idol and America’s Got Talent. It’s really an awesome time, and one I highly recommend.
Find out more at http://carolinaopry.com/www/TCO/TheCarolinaOpry.html
You can’t get much older than the Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, SC. Hopsewee is not a restoration of the home that predates the Revolutionary War, it is a preservation as it has never been allowed to fall into disrepair. It has been owned by only 5 families and each family has taken great pains to keep it intact as a valuable piece of history. The former rice plantation still has former slave housing on site, as well as a collection of artifacts from a time long ago. With hand carved molding, eighteenth and nineteenth century furniture, one and a half inch thick heart pine floors, and etchings in the window panes, Hopsewee will transform you to a world of long ago. They also have a “tea room” on site where you can not only order an amazing variety of teas, but desserts, sandwiches, and hot lunches as well. And the food? Must be tasted. Not to be overlooked, even the potato salad will have you wondering if they also serve dinner. You can buy teas to take home as well, including one made exclusively for the plantation and bearing it’s name.
Find out more at http://www.hopsewee.com/index.php
The Pavilion at Nostalgia Park is located at Broadway at the Beach and is a great place for old-fashioned amusement park rides! It is home to a 1912 Herschell-Spillman Carousel and the equally beautiful Wave Swinger. There are fewer and fewer of these classic carousels left in the country (we have seen some some in Coney Island and in the Niagara Falls, NY area as well, where the factory repair shop is- so cool, and easily recognizable once you know what you are looking for) Separated into Carousel Park and Nostalgia Park, there are plenty of rides for young and old.
Find out more at http://www.pavilionnostalgiapark.com/
NEW:
While Hopsewee Plantation has been around almost since the beginning of South Carolina, current owners have added the River Oak Cottage Tea Room. Traditional English Tea served with a Southern flair, the Tea Room is the perfect place to lunch while in Myrtle Beach. Enjoy an assortment of delicious teas with savories, scones, and sweets or opt for a full lunch. Whether you choose to dine on Shrimp & Grits or just pick one of their amazing desserts, the Tea Room at Hopsewee Plantation is a must visit for anyone who loves food. The atmosphere is really interesting as well, with the piano and eclectic flatware as well as the seemingly endless options in teapots and cups (all fresh made per variety).
Find out more at http://www.hopsewee.com/specialevents.php
The Myrtle Beach Skywheel is a gondola-type observation wheel located in the center of the mile long Oceanfront Boardwalk. With temperature-controlled, enclosed gondolas featuring leather seating, the Skywheel is so much more than a ferris wheel. The views from the top are amazing and show everything from the beauty of Myrtle Beaches ocean to all the attractions. Make sure you see the Skywheel at night when it lights up with over 1 Million LED lights. Don’t forget your camera, this is a great photo opportunity.
Find out more at http://myrtlebeachskywheel.com/
Places to eat in Myrtle Beach:
The Barefoot Princess Riverboat cruise is a 2 hour, buffet style dinner cruise. The Barefoot Princess is 64 feet of dancing, food, fun and spectacular views as you cruise the Intracoastal Waterway. The food is good, has several options, and drinks and dessert is brought to your table. Starting at the Barefoot Landing Marina, you set off on a relaxing stroll down the water. After dinner, feel free to join the MC on the 2nd level or head up to the 3rd level for the best views. Can you pick out the famous houses? (Hint, look for Jimmy Buffet’s Dolphin.)
Find out more at http://www.mbriverboat.com/
The Sea Captains House is one of Myrtle Beach’s most awarded restaurants. Specializing in sea food, they are known as the place that friends meet year after year. Famous for She Crab Soup, they have tantalizing specials each month. In November such as caramelized apple bread pudding and pumpkin rolls. The hush puppies were also quite good, great texture and taste.
For reservations: http://www.seacaptains.com/
Nacho Hippo is a fun place that is famous for, you guessed it, nachos. You can get them just about any way you like them and the servings are more than generous at a really, really good price. Nachos not your thing? Not to worry, you can get quesadillas, tacos, a wide variety of drinks, and more. Souvenir stop as well, you can even buy yourself or your kids a purple hippo.
Reservations not needed. For more information: http://www.nachohippo.com/
The Aspen Grille is a local place owned by a Chef trained in South Carolina. Although he has worked in restaurants in Paris and wineries in California, Chef Curry Martin’s heart is the The Grand Strand where he opened Aspen Grille. Their menu is sophisticated and fresh foods are a staple of every dish. Don’t forget the wine- there are many options available as well as mixed drinks and cocktails, signature drinks, and more.
For reservations: http://www.aspen-grille.com/
[…] Myrtle Beach, SC – There is an old side to this historic city that mixes smoothly to create a one-of-a-kind beach destination, with plenty of extras as well. The Myrtle Beach State Park Piers are said to be the best fishing spots … You can buy teas to take home as … […]