Sailboat in Grand Strand

Located on a temperate area of the Atlantic Coast known as the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a popular vacation destination. Full of famed golf courses, world-class fishing, and fabulous weather, it is the largest resort getaway in Horry County. Ideal for families, there are numerous attractions here suitable for all ages, with abundant music and theatre performances being among these. Myrtle Beach is a hotbed of country and western music, rivaling Nashville, Tennessee and Branson, Missouri as a place to see great performances. For lovers of country music, warm temperatures, and a variety of things to do in the great outdoors, Myrtle Beach is well worth the trip.

HISTORY

The Myrtle Beach area was first settled by the Waccamaw and Winyah Native tribes, but due to a lack of documented history, very little is known about them. Their residence here has been confirmed by arrowheads and other artifacts, which continue to be found on beaches throughout the region.

Europeans started to settle the area, and interestingly enough, the plantation culture so popular in the rest of the state never took hold in Horry County. The settlers here formed their economy with farming, timber, and turpentine distilling. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the resort potential of the Grand Strand area was first investigated. A timber-turpentine firm by the name of Burroughs and Collins Company had extensive beachfront holdings. They constructed a railroad to the beach and the first hotel, The Seaside Inn, was completed in 1901. They also sponsored a contest to name the town, and Myrtle Beach was chosen, due to all the wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shoreline. Development of resorts and hotels continued, and in 1936 the Intracoastal Waterway was opened to commercial shipping and pleasure crafts. Two years later, Myrtle Beach was incorporated.

Hurricanes have never been a stranger to Myrtle Beach, and in 1954 Hurricane Hazel destroyed most of the hotels and buildings along the strand. This caused everything to be rebuilt, but this time larger and far more lavish. The golf boom began in the 1960s, and today over 100 golf courses are in the area.

	Putting Green in Myrtle Beach

CLIMATE

The Grand Strand is renowned for its pleasant climate, and Myrtle Beach is no exception to this. Summer is warm but not stifling, and winters are mild. In the summer months, the temperature sits between 75 and 85 Degrees Fahrenheit (24 to 29 Degrees Celsius). Even on the hottest of days it is not unbearable, as a cool ocean breeze manages to keep the air pleasant. In winter the temperature fluctuates between 55 and 60 Degrees Fahrenheit (12 to 15 Degrees Celsius). The possibility of hurricanes is present here, but they are rare, and the city is equipped with numerous precautions.

TRANSPORTATION

Being such a popular tourist destination, getting to and from Myrtle Beach is not challenging. The Myrtle Beach International Airport offers both domestic and international flights. Numerous carriers schedule flights in and out, but it is important to note that some international flights are only offered seasonally.

Getting around the city generally poses few problems, as there is public bus transportation, and numerous car rental agencies are here.

THINGS TO DO

PINE LAKES INTERNATIONAL COUNTRY CLUB

Pine Lakes International Country Club was first opened in 1927, and it is the oldest golf course in the area. The course itself was designed in a Scottish Links style, and the layout was shaped by mule-drawn plows. World famous today, 'The Granddaddy', as it is sometimes called, was once golfed by the likes of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. It is the birthplace of 'Sports Illustrated' magazine, whose concept was developed in the clubhouse. Pine Lakes International Country Club is a semi-private course, but tourists can get tee times. It is worth the visit, as golfers are treated to mimosas and chowder throughout the course.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

One of the most popular attractions in Myrtle Beach is The Carolina Opry. It was the brainchild of Calvin Gilmore, an entrepreneur and entertainer, and debuted in May of 1986. The Opry calls itself 'The Great American Music Show', and performances are held year-round. The show features a variety of music, including country and western, gospel, rock, and broadway selections.

With five different theaters, Fantasy Harbour Entertainment Complex is sure to have something to suit every taste. At the Crook & Chase Theatre, visitors are treated to broadway themed shows, which sometimes call for audience participation. Medieval Times Dinner Theatre features a full horse show and jousting match, and guests are required to eat their meals with their bare hands. The Ice Castle and Cercle Theater feature shows of a slightly cooler nature. The Ice Castle has full ice shows, and these spectacles have included everything from a version of The Nutcracker Suite, to Halloween shows, to performances from former Olympians. At Cercle Theater, public skating is sometimes offered. The Forum Theater holds dramatic and comedic theater productions.

	Deep Sea Fishing in Grand Strand

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

With warm ocean waters and great weather, Myrtle Beach has become a popular destination for anglers. The fishing is quite good here, and the season is long, lasting from early spring to Christmastime. There is no shortage of sea life in these waters, and barracuda, red snapper, Spanish mackerel, sea bass, spadefish, and amberjack are all caught regularly.

Numerous charter and boating companies are willing to take tourists out in the waters. Trip lengths vary, and guests can go out for a few hours, or even on overnight excursions. Rod and reel rentals can be arranged, so it isn't always necessary to have these items packed.