Myrtle Beach

Wow!  Myrtle Beach can be overwhelming, both in trying to figure out what to do and navigating the summer traffic.  But, it is so much fun!


This will actually end up being a couple of posts.  There's no way to sum it up in one.

Myrtle Beach is in South Carolina and about 30 mins-1 hour away.  This year it was in US News and World Report's top ten Best Family Vacations in the US, National Geopgraphic's #3 best Boardwalk, and was Trip Advisor's #1 US Beach.  (of course they didn't visit Sunset Beach just up the coast, but whatever). There are two super fun places to go for entertainment, food and shopping.

Broadway at the Beach


Broadway is crazy!  But crazy fun!  There is soooo much to do here.  There is a movie & IMax theater (we'll probably be seeing HP7.2 here (IMax 3D Harry!)), MagiQuest, NASCAR raceway, WonderWorks, and a water park.

One place I've always wanted to visit is Ripley's Aquarium.  They've got sharks, sting rays, an octopus, touch tanks, and just a ton of stuff to do.  And apparently a new live show called "Mermaids".


The restaurants are overwhelming and themed beyond belief: Liberty Steakhouse, Senor Frogs, Margaritaville, Joe's Crab Shack, Key West Grill, Planet Hollywood, and Hard Rock Cafe, just to name a few.  There are 19 to choose from.  They also have 2 Ben & Jerry's, a Fudgery, and the required Starbucks.

There are also more than 100 shops.  While most of them are the typical tourist type shops, they are still a lot of fun.  They have a Build-a-Bear, and it's not just the regular store.  It also has the Build-a-Dinosaur and Build-a-Friend (which seems a little creepy to me, but hey).  Reigning Cats and Dogs is a favorite if you are a pet freak, The Foxworthy Store for your redneck needs, kite stores, toy stores, jewelry stores, sunglasses stores, and coupons to go with all of them.

This is an over-stimulated paradise!  Check out their link.

Barefoot Landing


Located in North Myrtle Beach, this place is a little more low-key than Broadway, but still has a ton to offer.  The Alabama Theatre has a fabulous performance called "One, the show" and Lee Ann Rimes will be there for a concert on the 15th.

Another fun attraction is Alligator Adventure.  But here's a special tip, you don't have to buy a ticket because you can watch them feeding the alligators from the patio at House of Blues (plus we have our own alligators in the pond behind M&D's house).

House of Blues will have Natasha Bedingfield in concert on Wednesday and tickets are still available.  On of my favorite things to do at HOB is their Sunday Gospel Brunch.  They open the kitchen as a buffet and have the most delicious food.  And gospel singers perform the whole time you eat.  If we want to d this our first (and only) Sunday, let me know to make reservations.  I highly recommend it!

Barefoot Landing has lots of other restaurants and fun shops.  There's a rock and bead shop that's great, although mom thinks it wreaks of incense (it does).  Check out their link.