For beach lovers or those who welcome time at the beach as a form of escape, Myrtle Beach in South Carolina definitely delivers.
In this inviting city, the beach practically surrounds you — from your hotel stay to sightseeing to your time dining at one of the local restaurants.
Located in the heart of the Grand Strand, the Courtyard by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront provides direct access to the beach. From inside the property, you can take in those same calming views, both from the balcony of your room and from the hotel lobby.
As you get out to explore, you’ll find great fun at venues such as 810 Entertainment and Market Common, which offers bowling — a treat for this family of three — arcade games and billiards and, notwithstanding the very casual setting, some of the best food around these parts.
Good eating plus great hospitality also await you at Big Chill Island House at Barefoot Landing. And that goes for Sea Captain’s House and RipTydz as well, with both establishments serving up some memorable meals such as Shrimp and Grits and Shrimp and Berry Salad at Sea Captain’s and Baby Arugula, Toasted Almonds and Dried Cranberry Salad at RipTydz.
While at Barefoot Landing, this writer whose favorite color has been purple for forever was tickled to discover of all things — a store for lovers of the color purple. The selection at PURPLEologist includes anything from handbags to boots to bookmarks and booklights to toys. Of course, a few of those items had to make their way back to Georgia with me!
Additionally, as my family would soon learn, there was more fun to be found at Family Kingdom Amusement Park and PopStroke, a Tiger Woods-designed mini golf venue. Those 18 holes of mini golf really brought out some competition!
To wrap up the trip, it was important to take in a bit of history through an informative and engaging tour of Charlie’s Place by M. Cookie Canty Goings. This historic cultural site pays tribute to a once-vibrant Black-owned nightclub and motel that welcomed Black travelers during segregation. Charlie’s Place has hosted Duke Ellington, Little Richard and other legendary artists.
There’s much to do in Myrtle Beach and having the various views of the beach within easy access makes the trip all the more fulfilling.