Can you imagine what it must be like to take your kids to Disney World when you live in Orlando? It's not the every Friday night deal to the community skateboard park and you would really have to say no. That's how it is for locals in Myrtle Beach; no we have already been to Family Kingdom and The Pavilion this year. No we can't go out to eat at Crabby Mike's again this weekend. We went the Ripley's Aquarium when we did the Family Fun Run and we'll go back next year when we do the Family Fun Run. Luckily for us there are many, many wonderful alternatives to choose from in the Myrtle Beach when our annual trip to Dixie Stampede or Medieval Times has already been taken. We would like to share a few of those ideas with you.
You may come to Myrtle Beach, SC as a tourist, but you have the choice to leave with that laid back local feeling. I promise it is the best take home souvenir Myrtle Beach has to offer. The first most obvious place to lay back is on the beach. It's easy to pick up a boogey board and some sun screen almost anywhere and although Wal-Mart may have the best price Walgreen’s isn't much more and definitely more laid back. The kids enjoy the boogey board; you enjoy your book and just let that southern sun bake you. I promise after a day of that you will know what laid back feels like.
Do not leave Myrtle Beach without experiencing at least one local meal. We have our share of chains and popular restaurants, but we also have unique Myrtle Beach restaurants where you can get everything from collard greens to steaks and oysters: Victoria’s on Oak Street, Surfside Ginnies on Glenn's Bay Rd and for steamed oysters, Sundowners Saloon, Tuesday nights on Surfside Drive.
For a taste of Myrtle Beach Nightlife, check out the local music at Bummz on the Beach, 2002 North Ocean Blvd, or Beach Wagon 906 S. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.
One of the local parents’ favorite attractions for kids is Maze Mania in Garden City. This place is incredible. They have literally built a maze that is about nine feet tall and half the width of a city block. They have a lot of the walls set up like gates so the maze can be changed daily and no one can memorize it. Sometimes, the kids never do get out and have to be rescued by the owner. He holds the keys. It takes the kids hours to get tired of it and parents can watch them run around like little mice from the upstairs patio. If you are a concerned parent, like I was, and need to go on in and check this thing out for yourself, please learn from my experience. It will not make you feel laid back. Let the kids enjoy their chaos for a change, while you have the freedom to just lay back and watch.
After a day on the beach and a big dinner, take a break from worrying about what the kids are doing, because they are safely lost in the maze. Then, it's pretty easy to say yes to a round of putt putt and a couple of ice cream cones and besides “it’s just up the street” in both directions.
Visit Myrtle Beach and return home with that laid back feeling.
Return to Vacation & Travel Articles
Discount Sea World tickets can be purchased from select companies. There are a few local Orlando companies that have been in business for several years and offer exclusive deals. |
