|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Myrtle Beach, SC |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Myrtle Beach is the largest, most developed and most popular of the Grand Strand's renowned string of beaches and communities. In addition to tourist-oriented lures like amusement parks, miniature golf, water parks and theaters, cultural opportunities, like the Long Bay Symphony and a number of theater group, abound. There are art galleries, many shopping facilities and golf courses to delight the vacationer. In 1900, railroad access was completed and Myrtle Beach became more easily accessible. In those days, folks called the area "New Town," but late in 1900, the name was officially changed to "Myrtle Beach," a name chosen for the area's prolific myrtle bushes. In 1901, Seaside Inn, the area's first motel, was constructed. People began building summer cottages and enjoyed the area as an idyllic warm weather hideaway. In 1910, lots sold for the amazing sum of $25! And, anyone who promised to build a $500 house received a second lot free! In 1925, Myrtle Beach took a giant leap when John T. Woodside devised a plan to turn the sleepy resort into a world-class playground for the privileged. Woodside purchased a vast tract of land and set to work building the magnificent Ocean Forest Hotel (demolished in 1974). Unfortunately the stock market crash of 1929 ushered in the Great Depression and curbed the area's rapid-fire growth. By 1954, Myrtle Beach had grown into a modest resort. Then Hurricane Hazel ripped ashore. Ironically the devastating storm served as something of an urban renewal project; when people began to rebuild ravaged properties, they built back bigger, stronger and more lavishly than before. Myrtle Beach is unofficially divided into four areas. The "north end" begins in an area affectionately known as "Restaurant Row." Here, south of Barefoot Landing and north of the place where Highway 17 Business and 17 Bypass intersect, a line of fine restaurants stretches along either side of Highway 17. The "south end" begins around Third Avenue North and runs to the big oceanfront campgrounds found south of Myrtle Beach State Park. The mid-portion of town features well-known entertainment, restaurants, shopping, activities and businesses, from The Myrtle Beach Pavilion on Ocean Boulevard to Broadway at the Beach on Highway 17 Bypass. Beginning around 32nd Avenue North, there is an exclusive residential district where permanent and summer residents share their enjoyment of beautiful, expensive homes. From 52nd Avenue northward, luxury motels and condominiums dominate the landscape. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Brian MacTavish (my West Highland White terrier) and I spent Thanksgiving at Myrtle Beach on our way back from Florida in November of 2001. We stayed at Ocean Lakes Campground (they were full for the Thanksgiving weekend itself). It was great being able to take an early morning walk along the beach. There are no physical barriers -- I spoke with one gentleman who had just completed a 16-mile run along the oceanside. All of the land on which campgrounds having beach front access is leased from the City of Myrtle Beach. Biking along Ocean Boulevard, beach access is available at regular intervals. The KOA Campground at Myrtle Beach is the only privately owned campground - it is not located on the ocean front. Myrtle Beach websites:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
