The only creatures observed swimming off the coast of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in March, I’ve heard it said, are fish and Canadians. For decades the simple solution to winter for denizens of the North has been to drive south.
For those in a hurry Porter Airlines now makes regular seasonal flights direct from Billy Bishop Airport, Toronto, to which I can comfortably attest. It’s flying the way it used to be: comfortable seats, pleasant staff, decent wine and quality foods. Westjet Airlines also has direct flights from Toronto Pearson Airport although I haven’t yet experienced their services for this route. At the receiving end, Myrtle Beach Airport is developing an upscale shopping and dining complex.
M. B. has long been a destination for those seeking an early thaw. Canadian-American Days are living proof with the CanAm Festival (as it’s now called) turning 52 this year, from March 9 – 17. It’s an event that draws upwards of 100,000 visitors from Canada and the northern states.
But wait, there’s more — this month, on March 12, 2013, the City of Myrtle Beach (as distinct from the region) celebrates its 75th anniversary. A website list of 75 “Secrets” of the Grand Strand, as the Myrtle Beach area is called, has direct links to those secrets (www.visitmyrtlebeach.com/75secrets).
The Atlantic may still be a tad cool but the air is blissfully warm at this time of year. Unpretentious, glorious spring beach life is what it’s all about, although that’s changing somewhat with an upgraded waterfront area and more than 100 championship golf courses catering to those with the green to play the greens.
Someone has calculated that there are more than 3.4 million rounds of golf played annually in the Myrtle Beach area. That’s a lot of therapy. But aside from the frenetic golf crowd Myrtle is still pretty laid back.
This is not to say that with 14 million annual visitors tourism isn’t serious business. Most tourists come from bordering states to share the 97 kilometers / 60 miles of beaches and adjoining mom and pop businesses catering to family holidays and young singles.
There are several new attractions to occupy vacationers. Broadway on the Beach is an entertainment area that’s not actually on the beach, but offers a variety of activities from Ripley’s $40 million aquarium – most visited attraction in South Carolina and slated for expansion — to a 3-D theater, from eateries to ziplining. For shopaholics, a Tanger Outlet mall sits just outside of town, where we couldn’t resist a pair of suitcases on sale at a ridiculously low price.
For a cultural uplift, a short drive south along the main drag brings visitors to Brookgreen Gardens, an oasis of serenity and beauty. The Sculpture Gardens alone are worth half a day, but there’s a zoo and butterfly collection too. In springtime Rhodadenrums, Azaleas, Camelias and Dogwood sprout everywhere with gorgeous blooms.
Further south are uncrowded Myrtle Beach and Huntington Beach State Parks. Huntington boasts a lagoon, maritime forest, salt marshes and three miles of the best preserved beach on the Grand Strand. The park is prime habitat for wildlife such as alligators and more than 300 recorded species of birds. It’s also home to Atalaya, the former winter home of prominent American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, whose works are displayed at Brookgreen Gardens.
Spring is the time for golf packages, which might just be more numerous than lost balls. There’s free golfing for children, golf schools and family tournaments. We stayed at the lux Marina Inn, home to two golf courses. Although time didn’t allow for even a quick 9 holes of play (!!), I was determined to get a golf shot for this article.
I tried, but circumstances were against me; after a wasted morning I had to satisfy myself with one shot of the grooming of a green at Grande Dunes. They don’t really golf in South Carolina, do they?
PHOTOS
For maximum size click once on any large photo, then click on white side arrows (> or <) within the frame to advance or go back.
Story and photos copyright © Gary Crallé 2013. No commercial reproduction without written consent.
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB www.visitmyrtlebeach.com
Porter Airlines www.flyporter.com
Marina Inn at Grande Dunes http://www.marinainnatgrandedunes.com/
