As Good as It Gets

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Myrtle Beach, SC -
Myrtle Beach is not just the beach anymore… even the shag palaces with their beach music and shag dancing are only a small part of this entertaining puzzle called Myrtle Beach. In fact, this now famous realm of the eastern coast is rapidly becoming the entertainment center of the East, already referred to by many as "the Branson of the South". Along with this new moniker comes the addition of several live musical theaters featuring variety shows, country music and dance. This wide variety of family entertainment regularly features a wide variety of celebrity artists and the Alabama Theatre, the Palace Theatre, House of Blues, Carolina Opry, Dixie Stampede, Legends in Concert, Fantasy Harbor and Broadway at the Beach all call Myrtle Beach…home.

There’s absolutely nothing like shopping for a home in Myrtle Beach and this area has long been thought of as an ideal destination for those seeking a second (vacation) home or a retirement home.

In addition to the many outstanding theaters, visitors also enjoy the many waterparks, miniature golf courses, amusement parks and attractions such as “Ghosts and Legends” or the reptile capital of the world, “Alligator Adventure.” The Grand Strand also boasts many fishing piers and charter fishing fleets for fishermen round the world and at night, doors open to superclubs like Kryptonite and numerous nightclubs, including under 21 dance clubs where you can dance and listen to both live and recorded music. The Shag remains South Carolina's state dance but it’s not the only dance in town; nevertheless, thousands of people visit Myrtle Beach each year to enjoy the SOS (Society of Stranders) reunion in the Spring and Fall… and just about everyone young and old alike appreciate the Beach Music made famous by the shag…or was the shag made famous by the music?

That’s a question to ponder when there isn’t so much shopping to do.You can literally shop till you drop with giant shopping malls like Myrtle Square Mall, Inlet Square Mall and Colonial Mall making shopping easier than ever before! Let’s not forget about the large outlet malls either- Tanger Outlet Center and the ever popular QVC Outlet Store. Plus, this is the only place you find those ultra-quaint shops shaded by live oaks in low country settings. There’s a wide variety of antique, craft and beachwear shops, plus the award winning Barefoot Landing where you can take a ride on a Riverboat along the Intracoastal. As if that weren’t enough, the exciting Broadway at the Beach not only features some serious shopping but high-caliber entertainment as well. Can you say, “Yes, I’ll take it?”

There’s absolutely nothing like shopping for a home in Myrtle Beach and this area has long been thought of as an ideal destination for those seeking a second (vacation) home or a retirement home. From luxury oceanfront villas and condominiums...beach cottages... and private-gated golf communities... to affordable family homes... and seasonal vacation rentals, Myrtle Beach turns out to be just the ticket because of its mild weather, recreational amenities, shopping and cultural activities not to mention the wide and colorful selection of homes and condominiums. Like just about everything else here, Myrtle Beach real estate has something for everyone.

If it’s just a room you want, there’s no need to worry with nearly 60,000 units available… once again there’s something for everyone and something every budget. If you’re looking for luxury, there are a number of extravagant resorts with a wide variety of amenities. Or perhaps you’re looking to step right out of your room and onto the South Carolina beach… naturally, there are literally thousands of Oceanfront condominiums, beach houses or hotels/motels with beachfront access. And don’t be surprised when that much desired beachfront access is also available for the budget minded visitor, too. You’ll even find all kinds of flexible golf packages with an on-site “golf director” to assist with the planning of your golfing vacation at the beach.

Myrtle Beach golf got its start at the Pine Lakes International Country Club in 1927. The sport has grown at a mind-boggling rate and today, nearly 100 golf courses see both amateurs and professionals teeing off every day… and believe it or not, there are more on the way! The natural beauty and sandy soil of Myrtle Beach has allowed for the creation of technically challenging golf courses, while protecting the natural habitat and wildlife indigenous to the area. Still, every consideration is given to the game of golf and the great masters of golf course design… Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio and many others have left a permanent mark on the Myrtle Beach area, now widely known as the World’s Golf destination?

Though many visitors to Myrtle Beach are into Golf, Beach Volleyball or many other outdoor sports, most everyone likes to eat… morning, noon and nighttime, too! Even the most discriminating palates will find something that “hits the spot!” Whether it’s the staggering variety of fast food… fine restaurants serving the trendy cuisine of the day... or the "Low Country" specialties consumed in numerous seafood restaurants.... Myrtle Beach restaurants will definitely please the heartiest appetites time and time again. In fact, the Myrtle Beach area boasts over 1800 restaurants and you don’t have to go far for that famous, “fresh Calabash Seafood.”

What’s a Calabash, you say? Well, literally it’s a great time had by everyone and well worth the short drive from Myrtle Beach. Calabash is a quaint waterfront town located on the Calabash River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Oak tree lined avenues make up most of Calabash but the town is crazy for seafood…and it’s always been that way. The comings and goings of all the different boats along the Riverfront enjoy a rhythm that makes Calabash… Calabash! The fleet of fishermen and shrimpers going out to sea each day with the rising sun has been seen in Calabash for as long as anyone can remember… and for decades, fresh seafood has been an integral part of life in this waterfront town.

But the legend of the “Calabash” actually began during the 1930’s when boats filled with the day’s catch would arrive on shore late in the afternoon. Fishing crews would then gather under the trees to cook their fish in large pots. The aromatic smell eventually prompted residents to arrive uninvited, seeking “leftovers” to eat on the spot! Day after day, fishermen were met by hungry residents who not only wanted to see the day’s catch… but to buy whatever was “on sale!”

Well, Go Fish! It wasn’t long before an enterprising businessman began serving up tubs of deep fried seafood… dipped in a light, seasoned batter, cooked until golden brown and served up piping hot! Quite simply, that was the birth of “Calabash style” seafood…now served in restaurants all along the eastern coast. OK, if you’re hungry now… make a beeline for the Grand Strand and enjoy Myrtle Beach and all it has to offer, including the best calabash seafood on the planet!