James W. Smith Real Estate

Specializing in Real Estate in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Litchfield & Pawleys Island Area

Myrtle Beach Area Guide

Beautiful Myrtle Beach, nicknamed The Grand Strand, stretches for sixty miles along the South Carolina coast and includes many communities, each with its own unique flavor. Commonly called the hub of the Grand Strange, Myrtle Beach began as a getaway for lumber workers from nearby lumber camps. Myrtle Beach has grown from a small beach town into a top notch tourist destination since the latter 20th century, with a lot to offer both visitors and residents. Now, bustling with activity, it’s become a community that people come to visit and decide to stay!

History

Prior to the American Revolution, the area was mostly uninhabited and while records are scarce, some history has been pieced from land grants. Finally coming to life, in February of 1899, Burroughs and Collins received their charter, building the Conway & Seashore Railroad to transport timber from the coast to inland. Once the railroad was finished, workers for both the railroad and lumber companies would ride the flatcars to the beach area during their time off, becoming the areas first tourists! Although Burroughs died in 1897, he passed on his dream of turning the area into the next big thing, the Florida version of Coney Island. His sons completed the railroad’s expansion to the beach and opened the Seaside Inn in 1901.

Incorporated in 1957, a contest was held to name the town and Mr. Burroughs wife entered, suggesting it be named after the Southern Wax Myrtle and Myrtle Beach was official!

Ripley Aquarium Located in Broadway-at-the-Beach, Ripley’s features include restaurants, rides, shops and the 85,000 square foot Ripley’s Aquarium. To learn more visit: Ripley's Aquarium

Family Kingdom features more than 30 rides including a thrilling wooden roller coaster and South Carolina's largest ferris wheel with one-of-a-kind views of the ocean. For more information, visit: Family Kingdom

Sun Cruz Casino - The most exciting casino action in the Carolinas invites you to join them on an exciting 5-hour gaming cruise. To learn more, visit: Sun Cruz Casino

To learn more about Myrtle Beach’s attractions, visit Myrtle Beach Attractions

Huntington Beach State Park Sweeping beaches, are the order of the day here, pristine and wide with attractions that include fishing from a jetty or the surf as well as tours of the historic home of Archer Huntington make Huntington Beach State Park a must visit! For more information, visit: Huntington Beach State Park

For more information on parks and recreation in Myrtle Beach, visit: http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/

Events Calendar

Sun Fun Festival Live entertainment, food, fun, racing and so much more are slated for the Sun Fun Festival. To learn more, visit: Sun Fun Festival

Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival So many things to do, never enough time to do them! Come check out the Beach, Boogie and BBQ festival and have a blast! For more information, visit: Beach Boogie and BBQ

Grand Strand Fishing Rodeo Not just your average fishing contest, bring your pole and your skill and be eligible for great prizes! Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. To learn more, visit: Grand Stand Fishing Rodeo

For more on events in and around Myrtle Beach, visit: Myrtle Beach Events