2 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Your heart racing, feet dancing in anticipation as the adults rationed the ride tickets in the whirl of neon lights, the shrieking roller coaster, the smell of popcorn, and the sticky pavement kicked off your annual night at The Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park. You made the rounds of the thrill rides, tried to make sense of the German Baden Band Organ, and where it fit in this picture, for a split second, before you were off to the Pavilion itself for the fun mirrors, beach music, hard coat dipped ice cream, the buzz of the arcade, and out to the boardwalk to check out the scene. A trip through the Gay Dolphin was always in order to see the giant shark teeth and floors of cool stuff from everywhere.

Can you say sensory overkill? Much like the big picture of Myrtle Beach today, growing by millions of visitors a year, Myrtle Beach, in the past decade had to build a bypass for her bypass, to decongest her music venue, outlet mall and Broadway at the Beach traffic. It's enough to cause you to need a bypass or two. Now, all this entertainment, commerce, and general frenzy can be great fun, but here's an idea. Not an original idea, just the way my family vacationed, but I've got a hunch it will appeal to baby boomers: Step away from the fray; book a place at any of the surrounding beaches in the greater Myrtle Beach area. Surfside, Garden City, Litchfield, or, my favorite, Pawleys Island, are all a short drive South on Highway 17, all a little more like Myrtle Beach used to be. Except for Pawleys Island, that's several light years away, with no commercial business.

But guess what? The beaches aren't wall-to-wall people. Visit Murrell's Inlet, a quainter side of the Grand Strand offering deep sea fishing charters and, go figure, excellent low country seafood restaurants. Try Lee's Inlet Kitchen, for the food or Oliver's Lodge for the history and atmosphere.

Nearby, you can leisurely do Huntington Beach State Park with its Moorish castle on the beach, bird-sighting opportunities, and nature trails. For the ultimate cultural experience, set your sights on Brookgreen Gardens, founded by the Huntingtons across Highway 17. Shop at Pawleys Island Hammock shops, and dine there as well. And when you feel like getting wild, Myrtle Beach is still just minutes away.

Learn more about this author, Linda Catoe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about A baby boomer's guide to visiting Myrtle Beach?
We want to hear your view. Write now!