Myrtle Beach or the "Grand Strand" as it is commonly called, became a town in 1938 and a city in 1957, and is deemed to be the second fastest growing metropolitan area in projected annual population and employment growth through 2005. This area stretches for 60 miles along the South Carolina coast and encompasses many communities-each with its own identity and unique qualities.

Myrtle Beach is the largest most developed community of the "Grand Strand" and the center of activity. Over the last 50 years it has exploded into one of the country's premier vacation spots. Every activity imaginable is available. There's golf, miniature golf, water parks, amusement parks, variety shows, more golf and miniature golf, museums, museums, gardens, fishing, shopping, and of course the beach.

While it only has a permanent population of 23,000 it draws millions of tourists each year. Accommodations of every variety exist, from small privately owned hotels, medium size motels, high-rise motels, condos, Bed & Breakfasts, resorts, and camping.

There are over 1700 restaurants ranging from Oriental cuisine to Italian fare to classic American and, of course, fresh seafood! Click on here to see just a few.

In addition you'll want to take advantage of the area's lovely state parks or tranquil marinas. As far as theater is concerned, you can choose from a number of entertainment venues with live shows and concerts, including the Alabama Theater, Legends in Concert, and the House of Blues. There's also Dixie Stampede, the Carolina Opry, the Palace Theater, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. If your favorite pass-time is shopping, there's a collection of malls, retail outlet stores, and specialty shops along the Grand Strand.

Click the links below for more information about Myrtle Beach:

Horry County is the largest county in the state in land area (1,143 sq. miles), and became a full political subdivision of the state in 1785 when the Georgetown district was subdivided into four counties. The county was first called Kingston District. Later, the name was changed to Horry County in honor of Brig. General Peter Horry, a Revolutionary War hero. Here are a few facts about the region:

Kings Highway (one of the main thoroughfares in the area) began as an Indian trail long before Europeans settled along the Grand Strand. Later, this trail became the route from the northern states to Charleston and Savannah.

The area's first inhabitants were the Waccamaw and Winyah Indians who named the region Chicora, meaning "the land". Until the 1900's, the beaches of Horry County were virtually uninhabited due to the country's geographical inaccessibility and sparse economy.

Near the turn of the century, the Burroughs & Collins Company, a timber- turpentine firm with extensive beach front holdings, began developing the resort potential of the Strand. In 1901, the company built the beach's first hotel, the Seaside Inn. At that time, oceanfront lots sold for $25 and buyers received an extra lot free if they built a house valued at $500 or more. The beach community was called New Town until the Horry Herald newspaper held a contest to officially name the area. Mrs. F.E. Burroughs, wife of the founder of Burroughs & Collins Company, won the competition with Myrtle Beach, a name she chose for the many wax myrtle trees growing wild along the shore.

In the 1920's, a group of businessmen began building an upscale resort called Arcady at the north end of the community. Arcady features the present Pine Lakes International Country Club, the Strand's first golf club and birthplace of the magazine Sports Illustrated, as well as the legendary Ocean Forest Hotel.

Several major developments took place along the Strand during the 1930's and 1940's. In 1936, the Intercoastal Waterway was opened to pleasure boats and commercial shipping. During the 1940's, an Air Force base was established and used for training and coastal patrols during World War II. The base was officially closed in 1993. Myrtle Beach's Pavilion was built in 1949, followed closely by the installation of an organ and the carousel at that site. These unique pieces brought to the Grand Strand in 1954 are still in place.

Myrtle Beach was incorporated in 1938, and became a city in 1957. Hurricane Hazel demolished buildings and trees along the Strand in 1954, ironically clearing the way for new, larger hotels and homes. The golf boom began during the rebuilding phase of the 1960's and has continued with new courses being built each year.

The Myrtle Beach Convention Center, which houses the South Carolina Hall of Fame, was opened in 1970. Throughout the 70's, new construction topped $75 million and the permanent population tripled. In the 1970's and 80's construction of attractions, homes, retail shops, and other amenities increased steadily, introducing another boom in the early 90's that currently attracts millions of visitors and thousands of new residents to the area each year.

Sources: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, S.C. Dept. of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics., Horry County Solid Waste Authority, The Sun News.

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LITTLE RIVER

Although not on the Grand Strand proper, the town of Little River is generally regarded as the northern limit of the area, just as Georgetown marks the southern end.

Little River is a quiet community, known for great fishing and great seafood. Away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach, Little River offers both relaxation and natural beauty. One event that can't be missed is the annual blue crab festival. It is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

Little River is still conveniently close to all the area's attractions, so the Grand Strand's entire splendor is within a few moments drive. Unique to Little River are the casino gambling boats that leave twice daily. And for
the water lovers, there are jet ski rentals and dock space at Little River's
two marinas.

Casino gambling boats are docked in Little River and leave for excursions twice daily. Jet ski rentals are available at the waterfront and for those who like to fish, boat rentals and dock space are available at Coquina Harbor and Crickett Cove marinas.

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH

Formed in 1968 from the merging of several beach communities between Cherry Grove and Windy Hill, North Myrtle Beach is considered to be more peaceful
than areas further to the south.

The oceanfront is lined with cottages and condos rather than high-rise hotels. Along 17 is the standard collection of restaurants, miniature golf, beachwear and fireworks shops that characterize the highway from North Myrtle Beach 30 miles south to Garden City.
Although about 15 miles separate North Myrtle Beach from Myrtle Beach, you would never know from the street names. They're nearly the same. You could easily end up at the right address, 20 miles away. NOTE: when you're talking location, make certain you have the right city.

Development has been taking place constantly for quite some time now in all
areas of the community. Visitors won't be disappointed with all that this
beautiful city has to offer.

From feeding the alligators at Barefoot Landing to dining at one of the hundreds of restaurants, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied on vacation.

The whole family will enjoy Alligator Adventure, an alligator park and reptile research facility at Barefoot Landing, which also features frogs, snakes, birds, tortoises, and lizards,

SURFSIDE BEACH

Just as in Myrtle Beach, Surfside's portion of US 17 is lined with restaurants, shops and miniature golf. Along the beach are beach houses, condos, and hotels, giving the town a feeling of Myrtle Beach life. Surfside Beach is known as the family beach, still fun but away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach proper.

GARDEN CITY

The major portion of Garden City is a spit of beach houses, or maybe it's sand, separating the waters of Murrells Inlet from the ocean. The northern portion of the community also has plenty of vacation houses, but the beachfront is dominated by large high-rise condos.

The area is predictably a family vacation mecca; featuring proximity to the beach, the activities of Myrtle Beach, and the food of Murrells Inlet. The views across the tidal marshes are excellent.

MURRELLS INLET

Murrells Inlet is home to a residential population, fishing boats, and seafood restaurants. Sometimes it seems that the three groups are about equal in numbers. Anyone visiting The Grand Strand, with any interest in food, especially seafood, should spend an evening here. Do a little exploring and you'll find some great views of the salt marshes inside the inlet.

PAWLEYS ISLAND

Pawleys Island claims to be the oldest resort area in America. Whether or not that's true, early vacationers were distinguished. South Carolina Low country was home to the most affluent planters on the continent. They didn't grow tobacco, or even cotton. Rice and indigo (used for a blue dye) were the crops of choice. To escape the heat and malaria of their mainland plantations, the rice royalty moved their families to cottages on Pawleys Island for the summer.

Remarkably, some of the cottages are still in use. Nine of them comprise the Pawleys Island "Historic District". The rest of the narrow island barely keeps some 600 houses (no stores) out of the water. They're used, just as in the planters' days, mostly by summer dwellers.

LITCHFIELD BEACH

Litchfield Beach is an upscale community that sprang from the mind of a real estate developer. The one-time collection of plantations is now a resort, designed to appeal to well-heeled vacationers and retirees through a blend of history, golf, beaches, and the hint of exclusivity to which the southern Strand aspires. The resort offers a variety of vacation options, from high-rise condo to family beach house, plus all the amenities you would expect. There are some nice shops and restaurants along Route 17.

The above photos of the communities Myrtle Beach are by Virgil Graham

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