Myrtle Beach continues to rank as one of the fastest-growing family and vacation destinations in the US attracting roughly 19 million visitors annually. Stretching from Little River to Pawleys Island and comprising 14 distinct cities along the South Carolina coast, the area popularly known as the Grand Strand is comprised of 100 km. of wide, sandy beaches, an assortment of entertainment and family attractions, Southern hospitality and world-class golf (not to mention mini-golf!).

And with the destination set to embark on the 58th version of its Canadian-America Days festival from March 9 to 17, and thousands of Ontarians packing up the mini-van for the annual March break pilgrimage south, there’s no better time to see what’s new and noteworthy in the popular hotspot.

ACTIVITIES & ATTRACTIONS

• THEBlvd Complex: The new 14,400-sq.-m. complex along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk at 14th Avenue North brings several new restaurants, retail stores and Tin Roof, a Nashville-based live music venue.
• EdVenture Children’s Museum: EdVenture, previously known as the South Carolina Children’s Museum is relocating this month to The Market Common district in Myrtle Beach where it will continue its mission to inspire children and the adults who care for them with the joy of learning.
• Grand Strand Arts Trail: A new Grand Strand Arts Trail has been formed by a local group of artists. The trail showcases 18 fine art galleries and three “artsy” restaurants in the region with an easy to follow map. A printed map of the trail can be picked up at the airport or at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, while a digital copy can be found at https://TheArtsGrandStrand.org
• Jump Jam Jungle Floats of the Grand Strand: Located at the Crazy Sister Marina in Murrell’s Inlet, this “floating water park” opened in summer 2018 and offers two trampolines, a rope swing, curvy water slide, six-foot platform leap, and 4.25-m. high dive. This family-friendly attraction is open for extreme sport play-by-the-hour or for private parties.
• Medieval Times: For the first time in its over 34-year tradition of casting a king as the show’s lead role, Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament Myrtle Beach has made changes to the show that include making the queen in charge and sole ruler of the land.
• Myrtle Beach Mall: The Myrtle Beach Mall will get a makeover with the proposed opening of $15 million in new retail and restaurant space. Named “The District,“ current plans include multiple waterfront restaurants and a boardwalk with a lighthouse and gazebo along the Intracoastal Waterway. Renderings also include a promenade and garden in the middle. A construction date has not yet been set.
• Ripley’s Aquarium: Plans are currently in the works for an addition to Ripley’s Aquarium that would bring a permanent penguin exhibit to the space.
• Topgolf: A new Topgolf will soon open in Myrtle Beach on 29th Ave. Featuring point-scoring golf games, food, drinks, big-screen TVs and live music for golfers and non-golfers alike, Topgolf also centres around 102 climate-controlled hitting bays that can accommodate up to six players at a time.

CULINARY

• Barefoot Landing: A new restaurant district has opened in the Barefoot Landing shopping and entertainment complex in North Myrtle Beach. Called Dockside Village, the district features waterfront dining along the Intracoastal Waterway as well as new outdoor attractions and live music. It is anchored by Lulu’s restaurant, owned by musician Jimmy Buffet’s sister, Lucy.
• Food Tours: Carolina Food Tours plans to open new food tour locations in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Conway this year. The guided food tours last close to three hours and include three to four restaurant stops along with historical background of the area. Tours are currently offered in Murrells Inlet, Georgetown and Pawley’s Island. Prices range from $70 to $100 p.p.
• Ms. Margaret’s Soul Food: Located in historic Conway, Ms. Margaret’s Soul Food Restaurant and catering recently opened serving up traditional southern and Gullah dishes native to the African-American history of the region. The restaurant offers daily lunch and dinner specials serving regional favourites like chicken bog and staples like fried chicken and flounder.
• P. Reynolds by the Ocean: A new music themed restaurant has opened at the former The Library restaurant location in downtown Myrtle Beach. P. Reynolds by the Ocean features live jazz music and Cajun French style cuisine.
• Tidal Creek Brewhouse: A new brewery is planned to open in the Market Common district of Myrtle Beach this Spring. Myrtle Beach currently has three brew pubs and one production brewery.

EVENTS

• Carolina Country Music Festival: The Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) will return for its fifth year to Myrtle Beach from June 6 to 9. The music group Alabama will headline this year’s festival as Myrtle Beach, joined by Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Brothers Osbourne, Midland and others.

LODGING

• Caravelle Resort: An extensive renovation of The Caravelle Resort has been completed. The massive project revamped hundreds of guest rooms to include new contemporary furniture, bedding, kitchens, and bathrooms, and as well as the Santa Maria Restaurant.
• Ocean Enclave by Hilton: A new hotel with 330 luxury oceanfront units reaching 27 stories high is now under construction with a projected completion date this summer. Located at 1600 North Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach, the Ocean Enclave by Hilton Grand Vacations Club will feature one- to three-bedroom suites and include full kitchens, private balconies and spacious living and dining areas.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Myrtle Beach Oceanfront: A new Residence Inn Marriott on 26th Avenue South Ocean Boulevard is set to open in March. The 17-storey structure will be comprised of spacious studio, one and two-bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas along with a fully equipped kitchen. Complimentary grocery delivery service will be an amenity of the property as well as a free hot breakfast and evening social hours. The hotel will also be pet-friendly.
• South Bay Inn & Suites: A new oceanfront resort property, South Bay Inn & Suites recently opened in Myrtle Beach on 6th Avenue North Ocean Blvd. along the boardwalk. The 242-room family-friendly resort also has an onsite waterpark featuring two slides, a lazy river, a small kids water play area, a larger pool and two separate hot tubs.
• Waikiki Village: The historic Waikiki Village Retro Hotel in central Myrtle Beach has a new look. This Mid-Century Modern building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was renovated to highlight its original “retro” splendor and retain its mid-century charm.