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Shag: the Southern swing dance

Shag: the Southern swing dance

Venture out to Main Street during S.O.S. Spring Safari or S.O.S. Fall Migration, and you will certainly find a happy crowd dancing the night away.  The dance though, is not two-step or swing, but instead it is the state dance of South Carolina, the Shag.  Born from the roots of the jitterbug and lindy-hop, the shag originated along the southeastern coast.  

Danced to oldies, the style of music is commonly referred to as beach music.  It gained this name because in the civil rights era, the music of colored singing groups was banned on the radio.  The only place it could be heard was at the beach clubs along the southeast coast, and thus the name beach music was born.  

While the dance gained traction and thrived in the 80’s, it has persisted with an eclectic mix of old school talent and fresh blood flooding the dance scene.  The energy and skill level are unmatched; indeed, they spin, hop, and drop to lightning-fast records and silky smooth soul tunes with grace and ease.   The National Shag Dance Championship is held annually in North Myrtle Beach in March, while numerous smaller contest and weekend events dot the calendar year-round.   

So, on your next Myrtle Beach vacation, see if one of these popular events happening, and head to Main Street and immerse yourself in the swing dance of the south, the shag.

If you want to try your hand at this popular dance, we have your group covered. Fat Harold’s Beach Club, located on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach, hosts free shag lessons every Tuesday night at 6:00. When the class is over, grab a bite to eat or check out the cute boutiques and arcade on this popular street.

Outside is in: Part 2

This Season’s Hottest Dinner Restaurants for Alfresco Dining

GREG NORMAN’S

Dinner date, family reunion?  This first-class restaurant is among the best restaurants in town with an atmosphere that can’t be beat.  Arrive early enjoy a glass of their famous cabernet-merlot blend at the sleek and chic inside bar before making your way outside for dinner on the waterfront.  Every table features a great view the sun setting over the marina.  With tiki torches and live music in the background, you will be thanking yourself time and time again for making this hotspot your dinner choice.

JOE’S BAR & GRILL

A must for every Myrtle Beach vacation.  Located in the heart of town, right on the ocean inlet, Joe’s offers diners the opportunity to enjoy their meal inside or alfresco on the outdoor deck.  Nicknamed “Raccoon Cove” for the resident raccoons playing about, you can enjoy the wood fireplace in winter or cool breeze in summer.  With food that can’t be beat, uh-hem crab cakes and steak au poivre, your biggest worry will be deciding which is better, the food or the atmosphere.

SOHO

This trendy see-and-be-seen spot on 21st Avenue North in Myrtle Beach has a new rooftop deck and lounge.  Channeling a metropolitan vibe, Soho offers excellent sushi with choices of nearly 100 different rolls. They also have many popular Asian dishes, including hibachi style entrees.  A great spot for a late dinner, the restaurant morphs into a lounge as the night goes on.  The rooftop is perfect for those wishing to dine alfresco, especially since Soho is located right in town. As a bonus, check out their new additional location, Soho North, on Restaurant Row. This spot is located on the waterway, where you can dine inside or opt for a meal on the more casual back deck, which features a huge outdoor bar with happy hour specials as well as high-top tables.

Outside is in: Part 1

Top  Casual Outdoor Dining Picks for Your Next Myrtle Beach Vacation

NACHO HIPPO MEXICAN CANTINA

Right off Highway 17 near Barefoot Landing, this centrally located hotspot offers a festive vibe and island style atmosphere.  With the best nachos in town and house specialty signature cocktails, Nacho Hippo is a great choice for both lunch and dinner.  With a fun twist on a classic cuisine, you can enjoy eclectic dishes sure to delight the senses.   And if that’s not enough, the bartender “Beach Kenny” will surely keep a smile on your face. Visit Nacho Hippo and you’ll be saying gracias before you know it!


SECOND AVENUE PIER

Located in the center of the famous Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, this conveniently located restaurant is new and here to impress.  The south-beach style seating is perfect for lounging or enjoying light fare with friends.  With house specials such as fried green tomatoes and ice-cold cocktails, you’ll love floating over the beach and watching the waves roll in.
 

BAREFOOT MARINA BAR & GRILL

Just across the bridge from Barefoot Landing is the up-and-coming Barefoot Marina Bar & Grill. This local favorite restaurant offers affordable eats and the best fried shrimp in town, coupled with a front row seat to the Intracoastal Waterway and Barefoot Marina. With plenty of outdoor seating in the front and back of the restaurant, patrons are spoiled by the extensive happy hour menu, excellent burgers, seafood and more on offer. This restaurant hosts live music in season, with bands playing on the outside deck weather permitting as well as inside on many occasions. Stay for sunset and watch the restaurants at Barefoot Landing light up, the Barefoot Princess boat dock, and even fireworks at Barefoot on Monday nights at 10:00 in summertime.


RIVER CITY CAFE

With one location on the waterway in Barefoot Landing and one poolside and oceanfront at Sands Ocean Club in Myrtle Beach, you’ll have your choice of watching the boats go by or the waves roll in. With a wide array of choices, everyone can have their favorite at this Myrtle Beach staple.  

BOARDWALK BILLY’S

Craving crab legs?  This new hotspot has fast become a local’s favorite and offers a great variety of casual fare including delicious crab legs, seafood, wings, sandwiches, and sushi.  With indoor and outdoor seating, Boardwalk Billy’s has a laid-back, welcoming vibe.  Add in a great bar, friendly staff, and a happening happy hour, Boardwalk Billy’s delivers on all fronts.   Even better, it is nestled down on the waterway right on a marina in North Myrtle Beach, with guests enjoying beautiful sunsets and excellent views.

Sweet beach tips for the perfect girls getaway

Everyone looks forward to that sweet escape to the shores of Myrtle Beach, and when hardworking women need a break, a girl’s getaway weekend is certainly in order.  Here is a great weekend itinerary sure to leave you rejuvenated, relaxed, reconnected.


DAY 1: 

After you arrive and get settled, anyone up for a pre-dinner drink or appetizer can check out popular Taco Mundo, a popular sundowner spot located across from Barefoot marina on the Intracoastal Waterway in Barefoot Landing of North Myrtle Beach. Locals and visitors alike come to this sprawling venue for its open-air relaxed vibes, funky decor, and lively atmosphere. Watch the yachts as you catch up with friends over happy hour at this unique restaurant and bar.

When the sun sets, round up the girls and head to Midtown Bistro for some of the best Italian in town.  This casual upscale restaurant features a live piano player, local artwork, and delicious appetizers and entrees.  The owner goes spearfishing off the coast and brings his catch to the table, so the nightly specials here are quite the treat.

Continue the evening on nearby Main Street, which boasts a cluster of beach clubs and bars, many with live music and always with a good crowd. The popular Duck’s Night Life features full bands over the weekend, and Sky Bar across the street has more of a club atmosphere. There are many additional bars, ice cream parlors, and more within this block, so you can try different spots and enjoy dessert with ease.


DAY 2: 

In the morning, hit the beach for some sun and sand or schedule a massage at the indulgent Cinzia Spa near Barefoot Landing.  Once thoroughly relaxed and revived, head to Tanger Outlets on Highway 17 for some of the best shopping in town.  They have a great selection of stores and is conveniently located right where North Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach come together.

With the retail therapy complete, salsa down the street to Nacho Hippo Cantina Maximo for lunch.  With a funky vibe, festive atmosphere, and the best nachos in town, it’s a great place to kick back and have a laugh.   Throw in bartender Beach Kenny serving up their signature “hip” margarita and “Big Apple” Mojito cocktails, and it will surely be a fun afternoon.   

For the evening, dinner outside overlooking the marsh inlet at Joe’s Bar & Grill is a must.  With one of the best menus in town, and ringside seats for sunset over the inlet, the restaurant is a treat for all the senses. Those in the know will arrive early to enjoy a pre-dinner drink on the open-air back deck. In the winter, the deck has heaters and a fireplace for ultimate enjoyment.
 

DAY 3: 

Catch some last rays of sun, check out, and enjoy a quick farewell breakfast at Eggs Up Grille or a light lunch of the famous salad at California Dreaming before heading home.

The new Myrtle Beach – endless entertainment

Myrtle Beach is quite the hot spot these days, and the town’s enjoying an entirely new wave of exciting attractions and entertainment options.  While the days of Jimmy Buffett showing up at Margaritville were certainly memorable, the town has taken its entertainment to the next level.   Locals and tourists alike are welcoming the town’s music revival with open arms.

While the well-established House of Blues continues to bring great artists to the area, there are a now many new ways to enjoy music throughout town.  Beginning over the last few summers, summer series are gaining great traction, much to the town’s excitement. They are adding a fresh new layer to the music scene.  Music on Main is held every Thursday evening in season on Main Street, where the heartbeat of North Myrtle Beach is transformed into a concert venue.  Sponsored by the parks and recreation department, vendors and restaurants offer their goods, with bands playing at the end of the street with the beautiful Atlantic in the backdrop.

Perhaps the most famous addition to the music scene is the Carolina Country Music Festival, which attracted some of the most famous names in country to the shores of Myrtle Beach, including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Florida Georgia Line.  Sold out well in advance, the concert attracted over 80,000 during the four-day event held down at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.  

Many of the restaurants in town now have live music nightly and on weekends, and schedules for live music in the area can be found online at www.MyrtleLive.com. What started as a handful of restaurants has now blossomed to close to 100 offering everything from individual artists to full bands. Live music is available year-round at many restaurants, while some offer larger acts and more showings in season.

La Belle Amie vineyard, Myrtle’s local winery, hosts Saturday concerts and bonfires throughout the seasons as well.  There they have wine tastings and a variety of live music ranging from Blues & Jazz to Country.  

In nearby Little River, the famous Blue Crab festival and Shrimp Festival, among others take place, with performances throughout the weekend. Located right on the waterway just north of North Myrtle Beach, visitors can stroll through the food stands and art vendors while listening to great bands.

If you are looking for fun for the whole family, venture over to the Sounds of Summer concert series at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports complex, which hosts bands playing family-friendly music once per month in summertime. Bring chairs or a beach blanket, and leave the coolers at home – food and drinks are available for purchase once inside.

Finally, special events such as Monday after the Masters with Hootie and the Blowfish bring together music and charity and are often the locals’ favorite events of the year.

With the exciting growth Myrtle Beach is experiencing, it is no surprise the music scene is evolving in step.  We will cherish our days of Jimmy Buffett, enjoy our Hootie, and keep an eye on the horizon for what’s next to come.