Carolina Palm Vacation Rentals

North Myrtle Beach Vacation Rentals Beach Houses & Condos

Amanda Tedesco

Birdie your next Myrtle Beach vacation

Myrtle Beach is one of the top vacation destinations in world.  Vacationers come from all over to enjoy the blue water and sandy beaches.  But on the other side of that beautiful sea of blue is a sea of green.  Yes, my friends, golf provides year-round enjoyment here at the beach.  Myrtle Beach, often touted as the Golf Capital of the World, boasts over 150 golf courses, many of which were created by some of the most respected designers in the industry.    

Courses are located throughout the area and also right in town amongst the restaurants and stores, and many enjoy stunning lake, waterway, and marsh views.  If convenience is important to you, be sure to and see which courses are located near your vacation rental.  You’ll be amazed that often there are multiple options minutes from your door.   This will come in handy for those times when you have early dinner plans but want to squeeze in 9 or 18 holes.

There is an incredible variety of courses no matter your taste or skill level.  From the scrubby desert-like Dye Course and award-winning waterfront Grande Dunes to the one-of-a-kind International World Tour and classic favorites, there is truly something to excite every golfer.   It is a great idea to decide on what type of golf courses interest you most and plan your outings accordingly.  Whether it be the most unique courses, most acclaimed, most budget-friendly, or most centrally located, discussing this with your group before your vacation may make for an easier trip.


Another way to make the most out of your Myrtle Beach golf experience is to take advantage of the package deals and booking apps currently available.  There are one-time purchase membership passes such as the Myrtle Beach Golf Passport and Friends of the Glens that give you discounts to a group of golf courses.  Additionally, new mobile apps make finding discounts and booking tee times easier than ever before.  While on the road or at the airport, download a few and see what offers are running during your stay.

Whatever your choice or however long your vacation in Myrtle Beach, reading the landscape and doing some research before your trip can help you drive the green and save time and money.

Why there is only one Myrtle Beach

Most travelers will agree that there is something about Myrtle Beach that makes you come back again and again.  Indeed, there is no other town in the U.S. named Myrtle Beach, and fittingly so, because Myrtle Beach is unlike any other.

Golf. Beach. Beauty. Food. Shopping. Entertainment.  What more can you ask for?  Myrtle Beach is the town where you can have months on end without having the same experience twice. There are probably more restaurants than full time residents, countless shopping venues, and entertainment up and down the coast from live music and festivals to shopping galore.

The activities here are endless.  Because the Intracoastal Waterway and Alantic Ocean are in such close proximity to each other, travelers have the opportunity to enjoy everything from fresh water fishing to parasailing.  Want to sail into the sunset?  Rent a pontoon boat, charter a deep sea fishing boat, take a dolphin tour, or try your luck on the gambling boat.  There is truly something for everyone. 

Adrenaline junkies will rejoice at the sight of jet ski rentals zipping up and down the Intracoastal and the hydro ‘fly-boarders’ hovering 10 feet over the water.   Meanwhile, fishermen will be in heaven with the multiple piers, inlets, and shore fishing options available.

Landlubbers can enjoy world class golfing, concerts and shows, fantastic shopping, water parks, and more.  Looking for some excitement all in one place?  The iconic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk offers zip-lining, the famous SkyWheel, and the ‘slingshot’ ride for those feeling adventurous.  With dozens of restaurants, bars, and boutique shops buzzing, it is great fun year-round.

Myrtle Beach is home to some, a well-loved second home for many, and somehow has a place in just about everyone’s heart.  Indeed, it’s no wonder there is only one Myrtle Beach.

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.

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.

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.