New Lights, Fresh Bites & Expanded Flights in Myrtle Beach

Recently named the fifth Best Small City in America by resonance and recognized as one of the nation’s most desirable places to live and visit, Myrtle Beach continues its renaissance with a wave of investments creating exciting new places to gather, explore and dine.

"From colorful new lighting along Ocean Boulevard to exciting restaurants and expanded travel options, the Grand Strand continues to evolve with new amenities that make spending time at the beach even more enjoyable,” said Stuart Butler, President, Visit Myrtle Beach. “Thanks to these recent investments, our vibrant coastal communities continue to be welcoming havens for our residents and visitors. 

Here’s a look at some of the newest experiences found across the Grand Strand:

NEW LIGHTS

Downtown Myrtle Beach continues its transformation as the city invests in creating a more vibrant, walkable and connected urban core. This June, decorative bistro-style lighting was installed along a seven-block stretch of Ocean Boulevard, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s oceanfront entertainment district. The streetscape lights complement the vivid glow from neighboring restaurants, shops and attractions like SkyWheel Myrtle Beach and further enhance the city’s festive atmosphere.

FRESH BITES

Myrtle Beach’s culinary scene continues to grow with the addition of several high-profile restaurants and reimagined dining experiences.

Food Network star Guy Fieri opened the doors to his newest venture in June with Downtown Flavortown, an immersive dining and entertainment attraction combining Fieri’s signature comfort food, like his award-winning Bacon Mac N’ Cheese Burger, with family-friendly entertainment such as bowling lanes and an arcade.

At Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach, Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co. opened their first Grand Strand location in May. The waterfront venue features craft beers, moonshine and whiskey tastings, Southern comfort fare and a spacious indoor-outdoor setting for live music, watching sports and more.

Located on Myrtle Beach’s north end, UPTWN Prime debuted its new upscale steakhouse concept this June, featuring premium aged steaks, fresh seafood and handcrafted cocktails.

Murrells Inlet’s waterfront dining scene welcomed a new concept this February with the opening of Inlet Shipwreck Bar & Grill, a pirate-themed restaurant offering a laid-back atmosphere where young adventurers can enjoy the pirate ship playground.

Shark Bar at Makos on the Water in Little River opened this May as an open-air tiki bar overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway with live music and waterfront cocktails.

Carolina Forest’s South Coast Beer Project opened in June with craft beer, a full-service restaurant and spacious indoor and outdoor seating and gathering spaces.

Oceanfront resorts are also expanding their food and beverage offerings. The Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach, Tapestry by Hilton, introduced Ellie’s Snack Shack for poolside favorites, while Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront added Whitecaps Sweets & Treats, Flipside Pizza and Tiki Tides Pool Bar.

EXPANDED FLIGHTS

Following last year’s expansion and renovation that added six new gates and upgraded amenities, including two new dining options, Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) continues to expand its air service connectivity with several new nonstop routes. Southwest Airlines began weekly nonstop service to Houston in June, while Contour Airlines entered the Myrtle Beach market with service to Beckley and Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Altoona, Pennsylvania. Breeze Airways added nonstop flights to Manchester, New Hampshire; Orlando, Florida; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Portland, Maine, while increasing frequency on several existing routes. Allegiant Air also launched new nonstop service to Atlantic City, New Jersey.

See Visit Myrtle Beach for more.

Courtesy of Groups Today.

Photos courtesy of Visit Myrtle Beach.