Sand, sea and surf, plus great golfing, fishing and amusements galore, lure vacationers worldwide to this South Carolina coastal mecca

Golfers are mesmerized by the very mention of Myrtle Beach. An inner voice directs: "Get clubs. Go." But even non-duffers start packing at the mention of the city that joins a number of charming villages and towns to form South Carolina's Grand Strand. Swayed by the 60 miles of sparkling beaches, enticed by the entertainment and attractions, tempted by terrific shopping and dining on everything from soul food to sushi, travelers delight in discovering and rediscovering one of the nation's top vacation destinations.

The area's resort potential was noticed about a century ago by a timber-turpentine firm that had extensive beachfront holdings and built the first hotel, the Seaside Inn. Oceanfront lots then sold for $25 and those who built houses valued at $500 or more received an extra lot for free. In the 1920s, businessmen built Arcady, an upscale resort that became the social rage. The Grand Strand's reputation for fun and frolic was well under way in 1954, when along came Hurricane Hazel. The silver lining to her cloud was a reshaping of the Strand, with newer, larger homes and hotels replacing what Hazel demolished.

The rebuilding saw the birth of the golf boom, which is still in full swing. New courses are built every year, designed by Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, and other renowned golf course architects. The climate--daytime winter temperatures average around 60 degrees--makes playing golf possible year-round, and play they do. Nearly 4.3 million rounds of golf played annually on 108 courses earn the Grand Strand the title "Golf Capital of the World."

Myrtle Beach has also been called the capital of the world of miniature golf; 47 innovative courses make the activity a family favorite. And few families leave the Strand without a visit to the Myrtle Beach Pavilion, a theme park that's been thrilling young and the young at heart for more than 40 years. The park offers 35 rides, including a wild, wooden roller coaster, the Hurricane. Family Kingdom boasts another coaster legend, the Swamp Fox, along with South Carolina's largest Ferris wheel.

Several water parks cool off summer vacationers, and NASCAR racing fans make a beeline for the Myrtle Beach Speedway to see both amateur and professional racing. Aquatic intrigue awaits at Ripley's Aquarium, where visitors move along an underwater glidepath while sharks swim overhead, plus for youngsters, an exciting overnight adventure, Sleep With the Sharks.

Fish of a different sort lure anglers to the eight piers, inlets, and rivers, and charter deep-sea fishing boats to indulge in their passion. Those who'd rather be in the water can scuba dive to explore shipwrecks off the coast, go jet skiing, canoeing, surfboarding, and windsurfing. Murrells Inlet is a popular spot for crabbing and shrimping. The picturesque fishing village also beckons diners to its eateries for fresh-caught bounty, good enough to earn it the nickname of "Seafood Capital of South Carolina."

Up and down the Grand Strand, 1,650 restaurants offer everything from snack foods to sophisticated dining. Thoroughbred's upscale menu features duck, veal, and escargot; Damon's rates raves for ribs; Bullwinkle's Family Food n' Fun is all the name implies; and when it comes to "Down Under" cuisine, Greg Norman's Australian Grille is a crowd-pleaser.

Sightseers find plenty to write home about. South of Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is a spectacular setting of landscaped gardens with some 500 outdoor sculptures. In nearby Huntington State Park, commune with nature and visit the castle-like home of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, Atalaya. In Georgetown, an important rice-producing area in colonial times, the history of rice cultivation is told in the Rice Museum; the Kaminski House, once home to a rice planter, displays 18th century antiques; and Sunday worship still takes place in Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church, established to serve the area's colonists.

South of Georgetown amid large oak trees sits Hopsewee Plantation, the 1740 rice plantation home of Continental Congressman Thomas Lynch and the birthplace of his son, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Horse-drawn carriage tours explore Georgetown, whose downtown has 16 blocks listed on the National Historic Register. Conway, once a stop on the North-South stagecoach line, is often referred to as "Gateway to the Grand Strand." Popular with antique hunters, Conway offers the Horry (O-ree) County Museum, and scenic views along its boardwalk, Riverfront.

The Grand Strand can't be beat when it comes to family entertainment. Country music lovers cotton to the Carolina Opry, a 2,200-seat theater that combines comedy and music in an award-winning variety show. Alabama Theatre presents top stars in country music, including its namesake, Alabama. Foot-stomping competition between North and South and fun-feasting are staples at Dixie Stampede, and a night of jousting and indulging in a Middle Ages-style banquet awaits at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament.

If you think you've spotted Elvis, it might just be one of the super star look-alikes in the Las Vegas-based revue Legends in Concert. The Palace Theater features such headliners as Kenny Rogers, Tom Jones, and Aretha Franklin, and at holiday time decks the halls with the Rockettes and the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular. For jazz, gospel, rock, and blues, head to the House of Blues at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach.

Barefoot Landing also offers shopping in 100 specialty shops and outlet stores, and cruises along the Intracoastal Waterway aboard a paddlewheel boat, the Barefoot Princess II. Broadway at the Beach is another shopping/entertainment center, with paddle boats and fireworks displays. For a unique gift or souvenir, head to Pawleys Island, birthplace of the original rope hammocks so great for summer snoozing. Visitors can watch craftsmen fashion the hammocks at many of the shops.

Whether golf's your game, food's your fancy, or your heart beats to the rhythm of the sea, you'll find something about the Grand Strand mesmerizing. You might even begin hearing that inner voice dictate: "Get packing. Go."

Contact: Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, (800) 356-3016, www.myrtlebeachlive.com; and North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, (877) 332-2662, www.nmyrtlebeachchamber.org.

COPYRIGHT 2000 World Publishing, Co. (Illinois)
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group