A move to Myrtle Beach involves more than just the journey and home selection, but it also means you are starting out with zero “favorite spots.” Finding the best food in the area takes time, but it can certainly be a fun project! Also, there will be some “trial and error” shopping outings before you zero in on “your” kind of places.
IF I MUST…
Recently, I had a chance to visit some relatives who had just made a move to Myrtle Beach. We all know I love the beach, so I hopped on a plane as soon as I could to visit. Suffice it to say, they did not have to twist my arm to help them “settle in.” (To us, that entails finding great food, fine home furnishings, and the best shopping areas in their new town!) I’m sharing what we consider to be the BEST of the basic necessities after a move to Myrtle Beach…
GOTTA HAVE IT
After moving, but before the kitchen is set up, we had to find a coffee place, and not just any chain drive-through would do. We wanted tasty coffee with pastry options and a comfortable environment – and we certainly found it.
GROOVY, BABY
Beach Hippie Coffee is, well, far-out! It’s centrally located, but I would walk miles to visit again. Coffee purists in our group loved their morning cup of joe. However, the Macadamia Cake Latte was fabulous! Mocha and toffee – what’s not to LOVE?
SO MUCH MORE
There’s also smoothies, tasty quiche, vegan and gluten-free items which made this a favorite coffee outing for our group. Beach Hippie Coffee truly lives their mantra: “It’s more than coffee. It’s a lifestyle.” Don’t miss it.
ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Another interesting part of Beach Hippie Coffee is that they are seriously community-minded. They hold various fundraisers for local needs and also support local coffee roasters. There are board games for patrons and a library of good books to share. They even hosted a recent candle-making event for their coffee guests. And all of this deliciousness comes right near the beach!
DONUT DAY
We all have days with a full agenda and no extra time. A quick trip to Krispy Kreme Donuts is always the answer. I don’t want any exotically named sugary concoctions that fall apart. Give me the mouth-watering fondness of a Krispy Kreme classic and I’m ready to go.
MOST IMPORTANT MEAL OF THE DAY
Luckily, we had some more relaxed mornings and for those, we strongly recommend Blueberry’s Grill. One of us, who shall remain nameless, felt compelled to sample two different menu items; the Classic Blueberry Pancakes and the house-made lump Crab Cake Benedict. She gave both dishes two enthusiastic thumbs up! My aunt chose the Southern Skillet, which was filled with ham, bacon, broccoli, and fried green tomatoes. She loved it!
HUSH NOW
Of course, dining in South Carolina must include hush puppies. There was a tense moment when two cousins both had their eyes on the last two of these scrumptious blueberry ones with honey butter. You’ll find lactose-free and gluten-friendly options too. For us, Blueberry’s Grill is a must.
DOESN’T TASTE FISHY
The move to the beach – or even just a vacation – means you’re going to want good seafood, casual and relaxed family-style dining, and reasonable prices for frequent visits. We found it at The Shack. Fresh catches of the day make up the menu and it will be ready at 4 pm.
BUBBA’S SHRIMP BOAT
During the summer busy season, count on going early or waiting in the rocking chairs out front. The Shack is open for breakfast and lunch as well, but we had a delicious dinner meal. Obviously, the daily special is often the way to go, but the Shrimp and Grits are a menu standard and delectable.
TABLE FOR TWO
We had a special occasion to celebrate right after their move to Myrtle Beach. For those – or just a memorable vacation dining experience – I have a couple of restaurants to suggest.
First, Clark’s Seafood and Chop House in nearby Little River is lovely, yet casual and located right on the water. The daily specials are inspired and inviting, so much so that we went twice during my last stay. The servers are especially attentive and make every visit a special occasion.
ASK THE MAITRE D’
Myrtle Beach has many other upscale establishments to choose from as well, and I’ll gladly help them get to know these quickly. Someone has to step up and help, right? The award-winning Library Restaurant makes the choice between seafood and steak extremely difficult. Delightful and knowledgeable servers can steer you and luckily, you can’t go wrong. The piano bar adds a romantic touch to make your dining experience unforgettable.
EASY FOR YOU TO SAY
Ruth’s Chris Steak House earns a spot on my list even though it’s a (famous) chain. Consistently outstanding steaks, fresh seafood, and exquisite desserts taste even better in this waterfront setting. Whether you prefer an outdoor setting or sophisticated interior table, your experience will be superb.
SORE MUSCLES
Next, a day of personal pampering is always needed after a stressful move. I tagged along and the highlight of my trip was a day at Cinzia Spa at North Beach. A manicure and pedicure from a talented pro started my visit and was followed by a rejuvenating facial.
HEAD TO TOE
My favorite part of the Cinzia Spa experience was the full body massage, and this one ranks at the top. It was amazing! Indulging in a bottle of bubbly while someone caters to my every whim is the ultimate way to be spoiled. I keep thinking about my next visit and want to try the couples’ hydrotherapy tub soak and Swedish massages…ah, pure bliss.
MANOLO BEACHNIK
My aunt soon realized that she needed beach shoes and I am always up for a little shopping. So, off we went for some much-needed retail therapy. While it’s nice to have some quality standards like Pottery Barn and Anthropologie, I prefer the unique boutiques and shops with one-of-a-kind pieces.
SOMETHING IN COMMON
The Market Common is the perfect place to browse, but they also offer plenty of other attractions for non-shoppers. There are cool restaurants, movies, and bowling just to name a few. But for me, picking up something stunning for an upcoming event or just some new casual beachwear makes these finds the best kind of souvenirs.
REFRIGERATOR MAGNETS
Speaking of souvenirs, there is no shortage of places filled with beach souvenirs. My go-to place is The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove. We have been shopping there since we were kids, so it’s a family tradition we cherish.
WHERE’S THE PUKA SHELLS?
For jewelry, home decor, treasures made of seashells and shark’s teeth, or the latest trends in swimsuits, flip flops, and beach toys, the Gay Dolphin Gift Cove is our place. In addition, any beach necessity we may have forgotten can be picked up here without a major markup.
BARGAINS GALORE
There are other large stores like Wings and Pacific Beachwear, which can be found along the Grand Strand. My relatives didn’t need anything, but my trip was not complete until I purchased a new t-shirt and hoodie!
JUST THE CLOTHES ON HER BACK
A move to Myrtle Beach from across the country can be costly, so my aunt decided to purchase all new furnishings to fill their new home upon arrival.
GO WITH THE LEATHER
Out of the hundreds of furniture options, these three stores were above the rest in terms of variety, price, and customer service. And when my relatives couldn’t agree on something, I got to be the deciding vote! It was great fun to help decorate a new house on someone else’s dollar!
ROOM BY ROOM
First, Garden City Furniture was a great place to begin. Organized by room, we found it easy to select groupings for the larger areas. We found quality furniture and outstanding customer service with no pressure. The best part was their competitive pricing!
SECOND TO NONE
Secondly, J & K Home Furnishings not only carries top name brands, but also specializes in custom pieces to guarantee satisfaction. We located numerous pieces and found their designers to be extremely helpful.
WE’RE BAAAACK
Finally, Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents became our favorite for furnishings. This store is filled with a wonderful selection of high-end furniture pieces, along with unique accents and beautiful art to complete any room. This is definitely a fun store for any household goods with a beachy style.
I’M IN THE KNOW
Although I’ve vacationed in Myrtle Beach numerous times growing up, I saw it through a completely different lens this time. Now that my relatives have permanently moved to Myrtle Beach, I’ll be returning more often, and more importantly, I won’t be just a tourist. I now know where to go to find what we want to wear, eat, or sit on…and you can trust my list!
