A historic fishing village

This celebrated little fishing hamlet is just 10 miles south of the flurry of activity in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Known as “the Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” it has a rich history dating back hundreds of years. Since the time of the Native Americans it has provided a respite for people looking for the beauty and bounty that nature has to offer. It even has a little mischief thrown in its history. The famous pirate Blackbeard reputedly sailed its waters preying on unwary English Traders, and it was a Civil War battleground as Union warships tried to thwart Confederate trading ships. Around the turn of the century, it began to transform into a hub for commercial fisherman. A small town grew around the docks and marinas, and restaurants began to emerge to take advantage of the harvest. Even with growth, it still retains that small village feeling today.

MURRELLS INLET Region Highlight

BROOKGREEN GARDENS

These two attractions stem from the estate of Archer Milton Huntington, a New York millionaire who spent his fortune on the dream building a Spanish style castle and transforming 9,000 acres of Lowcountry forest into a lush garden estate. The home, christened Atalaya, was comprised of 36 rooms and 22 fireplaces and employed thousands of area workers in the Great Depression era. His wife Anna was a famous sculptor who turned the gardens into a display for her artwork.

Now known as Brookgreen Gardens, it is America’s largest showcase of American figurative sculpture with over 900 sculptures by 300 different artists. The remainder of the estate and Atalaya were incorporated into Huntington Beach State Park. This unspoiled preserve is a 25, 000 acre beachfront state park laced with hiking trails throughout the maritime forest and has 3 miles of the most remote, untouched beaches along the Grand Strand.

Murrells Inlet Lifestyle ~ What we enjoy

DINING

Murrells Inlet receives its title, “Seafood Capitol of South Carolina,” from the shrimp, fish, oysters, crabs and clams caught in nearby waters and expertly cooked in the various restaurants situated along inlet and waterfront.  Murrells Inlet is home to several additional savory styles of eating places including Asian, Italian, steak houses, saloons and buffets. Take a stroll down the Marsh Walk and follow the sumptuous aromas into any of the high caliber eateries for an unparalleled dining experience with a stunning view of the picturesque waterfront. One of the most romantic and elegant choices is Capt. Dave’s Dockside Restaurant, where you can choose between views of the marsh or the ocean on two levels. Things have changed a bit since they began frying up seafood over 30 years ago. The addition of a natural lump charcoal grill adds its smoky aura to the tantalizing seafood and thick juicy steaks, and old time favorites like their signature Pan Crusted Grouper and Shrimp and Grits remain on the menu to provide a comforting bridge to the past.

EVENTS

Although small in size, Murrells Inlet is big in heart. With a calendar brimming full of events for families to participate in, it’s hard to pick a favorite. The boat parades seem to be top choice for scores of locals. On the 4^th of July, the waters teem with vessels decked out in the Red, White and Blue for a celebratory parade that dates back over 25 years. The annual “Boats and Floats for the Kids” is the winter favorite, capped off by a dockside visit from Santa. Another huge affair is the posh “Taste of Murrells Inlet” where 20 local restaurants dish up their specialties for this charity event. The gastronomical pleasures aren’t just confined to the restaurant scene, events such as the yearly oyster roast, chili cook-off, barbeque contest and fish fry keep everyone’s belly and date book full. The artistically minded will find craft shows, art exhibits and several festivals to keep them inspired throughout the year as well.

Another local favorite is the very popular “Blessing of the Inlet” service every spring on the creek side of Belin United Methodist Church. The past thirteen years this celebration has provided food, fun, and fellowship for the community, as well as raising tens thousands of dollars for charity. The ceremony represents the communities desire to give thanks and praise to God for the multitude of blessings that are naturally present in the Murrells Inlet region.

NATURE

Murrells Inlet is a nature lover’s Garden of Eden. It has a broad spectrum of ecosystems starting with the saltwater estuary of the coastal marshes and stretches inland to Hobcaw Barony, 14 former rice plantations turned into a wildlife refuge and learning center. A great way to combine your love of the sea and ecology is on one of the guided kayak tours along the coastline, creeks and marshes. The marina has day trips to the Gulf Stream for deep-sea fishing, or cruises to seek out dolphins cavorting in the surf.

ACTIVITIES

The Grand Strand is home to over 100 golf courses, the most of any urban area in the world. Golf Digest Magazine lists 10 area courses in “The TOP 100 Public Courses in the U.S.”, and they ranked Myrtle Beach golf vacations “Best Overall Value”. The area boasts a fine array of challenges for players on all levels, and golfers can marvel at the majesty of oceanfront holes or the grandeur of holes woven among enormous live oaks adorned in Spanish moss on the site of a previous colonial rice plantation. There are nearly a dozen courses in the Murrells Inlet vicinity, including Blackmoor Golf Club, which was designed by PGA Career Grand Slam winner Gary Player. Wachesaw East Plantation is another outstanding course that has been home to four televised LPGA events over the last few years. Myrtle Beach has become the winter golf capitol of America due to its temperate climate and 215 sunny days, so action on the links awaits players all year round.