If you visited Myrtle Beach as a kid or teenager, you're sure to have a lot of fond memories of the great beach and its attractions. If you haven't been back in a while, you'll be amazed at its growth and by how much it has changed. The perplexing and pleasantly surprising thing about the Grand Strand, however, is its ability to maintain that '50s and '60s classic seaside "feel" amid all the expansion and modernization.
As a Boomer myself, I still love the sand and sun, yet I don't want to spend every waking minute on the beach as I did forty years ago. I think most folks in my age bracket will agree that we now want to partake in a multitude of activities, not just limited to the usual sunning, swimming, and "strolling the Strand." Myrtle Beach has answered our demands, offering a huge variety of activities and entertainment options for the over 50 crowd.
Golfing - The area has over 100 golf courses, all set in beautiful surroundings. There's a course for every level of difficulty, so finding one that suits you shouldn't be a problem.
Dining - Myrtle Beach offers hundreds of choices of options, ranging from fast food to popular chains to fine dining in old plantation houses. There are also a number of ethnic restaurants offering Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Irish, Mexican, German, and Thai foods. The ever-popular steakhouses, seafood, coffee shops, country cooking, and all-you-can-eat buffets are also abundant. With 1,800 restaurants to choose from, you're sure to find many palate pleasers.
Shopping - Outlet malls, boutiques, specialty stores, and unique little shops litter the area. If antiques are your thing, there are numerous stores that cater to your nostalgic side. For interesting handmade items, visit one of the many arts and crafts festivals held throughout the year.
Night Life - Enjoy one of the many clubs or lounges at Myrtle Beach. With jazz clubs, piano bars, and gentleman's clubs, you'll find something you like. All kinds of music will be found - country, top 40, pop, hip hop, hard rock, and oldies. Re-live your youth by dancing the Shag, still the most popular dance at Myrtle Beach, and specifically featured at some of the clubs.
Museums and Shows - If you want some quiet time and a learning experience, visit the Ingram Planetarium, the Arts Museum, The South Carolina Hall of Fame, the IMAX Theater, Ripley's Museum or Aquarium, the Howard Gallery, the Naval and Maritime Museum, Hopsewee Plantation, or one of the many dinner shows or live theater productions. Some of the performances showcase music and entertainers from the 50s and 60s - especially appealing to Baby Boomers.
Other Activities - If you like tennis, miniature golf, or fishing, Myrtle Beach has it. Another fun activity for Boomers might be horseback riding, where you can take a leisurely ride along the beach - one of the few places in the U.S. where this is allowed.
If you haven't been to Myrtle Beach in a while, come back for a visit. It remains one of the top vacation destinations in the country and offers something for everyone. Baby Boomers will love the options available, and are sure to experience some pleasant nostalgia while visiting the Grand Strand.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee
Fifty-somethings have it made in the shade at Myrtle Beach--play like you are teenagers but without the acne and angst! And then relax in a very grown-up vacation home from Zonder.com and remember why you love being an adult.