Blessed with miles of golden beaches, rolling sand dunes and the glorious Atlantic Ocean Myrtle Beach is an obvious choice for a vacation spot today, but it wasn't always so.
During the 18th century the area was prey to pirates. To this day many people still believe that the infamous Captain Kidd's treasure remains hidden somewhere along this coastline. Treasure hunting is still a popular attraction and a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Myrtle beach takes its name from the Sweet Myrtle Tree, a shrub native to the area. It wasn't until the railroad arrived in the area at the start of the 20th Century that it became accessible enough for any real growth. A few modest hotels opened after that and small beach cottages followed. The development of the resort was slow and steady through the 1930's and 1940's.
By 1940 the Inter-coastal waterway had opened for public and commercial use and the stage was set for the future rise in the popularity of boating and cruising along this waterway.
The whole coastal area is prone to Hurricanes. Hurricane season is generally between the months of June and November. In the 1950's Hurricane Hazel battered the Area, demolishing many buildings. Myrtle Beach was able to take this potentially terrible disaster and turn it into an opportunity for growth and expansion.
Since that time many resort hotels, restaurants and shopping developments have been built. World-class golf courses and all manner of family attractions have been added to the region and the growth of Myrtle Beach has been nothing short of phenomenal.
Art galleries, restaurants and shopping developments soon followed the development of the hotels and the increase in tourists. Today there are hundreds of restaurants representing an array of international cuisines. The choices are endless. With the array of upscale shopping developments the shopping opportunities are unparalleled. Add to this the many historic sites and attractions and it is easy to see why people flock to this ocean side paradise.
Myrtle Beach is a thriving town with a booming tourism industry. It offers some of the best accommodations, restaurants and entertainment available anywhere. Combine this with its naturally perfect location and fantastic climate and it isn't hard to see why this area is such a popular destination.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Julie Wood.
Ready to do some pirate treasure hunting of your own? Be sure to stop at Zonder.com first and book a vacation rental home to store all of your loot when you are not out hunting more booty. Arrr!
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