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8 Must Visit Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach South Carolina!

by Nadeen
September 22, 2019
A A
A list of Must Visit Hidden Gems in Myrtle Beach South Carolina!

While planning my trip to Myrtle Beach South Carolina, I decided I wanted to go beyond the beach to explore some of the cultural and local events. With the help of the convention and visitors bureau, I found wonderful things to do in Myrtle Beach! Don’t get me wrong, if you choose to go to the beach simply to take in the sunshine and the ocean breeze, that is fine too. I was able to do that during most of the day and also explore the city. This insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach gives you the option to do both. It also allows you to go beyond the downtown area filled with tourist attractions of miniature golf, arcades and gift shops.

Insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach:

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Sculpture Garden in Brookgreen Gardens

1) Brookgreen Gardens:

Brookgreen Gardens is located on US Hwy 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island. You can easily spend a few days exploring the gardens and the good news is your admission ticket is valid for 7 consecutive days! It is like going to 3 or 4 parks in one.

The attractions include the sculpture gardens and tours, the native wildlife zoo, and the low-country trail. You can take pontoon boat rides along the historic rice fields or an oaks plantation history and nature tour.  There are also plenty of things to do for kids of all ages!

Besides the zoo, the butterfly house is open from April to October, there is a children’s discovery room, a children’s garden and an enchanted storybook forest. Brookgreen Gardens holds special events such as the Spring Garden festival and the Holiday festival called “Night of a Thousand Candles.” We were fortunate to take in their late summer event-Brew at the Zoo.

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Sculptures in the Gardens

2) The Native Wildlife Zoo:

Brew at the Zoo was held on the outskirts of the Native Wildlife Zoo and adjacent to the Whispering Wings Butterfly Exhibit. It consisted of beer samplings, free snacks, a silent auction, live music and there was also wine and food for purchase from American Tap House. Even though I am not a big beer drinker, I actually enjoyed a few of the craft beers including the pumpkin beer! The setting was lovely. We strolled through the part of the Zoo to see some of the animals and walked through the butterfly exhibit. I highly suggest attending an event at the zoo and Brookgreen Gardens!

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Pumpkin beer at Brew at the Zoo
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Brew at the Zoo guests next to the Butterfly Exhibit

3) Murrells Inlet:

If we had not made plans to go to Brookgreen Gardens I am not sure we would have ventured down to this area. I am so glad we did as it ended up being one of the coolest things to do in Myrtle Beach! My insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach wouldn’t be complete without it. Murrells Inlet is a quaint fishing village about 20 minutes from the downtown area. It is referred by some to be the “seafood capital of South Carolina.”

For golfers, this part of my insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach should be a hit, based on its golf courses. The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is lined with shops and restaurants and beautiful views. We spent the evening dining at Wicked Tuna. Whatever you do just make sure you get down there in time for sunset!

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Sunset in Murrells Inlet!

4) Huntington Beach State Park:

This state park is located across from Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet. Although we did not make it here, we had plans to attend the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival that was taking place here during our visit. “Atalaya” is the Moorish-style castle built by philanthropist Archer M.Huntington and his wife Anna Huntington. This was their winter home and is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, making it a must-see on this list of things to do in Myrtle Beach. The Huntingtons left the park and Brookgreen gardens as their legacy. What a gift! Try surf fishing at the park, camping, and bird watching.

5) La Belle Amie Winery & Vineyard:

La Belle Amie is located in North Myrtle Beach in Little River SC. When I mentioned to friends that I was going wine tasting as one of my things to do in Myrtle Beach, they couldn’t believe it! While visiting La Belle Amie Vineyard, you are transported away from the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach and feel as if you’re at a vineyard in California wine country. It’s family owned and the home of the “Twisted Sisters” wine label. For more information, read my full blog post here.

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6) Musical Theater at the GTS Theater:

Yes! Myrtle Beach has musical theater! Currently showing at the GTS Theater is “Motor City Musical-A Tribute to Motown.” Although we did not get a chance to attend the show, I read great reviews about it.

7) The Long Bay Symphony:

Looking for classy things to do in Myrtle Beach? Check out Myrtle Beach’s professional orchestra. When I received this invitation, I was surprised and delighted. I may need to make a trip back to Myrtle Beach just to attend a performance during their 2016-2017 season! The lineup sounds amazing! A Gershwin celebration, Endless Love and Bravo Broadway! They also have a youth symphony, and guild events such as “champagne, chocolate and all that jazz!” Be sure to visit their website for a full list of events, dates and pricing information – you know, the stuff no insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach can fully cover. 😉

8) The Dining Scene:

No insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach is complete without listing hidden gem restaurants. I wrote about the best ones in my blog post “Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies.” Be sure to check it out and save it as a reference for your next trip.

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Brunch at Croissants Bistro & Bakery.

I hope you enjoyed this insider’s guide to Myrtle Beach! If you love attending events as much as I do, visit these websites: MyrtleBeachEventInfo.com, and GrandStrandEvents.com.



Although I was invited on a press trip by Visit Myrtle Beach, all opinions expressed in this post are my own. This post contains affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are original. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll receive a slight commission which helps us keep this information available to you. Thanks!

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Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

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Comments 8

  1. Tyra says:
    4 years ago

    I haven’t been to Myrtle Beach since I was a child. But those gardens look absolutely stunning! Will keep this in mind for future getaways.

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      They are beautiful! You will enjoy it!

  2. Natalie says:
    4 years ago

    I love love LOVE Brookgreen Gardens! It’s one of my favorite places to visit on the SC coast–it’s so peaceful and absolutely stunning. 🙂 You’ve given me a few new places to explore as well!

    • nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      I wish I had more time at Brookgreen Gardens! It is beautiful! I am glad I gave you ideas for some new places to explore!

  3. Abi says:
    4 years ago

    I love Brookgreen Gardens! It looks so peaceful and relaxing in there!

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      It was Abi! I look forward to returning there!

  4. Mike Anderson says:
    4 years ago

    Hello Nadeen, if you want to enjoy real nature and peace, then the gardens are the right choice for you. Gardens near beach are so awesome. The nature gives you peaceful atmosphere. Thanks for sharing!

    • Nadeen says:
      4 years ago

      I am glad you enjoyed it Mike!

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  • #WineWednesday What a beautiful sight! 🍷🍷🍷😍😍😋😋

Let’s talk about allyship for a sec. What does it mean to you? Have you seen true examples of this in the past year? I know this word has been overused and beaten into the ground since last year followed up by being a “performative ally”. But when I see someone making an effort and doing something to make a difference, it’s worth applauding. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

A fellow @oprahmagazine Insider told me about Master Sommelier @andrearobinsonms because she was awarding scholarships for her virtual “Great Wine Made Simple” course to women and BIPOC wine students & enthusiasts interested in furthering their wine studies. She thought I would be interested in applying. I did. Andrea reached out & asked me to take the class but play a supporting role based on my previous experience as a wine blogger, author & WSET Level 2 wine certification! I was honored. The class has been very informative interactive & fun! 

Andrea has picked stellar wine professionals as mentors for the scholarship students taking this course. They are from all different backgrounds & experiences across all niches in the wine industry. I am sure they are having an amazing experience!!!! This is what being an ally looks like. Using your privilege, connections, and experience to open doors and provide opportunities for others. The wine industry, like so many other industries, is lacking and needs more Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. So Thank You. 

Oh back to the pic. This was just 1 delivery 🚚 📦  for the course filled w wines from Italy, Spain & Germany! 😋😋😋 

 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #winewithfriends #winewriter #blackcontentcreators #blackcontentcreator #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #buyblackwine #sommeliers #mastersommeliers
  • #DopeBlackDoctor #IssaMood
Happy Monday Everyone! I’m trying to go into the week, the last week of Black History, with this mood and attitude! 👏🏽

You may have seen my post on National Women’s Physician Day that only 2% of all Physicians are Black women. We are truly unicorns and I stand proud to represent this profession and to make my ancestors proud 🩺 

So let me tell you what breaks my heart 💔. That after 25 years of being a M.D.-medical doctor and actually practicing medicine and seeing patients for 25 years!!!, I’m still constantly questioned by people who aren’t even in the science or medical field 🤔🤔
Could it be because I’m female? Black? Both? 😡🤬

Ever since this pandemic started I have been on top of it. My first blog post on COVID19 went viral and I appeared on @cnn I did countless webinars and podcasts informing and educating the public including the travel community. This year I published an article on the COVID19 vaccines 💉 and shared my experience receiving the vaccine on social media. But STILL when I simply comment on a thread on social media as a medical expert to correct misinformation I face backlash and MEAN comments! Even in predominantly Black travel groups. It’s exhausting. I had to take a break. I tried again today and the person deleted the thread. I’m at a loss. People do not want to be informed. I don’t get it. 

But I will hold my head up high. I went into this profession to serve. For those who are still having doubts about the vaccines 💉 please read my article-“7 Compelling Reasons to take a COVID19 Vaccine” which includes summaries of the vaccines & research studies. The link is in my profile. Happy to answer any questions. Stay safe everyone! 

📸 @parrishu70 

#blackdoctorsmatter #whitecoatsforblacklives #blackfemaledoctors #blackdoctorswhitecoats #covid19vacccine #pandemiclife #wokedoctors #covıd19 #covidvaccineadvocate #covid19usa #physicians #blackcontentcreator #blackcontentcreators #socialmediadoctor #whatadoctorlookslike #blackhistorymonth2021
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I’m celebrating Black winemakers this weekend by attending the first annual International Winemakers Summit being held by @urban_connoisseurs and @uncorkedandcultured 
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

When I first started my blog over 6 years ago I always had a WINE section. I have also always supported and blogged about Black-owned wines and winemakers from @mcbridesisters @houseofmandela early on to 5 1/2 years ago when I had the pleasure of visiting the first Black-owned winery in Napa Valley @brownestate during my Bachelorette weekend 
A year later I stopped by @rideauvineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, had a blog post on a Black History month Black-owned wine tasting go viral, met Andre Hueston Mack of @maisonnoirwines here in Atlanta then did a road trip a few years ago to the PNW and stopped by @frichettewinery and @abbeycreekwine the first “hip hop winery” in the PNW. 

All of this inspired me to curate a list last year of over 45 Black-owned wineries, wine businesses, even podcasters..!! I also pursued & received my first wine certification last fall. WSET 2 with distinction 👏🏽👏🏽🍾🍾

It will be a pleasure to listen & learn from these trailblazers this weekend and be able to show continued support. Head to the link in my profile to read my blog post and to @urban_connoisseurs to register for the conference this weekend! 

#buyblackwine #sipconsciously #blackownedbusiness #blackownedbusinesses #blackhistorymonth2021 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #winetourism #luxurytravel #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #oenophile #blacksinwine #winewithfriends #winewithfriends🍷
  • Since it’s #nationaldrinkwineday I thought I would share a few pics of one of my favorite wine 🍷 tours and wine areas that I visited in 2019. That was such an amazing year of travel!!! 

PORTO in Portugal 🇵🇹 was amazing! It’s the home of Port wine and even if you are not a fan or don’t think you are a fan of fortified  or sweeter wines you have to try them if you visit the area. They have all different styles including white port. 

We did a tour @taylorsportwine which has a self-guided walking tour of the history of port wine making, Porto, the Douro Valley and port wine trading. It was very interesting. And swipe to see the pic of my forever POTUS President Obama! 
Taylor’s port is available in the US so you may have tried it. 

Have you been to Porto or tried port wine? 

#nationaldrinkwineday🍷 #wineblogger #wineandtravel #travelbloggerlife #winenot #travelfly #blackgirlstraveltoo #winetourism #womeninwine #blackwomeninwine #winewriter #winelover #visitportugal🇵🇹 #portugaltravel #portugallovers #portuguesewine #lisbonportugal #portoportugal #dourovalley #portwinelover #portowine #visitlisbon #visitporto
  • #traveltuesday✈️ (rant) 
There is this constant rumor that goes around that Black Travel Bloggers are hard to find. NOT TRUE!!!! Travel brands and DMOs are heard saying that they can’t find any to work with. 🤔 
How hard are they looking?!! 

If you simply Google “Black Travel Bloggers” my blog post on “50+ Amazing Black Travel Bloggers You Should Follow” has been sitting at #1 for years and only recently at #2 due to another great post by @travelandleisure on Black Influencers. There are tons of blog posts on this topics on the web. 
PLUS...

Travel groups that have been around for years filled with talented travel content creators like @nomadnesstribe that has held several @audacityfest conferences with seminars & lectures featuring these content creators. Not to mention platforms like this one & Facebook & LinkedIn 
PLUS...

@theblacktravelalliance was formed last June that features Black travel content creators from all over the globe 🌎 in all different niches. Black travelers do everything-luxury, adventure, couples travel, budget travel, culinary travel..we are here to change the narrative and prove that Black Travel Content Creators are available to do anything and everything in this industry from writing & editing to TV hosting to photography to videography. 

So stop asking where are we. WE ARE RIGHT HERE AND HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HERE! (rant over). 

Head to my profile to read my blog post and PLEASE drop the handle of your favorite Black travel content creators in the comments! 

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#travelcontent #blackcontentcreator #blacktravelmovement #travelcontentcreator #blackbloggers #blacktravelalliance #travelisthenewclub #nomadness #travelnoire #essencetravels #travelfly #blacktravelhackers #blacktravelfeed
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