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A Surge in COVID-19 Cases Results in United Airlines Suspending Flights

Last week United Airlines announced they will be suspending service to Myrtle Beach due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases. This is set to be enforced starting July 6th. Over the course of May and June, Myrtle Beach saw a surge of visitors, likely due to the change in weather. Passenger counts were up over 400% since the previous month. While this would normally be a good thing for the coastal town, it now means having to close their doors for the second wave of coronavirus.

Myrtle Beach is reporting single-day numbers of 133 new cases. The city isn’t alone, as South Carolina has seen spikes in all major cities. 

United Airlines’ decision comes in accordance with the CARES Act grant, which facilitates employees to be paid through Sept. 30. The airline claims they will be returning service for the spring and summer of 2021 so long as there’s demand.

The Horry County Department is keeping a close eye as they monitor these changes. As for now, United Airlines won’t be an option for folks looking for a Myrtle Beach getaway. Your best bet for hitting the beach this summer might be by road trip. 

Eat & Drink

Local Farmer’s Markets To Check Out!

Summer is upon us, and with that comes a plethora of in-season fruits, vegetables, and foods. What better way to spend a sunny afternoon than browsing your local farmers market? For farm to table fresh produce, you’ll want to visit these Myrtle Beach farmer’s markets. 

Surfside Beach Farmer’s Market

Located just blocks off Surfside Beach, this local market is home to farm-fresh produce, kettle corn, and more. Tellers have awnings and store signs so you know exactly where your food’s coming from. Rain or shine, visit this farmers market every Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. until October 29th. 

Little River Farmer’s Market

This handicap-accessible farmers market operates every Thursday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Artisinal vendors rotate throughout the locale offering not only foods but wools and fleeces, handmade soaps, and body care products. There’s a little something for everyone at Little River!

Conway Farmer’s Market

The open-air Conway farmer’s market is perfect for early risers. Every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. you can find an array of locally sourced products. Enjoy a stroll with your family before your brunch reservation in the Historic Downtown Conway area. 

Farmer’s Market on Deville Street

The Market Common hosts this iconic farmer’s market on not only Saturday’s from 10 a.m – 3 p.m., but now Wednesdays from 3 p.m – 7 p.m. Support local businesses by purchasing from their organic products and items. You’re sure to find something sweet at this locals’ favorite spot. 

North Myrtle Beach

Through October 28th, join the north myrtle beach farmer’s market every Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nestled between Library and City Hall, this market offers the perfect background for a weekday stroll. From baked goods to jewelry, North Myrtle has got you covered.

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Bruce Munro’s Southern Light Exhibit 

Not all activities remain closed this summer in Myrtle Beach. The Bruce Munro Southern Light exhibit at Brookgreen Garden is now open for visitors. While they practice social distancing, they continue to offer an immersive experience in art and light. 

The installation consists of seven works of mixed media. Created by the artist Bruce Munro, each exhibit is geared toward a specific garden room. Using tens of thousands of components, Munro builds each sculpture from the ground up.

His previous work titled “Field of Light at Sensorio” was featured in Paso Robles, Calif. The New York Times highlighted this in what they refer to as a “mind-bending spectacle” in a recent article on art and design. 

From May 15 to Sept. 12, Wednesdays through Saturdays 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m., Myrtle Beach visitors can meander through the mesmerizing visual experience. For all those living on the East coast, you’ll want to take advantage of these dates. This is the only chance Munro’s work will be featured on this side of the country. 

The team at Brookgreen Gardens urges visitors to uphold social distancing etiquette. This can be done by respecting one-way paths, keeping 6-feet apart, wearing a mask, and washing your “paws.”

Featured

Myrtle Beach’s Fish Fun at Ripley’s Aquarium

Featured Image: Tripster

While Myrtle Beach is known for its proximity to the Atlantic ocean, most people aren’t looking to interact with sharks and other wildlife when they go for a dip in the ocean. Luckily, Myrtle Beach has the perfect setting to spend the day with the ocean’s wildlife.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach makes it easy for you to see the natural beauty the ocean has to offer, without the danger. Here are just a few of the activities the aquarium features:

Exhibits
With two levels of exhibits for visitors to see, there are enough fish and ocean life for a full day of exploring. From stingrays and jellyfish to dangerous marine animals, a walk through these exhibits is filled with sights you won’t forget. Interactive exhibits keep things interesting with two “Touch Tanks”, education centers and even a way to learn about history at the Ripley’s Pearl Harbor exhibit.

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Experiences
What makes this aquarium so great is not what you can see, but what you can do!

Take for example the glass-bottom boat adventure. Visitors can take a ride and see some of our planet’s most dangerous marine creatures, separated by only three inches of glass. The glass bottom will take you across the treacherous reef holding over 8,500 sea creatures. This is a one-of-a-kind experience in North America!

If three inches of glass is not adventurous enough for you, Ripley’s also allows guests to dive with the sharks in its care. This time, with only a cage to protect you, you’ll get to encounter sharks, sea turtles, stingrays and more.

For an, even more, close and personal experience, swimming with the stingrays is a must. Starting in the Friendship Flats of the aquarium, the experience allows you to meet all of the stingrays as they swim and play in the waters you’re standing in. During the stingray experience, Ripley’s diver will take you out to Ray Bay to snorkel and swim with the many kinds of stingray this aquarium has to offer.

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It’s no doubt that this aquarium is one of the most exciting places to visit in Myrtle Beach! Buy your tickets here and come experience the amazing sights at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.

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One of the Largest Reptile Facilities in the World, Right Here in Myrtle Beach!

Featured Image: Alligator Adventure

Myrtle Beach has plenty of attractions for everyone, but if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, check out one of the largest reptile facilities in the world, Alligator Adventure, located in North Myrtle Beach’s Barefoot Landing.

Alligator Adventure has exhibits for everyone to enjoy, giving visitors an up close experience with these prehistoric creatures. Several beloved alligators live in the park, including Utan, the world’s largest crocodile. Since 2002, Utan has lived at Alligator Adventure. Older than many of his visitors, he was born in 1964, weighs in at 2,000 pounds and is over 18 feet long!

Utan may be King of the Crocs, but there are plenty of other reptiles to see. From albino alligators to lemurs, you can spend an entire day in the park. A fan favorite at Alligator Adventure is Bob, a female alligator born on-site without a tail, back in 1997.

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While there are tons of crocodiles and alligators at this wildlife hotspot, Alligator Adventure is home to a number of other wild animals as well, which are featured in live shows throughout the day. Other animals include, but are not limited to bobcats, cassowary, flamingos, hyenas, sea turtles, ostriches, lemurs, marmosets and more!

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So if you’re in need of a break from the beach, be sure to head to Alligator Adventure for a wild time. Take a look at ticket prices here and visit our website for more fun Myrtle Beach ideas!

Featured

Tourist Activities Myrtle Beach Locals Should Consider

There’s a reason an estimated 14 million people visit Myrtle Beach every year. If you’re lucky enough to live there year round, spend a day doing as the tourists do with any one of these fun activities.

  1. Boardwalk and Promenade

As tourist season dwindles down, walking the just over a mile-long boardwalk becomes a more enjoyable experience for locals who wants to enjoy this classic aspect of their town. Spend the day popping in and out of stores and arcades, then grab a bite and some ice cream as the sun goes down.  

 

  1. Broadway at the Beach

Perhaps the most popular tourist attraction in Myrtle Beach, Broadway at the Beach has a wide range of activities and entertainment for anyone and everyone. Spend the day exploring the shops and restaurants as well as attractions like Wonderworks “amusement park for the mind,” Ripley’s Aquarium, the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Broadway Grand Prix. They are also host to tons of events, year-round so there is always something new to look forward to. Plus: most of these attractions offer resident discounts.

 

  1. Catch a show at the Carolina Opry or Alabama Theater

Catch some award-winning shows at these local theaters. The Carolina Opry features four productions with catchy, classic tunes. The upcoming holiday season welcomes a Christmas special. The Alabama Theater hosts concerts as well as ONE, a huge variety show full of country, broadway, pop and gospel music as well as original comedy.

 

  1. Brookgreen Gardens

For almost 100 years, this 9,100-acre garden/museum preserve of flora and fauna has served as a beacon of natural history for the Myrtle Beach area. The gardens boast intricate sculptures, native alligators, osprey and waterfowl, a 48 ft pontoon ride along historic rice fields, a Civil War fort cite located on the property and a journey through the back roads of the Oaks Plantation. The next time you’re wondering how to spend a day of beautiful weather, look no further.

 

  1. Helicopter Adventures

One view residents don’t get on a regular basis is a bird’s eye. Do as the tourists do and hop on a whirly bird to fly above and capture breathtaking views of the beach and ocean scenery that makes up your city. Flights range from short to tailor-made, with seven different options, starting at only $20.

 

  1. Family Kingdom Amusement Park

For more than 45 years, Family Kingdom has been providing tourists and locals alike with a classic theme park experience. The park is full of roller coasters, kiddie rides, games, funnel cake and, as it sits seaside, panoramic ocean views. Admission is free, rides are paid for separately as well as an adjacent water park. Check the calendar before you head over as its openings are seasonal.

 

  1. Skywheel Myrtle Beach

The quintessential tourist experience is complete with a visit to the Skywheel. Day or night, hop in a climate controlled gondola and relax as you soar nearly 200 feet above and take in miles of Myrtle Beach views. Check out the flight club for discounts and special events.