Recently named the fifth Best Small City in America, Myrtle Beach continues to see new public and private investments enhancing quality of life across the Grand Strand. From improvements to Ocean Boulevard and new restaurants to expanded air service at Myrtle Beach International Airport, many of these projects are designed to serve both visitors and the people who call this community home.
Tourism helps make many of these investments possible. Visitor spending supports local businesses, generates tax revenue that helps fund community services and infrastructure, and sustains thousands of jobs throughout Horry and Georgetown counties.
Here's a look at some of the latest additions to our community.
New Lights Brighten Ocean Boulevard
Downtown Myrtle Beach continues its transformation with new investments aimed at creating a more vibrant, walkable and connected oceanfront.
This summer, decorative bistro-style lighting was installed along a seven-block stretch of Ocean Boulevard, complementing the area's restaurants, attractions and public spaces. The new lighting improves the atmosphere for evening strolls while creating a more inviting downtown experience for everyone who enjoys spending time along the oceanfront.
As public spaces continue to improve, residents benefit from enhanced gathering places that can be enjoyed well beyond the busy summer season.
New Restaurants Continue to Expand Local Dining
The Grand Strand's restaurant scene continues to evolve with several new dining and entertainment venues opening across the area.
Food Network personality Guy Fieri opened Downtown Flavortown, combining family-friendly entertainment with signature menu items in a large indoor attraction.
Broadway at the Beach welcomed Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Co., bringing a waterfront venue featuring Southern-inspired food, craft beverages, live entertainment and outdoor gathering space.
On Myrtle Beach's north end, UPTWN Prime introduced a new upscale steakhouse concept serving premium steaks, seafood and handcrafted cocktails.
Further south, Inlet Shipwreck Bar & Grill opened in Murrells Inlet with a pirate-themed waterfront atmosphere and family-friendly playground, while Shark Bar at Makos on the Water added another outdoor gathering spot overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River.
In Carolina Forest, South Coast Beer Project opened with craft beer, a full-service restaurant and indoor and outdoor community gathering spaces.
Oceanfront resorts are also expanding dining options that residents can enjoy, including Ellie's Snack Shack at Ellie Beach Resort Myrtle Beach and three new concepts at Hampton Inn & Suites Myrtle Beach Oceanfront: Whitecaps Sweets & Treats, Flipside Pizza and Tiki Tides Pool Bar.
New restaurants do more than give residents additional places to dine. They create local jobs, expand entertainment options and encourage continued private investment throughout the community.
Expanded Flights Mean Better Connectivity
Myrtle Beach International Airport continues to expand after last year's terminal renovation and six-gate expansion.
New nonstop service now connects the Grand Strand to additional destinations across the country, including Houston; Beckley and Parkersburg, West Virginia; Altoona, Pennsylvania; Manchester, New Hampshire; Orlando; Pittsburgh; Portland, Maine; and Atlantic City, New Jersey.
While additional flights make it easier for visitors to reach the Grand Strand, they also provide local residents with more convenient travel options for business, vacations and visiting family without driving to larger regional airports.
Tourism Investments Benefit Residents Too
Many of the improvements happening across the Grand Strand are made possible because tourism continues to be one of the region's leading economic drivers.
Visitor spending supports local businesses, helps sustain more than 82,000 jobs, and generates tax revenues that help fund infrastructure, public safety, parks and other community priorities. As businesses continue investing in new attractions, restaurants and amenities, residents also benefit from a wider variety of places to gather, dine and spend time with family and friends.
Whether you're enjoying an evening walk beneath the new Ocean Boulevard lights, trying a locally owned restaurant or taking advantage of a new nonstop flight, these investments reflect how a healthy visitor economy helps strengthen the place we all call home.
