Where Love Lives On: Myrtle Beach Memories

Golf

Myrtle Beach is a golfer’s paradise, which is exactly why we returned year after year. My stepfather and the other men in our group would slip out early each morning, eager to experience another of the area’s renowned courses. While they were out playing, the women and kids would find our own adventures around town. They’d return a little after lunchtime, sunburned and satisfied, with stories of great shots and near misses, and we’d all gather together for family-style lunch in our rooms. After our group meal, my stepfather would settle in for his daily nap—the perfect pause before our evening adventures began.

The boardwalk

Walking the boardwalk with our group felt like being part of something bigger—the salt air mixing with the smell of funnel cakes while we wandered from shop to shop, never in a hurry to get anywhere. We’d stop for shows that made us laugh and restaurants where the conversations lasted long after the food was gone. Those wooden planks under our feet held so many of our footsteps, so many of our stories.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

Family Kingdom was where my niece and I discovered we were both braver than we thought. That slingshot ride had us gripping each other’s hands, screaming our heads off as we shot into the sky—terrified and thrilled all at once. When we finally stopped shaking and started laughing, I knew we’d just shared something we’d never forget. The shops were fun, but that moment of pure terror-turned-joy was priceless.

Legends in Concert at Myrtle Beach

Sitting in those theater seats, I got to experience concerts I never thought I’d see. When that Elvis impersonator took the stage, for a moment I forgot it wasn’t really him. The Blues Brothers had us all dancing in our seats, and that Tina Turner tribute gave me chills. It felt like traveling back in time to catch the shows my parents’ generation talked about—except I was there, living it with the people I loved most.

Broadway at the Beach

Broadway at the Beach became our evening destination when we wanted to wander without a plan. We’d browse shops we’d never heard of, try restaurants that caught our eye, and always end up somewhere we hadn’t expected. It was the kind of place where getting lost was half the fun, and every night there felt like a mini adventure.

Brookgreen Gardens

When the beach got too crowded or we needed a break from the sun, Brookgreen Gardens became our quiet refuge. Walking those sculpture trails, I discovered a different kind of beauty—art and nature woven together in perfect harmony. The peace we found there was different from anywhere else, like the gardens held space for reflection and quieter moments that balanced out all the beach excitement.

Flea market

Every year, we made our pilgrimage to the flea market like it was a sacred tradition. There was something magical about wandering through those rows of vendors, never knowing what unexpected treasure might catch our eye. We’d come home with the most unusual finds—things that made no sense to anyone else but somehow perfectly captured the spirit of our trips and became the souvenirs we treasured most.

The Carolina Opry

The Carolina Opry gave us some of our best belly laughs. When they performed “Who’s on First” by Abbott and Costello, our whole group was in stitches—my step-father laughing so hard he had tears in his eyes. Those shows reminded me that sometimes the simplest entertainment is the most meaningful, especially when you’re sharing it with people who get the same joy out of it that you do.

Putt-putt golf

With so many miniature golf courses around Myrtle Beach, we made it our nightly ritual—a different course each of the seven nights we were there. My step-father would give me the same patient guidance on these tiny fairways as he did on the real courses, celebrating my holes-in-one like I’d just won the Masters. Each course had its own personality and challenges, but they all gave us the same thing: a chance to end each day playing together, competing a little, and creating those small moments that somehow felt huge.

TBonz

TBonz became our go-to spot for those early bird specials that let us eat well without breaking the budget. There was something satisfying about beating the dinner rush and settling into a good meal while the evening was still young, knowing we’d have plenty of energy left for our nightly putt-putt adventures.

Nibils

I was never a hush puppy person until Nibils changed everything. Whatever they did to those golden little bites of cornbread magic converted me completely—suddenly I understood what all the fuss was about. Sometimes it takes just the right version of something to make you fall in love with it. It’s sad to know this special place is no longer there, but those perfect hush puppies live on in memory.

Margaritaville at Broadway

Margaritaville brought that laid-back island vibe right to Broadway at the Beach. The atmosphere made you feel like you were somewhere tropical even when you were just grabbing dinner before exploring the rest of the complex. It was the kind of place where the mood was as important as the meal.

Fat Man’s Dream

My stepfather always called it “Fat Daddy’s,” and honestly, his name fit better. This locally owned ice cream shop served up some of the most incredible banana splits we’d ever had—the kind that made you understand why people line up for really good ice cream. Supporting a local business while indulging in pure happiness felt like the perfect combination.

Yamato

Yamato at Broadway at the Beach gave us dinner and a show rolled into one. Watching the chef perform culinary acrobatics right at our table turned a meal into entertainment, and the food was just as impressive as the showmanship. It was one of those experiences that made eating out feel like an event.

Krispy Kreme

Sure, it’s a chain, but my stepfather absolutely loved Krispy Kreme and the ritual of waiting in line at night for that fresh batch of donuts to come out of the fryer. He’d get so excited when he saw that “Hot Now” sign glowing—it was like a beacon calling us over. Those warm, melt-in-your-mouth donuts were worth every minute of the wait, and watching his face light up over something so simple reminded me that some of the best treats come from the simplest pleasures.

Johnny Rockets

My step-father had a real soft spot for Johnny Rockets and their classic American diner experience. He loved those thick, creamy milkshakes and the perfectly grilled hamburgers that reminded him of simpler times. There was something about the retro atmosphere and straightforward comfort food that just made him happy—it was one of those places where he could truly relax and enjoy the simple pleasure of a really good burger and shake.