Myrtle Beach, SC

Visitors didn’t begin to enjoy the temperate climate, sandy beaches and warm waters of the Myrtle Beach, SC area until the early 20th century. In 1900, the Burroughs & Collins Company built the Conway & Seashore Railroad, a stretch of track from Conway to New Town (what is now Myrtle Beach, SC) and made the area easily accessible.

The first of many hotels in Myrtle Beach, the Seaside Inn, was opened in 1901. With beachfront lots selling for $25, small cottages began springing up all along the beach.

Arcady, a resort for the wealthy with 300 rooms, indoor & outdoor pools, stables and elegant furnishings was built in the 1920’s. The resort was also home to the first of many Myrtle Beach golf courses, Pine Lakes International Country Club.

In 1954 Hurricane Hazel hit the area hard wiping out beachfront cottages, shops and hotels. The hurricane cleared the way for a period of rapid development where the beach community was rebuilt bigger and better than before the storm.

Through the 60s and 70s the Grand Strand economy continued to boom as golf courses, amusement parks, shops, hotels and restaurants were rapidly and steadily built in Myrtle Beach.

Today, Myrtle Beach hosts over 13 million visitors annually and is the 2nd most popular summer destination in the U.S. with over 100 championship golf courses, more than 1,200 restaurants, several amusement and water parks, world-class live shows and an almost limitless selection of resorts, hotels and condos.

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