A Native Virginian, Freelance Writer, and Avid Book Collector
by Melissa LaScaleia
Introduce me to your family.
I’m number three in a line of four children. My sisters, Brie and Carolina, married South Carolina boys and started families. My brother, Zach, lives in the upstate with fur babies. Just like him, I live with my two cats.
Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?
I was born in Virginia. My dad was in the United States Marine Corps, so I grew up living in multiple states and countries. For now, I’ve settled in Myrtle Beach, right by the Intracoastal Waterway.
Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?
I was offered a position with The Sun News as a freelance writer after graduating college.
What is your favorite place in Myrtle Beach?
I can never go wrong with the beach. I am also very fond of Vereen Memorial Gardens in Little River and Brookgreen Gardens, in Murrells Inlet.
What do you like the most about living here?
I love the hot and humid weather. I love the beach, and being able to visit it all year.
How has your lifestyle changed since moving here?
I take advantage of the tourist hot-spots year-round, and enjoy trying new things, like restaurants and annual events. I also enjoy zip-lining and jet skiing.
What new activities have you taken up since moving here?
Because there are so many restaurants in the area, I eat out more often than ever.
Do you find people friendlier or more at ease?
I think you can find kind people no matter where you are, but Southern hospitality truly is a real thing.
What is one thing that your neighbors don’t know about you?
I collect books. Right now I only have a few hundred, but I hope someday to have a library.
What are your favorite things to do here?
When I’m not playing in the ocean, I love to read, especially outside. I also adore spending time with my friends, playing games at Dave and Busters, or walking around Broadway at the Beach.
Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in Myrtle Beach?
Having lived in so many different places, I would love to see a greater variety of everything— from food to activities—come to the area. But for the most part, I love it here.
