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A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM
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I work with social media and tasks having to do with post-production for our Insider publication. I was born on Long Island, New York, and moved to Myrtle Beach five years ago. Growing up on Long Island, I’m familiar with the culture of local lore and local ghost stories. One of my favorites is the story of Mary’s haunted grave and playhouse. It was said that there was a little girl during the time of the Revolutionary War who used to play in her playhouse outside, away from her house. One day she mysteriously disappeared, but the woods surrounding her playhouse still echoed with her laughter though she never was found. Today, you can still visit the woods and her playhouse and people are spooked, convinced they can feel her spirit still there, playing.
It was interesting to me that people would come from all over to see the origin place of this local legend. Especially because I got to experience living there first-hand. To this day, I love Halloween, ghost stories, and any type of local legend.
I loved reading this month’s front page article because it speaks about the local lore for this area, my new home. I was not aware until now that there was such a rich history of ghost stories and legends to discover. After hearing about other peoples' experiences on the trolley tour— it’s something that I’m looking forward to trying this fall. I’m constantly delighted and surprised by the breadth and diversity of people who live in our community. Their passions, talents and what they share with everyone enriches all of our lives.
Whether ghosts and ghouls are your cup of tea or not, these stories are so much more than a quick scare. They are imbued with the culture and flavor of the history of the area from which they originate— and transport you with their mystery into a different time, long before ours. They are a window, however small, into the past, giving us a glimpse beyond the mundane, into something filled with extraordinary potential and wonder. Wishing you all a spooky ghost-filled Halloween!
Jennifer O’Leary
November on the Grand Strand: Fall Festivals, Holiday Lights & Thanksgiving Traditions
Discover the top November 2026 events along the Grand Strand, including fall festivals, Thanksgiving traditions, tree lightings, Christmas displays and holiday favorites.
The Best Fall Road Trips Start Before You Leave the Driveway
A quick pre-trip check can help you feel ready for wherever fall takes you. Fall on the Grand Strand has a way of making a weekend away sound especially tempting. Maybe it’s Charleston for good food and waterfront walks, Charlotte for a change of scenery or Asheville for cooler temperatures and mountain views. Before you pack the car and pick a playlist, give your vehicle a little attention first. If routine maintenance is due, Grand Strand Jiffy Lube locations offer oil changes and other vehicle maintenance services to help you get road-trip ready. Here are a few things worth checking before you go. 1. Start With Your Tires Check the tire pressure while the tires are cold, using the recommended number on the driver’s doorjamb label or in the owner’s manual. Take a quick look at the tread and sidewalls, too. If you notice uneven wear or know a rotation is due, handle it before the trip. 2. Check the Battery and Lights A slow-starting engine may be a sign that it is time to have the battery tested. Before leaving, make sure your headlights, brake lights and turn signals are working properly, especially if part of the drive will happen after dark. 3. Give Your Wipers and Fluids Some Attention October weather can change quickly. Replace wipers that streak or skip, top off the washer fluid and check your vehicle’s maintenance schedule for engine oil and other fluids. If an oil change or other routine service is due, this is an easy time to take care of it instead of adding it to the post-trip to-do list. 4. Listen to Your Brakes Squealing, grinding, vibration while braking or a longer stopping distance are all reasons to have your brakes checked before heading out. That is especially worth addressing before a trip that could include long highway stretches, city traffic or mountain roads. 5. Be Ready for the Unexpected Know where your spare tire or tire repair kit is stored, and keep your roadside assistance information somewhere easy to find. Hopefully you never need either one, but figuring that out on the side of the road is not the ideal start to a fall getaway. 6. Then, Pick a Direction Once the car is ready, the fun part begins. Head south to Charleston, spend a weekend in Charlotte or point the car toward Asheville for a little mountain air. Bring water, check the weather before you leave and leave some room in the schedule for an unexpected stop along the way. Get Road-Trip Ready With Jiffy Lube Grand Strand Jiffy Lube locations offer oil changes and other vehicle maintenance services in Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Murrells Inlet, Conway and North Myrtle Beach. Before heading in, check the Jiffy Lube website for current coupons and local offers and confirm which services are available at your preferred location. Then all that’s left is deciding where you’re going.
5 Smart Ways to Enjoy Halloween Candy Without Wrecking Your Smile
You don’t have to skip the treats—a few simple habits can help protect your teeth through candy season. Halloween may end on Oct. 31, but somehow the candy bowl always survives well into November. The good news? You don’t have to swear off every chocolate bar in the house to take care of your teeth. The team at South Strand Dental, which has cared for Grand Strand families from its Surfside Beach office since 1981, knows that a few small choices about what you eat—and when you eat it—can make a difference. Here are five ways to make candy season a little easier on your teeth. 1. Reach for Chocolate First If you’re choosing between treats, plain chocolate can be a better option than candy that sticks around long after you eat it. Chocolate generally clears from the teeth more easily than gummies, caramel or taffy. Dark chocolate may also contain less sugar than milk chocolate, depending on the variety. 2. Be Careful With Sticky Candy Gummies, caramels and taffy tend to cling to teeth, which means sugar can linger longer. That is especially worth considering if you have braces or dental work. Follow any guidance your dentist has given you about foods that may be better to avoid. 3. Don’t Let Sour Candy Fool You Sour candies combine sugar with acids that can wear on tooth enamel. Hard candies can also stay in your mouth for a long time, and biting down on one can potentially chip a tooth. Enjoy them occasionally, but they probably shouldn’t become your all-day snack. 4. Eat Your Treats With a Meal How often you snack can matter just as much as what you choose. Instead of reaching into the candy bowl throughout the day, pick a favorite or two and enjoy them with a meal or shortly afterward. Following your treat with water is another simple habit, especially after a Halloween party or a long evening of trick-or-treating. 5. Keep Your Regular Dental Routine Continue brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily. After especially sour or acidic candy, rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing. Once Halloween is over, consider letting everyone choose their favorites rather than keeping an overflowing candy stash within reach for weeks. Keep Your Smile in Check With South Strand Dental South Strand Dental offers family and preventive dentistry, including cleanings and personalized guidance for patients of all ages. If it’s time for a checkup or you have questions about your family’s dental routine, visit southstranddental.com or call 843-238-5111. South Strand Dental is located at 1616 Azalea Drive in Surfside Beach.
What Buyers Notice First When They Walk Into Your Home
Buyers form an opinion quickly. From scent and lighting to clutter, comfort and overall condition, a few simple details can shape how your home feels from the moment they walk in.
Your Guide to the City of Halloween in 2026
Explore the top Halloween events in Conway, SC for 2026, including ghost walks, coffin races, haunted attractions, river cruises, family activities and the month-long City of Halloween celebration.
4 Exterior Updates to Get Your Home Ready for Fall and the Holidays
A simple seasonal reset can help your home feel cleaner, brighter and ready for everything from trick-or-treaters to holiday guests. October has a way of putting the front of the house back in the spotlight. There are trick-or-treaters, neighbors stopping by and, before long, holiday guests on the way. After a long coastal summer, it can also be the moment when salt, sand and outdoor grime become a little harder to ignore. You do not need a full exterior makeover to make your home feel refreshed. A few well-timed updates can make a noticeable difference before the busy season begins. 1. Give Your Windows a Clearer View Clean windows can brighten the house from both sides of the glass. Removing salt spray, fingerprints and built-up grime helps bring in more natural light while giving the exterior a cleaner look. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach offers residential and commercial window cleaning, including glass and vinyl systems such as Eze-Breeze. Screens and tracks can also be addressed if they need attention. 2. Freshen Up the Walkway and Patio Driveways, walkways, patios and siding see plenty of wear during a busy Grand Strand summer. A professional wash can help remove built-up dirt before you start decorating the porch or spending more time outside in cooler weather. Window Genie offers pressure washing along with gentler soft-washing methods for surfaces that require a lighter touch. 3. Don’t Forget the Gutters Gutters tend to stay out of mind until there is a heavy rain and water starts going where it should not. October is a practical time to clear leaves, twigs and other debris so water can move through the system properly. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach offers gutter cleaning as part of its exterior services. 4. Start Planning the Holiday Lights October decorations may begin with a few pumpkins and porch lights, but the holidays are not far behind. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach offers lighting services for Halloween and other celebrations, including design, installation, maintenance, takedown and storage options. Permanent outdoor lighting is also available for homeowners who want a setup that can change throughout the year. Make the Outside One Less Thing to Worry About A seasonal refresh is really about spending less time thinking about outdoor chores and more time enjoying what is happening at home. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach is a locally owned, veteran-owned family business that has served the Grand Strand since 2014. To explore services or request a free estimate, visit Window Genie of Myrtle Beach or call 843-279-4923.
October on the Grand Strand: Fall Festivals, Food, Music & More
From seafood festivals and live music to harvest weekends, Halloween celebrations and longtime local traditions, October gives you plenty of reasons to get out and explore the Grand Strand. There’s something different about October at the beach. The summer rush begins to ease, the evenings feel a little cooler, and suddenly spending an entire Saturday outdoors sounds like a very good idea. It also happens to be one of the busiest months of the year for festivals and community events. From Little River to Georgetown, the October calendar is filled with food, music, art, family activities and plenty of fall traditions. Whether you live here year-round or you’re planning an autumn trip to the coast, here are some of the events worth putting on your calendar for October 2026. Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally September 25–October 4 | Throughout the Grand Strand October begins with the final stretch of the Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally. Riders and motorcycle enthusiasts gather across the Grand Strand for rides, vendors, entertainment and events stretching from North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown. The fall rally officially runs for 10 days, although individual venues may follow their own schedules. Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art October 1–17 | The Reserve Golf Club, Pawleys Island Music lovers can head south for more than two weeks of performances during the Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art. The 2026 lineup begins with the annual Wine & Food Gala on October 1 and continues with concerts ranging from tribute performances to touring artists. This year’s schedule includes Girl Named Tom, The Landsharks, Trial By Fire, The Kings of Queen, a Tony Bennett tribute featuring the Joe Gransden Orchestra, Seals & Crofts 2 and CeCe Teneal’s Divas of Soul. Vintage Market Days October 2–4 | Myrtle Beach Sports Center If your idea of a good fall weekend includes vintage finds, home décor and a little treasure hunting, Vintage Market Days brings its “A Carolina Fall” market to the Myrtle Beach Sports Center. Expect vendors offering everything from clothing and jewelry to furniture, plants, décor and other unique finds. Surfside Beach Family Festival October 3 | Surfside Drive Surfside Beach welcomes fall with one of its longtime community traditions. The Family Festival takes over Surfside Drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with more than 125 arts and crafts vendors, festival food, a Kids Zone and live entertainment on two stages. Admission is free, making it an easy Saturday outing for families. Harvest Home Weekend at Brookgreen Gardens October 3–4 | Brookgreen Gardens Pumpkins and scarecrows take over Brookgreen Gardens during Harvest Home Weekend. The annual celebration includes pumpkin decorating, scarecrow building, a hay maze, crafts, live musliic and seasonal activities throughout the gardens. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and is included with regular garden admission, with additional charges for pumpkins and some activities. Little River ShrimpFest October 10–11 | Historic Little River Waterfront Come hungry. ShrimpFest returns to the Little River waterfront for a weekend centered around fresh local seafood, live music and waterfront fun. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days and features two stages of entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, family activities and plenty of shrimp dishes served by waterfront restaurants and festival vendors. Fall Taste of The Market Common October 10 | The Market Common One of the easiest ways to sample several Market Common restaurants in a single afternoon is back this October. Fall Taste of The Market Common runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with more than 40 appetizers, entrées, desserts and specialty items available from participating restaurants. Tasting tickets are $1 each, with individual samples costing between one and five tickets. Live music and sidewalk sales add a little shopping and entertainment between bites. Myrtle Beach Greek Festival October 15–18 | St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church For four days, St. John’s Greek Orthodox Church brings the food, music and traditions of Greece to Myrtle Beach. The festival features Greek dishes and pastries, entertainment, cultural activities and church tours. Admission is $5 for adults, while children 10 and younger are admitted free. Free shuttle service is also planned from off-site parking at Captain George’s Seafood Buffet. Myrtle Beach Jazz Fest October 16–18 | 2501 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach The Myrtle Beach Jazz Fest celebrates its 10th anniversary in a new location this year across from the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The three-day lineup includes Patrick Lamb, Althea René, Kevin Jackson, Long Bay Symphony, Daryl Beebe and other performers, along with food, drinks and festival vendors. The festival’s official site lists ticketed admission for 2026, so attendees should check current ticket options before heading out. Loris Bog-Off Festival October 17 | Downtown Loris Few foods say South Carolina quite like chicken bog, and Loris has been celebrating the dish for decades with its Bog-Off Festival. What began as a cooking competition has grown into a full downtown festival featuring chicken bog recipes, vendors, arts and crafts, entertainment, family activities and an evening fireworks finale. If you’ve never tried one of the region’s most recognizable comfort foods, this is a fitting place to start. Georgetown Wooden Boat Show October 17–18 | Historic Downtown Georgetown Historic Front Street and the Georgetown waterfront provide the backdrop for one of the area’s most distinctive October traditions. More than 100 classic wooden boats, from kayaks to yachts, are displayed on land and water during the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show. The weekend also includes boatbuilding, maritime arts and crafts, children’s activities, knot-tying, live entertainment and the always-entertaining corrugated boat race. Admission to the Saturday and Sunday show is free, with proceeds from associated events supporting the South Carolina Maritime Museum. Grand Strand Kite Festival October 24–25 | Cherry Grove Look up when you reach the north end of the Grand Strand this weekend. The Grand Strand Kite Festival returns to the Point at Cherry Grove from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Hosted by
One Coast, Many Markets: 7 Things to Know About Grand Strand Real Estate Right Now
Single-family prices are holding steady, condo buyers have more choices and new construction is adding even more options. The Grand Strand may be one coastal market on the map, but single-family homes and condos are telling two different stories right now. Add new construction to the mix, and it becomes even clearer that no single number can explain what is happening across the area. People are still buying and selling. They are simply taking a closer look at price, location and long-term value before making a move. Here are seven things to know about the Grand Strand real estate market right now. 1. One Coast Doesn’t Mean One Market The Grand Strand includes everything from oceanfront condos and golf-course communities to traditional neighborhoods, active-adult communities and new construction. A home in Carolina Forest does not necessarily compete with a Myrtle Beach condo, just as a new home in Conway may attract a different buyer than a waterfront property in Murrells Inlet. That is why asking whether the entire market is simply “up” or “down” rarely tells the whole story. Property type, neighborhood and price range matter. 2. Single-Family Prices Are Holding Steady According to the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS®, the median single-family sale price was $375,000 in July 2026, essentially unchanged from July 2025. Completed sales declined from the previous July, while pending sales increased 2.1%. Homes averaged 117 days on the market. For buyers, that can mean more time to compare properties. For sellers, steady prices are encouraging, but condition, location and accurate pricing remain important as buyers pay closer attention to value. 3. Condo Buyers Have More Choices The condo market is moving differently. Condo closings increased 17.3% in July compared with July 2025, with 468 sales completed during the month. Year-to-date sales were up 8.1%, while pending sales increased 8.5%. At the same time, the year-to-date median condo price was $232,500, down 3.1%. Inventory increased 2.6%, and condos averaged 132 days on the market. For buyers, that can mean more properties to compare and potentially more negotiating room. For sellers, it means standing out matters. 4. Condo Buyers Should Look Beyond the Price Tag Two condos with similar asking prices can come with very different monthly costs. HOA dues, insurance responsibilities, reserve funding, planned building projects, assessments and rental restrictions can all affect the bigger financial picture. Reviewing association budgets, meeting minutes and governing documents can help buyers understand what ownership really looks like before making a decision. The right condo can still offer the low-maintenance coastal lifestyle many buyers want. The key is knowing what comes with it. 5. New Construction Is Adding More Options New communities continue to expand the choices available across the Grand Strand, from townhomes and traditional neighborhoods to active-adult communities and developments with resort-style amenities. Some builders may also offer incentives such as closing-cost assistance or mortgage-rate buydowns on select homes. That means comparing new construction with a resale home involves more than asking price. Location, financing, HOA costs, included features, warranties and long-term plans should all be part of the conversation. 6. Buyers May Have More Breathing Room Today’s market may give some buyers something that was harder to find a few years ago: time. That can make it easier to compare neighborhoods, property types, HOA rules, amenities, commute times and maintenance costs before making a decision. Still, attractive and well-priced homes can move quickly. Having more choices does not mean waiting indefinitely when the right property appears. The goal is not necessarily to make the lowest offer. It is to understand the property and competition well enough to make an informed one. 7. Sellers Have to Work a Little Harder for Attention Buyers are still purchasing homes throughout the Grand Strand, but many now have more options. For sellers, that makes preparation and pricing especially important. Addressing visible maintenance concerns, presenting the home well and understanding the current competition can help a property stand out. Lifestyle matters too. Proximity to beaches, restaurants, shopping, recreation and everyday conveniences can help buyers picture what living there would actually feel like. One Market, Plenty of Options The Grand Strand’s biggest strength may be its variety. Buyers can choose an oceanfront condo, golf-course neighborhood, quiet inland community or newly built home with modern amenities—all within the same general area. That is also why there is rarely one answer that works for everyone. The market numbers offer context, but the right decision depends on the property, the neighborhood and the lifestyle someone is looking for. Thinking About Making a Move? Whether you are buying, selling or simply curious about what is happening in your neighborhood, understanding the local market is a good place to start. A local real estate professional can help you compare communities, property types and current conditions so you can make a decision based on the full picture—not just the headline. Market information is based on the Coastal Carolinas Association of REALTORS® July 2026 Monthly Market Report and CCAR MLS data available in August and September 2026. Market conditions vary by location, property type and price range and are subject to change.
14 New Grand Strand Restaurants Making It Very Hard to Cook at Home
From pier-side wine to chocolate-loaded brunch, the Grand Strand’s dining scene is heating up fast. There’s something about a new restaurant opening that immediately gives you an excuse to make plans. The latest crop of new Grand Strand restaurants covers a lot of ground, from Yemeni coffee and English pub fare to over-the-top brunch, pier-side wine, craft beer and waterfront seafood. Nine spots are already open, with five more on the way. So if your usual “where should we eat?” conversation has been feeling a little stale, consider this your updated list. NOW OPEN The Cellar Pawleys Island The Cellar is tucked inside the historic former Pawleys Island schoolhouse at Hammock Shops Village, giving this wine spot plenty of character before you even order a glass. Part wine shop, part tasting room and part gathering place, it offers bottles from family-owned, small-estate producers alongside more familiar labels. Guests can pair wine with charcuterie at the bar, head upstairs to the cozy loft or grab a bottle to take home. Scheduled tastings and special events add another reason to stop by. Location: 10880 Ocean Highway #20, Pawleys Island, SC Hakaya Café Surfside Beach Hakaya Café brought a traditional Yemeni coffeehouse experience to Surfside Beach when it opened in May 2026. The menu includes Yemeni coffee and tea, espresso drinks, smoothies, refreshers, pastries, crepes, waffles and sweets. Yemeni coffee is often prepared with fragrant spices like cardamom, ginger and cinnamon, offering something a little different from the usual coffee-shop order. The warm, lounge-like setting is designed for lingering, making it an easy choice for coffee, dessert or a long-overdue catch-up with friends. Location: 2696 Beaver Run Boulevard Unit A1, Surfside Beach, SC The Whistling Duck Surfside Beach Pier The Whistling Duck pairs ocean views with a story that feels right at home on the Surfside Beach Pier. Owners Mike and Rebecca Wallace have a personal connection to the location: Mike proposed to Rebecca on the former pier beneath the Fourth of July fireworks. Their oceanfront restaurant and wine bar serves charcuterie, creative bruschetta, salads and shareables like whipped feta, crispy artichokes and stuffed dates. Advanced sommelier Jodi Bronchtein oversees the wine selections, with cocktails and craft beer also available. It’s an easy spot for drinks, a lighter dinner or date night by the water. Location: 11 Ocean Boulevard South, Surfside Beach, SC Surf Diner Surfside Beach Pier Surf Diner is now open on the rebuilt Surfside Beach Fishing Pier, serving breakfast and lunch just steps from the ocean. Mornings bring familiar diner favorites like omelets and pancake stacks, while lunch adds sandwiches, po’boys, tacos and fried baskets with shrimp, clams, chicken tenders and flounder. Indoor and outdoor seating make it a convenient stop before or after the beach, and the broad menu works especially well for families or groups with very different ideas about what lunch should look like. Location: 11 Ocean Boulevard South, Surfside Beach, SC Chocolate Bar & Grill Myrtle Beach Chocolate Bar & Grill opened this year with a brunch menu that clearly has no interest in being subtle. The lineup includes gourmet pancakes, specialty French toast, waffles, Benedicts, omelets, sandwiches, specialty coffee, milkshakes and cocktails. Sweeter dishes like triple-dipped chocolate pancakes, pistachio creations and elaborate waffles lean heavily into colorful presentation, while kids can take part in a pancake-painting experience. It’s the kind of breakfast spot made for anyone who likes their brunch a little extra. Location: 1201 South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC The Grove House Cherry Grove The Grove House brings a little bit of everything to Cherry Grove, starting with hand-tossed pizzas and stretching into wings, tacos, fried seafood baskets, po’boys, crab cakes, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and salads. Guests can dine inside or settle in on the covered porch. With a wide-ranging menu and casual setup near the beach, it works well for easy dinners, family meals and those groups where one person wants pizza, another wants seafood and nobody is interested in compromising. Location: 219 Sea Mountain Highway, North Myrtle Beach, SC The Crooked Cork Pawleys Island The Crooked Cork opened in late 2025 as an English-inspired pub from owners George Eddis and Erin Carachilo. The menu features classics like fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and a Guinness beef hand pie, along with burgers, salads and shareables. Dark wood, sports memorabilia, TVs and a dedicated metal-tip dart room add to the traditional pub feel. It’s a casual place to grab a meal, catch a soccer or rugby match or settle in for a round of darts with friends. Location: 13089 Ocean Highway A4, Pawleys Island, SC Stella Blue SayeBrook Stella Blue opened Sept. 5, 2026, bringing a colorful, music-inspired café to the SayeBrook area. Owners Robert and Ann Koopman first created the concept in Huntington, New York, before bringing it to Myrtle Beach. The café serves all-day breakfast, lunch, baked goods, organic coffee, smoothies and cocktails, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices available. Grateful Dead influences show up in the music, vintage-record décor and menu names, while the Pay It Forward program allows guests to help provide food for someone experiencing hardship. Location: 170 Sayebrook Parkway, Myrtle Beach, SC Big Fish Broadway at the Beach Big Fish began welcoming guests at Broadway at the Beach in September 2026, bringing fresh seafood, an oyster bar and Southern favorites like buttermilk fried chicken to Lake Broadway. Outside, a large waterfront deck adds plenty of seating, a stage for live music and TVs for catching the game. The setup works just as well for a family dinner as it does for oysters and drinks with friends, especially when the weather calls for spending a little more time by the water. Location: 1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC COMING SOON 357 Brewers Grande Dunes 357 Brewers is taking shape at Grande Dunes Marina, where construction is underway on a new waterfront brewery and gathering spot. Plans include a 10,000-square-foot brewing facility with beer produced on-site, indoor and outdoor bars, a kitchen and outdoor gathering
