Learn about us, where we come from and what The Coastal Insider is all about. The Coastal Insider is a monthly publication all about what’s happening with events, businesses and residents in Myrtle Beach and surrounding Grand Strand areas in Horry County, SC.
The Coastal Insider shares stories about local businesses, culture, dining, events and entertainment in our surrounding coastal communities of South Carolina. Our purpose is to connect readers of the Grand Strand and tourists with our unique communities of the Myrtle Beach area.
P A C K /// your bags for the perfect myrtle beach weekend
FRIDAY
• 3:00 pm - check into your hotel:
@oceanreefmb, @ffibroadway, or @hamptoninnmyrtlebeachocean.
• 5:00 pm - happy hour at @drifteatery. they offer a great selection of drinks and small bites to kick off your weekend!
• 6:30 pm - dinner at @hookandbarrelrestaurant, a seafood-centric spot just minutes away from drift on main.
SATURDAY
• 9:00 am - breakfast at @blueberrygrill or @scrambled_29579 in myrtle beach.
• 11:00 am - stroll down the myrtle beach boardwalk for iconic ocean views and people-watching. swing by @hificoffeebarmb for a quick coffee.
• 12:30 pm - head down and explore the marshwalk in murrells inlet. wander along the water, check out local shops, and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
• 2:00 pm - grab lunch at @deaddogsaloon, known for its waterfront views and southern fare.
• 4:30 pm - plan ahead by reserving a spot for dinner at @wickedtuna_murrellsinlet.
• while you wait, enjoy happy hour at @tunashakmi, just down the street.
• 7:00 pm - dinner at the wicked tuna. fresh seafood with stunning views of murrells inlet’s marshes!
SUNDAY
• 9:00 am - start your day with coffee at @acupfullcafe in downtown conway. their cozy vibe and great brews will set the tone for a relaxing morning.
• 9:30 am - take a peaceful walk along the conway riverwalk, soaking in the scenic views of the waccamaw river and historic charm.
• 11:00 am - brunch at @conwaytrestle. their hearty southern dishes and welcoming atmosphere are perfect for a sunday treat.
• 1:00 pm - end the day exploring the historic streets of downtown conway. check out local shops like @papasgeneralstore, or stop by conway glass to see their unique creations.
📍myrtle beach, sc
@coastalinsider is your go-to guide for myrtle beach & charleston’s hidden gems! follow us for the best local eats, adventurous spots, and must-see attractions. 🌴🌊
ready to make a move to the area? @bhhscoastalrealestate is the perfect company to find your dream coastal home!
B I G /// but is it better? 👀
🦍 the hollywood wax museum in myrtle beach, with king kong clinging to the roof, grabs your attention like a roadside spectacle. inside? wax figures that make you say, “wait, who is that?” add a zombie outbreak and a frustrating mirror maze, and you’ve got laughs and maybe nightmares.
🎨 hidden gem: @mbartmuseum also know as the franklin g. burroughs-simeon b. chapin art museum!
with eleven rotating galleries, free admission, and ocean views, this spot inspires, not scares. it’s the perfect mix of culture, creativity, and calm in the heart of myrtle beach. burn the same calories here, but you’ll leave refreshed, not haunted.
📍 myrtle beach, sc
📩 want the inside scoop on everything myrtle beach? click the link in our bio to sign up for our newsletter and stay in the know!
@coastalinsider is your go-to guide for myrtle beach & charleston’s hidden gems! follow us for the best local eats, adventurous spots, and must-see attractions. 🌴🌊
5 /// more sundays until sunsets after 7 pm! 🌅
the countdown is on! longer days, warmer nights, and breathtaking sunsets are almost here. more time for beach walks, marshwalk drinks, and golden hour skies that never disappoint. 😍
where’s your go-to myrtle beach sunset spot? drop it below! 👇
📍myrtle beach, sc
@coastalinsider is your go-to guide for myrtle beach & charleston’s hidden gems! follow us for the best local eats, adventurous spots, and must-see attractions. 🌴🌊
BRUNCH /// lovers this ones for you! 🍽️✨
if you’re not a morning person, these myrtle beach brunch spots might just change your mind. whether you’re craving red velvet waffles, a killer bloody mary, or shrimp & grits, this lineup has something for every brunch mood.
📌 save the list for your next brunch date:
🥞 @johnnydswaffles
🥐 @croissantsbistroandbakery
🍹 @blueberry’sgrill
🍳 @scrambled_29579
🥗 @lekkereats_mb
🍯 @tupelohoneycafe
📍myrtle beach, sc
@coastalinsider is your go-to guide for myrtle beach & charleston’s hidden gems! follow us for the best local eats, adventurous spots, and must-see attractions. 🌴🌊
ready to make a move to the area? @bhhscoastalrealestate is the perfect company to find your dream coastal home!
© 2024 The Coastal Insider
Jim Parker
President
Jim Parker was born in Camden, SC. He started at age 8 on his family’s 200 acre farm and the neighboring farm. He fed cows, chickens, pigs, baled hay, harvested corn up until he was 18. At age 12 he co-signed for a Ditch Witch to dig trenches in rural Camden and Bethune with his dad. At age 15 he was doing everything he was doing at age 8, plus working at the recycling center after school from 4PM-12AM, chopping wood in the wintertime for the family and community; and delivered the Camden Chronicle newspapers to businesses in the area.
From 1978 to 1983, Jim served in the U.S. Air Force at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. In 1983 Jim entered the real estate industry in the Myrtle Beach area and in 1985 purchased the realty company he was working for turning it into the general brokerage division of Parker Realty, Inc. Jim started Commercial Landtec Corporation in 1988 and acquired John Jobson as a partner in 1993.
A few years later Jim and John founded Palm Shores Development Corporation and Coastal Lifestyle Homes, Ltd. which is currently operating today in the Waterford Oaks community in Garden City, SC. In 2001 both Jim and John formed Site Tech Systems, a company specializing in geographic information systems (GIS), information technology and customer service through the utilization of demographics, environmental studies, zoning information, traffic counts, aerial photography, etc. He currently is the broker-in-charge for Real Living Home Realty Group and the co-owner of The Coastal Insider. He is someone who we all look up to and strive to be like on a daily basis. Real Living – Home Realty Group would not be what it is today without having him as the captain of our team. We can hear his laugh from a mile away and will always get a smile on our face from it. Working here and alongside Jim Parker, you can truly feel the love and family atmosphere he strives for.
Megan Parker
Marketing Director
Megan Parker, Creative Director / Graphic Designer / Photographer is the daughter of Jim Parker, our co-owner of the Coastal Insider. Born in Myrtle Beach, she loves traveling, yoga and jet skiing on the waterway with her mom, Donna. She lives in Market Common with her stellar partner, Jonathon Jarabek. She spends most of her days hanging out with Charlie (of Charlie’s Corner) while working on Graphic Design, Art Direction and Photography for the Insider.
“I’m gaining a great deal of confidence from being in a well-structured and professional environment, where I receive positive reinforcement and mentoring throughout the many aspects of business, not only from my dad, but also from his business partner, John Jobson.” Megan studied photography at Winthrop University, has a degree from Coastal Carolina University, and has travelled extensively both domestically and internationally as a fashion and product photographer. Her vision is to serve Christ by “seek(ing) first His Kingdom and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
Latoya Grayson
Public Relations Director
Latoya Grayson, Marketing Director is from Andrews, South Carolina, aka, the home of Chubby Checker. She is currently living in Socastee, Myrtle Beach. Some of the other places she has called home are Jacksonville, Florida and our state capital Columbia, South Carolina. Her most favorite activity is the “Family Visit.” And she just adores her family.
Words that inspire Latoya the most are: “This too shall pass”. And another important saying in her life is: “Treat people the way you want to be treated”. As she says these are, “Words I live by.” She has a degree in Applied Science from HGTC. Her most rewarding job has been working at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Camera Surveillance Office (CSO). At the present time she is Public Relations/Marketing Director for the Coastal Insider. She says that, “People are my passion.” Working for this organization allows her to pursue that passion and to be, “the Best Person I can be.”
Rachel Ogg
Graphic Designer
Rachel is an award-winning designer who graduated from Winthrop University in 2018 with a degree in Graphic Design. In addition to excelling in their rigorous program, she was a member of several community service organizations and mentored underclassmen. Her senior year, Rachel also had an internship at a boutique design firm called Little Red Bird in Charlotte, where she would assist in various projects in both print and digital media.
Since joining Real Living, Rachel has thrived and has proven herself as an integral part of the team. Rachel touches just about every piece of marketing from our company. She creates postcards, newsletters, booklets, social media graphics, The Coastal Insider and Coastal Home Insider, and just about anything else that you see. She works tirelessly to create beautiful pieces and has a passion for transforming abstract thoughts into tangible materials that will assist agents in getting their clients’ homes sold.
Solange Edwards
Web Developer
Born and raised in the Algarve – Portugal. Living in the south of Portugal where there are a lot of tourists from all over Europe, she was exposed to languages right of the bat making her pursue her passion for languages. She did interpretations in the Local and Regional Courts of Portugal as well as working in her family based Translation Company which was all done online. As a street smart person, she acquired a lot of knowledge and abilities in web developing, web designing as well as Social Media Strategies. She can take a basic website look like the most modern and up to date website rich in SEO and keywords. She is a great team player and brings a great light into the Real Living Team.