Cover Stories

Thursday, November 4, 2021

by Melissa LaScaleia

Ground Zero Ministries is a local area non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide teenagers, ages 13-18, with a place to go, belong and grow.

“We feel teens are saturated with so many negative messages in today’s society,” says Stephanie Sebring, advancement director for Ground Zero. “Everything from media influences that direct their attention and energy to being something different from who they authentically are; to bullying by peers; to navigating difficult home situations. Ground Zero provides them an environment where they are surrounded by positive people and messages.”

The founder and president of Ground Zero Ministries, Scott Payseur, had the idea to start the organization when he was in middle school.

“Like many kids growing up in the ‘80s, I wanted to start a band and be a rock star,” Scott says. “One day I attended a youth conference and heard a Christian band, and decided to start my own. I petitioned my city council for a building to turn into a teen club, and it was successful. That’s where my passion for youth ministry originated.”

As an adult, Scott founded Ground Zero out of his house in Tennessee in 1998. In 2005, he met a local businessman who had organized several fundraising festivals around the world, and offered to help Scott develop his organization further. One of his bases was Myrtle Beach.

Scott was familiar with the South’s coastal areas— he grew up taking family vacations to Holden Beach, NC. But his first real visit to Myrtle Beach was after college, when he was assigned to the area for a work project.

After his fortuitous connection, Scott and his wife Kimberly moved to Myrtle Beach and ran Ground Zero from both locations for two years before ultimately transferring everything to the beach.

In 2011, the City of Myrtle Beach gifted them a building for their programs. It took Scott three years and $1.7 million in kind services and funds to renovate and open it.

“It was a monumental task for a small organization, and many people told us our best decision was to give the keys back to the city,” Scott says. “No one would have ever questioned us quitting because that seemed like the sensible thing to do. There were a lot of personal struggles. But that’s not my mentality.

“It was us setting out to do what we felt we had been called to do. I wanted this building and the fact that we opened to stand as a testimony to my faith in God. I believe it’s been God’s provision through people that’s made all of this possible. It was a huge step of faith; it was driven by a need to reach a generation of teenagers that we feel are really struggling with so many issues. So for us, everything we do revolves around that.”

Many know Ground Zero for their annual fundraiser— the Dragon Boat Festival— held each spring in the Market Common. Upwards of 10,000 people turn out for this fun-filled team building extravaganza. Professional steerers guide brilliantly-colored boats in the shape of dragons filled with teams of paddlers as they race across the big lake. Spectators and participants have a blast with the sporting competition, costume contests, music, and food.

But even on a smaller scale, the signature Ground Zero events draw teens consistently. Scott and his team have a three-part strategy for impacting teens in a positive way.

“First, we capture their attention,” says Stephanie. “We do that through hosting high-energy events and creating memorable experiences.”

GZi, their weekly outreach program, is a night where teens come listen to live music, hang out with their friends, hear from a motivational speaker, and engage in a conversation about an issue that is directly relevant to their lives.

“For each of our events, we create a place where teens can feel free to be themselves in a supportive, fun environment,” Stephanie says. “They receive free food and drinks, and they’re surrounded by people who care about them. Often we play games like ping-pong and 9 square— it’s similar to volleyball but more intense and high energy.”

The second part of what Ground Zero provides is empowerment—a valuable asset in a world that can often groom teens into accepting toxic mental habits, relationships, and activities. Their mentoring and support helps teens feel safe to explore who they are, what they stand for, and how to protect that— in essence to face the challenges of their daily lives well equipped to do so.

“We do this through cultivating a faith relationship which empowers them to not only make their own healthy choices, but to stand by those choices and share them with others,” Stephanie says. “The last part is that we train them to be leaders by creating opportunities for them at Ground Zero. Once they have these skills, they can use them in any area of their lives with greater confidence.”

Ground Zero isn’t funded by any large organizations or churches; they are funded solely through individual donors— those who share their vision for impacting the lives of today’s teenagers.

“We serve kids from all socioeconomic backgrounds,” Stephanie says. “By bringing teenagers together to navigate life and its struggles in a safe environment, we increase the chances for them to be successful, for them to know they are not alone— that there are people who will support them.”

This year, Scott is celebrating the organization reaching the place he envisioned it being back in 1998.

“For the past two years, Covid has prevented us from hosting the Dragon Boat Festival, which traditionally served as our largest fundraiser,” he says. “This year, we are hosting the Fall Fundraising Gala at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in order to share all the growth that has occurred behind the scenes for us during this hiatus, and what people can look forward to in the future. We want our community to know that we are back and as excited as ever to see them at Ground Zero events.”

The gala is an opportunity for those interested in Ground Zero’s mission to learn more about the ways in which the organization is growing and how they can help to be a part of that positive change.

“When we impact youth in positive ways,” Scott says, “we prepare them to show up in their homes, school, and community as the best versions of themselves. Everyone benefits, and it creates a ripple effect, in which those whom they touch are better positioned to reach others as well.”

“You don’t have to be a Christian to care about kids or the community,” Stephanie adds. “But you do need to care about kids to create an impact in their lives. This fundraiser is an opportunity to ensure we have the resources and community support to do what we do on a continual basis.”

In their usual style of providing positive, high energy events and good times for their guests— the Fall Fundraising Gala promises to not disappoint. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club is sponsoring the event, which will be held at their facility.

Attire is semi-formal; there will be a three-course dinner provided by the Dunes Club; and music by Doug McFarland. Keith Davis, a former NFL player for the NY Giants, will be the keynote speaker, sharing his personal story which parallels those of the teens that Ground Zero serves everyday.

And there will be professional photo opportunities so attendees can remember a memorable night.

Tables cost $500 for the evening, and can accommodate parties of eight. Single hosts are encouraged to bring guests who are interested in learning more about Ground Zero’s Mission. All proceeds will benefit Ground Zero.

Ground Zero Ministries

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The 2021 Fall Fundraising Gala at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Thursday, November 4, 6pm.

9000 North Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. www.thedunesgolfandbeachclub.com

Semi-formal attire; E-mail stephanie@mygroundzero.com to host a table.

Have Fun and Keep Your Cool

by Melissa LaScaleia

As summer rolls on and the thermostat continues to rise in Myrtle Beach, what was once the locale for fun in the sun can become too much heat to bear. So this month, we’ve compiled a few ideas, from evening activities to day-long ventures, all designed to entertain while helping you keep your cool at the same time.

Springmaid Pier and Surrounding Area

Myrtle Beach’s Springmaid Pier was built in 1953 as part of the Springmaid Resort. The eponymous beachfront hotel was named for its owner, Colonel Elliott White Springs, president of Springs Industries, a textile manufacturing company.

Since that time, the pier has met with destruction at the hands of two hurricanes and one airplane crash. The last pier survived the longest— it was built in 1973 and met its fate after Hurricane Matthew struck our shores in 2016. At that time, the 1,068 foot-long pier, one of the longest on the East Coast, was reduced to some 100 feet. It was rebuilt last summer, having been reinforced with steel and raised at the end to protect against future storm damage.

Today, the area remains popular for fishing, sight-seeing, and beach-goers. The breeze off the pier offers a welcome respite from the sun, and passersby can watch the fish being reeled in, or simply enjoy the views from one of the many benches that dot it. Treat yourself to a shaved ice from the pier’s vendor, or enjoy lunch at Southern Tide restaurant, located at the end.

Afterwards, cool off indoors at the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, directly across the street. With eleven ever-changing galleries, the museum showcases collections of paintings, textiles, sculpture, photography, video, ceramics, assemblage, collage and more. It also hosts frequent programming including receptions, tours, lectures, workshops and classes for both adults and children.

Pier & Art Museum: 3200 South Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

A Cool Evening Art Exhibit at Brookgreen Gardens

Brookgreen Gardens, a 9,100-acre majestic nature and wildlife preserve located in Murrells Inlet, features 200-year-old live oak trees, several themed botanical gardens, and the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country set against a stunning garden backdrop. The romance of Brookgreen cannot be overstated, nor the importance of what landmark-strides this nonprofit is making in terms of protecting, preserving and promoting both nature as well as the arts.

This summer, Brookgreen is offering an exhibit, Summer Light Art by Night, a way to explore Brookgreen— the sculpture, the galleries and the whole landscape— during the cooler evening hours after sunset. Light is used as a medium and as art itself in various installations around the garden, facilitating an immersive, experiential art experience. There will be docent tours for the galleries, and live music nightly. The restaurant will offer picnic boxes, and alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks.

You can also stock up on your own picnic supplies for an evening outing in the gardens. Moe’s Original BBQ is right in the same neighborhood, and serves tasty Alabama-style BBQ and Southern sides that you can have packed to-go.

Before the twilight evening hours hit, consider taking a break at Huntington Beach State Park. Located directly across the street from Brookgreen, this lovely state park is a bird-watching haven. The park is also home to historic Atalaya, the summertime castle-residence of the Huntingtons which was built between 1931 and 1933.

The building was fashioned after Spanish and Moorish architecture mixed with the artistic vision of the Huntingtons. It was constructed purely of local labor, to help support the local economy during the Great Depression. During World War II, the couple loaned the use of Atalaya to the U.S. Army for use as a military barracks. Soak up some history and beach vibes at this tranquil locale.

Brookgreen Gardens & Huntington Beach State Park: Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Market Common Area

Head to the Market Common during the afternoon hours for an iced coffee and some tasty treats at Peace, Love and Little Donuts, where they serve up custom-made donuts from a dizzying array of toppings ranging from gummy bears to bacon, to everything in between. Then head down the block to Barnes & Nobles for some good reads in a quiet, air conditioned space. After you’ve had your literary fix, stop into the Seacoast Artist Gallery— which showcases a wide array of local art from the gallery’s 70 member-artists. There is something here for every taste and style, and in mediums that include paintings; photography; bronze castings; ceramics; pottery; glass-blown sculptures; and sculptures made from old instruments. And for some expansive views of the entire Market Common, head to the hill in Grand Park, day or night. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the entire area.

In the cooler evening hours, enjoy dinner at any one of the myriad restaurants in the Market Common for some outdoor or indoor dining. Every Sunday night, The Brass Tap hosts free salsa lessons from 8-10pm.

The Market Common: Nevers St. & Howard Ave., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Barefoot Landing And The Intracoastal Waterway

The 80 plus miles of beautiful beaches that stretch along the coast of the Grand Strand are often given precedence for exploration, fun, and relaxation in lieu of the hidden gem that is the Intracoastal Waterway. Stretching 3,000 miles inland along the entire Eastern Seaboard, and consisting of natural inlets, saltwater rivers and bays, the waterway provides a safer and more secluded way of traveling, boating, and enjoying the water, protected as it is from the storms and currents of the ocean.

There are several outfitters located nearby that will supply you with a variety of options for all your watercraft pursuits. Rent kayaks for a leisurely boating excursion and sightings of wildlife; for adventure seekers, there are a multitude of jet skiing rentals and tours— some that even include dolphin sightings; or take a pontoon or speed boat out for a spin.

When it’s time to put your feet on land once more, dock your boat at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, for extensive possibilities in dining, shopping and entertainment. Catch a live show at the Alabama Theatre, live music at the House of Blues, or even fireworks every Monday night throughout the rest of the summer season.

Check out their calendar of events online to stay abreast of the latest festivals and live music happenings. The area also boasts local as well as national stores and restaurants. It’s a lively scene and great way to while away the evening hours.

During the summer heat, there’s plenty of fun still to be had while staying cool. Why not do some exploring and make memories of your own as well?

Barefoot Landing: 4898 Hwy. 17 S, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

The Top Courses You Don’t Want to Miss

by Melissa LaScaleia

Myrtle Beach has long been renowned as a golfing destination, as the Grand Strand provides golf enthusiasts with seemingly endless options for picturesque and challenging links accompanied by mostly sunny skies and balmy temperatures. 

With over 80 courses dotting the area, it’s no wonder that Myrtle Beach is proclaimed the Golf Capital of the World. But with so many to choose from, how is one to pick where to tee-off from next?

Below, we’ve compiled a golf guide to help golfers and would-be golfers with this dilemma. 

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or have lived here for years and have your own list of  favorites, we’re sure you’ll find something to delight you in our list. 

We polled the golf-lovers at both our Insider and Real Living Home Realty offices to learn their thoughts on which are their favorites and why, and have included some bits of history and other fun facts as well. 

What follows, in no particular order, are our top choices for golf venues we think are the most memorable.

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club
70 Tanglewood Drive
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
843-237-6000
www.pawleysplantation.com

This course is a Jack Nicklaus signature design, and touted by a few as one of the most memorable layouts in the area. The back nine are on the marsh, giving you the surreal feeling that you’re playing golf from the water of the Inlet itself. 

This course is part of the Prime Times Founders Collection courses, which represent the best of what Myrtle Beach has to offer. It is consistently ranked at the top by Golf Insider magazine. 

Pawley’s Plantation offers one, two, three, and four bedroom villas with golf course views for your next golf getaway, special event, family vacation or business retreat.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club
9000 North Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
843-449-5236
www.thedunesclub.com/golf

In 1948, a little-known architect named Robert Trent Jones was commissioned to design the layout of The Dunes Club. Seventy years later, he is hailed as one of the all-time greatest golf course architects ever to have touched the earth. 

This semi-private signature course has a rating of 76.1 and a slope rating of 148.

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club stands as a “Top 100 Golf Course” in virtually every major magazine ranking. The club has played host to many PGA Tours, Senior PGA Tours, USGA Championships, Women’s, Amateur, National, Collegiate, and State events. Today, it measures an impressive 7,450 yards; renovations are overseen by Rees Jones, son of the original designer, to maintain the original design intent but keep the course up-to-date to meet the needs of the modern golfer.

The Dunes Club is a challenging championship course designed on ideal land for golf: sandy, rolling terrain along the ocean with magnificent trees framing the fairways. It’s a great place to practice with your irons. It’s right on the ocean, with lightning fast greens. Each hole has its own descriptive name to give golfers an idea of what to expect before they tee off. “Waterloo,” hole #13, is the signature hole of the Dunes Course. Famous worldwide, it is a legendary hole where Lake Singleton comes into play for a severe dogleg right. “Waterloo” has received every accolade and award as one of the greatest golf holes in the world.

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
369 Caledonia Dr.
Pawleys Island, SC 29585
843-237-3675
www.caledoniagolfandfishclub.com

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has earned myriad awards and accolades since its opening in 1994. It is a “Consensus Top 100 Public Course,” and consistently included as a “must-play” course year after year in publications like Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, and Golf Channel.

From its entrance lined with centuries-old live oaks, and its amazing azalea bushes and flower beds, Caledonia is regal and visually gorgeous. The club is the first solo design of late, great golf course architect Mike Strantz, who approached design as an artist, rather than an engineer. 

His exceptionally creative eye is reflected in the way he sculpted Caledonia’s 18 holes, with large, creative greens guarded at times by ponds, streams and imposing bunkers. A round of golf at Caledonia has been described as, “a beautiful day in a floral nature park.” 

The 6,526-yard, par-70 course is routed around majestic oaks and meandering streams. The greens are always in phenomenal shape, and the finishing holes, especially number 18, are noteworthy. The clubhouse houses an award-winning pro shop and restaurant.

Land records from the 1800s indicate that Caledonia was, at one time, one of the largest rice plantations in the area. The Scottish owner, Dr. Robert Nesbit, bestowed the same name upon his property that the Romans gave his homeland— Caledonia. In 1971, a large part of the plantation was purchased to use as a hunting and fishing preserve. Members would meet, cook dinner together and socialize at the lodge. It is this fellowship and tradition that inspired the design and construction of the golf course.

As sportsmen, the owners aimed to build a course that preserved as much of the land’s natural beauty as possible. As Southerners, they wanted to create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that visitors from around the country and the world would remember fondly. 

The goal of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club remains that each guest look back on his or her day not just as a round of golf, but as an overall Lowcountry experience.

Prestwick Country Club
1001 Links Road
Myrtle Beach, SC 29575
843-293-4100  
www.prestwickcountryclub.com

Prestigious Prestwick has the look and feel of a private club, but is open to the public. The course was designed by Pete & P.B. Dye, and is proclaimed their masterpiece course. It includes some of the most beautifully sculpted holes in the area. It was ranked 4.5 stars by Golf Digest.

Prestwick is one of the most challenging courses along the Grand Strand, as it has narrow fairways, lots of trees, and the rolling greens are fast. The undulating green hills make it difficult to get a low score, as you have to read it properly. 

This Par 72 beauty plays over 7000 yards from the Black Tees. But Prestwick has six sets of tees to fit every golfer’s game. The 9th hole provides an amazing finish to the front nine.

When playing Prestwick, you forget you’re playing at the beach, as the course is in the forest on the front side and links style on the backside. The condition of the course remains excellent throughout the year.

Wachesaw Plantation Club
1930 Governors Landing PO Box 1538
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843-357-1263
www.wachesaw.com/Play/Golf

This is a private club, but so lovely, we had to include it on our list. Crafted by internationally acclaimed Tom Fazio, Wachesaw was designed to take advantage of the site’s inherent beauty and interesting elevation changes not typically found in the Carolina Low Country. 

The unexpected rolling fairways are thoughtfully designed to weave through the giant oaks strategically placed on the course. This unique setup provides golfers of varying skill a memorable and challenging, yet enjoyable experience. You can expect the 700 acres to be in fantastic shape at any time, and always rolling perfectly.

Wachesaw also boasts tennis, a pool, waterfront dining, and social activities in a relaxed, welcoming, and elegant setting in Murrells Inlet.

Litchfield Golf and Country Club
619 Country Club Dr.
Pawleys Plantation, SC 29585
877-283-2122
www.litchfieldgolf.com

Litchfield Golf and Country Club serves up a country club environment without the country club prices. Designed by Willard Byrd, this course won’t beat up most players. It’s a shorter course, and tends to be a favorite amongst the older crowd. 

Measuring at less than 6,700 yards from the back tees, it’s easier to get a good score. The dogleg-happy round includes significant bends on at least eight different holes, forcing players to make the most of their tee and second shots. After that, forgiving approach zones open up the possibility of bump-and-run golf and negating many of the issues associated with small greens.

Tournament Players Club Myrtle Beach
1199 Tpc Blvd.
Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
843-357-3399
www.tpcmyrtlebeach.com

TPC Myrtle Beach’s very challenging 18-hole, 72 par PGA Tour-caliber course features elevation changes, undulating greens, and Tour-quality bunkers. It is a course designed to treat golfers to the experience of what it must be like to be a PGA Touring professional. 

The course backs up to Collins Creek, and is surrounded by environmentally-protected natural wetlands with thriving red oaks and thick pine forests. 

With 5,118–6,950 total yardage, the course has a rating of 74.0 and a slope rating of 145. Five tees make play enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.

Known as a very difficult course, with water in play on ten of the eighteen holes, the most challenging holes include #17, with its long downhill par 3 over water to a peninsula-shaped green, and #9, with its long par 4 uphill. Hole #18, with its par 5 difficult green complex, promises a high risk-reward factor. Their superior practice areas – putting green, chipping green, and grass driving range – are popular in the off-season with Touring golf professionals.

The Aero Club Short Course
3101 S Kings Hwy.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-444-5442
Facebook @ The Aero Club – Short Course

Myrtle Beach local Chip Smith opened this short course— a fantastic place to work on your short game— pitching, chipping and putting. At 2.5 miles long, with the longest hole being 110 yards, you can finish this 18 hole par 3 course in 1.5 hours, carrying your clubs and walking. It’s located just outside the Market Common, and you can see the beach from the course. Enjoy some views, get some exercise, hone your technique, and fit it into your day with ease— it’s a win-win all the way around.

Topgolf Myrtle Beach
2850 Robert Grissom Pkwy
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-945-3318
www.topgolf.com/us/myrtle-beach

This three-level sports entertainment complex has been dubbed as the evolutionary concept for practicing golf. Their indoor driving range with climate-controlled hitting bays is open until midnight, and is equipped with a rooftop terrace with a fire pit and a full service restaurant and bar that does not skimp on quality. 

Topgolf has made socializing a sport through a blend of technology and entertainment— this is a low-pressure environment that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game, and an experience geared around having fun.

Start Your Day With One of Our Favorite Eateries Along the Grand Strand

by Melissa LaScaleia

Health gurus, athletes, doctors, and mammas everywhere agree: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So why not get yours at one of any number of the Grand Strand’s most notable breakfast spots?

This month, to ensure everyone gets their foodie-fix, we’ve polled our Insider team and compiled fifteen of our favorite breakfast haunts up and down the Grand Strand. Some are bastions of traditional breakfast fare, some are artisanally focused and delight us with their ethics and quality of their ingredients. But this much is true: all found a way into our hearts and onto this list for one reason or another.

The below are numbered in no particular order. Don’t forget that menus, hours, and offerings are subject to change, so research before you visit if precision is your passion. Happy feasting…

FAMOUS TOASTERY

2005 Oakheart Rd.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

(843) 796-4433

Open M-F 8am to 2pm; Sa & Su 7am to 3pm

Called the “Toastery with the Moastery,” this all-day breakfast venue located in Carolina Forest understands that sometimes you want to start your day with a burger or salad, or an omelet and waffles.

At this franchise, you really can have it all. They believe food should be both decadent and nutritious, uncompromisingly fresh, with service that’s as satisfying as the menu— and they deliver on their philosophy.

Hass avocados, house-made corned beef hash, breakfast pizza, all the classics, and gluten-free French toast too, served in an atmosphere designed to bring great food and great people together. They also believe that giving back is not only a great way to launch each day, it’s also a great way to launch a Famous Toastery. Each time one opens, they donate 100% of the first two days’ proceeds to local non-profit organizations.

JERSEY BAGELS

4006 Postal Way

Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

(843) 236-5099

Open M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sa 8am-3pm; Su 8am-1pm

Cash only

The décor inside of this Carolina Forest sub and bagel shop is sure to awaken pride in every passionate Southern-sports enthusiasts’ heart.

They feature overstuffed lunch sandwiches packed with Boar’s Head meats; half and whole subs (which they can make 3 feet long); cold and hot specialty sandwiches; breakfast sandwiches; and of course, as their eponymous name indicates— bagels.

They carry plain, sesame, poppy, everything, cheddar, salt, multigrain, cinnamon raisin, blueberry, chocolate chip, egg, egg everything, onion, garlic, and jalapeño cheddar. Or, try a bagel pizza, or a French toast bagel. They have daily specials, and you can call ahead to pre-order.

GOLDEN EGG PANCAKE HOUSE

415 Highway 17 North

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

(843) 238-4923

Open daily 7am-2pm

For more than twenty-eight years, the Golden Egg has been providing good old-fashioned breakfasts to their loyal crowd of supporters and visitors who find their way to this restaurant’s doors— and they’re still going strong.

The Golden Egg believes that there’s no shortcuts when it comes to great food. This humble local spot is sure to warm your heart and your belly with their classics like French toast, waffles, home fries, bacon and sausage.

As their sign declares— Eat more pancakes.

Why not?

JOHNNY D’S

33rd Ave N.

Myrtle Beach, SC

(843) 448-6789

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3900 Hwy 17 South

North Myrtle Beach, SC

(843) 663-1700

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1200 US-17 Bus

Surfside Beach, SC

Open daily 7am-2pm

(843) 945-8046

Award-winning chef Jamie Daskalis is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with a degree in baking and pastry. Jamie grew up in the restaurant industry in her native NY, and has worked in the restaurant business for 20 years. Today, she is proud to be a part of our amazing Myrtle Beach community. She was recently awarded “Best Chef” from South Carolina Woman’s Magazine and Grand Strand Magazine, and is excited for the release of her first cookbook this year, Making It Delicious.

Jamie works everyday to ensure that her customers get the best possible experience at her three locations. She is constantly revamping recipes to deliver outstanding culinary creations. Her dedication to creating new recipes to entice your palette shows in some of her specialties: the red velvet waffles are made from a red velvet cake batter, drizzled with cream cheese icing, and topped with cinnamon sugar and butter.

The coconut banana French-toast-waffles are dipped in vanilla bean custard, grilled, and topped with fresh bananas, coconut, cinnamon sauce and cinnamon sugar. The crab & shrimp omelet is dressed with Havarti dill cheese seasoned with a salt water seasoning and drizzled with a seafood remoulade sauce. Yum!

Jamie loves hanging out in the dining room, learning about her guests’ experiences and listening to their feedback. She is a passionate advocate for Autism Awareness, and hosts sensory friendly events at Johnny D’s throughout the year.

SOHO

9715 N Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC

(843) 945-9696

Open daily 8am-12am

Known for a cosmopolitan atmosphere and universal cuisines, this chic night-time dinner venue is just as famous for their sumptuous organic breakfasts.

They serve all varieties of eggs Benedict, and healthy options like oatmeal and fresh fruit, wild caught smoked salmon omelet, and avocado toast.

Two blocks from the oceanfront, with tranquil river views and Buddha décor, this laid-back but beautifully energized spot is a great choice to start your day on track. Offering early bird senior discounts.

BEAVER BAR

3534 US-17 Bus

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

(843) 357-6353

Sunday breakfast 8am-12pm

The locals and bikers all know about the breakfast buffet on Sundays at this iconic biker bar. Sometimes it’s so crowded you might think they’re the only game in town. All proceeds benefit local charities, earning it a place in our hearts.

TUPELO HONEY CAFE

3042 Howard Ave

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 315-3780

Opens M-F at 11am; Sa- Su 9am

Located in the Market Common, Tupelo Honey’s scratch-made Southern food revival menu changes with the seasons. Brunch is served all day; although the eggs Benedict cease by 4pm.

Spearheaded by Chef Eric Gabrynowicz, a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist, and voted Food and Wine Magazine’s “Peoples Best New Chef, New York,” Eric brings patrons Tupelo Honey

Southern-inspired dishes that are simply crafted and made from scratch with responsibly sourced ingredients that bring the best of every season.

EGGS UP GRILL

1289 38th Ave N.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 839-2200

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3630 Walton Drive

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 839-1810

Open daily 6am-2pm

It’s always sunny and then some at this franchise specializing in, you guessed it, eggs prepared every which way. Here, eggs are always farm fresh, hand cracked, and cooked to order. But they also feature Southern staples like steak and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the ever-pervasive avocado toast.

Trying to feed your family before you all head out the door for the day? Try one of their family bundles which serve 4-6, or a take & bake casserole composed of sausage, hash browns, eggs and cheese, which you can heat up yourself at home. They also offer an extensive kids menu from which you can mix and match from a huge array of options sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. And… they deliver.

CREPE CREATION CAFE

4012 Deville St

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 839-4019

Open daily at 8am; breakfast until 2pm

Located in the Market Common, this delightful café offers crepes of every variety—from sweet to savory to truly decadent; and witnessing them being created in front of you is reason enough to head here if the myriad of flavors isn’t enough to entice you.

This is not a fast food establishment, as owner Larry Ware prides himself on delivering a quality product, so don’t expect a grab-and-go dining experience.

LE BON CAFE

9616 N Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

(843) 213-1193

Open Tu-Sa 8am-4pm

This tiny bakery does exactly what they promise— bringing a little bit of France to you. All those who have been to France will taste the authenticity in every bite of what is served up here, leaving you to marvel in delight, how do they do it?

Don’t let the small menu dissuade you— each dish is expertly crafted and utterly fabulous.

Authentic crepes, salads, sandwiches, and an array of breads and pastries— which, with one bite, will have you abandoning any foolish notions you ever harbored about cutting back on carbs.

BLUEBERRY’S GRILL

7931 N. Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 2957

(843) 945-4588

Open daily 6am-3pm

-*-

4856 Highway 17 South

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

(843) 945-4588

Open daily 7am-3pm

Oscillating between the indulgently sinful and brimming-with-health, the options at this breakfast spot can satisfy any culinary preference. They feature dishes like eggs Benedict with crab or salmon, biscuits & gravy with fresh sausage, gourmet omelets, steel cut oats and kale omelets.

Amp up the pure indulgence and add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to any dish. Kahlua or Bailey’s in your breakfast coffee anyone?

Here they say, we’re all in. And so are we.

RUSTIC TABLE

10683 Ocean Highway

Pawleys Island, SC

(843) 314 – 0164

Open Sa-Su 10am-3pm

The shores of Pawley’s Island and the bellies of passionate brunch diners are blessed by the expert cooking of chef and co-owner Adam Kirby, who recently took top honors at the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.

After his intense culinary training, Adam spent years traveling the country while working for a number of renowned restaurants including: Stars, in San Francisco; Spice Canoe and the Terrace Hotel, in Atlanta; and the Gasthaus Restaurant at the Widmer Brewery, in Portland.

With Rustic Table, he and co-owner/restaurateur Anne Hardee, have successfully merged all of his culinary influences and created a diverse, Southern menu delivered in an upscale venue.

Starters like rustic tomato-basil soup; barbecue beef brisket nachos; mini crab cakes; crispy fried chicken livers; nana’s brie and pear honey; and angry gator bites will leave you primed for the equally fabulous mains and desserts.

HOT STACKS

9707 N Kings Hwy 17

Myrtle Beach, SC 29572

(843) 497-7091

 -*-

1501 N Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 448-4668

 -*-

87 Highway 17 North

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

(843) 249-7710

Open daily 7am-1pm

With twenty years of cooking experience under his built, the chef of Hot Stacks Cafe is excited to present his vision. All ingredients are sourced from local farmers markets when available; and premium ingredients are always used.

They serve Applewood, nitrate-free and antibiotic-free bacon; grass-fed antibiotic and hormone-free beef and chicken; wild caught salmon; and organic veggies when available.

Come try their own breakfast renditions including pancakes, crepes, French toast, waffles, omelets, eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches, craft burgers, and build-your-own combos.

CROISSANTS BISTRO & BAKERY

3751 Robert M Grissom Pkwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC

(843) 448-2253

-*-

8014 North Kings Hwy.

Myrtle Beach, SC

(843) 448-2253

Open M – Fr 7am – 4pm;

Sa 8am; Su 9am

www.croissants.net

For over 25 years, Croissants has been a favored local’s spot. Serving delicious breakfast options with Southern hospitality in a charming environment, chef-owner Heidi Vukov was recently honored as the SC Restaurateur of the Year and SC Chef Ambassador.

Here, she strives to blend the freshest ingredients with exceptional customer service in order to create an unforgettable experience for each and every guest.

Croissants has an eclectic variety of options to satisfy simple and complex palettes alike. They are famous (or infamous) for their bananas foster French toast, and have traditional classics like pancakes and eggs Benedict. All their coffee is freshly roasted in-house.

MAMMY’S

1010 N Kings Hwy

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 448-7242

Mammy’s Kitchen is a classic American diner (bedecked with the characteristic booths and tables) as well as a Myrtle Beach icon— standing on the same downtown location since 1953. Although the owners and menus have changed over the years, the name has remained a fixture.

Dubbed a quintessential mom-and-pop, put this on your itinerary for a dose of tradition and to get your retro-fix on.

Mammy’s features an all-you-can-eat full breakfast buffet too, so go when you’re hungry.

The Local Restaurants Holding a Place in Our Heart This Season

by Melissa LaScaleia

Although Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in the United States and other parts of the world every February 14, its origins and history are shrouded in as much mystery and legend as that of its namesake, St. Valentine.

The holiday, as all others in our modern calendar, is imbued with both pagan and Christian traditions; but is unique in that it has always been centered around themes of love and romance. Three figures from history, all named Valentine and canonized as saints by the Christian church, potentially could have bequeathed their name to the day.

One legend tells the tale of a priest named Valentine who secretly married young lovers in 3rd century Rome, boldly defying a decree by Emperor Claudius II who wanted the men to remain single so they would be better primed for war.

Valentine was ultimately discovered and sentenced to death for disobedience.

Another Valentine was the Bishop of Terni, who was also martyred by Claudius II for passionate actions pertaining to his faith.

The last account has several versions. In one, Valentine was a priest in 3rd century Rome who was martyred for trying to help unjustly accused prisoners escape from the Roman authority.

In another, he was already condemned to die for his beliefs, and fell in love with his jailor’s daughter, sending her a farewell note before they parted, and signing it, “Your Valentine.”

This last version lived on in popular culture, and the practice of sending and signing notes to and from “Your Valentine” trickled down through the ages and is still with us today.

No matter which person the day was ultimately named for, the heroism and romance surrounding these figures resonated with the populace. And throughout the Middle Ages, St. Valentine’s Day, the feast day of the canonized martyr, became one of the most popularly celebrated events in Europe. The day was established in mid-February, at the same time as the Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia.

Lupercalia was dedicated to the Roman god of agriculture, Faunus. As part of the festivities, all the young women in the city would place their names in a collective pot. All single young men would select a name, and the couples would pair together for the year.

Many love matches were found, as many married after the year was over. February 14 was also known at this time as the advent of bird-mating season, which possibly contributed to the well-known adage, “Love Birds” as a reference for couples.

As the centuries passed, the customs and traditions surrounding Valentine’s Day evolved, but the theme has remained constant.

Today, it’s a day to celebrate those whom we love in our loves— whether that be a spouse, partner, significant other, best friend or family member.

Many couples celebrate with flowers, chocolates, and a romantic dinner. Below, we’ve included a few of our most date-worthy recommendations along the Grand Strand, if going along with the prevalent romantic traditions is your thing.

This year, February 14 falls on a Sunday, and several restaurants will be closed that day opting for Saturday evening festivities instead. Whatever you choose, advance reservations are strongly encouraged.

All information is subject to change due to our changing times. Be sure to check with the restaurant for the most current information.

 

Market Common/ Myrtle Beach

NEW YORK PRIME

405 28th Ave N.

Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 448-8081

www.newyorkprime.com

Steak takes center stage at this polished old-school steakhouse reminiscent of a bygone era. The first-class service and USDA prime-only menu includes delights such as expertly broiled aged beef, colossal baked shrimp and fresh Florida stone crabs. The sides are decidedly self-indulgent— but seafood, steak or both, you really can’t choose wrong from this menu. Check with them directly for the potential offering of a Valentine’s Day Sunday Brunch. They may also offer take-out specials for those who choose a private dining setting this year.

North Myrtle Beach

21 MAIN PRIME STEAKHOUSE

719 North Beach Blvd

North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

(843) 306-2636

www.21mainatnorthbeach.com

At the north of the Strand, you and your sweetheart can delight in hand-crafted cocktails and wine pairings selected by their in-house sommelier at this USDA Prime and Certified Angus Beef steakhouse. Wine Spectator granted them an Award of Excellence for 2020, and they were top-rated by Diner’s Choice for 2020 as well. They may have a special or two for Valentine’s Day dinner. Everything is subject to change so check with them directly for details. 8pm is their latest reservation.

Pawleys Island

Frank’s Restaurant & Bar and Frank’s Outback & Bar

10434 Ocean Hwy

Suite A

Pawleys Island, SC 29585

(843) 237-3030

www.franksandoutback.com

To soak up more of that Pawleys laid-back ocean vibe, head south for two separate options under one roof. With Frank’s, patrons receive globally inspired cuisine in a cozy dining room. Or step outside and dine at Frank’s Outback in their candlelit garden. Frank’s will be closed on Sunday, February 14, but will be offering Valentine’s Day dinner specials with delicious and exotic items including seafood, veal, and steak on Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13. When you make your reservation, they can help you order flowers from a nearby florist to be delivered to your table during dinner.

Frank’s is also offering several Valentine’s Box Specials for those who prefer to do take-away this year without skimping on finesse. Place your order by February 9, for pickup on February 12 or 13, and prepare dinner with your sweetheart at home. They are also offering to-go bottles of wine to pair.

 

Surfside Beach

“The Original” Valentino Italian Restaurant

323 US-17 Business

Surfside Beach, SC 29575

(843) 839-4949

www.valentinoitalian.com

Nobody speaks the language of romance as well as Italians, and nothing spells romance as much as Italian food near the sea. Here, at “The Original” Valentino Italian Restaurant, you’ll always be greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere, and enjoy a romantic dinner in an intimate setting.

Call them for their Valentine’s Day updates; their regular menu offers classic American Italian favorites like spaghetti carbonara, lasagna, and lobster ravioli.

Conway

Rivertown Bistro

1111 3rd Ave.

Conway, SC 29526

(843) 248-3733

www.rivertownbistro.com

Venture inland for a dining experience that focusses on creativity and quality, fusing traditional American plates with a contemporary flair. Rivertown Bistro is closed February 14, but will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with their patrons on Saturday, February 13 with specials like lobster, oysters Rockefeller, and prime rib.

They’ve also recently implemented a three-course pre-fix menu, which is available now through Valentine’s Day weekend; or guests can choose from their regular menu— which serves up tantalizing options like black grouper, salmon and tuna.

Drone footage of the “Golden Mile” in Myrtle Beach, a stretch of prime, privately-owned waterfront properties. Real estate in the Myrtle Beach area in general has seen steady growth in the past years; but Covid-19 has triggered the market to boom.

How Our Sunny Shores Grew to Become an Unprecedented Market Hot Spot

by Melissa LaScaleia

For years, a myriad of age groups— including growing families, young professionals and retirees— have been drawn to the Grand Strand for its Southern hospitality; mild climate; championship golf courses; and 60 miles of gorgeous beach line; causing many to dub it the perfect place to call home, and at an affordable price.

Those with entrepreneurial dreams appreciate the pro-business environment, fueled, as it is, by low income taxes and numerous incentives for growing companies, as well as the area’s cultural preference for shopping local.

In recent years, the area’s charms have made it a real estate hot spot. But the 2020 real estate market for the Myrtle Beach area has seen a flurry of activity unlike any from recent memory.

Not only have we hit historic record highs with home sales in our area, but we’ve also seen historically low mortgage rates. This has created an environment appealing to both buyers and sellers— ushering in a positive morale-boosting win-win situation that benefits the entire community in the otherwise pallor of pandemic life.

“Because of Covid, we saw less sellers wanting to put their homes on the market because they wanted to avoid having large numbers of people coming into their home for viewings or open houses,” says Jim Parker, who’s been in the real estate world for over twenty-five years.

“At the same time, there were a lot more buyers from out of state. A lot of people are now working from home, and many came here seeking a nicer environment from which to do that, with more space and lower property taxes. With most activities shut down in larger cities, many people opted to relocate to an area with mild temperatures and more opportunities to be outside enjoying nature.”

Jim is the co-owner and broker-in-charge of Real Living Home Realty Group, a local real estate franchise that specializes in the latest tools, technologies and resources to help people with their real estate needs. Real Living believes in empowering buyers in making well-informed decisions about relocating to Myrtle Beach. And, for those who already live in the area, to help them find their best next home in which to create new memories.

(To assist them with their mission, they are projected to roll out a map program this year that includes detailed profiling of available subdivisions. Prospective buyers will be able to see neighborhoods from a birds-eye view with drone footage— including recent homes sold and current homes for sale, to find the right fit that will meet their needs).

Summer is traditionally peak inventory-time for the real estate market, but this past summer, with less homes on the market and a higher demand, the fair market value of homes rose.

Get email alerts custom to your home search needs. We will keep you in the loop with new listings and price changes in the Myrtle Beach area.

 

“Historically, sellers who were still willing to jump in were able to get their homes sold in a faster time-frame and for more money,” says Jennifer Hamilton, director of sales for Real Living. “The average sales price in October was 0.4% over the selling price. People were bidding on homes, sometimes offering above the listing price to secure the deal. And because of the difference in median income throughout the region, buyers from the Northeast could make these purchases without any problems. It really worked well for everyone.”

Here are some additional statistics:

For Sellers: Housing sales have increased 12.8% year over year with the median sales price increasing to $255,000 in the month of October, up 9% from 1 year ago at $234,000. The pandemic has created a desire for out-of-state residents to migrate to our area, at the same time, less people are willing to sell.

With demand high and supply low, these two factors equate to a strong seller’s market, resulting in a housing inventory equating to an anemic 2.9-month supply of homes for sale. Less inventory and more buyer demand has driven home prices above asking price in the most highly-desired segments of real estate.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, we have seen a 6.1% increase in 3 bedroom home sales, and an 11.2% increase in four bedroom home sales. Since March, homes over the $300,000 price range have seen the largest increase in sales— 16.4%. Homes ranging from $200,000 to $300,000 account for a 12% increase in sales; and single family homes from $100,000 to $150,000 have seen a steady decrease in sales.

For Buyers: Buyers win too. To offset the economic impact of Covid, early in the pandemic, the Federal Reserve sought to stabilize the housing market by purchasing mortgage-backed securities. These securities are bundled mortgages sold to investors to provide more credit in the market. The Fed has planned to keep this policy in place until at least 2023, giving the housing market confidence that though the interest rates are anticipated to rise to 3.4% in 2021, the interest can be expected to remain low, granting more buyers access to the home-buying experience.

Nationally the median home sales price is $324,900 compared to our median sales price of $255,000. Additionally, our inventory of homes offers buyers more square-footage for less money. Residents of densely populated cities; those most affected by strict state guidelines; business professionals now able to work at home; and empty nesters and retirees ready to lower their tax liabilities; all reassessed their living situation and determined that the Grand Strand was their place d’choice to call home.

In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2020-2021 Best Places, Myrtle Beach ranks: #1 in Fastest Growing Places; #1 in the Best Places to Live in South Carolina; #11 Best Places to Retire; and #26 in Overall Best Places to Live.

For First Time Home Buyers: The National Average for a 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently 2.72% compared to 3.86% last year. That means that the average single family home selling for $294,096 now costs buyers $1,230 (principal and interest) monthly, when it would have cost about $1,385 (principal and interest), this same time last year. Now buyers with good credit can purchase this same home with a combined household income of about $66,032 compared to about $71,178 last year.

For Business Owners & Real Estate Investors: South Carolina has often been recognized as one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. The Department of Commerce promotes small-business initiatives to help entrepreneurs set up shop. These initiatives include a variety of state and local small business grants as well as other incentive programs. It’s a recognition that new businesses boost the state’s economy by creating jobs, raising revenue, and promoting growth of cities including:

• Job tax credit. Offered to companies that create new jobs.
• No state property tax. Local property taxes still apply.
• No local income tax. State income tax still applies.
• No sales tax on manufacturing machinery, industrial power or materials for finished products.
• No wholesale taxes

According to Nerd Wallet, in our local market, Myrtle Beach ranks #3 and Georgetown ranks #6 on the list for best places to start a business in South Carolina.

Myrtle Beach attracts over 14 million visitors during the tourist season. And, our city caters to this influx with the most businesses per 100 people in the state— four times the national average.

Georgetown has a vibrant commercial district, filled with specialty shops and restaurants. That, combined with low housing costs makes Georgetown an ideal location to help keep business costs low. As a right to work state, South Carolina is one of 27 states that expands workers’ rights in regard to joining unions and holding them accountable in the work place, and gives South Carolina workers more financial freedom.

Low Taxes & Tax Breaks: Property taxes in South Carolina are ranked #7 on Wallet Hub’s list of lowest property tax-brackets in the country. Many buyers migrating to our area report having property taxes 2.5 to 10 times higher than in South Carolina.

Retirees moving to South Carolina who qualify can apply for the Homestead Exemption. This allows for a complete exemption of taxes on the first $50,000 in fair market value of the legal residence for homeowners over age 65, those who are totally and permanently disabled, or legally blind.

If You’re On The Fence… Some Additional Motivating Factors to Join Us On The Strand

• The Myrtle Beach area enjoys a mild climate, with annual average temperatures of 73^○F, and an average of 215 sunny days each year.
• There are approximately 1,800 full-service restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area, with seafood being some of the primary cuisine.
• Myrtle Beach boasts 90 championship golf courses.
• The Grand Strand offers a wide range of unique attractions and exciting entertainment options, from shopping, dining, water sports and theme parks, to live entertainment and theaters.

“I moved to Myrtle Beach in 2006,” Jennifer says. “I moved for love, but ended up falling in love with South Carolina. What I see from the clients we serve is that this area is like a breath of fresh air for them. There are so many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities— from the beaches, to the Intracoastal Waterway, the state parks with hiking and biking— there’s so much here to explore and enjoy.

“South Carolina has always been a place where people come to slow down. But within that, Myrtle Beach is evolving into a vibrant and eclectic city. It’s a friendly place to live. Here, people work to live, they don’t live to work.”

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