SOUTH CAROLINA: THE PALMETTO
STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
Traveling can be a great way to meet new people
and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places
you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that
the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead
you to unexpected places. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach
The Grand
Strand stretches 60 miles (97km) along the South Carolina coastline, from
Little River to Georgetown. Myrtle Beach lies at its core, a mega entertainment
center replete with beach resorts, seaside communities, and a glitzy collection
of uninterrupted commercial development.
The
population at Myrtle Beach swells during summer, with vacationers flocking to
the funfairs, waterslides, arcades, and shops at its amusement park. When the
bright lights and relentless entertainment wear thin, Myrtle Beach State Park
offers nature trails, camping, fishing, and swimming.
At the
southern end of the Grand Strand lies Georgetown. It's a picturesque historic
district and a restored
waterfront
that buzzes with activity. During colonial times, it boasted a successful
plantation culture and was the center of America's rice empire. A number of
estates can still be visited in the area.
A visit to
the collection of islands sprinkled about the coast is a popular excursion.
Named the Sea Islands, they make up more than half of the South Carolina
coastline and are separated from the mainland by estuaries and marshes. The Sea
Islands are traditionally home to black communities called Gullah people,
descended from slaves brought to the Carolinas during the 18th century. When freed
by the Union army in 1865, the slaves were granted the lands. They have
preserved much of their culture as well as their dialect, a speech heavily
influenced by several African languages. During the labor-driven height of the
rice culture, slaves from West African rice kingdoms were in high
demand so
they could teach colonists how to plant and grow rice.
Getting around in Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach
Hiring a
car in Myrtle Beach is generally the most convenient way to see the city, with
a number of car hire companies operating in the area. It's worth remembering
that roads can be quite congested, especially during the busy tourist season. There
are a number of taxi companies in Myrtle Beach. Taxis are often found
congregated around popular tourist spots and at the airport. They can also be
arranged via the telephone. While taxis are convenient, they can be quite expensive
relative to other transport options in the city.
Public
transport in Myrtle Beach takes the form of a bus network, managed by The Coast
RTA. Buses run regular routes within Myrtle Beach as well as to other towns and
cities along the Atlantic Coast. Exact change is required when paying for a
ticket on the bus, as drivers do not have change. Bus passes are available for
frequent travelers.
Climate in Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach
Myrtle
Beach has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers tempered by ocean
breezes and winters that stay cool and comfortable. The influence of the warm
currents of the Gulf Stream just offshore ensures that this holiday strip is
warm enough for fun in the sun most of the year. Summers (June to August) are
hot and humid, and experience frequent thunderstorms. Average highs during the
summer
hover around 86°F (30°C). Winters are mild, with highs averaging around 57°F
(14°C) and lows dropping to 37°F (3°C).
As the
city's climate is pleasant all year, any time of the year is a good time to
visit Myrtle Beach. Although for travelers wanting to avoid the crowds, travel
outside of the summer season is a good idea.
Tropical
cyclones can sometimes affect Myrtle Beach but major storms are not common. It
does rain suddenly, and heavily, particularly during summer. But the sandy soil
allows for quick drainage and even the emerald green golf courses are ready for
action again as soon as the showers let up.
REFERENCE
SITES:
Jeff Duncan
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