Communities

Remember the first time you kicked off your shoes and ran with wild abandon across the warm sandy beach into the sparkling surf? Or remember how your heart pounded as you raced along the roller coaster's dips and curves? And how you could hardly wait for that first bite of shrimp, oysters, or fish, just caught and prepared to perfection?

These are the memories of summer beach days and nights, memories that never fail to bring a smile to your face and a lift to your soul.

The Myrtle Beach area of South Carolina has been in the memory-making business since the turn of the century, when families from inland communities crossed rivers by ferry to reach the beach, seeking relief from the heat and mosquitoes of home. From these humble beginnings has grown one of the East Coast's favorite vacation spots.

The Myrtle Beach area, also called the Grand Strand, is a 60-mile stretch of communities along the sparkling Atlantic. Today the family fun and excitement last year round, from Little River down to Surfside Beach, Garden City, and Murrells Inlet. Many return to the Grand Strand again and again to enjoy their favorite beach activities, golf galore, electrifying entertainment, a multitude of attractions, an array of shopping complexes and specialty stores, and enchanting historical sights. For no other destination offers such diversity. The individual communities that make up the Grand Strand, along with their Horry County neighboring towns, are unique, each with its own personality and appeal.

Aynor
Incorporated in 1914, the town of Aynor lies about 30 miles west of Myrtle Beach. Each year hundreds of thousands of vacationers pass through The Little Golden Town, as it is affectionately known, as they make their way to the Grand Strand's beaches. Primarily a farming community, the area boasts a beautiful center used by its senior citizens.

Conway
Just minutes from Myrtle Beach, Conway exudes decades of difference. The city harbors numerous treasures from the past, including 17 sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Guests can take in the timeless beauty of the Kingston churchyard, where a trio of Victorian sculptures is located, or spend an afternoon of discovery at the Horry County Museum. Of particular interest is Conway City Hall, rendered by the architect who designed the Washington Monument. Situated along the banks of the ancient Waccamaw River, Conway boasts riverboat cruises, a shady, peaceful Riverwalk, antique and specialty shops, and outstanding restaurants.

Little River
Located at the north end of the Grand Strand just below the North Carolina border, Little River beckons those that prefer a slower pace. Along the Intracoastal Waterway only five minutes from the ocean, this charming village is in a world of its own. Once a haven for pirates, Little River is still teeming with treasures today. Fine restaurants, historic shop fronts, quaint marinas, gorgeous golf courses, and even gaming boats, await those who venture to this special place.

Loris
In 1902 the town of Loris was incorporated and became a trading center for the agriculture, lumber, and turpentine industries of upper Horry County. Located about 35 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach, Loris was declared by the U.S. Census Bureau in 1997 the second fastest growing city in South Carolina. Its proximity to world-class beach resorts combined with a friendly, small-town atmosphere makes this community ideal for relocating families, small businesses, and industry.

North Myrtle Beach
Founded more than 30 years ago when the four small beach towns of Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove joined, the city of North Myrtle Beach has retained the laid-back flavor of its past. With nine miles of wide Atlantic beaches to the east and the majestic Intracoastal Waterway to the west, swimming, boating, fishing, and just plain relaxing are always a sure bet. Extraordinary golf, live shows, sumptuous dining, all this and more, are in store for visitors who hope to enjoy a beach vacation like it used to be.

For more information:
Aynor Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 175
Aynor, SC 29511
(843) 358-4808

Conway Area Chamber of Commerce
203 Main Street
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 248-2273

Little River Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 400
Little River, SC 29566
(843) 249-6604

Loris Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 356
Loris, SC 29569
(843) 756-6030

North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 349
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597
(877) 332-2662

For Golf and Vacation Information, please contact:
Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday 1-800-845- 4653
The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce 1-800-356-3016, ext. 199
The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association 1-843-626-9668.

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