SOUTH CAROLINA: MYRTLE BEACH

In the 1700s, Myrtle Beach was a seaport and area of thriving rice plantations. But the Myrtle Beach as we know it today is relatively new. In 1954, Hurricane Hazel demolished nearly all the buildings and trees along the "Grand Strand", clearing the way for modern hotels and amusements. During the 1960s, a golf course building boom began with new courses opening every year. Today, there are more than 120 golf courses in the area. Miniature golf courses developed simultaneously and extensively (see my mini golf page). Today, Myrtle Beach's re-re-development continues at a mind-boggling pace with hotel chains and entertainment complexes fighting for their own place in the sand. At the moment, architecturally, Myrtle Beach falls somewhere between Wildwood googie and Atlantic City garish.

Breeze View Motel

The Breeze View Motel features a "Lazy River" - a common attraction at many Myrtle Beach motels. Lazy Rivers are offered instead of traditional pools. A slow moving current carries people on inner tubes around a twisting course. Often there are fountains and other diversions scattered along the way. An example can be seen at this website.

Sail Inn	The Diplomat

The Sail Inn sign stands in contrast to the monstrous and modern Best Western Carolina Beach Resort across the street. The Diplomat is a vision in white with its lace-like balconies and curvaceous canopy.

Sea Gypsy Motor Inn

The Sea Gypsy Motor Inn has two traditional pools and a great neon sign.

Palm Tree Inn	Holiday South Oceanfront Motel

Palm trees, palmettos (the state tree of South Carolina) and their likenesses abound on Ocean Boulevard. The signs for the Palm Tree Inn and the Holiday South Oceanfront Motel look just as nice during the day.

Waikiki Village Motel	Wave Rider Resort

The Waikiki Village Motel and the Wave Rider Resort are vintage standouts with their enormous canopies. The Wave Rider has something for everyone: a Lazy River, a traditional pool, a playground and shuffleboard.

Lighthouse Motel

The Lighthouse Motel has one of the nicest neon signs left on the strip.

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