You have no reason to escape to the Caribbean for an exclusive beach vacation when you can head to the South Carolina coast and visit the charming village of Murrells Inlet.
Murrells Inlet lies just 10 miles from Myrtle Beach. However, this village with a population of 9,000 features none of the touristy types of shops and stands of its major city neighbor. However, it does feature a breathtaking marina, mom-and-pop stores, cafes, and some of the tastiest seafood on the east coast.
The location of this small town affords residents high-quality schools without the bustle of a city. The Horry County schools offer strong STEM programs, and most students perform at or above grade level. In addition, its students excel in academics and sports, recently winning national awards in history, state-level gold medals in track and field, and a state wrestling title.
Once a haunt of the pirate Blackbeard, it now offers the fine dining of Charleston, the beaches and marshes of Myrtle Beach or James Island, with the exclusivity of Edisto Island. Try Perrone’s Restaurant & Bar for lobster risotto, spicy crab spaghetti, or escargot. If you’re in the mood for sushi, try Wicked Tuna, known for its dragon egg, oysters Rockefeller, and cherry blossom roll.
As you’d expect from a fishing village, you can buy fresh-caught fish at the markets. Head to Harrelson’s Seafood Market or Seven Seas Seafood Market for your shrimp, crabs, lobster, and fish. Nab the salad fixings to accompany it at Lee’s Farmer’s Market, the local spot for fresh produce from area farmers.
As far as vacations go, most people visit Murrells Inlet for golf, kayaking, the beach, boating, or deep-sea excursions. Although it has less than 10,000 residents, this tiny coastal burg hosts five golf courses. You might choose to play any of the following courses:
However, many golfers buy a vacation home or move to the area because of the town's people. Southern hospitality exists in droves in small towns like Murrells Inlet. So perhaps the many golf courses do influence them a little.
The quaint town also offers a fantastic quality of life at a bargain price. You’ll find in Murrells Inlet a South Carolina secret. The town’s real estate ranges in cost from about $150,000 to $1 million, but the average home price of this seaside hamlet sits at about $250,000.
For many years, the small town in what Carolinians call the Hammock Coast – the area between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, SC – remained a SC secret. However, a recent feature of Realtor.com naming the Top 10 US Affordable Beach Towns let the rest of the country know. The only SC locale to make a list, it vies with small communities in California, Massachusetts, Oregon, North Carolina, and other states for its top 10 status.
When you want a location steeped in history, offering luxury and exclusivity, but at a fair price, you head to South Carolina to visit Murrells Inlet. If you decide you’d like a night out in Myrtle Beach, it’s less than a 15-minute drive away. Of course, sailing off the horizon only requires walking to the marina. You can’t go wrong.
