Come visit an area where the famous hushpuppies were invented, where pirates hid their stolen treasure and where history is plentiful and local ghost sightings are not uncommon. Beautiful, peaceful Murrells Inlet provides visitors and locals alike with an abundance of picturesque scenery, excellent dining, great shopping, activities and more. You’ll see first-hand how this city has become one of the most popular and best places to visit, vacation, and live in South Carolina. Providing a quaint and soothing atmosphere, yet only a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet offers fun and relaxation mixed with the charm and history of yesteryears.
Though it is considered a fishing village and community today, Murrells Inlet was once a thriving area for rice plantations in the 1700s and early 1800s. By the mid-1800s, almost 50 million pounds of rice were produced in the area, which made rice planters more prominent and wealthier than tobacco, sugar and cotton plantation owners. However the Civil War eventually caused the decline of the rice industry and due to several destructive hurricanes that followed, the rice growers were soon put out of business permanently. Commercial fishing became popular in the early 1900s with catches being shipped north on schooners. Fishing excursions back in the day would cost participants $5 for a day trip. During the Great Depression, the economy rose sharply when millionaire Archer Milton Huntington came to the area and spent a fortune building a 9000 acre home and gardens. His wife, Anna Hyatt Huntington, was a nationally known sculptor and displayed many of her works within the grounds. Today their home became part of Huntington Beach State Park and their gardens became the famous Brookgreen Gardens, which features the biggest showcase of American figure sculptures in the United States, many of which are Anna Huntington’s pieces.
Activities
Along with visiting the beautiful flora and fauna of Brookgreen Gardens, there are many other wonderful activities to do in Murrells Inlet. Many unique shops await you providing the perfect opportunity to buy a special vacation souvenir or gift for someone. Visitors must stop by The Lazy Gator which boasts over 15,000 square feet of shopping space containing nautical gifts, coastal home décor, kitchen accessories, jewelry, and Christmas items. Extreme Water Sports will offer the aquatics enthusiast the chance experience the waterways of Murrells Inlet like you never have before. Dive training and pool parties are available and you can book a tour for dolphin watching or ocean sightseeing.
Parasailing, jet ski, and boat rentals are also available. Book a fishing charter with Captain Dick or Captain Shannon’s Inshore Fishing to catch some of the local fish that can be found in many of Murrells Inlet’s great restaurants. For fine dining on unique dishes with a great view, visitors must stop at Bovine’s, an award-winning eatery offering wood-fired steaks, wood oven pizzas, fresh local seafood and more. Creek Ratz is a popular laid-back restaurant great for adults and kids with a rustic nautical atmosphere and great views of the waterway. With a full raw bar, sandwiches, fresh seafood, salads, kid’s menu, awesome drinks and more, diners are sure to walk out of this restaurant full and happy. There are several other great restaurants available to try in Murrells Inlet so keep your eyes peeled and your stomach ready.
Lodging
When you are ready for a good night’s sleep, try staying at the Brookwood Inn. Located only 5 miles from Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park, this Inn offers great convenience to local area attractions and comfortable overnight lodging. Visitors can also choose from other lodging facilities such as the Hampton Inn or Holiday Inn Express or can check with local vacation realtors to rent a beautiful condo or house for a more private setting. Check out our available vacation rentals for some of the nicest places to stay in the area.
Murrells Inlet offers great fun and activities along with the relaxation we all seek while on vacation and still offers the convenience of being close to all that Myrtle Beach’s Grand Strand has to offer. Visit Murrells Inlet today and get ready for a great vacation in a great city.
