As I’m sure you know, a lot can happen in a year. Like a lot. And in two years? You just can’t even imagine what is coming your way. Hell, if you would have asked me back in 2017 where I would be in 2019, I never would have imagined saying that I’d be living at the beach, loving my job and enjoying life!
But here I am – doing just that!
June 12th marked my second year living on the Grand Strand and working with Easy, and I thought I’d celebrate that milestone by sharing some of my top 10 favorite places to go in the area!
…AKA reasons why I never want to move back home even though I do miss my family and friends, as well as the scenery. But come on… IT’S THE BEACH! Can you blame me for never wanting to leave with businesses like these???
*Note: These are not listed in any particular order. Most are on the south end because that’s where I live. Many are restaurants because all I do is eat! Well, that, and I also enjoy having a couple drinks while listening to live music. So a good portion are also bars, with a few other places sprinkled in. I think that pretty much covers everything…
Let’s get to it!
The P.I.T is my home away from home. Quite literally. My first year down here, I am pretty sure I spent more time there than I did at my house! Now that I write that…it sounds a little sad. But that’s not the case. I promise! They just happen to schedule bands four nights out of the week. Four! I mean, what else would a single gal do, who loves live music by the way, in her spare time?! So, four nights out of six – they’re closed on Monday’s – you can listen to a wide variety of musicians. And, to date, I have yet to hear a band I didn’t like! The food is delicious, the seafood fresh and the pizza is amazing – I’m a fan of the House Special myself. You can enjoy all that in an interesting, relaxing and fun environment! Just make sure to have a dollar bill on hand… you’ll see why…
The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn and Cabana Cafe & Beach Bar
When I want to head to the beach for a day, I go to the Litchfield Inn for a variety of reasons. First off, after just a couple minutes of searching for a public parking space, I can find one – even in the dead of summer! For FREE, I might add. They have multiple beach accesses that lead straight to the sand, and it’s not too terribly crowded! Secondly, when I need a little nourishment, whether it’s food or drink, I just head to the Cabana Cafe! Their drinks are tasty, and the food is as well! I feel a little silly bragging about their salads, cause I mean it’s a salad, but it needs to be mentioned! They are HUGE and fresh to boot, but my absolute fav item there? Their nachos. Hands down. Oh my lanta are they mouthwatering. My roommate and I always get some to split. Lastly, I hate not having a bathroom around. Drives me crazy. And no, I’m not just going to pee in the ocean. I need a restroom! Which the hotel just so happens to have…
I know some people avoid the marsh because it’s “touristy,” but that doesn’t stop me from going. If there’s a fun place to go, whether for tourists or locals, I’ll be there! And it is A BLAST! Whether you go there for Halloween, St. Patrick’s, Taste of the MarshWalk, or some other occasion. Heck, sometimes my friends and I will go there just to enjoy a nice day and bar hop. It’s a great place for other outdoor water activities too! There’s the East Coast BrewBoat, which makes you feel better about drinking since you’re also working out at the same time, and I’ve been kayaking there as well! Well… more like I was there for the ride while my friend did all the paddling in our tandem kayak! Thanks Melissa!
When I was a kid, I loved to ice skate and roller skate. I had no idea there was a skating rink in our neck of the woods until just a couple of months ago when some bowling plans fell through and a friend recommended Fun Warehouse instead. I’m so glad they brought it up because I LOVE LOVE LOVE that place. Its definitely a fun throwback to your childhood, your younger years. It really does make you feel like a kid again… especially when you wake up a tad sore and stiff the next day. That never stops me from going back though! It’s fun for everyone! Whether you go there on your own, with friends, a date or your family. Fun Warehouse also houses an arcade, go carts, a food stand, a mini 2-lane bowling alley, a room full of inflatables and a place designated for laser tag. In my opinion, you can’t beat the price for all those activities.
R’Way will always hold a special place in my heart because it was one of the first bars I discovered when I moved down here, and it immediately reminded me of home, of PK’s and Champs in Blacksburg. They had also just opened for business a few days before, and I could relate to the newness, so to speak. So, I was drawn to the little family tavern right away. Once I started going, I haven’t stopped! The owners are friendly and really try to get to know their customers. In fact, when I walk in there now, it’s almost like I’m at a family reunion. Everybody knows everybody! It’s the perfect place to get some pizza with your friends or family, watch some games on one of their 7 mounted tvs, or wind down after work with a beer. And if you come after 9? Dollar slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza!!!
Maybe one day I will acquire a taste for bourbon, but as of right now, it’s not my favorite type of alcohol by any means. With that being said, I love going to Bourbon & Burnz! Which sounds a little crazy cause, duh, they sell bourbon and a lot of it! I mean bourbon is even in the name for Pete’s sake! However, they offer more than that take-your-breath-away and make-your-mouth-burn drink. For example, and as the other half of the name suggests, cigars! I’ll admit, every now and then I like to smoke one. Not very lady-like, I know! But the mocha-flavored ones? SO. GOOD! My friends and I will stop by some nights to just relax, talk, have some drinks and smoke cigars. It’s a nice change up from the usual bar scene. The lighting’s low, the furniture is comfortable and there’s a wall filled with a plethora of cigars to choose from. It’s a chill, upscale environment for sure.
You have to put this one on your list of places to go! The view is absolutely beautiful. Deck 383 is right on a marina. At any point during the day, it’s beautiful. But during sunset? Even prettier! With the sun peaking through the trees, glistening off the water, boats moseying by! Service, food and drinks are all good too, but the scenery is just unbeatable! And the boaters there are always willing to offer you advice… like when you keep trying and failing to get on the back of a motorcycle…
Frank’s Restaurant & Bar and Frank’s Outback & Bar
The first time I went to Frank’s with my roommate, I was thoroughly impressed with the venue, the environment, the food and the service! At that time, I had never been to such a nice establishment. I also didn’t realize how big it was or how many areas there were! There’s not a single place there I wouldn’t sit. The outside cocktail area is perfect for catching up, with comfy seating around fire places and more. Their covered outdoor area is superb as well in the summer, with fans running and live music in the background. Both decorated to the T. The inside is also cozy. When it comes to the food, I love their small plates! Can’t go wrong with any. The price is reasonable and it’s the perfect size for a meal. Especially after you’ve filled up on their bread and delicious appetizers and want to save room for their sweet desserts. I have dreams about their layered caramel cake and their cobbler!
Bistro is another fantastic place to go and enjoy a meal. I’ve been there a few times now, and each time, I get the same thing. Part of me wants to branch out, because I know everything would be delicious, but I just can’t move on from their Grilled Chicken with Orzo dish. I don’t know what they put in it, I mean, I do because it’s listed on the menu, but there’s got to be something else in it, because I. am. addicted! And there’s usually enough for me to take home for lunch the next day… if I have enough self control. The atmosphere is chic and warm at the same time. They also offer indoor and outdoor seating as well! Their Valentine’s festivities and specials are wonderful too!
For the life of me I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon Quigley’s, but I’m glad I did because it is one of my favorite places to go! Although my work schedule doesn’t normally allow it, their happy hour is SO. ON. POINT. Everybody raves about the prices, and sometimes it gets so busy, the bar area is three people, or more, deep. But it’s totally worth the crowd! Because not only are the prices reduced for drinks but also certain appetizers, which are delightful! I’ve caught happy hour once or twice there, and I gobbled down their fish tacos. Gone within minutes, which says a lot. Cause I’m a slow eater. Outside of that time, it’s awesome too! Every day they have some kind of special or event. Like trivia. Every Tuesday with Tripp! I stink at it, as does my team normally, but we like to go for the food and each other’s company. Oh, and their in-house brewed beer! Which you definitely need to try! My favorite is mixing their peach wheat with their white ale. It’s an oddity, I know, but actually really really good. My friend likes to call it the Chelsey Rene mix.
What are some of your favorite places to go? Where would you recommend I head next, for food or fun! Because after writing this, I realized I really need to broaden my horizons and head north more often! Even I am a creature of habit.