mat54

Hi - we're planning an impromptu getaway mid November. We're early 60's and normally wouldn't vacation in a big commercial Beach community. However, we need a break, somewhere we can drive to and is not yet cold that time of year. And want to be on the ocean, in a room/condo with a water view, a beach to stroll early mornings and evenings, and proximity to great seafood. 4* type accommodations.

Although we want the beach and restaurants early/late in day - we are birders and naturalists and would spend at least a portion of most days exploring State Parks, Natural areas and Gardens (if worthwhile in November...).

I have posted elsewhere and asked around a bit and been given some suggestions, but opinions seem to widely vary and I'm still a little vague as to what part of Myrtle Beach we should focus on - North Myrtle? Communities to the south? What should we avoid (I assume I'm not going to completely get away from arcades and Tiki bars but maybe there are districts we would prefer more than others).

Your opinions - general and specific (as to areas and accommodations) would be great! Thanks!

Gretchen

Well, yes you CAN get away from arcades, etc.
Litchfield by the Sea. Look at Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort.

I really can't quite imagine "naturalists" and "Myrtle Beach" together.

Brookgreen Gardens is within a mile of Litchfield.

starrs

The only place I like in Myrtle Beach is the Hampton Inn oceanfront on the south side. Why did you choose MB? It is so much the opposite of what you describe.

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hot...FHX/index.html

mat54

Hi - OK, first we've had a rough year with unexpected events forcing us to cancel previously planned spring and summer vacations. Things are now settled down and we had a small window of opportunity and wanted a destination within a day and half drive (I hate flying) that would still have decent weather in mid November for outdoor activities, ocean views and great seafood - and Myrtle Beach fit the bill. Additionally, believe it or not, a Birder friend (very expert) visited last year and recommended a variety of State Parks, Natural areas and Gardens which he enjoyed thoroughly for great birding and beautiful nature trails.

We're also spending a couple of nights in Charleston as part of this trip. So we're getting "variety", I think....

I was looking at the Hampton Inn and Suites - which may be different from the Hampton you mentioned. Also looking at the Anderson Ocean Club which is a Condo but gets good reviews and also is offering good prices for my dates.

Gretchen

There would be a nice birding possible at Huntington Beach State Park across from Brookgreen which may be where your birder friend was going.
Starrs beach resort at MB has always sounded quite nice to me--if you are set on MB. There are so much quieter easier areas south of MB.
There is a Hampton Inn at Litchfield but it is across the road from the beach--you can stay right on the beach at Litchfield (and many other places) and feel very quiet and "isolated".
If you are going to Charleston, then go to the beach down there.

You might look for a place at Pawley's Island--ON Pawley's beach, not the land side.

weimarer

Litchfield probably fits your 4*. The northern end of MB is fairly subdued. A mixture of hotels and residential. There is no other commercial activity on the beachfront to speak of-that's all inland. It's also an easy area to get to from the 31 bypass. Only a couple stoplights and you're right on Ocean Ave at 48th Ave. Don't know if your friend mentioned these 2 spots. 1st is very close to MB.

https://www2.dnr.sc.gov/ManagedLands...anagedLand/104

Beyond birding, it apparently has a good number of bears. I had no idea there were any living in that area of SC.

http://sctrails.net/trails/ALLTRAILS...Marshland.html

This one is south of Georgetown. Might be one to stop at on the way to Charleston.

Gretchen

Actually a really nice stop if they stay at Litchfield or on the way to Charleston is Hobcaw Barony, just before you cross the bridge to Georgetown. It was Bernard Baruch's duck hunting preserve and then has been given by his daughter as a conservation and research area.
And closed for the winter but it would have been wonderful for birding is the Tom Yawkey ---- in Georgetown area.

starrs

The SC coast is lovely and not that long. There's ONE super busy area in the midst of it = Myrtle Beach, and that's where you have chosen to stay. That's why some of us wonder why you have chosen MB instead of other locations on the SC coast.

charsuzan

Have you looked at Hilton Head?

Gretchen

I'll put in one more word about Brookgreen Gardens. Although on the site of an old plantation and that heritage can be explored, it is the home of a wonderful art exhibit, featuring in part, Anna Huntington's massive metal sculptures, but also their art collection. Across the road is Atalanta, the Huntington home for 6 months of the year--a Moorish one story design "home". VERY interesting in its square, and going from room to room, with no hallways.
The Gardens are always beautiful. We've been at christmas even

Gretchen

I'm wondering if we'll ever know what she does.

iceeu2

mat54, check out North Beach Plantation. It is fairly new in North Myrtle Beach and this time of year normally has groupons. There is a main hotel, as well as condos, etc on the grounds. The Anderson Ocean Club always gets good reviews. Tons of oceanfront places to stay. Enjoy....the weather could be nice or it could be not so nice.

starrs

"a beach to stroll early mornings and evenings, and proximity to great seafood. 4* type accommodations."

I'm going to toss out a VERY different, VERY outside of the box suggestion -

The Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island -
http://greyfieldinn.com/about/the-inn/

Definitely 4* type accomodations.
Definitely great food, including seafood.
Definitely a birder's paradise.

Pricey, but worth it. November would be perfect with fires in the fireplaces.

A wonderful experience on an almost deserted island with miles of beaches and wild horses.

You could combine this with a stay at the Ritz on Amelia Island if you want and even drive up the GA coast to SC if there are specific things you want to see in SC.

Truly a paradise and a bucket list experience.

"Greyfield Inn’s overnight rates are all-inclusive. Our package rate for single or double occupancy includes your room, three full meals daily (Southern breakfast, picnic lunch, farm-fresh dinner, and hors d’oeurves hour), access to bicycles and kayaks, naturalist-led guided tours of the island, and Natural History Truck Tours. Other tours and massage services are available with advanced arrangement.

Other items inclusive in our room rates are as follows:

Round-trip ferry boat transportation
Sparkling non-alcoholic beverages and sodas
Unlimited use of sports, fishing, and beach equipment
Parking at Florida Embankment"

starrs

Here's one review from TA -

tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34876-d226570-r50440009-Greyfield_Inn-Cumberland_Island_Georgia.html

And an excerpt -
"During the days we took early morning birding tours with Fred, the well-informed full-time naturalist who has been on the island for several decades. With Fred's guidance we were able to view a bobcat, rare snow white deer, an oyster catcher (bird with a huge red beak which can open an oyster shell), wood storks, night herons and other birds. On a three hour later tour, Fred also toured us around the full 22 miles long island taking us to the tiny chapel built by descendants of freed slaves where President Kennedy's son was wed in the middle of the palmetto and live oak forest. On other days we toured Greyfield's organic garden with their full time gardener, an articulate young college graduate who is working with the Greyfield chefs to provide the majority of their dining room produce requirements. Also we used Greyfield's kayaks for an adventure which took us into channels in the salt marshes where we could reach out and bring back oysters for roasting. Others used their fishing tackle to bring back 3 pound brown sea trout for breakfast. We kayaked back through a group of 6 or 8 dolphins playing around our boats. Other time was spent using some of the dozens of Greyfield bicycles to travel up and down the unpaved main island road and through the palmettos to the empty 22 mile long beach where you can peddle during lower tides."

tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34876-d226570-r50440009-Greyfield_Inn-Cumberland_Island_Georgia.html#