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The Market Common Welcomes Manifest Design

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by Ashley Daniels The all-new Manifest Design in the Market Common is more than just an interior design showroom, it’s an exploration of design elements that inspire and delight, transporting you in time and place with their unusual nautical and space-themed decor. Unlike a museum, however, you can touch and buy what’s on display.  “Parents will bring their kids in here and it’s like a history lesson,” says owner/interior designer Connie Lincoln. Manifest Design’s collection is an eclectic mix of nautical and aviation (a perfect complement to the setting at the former Air Force base), old and new, plus so much more, with sextants, old plane propellers, pieced, teak end-tables, ship and plane models, compass décor and more.  Their intriguing inventory is a unique balance of rustic charm and cutting edge— including lamps, wall art, luxury furniture, and imaginative knick- knacks that are certainly conversation starters. They also carry award-winning baby shower gifts, like the softest baby blankets your baby will lay his sweet head on, and (my favorite) food-for-thought quote prints; gifts for wine lovers; and thoughts from the likes of Audrey Hepburn. Connie tells me one of her customers from Italy once described it as “a vacation for your eyes!” While most of us were counting down the minutes to the new year in the Market Common, Manifest Design was just opening up its doors on New Year’s Eve in its new location here on Howard Ave.  The original Manifest was located in historic downtown Wilmington, N.C., but Hurricane Florence nearly swept it and all of its beautiful contents away. Connie and her husband Bill, a veteran Marine Corps pilot, had already been living in their recent retirement home in the Grande Dunes, so the store’s move to Myrtle Beach was a natural next step.  Connie, born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin, lived in Wilmington for the last twenty-nine years before her recent move to Myrtle Beach.  Before she opened Manifest Design in Wilmington, she earned a B.S. in fashion merchandising and marketing from Northern Illinois University.  Connie and Bill have been married for thirty-five years, and have two grown sons. Connie’s experienced interior design services are also offered at Manifest Design, including in-home consultation, space planning, color selections, window treatments, lighting, 3-D renderings, re-upholstery, wall covering, yacht interiors, floorings and custom-ordered furniture and accessories.  “Our design services are completely personalized to suit your personality, taste and lifestyle,” says Connie.  Visit manifestdesignilm.com

Carolina Forest: A Great Place To Live

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by Brad Jordan Carolina Forest is a fast growing community that is located adjacent to Myrtle Beach proper. Members of the community enjoy a close proximity to the beach and all that Myrtle Beach has to offer in entertainment and dining.  The area is very attractive to those who are looking to relocate to Myrtle Beach. From the census taken in 2000 to the one taken in 2010, Carolina Forest experienced a growth in population of 500%. After the next census is conducted in 2020, it is expected that the trend will continue. Carolina Forest’s location makes it a highly desirable area in which to live. With the growth in population, there has been a need for additional infrastructure and schools. Horry County has added a new elementary school on Carolina Forest Boulevard called Ten Oaks Elementary. It also has begun the widening of its main artery for travel on Carolina Forest Boulevard that connects with River Oaks. Also, International Drive has recently been completed, connecting Carolina Forest with Conway. Newly added to the area is a new CVS and several other commercial properties servicing the area. As a result of this growth, Carolina Forest has seen a great deal of boost in real estate sales transactions and new development. From 2012 to June 2018, the average sales price in the Carolina Forest area has increased by 34%. In 2012, the average sales price was $190,714 per home, while the sales price in 2018 was $290,882 per home.  The time it takes for a home listed on the market has been steadily trending downward. In 2018, the average number of days on the market were 142. It is a great time to sell your home if you are thinking of doing so; conversely as the interest rates start to climb, it is also a good time to buy before the rates go higher. 

Surfside Beach: An Autism Friendly Travel Destination

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by the Town of Surfside Beach Last month, the Town of Surfside Beach celebrated its second anniversary of being the First Autism Friendly Travel Destination—anywhere. The City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County issued similar resolutions at the end of 2018.  People with autism have a hard time with lights, sounds, smells, crowds and new environments. As autism is a communication disorder, many with autism can only express their discomfort via tantrums and meltdowns. These episodes are many times greeted by stares, judgement and rude comments from those nearby, making it difficult and uncomfortable as a family, to leave the house, try new things or even go to the grocery store.  Being understanding of the sensory challenges people with autism and their families face is important. Since January 2016, Surfside Beach and the autism friendly travel initiative have been recognized nationally by NBC Nightly News, Travel & Leisure, the Associated Press and many others.  In December, Surfside was visited by the British Broadcasting Corporation, documenting our community, and other communities in America, that support families with autism. The documentary is to air in the spring. The efforts by our Town and region, in conjunction with Champion Autism Network, provide our community with increased economic opportunity, attracting a loyal and growing population. Having the community members more aware of the challenges those with autism and their families face, helps to reduce judgement and criticism and provides those families with the courage to leave the house and have fun as a family. Some autism facts: Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. Some people with autism cannot speak, but they can understand what is being said to or about them. Be kind. Many people with autism have difficulty with social interaction and making eye contact. As of April 2018, the diagnosis rate is 1 in 59 children.  Flapping of hands, spinning or rocking, known as “stimming,” calms people with autism. Many children with autism have trouble with crowds, lights, sounds and smells. As behavior is a form of communication, some communicate their discomfort through meltdowns or tantrums. If you see a child having a meltdown, this could be a person and autism family in crisis—not a naughty child or poor parent.  Educating the public about the needs of our families will reduce judgement. Providing a supported vacation, modified for family members with autism, will be not only good for the local and tourist families but for our region and economy. To learn more or get involved, please go to www.championautismnetwork.com. #YesYouCAN

Red Cross: Protecting Your Home From Fire

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by Melissa LaScaleia Statistically, American Red Cross sees the highest number of home fires during the winter months, especially January, than at any other time of the year.  “It’s cold, and people are trying to build warmth, and many of their techniques pose safety risks,” says Amy Brauner, executive director for American Red Cross, Southeast Division.   The Red Cross responds to every home fire in our community to offer comfort in times of crisis, but wants the community to know that home fires are preventable.     Here are some things you can do to keep home fires at bay: If you use a space heater, only use it when you’re present in the room, and make sure it’s plugged directly into a wall, and not a power strip or extension cord. A space heater uses more energy and electricity than the power strip was meant to hold. When it’s overstressed, it will explode— it’s just a matter of time. Don’t ever fall asleep with a space heater running, as a fire could ignite long before you awaken and notice.  If you put something in between the heater and the wall, like an extension cord, it’s going to act like a third party generator. It interferes with the direct transfer of energy between the energy source and what’s being powered, and there’s more room for error, increasing the risk of a fire starting.  Don’t heat your home with your stove.  A gas operated stove will emit carbon monoxide when lit. When you open the stove door to act as a heater, the oven has to keep working to generate heat, emitting more of the gas than you otherwise would.  This gas depletes the oxygen in the air. People often warm themselves in front of their stove, and as the oxygen levels are depleted their brain begins to shut down. Add to this an increase in the temperature, and they fall into a coma from carbon monoxide; it causes serious injury and sometimes death, especially in the young and elderly. Additionally, a nearby dishtowel, or remnants in the stove can catch on fire from the heat.  Avoid running extension cords under your carpet, rugs, or other furniture.  Extension cords can become overloaded, or the wires can get frayed under the weight of furniture or a rug, or the friction caused from walking over it, causing a fire.  Never smoke in bed.  It takes less than two minutes for an entire house to fill with smoke and for people to become so obfuscated that they can’t exit. Most newer homes have an open layout as opposed to individual rooms. There’s nothing that’s stopping a flame, so fires are able to move much faster.  Double check to ensure you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

William H. Rutherford

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Serving Four Tours at MBAF Base; Two Tours in Vietnam by Melissa LaScaleia William H. Rutherford was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and joined the United States Air Force where he was a Command fighter pilot for more than thirty years. He also served in the District of Columbia’s National Guard forces as part of his military career.  During his tenure in the military, William was stationed at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base four times— in 1957, 1968, 1970, and 1976.  In 1970, during the Vietnam conflict, William was deployed to Cambodia. On May 30, he was responsible for leading a mission against the enemy. Called a strafing mission, he orchestrated the troops to attack targets on the ground from low-flying planes. The mission took place in Parrots Beak.  William was flying an F-100 aircraft when he discovered that his wingman was having problems with his radio. He hastily made a pass over the enemy and dropped a bomb, then flew up to his wingman to offer aid, before making another bombing pass. William attempted a third low-flying bomb-dropping pass before he was hit by the enemy from the ground. His plane was engulfed in flames, and he was forced to eject.  When he reached the ground, he was standing in the midst of a group of water buffalo, who were eyeing and sniffing him with hostility. To scare them away, he thought to discharge his pistil, then heard a multitude of firearms all around him, and realized that the animals weren’t disturbed in the least by all of the noise.  He was rescued by a helicopter before the enemy could find him. In total, William served two tours in Vietnam— in 1969 and 1970. He flew a total of 100 combat missions in a number of aircraft including: the F-86H, F-100D, and A-7D.  He served a third tour of duty at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, and a fourth tour here as well, in June 1976. This time, as the Chief of Airfield Management.  During his time in the military he received the following awards and decorations: the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation Medal; Purple Heart; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; and the Meritorious Service Medal.  He retired from the military in 1981.  William was instrumental in contributing to the historical information about the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base found throughout the Market Common on signposts, and in the museum. He passed away on May 7, 2008.

Puppy Love On Valentine’s Day

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Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This February, Charlie gets warm and fuzzy feelings in his heart, and makes plans for Valentine’s Day with his new love interest.  It’s the season of love— better known as Valentine’s Day. And this year, rather than being paired up with a rather unlikely partner (my loyal fans, you know what I’m talking about— for everyone else, read the archives here), I’m pleased to say I have a girlfriend with whom to share this special day.  Her name is Winnie. And she is not a squirrel or a figment of my imagination— she is a dog, just like me. Of the maltipoo, or Bichon variety, I believe— but what’s in a classification anyway?  She’s perfect. I could just go on and on about how great she is.  We first met at one of the local festivals here in the Market Common some months back. I really liked her style. I mean, she’s a maltipoo/Bichon, and everyone knows how adorable they are.  But what drew me to her was her unique style—she has this certain je ne sais quoi if you know what I mean. (Secret aside: I need to brush up on my French as I think it is a more romantic language than English, so I am practicing now so as to impress la mi amore later this month. I think that was maybe a bit of Italian, but I’m not sure. I hope she won’t know either, and will just be impressed. I’ll just smile a lot and be my charming self. That usually does the trick. Okay, enough of this aside, it became longer than I anticipated.)  We kept bumping into one another since we’re both Market Common doggies, and run with the same circles. Every time I see her, she’s wearing a different hat. She has them custom-made down in Surfside.  Now that’s classy. I was so impressed, I got one of my own. Maybe she knew how much I admired her, because now she comes to visit me often to show me her new outfit for the day.  She is my one and only. This ladies man is retiring, to be a one-Winnie-doggie for life. We have so much in common in addition to both loving her outfits. We both like living that uptown, downtown Market Common life. She comes to the office to visit me pretty frequently, and I think she’s impressed by my journalism skills.  Every time she walks in the room, I just know it’s her. And I feel my little doggie heart go pitter patter. I’m trying to decide where to take her on our Valentine’s Day date. Perhaps my cherished tree in the dog park. Maybe I should keep it more urban though— perhaps underneath my special bench in the Market Common? I will probably bring her my favorite doggie biscuit, as I know she has a soft spot for treats.  She’s just that sweet. Maybe she would enjoy a viewing of Lady and the Tramp and playing with my collection of prized chew toys. Now that’s an idea! Stay tuned and I’ll tell you all about it next month.  Until next time, 

Emma’s Health Talk: Making Sense of Losing Weight

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Diet Overload by Emma Ware Diet Overload. Wherever we look today there are programs saturating social media, internet, television, and magazines with diet options like Keto, Vegan, Paleo, Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, South Beach, Vegetarian, Atkins, and Nutri-system just to name a few.  Each one touts their systems and presents testimonials from people who used their programs, resulting in amazing weight loss with pictures to prove their success.  With such saturation from so many different programs, what does one pick? In addition to those who desire to look thinner, for many, real health reasons like diabetes or high blood pressure makes loosing weight essential to improve their health conditions.  Selecting the right diet is a real problem for many people today who are trying to sort out the differences between each plan, and identify which one is best for their situation. Let me start the conversation by discussing the ingredients in these diets that have me most concerned.  If you have been following me for awhile, you know about my adversity to artificial sweeteners, flavorings, colors, additives and preservatives. Eating healthy requires making choices to avoid foods with the above ingredients.  Unfortunately, just about every program includes some type of smoothie or shake as a meal replacement that contains artificial sweeteners, food colorings, flavors, and preservatives— in other words, fake food to encourage you to drink a drink rather than eat real wholesome foods.  This is just one of the reasons people gain back the pounds lost after the program ends— your body needs real food— not shakes or smoothies. Weight loss requires cooking— real cooking at home with real food and knowledge of which foods will benefit the body and balance the digestive system.  We should be cooking 60% of our meals at home. Don’t shock your body by replacing healthy foods with convenient drinks and ready-made packaged foods that are void of nutrients. Thats not what people want to hear, but it’s reality. Every diet method is a temporary fix which works for a while, but the end result is gaining back the weight lost when you go back to the eating habits formed before starting any program.  Statics reported by several studies from WebMD, American Psychological Association, and Slate and Science Daily, confirm that 95-97% of dieters regain the weight lost, and even more within the first 3 to 4 months to a year after they end the program. Real weight loss requires changing your thinking and changing your habits— educating yourself about food choices and really committing to a lifestyle change.   Every weight loss program has the same attraction: someone does the work for you. Meals are prepared and shipped to you ready to eat. Just microwave it and you are done. One commercial actually says, “It’s easy, you just eat the food and lose the weight.”  Other programs offer apps that tell you in points what you can eat to lose weight. Eating under a certain amount guarantees success, but what that program doesn’t tell you is how much real food is needed to maintain a healthy body.  Shakes and protein bars offer quick hunger fixes but the real issue is what happens after you reach your goal. What happens when your body breaks down because it has been deprived of nutrients? This is the real issue with all weight loss programs; it’s the convenience without the work, but as mentioned previously, it’s only a temporary fix. My research uncovered that most of the prepared meals contain artificial ingredients your body can’t identify. Additionally, imbalances are created from removing foods with necessary vitamins and nutrients from the programs focused on high protein and no carbs, or very little protein, all of which creates confusion our bodies cannot identify easily.  If a healthy body, more energy, and less stress is your goal, choose to make the leap by changing your thinking. Take time to learn how to eat real food and loose weight permanently. I know our lives are busy but ask yourself if you are worth the time and effort to make the change. My guess is the answer is yes. I’m here to encourage and support you as you step up to the challenge. Please check with your doctor when deciding to make any health changes and know you can always stop by the office at 2798-D Howard Avenue in Market Common. You can call me at 843 997-7037 or email me at emmawarenutrition@yahoo.com.  As always, Emma

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Love Scones

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Chocolate Scones

Chocolate Chocolate-Chip Love Scones Did you know that chocolate releases feel good hormones in your brain? It impacts your physiognomy similarly to how you feel when you’re in love, enjoying an activity, or delighted by an experience.  No wonder why chocolate is our cultural go-to delight for Valentine’s Day— the day we celebrate love and life.  This month, take some time out to enjoy this decadent, sumptuous recipe with those you love— whether it’s your family, yourself, your friends, or that special someone. This makes for an indulgent breakfast accompaniment or an elegant and unexpected dessert when drizzled with homemade raspberry sauce. Bring on the port, coffee, or a glass or milk, and you’ll be sure to win some hearts.  Ingredients Makes 12-16 triangular scones 2 cups all-purpose flour ½ cup unsweetened cocoa 1 Tbs baking powder ½ tsp salt 7 Tbs cold unsalted butter cut up ⅓ cup granulated sugar ¾ cup chocolate chips ⅔ cup milk Directions Heat the over to 375. Put the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Stir to mix well.  Add the butter and cut in with a pastry bender or your fingers until the mixture looks like fine granules. Add the sugar and toss to mix. Stir in the chocolate chips.  Add the milk and stir with a fork until a soft dough forms. Pour out onto a lightly floured surface and give 10-12 kneads just until mixed and the dough forms a ball.  Cut the dough in half. Knead each half briefly and lightly into a ball and turn smooth side up. Pat each half into a 6-inch circle and cut each into 6-8 wedges. Place the wedges on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake for 13-15 minutes until the scone springs back when lightly pushed. Cool on a wire rack.

Q&A with Dawn Roblero

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Dawn Roblero and her family

Beach-Lover Dawn Roblero Takes Advantage of the Balmy Weather Year-Round With Her Family by Melissa LaScaleia Introduce me to your family.  My husband’s name is Carlos, and I have three boys: Jamison, Jordan, and Carlos.  Why did you move to the Market Common? We’re from Ohio. We moved here because we don’t like the snow. We live in Emmens Preserve.  Where are all the places you came from? I grew up in Ohio; this is our first move.  Do you have a favorite place in the Market Common? We enjoy going to Nacho Hippo a lot.  What’s your favorite thing about living in the Market Common? Going to the beach. We also love that there’s so much to do here year-round, especially outdoors.  How has your lifestyle changed since moving here? I would say it has changed a lot because now we have more opportunities to enjoy being outside. There’s so much more you can do here than you can in Ohio because of the weather. In Ohio, you only get a good three months out of the year when you can do things outside, because then it just rains. We’re able to be active here year-round. We go to Broadway at the Beach and walk around; there are always festivals to attend; and we ride our bikes a lot. We really like to be outside.  Do you find people friendlier or more at ease? Yes. People down here are much nicer. They’re definitely more laid back.  What are your favorite things to do here?  We really like the beach and swimming a lot.  Is there anything that you miss or would like to see in the Market Common? A Kroger. 

Charlie’s First Snow

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Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. Here, we’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.  This January, Charlie celebrates the New Year by embarking on his first snow adventure and turns a bit “abominable” in the process.   I have some great doggie pen pal friends. Over Christmas they invited me to join them in the mountains of Colorado where they live so we could play in person and I could see my first snow. They couldn’t believe it when I told them I had never seen snow before.  Rolf, is a St. Bernard and Tim, a Giant Alaskan Malamute, so they really dig the cold temperatures. Plus they know that I have my very own column where I write about my adventures on a monthly basis, and they wanted to provide me with some fodder for it as well as fun.  (I think secretly, they also wanted to laugh at me a bit seeing as I’m the kind of guy who’s more inclined to loll about on plush sofas being snuggled rather than hiking up rugged snow-covered mountains, but whatever.)  So Rolf wrote me:  Dear Charlie,  Can you come and play before the New Year? There’s snow. Tim will be here too. Ask Jim.    Rolf So I asked Jim if I could go for a sleepover, and he said yes, and luckily Megan was heading that direction anyway, and agreed to drop me at my friend’s house. I donned a little green and black plaid wool jacket to protect me from the cold (it also matches my Insider hat that I sport frequently, goodie!), and I was off. When our plane landed and we arrived at Rolf’s house, Megan rang the bell, and I met my friend Rolf for the first time. Boy was he huge! But oh so friendly.  We frolicked and played as dogs do in way of greeting, and Rolf accidentally drooled on me, but it was all good. Hey, friends are forgiving.   Then I met Tim too (also huge, also friendly, luckily no drool) and after a quick bowl of water, we headed into Rolf’s backyard where there was a foot of snow. I saw it when we first arrived in Colorado, but this wasn’t shoveled.  It was fluffy, light and pristine. I have never seen anything so white before in my life, excepting the luscious coat of yours truly. And when I touched my paw to it, I sank right up to my belly, and brrrrrrrrrr, was it cold. But I loved the softness and delicateness of it.  Rolf and Tim went bounding and rolling immediately, while I stayed tentatively behind, warming up to this new element. As I stepped and struggled, the snow became stuck between my paws until it was like I was walking with attached snow paddles.  Then it was time for a snowball fight— we all frolicked and rolled and romped, and exhausted from all the fun, I waddle-paddled back to the door to be let in. But as I approached, I saw standing in front of me a giant snow monster!  It had black eyes, and was entirely made of snow. ARRRGGGG I screamed, leaping two feet in the air. But when I leapt, so did the monster, and airborne, my snow-paddle feet crumbled, as well as the monster in front of me, which was just…. my reflection.  Tim and Rolf were rolling on the ground howling with laughter. But I’ll tell you, much as I enjoyed my first romp in the snow, I sure was glad to get back inside and onto the couch in front of a warm fire, where Rolf’s mom obligingly gave me a belly rub.  It’s good to try new things, but some of my favorites will always remain just that— favorites.  Until next time, 

Spiced Herbal Chai

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Spiced Herbal Chai  Mullein leaf has been used for thousands of years in herbal medicine.  It is said to be a great expectorant, soothing coughs and loosening phlegm. An infusion of the flower is said to be helpful with colic, and a poultice of the leaves can ease the pain of hemorrhoids. An infusion of the leaves in olive oil has been used for centuries to treat ear infections.  According to folklore, it is associated with the element of fire and was introduced to the United States in the 1700s when it was used to poison fish in Virginia.  We won’t ask questions about that, but you may want to use discretion with whom you serve the below recipe.   Wild history, myth, and medicine aside, mullein adds a nourishing, soothing quality to your repertoire of winter time beverages. The leaves are long, fuzzy, and silvery-green, and look like they can imbue whoever consumes them with a bit of their rugged hardiness.  Here’s to beating the winter-time blues!   Ingredients 1 quart of mullein infusion, from 1 oz of dried mullein leaf herb (found online)  1 quart whole milk 2 cinnamon sticks 2 whole cloves 1 pinch of nutmeg 1 whole cardamon pod 4- 6 T maple syrup  Directions To make the mullein infusion, put 1 ounce of dried mullein in a quart mason jar, crock pot or sturdy glass container or jug. Pour boiling water to the top and push down the herb, topping off the jar with boiling water. Cover loosely (so the jar does not seal), and set aside. Allow to infuse for 6 hours or overnight.   Strain the mullein infusion into a large bowl or heat-proof pitcher. Squeeze the herb tightly to release any excess liquid.   In a medium sized pan on the stove, add the milk and spices and infuse over very low heat for 20-30 minutes. Avoid boiling or simmering the milk.  Add the strained mullein infusion to the mix, and keep warm on the stove to continue infusing the spices into the mix. Steep until it reaches it’s desired strength, 20 minutes up to 4 hours. Add maple syrup to taste.   Best if used within 2 days.

The Market Common Welcomes: Trust Thy Barber to the Neighborhood

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Trust Thy Barber So They Say by Ashley Daniels It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good. And that’s exactly what owner Tommy Printz is delivering to each client who sits in one of the chairs in front of him at the new, Trust Thy Barber barbershop here in the Market Common.  The shop first opened November 1, restoring the long-lost artistry of old school barbering— with hot towel shaves, beard trims, and perfectly blended haircuts—  delivered in a modern setting.  Tommy has family ties in the barbershop industry— growing up, his father was a barber in his small hometown outside Akron, Ohio.  As a youngster, Tommy didn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps. After high school, he joined the Army. It was only after his service that he decided to attend barber school.  Tommy remembers many vacations to Myrtle Beach as a kid, and on one visit later in life with his wife and two children, he felt a calling to make it home. In 2005, he found a Help Wanted ad for Woody’s Barbershop, and he and his family started their new life in Myrtle Beach.  Over the years, Tommy also enrolled in digital art classes at Horry Georgetown Technical College funded by his G.I. Bill, worked at a large format sign printer, and then returned to his barber roots at 18/8, a high-end men’s salon. Eventually, he decided to open his own shop.  Trust Thy Barber was first born as a mini 8 by 10-foot business within a collective workspace building called Sola Salon on 42nd Avenue North. But Tommy was thinking bigger and better, which was what brought him to the Market Common.  “Every day, I’d drive by this spot, and when it became vacant, I knew this was my space,” he says.  Business at Trust Thy Barber has been booming, spawned from his philosophy to treat each client like a “rock star.” The classic barbershop offers all the services from your grandfather’s era: haircuts, buzz cuts, beard trims, straight razor shaves, shampoo and hot towel, even nose and ear hair trim— but with some modern upgrades— like cold beer and water, snacks and TV. The kids (and kids at heart) will also love to pass time on their classic video arcade game station.  Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated. Right now, the barber staff is at two, including Tommy and Pat, but he plans to add more experienced barbers in the new year.  Eventually his son, currently studying the trade at vocational school in Conway, will join their ranks. Tommy says he’s saving a chair on the end just for him.  Trust Thy Barber Globe Phone Map-marked-alt

Surfside Welcomes the Snowbirds

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by The Town of Surfside Beach There are some famous migrations in nature.  The swallows return every year to Capistrano. The monarch butterflies fly over 2500 miles to spend the winter in a warmer climate. Surfside Beach also has its own migration pattern. Between Thanksgiving and the middle of January every year, the town has an influx of cars with license plates from northern states and Canadian provinces. This is when the “Snowbirds” arrive.  Snowbirds are a part of the nature of a beach community, and a welcome addition to our area. They support our businesses, eat at our restaurants, purchase food and items in local stores, and help keep businesses that might have closed for the season to stay open.  They are a vibrant group, willing to go long distances to enjoy the beauty of the beach at Surfside. Today’s Snowbird frequently becomes tomorrow’s resident. After visiting the area several times, experiencing the lifestyle and seeing the affordability of housing, the decision to become a resident is an easy one to make. Surfside Beach has less than 5,000 full time residents, but has a rental housing market capable of supporting numbers many times that. Snowbirds utilize this capacity, and can make or break a rental property owner’s business year.  Many local restaurants and bars have programs that treat a Snowbird as a “local” and offer discounts and incentives. The lower cost of living in the Surfside Beach area, as compared to New England states or the Canadian Provinces, means the visitor’s budget can go much farther here than it can at home. Real estate statistics show February is the busiest month for real estate closings in the area. It’s a combination of more units listed for sale in the off season, and more involved potential purchasers in our area. Snowbirds use their time to become familiar with the area, and are attracted by the diverse style of neighborhoods.  Second-home sales are very common, as the visitors want to experience all that Surfside Beach has to offer, but still want to stay connected for friends and family wherever home is. It’s also not unheard of that one family will make the move to Surfside Beach and within a few years, relatives and friends from home will move into the area too.  So, when you see a couple looking a little confused because of the two Highway 17s or is it 3rd Avenue North, or South, and what town, offer to help. They could be your new neighbors in a couple of years. 

An Inside Look at Carolina Forest

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by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Forest is a twenty-five square-mile residential community located between the cities of historic Conway to the west, and fun-loving Myrtle Beach to the east.  With a mere fifteen minute drive to our famous white sandy beaches, and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and wild beauty of the Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge, the location, services, and economics of Carolina Forest makes it one of the area’s most desirable communities in which to live.  Highways 31 and 501 offer easy connection points to the rest of the Grand Strand and surrounding environs. Sporting its own award-winning public school system (which was designated best in the state); golf courses; medical, emergency and public services; entertainment; a myriad of shopping and dining opportunities; low taxes; booming economic growth; and burgeoning job market; Carolina Forest is a vibrant, growing community with much to offer residents as well as those looking for investment opportunities.  The Tanger Outlets, a comprehensive, upscale shopping complex, lies on the outskirts. The Carolina Forest area has witnessed a steady and consistent growth; from 2000 to 2010, the population rose from 3,500 to 18,000 people. Today it soars above 35,000.  The community is being developed according to a master plan, with new neighborhoods and amenities being added constantly to meet demand. More than half of the area’s hardwood forests and pine trees have been protected as conservation land, ensuring the fabric of this community remains preserved in nature. The Farm, Spring Lake, The Bluffs on the Waterway, Waterford Plantation, Waterbridge, Summerlyn, and Southgate, are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.  Clean, safe, high-quality, new, and family friendly describes the feel of the area. Options for homes include a wide range to appeal to anyone’s taste: single family, apartment complexes, long term rentals, condos, townhomes and luxury estates. 

Top Cleaners

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Dry cleaner handing clothing to a customer with a smile.

Your Locally Owned and Operated Organic Dry Cleaners by Melissa LaScaleia Mr. and Mrs. Lee are the owners and operators of Top Cleaners in Surfside Beach. They are originally from Seoul, South Korea, and moved to Myrtle Beach twenty years ago from New York.   “We came to Myrtle Beach because our pastor invited us here,” Mrs. Lee says smiling.   In New York, Mr. and Mrs. Lee were inspired by one of their friends, who owned his own dry cleaning business, to start a venture of their own. They spent five years with their own business in New York before relocating, and have been in the industry now for fifteen years.   Mrs. Lee does alterations, including wedding gown embroidery and tailoring.  Mr. Lee handles the dry cleaning and pressing.   — Photo Meganpixels Parker “Some stores will take your clothes to other places to get cleaned,” Mrs. Lee says. “But we do everything here in our store. Our customers know the difference in the way that we clean.   “Traditional dry cleaning involves the use of chemicals like ethylene and perc, which are harmful to the human body as well as the air we breathe. Many states have laid down regulations to reduce or prevent the use of these chemicals, but South Carolina hasn’t yet. So we introduced an organic dry cleaning machine and are doing only organic cleaning. We know that organic methods are healthier for people and the air, and the clothes feel softer and retain their color and longevity better.”   Despite being organic, the pricing is very affordable, and the cost depends on the type of garment and the fabric.   Mr. and Mrs. Lee care about the quality they provide their clients:   “After we press clothes in the machine, we touch them up by hand with a hand press,” she says. “We aim to make our customer’s happy.”     Top Cleaners Envelope Phone

WWII Derring-Do: “Gabby” Gabreski

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“Gabby” Gabreski, Designated an Ace Pilot in Two Wars Francis (Gabby) S. Gabreski was born to Polish immigrant parents in Oil City, Pennsylvania on January 28, 1919. Like many immigrant parents, they had dreams for their son’s success, and he attended Notre Dame University where he became interested in flying planes. His passion didn’t match his skill however, and Gabby had to train hard to eventually become one of the greatest flying aces of the 21st century.   During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. He completed basic flight training at Gunter Army Air Base, Alabama, and advanced training at Maxwell Field, Alabama.  He earned his pilot wings and commission as a second lieutenant in March 1941, and deployed to Hawaii. He met his wife there, and the two were engaged soon after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Gabby was part of the squadron flying P-36 aircraft that attempted to intercept the attack.   As the war progressed, he realized that his ability to speak fluent Polish could be an asset to the U.S. Army. He closely followed the tactics of the air battles taking place in Europe, especially the capabilities of the legendary 303 Polish Fighter Squadron that was part of the British Royal Air Force.  He felt that the American squadrons were lacking in the technical skills of the Polish pilots, and suggested to his commanding officers that they send him to Europe to act as a liaison, imparting the knowledge he learned from the Polish pilots to the Americans.   His commanding officer approved the plan, and in 1942 he was promoted to Captain and sent to England. He flew a total of twenty missions with the Polish pilots and attributed what he learned from them to his later success.   In 1943, Gabby joined the 56th Fighter Group, 61st Fighter Squadron, flying the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. Less than six months later, he took command of the squadron. During this year, he achieved the status of an ace pilot, and also shared the responsibility of leading combat missions. He brought several Polish pilots into his squadron to replace experienced pilots who had reached the end of their terms, one of whom became a legendary ace pilot.   On December 11, during a flight mission, he was struck by enemy fire and a canon shell became lodged in his plane engine, destroying his turbo charger. Under pursuit by a Bf 109, and low on fuel and ammunition, Gabby managed to stay to escape.   In 1944 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel, and on July 5, became American’s leading ace in the European Theater of Operations. He was credited with destroying twenty-eight enemy aircraft, a number never surpassed by any other U.S. pilot fighting the German Luftwaffle.   On July 20, he had reached the maximum limit of combat time allowed for fighter pilots, and was scheduled to return to the United States, where he had arranged his wedding and his hometown had raised funds as a wedding present for him and fiancé.  In high spirits, he elected to fly just one more time. He clipped the runway, bending his propeller trips and crashed landed in enemy territory. He eluded capture for five days, before he was found by the enemy, and held a prisoner of war for nearly a year.   He was married upon his return, and went on to become an ace pilot in the Korean War as well. He is one of only seven pilots to become an ace in two wars, and is credited with destroying over thirty-four aircraft in aerial combat.  He retired as a colonel after twenty-six years in the military, and was one of the Air Force’s most accomplished leaders.  He was also commander of the 342nd Fighter-Day Wing, at the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, from 1956-1960. He died on January 31, 2002, at the age of 83. 

Red Cross: Preventing Home Fires

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Preventing Home Fires by Melissa LaScaleia According to statistics, more people die every year in home fires than in any other natural disaster combined across the United States, including California wildfires, tornados, and earthquakes.  In the Horry and Georgetown areas, the American Red Cross responds to a home fire approximately three times per week. Volunteers provide care and support for the family displaced from the event.   “We want to make sure they have a safe place to stay, a warm blanket, and financial assistance to cover their immediate needs, to bridge the gap to the next day,” says Amy Brauner, the executive director for the American Red Cross Southeast division. “It could be as simple as a toothbrush or a pair of socks.”   Several months ago, an apartment fire in Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach, spread throughout the attic of eighteen units, destroying most. Eleven adults and one child were affected. Red Cross volunteer Roger Keally was one of the first volunteer responders. He was at home when he heard fire engines, and ran the two blocks to the scene to offer assistance, beating the second fire engine there.  The Red Cross wants to assist our community in staying safe this winter. In addition to responding to home fires when they happen, they also work to help prevent them.   In October 2914, they implemented the Home Fire Campaign, in which volunteers conduct a home visit to check smoke alarms. If the alarms are not working properly, they will replace them free of charge.  They help you build an evacuation plan to escape your home in two minutes, the time it takes for your house to burn down, so that no matter where you are in your house, the second floor, up higher, or in the back, you know how to escape.  They also provide home fire safety checks, assessing what in your home is a potential fire hazard and how to fix it, as well as a checklist on how to stay safe.   “We call home fires the everyday disaster because it can happen to anyone anytime,” says Amy.   In the past year, a total of 184 homes in Horry and Georgetown counties were made safer; 318 smoke alarms were installed; 176 escape plans were made; and 514 people were served.   Since the inception of the Home Fire Campaign through September of 2018, the Red Cross and their volunteers have been directly responsible for saving fifty-four lives in South Carolina— seven in Horry and Georgetown counties.  (The statistic comes from verifying that the Red Cross installed the fire alarm or built an evacuation plan and the family escaped safely afterwards.)     To learn more about their program, and request a Red Cross home safety inspection visit:  www.soundthealarm.org.   Join Us at Our January Events: CPR/AED/First Aid at 3531 Pampas Drive – Myrtle Beach January 12: 1:30pm – Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED January 19: 900am  – Adult First Aid/CPR/AED January 26: 9:00am Adult CPR/AED January 30 – Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED – 1:30pm Blood Drives: January 10 – Trinity United Methodist Church – North Myrtle Beach – 9:00am – 2:00pm January 13 – St Andrews Catholic Church – Myrtle Beach – 8:30am – 1:30pm January 17 – WBTW Blood Drive – Coastal Grand Mall – 11:00am – 7:00pm January 19 – Palmetto Point Church of God – Myrtle Beach – 9:00am- 2:00pm January 23 – Coastal Carolina University- 10:00am – 4:00pm Become a Volunteer: Register now at RedCross.org/sc

Q&A with Lou and Rhonda Mascherino

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The Veteran’s Cafe Founders— Supporting Veterans, Honoring All It’s my wife Rhonda and I, and we have a little wiener dog, a dachshund named Macie. I have a daughter, Michelle; and her husband, John; and their son, Elijah, and they live in Pennsylvania. John is U.S. Army retired. Rhonda has a daughter, Sonni, and her husband is Don, and they have three boys, C.J., Brendan, and Andrew.     Where are all the places you came from? Where do you live now?  Rhonda and I are originally from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, thirty miles west of Philadelphia. We moved here in 1990. Now we live in downtown Myrtle Beach.      Why did you move to Myrtle Beach?   I used to come down and play golf with friends, and I fell in love with the place. I brought Rhonda down here on a vacation and she fell in love with the place. And the next thing I knew, I was leaving the steel industry and moving to Myrtle Beach.   Do you have a favorite place in Myrtle Beach?  Pretty much wherever I’m at. The golf courses, and we like Angelo’s Restaurant, and Damon’s on Ocean Drive.   What are your favorite things to do here?   Go out to eat. Go spend time with friends, have a party at someone’s home.   What’s your favorite thing about living in Myrtle Beach? I’m partial to the weather. It’s not really cold in the winter. Basically it’s the laid-back life. I remember when we moved here, we opened a Philadelphia-style deli, and I was waiting on an equipment delivery.  I was getting into my typical Philadelphia mentality, getting upset waiting. And someone saw me and said to me, “Son, you’re in the South now. If we can get to it tomorrow, we will. And if you understand this, it will take ten years off your life.”   Can you share one quirky thing with us about yourself?  I’m known to everyone as Mash.   Have you done anything new since moving down here?  I’m a U.S. Army veteran, and we opened The Veteran’s Cafe on Veteran’s Day in 2009. We started out as a mom-and-pop restaurant and posted in our menu that we were looking for photographs of people who served in the military. We ended up with a museum.  To this day, people are still bringing in things for us to hang on our walls. We honor all branches of the military and all the veterans who served. We have things from World War I up to the present day. The cafe is a meeting house for veterans, a place to come and tell their stories. Here they can let it all out.

AmeriSpec

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More Than Inspected, AmeriSpec Inspected by Melissa LaScaleia AmeriSpec conducts home inspections for residential homes, condos, and town houses, as well as commercial properties.  Home inspections are traditionally conducted on behalf of would-be buyers interested in purchasing a new home, so that they are aware of the true condition of the home, and what, if anything, needs to be repaired before or after they move in.   “With a home inspection, the buyers have a better understanding of what they’re purchasing,” says Mitchell Plyler, the local owner for the Horry, Georgetown, Marion, and Williamsburg areas.  “But it’s just as valuable for the sellers, so that they are aware of the things that need to be repaired before their home goes on the market, as well as how those defects will affect the value of their house, so they don’t have any surprises either.”   In addition to enhancing a seller’s peace of mind and managing expectations, a pre-listing inspection, as it’s called, empowers sellers to reconsider their selling strategy by potentially investing in repairs and asking for a higher price, or lowering the price to compensate for the work that the new owners will have to do.   A pre-listing inspection isn’t something a lot of people know about, but it’s something that Mitchell, as well as many realtors, try to encourage.   “It makes everything transparent right out of the gate,” Mitchell says. “Most buyers are going to get an inspection; if a seller has already done it, in enables potential buyers to feel more confident about placing a bid because they know the exact state of the house. It can keep the negotiation from getting out of hand for everyone. It also allows the seller to fix the things that they want to fix on their own time and not during the final days of the real estate transaction.”    Mitchell isn’t a Myrtle Beach native, but he’s been around here his entire life. He moved into the Myrtle Beach market with AmeriSpec in June of 2018. He and his wife Joellen own the business together; she’s also a realtor with South Strand Realty.   Mitchell Plyler (left) stands with his company truck and his wife Joellen (right). The two run AmeriSpec together as a team. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “I went to Coastal Carolina University, and my family has owned a place here for twenty years,” he says. “I’ve worked in maintenance my entire life, as well as in project management— troubleshooting things and fixing things.  “And that led me to look at things related to fixing things. I bought and sold a few houses on my own and had them inspected, and then realized that my background enabled me to do this. There’s a lot of technical, classroom, and hands-on training that I’ve done— I’ve logged over 300 hours. Joellen handles the marketing and I handle the inspection, so we make a good team.”   “A lot of people think a home inspector is the same thing as a code compliant officer,” he continues. “But the latter works for the town, county, or state. They make sure that whatever building work is conducted is done according to current code. A home inspector isn’t necessarily looking at code compliance because that’s something that changes constantly.”   Home inspectors look for any kind of deficiency, defect, or anything that’s unsafe. Every home inspector in South Carolina operates under the same state standard or code of procedures.     “A lot of people don’t understand the importance of getting a home inspection,” Mitchell says. “A home is one of the biggest investments you will make in your life. You want to know what you’re getting yourself into— to know what to expect.   “When I conduct home inspections, I try to educate the client about the home. Many people assume that when they have a house, things don’t need to be repaired or replaced. I try to set realistic expectations so they can plan appropriately financially, as well as for their safety. For example, the average life span of a water heater is 10-12 years; for a roof it could be 15-25 years. A smoke detector should be replaced every ten years. Many people don’t know these things, especially first-time home buyers.”    Mitchell trained for over 300 hours to become a skilled home inspector.m— Photo Meganpixels Parker AmeriSpec also offers a free service called HomeBinder for the buyer or seller. It’s like a digital three-ring binder that has several great features. There is an appliance recall check that keeps track of all the appliances and corresponding model numbers in your home, so that if there’s ever a recall, the homeowner will be notified along with instructions about what to do.  There’s also a 200-page home repair manual that gives homeowner tips and information about how to fix, repair, and maintain your home. The service also provides a list of local home pros, like plumbers, electricians, painters, etc., who specialize in their industry and can conduct repairs in your home; and it comes free with any home inspection.   “A lot of people don’t know what to do or who to call when they need help,” Mitchell says. “That’s why these services are so important.”   AmeriSpec also conducts mobile/manufactured home inspections, pool and spa inspections; irrigation inspections; well/water quality inspections; and mold tests. Mitchell also does what is called a warranty inspection or an eleven month inspection.   When you purchase a new home, it comes with a one year warranty against any manufacturing defects. If there’s a leak in the roof, issues with the electrical or plumbing systems, or any other number of hidden problems, then the builders will come back and fix it for free.   “We come in on month eleven and do an inspection,” Mitchell says, “and write up what the problems are so that the homeowner can go to the builder while the house is still under the warranty period.   “A lot … Read more

Emma’s Health Talk: Beating the January Blues

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Getting On Track With New Year’s Resolutions by Emma Ware As we enter 2019 and officially bring to an end a kaleidoscope of holiday activities, many people find themselves looking back with regret at the choices they made with their eating habits during the holiday season.  It’s a New Year’s tradition to set goals for the new year ahead, but often, instead of determining what they want now, all people can think about is what they shouldn’t have done that they did.   We can all relate to some gastronomic over-indulgence during the holidays. After leaving those awesome cookies for Santa, could we deprive ourselves of those tempting treats? Do you think he would have been as excited to get celery sticks and a few carrots? Well, I guess we wouldn’t have been either.  Instead of saturating your mind with regret, take a deep breath and look at all the positive changes you can make to get back on a healthy track.  Our awesome bodies long for a rest after the assault they endured over the holidays. What would make them happy and rejuvenated is a wonderful soup fast. I suggest once a week during the month of January. This warm, healthy and refreshing soup is filled with nutrients to restore balance to your body and help jumpstart your changes.  Organic broths, whether chicken or vegetable, are the most nourishing to use as a base. I recently had a client tell me how she makes her own broths with great success using an Instant Pot.  Whatever method you choose, when making your soup, use colorful vegetables, onions, garlic, include chicken for protein, and for a starch add rice, pasta or potatoes. Finish by seasoning with aromatic herbs of your choice. Eat this wonderful soup all day and feel the benefits it provides your happy tummy.  That is just one change but fear not, here comes more. Without some type of exercise our bodies won’t rebound as fast, so plan some fun movements to wake up your sleepy cells. Yoga or dance exercise classes with a friend make it all that much more fun. Time well spent on a brisk walk is heart-healthy and even helps your blood pressure.  Be sure that whenever and whatever changes you wish to make to your health routine, that you first check with your doctor.  Let me know what you think. Come see me at the office, 2798 D Howard Ave, Market Common Myrtle Beach, or give me a call at 843 997-7037.  -Emma

Tire Town at the Inlet

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The Tire Town team from left to right: Howie Jones, J.R., Bob Kuehne, Mark Myers, Scott Buff, and Dave Chavez — Photo Meganpixels Parker They Want to Be Your Tire Guy by Melissa LaScaleia This year, Tire Town celebrates fifty years of business in Myrtle Beach as a tire installation and automotive repair company.  The company is locally owned and operated by Lainer Alford, who has five locations in the Grand Strand area: Kings Hwy. in Myrtle Beach; at Fantasy Harbor off of Hwy. 501; near the Market Common off of Hwy. 707; Red Hill in Conway; and their newest location in Murrells Inlet, which just opened July 2.   “Tire installation is the primary passion of the business,” says Mark Myers. “That’s what started it. And we gradually evolved from there into all facets of mechanical and repair work.”   Mark is the manager of the Murrells Inlet location, running the day to day operations of the store, installing tires, and doing what he needs to do to move customers in and out as quickly as possible so there isn’t a long wait.    “Our focus is customer service because customer service is our product,” he says. “We don’t manufacture anything, so that is what we’re selling. You have to take care of the people who come to see you so they keep coming back and you can stay in business. We’ve been very welcomed by the community here in the Inlet since we arrived this summer.” Mark rotating tires on a car at the Murrells Inlet location. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Tire Town has their own fully-stocked warehouse in Myrtle Beach, ensuring that they always have tires on hand for their customers within an hour or two if what is needed isn’t available in their store. They carry the top names in tire brands, like Michelin, Toyo, BF Goodrich and UniRoyal.   “All our technicians are certified,” says Mark. “We are also a Napa Auto Care Center, so all of our mechanical parts are warrantied nationwide. And all of our mechanical work comes with a thirty-six month, or 36,000 miles guarantee. All the tires we carry are backed by their company’s warranties, and we handle any claims as well.”  Mark started out as an automotive mechanic thirty-five years ago, and he’s been working in the industry ever since.    “Meeting new people is my favorite thing about this job,” he says. “You meet people from all over the place, because it’s a transient area. You hear all kinds of different stories. And every day is different.”   Tire Town Internet-explorer Open M-F 8am-6pm, Sa 8am-1pm. Murrells Inlet Envelope Phone Tire Town Superstore Envelope Phone Myrtle Beach Envelope Phone Tire Town South Envelope Phone Tire Town Conway Envelope Phone

Little River Then and Now

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by the Little River Chamber of Commerce The northern-most stretch of the Grand Strand is home to the community of Little River. It derives its name from the little river that flows between North and South Carolina, and empties directly into the Atlantic Ocean.  Lying right before the border of North Carolina and encompassing almost 11 miles, Little River is the oldest community found in this area. It was established as a trading post and fishing village in the early 1700s, when merchants capitalized on the abundant fish and other natural resources of the area; it has been known as a fishing village, celebrated for fresh seafood, ever since. The earliest known families to settle in this area were those of Lewis and Waitie, and Vereen and Tilighman. George Washington, on his Southern tour along Kings Hwy., spent the night in Little River in the cabin of Jeremiah Vereen, a tavern keeper who became famous due to the fame of his guest.  Little River has a vibe of charm and tranquility amongst the bustle of its surrounds. It’s roughly twenty miles north of busy Myrtle Beach, and adjacent to the pulse of the equally busy North Myrtle Beach.  Property value and real estate prices in Little River have been steadily increasing in the past few years, as more people look to relocate or vacation in an area where a slower pace of life is the norm, and centuries-old live oak trees, as well as a myriad of flora and fauna, wrap the landscape in beauty. As with many communities with ocean access, Little River’s past is checkered by the colorful escapades of the pirates, buccaneers, and other enterprising individuals of history who made good use of the coastal estuaries and tidal pools as hideouts, as well as the river leading to the open expanse of the sea to further their ends.  Today, the access points to the water delight with opportunities for some of the best deep-sea fishing on the coast, jet skiing, private charter boats, casino cruises, and personal watercraft pursuits. Crickett Cove and Light Keepers Marinas offer wet and dry dock space for locals and transient boaters. There is also a myriad of boat rental options from party barges and fishing charters to membership in the Freedom Boat Club. Or, there are plenty of opportunities to simply watch all the activity.  Take a hike in Vereen Memorial Gardens, relax at one of our many waterfront restaurants, or take a stroll along the waterway. On land, Little River offers a range of diversions, including golfing, fine dining, unique shopping experiences, and more. Every May, Little River hosts its World Famous Blue Crab Festival, held for over thirty consecutive years. Thousands turn out for this local tradition and to savor blue crabs prepared in a myriad of ways while enjoying live beach music.  In October, the the sounds of jazz, motown, zydeco, and more take center stage at the music-agnostic Little River ShrimpFest. For more information on this quaint community, visit LittleRiverChamber.org. 

The Coastal Insider Celebrates Who We Are, What We Offer

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Our readership for home delivery is over 40,000 papers monthly, and our rack distribution readership is 60,000. With numbers reaching over 100,000 people monthly along the Grand Strand, each community can spread their message outside of their boundaries.  Our Evolution Then to Now The new year is upon us, and we at the Coastal Insider are ringing it in with a celebration of where we are, who we are, and what we offer the community.  Since our inception two-and-a-half-years ago, we’ve evolved from twelve pages to a monthly fifty-four page publication, with a comprehensive area real estate magazine, a corresponding online paper, and an online presence.  In the beginning, our purpose was to create a publication for the Market Common that would connect the area’s residents and visitors with the businesses and services that were available to them.  We provided an inside perspective on area businesses, including information like a company’s history and the owner’s skill set and values— things that differentiated them from their competition.  Our articles painted a more complete picture of who and what these businesses were, and what they had to offer the community— and became a streamlined way for people looking for those services to receive information.  Through revealing a more intimate portrayal of who these owners were beyond their storefront, the articles fostered a greater interest, trust, and rapport between the community and the businesses, and inspired an increase in the support that those businesses received.  In a similar way, the month-to-month advertisements let the community know what was available and where, building a sense of familiarity and connection between patrons and providers.   The response to our publication was so immediate and so positive that we took our vision and projected it to the other areas of Myrtle Beach.  What would this city look and feel like if this platform existed beyond the Market Common? We realized that the value we brought to the Market Common district was relevant for all the areas along the Grand Strand; that residents, visitors, and businesses big and small would all benefit from increased exposure, from a greater awareness of what is available and what is happening in this area as a whole.  Almost right out of the gate, we began working towards that goal. And this January, we celebrate our evolution and the bringing our vision to fruition— that of being a true community publication that incorporates information about all of the communities in our area.   We implemented two tactics to reach this point— our name change and our distribution.  In June of 2018, we changed our name from the Insider at the Market Common to the Coastal Insider to signal that the content we provide is inclusive of the entire Grand Strand area. We spent time growing and learning how to be a message board for the community and then expanded that model when it was solid.  The Surfside section was a launching pad in our vision to use our publication as a platform for local communities to get their individual messages out about the events and activities happening in that specific locale.  Our partnership with Surfside Beach was the catalyst for creating community sections within our paper. These sections add value because local residents are looking to know what’s happening in all areas, and when visitors come they want to know what they should go and do.  We’ve had the Surfside Beach section for over a year now, and this past December, we added a Market Common as well as Carolina Forest sections, with more to come.   Our readership for home delivery is over 40,000 papers monthly, and our rack distribution readership is 60,000. With numbers reaching over 100,000 people monthly along the Grand Strand, each community can spread their message outside of their boundaries. Now we feel we’re hitting the market with a very dynamic publication.  Initially we implemented in-house distribution methods in available racks outside of businesses and shopping centers. We put a lot of time and energy into studying the success and relevancy of our strategy, and learned that the quality of our locations was more important than the quantity of locations we had.  Our distribution has been well-thought out over the past year; and in June of 2018, we implemented our new plan, and contracted with two of the most well-known national distribution companies to secure tenure in highly trafficked, high-profile locations along the Grand Strand.   Now, copies of the Insider are in almost every grocery store as well as high volume shopping centers. The change of direction of distribution has placed us securely in the overall market as a source for local information and pertinent community information.   As we continue to enhance our publication, we celebrate who we are, where we are, and especially, you are readers, who with your continued support and encouragement, inspire us to bring you meaningful and relevant content each and every month.

Pampered Journeys

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January and February are prime luxury cruising times and the time to book your vacation for the best deals and promotions is now.  Pampered Journeys: Where Travelers Are Well Taken Care Of In an interview with the Insider, Marina Foy speaks about her company, Pampered Journeys, and what’s available to tempt Myrtle Beachians to explore the realm of luxury travel this winter.   Insider: Tell me about Pampered Journeys.   Marina: I specialize in customized luxury travel trips for individuals, couples, and groups with an emphasis on food, wine, art, and culture. I design each trip differently for each of my clients, because it’s based around their unique interests. I can help a client to realize almost any authentic dream that they have for a foreign travel experience.   Insider: How are you able to offer such hugely customized trips?   Marina: About 80% of the time, I’ve been to the country. So I’m familiar with the culture and have first-hand experience and knowledge of the place.   Additionally, I’m affiliated with Virtuoso, a large luxury consortia comprised of the world’s finest travel agencies and advisors. I forge personal relationships with the people who represent them, and have contacts all around the world, so I can call someone in any country, give them specific instructions for the accommodations, activities, and experiences my clients are looking for— and they will work with me to orchestrate a trip.   We also make suggestions based on a client’s interests of really unique things for them to do. I’ve arranged for clients to share a private tea with Buddhist monks in Korea, a country famous for their teahouses. I’ve planned the itinerary of a group of golfers cruising around Europe, so they hit all the top golf courses enroute; and for a couple who were wine connoisseurs to have a private dinner in one of the best wine cellars in South Africa while they were on safari.  I can also secure people reservations to things that book out six months in advance— I arranged for clients cruising around South America to have dinner at two restaurants in Lima that are on the list of the 50 best restaurants in the world—seats not easy to come by.   Insider:  Tell me more about your customization process and the resources you have at your disposal.   Marina: I have my clients fill out a questionnaire that elicits the information that I need to give them the best tailored travel experience. My contacts in country through Virtuoso can provide me with current information about construction in hotels or sites, unexpected changes, or cultural upheaval, so I can help my clients avoid the pitfalls that you often can’t discern from researching a place online or in travel magazines.  With Virtuoso, I get benefits for my clients like reduced rates, complimentary perks, and special destinations for cruises, as well as upgrades like private charters. I also have my own personal travel magazine that is tailored to what I offer, which gives clients ideas and options about what’s available for them.     Insider: What’s on tap this winter with Pampered Journeys?  Marina: Winter is cruising season and the time to book is now. Luxury cruise lines are hugely popular because they are like 5-star hotels that you can move around the world in without packing and unpacking. There are a lot of luxury cruise lines as well as European River Cruising operators offering promotions for great trips and experiences now.  Promotions arise and sell out so quickly that someone who isn’t a travel agent couldn’t keep up with it, or manage the breadth and depth of what’s being offered. That’s the value that I bring.  Pampered Journeys, Women’s travel group; travel e-newsletter and more.   Facebook Phone Internet-explorer At

T’s Squad Fitness for the New Year

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Geoff Koskinen of T-Squad Fitness coaches a client at the X-Gym.“I push people, but in the right ways,” he says. “We make training approachable, non-intimidating, and highly personal.” — Photo Meganpixels Parker Your Place For Mind, Body, and Soul Rejuvenation by Melissa LaScaleia T’s Squad Fitness is a one-on-one personal training business and facility located on George Bishop Parkway. Trainer Taqouri Lott is the owner and operator, and Geoff Koskinen is his partner.   The two met about four years ago at a local fitness club and became instant friends. Taqouri is a former college football player from Wisconsin. Geoff used to live in Saratoga Springs, New York, where he worked in the New York State Senate.   “After almost ten years, it felt like the right time to move on,” he says. “My parents moved to South Carolina in 2007, and I decided I was tired of the long winters and decided to take a new direction with my life. I came down in 2010.”  Geoff switched careers and became involved in personal fitness full-time. “Here you have the beach and sun— and that equals fitness,” he says. “I’ve always enjoyed working out, and I wanted a career in fitness because I enjoy helping people. It makes me happy and joyful. It’s just like playing sports again— being around people who are paying attention to their bodies. It’s healthy for my mind, body, and soul; it made life matter again. This is a very rewarding career.” Geoff and Taquouri share a common vision of personal training that is truly personal and accessible for all ages and fitness levels. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Geoff and Taqouri have almost twenty-five years of collective experience working in the industry. When they met, they discovered that they shared a common vision of personal training that was truly personal and accessible for all ages and levels— with instructions and techniques that inspired their clients to develop greater self-trust and feel at ease throughout the process.   They decided to branch out on their own to offer personal training that reflected their values of tending to one’s body, mind and soul through personalized training instruction. Taqouri opened T’s Squad Fitness last year, and Geoff came on board soon thereafter.   “We get along with anyone,” Geoff says, in reflecting on his and Taqouri’s strengths as trainers. “We’re very down to earth. We’re comfortable working with people of all levels and all ages. We’re patient. We cater to people who are beginners or haven’t worked out in a while, and we make training approachable and non-intimidating.  “It’s one-on-one, it’s tailored to the individual and we meet them at their level. Safety is first with us. We see each client as different, so we train each client differently.   A lot of their clients are seniors, and Geoff and Taqouri both specialize in the unique fitness needs of this population— especially with regards to safety. — Photo Meganpixels Parker “We offer a more tailored and personalized approach than you can typically find at a gym. We’ve seen it a lot as trainers, the discomfort people feel with their assigned trainer at a gym, in a new space, learning a new technique. So we look for the specific things that each of our client’s needs, and build a rapport with them, taking their training and fitness goals one step at a time.”   A lot of their clients are seniors, and Geoff and Taqouri both specialize in the unique fitness needs of this population— especially with regards to safety.   “This is a perfect opportunity for people to get out of their house, to move, to stretch, to get the blood pumping, and it’s community— they get to interact with good people,” Geoff says.   “The clients I have are progressing. Many of them say to me, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t believe I found you! Without your guidance, I never would have gotten to where I am.’ Training makes them feel strong— in the gym and in life. To see their confidence level increase is great, to see them reach their goals is the best.” “We’re reliable, we offer support, we’re going to be there for them in the long run,” he adds. “Encouragement builds confidence, perseverance, and a good affinity with yourself. And then it just becomes fun.”   T’s Squad Fitness Training 6am-8pm daily. Envelope Facebook Phone Internet-explorer

D.R. Horton

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This aerial shot shows the crew of D.R. Horton at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Meridian subdivision, August 2018. — Photo Meganpixels Parker Myrtle Beach’s Leading Homebuilding Company Offers Value for Homebuyers by Melissa LaScaleia Locally, D.R. Horton serves the entire Grand Strand area, from Carolina Shores, NC, to Pawleys Island, SC, and inland to Conway and beyond. While D.R. Horton is a nationwide organization, the Myrtle Beach division is served by a group of seventy-five locals who live and work in the community and treat their clients like family.  As the nation’s largest homebuilder by volume since 2002, the company’s size affords them greater buying power, which creates more value for the customer.    This Beech style home is a 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2-car garage home. Brought to you by D.R. Horton. Forty years ago, Donald R. Horton had a vision of livable and affordable new homes built with unmatched efficiencies and uncompromising quality, and a business that would grow by making customers’ dreams a reality. That philosophy of creating value every step of the way was the company’s signature focus when Horton unveiled his first neighborhood in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area four decades ago.  As the company grew from a local homebuilder to a regional homebuilder, to ultimately the largest homebuilder in the United States, that philosophy has never wavered.  D.R. Horton continues to demonstrate their leadership in residential development through design innovation, superior craftsmanship, and responsiveness to the needs of their customers. A D.R. Horton Express Home, located in the Meridian subdivision. — Photo D.R. Horton D.R. Horton’s Myrtle Beach division offers four lines of homes within its family of brands: Express Homes provide entry-level homes for value-focused buyers; D.R. Horton’s flagship brand provides homes that are engineered for maximum livability and value for the price; Emerald Homes provide a luxury option for the move-up buyer; and Freedom Homes are geared toward active adults who are looking for a low-maintenance home. An Express Home in the Meridian subdivision. — Photo D.R. Horton Five years ago, D.R. Horton’s Myrtle Beach division welcomed three hundred and fifty homeowners into the D.R. Horton family, and last year they welcomed eight hundred and eighteen. The company continues to grow and change along with the Myrtle Beach area, and continues to deliver new and exciting communities and amenities for new home seekers within the very best locations.   An express home by D.R. Horton. — Photo D.R. Horton D.R. Horton has model homes available for viewing at Meridian at the Market Common, one of their newest communities and one of the lowest priced single-family home options in the Market Common.  The Meridian community features a variety of floor plans and pricing options, and plans include a large amenity center opening next spring.   The community is located at 2913 Skyler Drive in Myrtle Beach, and is available for viewing Monday through Saturday from 10am – 6pm, and Sunday from noon – 6pm. D.R. Horton Community model homes are open for viewing Mon- Sat 10am-6pm; Sun noon-6pm. Envelope Phone Internet-explorer

Newly Expanded Crepe Creation Cafe Is Now Open

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With a Full Bar and Breakfast and Dinner in the Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia Crepe Creation Cafe has been a staple in the Market Common community for the past seven years. From small beginnings on Howard Ave. to its present location at 4012 Deville Street, owner Larry Cauble and his wife Emma Ware finalized Larry’s childhood dream of owning a French restaurant with its creation.  Larry learned the art of crepe making while living in Europe, and he has now realized that dream by expanding the restaurant we all know as the Crepe Creation.  The purpose and intent of the restaurant was always to present an atmosphere that offers the most welcoming and warm place to relax and enjoy food that was prepared with care and love. Larry’s passion for  cooking has a foundation of using only fresh wholesome ingredients prepared as authentic French recipes, to delight and satisfy the palate. The new, expanded kitchen will enable them to offer a full breakfast menu as well as dinner, with a French influence for both menus. Larry goes out of his way to assure food is only the freshest by shopping everyday at local markets. He hand-selects the fruits and vegetables for the day’s menu. Nothing is ever purchased precooked. Eventually he plans to make fresh bread daily. A full bar will tempt you to sit awhile or relax in front of the newly installed fireplace as your meal is prepared, or just meet up with friends after work. Wi-Fi is available as well charging outlets if work is on your mind. Another unique feature offered is freshly squeezed juices influenced by a visit Larry and Emma made to Colombia, South America. There they were introduced to freshly squeezed lime juice with coconut milk and that triggered the thought of bringing freshly squeezed juices to the menu. Selections include lime with coconut milk, orange, papaya, pineapple, mango and a new favorite, tomato. The new breakfast menu will offer eggs your way and omelets filled with vegetables and cheeses like gruyere, fontina, mozzarella, and cheddar. Pair them with those fresh juices and something Larry decided to add— baguettes and gravy— a French twist on an old Southern Classic, biscuits and gravy.  More new offerings include Steak and Eggs; Eggs Victoria, a toasted baguette with smoked salmon; as well as Matin Caprese, a caprese salad comprised of two baguette halves topped with tomatoes, basil and chives with two eggs cooked to order. Then there is the Croque Tartine, toasted baguettes topped with Black Forest Ham, béchamel sauce, and melted gruyere cheese, with two eggs cooked to your liking and a side of potato gallet or scalloped potatoes. The dinner menu includes Chicken Basque, a chicken breast with chorizo sausage, onion, garlic parsley, thyme, tomato, potato, red pepper, and paprika and green apples served with a salad; Beef Borginnone; Seared Salmon; Herb-Crusted Clover Honey Salmon Fillet; Honey-Glazed Pork Roast; Chicken Cordon Blu; Duck a La’ orange; Duck Confit; Steak Diane; and Black Angus Brand Steaks in three different cuts— filet mignon, rib-eye, and NY strip served with your choice of Béchamel, bernaise, or au jus sauces. Emma Ware, (left) stands with her husband Larry Cauble (right) inside their newly expanded restaurant. — Photo Meganpixels Parker There are eight appetizer options but two that are especially memorable include: sliced duck with goat cheese topped with lemon zest, parsley, and scallions on top of baguettes, and Salmon Roulettes.  They will always have homemade chicken vegetable soup and French onion, as well as a rotating selection of specialty soups. All the stock for their soups are homemade. There are also a variety of salads and sides.  The house sides include nibbles to share like pommes frites— thinly cut house potatoes deep fried; mashed potatoes; au gratin potatoes; steamed broccoli and carrots; and apple salad— with granny smith apples, sour cream, almonds, dried cranberries and maple syrup. One mouth-watering premium side is called Bari Goule of Spring Vegetables— made with fresh peas, baby carrots, asparagus, snow peas, garlic, onion bulbs, peppercorn, and cilantro. Crepes will continue to be served all day and other staple offerings will also remain. For their bar offerings, they don’t use any flavored vodkas or flavored rums in their speciality drinks— concocting them instead with their pure, freshly squeezed fruit juices. During happy hour they serve the 3Ms— margaritas, Martinis (house), and mojitos all for $5; and wine and beer are discounted. Steaks have arrived in the Market Common, and Crepe Creations is offering three different kinds: NY strip, filet mignon, and rib-eye, served with a mouth-watering assortment of sauces. Crepe Creations has live music every night of the week. The volume is always kept low so that diners can enjoy conversation or the show as they choose. Every Monday night, Duster plays country/rock music; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Mike plays jazz and contemporary beats; Thursdays, Morris plays all Beatles classical style; Saturday is Wayne, a jazz guitar player; and Sundays Liz sings jazz. “We want the public to come in and love our customer service, to thoroughly enjoy the food and flavors,” Emma says. “We’ve created an ambiance where people can feel comfortable and excited to be here and enjoy the space they’re in. From the crepes, to the mixed drinks, to the fruit juices and the desserts, we’ve crafted flavors and a menu, and a musical experience to delight the senses. “Our kitchen organization and the way Larry operates the restaurant, behind the restaurant is just incredible. He’s super organized, he’s diligent with the food. I was so impressed when I saw the back of the restaurant. And our employees share with us that they enjoy working here because of the organization— it makes their job easier.” “We want to thank all of our patrons for supporting us over the years,” Emma concludes. “Without you, we couldn’t have made this happen.” Crepe Creation Cafe Breakfast daily 8am-12pm; dinner 4pm-close. Open Su-Th 8am-10pm; Fr & Sa 8am-11pm, for the lounge, bar, … Read more

Nights of a Thousand Candles Special Preview Benefit

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The Coastal Insider

Provided by Brookgreen Gardens September was a tough month for many in North and South Carolina due to the hurricane. Brookgreen Gardens also experienced significant flooding during the aftermath of Hurricane Florence.  Unprecedented flooding along the river affected the Lowcountry Zoo and caused significant damage to trails and zoo exhibits. A special preview benefit evening of Nights of a Thousand Candles will help support flood recovery, including reconstruction of the Cypress Aviary Exhibit boardwalk and repair to the Alligator Exhibit. This exclusive evening will be December 1, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. Each ticket is $100 and will include beverages (including wine or beer) and heavy hors d’oeuvres in the gardens. A limited number of tickets will be available. Entertainment for the evening will include Rebecca Nissen, harpist; the Saltwater Chamber Orchestra, and the Beach Brass Quintet. During the Nights of a Thousand Candles, trees are beautifully illuminated throughout the property creating a spectacular backdrop through which to meander. — Photo Donna Parker The main Nights of a Thousand Candles events kick off on Thursday, December 6. General public tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Tickets for Brookgreen members are $20 for adults and $12 for children. Children 3 and under are always free. Tickets may be purchased on our website, www.brookgreen.org.  Groups of fifteen or more may contact Brookgreen’s group sales department for special rates. Inlet Affairs returns to provide their signature Lowcountry dishes in the food tent. In the entertainment tents, favorites such as Bill Oberst, Jr and his one-man rendition of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, choral group Vocal Edition, and Tru Sol band are returning; as well as pianist Rocky Fretz, and other popular bands. The full entertainment schedule can be found at https://www.brookgreen.org/events/nights-thousand-candles-2018. The visual displays are different every year, and always worth seeing. — Photo WaynesView Photography New for 2018: 3:30 – 4:30 pm in front of The Visionaries sculpture, meet Angus, Brookgreen’s Scottish Deerhound Mascot and learn the history of the Huntington’s and their love for this amazing dog breed. 4:30 – 5:30 pm in the Children’s Garden Reading Room,  A Visit From St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore (‘Twas the night before Christmas)  will be read aloud by a special guest reader. 6:15 pm. The Lighting of the Holiday Tree has been moved to a slightly later time to give more guests the opportunity to enjoy this nightly event. We also have new displays, a new addition to the train exhibit, and other surprises for our guests. Interesting facts: Over 4500 candles are lit by hand every evening. Around 150 volunteers and staff work each night of the event. Almost 2 million other lights are used in addition to candles. The holiday tree alone has over 130,000 lights, and at 80 feet, is taller than the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Staff and volunteers begin decorating in late August. It takes a little over two months to take everything down after New Years. Except for the path luminaries, which burn down each evening, all the candles have to be blown out at the end of each night.  Brookgreen Gardens, a National Historic Landmark and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is located on U.S. 17 between Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, South Carolina, and is open to the public daily.  Founded in 1931 by Anna Hyatt Huntington and Archer Huntington, Brookgreen is home to the largest and most significant collection of American Figurative Sculpture in the country, and continues as a leader in sculpture conservation, environmental conservation, and protection of the plants, animals, and history of the South Carolina Lowcountry.  For more information, visit our website or call. Phone Internet-explorer

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