Little River

by Emily Smith This October, the second seafood festival that earned Little River the moniker of seafood capital of South Carolina returns to the Grand Strand. The other, which is held earlier in the year to no less acclaim, is The Blue Crab Festival.  The Little River Shrimp Fest is held annually as the weather cools, prolonging the summer season of festivals and revelry. This October is the 16th year that the Little River waterfront will transform once more into an event grounds celebrating shrimp, live music, and community. This year’s celebration will be held Saturday, October 9, and Sunday, October 10, from 9am-5pm.  Although Shrimp Fest hasn’t been around as long as other local festivals, it has solidified its place as an irreplaceable one in Horry County.  What originally began as the Shrimp and Jazz Festival changed in 2012 in an effort to be more appealing to music lovers of any genre. Live entertainment has always been an anchor for the event, and since its evolution, the festival has consistently showcased bands from all backgrounds, including much beloved beach music. Beyond live music is of course the delectable shrimp. Little River’s community developed through generations of fishing and shrimping, and it is an aspect of local history that is brought to the forefront and celebrated with this annual event. Although shrimp is never off the menu in these parts, its culinary role reaches new heights during the fest. The waterfront restaurants have another opportunity to show off the many delicious ways to prepare and enjoy shrimp. Vendors will line the roads along the historic waterfront on both days, providing unique crafts, food, and local art. What started long ago as a mini art show, has, in recent years, exploded into more than one hundred vendors for a true street-style festival.  Mineola and Waterfront Avenue will both be closed to traffic during the weekend. Parking is provided in multiple off-site lots; shuttles will run back and forth throughout the event. In addition, a water taxi will run between Harbourgate Marina in North Myrtle Beach and the festival grounds. For $20, guests can park at the marina, ride the taxi, and gain admission to the festival.  Regular admission is $5 per day; children under 12 are free. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. Visit www.littlerivershrimpfest.org to learn more about the event and see the entertainment lineup. The Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center hosts additional information and can be reached at 843-249-6604.

The creaking of an old house is usually just the building settling. But at the Brentwood Restaurant & Wine Bistro in Little River, odd noises could be tidings from generations past. Considered to be the most haunted restaurant in South Carolina, the Brentwood has been a part of the Little River community since 1994, although the house itself was built in the early 1910s. Written by Emily Smith.

by Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center We are getting back to business and figuring out what our new normal is. Many things have changed and we are all in a learning process together. As we begin to get out and about, remember, these changes are new to the businesses and their employees as well. It will take some time to get used these changes and evaluate how to be more efficient in our operations. So, let’s be patient and kind as we navigate our new path and understand what this new normal means for everyone. Our most engaging social media post of late has been a plea to support small businesses for their marketing and advertising efforts during these trying times. Thank you for supporting our community. Small businesses are the backbone of the Grand Strand. The Small Business Development Center, a partner of the Small Business Administration, defines a small business as one with less than 100 employees. In our area, more than that are known as our larger businesses. Most businesses in Little River are 1-5 employees including their owners. They make up our community. And, they are the most adaptable, if they have the resources.  We need to support them in order form them to have the resources they need to stay open. Thank you for being a partner of our community and supporting our local businesses by shopping local. We are in awe of the way we have all changed to get back to business safely, the extraordinary best practices that have been implemented, and the ingenuity of our business leaders. The saying goes that it takes a village. Together we can rebound and make our village thrive and flourish!

by Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center The Little River Chamber has been working hard, diligently vetting all of our information and resources throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, to be your trusted resource for timely and accurate information about what’s happening in our neighborhood. The product of our labor is a single resource page on our website which we invite you to visit: littleriverchamber.org/blog/covid19/. In an effort to avoid Covid-19 fatigue, we curated this resource for you so as not to overwhelm your inbox and social media with multiple daily messages. We have also published an eBook, Getting Back to Business, to help support the local businesses in our community as they consider next steps as we begin to reopen. The eBook can also be found on our resource page. Now that restrictions are relaxing and we are getting back to business, the chamber is featuring our members by spotlighting our area businesses. We are showing what they are doing differently now, and how they are incorporating creative innovations into their daily business practices. We are also showcasing the feel-good stories that our members shared with us for the past months—  and there are plenty! Check out our Facebook page to share in these amazing tales of flexibility and resiliency. The lessons we learn create the foundation for a stronger future. Our community is beginning to reemerge. And many of the innovations we adopted are things we can continue to use going forward. We may be doing things a little differently, so as we like to say, we are getting back to business as un-usual. 

by Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center Little River, SC is located in the Northeastern tip of the state; inland of North Myrtle Beach and south of Calabash, NC.  Our coastal community flows along the IntraCoastal Waterway— originally called Mineola, meaning “little river,”  by local Indian tribes. With a colorful history including shipwreck survivors and pirates, the community grew into a small fishing village, and is now the gateway to the Grand Strand for many Northern visitors. While presently a bustling community, Little River has unprecedented potential for growth in the near future. Many are attracted to Little River due to our proximity to nearby beaches and cities, as well as our lack of city taxes. But why don’t we pay city taxes? Little River is a census-designated place, meaning we’re unincorporated and don’t have a city. There’s no city government and no town hall. While we love our neighbors, and they us, nearby cities are not responsible for Little River residents. There’s a plus and minus to everything though— we don’t pay their taxes, but we also don’t receive their benefits. So who does take care of us? Governmental needs are overseen by Horry County Government. While many of their offices are in Conway, there are local offices for Police, Fire & Rescue, Library, DMV, Auditor, Treasurer, and more. We’re also blessed with two county park locations: North Strand Park on Hwy 57 and the CB Berry & Community Center on Hwy 179. The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex is also located in Little River. We are also lucky to have a dedicated chamber. The Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is a nonprofit, membership-based organization whose mission is to make the area a better place to live, work, and play. Like many chambers, they assist locals and visitors with a myriad of questions, and work closely with elected leadership of Horry County and state legislators to ensure our community’s needs are heard.  They’re working hard now to ensure our community survives the current pandemic. The chamber is also collecting timely resources and information for both individuals and businesses. Visit their website, LittleRiverChamber.org for current resources. We hope you’ve found your treasure in Little River, SC. We’ll get through this together (6 feet apart).

by Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitor’s Center Little River, South Carolina is a popular destination for fishing, golfing, and dining. But there are so many options to choose from, so where should you begin exploring all that this quaint fishing village has to offer? To find out, we surveyed Facebook and collected the top answers as reported by locals.  Top Answer: Vereen Memorial Gardens. Helen Reece Graham says: “I love the beauty of a wooden path through the marsh.” Located in Little River along the Intracoastal Waterway on more than 115 acres of forest and marshland, this facility includes approximately 3 miles of nature trails and boardwalks that meander through its botanical gardens and along its waterfront. And that’s not Little River’s only scenic spot. Nancy Chamberlain Moon recommends: “A marsh tour with J&L Kayaks. There is so much more to our world that isn’t seen from Highway 17.” For a casual stroll, many recommend Cherry Grove Pier, especially at sunrise. Unsurprisingly, there were countless recommendations for the Little River waterfront. Mary Van Marter Mistretta says: “I always love eating down by the dock.” Popular restaurants within walking distance include Capt. Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant, Crab Catcher’s, Buzz’s Roost, and Patio’s. Another hidden treasure is La Belle Amie Vineyard, home of Twisted Sisters Wines. They are open year-round Wednesday through Saturday. It has grown into a popular spot to enjoy wine tastings, live afternoon music, and meet new people. While it’s located further south in Murrells Inlet, we can’t ignore all of the recommendations for Brookgreen Gardens. This beautiful botanical garden also houses American sculptures and a small Lowcountry zoo. You’ll also want to revisit them in December for Night of a Thousand Candles, their signature annual event which transforms the gardens into a sparkling wonderland with the soft glow of more than 2,700 hand-lit candles and hanging lights. Thanks to Natalie Rakoci who recommended visiting the Chamber of Commerce to “get ideas and info on where to visit— online or in person.” You can find us at www.LittleRiverChamber.org to do just that.

by Danielle McFadden, of Little River While some area businesses close during the winter to save on overhead costs and enjoy some much deserved family time, there are still many venues open year-round. Here are just a few: Antonio’s Restaurant and Bar overlooks the Cherry Grove Marsh. 843-281-0620. Barefoot Landing is home to 100+ specialty and retail shops, fifteen restaurants, and more. 843-272-8349. Benjamin’s Jewelers is a fine jewelry store on Hwy 90 in Little River. 843-280-7360. Bloomingails Consignment is located across the street from Callahan’s of Calabash. 910-575-4949. Carolina Opry hosts the best live variety show in the area as well as a medley of talented musical acts on tour. 843-943-4000. Low County Pipe & Cigar’s walk-in humidor features 650+ cigars. 843-281-9361. Seaside Furniture Gallery & Accents is a popular shop with North Myrtle Beach locals. 843-280-7632. Duplin Winery is a muscadine winery serving local wines from the Carolinas. 843-663-1710. Eagle Nest Golf Course is home of the three toughest finishing holes on the Grand Strand. 843-249-1449. Ingram Planetarium in Sunset Beach, NC is open on Fridays & Saturdays during winter. 910-575-003. LifeQuest Swim & Fitness has group fitness classes, free weights, pools, and more. 843-399-2582. Little River Welding & Hydraulics offers complete fabrication services. 843-249-8548. Salty Frye’s Golf Carts also offers some golf cart repairs & services. 843-491-3300. The Humane Society of NMB has affordable adoption fees. 843-249-4948. Willards Fireworks has some of the best deals and lots of options. 843-280-0215. Crab Catchers offers delicious seafood on the water. 843-280-2025.

 by Danielle McFadden  There are three community/recreation centers in Little River: C.B. Berry Community Center, North Strand Recreation Center, and the NMB Park & Sports Complex. C.B. BERRY COMMUNITY CENTER Run by Horry County Parks and Recreation, the C.B. Berry Community & Historical Center provides space for recreational programming and community events, and serves as a visitors center for Vereen Memorial Gardens. Vereen Memorial Gardens is comprised of 115 acres of forest and marshland along the Intracoastal Waterway. Open to the public, it provides easy-to-traverse nature trails and boardwalks. The center is also very popular as a wedding venue. All are welcome to the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3 at 6 pm, located at 2250 Hwy 179, Little River, SC 29566. NORTH STRAND RECREATION CENTER Run by Horry County Parks & Recreation, North Strand Recreation Center offers fitness classes, art classes, after-school and summer camp programs, youth and adult sports, and more. The center features a full-size gymnasium, walking track, fitness room, multipurpose room, baseball/softball diamond, three multipurpose fields, and more. All are welcome to the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 5 at 6 pm. It is located at 120 S. Hwy 57, Little River, SC 29566. NORTH MYRTLE BEACH PARKS & SPORTS COMPLEX Located in Little River at the intersection of Highway 90 and Robert Edge Parkway, the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex accommodates a variety of sports tournaments and offers numerous programs for locals. They also have separate dog parks for small and large dogs. This month, they are the location of the Christmas Light Show, featuring lit holiday scenes, hot chocolate and s’mores, visits with Santa, a village obstacle course, and more. It is located at 150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566.

by Danielle McFadden Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta takes place on the scenic Intracoastal Waterway. This maritime boat parade is not only a spectacular show, but also a much loved community fundraiser and Thanksgiving tradition.  This year, the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta will take place on November 30. It starts at the Little River Inlet at 5:30pm, and travels south, arriving at Dock Holidays around 7pm. You’ll be able to see the flotilla from any waterfront location on this route, such as: Patio’s, Key West Crazy, Crab Catchers, Cricket Cove Marina, Snooky’s, MB Yacht Club, Officers Club, Cherry Grove Marina, Capt. Archie’s, Filet’s, Boardwalk Billy’s, or Dock Holiday’s Marina. Since 1985, the purpose of Yachts for Tots has been to connect the Little River/North Myrtle Beach boating community to help disadvantaged children in Horry County secure needs that might not be met through traditional agencies.  They network through school principals, guidance counselors and teachers to fill those needs. It could be anything from helping a child get a hearing aid or glasses to helping make sure Santa finds them Christmas morning. They’re able to do this through the fundraising activities associated with the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta. All gifts, donations and proceeds go to disadvantaged children in Horry County. November 30 is also Small Business Saturday. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community, providing not only a unique charm, but creating local jobs, supporting local needs, and much more. Return the favor and remember to shop with a small business.  Visit the Little River Chamber Facebook page or website for a free “Support Small Business” Bingo card to compete with your friends. 

by Danielle McFadden Lobster & Jazz Enjoy a Lobster Bake while listening to the cool Jazz sounds of Scott Watkins. The lobster bake includes: Maine lobster, shrimp, mussels, Andouille sausage, corn on the cob, and red potatoes. Get yours Tuesdays & Thursdays at the Brentwood Wine Bistro. Due to popular demand, reservations are highly recommended. Also available: Three Course Dinner & Ghost Tour. Little River ShrimpFest The festival is held annually the second weekend of October at the Little River Waterfront. Festival goers can expect to enjoy two stages of live music, a kid’s zone, face painting, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and approximately 200 different vendors— including a variety of art and craft vendors, business expos, and community organizations. Visit www.LittleRiverShrimpFest.org for more info. Mutt Strut Join Kind Keeper No-Kill Animal Rescue on October 19 and enjoy a leisurely fall stroll through beautiful Vereen Memorial Gardens along the Intracoastal Waterway with your pooch. Plus, enter your dog in a Halloween costume contest for fun prizes. This year’s theme is Harry Potter, complete with treats, raffle, and a “Fang” look-a-like contest. Get in the Halloween spirit Carve pumpkins with the family, prepare for trick-or-treaters, and catch all twenty re-runs of Hocus Pocus on TV. Then, take the whole family to the NMB Park & Sports Complex on October 26, for Howl-O-Scream— a very affordable night of fun. Fall on the Farm Did you know Indigo Farms sits on the Little River/Calabash border? There are a variety of family fun activities to enjoy this October like pumpkin patch Saturdays, hayrides, and pick your own opportunities. Schedule your mammogram October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take some time to learn about breast cancer prevention and detection, and donate to research initiatives.  Visit the chamber blog for a free copy of Little River-themed pumpkin stencils. www.LittleRiverChamber.org

by Danielle McFadden There’s a certain glamour when someone says they own a business, but the idea of making lots of money and taking lots of vacations are far from reality.  Most small business owners work long hours (late nights, early mornings, holidays), and carry a tremendous responsibility for not only their families, but also their employees who depend on them for their livelihood. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community.  It’s important to support them, thank them, and celebrate them. The Little River Chamber of Commerce loves small businesses because they: Create Jobs When you hire locally, you are ensuring that our family members, friends and neighbors can make a living. When someone has the resources to live comfortably, they are able to spend money in our community. This is a beautiful circle that helps communities thrive. Offer Unique Charm There’s nothing like walking into a local restaurant or retailer. Their uniqueness and personality add to the local landscape. Have Locally Made Products/Services There’s something so satisfying and inspiring about purchasing a locally produced product or service. If you support Made in America, you can’t get more authentic than shopping at a mom and pop shop in your city or town. Pay Taxes Business owners in Little River pay taxes to Horry County, which creates a bigger tax base that directly benefits our community. Support Our Community Local businesses sponsor local youth programs, donate gift certificates to nonprofits, and host fundraisers. They chose Little River to open their business (and invest their time and money), so they inherently care and want to make our area a great place to live, work and play. What are your favorite local businesses? Help them by leaving them a positive review online, by sharing what they offer to a friend or neighbor who could use the service, and of course, by continuing to do business with them. 

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce 1. Hit the Golf Course The grass is always greener at the Eagle Nest Golf Club. Built on 250 acres of pristine land, this serene course makes it hard to tell you’re less than a mile from Highway 17. 2. Enjoy the Exhibits The North Myrtle Beach Area Historical Museum is home to a wonderful and growing collection of our area’s local history. In addition to seminars from community experts, they’re currently host to the Pirate’s of the Carolinas exhibit through September. 3. Hit the Water Hit the water with J & L Kayaking. They offer a variety of guided eco tours on the Waccamaw River, Cherry Grove Marsh, and Waites Island, and cater to a variety of experience levels from adventure seekers to young families. 4. Tour the distillery Just opened, Twelve 33 Distillery offers handcrafted spirits made from Carolinas-sourced ingredients. To support your local farmers, try a distinctive cocktail or take the guided tour led by a guide who will educate you on the distilling process from grain to glass. 5. Get a Pedicure Summer for me means flip flops, and showing off my toes is a great excuse for a pedicure. Pamper yourself at Nail FX for a spa-style treatment. 6. Treat Yourself to Tea Time Take a break on a hot summer day and make a reservation for Ultimate Tea at the Calabash Garden Tea Room.  You will enjoy a pleasant afternoon tea with friends, with just enough tea sandwiches and miniature desserts to satisfy you. 7. Prepare for Your Fall Garden Edible options for our zone 8b include tomatoes, peppers, garlic, broccoli, spinach, peas, and squash. Check your seed packets to see when you should plant. Much of the fall crop should be planted in July and August. 8. Pick a scoop You can’t let summer pass without an iconic ice cream cone. One very Instagrammable option is Calabash Creamery, which offers your favorite flavors plus seasonal options like Sweet Potato Soufflé and handmade ice cream cakes. 

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Little River, SC makes up the Northeastern tip of the state. Our coastal community, which flows along the Intracoastal Waterway, was originally called Mineola by local Indian tribes, meaning “little river.” With a colorful history including shipwreck survivors and pirates, the community grew into a small fishing village, and is now the gateway to the Grand Strand for many visitors from the North.  While it has already welcomed many new residents, Little River still has unprecedented potential for growth in the near future. People are attracted to Little River due to its proximity to nearby beaches and cities, as well as its lack of city taxes. But why don’t we pay city taxes? Little River is a census-designated place, meaning it is unincorporated and therefore it is not a city. With no city, there is also no city government, no town hall, and thus, no city taxes. While we love our neighbors, nearby cities are not responsible for Little River residents. So who takes care of us? Governmental needs are overseen by Horry County Government. While many of their offices are in Conway, there are local offices for the police, fire & rescue, library, DMV, auditor, Treasurer, and more.  We’re also blessed with two county park locations: North Strand Park on Hwy 57 and the CB Berry & Community Center on Hwy 179. The North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex is also located in Little River. We are also lucky to have a dedicated chamber. The Little River Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is a nonprofit, membership-based organization whose mission is to make the area a better place to live, work, and play. Like many chambers, they assist locals and visitors with a myriad of questions, and work closely with the elected leadership of Horry County and state legislators to ensure our community’s needs are heard. In lieu of a local municipality, they have also taken the initiative to address local infrastructure needs such as maintaining highway medians, streetlights, and welcome signs. We hope you’ve found your treasure in Little River, SC.

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce “I smile because you’re my father. I laugh because there’s nothing you can do about it.” — Unknown Father’s Day is just around the corner on June 16. Below are some ideas to help you plan a fun family outing to celebrate.  Enjoy the pool without the membership. LifeQuest Swim & Fitness offers day-passes that include use of their pool, spa, and salon. Enjoy their indoor heated pool, outdoor pool with a sun deck, jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room. Or if you have a different idea of water fun, Salty Fin Charter has a passion for helping families make memories of a lifetime happen on the water. Services start at a four hour fishing trip for four people under the safe observation of Captain Doug.  Gotta go fast? Try the jet ski rentals at Little River Watersports. They offer ½ hour, 1 hour, and 2 hour tours. If your family prefers a more relaxing day, give Getaway Adventures a call. They offer dolphin watching tours with a narrated tour of the coastal area, or a shelling experience on Barrier Island.  Get your family on the greens. No matter your child’s skill level on the green (or attention span), Harbour View Golf Complex offers a little something for everyone, with amenities like a full 18 hole Par 3, FootGolf, award winning driving range, and 36-hole mini putt-putt. Not an outdoor person? No worries. Everyone needs to eat. Try Billy the Kids for seafood including fresh oysters, roasts, and steaks. Or, for lunch with a view, visit Patio’s Tiki Bar & Grill off of the Little River Waterfront, for sushi or grill items. And of course there’s the classics: breakfast in bed, handmade coupons for a free car wash, a family board game, or a handmade gift.  No matter how you spend time with Dad, it’s special because you’re together.

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Located at the Historic Little River Waterfront, the Blue Crab Festival is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast— popular with both locals and visitors.  Join the fun May 18-19 from 9am- 5pm, and enjoy live beach music and a kids zone. There will be approximately three hundred arts and crafts, specialty, and business expo vendors. Fresh local seafood will be offered by local eateries at the festival, as well as vendors with long-time favorite festival foods. Event admission is $5 per person, per day, and children 12 & under are free. Official satellite parking with a shuttle ride to the festival is $5 per car. Parking locations and frequently asked questions are listed on the event website, BlueCrabFestival.org. Entertainment Schedule: Saturday: 10:30am – RiverMist 2pm – Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot Sunday: 11am – Carolina Soul Band 3pm – Jim Quick & Coastline

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Little River is a great place to live, but when is the last time you’ve seen it through the appreciate eyes of a tourist? In case you needed an excuse to get out and about, here’s how you can spend the whole day at the Little River waterfront. Start at Crab Catchers for an early lunch, meeting your neighbors at our token hole-in-the-wall. Since they get their seafood right off the boats, it will be the freshest meal you’ve ever had. Here’s a great local’s tip: ask what’s fresh from the seafood market. You can have them box it up and cook it up later.  If you haven’t had gator bites, try them here— they’re delicious. Otherwise, pair the blue crab bites with one of their three different fish tacos. Then, head back to Mineola and park in the public lot. Your next stop is Pirate’s Treasure House, where you can get a variety of unique home decor and gifts, including some locally handmade woodwork. Then, head down the road towards the waterfront. Take the first set of stairs back to the docks to find the Sea Screamer. This yellow boat is fun for all ages, and offers a dolphin sighting guarantee. Just make sure you wear an outfit you don’t mind getting wet. Once the boat ride is over, you’re already at your next destination— Capt. Juel’s Hurricane Restaurant. Family owned since 1945, this restaurant is a local must. For a truly Southern taste, get the Fried Green Tomatoes and She Crab Soup. If that’s not your thing, then try their namesake sushi roll featuring shrimp tempura and crab.  Then, stay here for a quiet afternoon with friends or look for live music— there’s always an option close by. If you need more excitement, head back down the stairs and board the Big “M” Casino, South Carolina’s only gambling cruise ship.

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce, with information sourced from Horry County Planning & Zoning – Imagine 2040 According to 2015 population estimates, Horry County has approximately 309,199 permanent residents. The County has experienced rapid growth since the 1970s, adding over 250,000 permanent residents since that time.  Horry County has one of the highest population growth rates in the state, and is now the fourth most populous county in South Carolina. The 2015 total population estimate reflects a 14.8% increase since 2010. This reflects growth that occurred even during a major economic downturn. These numbers are only expected to escalate as the population is projected to grow to 584,500 by 2040. Population growth is mainly being driven by individuals that are relocating to Horry County from neighboring states, other counties in South Carolina, and from the Northeast. Population projections enable the county to take present action to accommodate future conditions. Projections can help determine the level of demand for future facilities and services. Making plans in a rapidly changing, high growth area such as Horry County is difficult. As Little River and neighboring areas become more densely populated, it will become increasingly important to monitor and predict the needs of residents. Safety services, parks and recreational services and facilities, housing, and land use will all need to reflect the growing and changing needs. Historically, Horry County’s population has primarily resided along the beach front and near area waterways. Since the 2000 Census, Horry County’s population has grown further away from the beach, along major highway corridors.  Little River and the Hwy 90 corridor have seen considerable population growth. These same areas are expected to see an increase in development into the future, as many new subdivisions have been preliminarily approved in these growth areas, but remain to be constructed. The current population in Little River is approximately 39,000 and is estimated to grow to 72,000 by year 2040. Longs has approximately 7,592 residents and is estimated to grow to 35,500 by 2040.

by the Little River Chamber of Commerce Little River, which once was a quaint fishing village, has evolved into a still-quiet, but fun-filled community. Here, we enjoy plenty of fresh local seafood, entertainment, and nearby attractions along the Grand Strand. Little River is located in the northeast corner of Horry County,  just below the North Carolina border. With numerous fishing charters, marinas, waterfront restaurants and other activities in Little River, locals and visitors alike are sure to find plenty to do. Many enjoy our proximity to beaches without the bustle, as we are less than 15 minutes from North Myrtle Beach, SC and only 20 minutes from Sunset Beach, NC. Little River, like the Grand Strand, has a mild year-round climate – perfect for golfing and outdoor activities. We encourage you to enjoy one of the many restaurants in Little River. From seafood to steak, casual or fine dining, one of our local eateries is sure to satisfy your craving. Many of our businesses are located on or just off of Highway 17, so stop by and see what treasure Little River has to offer you.  For more information on this quaint community, visit LittleRiverChamber.org.

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.