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Myrtle Beach

Milano Kitchen & Bath Center

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Milano Kitchen and Bath Center

Luxury, Prestige, Refinement by Melissa LaScaleia The dynamic husband and wife team Jack Abutbol and Dana West-Abutbol met in sunny Southern California thirty-five years ago. Jack grew up in Israel and has been a builder his entire life. Dana was born in Chicago, and grew up in LA where she became a successful actress.  In 2008, when the market had an extensive correction and construction in LA slowed down, the two turned their gaze to Florida where housing prices had dropped across the board. Taking advantage of Jack’s construction knowledge, the couple purchased a myriad of locales around Florida— then renovated, rented, and eventually sold them.  “In Miami we opened Milano Kitchen & Bath,” Dana says. “We wanted to do something for the individuals and builders in the area looking to renovate, and when we had the opportunity to take over a large stock of kitchen cabinets, we purchased everything and stored it in a warehouse. It was a great opportunity, and really just fell upon us.”  This spring, they planned to return to California, but Jack had an associate in Miami who needed a kitchen for his second home in Myrtle Beach. Jack and Dana detoured to offer assistance; then one client led to another and another. The two realized there was a need in the Myrtle Beach area for what they had to offer, and by June made a commitment to stay. “We have people relocating here from up North, from NY and NJ, from Europe,” Dana says. “They want cabinets, shower heads and vanities of a particular quality and caliber, and there’s no access to them. We have 40 or 50 types of vanities with the option of quartz or porcelain; European shower systems and jet showers; a variety of faucets and sinks; and LED mirrors in many shapes and sizes. The options we provide are much more elegant than what is usually found, and people here are wanting those options.”  Milano Quartz & Porcelain, their recently opened sister company, exclusively carries quartz countertops. Quartz is a man-made material that is superior to the granite countertops of yesteryear for their beauty, durability, and maintenance. Dana has found that most people in the South are still using granite countertops in the kitchen, due to the lack of availability and knowledge about the benefits.  “Granite is old school in a bad way,” she explains. “Quartz is much more durable. It doesn’t need any maintenance, versus with granite, every eight months you need to seal it because it’s naturally porous and will absorb everything spilled on it. Quartz is more sanitary than anything else, and the range and intensity of colors are just stunning.”  Milano Quartz & Porcelain procures all of their vanity cabinets from Spain, and all of their kitchen cabinets and hardware from Europe. Jack favors the streamlined, frameless European styles which maximize space and have a smooth, sleek finish.  “Traditional cabinets have a face frame that covers the front of the cabinet,” he explains. “When fitting them in a kitchen, you will always have a gap at some point between the cabinets. This is dead space. Frameless cabinets are much more beautiful. The cabinet box is thicker and more stable. There are no lines so it looks like one continuous cabinet. “The majority of cabinets found in this country are wood and painted. Over time, especially with the humidity here, the doors crack and warp, and you have to be careful how you clean them or the paint will wash off. The ones we carry, we don’t have those problems. They come in a variety of lacquers, wood grains, and different kinds of veneers. You can clean them with pretty much anything and they will stand the test of time. People can special-order anything they like. Most of our cabinets are semi-customizable anyhow, and I can modify to any size kitchen.”  Dana (left) with business partner Koby Zyroa (right) at their grand opening. While many might balk at the challenges of trying to special-order anything at the present time, clients of Milano Kitchen & Bath need not. The company is a beacon of abundance and availability of products in a world that has become known for traumatic shipping times and a paucity of available raw building materials.  “If this area is planning to build 100,000 units in the next three years, I can supply all of them,” Jack says. “Even before Covid, we always bought ahead and had fully stocked warehouse facilities. We’re able to deliver a 72-hour turnaround time because I ship from my warehouses in Miami.”  “For builders that’s huge,” Dana says. “With prices going up, a lot of builders are getting hurt. But we’re able to eliminate a lot of the pain for them; and the prices are really good too.”  Part of what makes them able to accomplish this feat is the extensive relationships they’ve built over the years.  They have exclusive distributorship for all quartz and porcelain for South and North Carolina through Rafaella Porcelain and Quartz, in New Jersey. This is a prime partnership, and one that ensures while the rest of country has to wait, Myrtle Beach has access to whatever of raw materials for building kitchens and baths that residents wish.  “When you’re purchasing your own slabs of quartz, you want to pick them out yourself,” Dana says, “because it’s going to enhance your kitchen like nothing else.”  To give their customers this opportunity, they opened Milano Quartz & Porcelain down the street, which has a showroom large enough to display their huge quantity of quartz and porcelain, as well as cabinets and peripheral items that they carry.  “Were excited to introduce the area to these updates and trends which are common in other areas of the country,” Dana says.  To do so, they teamed up with longtime friend, Koby Zyroa in a joint partnership.  “Koby has lived in Myrtle Beach for twenty years,” Jack says. “He has several businesses here— restaurants, ice cream parlors, and wholesale merchandise … Read more

Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More

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Grand Strand Bath Tub Repair-1

Don’t Replace It, Restore It With Artistry and Skill by Melissa LaScaleia Steve Dunham is the owner and man-power behind Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More. He hails from Southern California, where he worked in the grocery store business for many years.  When he and his wife decided to move back to her native state of Pennsylvania, Steve began fixing up his house in preparation to sell it. In so doing, he noticed there was a crack in his bathtub. Upon investigating his options to replace or restore it, he discovered a franchise opportunity in restoring bathtubs. After he and his wife relocated, he decided to purchase the franchise for his local area.   “Within two weeks I was in training in Utah,” he says. “I also had a friend, Larry Brown, who had a franchise in bathtubs. He took me under his wing for about a year and trained me as his apprentice. I learned from doing it— hands on.”   Steve can repair and refinish any type of fiberglass or porcelain bathtub or shower, fixing cracks, chips, and holes; he also repairs things like vinyl fencing and windows that are cracked or broken. And if you have a weak shower or tub bottom, he can install a fiberglass inlay to give you a brand new bottom.     “Once the floor cracks in a tub or shower, people think they need to get a new one, but I can fix it and match it perfectly, and it will be stronger than it was when it was new,” Steve says. “Today, there’s a trend—replace items rather than repair them, but that’s because no one knows how to fix things. But why would you replace this item when you can refinish or repair it for a third of the cost?”  Steve has been working in this industry for the past twenty-three years. In addition to numerous accolades garnered from customers over the years, Steve is proud of his uniformly 5-star customer reviews found on his Google results page.  “I’ve been very lucky with my choice of career and life,” he says. “Being self-employed gives me a sense of freedom which I truly love.  “What I do is very fulfilling to me; I can save people a lot of money. I take something damaged or old and make it look new again. It’s not like building something, it’s an art. I have a different approach and process with the way I match colors than most, and it’s incredibly accurate. There aren’t a lot of people who do what I do.” Steve’s process is much more simple and less time-consuming then the construction involved in a replacement: “I’m not going to be in your house for days or a week with a messy replacement process,” he says. “I’m in and out. It’s convenient— no mess, no dirt, no hassle.”  In the event that you’re tired of your shower doors, Steve can remove them, repair the holes, and match the color exactly so you can’t tell they were ever there. He can also refinish tubs and showers to change their color; and people are hard-pressed to notice any real difference between a refinished versus a new tub.  Grand Strand Bathtub Repair also offers a walk-through conversion which will turn your existing bathtub into a walk-in bathtub or a walk-in shower. The installation lowers the front skirt of the tub. If someone has knee, ankle or hip problems or is elderly, the ledge is hard to navigate. With the tub cut-out, you can step on the walk-through and get yourself into the tub with ease. Steve has installed hundreds of these over the years, in residential homes as well as retirement communities, because of their utility.  “And there’s also an installation I can do if people want to use their tub to take a bath in after I’ve done the cut-out,” Steve says. “The cut-out facilitates greater safety and ease getting in and out of the tub and therefore gives you more confidence. Many elderly/handicapped people have a hard time getting over the railing. At some point it becomes scary. I’ve installed countless of these in retirement homes, and it’s a great idea for handicapped people as well.”  The walk-through conversions are fantastic for the same reasons: they are easily accessible,  safe, and economical.  “I can do this job in less than one day,” Steve says. “It’s not a big mess. Since Myrtle Beach has so many retirees, when you hit a certain age, it’s important to seriously consider this benefit. I also install grab bars, which add an added level of stability and security as well as confidence for handicapped and older individuals.”   Steve works residentially as well as commercially— for hotels, vacation lodges, retirement communities, and more. He takes pride in the work that he does— in the level of experience that he brings to the table, as well as his attentiveness to his customers and professionalism.  “The knowledge and capabilities that a person has when they’re offering me a service means more to me than a lot of things,” he says. “I really pride myself on the detail I put into my work, and the time I devote to it.”  “I try to return calls the same day, but always with promptness,” he adds. “When I schedule, I follow through, and I’m very good at communicating with my customers.”   Steve is happy to now call Myrtle Beach, which reminds him of his native Southern California, home; and to continue to bring his skill in repairing and refinishing to the area where he’s had so much success.  Grand Strand Bathtub Repair, Refinishing and More Globe Phone Facebook

Myrtle Beach

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The Fastest Growing Area in the USA by Real Living Home Realty Group, Your Real Estate Market Experts Close your eyes and imagine your picture-perfect place to call home, a place to grow up, grow old, and live the life you have always wanted to live along the South Carolina coast. Now imagine the rest of the country shares that same vision. When the pandemic hit, living in a big city lost its luster for many people, and the idea of life, love, and the pursuit of happiness at the beach became more appealing.  The increased demand to live along the Carolina coast has created an economic and real estate boom. According to U.S. News & World Reports, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is ranked the #1 Fastest Growing Place in the country this year. The desire to have more space for less money, live closer to family, or simply live a life with fewer restrictions, caused many to reevaluate their lives and where they call home. The demand has exceeded the supply of available homes for purchase; market-wide, inventory levels were down 62.9%. Single-family inventory decreased to a 1.3-month supply and a 1.0-month supply for condos.  To receive the most up to date real estate market trends please fill out the form below. Previous Next In a neutral real estate market, the supply of homes for sale will range from a 5-6-month supply. Anything less than that equates to a strong seller’s market. Anything more than that equates to a strong buyer’s market.  “As expected during a normal summer real estate season, more homeowners have decided to put their homes on the market,” says Jim Parker, broker-in-charge of Real Living Home Realty Group in the Market Common. “But what is unusual is that even more buyers have decided to make a home purchase.”  The median sales price of single-family homes in our area was up 18.6% to $299,925 and 13.3% to $170,000 for condos in July 2021 vs. July 2020. Those numbers are still lower than the national average of $380,000, which makes Myrtle Beach more financially accessible than many places, while also ensuring a greater return on an investment. Homeowners across the area have seen a substantial increase in home equity, with the average homeowner seeing an increase of $26,300 in their home’s valuation in 2020 alone; and that number only continues to grow as home values appreciate. (See Figure 1) Figure 1. Single-family homes along the Grand Strand also saw growth in selling prices. North Myrtle Beach saw the greatest increase in selling prices, with homes averaging around $441,000 in June 2021.  Little River saw the greatest increase in closed sales. With a whopping 92.9% more homes sold this year compared to last, and with an average sales price of $277,129, it is still one of the most affordable communities in which to purchase a home along the Grand Strand.  The area that saw the most homes sold was in Carolina Forest, with 679 more people calling it home this year. The most affordable place to call home is in Conway, with an average house selling price of $224,500. (See Figure 2) Many who delayed their home-buying plans during the peak of the health crisis have since decided to get in now, as interest rates remain low but home values continue to steadily increase.  Figure 2. Many people feel that purchasing a home this year is their best choice not only from a price perspective, before prices increase further, but is also a strong long-term investment strategy.  According to the experts at Real Living Home Realty Group, if you are thinking of buying a home, this summer and fall season may be your best opportunity to buy the most square-footage for the least amount of money.  Jennifer Hamilton, director of sales at Real Living Home Realty Group, has heard the gamut of thoughts and perspectives when it comes to whether clients should buy a home now or wait. This is her opinion on the market:  “We have had a number of buyers concerned about paying too much for a home now, and what that will mean for their future investment,” she says. “Although home prices will continue to rise, so will interest rates. Around 1963, the Department of Housing and Urban Development began tracking the average values of homes over the years. Values have increased, not decreased over time.” (See Figure 3) To receive the most up to date real estate market trends please fill out the form below. Figure 3. Shaded areas indicate U.S. recessions. According to Jennifer and the Real Living team, even if you purchased a $350,000 home this year, your equity growth is expected to reach $82,338 by the year 2026. (See Figure 4)  As homeowners gain equity in their homes, the option arises to list their current home for sale and use the equity to purchase a newer, larger, more attractive home.  So, if you are thinking about selling your home, you may have more equity in your house than you realize. Using that equity to purchase a new home while interest rates are still low may be a savvy investment decision. With the continued limited supply of existing homes to purchase, all eyes have been on home builders to provide a much-needed boost to meet buyer demand.  Figure 4. At the end of 2020, the United States reached a housing supply shortage of nearly 3.8 million units nationwide. According to experts, the new construction boom needs to last for at least three years to make up for the past shortfall that occurred during the 2008 housing crash. However, increasing material and labor costs, along with supply chain challenges, have contributed to significantly higher construction costs and delays, with builders passing these costs on to homebuyers. The surge in lumber prices in the past year alone added $35,872 to the price of an average new single-family home nationally. Many new construction communities require buyers to sign an escalation clause, allowing the builder … Read more

The Return of Festival Season

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Community Section Myrtle Beach September 2021

by Emily Smith Myrtle Beach is the place to be this September, with both new as well as long-favored festivals dotting the calendar. Whether you prefer the roar of a well-kept engine, the heat of a delicious chili, or an ice-cold beer, Myrtle Beach has plenty to experience with its festival line-up this September.  The fall season officially begins September 22, but Broadway at the Beach will say farewell to summer on Sunday, September 5. Live entertainment and a range of activities will take place from September 3 to the 5, leading up to the final fireworks show of the season that Sunday night at 10 pm.  September 6-11 sees the return of the 18th annual Mustang Week, a Myrtle Beach favorite. The meet and greet returns along with the car show held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. For more on scheduling and locations, visit www.mustangweek.com.  After being postponed from April to September, the World Championship Chili Cook-Off will finally arrive in Myrtle Beach to be held at the Burroughs-Chapin Place Pavilion. From the 17th to the 19th, chefs from across the country will compete in a variety of chili categories to win this year’s awards. Admission is free, but chili-lovers can pay $15 and have the opportunity to taste-test all the options then vote for their favorite. Chili categories include: red, verde, salsa, and more, and will be judged by officials and the public.  Besides chili, all three days of the event will offer live entertainment, a play zone, and food trucks. A cornhole and volleyball tournament will take place on Saturday, and the Myrtle Beach Truck Show will be held on Sunday. Each day the fun begins at 11am and will last all day until 6pm. Visit www.eatgreatchili.com to learn more. At the same time, the International Chili Community is hosting The Myrtle Beach Community Chili Challenge. This is a competition for local cooks to win the hearts of the community with their chili. The prize money will be donated to the winning team’s charity of choice.  Myrtle Beach is hosting its first Moo & Brew, a craft beer, burger, and music festival with origins in Charlotte, North Carolina. On the last Saturday of the month, the Burroughs-Chapin Place Pavilion will transform into a carnival of local brews, live entertainment, and mouth-watering burgers.  At least a dozen burger venues will be vying for the number one designation, and over 70 breweries will contribute their brews. VIP and general admission tickets are available, and both come with free swag and unlimited beer sampling.  Visit www.mooandbrewfestmyrtlebeach.com for more information about the vendors and live entertainment, and to purchase tickets.

Fun in the Sun in Myrtle Beach This Summer

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a group of small children standing in front of tall waterslides at Myrtle Waves, a Myrtle Beach waterpark

The Family Entertainment Group that Focuses on Fun by Melissa LaScaleia Lazarus Entertainment Group is a family run business comprised of second and third-generations working together to bring the best of family entertainment to the Grand Strand. The group offers three of the most premier attractions for fun along the Grand Strand: Broadway Grand Prix, Wild Water & Wheels, and Myrtle Waves Water Park.  “My grandfather, Jack Lazarus and his wife, Bonnie, started with their first park in 1976 after moving to Myrtle Beach from Gastonia, North Carolina,” says Christina Watts, the marketing director for Lazarus Entertainment.  Someone mentioned to Jack the idea of a competitive go-kart track and opening one in Myrtle Beach. He thought it sounded like a great idea, and the rest was history.  “They opened the Grand Prix on the south end of town,” she says. “It began as adult competitive go-kart racing for ages 16 and up. People were passionate about it right out of the gate; if you were a true racer at the Grand Prix, then you had your own personal license from the track. There are people who still keep it in their wallets to this day.”  The track gained such popularity that it was even referenced in the movie, The Perfect Storm with Mark Whalberg. On December, 2016, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. gave it a shout-out by posting a photo of himself in a go-kart at the track on his Twitter account with the caption, ‘If you were at the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix in 1993, you might have gotten your a** kicked.’ The kiddie park at Wild Water & Wheels offers hours of entertainment for little ones. (Photo Christina Watts) What began as adult competitive racing over time evolved to become more family-oriented, with a second location opening in North Myrtle Beach. Today the Broadway Grand Prix offers seven kids rides, bumper cars, an arcade, minigolf courses, a rock-climbing wall, and seven go-kart tracks.  The variety of tracks gives patrons of all ages and sizes the experience of what it’s like to race cars on a small-scale, so it’s an activity the entire family can enjoy. Admission is also free, you pay only to race— so those who want to be a part of the fun but forgo the actual racing, can spend time watching or enjoying any other number of available activities.  “We have a full, 20,000 square-foot arcade comprised of ninety games that was newly renovated this year,” Christina says. “It includes a Max Flight Simulator, a fully interactive simulator that can perform 360 degree motion over two axes. This year, we also rolled out a brand new card-reading system. The Pitt Stop Cafe offers a variety of food and beverage, snacks, and ice cream. It’s connected to our indoor go-kart track, Slick Track. And the remainder of the park is all outdoors.”  In 1989, Christina’s father, Mark, and his brother, Robbie, worked alongside Jack to build Wild Water & Wheels, a full-fledged water park with speed slides for thrill-seekers; tube slides for families; and mat slides, which land somewhere in the middle in terms of required derring-do. There’s also a wave pool, lazy river and minigolf.  The Flowrider at Myrtle Waves lets patrons have the experience of what it’s like to ride the waves —surfer style. (Photo Christina Watts) “Over the years we’ve added more slides, but it retains that same old-school, nostalgic, ‘90s feel,” Christina says of the park.  Their family couldn’t resist— and installed go-kart tracks as well, inspiring the parks’s slogan, “Cool down in the water, heat up on the track.”  “This park is great for families because we have kiddie attractions: Wally’s Lagoon; a kiddie pool; and Wee Kids Water World,” Christina says. “There are lots of little slides— it’s a great place to bring the smaller kids and give them hours of things to do.”  The park has food and beverage options and offers cabana rentals so families can comfortably make a day of it. Wild Water is open until 8 on Fridays for Friday Family Fun; they also have Sunday Fundays and Manic Mondays with special pricing.  Myrtle Waves is another family-oriented water park under the Lazarus umbrella, but with many options for thrill-seekers. Lazarus Group purchased the park in 2017, revamped it, and turned it into a full-fledged park that truly offers something for everyone, at every stage of life. It is the largest water park in the state, featuring twenty-two slides and attractions across twelve water rides, with 1.2 million gallons of water.  Some of their rides include Rockin Ray, Arooba Tooba, Tsunami!, Night Flight, a lazy river, a wave pool and a FlowRider— an attraction that gives you the experience and thrill of what it is like to surf on a wave. The Broadway Grand Prix offers racecar driving thrills for almost all ages. (Photo Christina Watts) “Myrtle Waves is a really fun atmosphere,” Christina says. “We have kid’s play areas, including Saturation Station, an interactive play structure designed to accommodate smaller guests with three open-body slides, and a volcano waterfall bucket. It’s a very popular spot.”  On Friday nights, Myrtle Waves is open till 8pm so people can slide while the sun is setting— always a popular experience. And, to allow patrons the most uninterrupted fun, you have the option of ordering food online and picking it up when it’s ready so you can skip the wait in line.  Myrtle Waves has a beer garden too, so adults can sip on what’s on tap while watching their children float down the lazy river. The garden area is not exclusive, any age is welcome— but acts as a lounge area where people head for a more relaxed vibe and a pause from all the rest of the fun.  The entire Lazarus family works together to make these entertainment parks the fun and memorable places that they are. The perfect way to catch your fun in the sun this summer. Broadway Grand Prix Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone Wild Water … Read more

Window Genie of Myrtle Beach

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Picture of staff of Window Genie standing outside in front of their company vehicles

Cleaning Windows and a Whole Lot More  by Melissa LaScaleia Window Genie of Myrtle Beach specializes in window cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning, and more for their residential and commercial clients as well as condo associations.  “We’re not perfect, but we try to be,” says Tom Washer, the owner of the franchise. “Our first priorities are to have respect for the customers, respect for each other, and to provide a quality service at a premium price.”  Tom is a veteran of the United States Air Force. He joined when he was 17 years old and served for four-and-a-half years in Arizona, Texas, Panama, and Oklahoma City. During his time in the military, he gained a lot of knowledge working in the maintenance analysis division. He then spent thirty-five years of his civilian life working throughout New England in sales and management for consumer products.  Being tired of the snow and cold weather, and interested in joining a franchise brand, he and his wife relocated to Myrtle Beach six years ago.  “We’ve lived in the Market Common throughout that time, and have endured Hurricanes Florence, Matthew, and Dorian as well at the Covid-19 pandemic,” Tom says. “We have continued to serve our community throughout these difficult times that all of our neighbors have had to experience. Despite these natural drawbacks, we continue to grow along with the support of our strong customer relationships.”  Today, instead of shoveling snow off his roof, he is helping his customers in Myrtle Beach to clean algae off theirs, as Window Genie also specializes in roof cleaning.  Thomas Washer, owner of the Myrtle Beach franchise. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “Roof Algae occurs on a ten-year cycle, growing on a roof and eating the limestone,” Tom says. “If you don’t clean it off, it reduces the life of your roof by 10%. Coastal areas are more susceptible. If you’re selling your home, having algae on the roof can be a big deterrent because it looks dirty and people may think that it needs to be replaced.”  Window Genie also installs window film, which offers greater security as well as heat-regulation for your home or business. It comes in a variety of styles depending on your needs. It is made to reduce the heat gain from the sun; reduce glare; limit visibility for greater privacy; to enhance security, safeguarding windows and doors against a storm or a break in; and for decorative purposes.  “If you have a room in your home that is too hot to sit in during midday, we can correct that,” Tom says. “If there is glare on your television or computer screens, film can help with that. If your neighbors can look into your windows or can see into your bathroom, we can correct that. If you look outside your window and see the side of your neighbor’s house and would rather not, we can correct that so you’re looking at something nicer. If you have windows that may not hold up because of strong winds, then we can correct that too.”   Tom uses protective window films by SunTek, a leading brand of window films manufactured by Eastman Chemical, and decorative ones by Solyx.  Window Genie offers a free on-site consultation to assess your home for what it needs before conducting any work.  The “genie-mobile” carries the crew on their way to cleaning dirt and grime off roofs, windows, and houses. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “I’ll survey your home for anything that needs to be repaired or could cause a problem down the road, regardless of whether we offer that service or not,” Tom says. “That way, we can best serve the customer. If I do not perform the service, I can refer you to someone who can take care of it. Window Genie is part of the Neighborly family of brands, which represents twenty brands across the country. They have sister companies that offer everything from painting to plumbing, electrical work, appliance repair, and more. There are many franchises in Myrtle Beach that I have connections with which fall under their umbrella.”  Tom and his team of 11-12 employees, including his office manager, Bethanne, manage everything from advertising to marketing to human resources.   “The best part of what we do is making a difference,” Tom says. “We work with a lot of realtors and have helped to sell many homes. Sometimes a home will sit for six months, and then I’ll get a call from a realtor to clean the roof or home, and it will sell in two weeks. It can really make an impact when a home is cleaned properly.”   Tom enjoys giving back to the community as well. He has partnered with Creekfront Salkehatchie which is a national summer camp program for children with fifty locations across South Carolina, including Murrells Inlet. The children help in the building and repair of homes for local people in need, helping them to stay safe, warm, and dry.   Window Genie also manufactures its own brand of ammonia-free glass cleaner. Whenever you buy glass cleaner from Tom, he donates 100% of the proceeds to Creekfront’s local camp, to support their mission. Now when you keep your windows clean, you can know that you helped contribute to children learning new skills, as well as families in need. Window Genie of Myrtle Beach Facebook Map-marked-alt Globe Phone

Beach Landscaping

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The Freedman family owners stand, excitedly, at the site of where their new Beach Landscaping office will be in Myrtle Beach. From left to right: Tracy, Matt, Andy and Bob.

Our Grass is Always Greener by Melissa LaScaleia Matt Freedman, the owner of Beach Landscaping, is originally from the Washington, D.C. area. He and his father, Bob Freedman, have been running their landscaping and hardscaping business together in Myrtle Beach for the past twenty years.    The two learned their profession hands-on, on the job. Since those early days, Matt has become an expert in plants and landscaping— investing in formal education, attending classes, and logging hours in the study of plant identification, pesticide application, and weed identification and control.  Beach Landscaping has gleaned area accolades as a result of their strong work ethic, attention to detail, and professionalism.  “One of the reasons why we were able to get business from the onset was that we called people back and followed through with what we said we were going to do,” Matt says. “It was basically our customer service, and we stick with that to this day.  “We maintain as much communication with our clients as we can, and have a lot of different avenues and infrastructure in place so that when people call, they have access to someone on our team who is there for them, to listen and assist them quickly and easily. It’s huge for people that we’re here and we’re accountable for what we provide.”  “We have a lot of long-term customers— we’ve learned what they want, and we take care of them,” he adds. “Additionally, our team is pretty stable which helps make us more effective at customer service because we are familiar working with one another and can deliver consistency. My wife of thirteen years, Tracy, works with us too, and she’s a big part of helping to make everything run smoothly.”  Beach Landscaping offers numerous services for both businesses and residences along the Grand Strand: regular lawn mowing and maintenance like resodding and lawn repair; bed design, planting and maintenance; full landscape design; and irrigation installation. They also cover spring and fall cleanup, overturn soil, give recommendations on what plants would thrive in specific areas of your yard, and conduct soil testing and treatment for lawns that need more perk.  Matt Freedman (above), has spent years learning everything he could about plants, trees, and shrubs. He received the most knowledge from working hands-on. One of their newest and most exciting offerings is design and execution for hardscapes, paver patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls. The company again learned hands-on by working with others skilled in the craft, until they were able to master it themselves. Their ability to successfully teach themselves new skills and consistently offer excellent services with great attention to customers is both impressive and inspiring. “Hardscaping is something that we’re really pushing now because a lot of homes are built with small patios in the back,” Matt says. “People want to have more of a comprehensive outdoor living space. It’s more in keeping with the Myrtle Beach lifestyle— to be able to be outdoors and have a place to relax. Hardscaping entails the planning and creation of a functional space that involves patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, driveways, pool decks, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, and retaining walls. Then, we tie the landscaping together with the design, adding trees and shrubbery.”  Instrumental to making that process happen is Terri Stevens, who owned her own landscaping and hardscaping company in Virginia for twenty-two years. Terri is happily retired from running her own business but still passionate about what she does; she’s found her new niche with Beach Landscaping.  “Terri is a highly skilled artist,” Matt says. “She executes everything having to do with hardscaping, from architectural layout and design elements, all the way through to completion.” Matt’s brother, Andy Freedman, joined the team last year, helping to further develop the hardscaping side of the business. He meets with customers to explain what they offer as a company.   “Terri and Andy work well together,” Matt says, “so that she can envision options for clients and help them to identify what their needs are based on the architecture of the outdoor space and how it merges with what they want to create.”   Hardscaping, the art of adding non-living structures to the landscape, is growing in popularity as more people spend time outside and around their homes. Beach Landscaping has seen a lot of growth in the past few years. They added a second commercial crew to better handle the workflow of home owner associations, and also added a fifth residential maintenance crew. On any given day, they will have 4-5 project crews working on projects that range from installing large-scale hardscape patios to laying down mulch.  The additions to their Beach Landscaping family mean that the company is able to do everything they’ve always done, and now a lot more of it. The only thing they don’t do is take down large trees— which requires special safety equipment and highly specialized training.   “Just like anything, as we grow, we learn; and it’s a difficult thing at times, but the desire to succeed is what drives us,” Matt says. “We could always stay the same, but challenge makes us evolve, which is something we’ve always championed for our business. Then we become a better organization all-around. It’s cool to do that with your family. And because of that, today we’re seen as a company that can do everything. We’re like a one-stop shop for all your landscaping and outdoor living needs.”  Matt’s favorite aspect of his work is hardscaping. “I enjoy building something for clients that is fresh and original— that I know will bring them and their family and friends greater peace in their own home environment, and joy in their surroundings,” he says.  For those who prefer to do things on their own, Beach Landscaping has put together a series of informational videos available on their website and Facebook page so people can educate themselves about how to properly maintain their yard and lawn.  “Our first video was on recognizing lawn disease and … Read more

Updates to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance

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by Melissa LaScaleia In July, the Myrtle Beach City Council updated a number of rules in the Solid Waste Management ordinance. These revised rules took effect August 1, but many residents in the City of Myrtle Beach are still learning about them. Here is a quick rundown of the changes for residential services.  You can set out a maximum of two cubic yards of bulk waste per week. That’s comparable to a pile approximately 3 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long. For bulk waste larger than two cubic yards, residents will either have to keep it until the next week’s service, or take it to the landfill themselves. Yard waste has no weekly volume limit.  Call-back service is still available as an option for excess solid waste to be picked up outside the weekly schedule, although with new service charges. Residential garbage and recycling costs an extra $90 for call-back service, or $115 for bulky junk or yard waste call-backs.  Garbage containers must be set out after 6 pm the day before scheduled pick up, or at least before 6 am on collection day. Residents have until 11 pm that same day to roll their containers back to their homes. Lids on the receptacles must be closed and no waste is allowed on top of the lid or outside of the bin.  Yard waste that is loose (such as grass, weeds, and leaves) must be in a paper bag, while tree limbs and branches should not be any longer than four feet and four inches in diameter. Unlike garbage, yard waste can be set out at any time. On the occasion that the solid waste ordinances are not met, a warning notice will be placed on that property outlining the corrective actions that should be taken. Code enforcement officers make rounds to the properties that have received warnings up to 48 hours later. Violations may result in a citation and restitution.  Visit www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com to access all the recent council meetings and familiarize yourself with the ordinances. Updates to Solid Waste services are meant to encourage clean neighborhoods while deterring illegal dumping. The City of Myrtle Beach also hopes to encourage residents to work together in keeping our homes beautiful and welcoming. 

State Law Governs Golf Carts on Public Roads

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Many residents love the convenience of hopping in their golf cart to go to the beach or grocery store, so it’s important to know the rules for using one. State law allows golf carts to be driven on public roads in limited circumstances. Here’s a handy refresher course on what’s allowed, and what’s not. First, state law requires that golf carts have a $5.00 decal from the SC Department of Motor Vehicles and that they carry liability insurance if you use them on public streets. In addition, golf carts may only be driven on the road: By a licensed driver age 16 or older. Only during daylight hours, and up to four miles from the registered address. Only on secondary roads where the speed limit is 35 mph or less. Golf carts may not carry more people than the number of seats. And they cannot be driven on primary roads, such as Kings Highway or US 501. A golf cart may cross a primary highway, but cannot drive along one. Golf carts also are not allowed on sidewalks, multipurpose paths or marked bicycle lanes. Just as you cannot drive or park a car in a bicycle lane, you can’t legally drive a golf cart in a bicycle lane. The above photos show a golf cart being driven illegally on Kings Highway, a federal primary road where the speed limit is greater than 35 mph, and one being driven illegally in the bike lane on Ocean Boulevard. You can get a resident parking decal for a legally registered golf cart, but such decals are tied to the owner’s automobile. Your personal-use vehicle must be registered inside the city limits and you must have paid taxes on it in order to be eligible for a parking decal for your golf cart, too.  For those who want to take a golf cart to Myrtle Beach State Park, a special crossing exists on Kings Highway, south of Farrow Parkway. Seagate Village and Market Common residents can legally access this crossing by taking Mallard Lake Drive to the Barc Parc South Entrance road, then following that road around the shopping center.  The internal parking lot exits at the signalized intersection on Kings Highway, where the state has installed a marked golf cart crossing over to the east side of Kings Highway. From there, you can travel to the State Park.  For more about how golf carts are allowed on public streets, visit: https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/i_want_to/learn_about/golf_cart_laws.php.

Beach Rules for Your Safety and Enjoyment

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Warm temperatures are officially here, which means more time on the beach. Here is a handy list of rules and regulations for beach-goers. The primary purpose of these laws is to protect everyone and preserve the beach itself. Voluntary compliance is the goal, but violations of the following ordinances are misdemeanors.  If you are cited, violations are subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction. From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10am and after 5pm. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. However, at all times, dogs must be on a leash of seven feet or shorter and owners are responsible for picking up after them and properly disposing of the waste. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk from 5am-10am from May 1 through Labor Day. From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time. Again, dogs must be on a leash at all times and owner must pick up after them and properly dispose of the waste. It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, the sand fencing, or the sea grass and sea oats. Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths.  Littering is illegal. Please use the trash and recycling containers provided. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach. Glass containers and bottles are not allowed on the beach. Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but not in the dunes, the street ends or any other public property. Commercial activity is prohibited on the public beach. Non-commercial weddings (where no one is being paid) are allowed without a permit. Commercial weddings are not allowed. It is illegal to discharge, sell, store, or possess fireworks within the city, including the beach. Fireworks displays by pyrotechnic professionals may be approved if permitted and supervised. All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires. Items may not be set up on the beach before 8am and must be removed from the beach by 7pm, daily. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter are allowed. From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed. Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards’ line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line. Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be 10 feet behind the umbrella line. Thong bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public. Paid parking is enforced from 9am to midnight, seven days a week, from March 1 through October 31. (A few meters may begin earlier, as posted.) We hope you enjoy your visit to the beach. As the saying goes, please leave only footprints.

Myrtle Beach Finds New Ways To Be “First In Service”

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by the City of Myrtle Beach You can hear the rare sound of silence in Myrtle Beach. With the “work or home” limitation and all events on hold, COVID-19 quieted what should be a bustling spring season. The lack of noise is noticeable, yet Myrtle Beach still offers that first-in-service experience. A crisis like COVID-19 changes your perspective. Many systems and establishments we once took for granted are no longer in place, put on temporary pause, while those that are still operating have become more appreciated. We’re pleased to reassure you that during this time, our regular solid waste and recycling services continue for residents. Our police and fire personnel are on the job as usual, albeit with new precautions about close personal contact. You can report more things by phone and internet as we strive to maintain safe distancing. City buildings have been closed to the public for weeks. Always “first in service,” the recreation staff found creative new ways to offer classes. You can exercise online as part of a live program, or play back the video when “breaking a sweat” is more convenient. Chapin Memorial Library, already on the cutting edge, now offers online story-time and craft classes. You can join live or gather the kids when it suits your family schedule to watch Ms. Stacey or Ms. Catherine. Our electronic resources adapted quickly, too. City Council and other committees are meeting via teleconference, making themselves accessible live on our Facebook page: Facebook @ Myrtle Beach City Government. For those who haven’t participated previously, now is a good time to begin. Myrtle Beach also offers a number of online options for utility billing, building permits and business licenses. And, City Council approved several measures to help residents and businesses cope with the economic hardships brought on by COVID-19. Our website, www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com, has a wealth of resources, including a Coronavirus Information page and a Free-Sources page. Both have details about services and programs. Have a question? Call us at 843-918-INFO for answers about the city and life in general under this new normal. The information line is available daily, from 8am to 8pm. Like everyone, the City of Myrtle Beach is adapting. Crisis builds character, so let us grow stronger for having experienced this event. We’re in this together. COVID-19 shall pass, and the noise and bustle of daily life will resume.

What’s in a Name? A Lot in Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Newcomers to Myrtle Beach may wonder why Farrow Parkway is so named or who Mr. Joe White was. The city has a vast collection of roads, buildings and parks named in honor of those who contributed to our city’s remarkable growth and progression. Here are just a few examples to satisfy your curiosity.  Nance Plaza at the intersection of Ninth Avenue North and Kings Highway was named for Daniel Wayne Nance and Mary Ellen Todd Nance in recognition of their significant contributions to Myrtle Beach’s early civic, business and religious growth. A master builder, Daniel Nance was responsible for many downtown buildings, as well as historic homes built along North Ocean Boulevard. Mr. Nance moved to Myrtle Beach in 1909, arriving by ox-cart.   Mrs. Nance’s family owned a large farm and fishery near Withers Swash. Together, the couple raised ten children while building and operating guest-boarding facilities during the city’s early years. Mr. Joe White Avenue is named for a humble shoeshine man remembered for his friendly smile and colorful personality. Julius “Joe” White was born in Georgetown in 1910 and moved to Myrtle Beach in 1930.   A self-described “shoe stylist,” he began shining shoes for a nickel in the sixth grade, using the money for lunches and Sunday School tithes. In the early years, Mr. Joe could be found shining shoes at local barbershops and the Ocean Forest Hotel. When that hotel closed, he settled into a chair at Woody’s Arcade Barbershop, off 10th Avenue North. Mr. Joe passed away in 1997, and the street was named in his honor in early 2002.  Mr. Joe never learned to drive, but bicycled to and from his home in the Nance neighborhood, always giving people a friendly honk and wave. In 1991, the South Carolina General Assembly recognized Mr. Joe White and his wife, Louise, for their exemplary lives. Rourk Street, which branches off of 82nd Parkway near the Grand Strand Regional Medical Center, is named for Dr. W.A. Rourk, an early physician in Myrtle Beach. During the 1930s and 1940s, when other doctors would not treat African American patients, Rourk did— and treated all community members equally and with respect. Farrow Parkway, which runs through the Market Common, is named for Lieutenant William G. Farrow of the U.S. Army Air Corps. A native of Darlington, SC, Lt. Farrow piloted a B-25 bomber over Japan during World War II as one of Doolittle’s Raiders. Farrow and his crew were captured in April 1942 when their plane ran out of fuel and crashed. He was executed in October of that year. Fred Nash Boulevard, which intersects Farrow Parkway, is named for a local resident who rescued an Air Force pilot whose T-33 trainer crashed and burned near the Myrtle Beach State Park Pier in 1958.   At age 71, Nash rushed to the burning aircraft and helped the pilot to safety. Nash was seriously burned and later received the U.S. Air Force Exceptional Service Award for his heroic actions. Myrtle Beach has a whole page with dozens of these namesakes on the city’s website, www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com.  Go to “I want to find” and “Honorary Namesakes” to read the full list.

New Quality of Life Court Will Make Myrtle Beach Better

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach’s new Quality of Life Court is expected to hear its first cases in mid-March. The goal of establishing such a court is to quickly address issues that negatively affect the quality of life here for our residents, businesses and visitors. Charleston and other cities nationwide use a similar court process to help create a safer and cleaner community. For one thing, bringing issues before a judge allows for faster resolutions. Problems are corrected more quickly, and that means happier neighbors. Violations that may earn a trip to the new court will include: illegal dumping, abandoned vehicles, noise complaints, overgrown grass, weeds and unkempt properties, illegal signs, and zoning violations and nuisances that affect the public’s health, decency, safety or economy. If a violation is observed, a police officer or code enforcement officer will issue an offense summons. The property owner or tenant then will appear in court to respond to the notice. The judge will hear the case and make a decision about how to proceed. Violations can be discovered by city staff in the course of their daily routines, as well as through regular inspections. Staff may notice illegally dumped material and investigate. Similarly, they may see a zoning or sign violation, which will result in a summons. Neighbors also can report violations to the city. From after-hours noise complaints to an out-of-control yard, your neighbors are keeping watch on how our community looks. The goal of the court is to make everyone aware of the rules and ensure compliance. Prior to establishing the Quality of Life Court, many of these cases followed a lengthy “rule to show cause” path. Correcting violations involved a public hearing before City Council.   From the first notice of a violation to a final resolution by council, that process could take six months or more. The city hopes the new court will reduce that time frame to only 30 or 45 days, at most.    The Quality of Life Court will meet monthly to start, at 2pm on the third Wednesday at the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center.

African-American History On Display In Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach is a young locale, but the city works hard to preserve the short history that we have. The city was incorporated in 1938, barely eighty years ago, but those have been active decades. Much has changed, and the city has seen tremendous growth. The history of the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base is preserved throughout the Market Common district.   Similarly, the history of our musical roots are preserved through Charlie’s Place, while our early educational steps are preserved through the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center.  Within that building is a standing exhibit to the many contributions and accomplishments that African-Americans have made. Traffic signals, blood transfusions, pacemakers, mailboxes, light bulbs and the blood bank are among the many inventions that African-Americans gave the world. This Museum of African-American History began as a February-only display at the former Canal Street Recreation Center. Recreation Supervisor Docshee Moore originally exhibited his masterpiece during Black History Month as a tribute. His work soon outgrew what is now the Mary C. Canty Recreation Center, and the exhibit found a permanent home at the Historic Myrtle Beach Colored School Museum and Education Center, located at 900 Dunbar Street. The display highlights dozens of contributions by African American scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and more.  The museum is open from 10am to 12pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Admission is free. To schedule a tour, call 843-918-4905. For more information about the Historic Colored School Museum and Education Center, visit The City of Myrtle Beach. The museum itself is the recreation of the former Colored School, which opened in 1932 and operated for more than twenty years. The school was replaced in 1953 and then sat idle and unused for decades, until its former students mounted an effort to preserve the building and the history it represented. The former students staunchly advocated two things:  First, they believed the school should retain its original name. To them, it had always been the Myrtle Beach Colored School, and they were unconcerned with whether that name might be uncomfortable or politically incorrect. Segregation was wrong, but it happened, and changing the name was an unthinkable act of revisionist history. Second, they strongly believed that the school should continue to serve in an educational capacity. It wasn’t enough to create a museum to the past; the new building also should provide a service to the community. Their tenacity won the day. The reconstructed school opened in 2006, and its educational role continues today. In addition to the African-American museum, the four-room school also serves as a place for after-school activities for neighborhood children. The history of our very young city is preserved for all to see and learn.

Our Wonderful Myrtle Beach Volunteers

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by the City of Myrtle Beach The City of Myrtle Beach is blessed to have a wealth of volunteers who help the city meet and accomplish its goals each year. Nearly two hundred people serve in some capacity on one of the city’s boards, commissions, or committees.  Volunteer positions usually are appointed by city council, although some of the groups are ad hoc, meaning that anyone is welcome to attend and participate. The Military Appreciation Committee is an example of an ad hoc group. Some of the boards and commissions are state-authorized, while others have been created by city council to meet a particular need or provide input on a certain subject. The Planning Commission and the Accommodations Tax Advisory Board are examples of state-authorized bodies— with their functions spelled out in state law. Locally-created boards include the Beach Advisory Committee and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee. In all, the City of Myrtle Beach has about twenty different boards, commissions, and committees of all types, all of which are staffed by volunteers who want to serve the city.  You must be a resident of the city to serve on one of the state-authorized boards. For the locally-created boards, a majority of the members must be city residents. City council can appoint a few non-residents to those bodies. The ad hoc groups do not have residency requirements. Anyone is welcome to participate in one of those committees. You’ll find a list of Myrtle Beach’s boards, commissions and committees on the website: www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com.  If you’re interested in serving on one of these public bodies, just submit your name and résumé, along with a letter of interest, to the city clerk.  You can bring it to City Hall at 937 Broadway Street or mail it to P. O. Box 2468, Myrtle Beach, SC  29578. When vacancies occur, city council will review all the applicants for that board or commission and make appointments.  Myrtle Beach has other volunteers, too, in just about every department. Volunteers help out at Chapin Memorial Library, in our recreation programs, at the fire department and police department, and in many other capacities. They give their time and talents to help Myrtle Beach be the wonderful place that it is. In all, the city has some six hundred volunteers who help with a little bit of everything. Each year, city council personally thanks them for their service during the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, pictured above.  The event is held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in January as a way to recognize the valuable services that our volunteers provide, as well as to express the city’s appreciation in person. Volunteers also receive a small gift from the city each year as a “thank you.”

Info for the City of Myrtle Beach’s Solid Waste Customers

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Need a refresher about when to bring your trash receptacle inside and what’s recyclable? Here are helpful tips regarding the City of Myrtle Beach’s curbside solid waste services for residential customers. City Code and Curbside Containers It’s a violation under city code to leave your trash receptacle or recycling containers at curbside after your collection day. The ordinance has been in place since at least 1980. Residents are required to roll their containers to the curbside in time for their designated collection day, then remove them from curbside by 11pm that same day.  The goal is not to have garbage cans sitting by the curb all week long. The requirement also may prevent containers from being lost, stolen or blown into the road, creating a safety hazard. Your neighbors will be very happy if you bring your garbage can in, too. Contaminated Recycling The Horry County Solid Waste Authority recently informed the city of an increase in contaminated recyclables and announced that it will charge the city for future contaminated deliveries. Here are some reminders about recycling to help ensure we, as residents, don’t get penalized. Rinse and wash food, beverage and detergent containers. Containers with food residue will contaminate an entire batch of recycling. Do not bag your recyclables. They won’t be picked up. Do not sort items; we have a co-mingled system. Here’s a list of items that can be recycled: Aluminum and tin cans Non-greasy cardboard and corrugated cardboard boxes (remove all packaging from inside) Catalogs and magazines Newspapers Clean paper bags Empty aerosol cans (without caps) Glass bottles and jars (without lids) Paper (office, school, junk mail) Paperback books Telephone books Pourable plastic bottles and jugs (#1 through #7). Here’s a list of items that cannot be recycled: Appliances Cardboard pizza boxes Clothes Shoes Garden hoses Non-pourable plastic containers Plastic butter tubs Plastic plates or dishes Plastic to-go containers Plastic yogurt containers Scrap metal Tires Toys. Transfer Station Materials The city also operates a solid waste transfer station at 3221 Mr. Joe White Avenue. It is open to the public on Fridays, from 7am-3pm. The same materials accepted for curbside pick-up are accepted at the transfer station from city residents.  This includes garbage, recyclables, bulk waste and yard waste. In addition, clean wood waste and tires (limit is four tires per day, per person), also are accepted for recycling at the transfer station. Contact the Solid Waste Division at 843-918-2160 for any questions. 

Hidden Cemetery Receives TLC from Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Community volunteers joined Myrtle Beach city staff members recently at a little-known cemetery off Oak Street, adjacent to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. It may not be visible from the street, but it pre-dates everything nearby.  The Neighborhood Services Department is leading the effort to maintain and restore the hidden cemetery, and hopefully, identify some of the unmarked graves. For that, local families will need to revisit their memories.  Local historians recall that the cemetery began when a few graves were relocated to Oak Street from the Withers Swash area in the mid-1930s. Currently, the oldest known grave dates back seventy-seven years.  The deed for the largely African-American cemetery was given to the city in 1992. In 2010, the city used ground-penetrating radar to survey the cemetery. Of the two hundred forty-three grave sites identified then, only 128 were marked with individual or family names. For the other 115, small granite markers were placed which read, “Known unto God.” The cemetery is still in use, although sparingly. A few modern burials have occurred, although many of the graves date to the 1960s and 1970s. They include a number of veterans from World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam. Chapter 30 of the Disabled American Veterans placed a marker at the cemetery entrance in 1986.  A concrete angel graces one of the burial sites, while artificial flowers keep company with others who are resting in peace. It’s amazing how quiet and peaceful the tree-filled cemetery is, so near busy 21st Avenue North.     Two dozen people converged on the cemetery one recent Saturday to rake away leaves and tidy up the grounds. The smaller, unnamed markers were uncovered, too. At least one family recalled where two of their loved ones were buried.   The restoration effort continues. We are calling on long-time residents and community members from the Booker T. Washington, Carrie Mae Johnson, Harlem, Racepath and Pine Island neighborhoods.  Do you have family photos of a burial service at the Oak Street cemetery? Funeral home memorabilia about a burial also would be helpful. If you have any information that may help, please contact Myrtle Beach’s Neighborhood Services Department at 843-918-1061.  This quiet corner of Myrtle Beach’s history is tucked away in the protective shadow of the Convention Center. The city’s goal is to bring its memory to the forefront again and honor some of the area’s earliest citizens.  

The Restoration of Charlie’s Place

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach’s unique musical history is part of the story being told through the restoration and reuse of Charlie’s Place on Carver Street.  Charlie Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah, owned the Myrtle Beach nightspot from the late 1930s to the early 1960s.  The Shag and “beach music” all have their origins here. Famous African-Americans entertained at Charlie’s Place in the days before integration, and many stayed at the Fitzgeralds’ Hotel, which was next door.  Charlie’s Place was part of the “chitlin circuit,” which catered to early Motown stars who were excluded from other venues.  Those who performed at Charlie’s Place included Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Lena Horne, Count Basie, Muddy Water and Ray Charles.  The nightclub itself it gone, but the Fitzgeralds’ home and part of a small motel they operated still exist in the Booker T. Washington neighborhood. Members of the community asked the City of Myrtle Beach to help preserve the cultural and historic significance of the property.  The city honored the request by buying the land. Phase One of the preservation project was completed earlier this year. It included reconstruction and remodeling of the Fitzgeralds’ house for use as a community center and event space.  The work involved 1,264 square feet of interior space and 240 square feet of screen porch reconstruction. Crews added space to the rear of the building to include restrooms for visitors.  Phase Two of the renovation includes restoration of the first four motel units and reconstruction of eight other units. A few of the rooms will be kept as a museum to the era, showing what “Green Book” travel was like in the day. Other rooms will be reconstructed and used for small shops and community classes or crafts.  In addition to preserving the history and musical culture of that time, the city’s goal is to restore the economic contribution the club made to the community. The Fitzgeralds’ home now has a new life and use as part of a larger event space for the neighborhood and community.  Looking back at that troubled time, Charlie Fitzgerald created a place of harmony at Charlie’s Place, where music lovers could mingle and dance together, long before the barriers of segregation fell.  The musical tradition continues when the site hosts the fourth annual Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, October 4-6. Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Are You Ready for a Hurricane?

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by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Hurricane Season is June 1 through November 30. So the time to prepare to protect your home, business and vehicles is now.  Here are a number of tips to help keep you and your loved ones safe, and to protect your property if a hurricane arrives.  – The first rule is, “Know Your Zone.” Are you in a zone that will require evacuation? The coast is divided into three zones – A, B and C – with A being the closest to the ocean. The “Know Your Zone” tool is a good starting point: https://www.scemd.org/prepare/know-your-zone/. – If an evacuation is ordered, you need to know ahead of time where you will go. Have a plan now, before the storm, so that you don’t waste valuable time trying to decide where to evacuate.  Know your evacuation routes in advance. Which roads you’ll use will depend on where you live along the Grand Strand. It may take 30 hours or more to evacuate the coast ahead of a major storm. Major roads west include SC 544, US 501, SC 22 (Carolina Bays Parkway) and SC 9. Lane reversals may be ordered by state officials west of Conway to improve traffic flow. Again, having a plan and following it is critical to a safe, successful evacuation.  – As part of the plan, keep a list of relatives and friends to notify in case you do need to leave home. They will be worried if they don’t know where you are and whether you are safe.  -Keep an emergency kit of supplies. If a storm strikes Myrtle Beach directly, electricity and other utilities could be disrupted for days. Have at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food, along with essentials such as batteries, paper products and hygiene supplies. -It’s recommended that you have three days’ worth of drinking water for every person in your household. And if a storm threatens, keep the car filled with fuel and have enough cash on hand to last a few days.  – Have your important papers, insurance documents and valuable items in a “to go” kit, ready to take with you when you evacuate.  Being ready is more than half the battle when it comes to hurricane season.  Be sure to bring in or tie down any loose items such as chairs and trash receptacles to keep them from causing damage or injury if they are carried away by wind or water.  Storm surge, or higher-than-normal ocean levels brought about by a low pressure system and wind, is the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths and damage in the United States. An evacuation is ordered because of storm surge, not wind. Storm surge can travel miles inland.  After a storm, re-entry into the area will occur in three stages. In the first stage are public safety personnel and others who assess the damage and begin to make things safe.  In the second stage, are utility workers and contractors who restore electricity and clear streets. Once the streets are safe, the evacuation order may be lifted for residents and business owners so that they can return to their properties and make any repairs.  The amount of damage received will determine how quickly an evacuation order is lifted.

Arts District Taking Shape in Downtown Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Work is underway to create a new Arts and Innovation District in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The area includes Main Street, Broadway Street, Oak Street and Ninth Avenue North. Buildings along Ninth Avenue North may be the first to redevelop, with plans already underway for a co-working and events space. In March, the Myrtle Beach City Council adopted a new master plan for the downtown area. Benchmark consultants spent six months gathering input from residents, business owners, city leaders and others, to craft a plan for redeveloping what’s been known as the Super Block and surrounding areas.  The downtown master plan focuses on four districts: Oceanfront, Kings Highway, Historic Main Street and an Arts District. The goal is to create a vibrant and thriving urban center that capitalizes on diversity and serves residents and visitors for many years.  The city is hiring an architectural firm to begin crafting a design vision for the area. As proposed, the Arts and Innovation District will include new city offices, a new library, a new museum or two, a performing arts center, a co-working space for entrepreneurs, and a new city square for events and activities.  The city’s Technology Advisory Group is working to create the co-working office where start-up businesses and entrepreneurs could share creative space. The proposed rents would be modest at first, creating an incubator for new businesses.  Bringing entrepreneurs and artists to the area also would create an inviting cultural atmosphere that could attract new business and residential projects. Relocating public facilities within the district will create additional foot traffic and potential customers to support new dining, retail, and living options.  Thanks to RIDE III funding, two blocks off US 501 (Main Street) will be relocated to follow Seventh Avenue North.  This work is scheduled for early 2022 and will provide better traffic flows, more space for redevelopment, and fewer traffic signals, creating less bottlenecks on Kings Highway. 

Paid Parking Season in Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach’s paid parking season is underway and continues through October 31. Generally, no one feels enthusiasm for parking meters, but they are helpful in managing infrastructure. First, they identify which spaces are available and legal for parking. Second, they encourage turnover so that more people can enjoy a handy parking spot. Third, revenue from the meters goes back into the area to pay for more services, and events.  Residents of Myrtle Beach can receive a parking decal for their personal vehicles if the vehicles are registered inside the city limits and city property taxes have been paid. The decals allow a vehicle to park for free at the public parking meters and pay stations, as well as at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.  The City of Myrtle Beach offers an online registration system for Resident Parking Decals for the 2019-2020 period. See https://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/news_detail_T6_R394.php and follow the directions. Commercial use vehicles are not eligible for the Resident Parking Decal. If you live in Myrtle Beach and pay property taxes on your car, the city counts that as your payment for parking, whether you ever occupy a paid space or not. Non-residents simply pay at the meter and only when they actually use the parking space.  If you aren’t a resident of Myrtle Beach, the city offers two options to neighbors and visitors who are not eligible for a decal. 1. A seven-day visitor parking pass is available for $30 from the Lanier Parking Office in the Pavilion Parking Garage, Ninth Avenue North at Kings Highway. The pass is good for seven consecutive days at all paid public parking areas. 2. A non-resident parking placard is available for $100 per year from the Lanier Parking Office in the Pavilion Parking Garage. This pass is good for the public metered spaces between 21st Avenue North and 6th Avenue South, as well as in the metered street ends from 69th to 77th Avenues North. 

Beach Safety Rules in Myrtle Beach

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Warm temperatures are finally here, which means it’s time to enjoy the outdoors, especially our beautiful beaches.  Here is a handy list of Myrtle Beach’s rules and regulations. The primary purpose of these laws is to protect all beachgoers and the beach itself.  1. Alcohol is NOT allowed on the beach. 2. Glass containers and bottles are NOT allowed on the beach. 3. It is illegal to disturb or damage the dunes, the sand fencing, the sea grass, and sea oats.  Stay on the boardwalks and marked paths at all times! 4. Metal detecting is allowed on the public beach, but NOT in the dunes, the street ends, or any other public property. 5. Littering is illegal.  Please use the trash and recycling containers provided. 6. It is illegal to discharge, sell, store or possess fireworks within the city, including the beach.  Fireworks displays by pyrotechnic professionals may be approved if permitted and supervised. 7. All fires are prohibited on the beach, including barbecues and bonfires. 8. Commercial activity is prohibited on the public beach. Non-commercial weddings (where no one is being paid) are allowed without a permit.  Commercial weddings are not allowed. 9. From May 1 through Labor Day, dogs are allowed on the beach before 10:00 a.m. and after 5:00 p.m.  From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. 10. At ALL times, dogs must be on a leash seven feet or shorter, and you must pick up and properly dispose of droppings. 11. Dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., from May 1 through Labor Day.  From the day after Labor Day to April 30 each year, dogs and bicycles are allowed on the boardwalk at any time.  (The boardwalk is too busy in the evenings during the summer to safely accommodate dogs at that time.) 12. “Umbrellas only” during the busy season.  From Memorial Day through Labor Day, only circular umbrellas, up to seven-and-a-half feet in diameter, are allowed on the beach.  From the day after Labor Day until Memorial Day, tents and canopies up to 12-by-12 square feet are allowed.  Umbrellas must be in line with or behind the lifeguards’ line of umbrellas or landward of the mean high tide line.  Tents and canopies, when allowed, must be another 10 feet behind the umbrella line. 13. Items may not be set up on the beach before 8:00 a.m. and must be removed from the beach by 7:00 p.m., daily. 14. “Thong” style bathing suits are not allowed on the beach or in public. Violations of these beach-related ordinances are misdemeanors, subject to a fine of up to $500 and/or 30 days in jail, upon conviction.  Questions?  Call 843-918-1014.

Myrtle Beach Welcomes Dogs at Off-Leash Parks

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by the City of Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach has two off-leash dog parks where owners may let their pets run and play. Barc Parc South, the original leash-free space for pooches, is off Mallard Lake Drive near Grand Park and the Market Common. The park covers fourteen acres and includes a lake.  Barc Parc North is adjacent to the Claire Chapin Epps Family Y on 62nd Avenue North Extension. It opened in 2009, and covers 3.3 acres. Both parks are fully fenced and now offer separate areas for large and small dogs to play.  Barc Parc South’s small dog playing section opened this year. The 33,000 square foot addition allows space for small dogs (a back height of 16 inches or less) to roam freely with other small dogs. The improvements include new fencing, gates, benches, bag holders, picnic tables, a doggie water fountain, and landscaping.  With the new section, Barc Parc South now has three separate areas: one for small dogs, one for large dogs, and one for all dogs. This latter section includes the lake. Funding for the new small dog section was provided by the City of Myrtle Beach and a grant from the South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism PARD Fund.  Three new rules also are in place at both of the city’s off-leash dog parks. First, children under the age of eight will not be allowed inside the park. Second, all dogs entering the Barc Parcs must be spayed or neutered. And third, both Barc Parcs are now “no smoking” areas; this prohibition includes vaping.  The rules for behavior are posted at each site, and owners are responsible for picking up after their pets and properly disposing of the waste. Handy picker-uppers are provided. Here is a complete list of rules. BARC PARC RULES Park is open from sun up to sun down.  Dog owners are responsible for clean up of dog feces.  Dog owners must be in park and within view of their dog at all times.  Dogs must be removed from the park at the first sign of aggression.  Dog owner must have leash in hand at all times.  Dogs must be leashed outside the boundaries of the park.  All dogs entering the park need to be spayed or neutered.  Park gates must be closed and latched at all times.  Puppies and dogs must be properly licensed, vaccinated, and healthy prior to entering the park.  Puppies under 4 months old are prohibited from entering the park. No food, treats, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, strollers, bicycles or children’s toys are allowed in the park. No animals other than dogs are allowed in the park. Aggressive dogs are not permitted on the premises.  Police and animal control officers can ticket all dog owners who fail to comply with the above rules.  This park accommodates unleashed animals. By entry, you assume all risk of injury to yourself, any adult guest, and any person or thing over which you exercise care.  Children under the age of 8 are prohibited from entering the park.  City of Myrtle Beach shall not be liable for any injury or damage to any person or thin caused by any dog in the park. No smoking or vaping is allowed in the park.  Finally, to make maintenance easier, the parks will close one morning each week.  South Barc Parc is closed every Monday from 6:30-11am. North Barc Parc is closed every Thursday from 6:30-11am.  For more information about these facilities and other parks, contact the Parks Division at 843-918-2332. 

The Rededication of Nance Plaza in Myrtle Beach

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by the City of Myrtle Beach The Downtown Redevelopment Corporation and the City of Myrtle Beach held a ribbon cutting and rededication ceremony for Nance Plaza on Wednesday, March 6, 2019.  The plaza is at the intersection of Ninth Avenue North and Kings Highway, on the site of the former Flatiron Building.  Nance Plaza features a lit water fountain, surrounded by brick walkways and a new wrought iron fence. It honors Daniel Wayne Nance and Mary Ellen Todd Nance for their significant contributions to Myrtle Beach’s early civic, business and religious growth.  Daniel Wayne Nance was a master builder and was responsible for construction of many downtown homes and commercial buildings near the plaza, as well as historic homes along North Ocean Boulevard. In the early 1900s, at the age of sixteen, Mr. Nance moved to Myrtle Beach from Shallotte, North Carolina traveling in an ox-drawn cart. The late Mrs. Nance’s family owned a large farm and fishery near Withers Swash.  The couple raised their ten children while building and operating guest boarding facilities. Mr. Nance served as a commissioner for “Dogwood Neck Township,” which became modern-day Myrtle Beach when it was incorporated in 1938. More than thirty members of the Nance family were on hand for the rededication. “I hope that this shows our community that the city is committed to revitalizing this beautiful area, the heart of our downtown,” said Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune in a statement.  In the near future, look for family-friendly events at Nance Plaza, providing an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the space.  For all up-to-date news and announcements on things happening in Myrtle Beach, visit www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/newslist.php or our Facebook page @Myrtle Beach City Government.

GermBustMyBins

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Market Common Cleaning

Redefining Clean for The Market Common by Melissa LaScaleia GermBustMyBins began in Horry County in 2016 as Market Common Cleaning. Companies like it have been in existence in Europe for the past thirty years, but didn’t begin to appear in the U.S. until around 2007 or 2008. They’ve increased in popularity over the years, especially in the South— and for good reason. John, the founder, shares about the business he began, and why it’s so valuable for our community. He starts by explaining the process: “Our truck arrives at people’s homes on the same day their garbage bins are emptied by trash pick-up. While the bins are at the end of the driveway, we conduct the cleaning process so customers can come home and have clean, germ-free bins. We have one truck, and it looks similar to a trash pick-up truck, with hydraulic arms on the back for picking up the bins.” A truck costs around $100,000, and is equipped in handling varying-sized trash bins as well as dumpsters up to eight yards long. The bin is lifted into the truck, where it is sprayed with 2oo°F water inside and out, to be effectively washed, deodorized and disinfected. It’s an eco-friendly self-contained cleaning machine. The rinse water is retained inside the truck, and is properly disposed of at the end of the day at a dump station obtained through permitting with Grand Strand Water and Sewer. Then the hydraulic arms replace the bin on the curb— clean, sanitized and 99% germ free. “It’s basically a giant dishwasher that shows up at your house on wheels and cleans your big bin,” John says. I consider myself a germ-conscious person, but the thought of cleaning my outdoor trash bin has never crossed my mind. Apparently, I’m not alone. John says: “One thing I don’t think people take into account, is that, having dirty bins in or near your home attracts pests, roaches, rodents, flies, bees, and E Coli and other bacteria. When you smell a trash bin, it’s not the trash you’re smelling, it’s the bacteria. “A lot of the houses in the Market Common are very close together. That close proximity, bin next to house, next to bin, next to car— means you’re basically living in a germ and bacteria-infested environment. And over time, with constant usage, that bacteria multiplies. “On top of that, a lot of people store their trash bins in their garage. Think about all the things you keep in your garage besides your car— workout equipment, Christmas decorations, laundry. All those things are exposed to the bacteria and germs in your trash bins. And you’re inhaling those contaminants when you’re in that enclosed space. Once you start to think about this, it’s like, ew!” GermBustMyBins is the only company of its kind in Horry County. Typically, the businesses are appearing in the warmer climates of the U.S.— areas like Florida, Texas, California, and also New Jersey. “The concept makes sense wherever you go,” John says. “But as you get to those colder, snowy climates, I don’t think that the germ build-up is quite as much of a concern for people. In the South, because of the warm, moist climate, it’s not uncommon for people to have maggots in their trash bins. Once you have them, they spread quickly; and then they turn into flies.  The company’s process removes 99% of all germs and bacteria, keeping you, loved ones, and your environment safe. (Photo Meganpixels Parker) “Many people will put a couple of gallons of bleach in the bin to disinfect it, and then dump it into the ground. But the contaminated byproduct of that type of cleaning is lying in your yard, sidewalk or street, plus it’s going right back into our drinking water. With our process, you eliminate all those germs. Having a healthy bin helps keep you healthier too.” John first heard about this concept when a close friend, living in Miami, created the concept. It became an instant hit in his area. His friend was vice president of ADT and when the company decided to downsize, he got laid off. One day, with more time on his hands, he was engaged in the messy process of cleaning his garbage bin in his backyard, and thought, ‘There’s gotta be a better way to do this.’ He developed the idea, and shared his story with John. Emboldened by his friend’s success, John decided to do it too. “It’s been a great risk,” he says. “I was talking to one of my friends in London, telling him how I was starting this, and that there was nothing like it in the area, and he said, ‘That’s disgusting, what do you guys do over there?’ “In London and other parts of Europe, companies like this have been going on for years. As we meet more customers, almost a third of the people we talk to say, ‘Oh my gosh, why didn’t I think of this idea!’” Another part of the community that their business benefits is the elderly and children. “The task of cleaning a large trash bin is just not feasible for the elderly,” John says. “And it’s not healthy either. Having clean and sanitized bins provides greater peace of mind for parents with kids. Kids aren’t always the cleanest, and they like to explore and get into everything.” “I actually read recently that in Carolina Forest, coyotes and mice are coming at night when people aren’t around, attracted by the garbage,” he adds. “There’s a lot that having clean bins can address. The more people from the same neighborhood who join, the cleaner and healthier everyone is.” John gets the most calls when his truck is out driving around servicing neighborhoods. “It’s big and green and has PowerPoint slides on the front that show before and after pictures,” John says. “And people just stare at it.” GermBustMyBins Sign up to get your bins spic and span and sparkling at our website down below or call us … Read more

The Cigar Shop

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Market Common Cigars

Bringing a Different Kind of Lounge to the Market Common Area by Melissa LaScaleia The Cigar Shop recently opened its doors to serve the cigar aficionados of Myrtle Beach as well as those merely curious about the lifestyle. Large red flags, waving in the breeze, flank the outside of the store and inside, plenty of fun touches like a Harley Davidson motorcycle in the middle of the retail space, unique art, and a self-serve coffee station, keep everyone entertained. The owner, Mark Boley, and his partners, wanted a store that patrons could utilize for functions, private parties, and seminars as well as personal use. Thus, their 3,000 square foot space has a cigar lounge that is one of the largest in the state of South Carolina. “We have a lot of people who have been here to visit because they are established smokers,” Mark says. “But we love to cater to new smokers who might want to experience the world of cigars and what the lifestyle is like. This is not a private club, nor an old boys club,” he says. And it doesn’t have the energy of either. “Plenty of gals come too,” Mark continues. “Cigars are a great equalizer. If you’re in a room with people, and you have a couple guys who are multi-millionaires and a couple guys who are plumbers, it doesn’t matter, it’s all about the cigars.” Mark moved from Charlotte, NC about one-and-a-half years ago with his wife. “I love the lifestyle here, the pace,” he says. When he moved, Mark had an opportunity with a couple of business partners to open a full service cigar shop with a dedicated smoking lounge. “Cigars are a lifestyle choice,” he says. “It’s like fine dining, or fine bourbon, or fine whisky. Guys get into the apparel and trips overseas to the factories. People who work in the industry, who smoke cigars, are great people.” Inside the lounge, there’s a strong cigar smell, an array of magazines, multiple televisions, rich brown leather couches, and lots of sunlight. The vibe is spacious, relaxed, and has just the right balance of privacy and openness to satisfy the tastes of a broad range of people seeking a comfortable smoking lounge. The atmosphere lends itself with equal ease to intimate groups, as well as those doing their own thing. The retail area is smoke-free so non-smokers can visit the shop and feel welcome. The only place smoking is allowed is in the smoke lounge. During the spring and summer, Mark plans to have plenty of outside patio seating with umbrellas and rocking chairs under the shop’s covered portico to enhance the feeling of community and provide people with even more space to be at leisure and enjoy the offerings of his shop.  The shop, located on the outskirts of the Market Common, has the second largest humidor in South Carolina. A humidor is an enclosed area which keeps the cigars in an optimal temperature- controlled environment at about 70% humidity. Otherwise, the cigars will dry out, and then split and crack. The inside of the humidor is huge, with a cave-like feel, and there are shelves and shelves of cigars. “Even folks who have cigars at their house keep them in a cigar box, which is a humidor,” Mark shares. “Cedar helps age tobacco. So most cigar boxes are made of cedar.  A sampling of the cigars that line the shelves of The Cigar Shop. Most come from Latin America, and all are handmade by craftsmen. (Photo Casey York) Mark’s humidor contains a huge selection of all the major brands of cigars plus some boutique cigar lines from around the world. Cigars are primarily manufactured in the Caribbean and Central America. There are some limited cigars, typically from Miami and South Florida, but the vast majority, some 95%, come from Latin America. The making of cigars has a long history. Producing them is a talent; they are an artisanal, completely hand-made product. “They’re all rolled by hand,” Mark says. “That’s something you just don’t see nowadays. Some of the shapes and sizes these artisans produce are just incredible.” Mark and his business partners have a combined twenty years experience in the industry. “For the past 10 years, I’ve been running a couple of cigar shops in North Carolina,” he says. “So I have extensive knowledge in the business and great relationships with the brand owners and the reps. This is an incredibly intimate industry. It’s small, it’s family centered; the manufacturers, the brands, are all family owned. I’m fluent in Spanish, and can communicate with those guys on a really personal level which makes our relationships even better.” The Cigar Shop is partnering with Harley Davidson on sixteen events throughout the course of this year that are all geared towards supporting 501(c)(3) charities in the local area. Several will be on-site at Harley Davidson; several are rides throughout the Myrtle Beach area. The Cigar Shop is having a Grand Opening Thursday, March 23 from 5-9pm. Harley Davidson will be in attendance, and Palmetto Distillery will be offering a tasting while the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce will do a ribbon cutting. There will be a cigar brand-owner there to answer questions; promotional items; food; raffle prizes; door prizes; and cocktails and mocktails. “We wanted a world-class presentation with a tremendous selection coupled with huge square footage,” Mark says in speaking of how he designed his store. “Everything we do here we are thinking outside the box. This is a place which is a tribute to the lifestyle of the cigar world; we want it to be a place where anyone can come and have room to spread out. We’re filling a need here in the Myrtle Beach area. It’s truly a unique, world-class shop.” “We are just down the street from the Market Common,” he adds. “So we hope to become the go-to shop for the people who live in that area. We want to support the local community.” The … Read more

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