Myrtle Beach and Myrtle Beach State Park

Let's face it, Myrtle Beach has a reputation. We all know it, but the nature of that reputation changes from person to person. Some see it as the Redneck Riviera. Others, a perfectly good destination ruined by back-to-back bike weeks. Despite that, diehard fans view it as a fun place to take the family no matter what time of year. I know for a fact it makes a nice venue for a writers retreat during the fall.

You have to admit Myrtle Beach has it all--hotels, shows, ferris wheels, miniature golf, a nice boardwalk lined with colorful flowers, and miles and miles of gorgeous beach.

Our version of bike week at MB

At the southern tip of Myrtle Beach, just north of Surfside, is a near commercial-free remnant of the old coast. A state park carved into a maritime forest that offers sand, swimming, a pier, fishing, cabins, camping, and hiking/biking trails. Breathing space we enjoyed during our first visit, in which we explored the park and the trails on new, hybrid bikes. I'm sorry to say I'm not a fan of Myrtle Beach during the high season, but after touring Myrtle Beach State Park during our version of bike week, I can't wait to rent a cabin there during the fall, wake up to a gorgeous sunrise, then relax in nature, away from crowded buildings and most of all, the crowds.

For more info on Myrtle Beach State Park, go to southcarolinaparks.com/myrtlebeach

A few photos from our trip.

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