26 July 2010

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina's new oceanfront boardwalk is receiving rave reviews and is ready for your strolling enjoyment.  The city’s $6.5 million promenade opened in May.  It stretches 1.2 miles, from the 14th Avenue Pier to the Second Avenue Pier.  Visitors and residents alike enjoy the beautiful ocean view and peaceful setting, as well as the nearby restaurants, shops and amusements.

The boardwalk features three distinct sections of varying widths and designs.  The northern section is a traditional raised wooden boardwalk following a serpentine line across the dunes, with connecting pathways to beach access points.  This section runs from the 14th Avenue Pier to Plyler Park.

The middle section, ranging in width from 25 to 50 feet, begins at Plyler Park and extends south to Eighth Avenue North.  Here, the wooden walkway features benches and shade sails, next to sidewalk cafes, shops and arcades.  Strollers enjoy the sights on the beach, which is just an easy walk away, and six large U.S. flags wave proudly in the ocean breeze at the boardwalk’s widest point.

The southern section, from Eighth Avenue North to the newly-renovated Second Avenue Pier, is a winding promenade among the dunes, with benches and natural landscaping.  This is a peaceful, linear park, with the ocean scenery on one side and nearby hotels on the other.  Three vendor stands in this section offer treats for hungry or thirsty strollers and beach-goers.

Already, the boardwalk has spurred renovations by adjacent businesses and cafes.  Several new businesses have opened along the boardwalk, and plans are underway for a giant sky wheel on the north side of Plyler Park.  The 180-foot-tall attraction with 42 enclosed cars will be the tallest such ride east of the Mississippi.

TLC’s “Cake Boss,” Buddy Valastro, was the special guest for the boardwalk’s grand opening on May 15.  His creation of a giant flip-flop shaped cake will be featured on an upcoming episode of the popular cable TV show.  Myrtle Beach’s boardwalk also been featured on the CBS Morning Show and NBC’s Today Show and was recently named one of the top three boardwalks in the nation by National Geographic.

For more information, contact Mark Kruea at MKruea@cityofmyrtlebeach.com.