Myrtle Beach Vacation : Diverse areas surrounding Myrtle Beach

One of the most fascinating things about Myrtle Beach is its sense of community. Although it welcomes millions of visitors each year, it still manages to retain its small-town feel.

Since the beginning of the 1900s, when visitors had to catch a ferry to make it to the beach, the Grand Strand area, as it is also known, has been a haven from the heat and mosquitoes of inland neighborhoods. The communities that make up the Grand Strand retain a sense of individuality and charm that have made them vacation destinations for generations.

Conway, just a short drive from Myrtle Beach, has more than a dozen sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From the Kingston churchyard, where three Victorian sculptures are located, to the Horry County Museum, where history comes alive, Conway is well worth a day trip. You'll be fascinated by Conway City Hall, which was designed by the same architect responsible for the Washington Monument. Located along the Waccamaw River (named for the Indian tribe), Conway offers such quaint niceties as a Riverwalk, riverboat cruises, antique shops, and premiere restaurants.

On the north side of the Grand Strand, near the North Carolina border, you'll find the community of Little River. The town was once an enclave for pirates--and it still retains some fascinating treasures. The village is home to historic shop fronts, picturesque marinas, fine dining, and lush golf courses.

If you're hoping to relocate your family to the Myrtle Beach area, or you'd like to establish a small business there, you might consider the community of Loris.

In 1997, the U.S. Census Bureau declared Loris to be the second fastest-growing town in South Carolina. The town was first incorporated in 1902, when it became a center for agriculture, lumber, and the turpentine industry.

If you put a premium on relaxation, consider taking a trip to North Myrtle Beach. It was founded more than three decades ago when the beach towns of Windy Hill, Crescent Beach, Ocean Drive, and Cherry Grove Beach merged. North Myrtle Beach is known for its laid-back atmosphere, along with activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing, in addition to incredible opportunities for outstanding golf and premiere dining.

If you're traveling from inland and searching for a nice rest stop on the way to Myrtle Beach, Aynor may be the town for you. Thirty miles west of Myrtle Beach, Aynor is a farming community which boasts a grande senior citizen center. The town, which was incorporated in 1914, is also known as "The Little Golden Town."

From Conway to Little River to Loris to North Myrtle Beach to Aynor, the communities of the greater Myrtle Beach area manage to honor their historic past, while encouraging new residents to become part of their optimistic future. It's no wonder Myrtle Beach remains one of America's premiere vacation getaways.