What’s Close to Driftwood at the Boardwalk?

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So what’s close to Driftwood and the Boardwalk? The name kind of gives it away, but this year the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is even closer than ever.

The 1.2-mile wooden walkway was extended a block to Bandito’s on 15th Avenue North, making the northern end of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk right next door to the resort and providing easy access for guests to take a stroll downtown. That opens up a world of opportunities for attractions, dining, shopping and nightlife – all within walking distance of your hotel door. Here are some of the highlights you will want to hit:

Attractions: Driftwood has always been walking distance to the heart of downtown, but the extended Boardwalk makes for an easier and more scenic hike to such popular attractions as the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, Second Avenue Pier and Pier 14 and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odd-itorium. There are several putt-putt courses in the neighborhood, including Capt. Hook’s and the new Shark Attack Adventure Golf.

Dining: A straight shot inland on 16th Avenue North sits the sweetest soul food restaurant in town. Big Mike’s offers traditional Southern cooking for low prices. Try the fried pork chops, mashed potatoes and collard greens. Driftwood also sits in the middle of Myrtle Beach’s biggest burger war. Cookout, Fuddrucker’s, Rock Burger, River City and Bummz Beach Café all make arguable claims to best burger on the beach. Other nearby places worth checking out are Clarendon Café, Hot Stacks, Soho, Dirty Don’s, Michael’s Pizza and Peaches Corner.

Nightlife: The cheapest ticket in town is just a short walk to Plyler Park, which is home to free concerts and fireworks shows nightly throughout the summer months. There are several surrounding bars where you can check out the club scene, such as The Bowery, the Beach House, Eighth Avenue Bar & Grill, and the Atlas House. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated night out, Broadway at the Beach’s Celebrity Square, featuring a dozen bars in one district, is only a short cab ride away.

Shopping: Ocean Boulevard is lined with T-shirt shops and souvenir stands where you can find virtually everything under the sun for folks on your shopping list. Broadway at the Beach, Market Common and Coastal Grand Mall are short drives away. There’s an IGA grocery store and a Dollar General a few blocks away for those looking to pick up necessities.

(posted 6/2/14)