Want a low key beach vacation during quarantine?

This February I spent three weeks in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Winter (which ends March 1st) is off-season for Myrtle Beach, and the town was largely deserted. It made for beautiful daily beach walks, and safe restaurants for eating. Overall it was a great place to retreat to, and I highly recommend it as a good place to slow travel - pandemic or not. Holing up in my reasonably priced AirBnb one block from the beach, only to emerge for food and walks by the ocean, was not a bad way to live.

Myrtle Beach is also a town with MANY great places to eat. I could hardly contain myself to one food adventure per day during my stay. Here were some of my favorite, must try places to eat out of them all:

1. Croissants / Hook & Barrel
   I went to Croissants over and over during my stay.
   I could walk there from the beach (82nd street), and their cozy atmosphere could not be beat. It has the vibes of a Parisian cafe, and everything I ate was amazing. All pastries are made fresh daily, and I even walked away with a bag of their coffee roasted in house!
   
   The owner also manages Hook & Barrel, a seafood dinner place with amazing service and sustainable practices. Both places have impeccable style, and I highly recommend. If ever in doubt, you can go wrong with either!
   

2. AJ’s Pizza Myrtle Beach
   Best pizza on the beach! You can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. Highly recommend adding a dessert pizza - delicious! I had my doubts about a desert pizza which included cheese, but it was fantastic. There are other pizza options in MB, but this takeout only gem is the way to go. :)
   

3. 44 & King
   Best shrimp and grits I had in South Carolina! This place has a beautiful heated patio and a spacious inside that will make you feel comfortable and cozy. The menu was filled with southern favorites and lowcountry specials. Great option for a family - they have something for everyone and the place is filled with large booths, wall decor, and cornhole boards set up outside.
   

4. Hi Fi Coffee
   Spending some time on the boardwalk feels like a necessity before leaving Myrtle Beach.
   While you can definitely get the Myrtle Beach experience without it, it’s worth a stroll to read the historical plaques, and pick up a hoodie or shirt from one of the vendors. (hint: don’t spend more than $10 on a hoodie, and $6 on a shirt! Look for bargains!).
   
   HiFi Coffee is a classy cafe next to the noteworthy gift shop, the Gay Dolphin, and a great way to take a break from what can be a noisy, crowded space.
   

Bonus: Starbucks @ Boardwalk
I try to steer clear of chain restaurants while traveling, but this Starbucks has the most amazing view of the ocean, and is accessible from the beach! People watching while sitting in one of their rocking chairs is a fantastic way to spend an early morning.

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