There’s something about salt air, live oaks, and the distant chatter of seagulls that makes even the simplest coffee-and-bagel situation feel romantic. Whether you’re the “brunch-repeat-nap-repeat” type or someone whose idea of a good time involves boats, dolphins, and late-night bar hopping, trust me, this little slice of Lowcountry paradise holds something you’ll want to write home about.

Breakfast & Brunch  

Okay, so I’m a firm believer that the right breakfast sets the tone for your entire trip. Here’s where you’ll want to start your morning, no matter how late you were out on the Marshwalk last night.  

• Big Apple Bagels: The literal definition of “bagel bliss.” If you believe a perfect morning involves carbs that crunch and then give, you need to go.
• Parlor Doughnuts: Layers on layers that flake apart in just the right way. If you’re lucky, the daily flavors include s’mores or maple bacon.
• Blue Sky: Imagine oatmeal that actually feels special, sunlight streaming onto your table, and coffee that never goes empty.
• Eggs Up Grill: Your classic, eggs-any-style, smiley-server-drops-plates-filled-with-pancakes kind of place.
• Rustic Table: Think southern comfort, biscuit heaven, and the kind of brunch that makes you want to linger.
• BisQit: For when you want a craft biscuit sandwich and maybe a boozy milkshake before noon (I won’t judge).
• Kosta Bowls: For the health-conscious and/or the “I just need something cold and colorful after last night” crowd. Their acai bowls are photographic proof you can eat pretty.

Lunch  

This is when you realize just how many ways there are to eat shrimp, and also that calories consumed after an active morning don’t count.  

• Bistro 217: Elegant enough to make lunch feel fancy, laid-back enough that you don’t need to change out of your flip-flops.
• Neals Creekhouse & Neal & Pam’s: Local vibes, hearty plates, and the type of menu that says, “you’re definitely at the beach.”
• Pickled Cucumber: If you love zesty, crispy, bright salads and the occasional offbeat sandwich special.
• Chimichanga Llama: For the name alone, but stay for the tacos and the salsa that manages to find the perfect heat.
• River City Cafe: No-nonsense burgers, fries, joy. Sometimes, simple is just what you want.
• Hamburger Joe’s: The kind of place you almost want to keep to yourself, except you know you can’t, because everyone deserves Joe’s burgers.
• J Peters, Landolfi’s, The Quay, Southern Hops: Whether you’re craving pasta, pizza, seafood, or a cold local brew, there’s a door for you to walk through.

Dinner  

The light softens, the marsh starts to glow, and suddenly every restaurant seems unbearably romantic. Here’s my short list of “make a reservation if you can”:

• Franks Outback, Bistro 217, Wicked Tuna*: The stars here are well earned. Seafood, steaks, creative Southern entrees, and if you’re lucky, a night that ends on the patio surrounded by twinkle lights.
• Wahoos, Perrones, Costa, Gulfstream Cafe: Whether you’re in the mood for fresh fish or a sunset view (or both), these have you covered.
• Judy Boones, Gio’s, Moe’s Original BBQ, Chive Blossom: Casual to classic, these are the spots for when you want to relax into vacation mode and know dinner will never disappoint.

Things To Do  

Okay, enough about eating (for now). Here’s why I always end up feeling like I didn’t budget nearly enough days:

• Bar hop on the Marshwalk: Think string lights, live music, and so many stories waiting to be collected. Start at one end, see where you end up.
• Shop at the Hammock Shops: Even if you don’t buy a thing, wandering through these tucked-away boutiques is its own kind of therapy.
• Brookgreen Gardens: There is actual magic here. Wandering among the sculptures and old oaks, you’ll swear you’re in a fairytale.
• Huntington State Park: Bring binoculars for the birds, and a good book for the quiet stretches of sand (or go for a hike and say you “earned” that biscuit from breakfast).
• Water Sports, Fishing Charters, Boat Rentals, Dolphin Tours, Sunset Cruises: Pick your adventure-level, from “I just want to see a dolphin” to “I want to pretend I’m running away to sea.”

Bars & Live Music  

You haven’t really experienced Murrells or Pawleys until you spend a night (or several) dancing, singing, or just people-watching with a cold drink in hand.  

• Wahoos, Dead Dog Saloon, Hot Fish Club, Pawleys Island Tavern: Each feels like the place where all the locals go, and you, very fortunately, get to join in.
• Neals Creekhouse, Neal & Pam’s, Garden City Pier, Scotty’s Beach Bar, Tuna Shak, Bubba’s Love Shack, Bourbon and Burnz: Pick based on your mood, your soundtrack, or how many yards you want to walk back to your car.

If you make it to any of these places, I hope you love them as much as I do. And if you uncover your own favorite, well—I’d love to hear about it. Send me a DM!

You know those little towns that sneak up on you and suddenly you’re plotting how you’ll manage to move there, open a bookstore (which is probably haunted but in a charming way), and drink coffee on your leafy porch forever? Yeah. Georgetown, South Carolina is one of those places for me. 

If you’re planning a visit (or, you know, just want to wander vicariously with a cup of coffee), here are my tried-and-true favorites for eats, drinks, and living your best Southern-chic life.

Breakfast Goals

Coffee Break  

If you only hit one place before noon, make it Coffee Break. There’s something about their coffee that’s basically a permission slip for all-day happiness. The pastries? Flaky and buttery in just the right way. 

Lunch Like a Local

Choices, choices! Georgetown’s got more than its fair share of mid-day gems:

• Ball & Que – Everything you could want in a local lunch spot.
• Soco – Cozy and creative, with a daily menu that always surprises.
• Groucho’s – It scratches the classic sandwich shop itch (get the Formula 45 sauce, trust me).
• Rollin’ Local – Sushi and Southern in the same place? Only in Georgetown (and it totally works).

Dinner Plans? Yes, Please

You know how I feel about dinner (I’m never missing it, thank you). Here are my Georgetown go-to’s:

• 631 Franks on Front – Sophisticated without being intimidating. Order the fried green tomatoes.
• Root – Beautiful plates, seasonal ingredients, and the vibe is “dinner party at your artsy friend’s place.”
• Between the Antlers – Waterfront dining. The sunset views! The seafood! You’ll want to linger.
• Rollin’ Local (again, because dinner sushi is a thing)
• Eliza’s – A neighborhood classic with live music many nights.

Where to Stay

The George is where I always want to check in and never check out. Think big beds, cool history, and a straight shot to all the fun on Front Street. There might not be a resident ghost but, honestly, would it surprise you if there was?

Things To Do

• Shopping on Front Street  

  It’s a must. My top spots for the kind of finds you just can’t get online:

• Whimsy Roost (you will want everything, and then buy three scented candles because self-care)
• Black Mingo Outfitters for the outdoorsy vibe
• The Winyah Angler Outfitters for when you want to look like you definitely own a boat, even if you don’t

For After-Dark Shenanigans

Bars and live music options that make you want to stay out way past your bedtime:

• Eliza’s Outdoor Bar (the porch swings are worth fighting for)
• 631 Franks on Front (turns out dinner and a little live music are a perfect match)
• Buzz’s Roost (welcoming and just a little wild)
• The Corner Tavern (classic, cozy, you’ll make friends)

If southern charm, great food, and the sort of shops you’ll talk about way too much are your thing, Georgetown’s where you need to be. 

If you ask me, Myrtle Beach isn’t really a place for “shoulds.” You shouldn’t stick to your diet. You shouldn’t skip dessert. You definitely shouldn’t just stay in one spot. What Myrtle demands is a little wanderlust and a lot of appetite. Here are my absolute favorite places to eat, drink, and play on the Grand Strand.

Dreamy Date Nights

Is it a vacation if you don’t find a little sparkle for the evening? My current go-to date night favorites:

• Franks Outback (equal parts cozy and chic)
• Bistro 217 (order whatever looks best on Instagram, it won’t disappoint)
• New York Prime
• Wicked Tuna
• 631 Franks on Front (technically a bit of a drive, but totally worth it if you want to feel like you’re the star in a Hallmark movie)

All Things Beauty

Can we talk self-care for a minute? You know those trips where your manicure chips the minute you cross county lines? Save yourself:

• Nails: Polished on Loyola Drive – next-level attention to detail
• Blowout: Dry & Bubbly (because who wants to do their own hair on vacation?)
• Spray Tan: Tantalizing in Murrells Inlet
• Spas: Cinzia Spa, or if you love a good re-centering, head over to The Awakening
• Hair: Tropez Salon in Wilmington. (It’s a drive, but you’ll thank me once you see those beachy waves.)

Shop Like a Local

Retail therapy hits different when you’re by the sea. My Myrtle Beach favorite shops:

• Monkees of Myrtle Beach
• The Joggling Board (the name alone gets you in the door)
• Socialite
• L.Mae
• Pure Palmetto 
• Mimi Seabrook
• The Foxy Lady
• Whimsy Roost
• Doodlebugs
• Rose Arbor
• The Winyah Angler Outfitters

(If I’ve missed your favorite, send me a DM—I’m always up for a shopping trip.)

Brunch & Breakfast Cravings

Repeat after me for maximum vacation happiness: vacation calories don’t count.

• Blueberry’s Grill (just get the blueberry pancakes, trust)
• Woodhaven (the kind of place where the coffee comes hot and the staff calls you “hon”)
• Drift (avocado toast that will ruin you for all other avocado toasts)
• Kosta Bowls (for the rare moments you remember greens exist)
• Mimosas (the name alone says “commitment to the cause”)

Lunch on the Go

Whether your morning was spent shopping, napping, or doing very athletic things at the pool, these lunch spots get the job done right:

• Dagwoods (the sandwich is bigger than your face)
• Beach House Bar & Grill (beachy, breezy, big portions)
• Taco Mundo (because tacos = love)
• Lulus (seafood with a side of sunshine)
• Lekker Eats (fresh, fast, and feels good)
• Croissants (for when you want your carbs fancy)
• Boardwalk Billy’s
• King’s Pizza (grab a slice, take a stroll)
• Jimmyz Hibachi (quick hibachi magic, no reservation required)
• Crab Catchers
• Burky’s

Dinners to Write Home About

Some meals are so good, you genuinely consider planning next year’s trip while you’re chewing. These are those places (favorites are starred because I have strong feelings):

• New York Prime*
• Flamingo Grill*
• Jimmyz Hibachi*
• Aspen Grill*
• Hook & Barrel
• Crave
• Clark’s
• Sea Captain’s House
• Big Chill Island House
• Joe’s Bar & Grill*
• Taco Mundo* (yes, again)
• Biminis*
• Bistro 90*
• Swig & Swine
• Black Drum
• Uptown Bistro
• King’s Pizza* (yep, pizza for every meal is valid here)
• 44 & King
• Chucks

Sweet Treats

You didn’t travel all this way for salad, right? Here are my top dessert spots:

• Krispy Kreme (specifically when the hot light is on, obviously)
• The Pineapple Hut
• The Melting Pot
• The Crazy Mason (over-the-top milkshakes live here)
• Cinnaholic (cinnamon rolls, not suitable for commitment-phobes)
• Sugar Life

When You’re Not Eating (Yes, That Happens)

Food might be Myrtle’s major draw, but there’s more to love between meals:

• Barefoot Landing (shops, people-watching, surprisingly therapeutic duck viewing)
• Cruise the Intercoastal Waterway (pretend you’re yacht people for an afternoon)
• Broadway at the Beach (touristy, fun, perfect if you brought kids/teens/your fun-loving alter ego)
• Pop Stroke (mini golf, but fancier)
• NASCAR SpeedPark (for your inner speed demon)
• Top Golf
• Actual Beach Time (the reason you packed half your suitcase in swimsuits)
• Dave & Buster’s
• Carolina Opry or Alabama Theatre (level up your trip with a show)
• Pirates Voyage (dinner and a show, with pirates, as you do)
• Duplin Winery (wine tasting meets porch sitting)

Bars & Live Music

Some places just nail vacation vibes. Whether you want to dance, chill, or belt your favorite song with zero shame, these are my picks:

• Bourbon Street (lively crowd, leave your quiet voice at home)
• The Bowery (country music for days)
• The Hangout
• Ocean Annies (where your toes are in the sand and your drink comes with a view)
• Duplin Winery
• Tin Roof
• RipTydz
• Crocodile Rocks
• Wicked Tuna
• 3001 Nightlife

Packing your beach bag yet? Myrtle Beach is a series of delicious decisions just waiting to be made. If you find something you love that’s not on this list, tell me everything—I’ll add it to my rotation. Happy travels…and don’t forget to order dessert.