Carolina Country Music Fest is one of the best spring break and summer break events in Myrtle Beach

Spring Break In Myrtle Beach: The Ultimate Guide

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Raise your hand if the majority of your childhood (bonus points for college…) spring break vacations were spent strutting the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, dancing at Senor Frog's at Broadway at the Beach, and floating on a crowded lazy river at some beachfront hotel in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina…

Those of us who live in the Carolinas know that Myrtle Beach hosts a treasure chest of  appealing activities. The nation specifically adores Myrtle Beach for its no-frills eat, affordable Spring Break hotels (beachfront, of course!), and easily accessible thrills for all ages.

🏖️In this issue of Carolina Traveler's weekly news, we're spilling the sweet tea on the best hotels, restaurants, family-friendly things to do, and off-the-beaten path activities during spring break in Myrtle Beach so that you can save your sweet time researching the thousands of options online. 🌴

‍☠️Next up, we're entering our swashbuckling era in Greenville, NC, where the 2024 PirateFest is sure to bring plunder of the most congenial type. Whatever fascinating pirate practice you've dreamed about trying, you can make it a reality here during spring break — it's got sword-fighting, cannon-shooting, eating delicious food with your bare hands and a gnarled facial expression, and maybe a good old fashioned plank-walking!‍☠️

🏎️Keep the spring break thrills going inland where Concord NC takes the lead as one of our top three spring day trips. What's the draw? An essential Carolina Traveler bucket list item awaits at the Richard Petty Driving Experience. This day trip is perfect for the person who exudes “I wanna go fast” energy.🏎️

🔥Finally, don't let a sneaky pirate distract you from a chance to score some major booty! You can ENTER DAILY to win in our current spring break giveaway, where the prize is a set of tickets to four of Charlotte's hottest food festivals this year! VIPs automatically get free tickets (check your email!).🥃

Stay up to date with NC and SC bucket list items, spring break and seasonal festivals, pirates, and other fun things to do in the Carolinas — follow us on Facebook where we regularly offer free tickets and other giveaways and become a 2024 subscriber to Carolina Traveler magazine!

A popular things to do is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

One of the things to do highlights is the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

Myrtle Beach: America's Spring Break Sweetheart

Whether you're planning your first or 31st trip to Myrtle Beach, we've curated the perfect spring break guide to enjoying the jewels of the Grand Strand.

Best Places to Stay in Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. For a luxurious spring break stay, consider Marriott's OceanWatch Villas at Grande Dunes, offering spacious villas and oceanfront views. Here are the 5 best hotels in Myrtle Beach

Best Restaurants in Myrtle Beach: Myrtle Beach boasts a diverse culinary scene with something for every palate. Indulge in fresh seafood at Mr. Fish Seafood Market, known for its delicious fish dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Seafood lovers shouldn't miss Hook & Barrel, where you can enjoy innovative seafood dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Savor flavors at Myrtle Beach's top 10 restaurants

Myrtle Beach with Kids: Treat your little ones to an unforgettable spring break evening at Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, where they can witness swashbuckling stunts and enjoy a delicious feast fit for buccaneers. For animal lovers, Myrtle Beach Safari offers interactive wildlife tours where kids can get up close with exotic animals and learn about conservation efforts. Discover family-friendly fun in Myrtle Beach

Ice Cream — Where Is It?! When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, Myrtle Beach has plenty of options. Head to Mad Myrtle's Ice Creamery, conveniently located just a short walk from the iconic SkyWheel. Choose from a variety of homemade ice cream flavors and enjoy a refreshing treat while taking in views of the beach. Find your ice cream destination in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Breweries: Craft beer enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Myrtle Beach. Crooked Hammock Brewery offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can enjoy a variety of house-brewed beers and delicious pub fare. New South Brewing is another favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its innovative brews and friendly staff. See what's on tap at Myrtle Beach breweries

When to Visit Outside of Spring Break: Myrtle Beach hosts a wide range of events throughout the year, ensuring there's always something exciting happening beyond Spring Break. From the Sun Fun Festival in June, featuring live music, food vendors, and a parade, to the Myrtle Beach Marathon in March, attracting runners from around the world, there's no shortage of entertainment options. Learn more about the top 14 events in Myrtle Beach.

People in pirate costumes at the Greenville NC PirateFest

The pirates are descending upon Greenville for the annual PirateFest!

Spring Break Pirate Takeover!

Get ready to hoist the Jolly Roger and set sail for spring break adventure at the annual PirateFest in Greenville, NC! Taking place on April 20, 2024, from 11 AM to 8:30 PM, this swashbuckling extravaganza transforms the streets of Greenville into a bustling pirate haven.

Located in the heart of downtown along the Tar River, PirateFest offers a treasure trove of activities for all ages, including live music, thrilling performances, interactive exhibits, and of course, plenty of pirate-themed fun!

As you explore PirateFest, keep an eye out for exciting events like the Pirate Encampment, where you can experience life as a buccaneer, or the Pirate Parade, featuring colorful floats and costumed characters. Don't miss the Pirate Battle at the waterfront, where ships clash and cannons roar in a spectacle straight out of a pirate tale.

Curious to learn some interesting, lesser-known facts about North Carolina's rich pirate history?

  • North Carolina's coastal waters were a favorite haunt of the infamous pirate Blackbeard. Legend has it that he often hid out in the shallow inlets and hidden coves along the Outer Banks.
  • Blackbeard's flagship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, ran aground off the coast of Beaufort, NC, in 1718. Today, the wreck is a popular dive site and archaeological treasure trove.
  • Known as the “Gentleman Pirate,” Stede Bonnet was a wealthy landowner who turned to piracy in the early 18th century. He operated along the coast of North Carolina before being captured and hanged in Charleston, SC.
  • Established in 1705, Bath is North Carolina's oldest town and was once a notorious haven for pirates. It's said that the pirate Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard, visited Bath frequently.
  • In 1718, Blackbeard was killed in a fierce battle with British naval forces off the coast of Ocracoke Island, NC. His severed head was then hung from the bowsprit of the victor's ship as a gruesome trophy.
Two people waiting to do the Richard Petty Driving Experience in Concord NC

Gearing up for the NASCAR Racing Experience! | Photo credit @richardpettydrivingexperience (Instagram)

Take On The Richard Petty Driving Experience In Concord, NC!

Embark on the ultimate adrenaline-fueled adventure with a day trip to Concord, NC. Start your day by fueling up with a hearty breakfast at a local diner before heading to the Charlotte Motor Speedway, home to the iconic Richard Petty Driving Experience. Feel the thrill of speed as you strap into a race car and hit the track under the guidance of professional instructors, channeling your inner NASCAR champion!

Afterward, explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of the sport. For lunch, indulge in classic Southern barbecue at a nearby smokehouse before continuing your adventure. Spend the afternoon shopping and strolling through Concord Mills, one of the largest shopping malls in the state, where you can find everything from designer brands to outlet bargains.

 

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival logo.

What's better than beer, bourbon, and barbecue? Having it all in the same place!

Enter To Win Tickets To Four Charlotte Food Festivals!

The spring break fun doesn't have to end in April…now's your chance to enter to win FREE tickets to not one…not two…not three…but FOUR (all) food festivals, all in the Queen City in 2024! We're sure you'll even find pimento cheese incorporated in some of the tasty festival concoctions.

Here's a teaser of what you get to experience at three of the festivals that take place over the course of a year:

May 18: Beer Bourbon & BBQ Return to the beloved setting of Ballantyne’s Backyard for Charlotte’s premier event: the Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival. This 17th annual celebration promises a true Southern experience, featuring beer, bourbon, barbeque, live music, and more.

Admission grants a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings, with the iconic Shrine of Swine showcasing whole hogs and surprises. VIP Admission offers extended sampling hours, a BBQ Dinner Plate, exclusive lounge access, and live entertainment. Indulge in seminars with industry experts, groove to live bands, and explore a variety of rubs, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories.

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