During the past few years we’ve been lucky enough to spend a few days at Myrtle Beach each February. We are the guests of my in-laws.
I do quite a bit of cooking while there, Dan does lots of reading and swimming. We both eagerly seek out interesting destinations and eateries.
During low season there isn’t much beach time but there is time to savor good eats. We’ve landed seats in a few dud destinations, been back to places we’ve enjoyed only to find things have changed, and then there are the little gems.
We can talk food later, let us begin with Brookgreen Gardens.
When you arrive at the welcome center you are greeted to a display of flowers currently in bloom. There were beauties in bloom during February!
Speak with the welcoming team to get the scoop on the property or just look at the map and hope for the best. I’d suggest finding out times for the garden tour and planning that into your visit. Take it. You’ll learn more than I can ever tell you or you can read in a pamphlet. Unless you are a know-it-all. Then visit by yourself. No one like a know-it-all.
As you make your way from garden to pond you’ll notice that birds and moss fill the trees. So many songs, so much moss!
Visit the Brookgreen garden website and this letter sums up what the Brookgreen Gardens has to offer. It’s more than just a garden.
For 85 years, Brookgreen Gardens has been an inspiration, refuge and retreat for our community. We hope residents and visitors will take pride in the fact that in their midst is one of America’s premier gardens.
Brookgreen Gardens is one of the few places in the United States to have earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as well as being designated a National Historic Landmark and listed on the Register of National Historic Places.
Everyday, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs, and exhibits for all ages. You may stroll through the gardens on a guided tour or explore these beautiful spaces on your own. Each season, new exhibitions and special events make Brookgreen Gardens…Ever Changing. Simply Amazing.
See you in the gardens!
Bob Jewell
President and CEO
I want to tell you so much about this garden but it is easier to read the notes from their website. 9,100 acres! I’d really love to visit in the summer but stopping by in the winter was lovely, too.
Brookgreen Gardens is the floral jewel of South Carolina’s coastal community. Located south of Myrtle Beach, the 9,100-acre property is a testament to the natural landscapes that surrounded this site.
Known as the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden, this garden was designed in 1931 by Anna Hyatt Huntington in the shape of a spread wing butterfly.Click here to read more.
The sculptures are stunning and the horticulture, even in February, were full of color. Each statue has a story. Again, do the guided tour.
Before we say adieu, let’s talk about some of the places where Dan and I like to nosh and sip.
The Grump Monk || Go. For the beer and the service. We didn’t plan time to stay and eat.
New South Brewing || Go. Go again. Sometimes there is a food truck but always pretty darn good beer.
Atlas Tap House || Good bar eats (smoked mac and cheese bites) great beer selection and bourbon and whiskey flights
River City Cafe || A go-to go burgers or anything fried. They even had a vegan/veg burger. Fun vibe.
Flying Fish Public Market & Grill || It’s in a touristy area but the food, view and service was pretty darn nice.
Calabash Seafood Hut || There may be long lines. I think everything was fried but it’s a favorite of the locals at Friday lunch special time of day.
Thai Lao Restaurant Yum || Going back to try again. Came as a referral from a local brewer. Good call.
E-Noodle || Quick and tasty. Easy.
Jerusalem || Been once. Food was great. Wanna go back!
Duffy’s Tavern || For burgers, beer, fresh-cut fries and a local vibe. It is smokey.
The Brass Tap || Good beer eating options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike
I didn’t even list places south of Myrtle Beach. Maybe another time.
We ate here. I’ll leave it at that.
King Street Grill
Gordon Biersch Brewery
Liberty Brewery & Grill
Oh, hey! Any by the way, if you have little one who love the ocean as much as we do, please visit this page. I would have loved it as a little one, when I daydreamed of being an oceanographer.
Phoebe, checkout the Fire and Smoke Gastropub the next time you are in town.
That will have to go on the list! Thanks, Janet!
Glad you had a chance to get away. I’ve never been to Myrtel Beach but hope to visit this summer. Thanks for your recommendations. Great photos of the gardens!
Thank you, Nancy. Good eats are hard to find on the road. The gardens are a must see. They also have a little farm area and a butterfly house (closed when we were there).