Day 1
It’s rare that we take a trip somewhere we’ve never visited before, but Myrtle Beach was exactly that.
We had to be up early, hauling luggage by 5:00 a.m. before heading to Fort Lauderdale Airport. From there, we flew to Charlotte because, with FIL, there’s never an easy way to get anywhere.
Once we landed in Charlotte, we found one of the best smokehouses around, McKoy’s, serving some of the best smoked meats in the area. We were well taken care of, and then… you won’t believe what happened.
We received a call from our bus driver saying, “Come outside, I have something to show you.”
When we stepped outside, we couldn’t believe what we saw. Our bus, the one that had just dropped us off, was stuck on the incline at Bojangles. Charlotte police, the fire department, and tow trucks had the road blocked off while they worked to get us moving again.
Thank you, Charlotte, for looking out for the FIL family.
Once the bus was back in working order, we loaded up and were finally on our way to Myrtle Beach. Stomachs full, a little sleepy, but excited for the adventure ahead.
From Charlotte, we had about a three-hour bus ride. Over those 200 miles, we passed through valleys, countryside, and small towns. We counted churches along the way until, at last, we saw the Marina Inn at Grande Dunes come into view,the place we’d call home for the next few days.
After checking in, dinner was waiting for us. As the night began to wind down, everyone was already looking forward to experiencing everything Myrtle Beach had to offer the next day.
Day 2
Everyone was up early. Excitement was in the air, and we were all ready to hit the road.
Our first stop was Brookgreen Gardens.
This is one of those places you simply have to experience in person because words don’t quite do it justice.
We began with a riverboat cruise through the historic rice fields that were cultivated by enslaved Africans during the late 1700s. Traveling through those same waterways where so much labor and history unfolded was a powerful and humbling experience.
After the cruise, we explored the 9,000-acre gardens filled with sculptures, ponds, walking paths, flowers, wildlife, and even a zoo. We also walked a historic labyrinth once used for prayer and reflection. Walking those paths made you think about the many people who had walked them before.
After a riverboat cruise and miles of walking, there was only one thing left to do, eat.
What better place than RipTydz?
Serving fresh coastal South Carolina flavors with incredible ocean views, the restaurant was well worth the elevator ride to the third floor. If this was our first meal in Myrtle Beach, the bar had officially been set very high.
With full stomachs came more walking and even more adventures.
Next up was Broadway Grand Prix, one of Myrtle Beach’s premier arcade and go-kart destinations. While some of our residents drive regularly, many don’t, so this gave everyone a chance to get behind the wheel. It may have been a little nerve-racking at first, but watching our residents confidently take those hairpin turns around the track made it completely worth it.
Between the go-karts, mini golf, and arcade games, we were absolutely exhausteeeed by the time we left.
By now you’d probably think we’d head back to the hotel.
Wrong.
Next up was Legends in Concert.
We picked the perfect night because the show featured incredible tribute performances by Pat Benatar, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, and Freddie Mercury. The music had everyone out of their seats, singing and cheering as it took us back to the 80s when these artists had the world in the palm of their hands.
What a perfect way to end the day.
Watching these legendary performers brought to life through talented impersonators captured everyone’s imagination and reminded us why their music continues to inspire people today.
As we headed back to the hotel, we couldn’t stop humming the songs.
“Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
When we reached the hotel lobby, Rico noticed several staff members standing there with their hands on their hips.
One of them sighed and asked,
“Are we ever going to get a break?”
Without missing a beat, Rico smiled and replied,
“Maybe tomorrow.”
Day 3
And then… tomorrow came.
Every morning began with breakfast at the Marina Inn, and I think I can speak for everyone at FIL when I say the Marina Inn staff were phenomenal. Within the first 24 hours, they knew all of us by name. They were attentive, welcoming, and quickly became part of the FIL family.
After breakfast, we took the morning slow.
Some relaxed in the jacuzzi, others swam in the pool overlooking the marina. We listened to boats passing by, the sounds of golf clubs in the distance, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. There was plenty of laughter, conversation, and time to unwind.
A little later, some of us packed up and took the shuttle over to Myrtle Beach.
The weather felt like we had never left Florida: humid, warm, and very windy. The ocean itself was surprisingly warm, but the waves and current were rough. While many of us enjoy swimming, we stayed in the shallows, enjoying the water and the famous Myrtle Beach sand.
After about an hour and a half, it was time to meet back up with everyone for lunch.
River City Cafe was our destination, serving some of the best fresh smash burgers in Myrtle Beach.
One of the restaurant’s most unique traditions is that you’re encouraged to throw your peanut shells right on the floor. There were shells everywhere! On the floor, on shoes, and just about everywhere except the table.
To make things even more interesting, they served peanut butter burgers. A few people were brave enough to order one, and surprisingly… they received a standing ovation.
Before leaving, we gathered everyone together for one of our biggest group photos.
Then it was off to Barefoot Landing.
Barefoot Landing is an outdoor shopping and entertainment district where everyone really got to enjoy their independence. There was no strict schedule, no budget, just friends splitting into groups and enjoying the afternoon however they wanted.
Jewelry, clothing, souvenirs if you wanted it, chances are you could find it there.
Was it a lot of shopping?
Yes.
Was it a lot of walking?
Absolutely.
Were we tired and sweating?
Definitely.
But all that meant was that we had worked up another serious appetite.
Before leaving, we waited about 15 minutes for our shuttle, taking one last look around Barefoot Landing, watching the wildlife, and soaking in the atmosphere one final time.
Dinner that evening was at Joe’s Bar & Grill.
Talk about amazing.
The atmosphere, the staff, and the hospitality were second to none. Not only were they expecting us, but they had reserved the entire second floor just for FIL.
Even though it was only our group upstairs, the mounted deer, moose, geese, and countless other animals decorating the walls made it feel like we had an audience watching us enjoy dinner.
From Ruth’s scallops to Matthew’s surf and turf, prime rib, desserts, and everything in between, Joe’s Bar & Grill exceeded our expectations three times over.
Did we want to leave after eating?
Not at all.
We sat back, enjoyed the moment, and eventually made our way back to the hotel.
Day 4
Breakfast felt different this morning.
There was a quietness in the air.
The kind of silence that comes when you don’t want vacation to end.
The silence of knowing it’s time to say goodbye to the staff who made your stay unforgettable.
The silence of wanting to go home while wishing you had just one more day to explore Myrtle Beach.
Soon it was time to check out.
With our luggage packed and everyone saying their goodbyes, we loaded onto the shuttle. Before heading to the airport, we made one final stop: Broadway at the Beach.
I like to think of Broadway at the Beach as Barefoot Landing’s sibling. They each have their own personality, but both capture that unmistakable Myrtle Beach feeling.
From the boardwalk and shopping to feeding the fish and even buying crickets that somehow became a hit back at the FIL office, it was the perfect final stop.
As we stood by the shuttle preparing to leave, something happened almost naturally.
We all turned back one last time and said,
“Bye, Myrtle Beach.”
Then we climbed aboard and began the trip back to the airport.
Not everyone gets the opportunity to travel, take a road trip, experience a new city, and enjoy incredible food all in one vacation.
We did.
And we did it together with FIL.
Along the way, we learned that no matter what obstacle came our way, even a bus getting stuck, we could overcome it as a team.
That’s exactly what we did.
It was an amazing trip with an amazing group, and one we’ll remember for a long time.
