As Myrtle Beach celebrates 40 Years of Entertainment, it’s worth looking back on how did Myrtle Beach begin? In 1886, a railroad connecting the Myrtle Beach area to Conway, Wilmington and Chadbourn began construction, kicking off a bustling timber business that ran well into the 20th century. In fact, the Myrtle Beach Train Depot was built in the 1930s and survives today. Before that, the Waccamaw River was the main route for commerce. But it wasn’t until 1900 that a contest was held to name the area, and the contest winner was chosen because of the many wax myrtle trees. By the 1930s, Arcady, Pine Lakes, and the Ocean Forest Hotel had opened, ushering in a shift in local industry to tourism.
Steady growth continued into the 1940s and 50s, as the King’s Highway (now part of Highway 17) was paved, and the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base was built. This led to some familiar locales, such as The Bowery, Peaches Corner, and the Gay Dolphin, even though the tourism sector was in the very early stages. The Dunes Golf Club and the Myrtle Beach Pavilion certainly helped, as did the shiny new highway!
The area really took off after it persevered through two major hurricanes, Hazel in 1954, and Hugo in 1989. The modern Strand was born in the 1980s along with the opening of the Carolina Opry in 1986, which is why Myrtle Beach is celebrating 40 Years of Entertainment. It is a testament to the area’s resilience, hospitality, and energy. Increasingly, Myrtle Beach became a destination for oceanfront views, miles of beach, and great food and a variety of entertainment.
Of course, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show is thrilled to be a part of the celebration! We know how important a great show with a fantastic meal can be when you’re on vacation, and for more than a decade, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show has been bringing swashbuckling adventure, acrobatics, live animals, and family-friendly fun to Myrtle Beach audiences. Our own Blackbeard took time out of his busy schedule of plunderin’ and voyagin’ to sit down and chat about what it means to entertain audiences who come to Myrtle Beach.
🎫 Plan your next voyage and get tickets here.
❤️We're honored to be featured in Visit Myrtle Beach's "40 Years of Entertainment" campaign celebrating the theaters and attractions that continue to make The Beach a one-of-a-kind entertainment destination.
🌴 Enter the 40 Years of Entertainment Giveaway for a chance to win a Myrtle Beach getaway, including a 3-night stay and tickets to participating theaters and attractions!
