A Family Week in Myrtle Beach

October 8: The drive to the coast

We left after work, close to 6 p.m., and started the six-hour drive to Myrtle Beach. A few brief stops broke up an otherwise straightforward trip, and we reached our Country Inn & Suites late that night.

The hotel gave us a place to sleep near the beach before moving into our VRBO the next afternoon.

October 9: A rainy day before check-in

Our VRBO was not available until 4 p.m., so we used the day to explore. Rain changed the plan and ruled out golf, sending us to Broadway at the Beach instead.

We tried tastings at Kentucky Mist Distillery and Carolina Winery, although neither became a highlight. Lunch at Wahlburgers was much better and ended up being the best part of our rainy Broadway visit.

We spent the rest of the afternoon driving the coast, browsing Ross and the mall, and buying groceries at Walmart. We still did not have the check-in instructions, so a quick phone call was necessary before we could finally get into the room and unpack.

McAlister's was an easy dinner that evening. The baked potatoes were enormous, so my wife paired half of one with a salad while I had the other half with a sandwich.

October 10: Family arrives and the first round of golf

My sister and her family joined us Sunday. Before they arrived, my brother-in-law and I played Azalea Sands Golf Club.

The course was affordable and decent for the price, but it was also crowded. Even so, it felt good to begin the vacation with a round.

That evening, we tried to eat at River City Café, but every location we checked was packed. Brixx Pizza became the backup. I ordered a honey-and-sausage pizza, and my wife chose a margherita. A walk on the beach after dinner gave the day a quiet finish.

October 11: Beach time, a distillery, and better golf

Monday finally brought the beach weather we had been waiting for. My brother-in-law and I also stopped at Twelve 33 Distillery before our second round.

The tasting cost extra, but the welcoming atmosphere made it worthwhile. From there, we played Eagles Nest Golf Club. The course was in better condition than the previous day's, and our scramble went well—we only lost a couple of balls and had plenty of laughs.

We used a gift card for a big Zaxby's dinner that night, an easy choice after a full day outside.

October 12: Topgolf and a relaxed beach day

Tuesday started at Topgolf. Half-price play made the outing more reasonable, and we added sangria and chicken dip while everyone took turns hitting.

Food for the group still pushed the total to about $140, but the combination of golf, drinks, and a shared meal made it a fun family activity rather than just another round.

We spent the rest of the day in the sun and finished with Japanese food for dinner.

October 13: Barefoot Landing and Duplin Winery

On Wednesday, we wandered through the shops at Barefoot Landing and revisited wineries and distilleries with the rest of the group.

Duplin Winery stood out. For about $12 at the time, the tasting included wine, dip, and a glass. It felt like a much more complete experience than some of the earlier tastings.

We did not reach the beach until around 3 p.m., but there was still enough afternoon left to enjoy the sand and water. Dinner was at Nacho Hippo. Most of the table chose nachos, while I tried a tuna taco and a fried-green-tomato taco.

October 14: Fishing from Apache Pier

Thursday became our fishing day at Apache Pier. We spent time talking with other anglers, watched stingrays come over the rail, and managed to wrestle a few fish of our own onto the line.

Instead of going out again that night, we cooked a large dinner at the rental: spaghetti, Alfredo, scallops, crab cakes, shrimp, and more. It was one of those meals that worked because everyone contributed and nobody had to rush.

October 15: One last beach day

Friday was our final day at the beach. We eventually made it into River City Café after missing out earlier in the week, and my meatloaf burger was worth the wait.

Cold Stone Creamery supplied dessert and a simple ending to a week that never depended on one big attraction. Golf, fishing, food, shopping, and unplanned walks by the water filled the spaces around the beach—and spending the week with family was what tied it all together.