No doubt, the Grand Strand is an area rich in history and nostalgia. This 60-mile stretch of land along the northern coast of South Carolina has long been one of the most popular vacation destinations. According to Wikipedia, the term Grand Strand dates back to a the winter of 1949, taken from headlines in The Myrtle Beach Sun and The Myrtle Beach News, with the word “Strand” meaning “Beach” in German. But of course, the Myrtle Beach area dates much farther back than that.
When you think of days gone by, the sights and sounds of shag dancing clubs, tourists strolling along the wooden boardwalk, and the historic Myrtle Beach Pavilion fill your head with wonder and wistful affection. Capture a little bit of that magic by taking a turn on one of these three historic carousels on the Grand Strand.
The Pavilion Carousel
This stunning 1921 Herschell-Spillman carousel features 23 unique menagerie animals, two chariots, and music from a Wurlitzer organ. It was a favorite at the historic Pavilion amusement park in downtown Myrtle Beach until the park closed in 2006, and now resides at the East section of Pavilion Nostalgia Park, located at Broadway at the Beach. There is also a second, newer carousel in the West section.
The Carousel at Family Kingdom
This amusement park by the sea has been delighting both children and adults for over 40 years. Located on Ocean Boulevard in the heart of Myrtle Beach, Family Kingdom is home to more than 35 thrilling rides, including the historic Swamp Fox wooden roller coaster. But the highlight is the classic carousel, built in 1923 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Part historic, part modern, the machine was saved from Asbury Park, New Jersey, and brought to Myrtle Beach. It was restored to its former glory, with fiberglass horses cast from the original company molds, and panels painted to reflect scenes from South Carolina.
The Carousel at Barefoot Landing
For a taste of a by-gone era, stop by the carousel at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. While not a true antique, this authentic representation of a long-ago Barnum and Bailey carousel honors the spirit of the past and features 41 intricate animals cast from original molds.
For a great place to stay this fall, contact Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach, and keep sharing those Grand Strand family vacation pics! All you have to do is tag us @ Vacation Rentals of NMB or use #vacationrentalsofnmb for a chance to be featured on our site.
The sea, the sun, and the Grand Strand! Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach, LLC, is a premier, full-service, licensed property management company in North Myrtle Beach, SC. Whether you are booking a reservation for your vacation or entrusting us with the management of your property, our professionally trained staff will ensure that all the details of renting the property are handled in a pleasant, stress-free manner. Call us today at 888-488-8588!
Myrtle Beach Barefoot Resort, a division of Vacation Rentals of North Myrtle Beach, is just a hop skip and jump away from the beach and beautiful Barefoot Landing, and was built with golf in mind with four of the most amazing golf courses in the area. When planning your vacation getaway, Myrtle Beach Barefoot Resort will help you make the most of your visit to the Grand Strand. Call us today at 800-548-9904!
