roofer in Myrtle Beach, SC

MURRELLS INLET, S.C. (WPDE) — The rumbling of motorcycles along the Grand Strand is back! The 2023 Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally is in full throttle.

Inlet Crab House manager Mandy Coyner has been working bike week for the last six years.

"We absolutely make sure we have enough staff on hand, we order some more t-shirts, get more apparel in for everyone. We have plenty of people ready to work and provide the hospitality we need to give to the people coming in," Coyner said.

She said they see a huge spike in business each year.

"It brings in a great, huge crowd and it’s great for the economy, we love that. You have to plan for a little bit of extra travel time, because of the traffic, but without these people, we wouldn’t thrive the way we do, so we’re grateful for all the business," she said.

TRENDING: 9-year-old girl missing since Saturday found 'safe and in good health,' suspect in custody

Right next door, multiple vendors set up shop in the parking lot of Barnacle Bills.

Chad Fuller is an attorney who works closely with the bar to prepare for bike week.

"You have to make sure, you know parking lots are cleared off, clean, you have traffic flow coming in and out. Obviously, motorcycles and their low-speed maneuvers can be pretty tricky if you don’t have a safe environment for them to ride on. So that’s one of the things we want to make sure," Fuller said. "We also want to make sure vendors are set up to where they are in a safe place, they are not going to impede traffic, we’re not impeding visions in and out of the road, entering roadways.”

TRENDING: Critical injuries reported in crash involving motorcycle near Hwy 501

Lori and Ed Dukats from Tennessee have been traveling for Bike Fest for the last 10 years.

"We have friends from all over and this is where we all come with our RVs and we meet up together and we ride and we have a wonderful time," Lori Dukats said.

They love it so much, that they’re celebrating their 38th anniversary together at Bike Fest.

"If you ask anybody, this is us, that we ride motorcycles and we’re very outgoing and traveling and this is what we like to do," she said.

The businesses asked the public to be mindful and aware of the bikers when they’re out on the roads this week.

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

The festivities wrap up on Oct. 8.

The estimated cost for a planned man-made surf park in downtown Myrtle Beach has swollen by more than $16 million from its original $54 million price tag, but developers behind the blockbuster project vow to open within a year of finalizing its contract with city leaders.

The site, envisioned on a 21-acre parcel along Robert M. Grissom Parkway, would anchor a burgeoning sports entertainment district within the city that includes a Tiger Woods-backed mini golf experience known as Popstroke, Topgolf and new Broadway at the Beach additions such as The Hangout, which opened last year.

Jonathan Paris, executive director of sports tourism for Visit Myrtle Beach, called those offerings a “dependable, growing economic driver” for Grand Strand communities.

“Whether it’s youth or collegiate championships, or even professional events like the new PGA Myrtle Beach Classic coming this May ... sports events are ideal for bringing in teams, and their families and fans, for extended stays year-round, especially during the fall and winter months.”

Paris said sports tourism, which generates about $40 billion in annual economic impact, poured $154 million into Myrtle Beach last year.

And in 2021, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans attracted nearly 250,000 fans — putting the Chicago Cubs’ class A affiliate 58th nationally out of 120 minor league teams and anchoring a booming sports tourism sector that’s added nearly $200 million into the city’s economy since 2016.

Jeff Skelley, a local entrepreneur whose SurfWorks team is behind the venture, aims to create South Carolina’s first man-made surf park, complete with a 10,000 seat amphitheater and technology capable of creating waves nearly 8 feet high.

A peek behind SurfWorks’ partners gives clues about its entertainment options, which would deepen the local sports tourism market.

According to information provided by the company, the project’s investment partners include several leading names in the sports entertainment industry, such as:

Puttshack in 2021 completed a $60 million growth capital round led by Promethean Investments, a major backer of the surf park.

Officials are projecting a grand opening in the spring of 2026 after recently getting a six-month extension from city leaders to close on the site.

A November Sports and Fitness Industry Association report found participation in surfing has grown by 35% between 2019 and 2021.

“This is not city money going into this. These people approached us to buy land that we didn’t really have a use for, so I’m willing to work with them if they’re asking for more time,” city council member Gregg Smith said.

Given its year-round seasonable weather and proximity to other major southeastern cities that are regular tour stops for artists, SurfWorks chief development officer Phil Dixon believes Myrtle Beach is poised to benefit once the site opens.

Much smaller venues like The Bowl at Sugar Hill, a 1,750-seat amphitheater located behind the Atlanta suburb’s city hall, have hosted concerts from the likes of Collective Soul, Kool & The Gang, Pat Benatar and Travis Tritt.

“The thing that matters most with these is having great facilities for the artists themselves when they get here, and we’re working on that now to be able to attract those big name artists,” Dixon said. “We’re making sure when those artists show up, they can just plug in and be ready to go.”

Dixon told The Sun News that American Surf Parks plans to partner with Live Nation and ASM Global on booking 15 to 18 “big shows a year,” with smaller, locally-focused events blended in.

The company’s’ deal with city leaders also ensures ample parking without disrupting area businesses and neighborhoods.

“That’s really the key piece,” Dixon said. “We can have a lot of big events there in the summer months.”

Where the Carolina Country Music Festival pours more than $20 million into the region annually, Smith believes the amphitheater will extend Myrtle Beach’s reputation for live music.

“Live music is something that we’ve been wanting to expand on. Besides where the CCMF (Carolina Country Music Festival) is, we don’t have a real, dedicated space that can hold a large amount of people, so that’s something that we wanted,” he said.

Plans for the amphitheater come at the same time as Horry County leaders move forward with development of an arena-sized facility to host agricultural and equestrian events.

The county last September bought 498 acres along Hardwick Road for $4.4 million — about 8 miles from downtown Conway.

Arts-related tourism, including museum visits and musical performances, had a $14 billion economic impact statewide in 2022, according to recent S.C. Arts Commission report.

South Carolina is known for its stunning beaches, fun family attractions, and entertainment options, and nowhere quite embodies the state's coastal soul than Myrtle Beach - a favorite yet budget-friendly vacation destination along the South Carolina coast.

Amid the mini golf courses, amusement parks, and other popular paid activities, visitors may be surprised to discover that this spot is among the many cheap places to travel in the South; there are loads of affordable and even free things to do in Myrtle Beach. With 60 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline, a vibrant downtown boardwalk, scenic walks and trails, and abundant concerts and events, Myrtle Beach offers budget-friendly travel and entertainment for travelers of all interests.

Whether travelers wish to relax on the beach, explore local art and culture, or take in stunning views of the marshlands and coastline, there are plenty of things to do in Myrtle Beach for free without spending anything at all. From exploring world-class shopping centers to catching minor league baseball games and enjoying fishing expeditions and walking tours, the list goes on and on.

Visitors looking for free bucket list experiences in the US truly need to book a getaway to this fun South Carolina beach vacation spot; those on a budget will be glad to know that they can still make the most of their trip without emptying their wallets will find everything they need with this list of the best free attractions in Myrtle Beach.

Related:10 Dog-Friendly Hotels In Myrtle Beach To Unleash The Perfect Vacation With Your Furry Friend

Enjoy The Free Beaches In Myrtle Beach

A sunset evening night view of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, SC, USA

The beaches of Myrtle Beach are the main draw for many visitors. Stretching for miles along the Atlantic coastline, the wide sandy beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and taking in the seaside views.

Beach access is free and open to the public at numerous points along Ocean Boulevard and other roads parallel to the shore. Travelers can set up a spot on the sand to relax or walk along the coast.

Explore Broadway At The Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina at sunrise

Broadway at the Beach is one of Myrtle Beach's most popular destinations, home to shops, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment. While certain experiences at the complex cost money, exploring and window shopping in the vibrant complex is free.

Visitors can soak up the sights, sounds, and energy while strolling along the streets and checking out attractions like the famous Ripley's Aquarium and WonderWorks. There are often street performers and events to enjoy as well.

Take A Scenic Walk Along The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk And Promenade

Travelers can stretch their legs on the scenic Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade, which runs along the oceanfront for over a mile from 14th Avenue North to 2nd Avenue North.

The wide wooden boardwalk offers excellent beach and ocean views with places to stop and sit. People can stroll along at their leisure, play at the various parks and playgrounds, and enjoy great spots for watching sunrise or sunset over the water.

7 Visit The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk

The quaint fishing village of Murrells Inlet is just south of Myrtle Beach and home to the MarshWalk. This half-mile-long walkway overlooks one of the largest saltwater marshes along the East Coast, offering wonderful boats, wildlife, and natural scenery sights.

Travelers of all ages can walk the wooden boardwalk loop and read informational panels about the ecology of the salt marsh ecosystem while taking in views of Clambank Creek, the inlet, and the Atlantic.

Related:10 Cheap North Myrtle Beach Hotels That Offer Affordable Retreats Along The Coast

6 Go Fishing

Man fishing at Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas offer fantastic fishing, much of which is easily accessible for free. Like the popular Cherry Grove Pier, anglers can find public fishing piers spaced along the coastline.

The shorelines and creeks accessed from the beaches also provide fishing spots and scenic bridges like the old U.S. 17 causeway at Garden City. Travelers must pick up an inexpensive fishing license and bait or lure to try their luck catching whiting, red drum, croaker, flounder, and more.

5 Spend Time In Nature At Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach State Park, South Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA

For a beautiful natural escape, the Myrtle Beach State Park provides 312 acres of maritime forest, marshes, and beaches open daily from sunrise to sunset. Visitors can explore three miles of woodland and beachfront trails, fish from the pier, picnic at the facilities, and observe area birds and wildlife, all free of charge.

The park is just south of Myrtle Beach, providing a scenic place to enjoy views over the ocean and immerse in coastal Carolina nature.

4 Attend A Free Concert Or Festival In Myrtle Beach

A muscian plays the Dobro in a Bluegrass Band in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach is known for its thriving entertainment and events scene, with many free concerts and festivals held throughout the warmer months. The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade usually hosts free weekly concerts for visitors, with great music and ocean views.

Other venues, like the Band Shell in North Myrtle Beach (a great area with plenty to do), have concerts, too. There are also fun free festivals like the Canadian-American Days Festival with live music, food, and activities.

3 Visit The Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball Stadium

Stores at Downtown Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans are a Minor League Baseball team, and visiting their family-friendly stadium provides free and affordable entertainment in the summer months.

Travelers can catch a game for free by watching over the outfield fences and picnic area. Or visitors can get discount tickets to enjoy America's pastime and ballpark food at TicketReturn.com Field along the coast. Baseball fans and families will have a budget-friendly night taking in a Pelicans game.

2 See Masterpieces At The Myrtle Beach Art Museum

Drew Brophy Retrospective Exhibit at Myrtle Beach Museum of Art

For free culture and air conditioning on hot days, the Myrtle Beach Art Museum is one of the free museums in Myrtle Beach where travelers can immerse themselves in coastal history and cultural displays.

Visitors can peruse works featuring regional themes and American life, including paintings, photography, sculptures, etc. The museum also hosts cultural events like lectures and live music, allowing visitors to expand their horizons without spending a dime.

Related:10 Fun Things To Do At Myrtle Beach To Unleash Your Seaside Adventure

1 Take A Free Walking Tour Of Myrtle Beach

People walking on North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Walking tours can be a great way to explore a new destination while learning about its history and sights. Myrtle Beach has organizations like Celebrate Myrtle Beach that offer free guided walking tours around downtown, Historic Conway, and more.

Knowledgeable guides lead groups around key attractions in Myrtle Beach and share fun facts and stories about the area. Overall, free tours in Myrtle Beach are a nice way for travelers to get oriented and learn about the area while getting some exercise.

When the sky darkens at midday, the temperature drops and nighttime insects start chirping later this October, it won’t be a catastrophic event, but a solar eclipse.

On Oct. 14, a solar eclipse will be visible in the United States, and curious South Carolinians can experience it.

Learn how you can experience this rare astronomical phenomenon.

The partial solar eclipse will be visible on Oct. 14, 2023, weather permitting. The peak of the eclipse will occur a little after 1 p.m.

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon comes between the Earth and the sun, blocking the sun’s light on Earth. When the moon blocks out some of the sun, that is what’s called a partial solar eclipse. Those in the path of totality can see the moon entirely in front of the sun.

This October there will be an annular eclipse, where those in the path of totality will see a “ring of fire” around the moon, when the sun isn’t entirely blocked out.

In 2017, South Carolina experienced a total solar eclipse, where the whole sun was covered in the path of totality. This is because the moon was closer than the Earth and appeared larger than it will be this October.

The most recent solar eclipse passed through the United States in 2017 and the last annular eclipse happened in May 2012. An annular solar eclipse won’t pass through South Carolina again until January 2028.

In South Carolina, 40-50% of the sun will be covered at the peak of the eclipse, according to Time and Date.

Shadows appear sharper and light looks different during an eclipse, said Ian Hewitt, astronomy instructor at Coastal Carolina University.

“Your brain is telling you something’s off,” Hewitt said.

While you may be tempted to look at the eclipse with your bare eyes, that causes eye damage. Even observing through dark sunglasses, a camera or a standard telescope is harmful.

If you want to see the eclipse from home, Hewitt recommended buying eclipse glasses from a reputable source or making a simple pinhole camera out of paper.

Many local astronomy clubs or universities are also planning viewing parties, with specialized solar telescopes and other equipment.

The eclipse is going to occur when it occurs, regardless of the weather, Hewitt said. If clouds or rain fill the sky during October’s eclipse, unfortunately you won’t be able to see it. “That’s just kind of to deal with astronomy, it’s very weather dependent,” Hewitt said.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, with the path of totality passing through states including Texas, Ohio and Maine.

Next year will also bring two lunar eclipses, one in March and another in September.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Cooks and chili lovers from all over made their way to Myrtle Beach for the 56th Annual World Championship Chili Cook-off.

Sunday was the final day of the “Beach ‘n Chili Fest” competition, and the cooks did not come to play.

Throughout the competition, they made all kinds of chili — like homestyle, verde, salsa, and the final challenge; traditional red.

Myrtle Beach has been the home of the competition for the past three years.

“We’re cooking some great chili here today in this beautiful Myrtle Beach setting here,” said Jim McCusker, a competitor from Philadelphia. “Couldn’t get any better than the beach behind you.”

The annual cook-off was created by the International Chili Society, which was formed in 1967.

After winning local events all over the country, professional chili teams came to Myrtle Beach to be crowned the ultimate chili master for the 2023 season.

“Everyone that’s here today cooking in the world championship had to win another championship to qualify to get here,” said Don Cullum, a competitor from Houston. “So, you’ve got literally world-class cooks that are all cooking today. So, the best chili in the world.”

Cullum said it’s a hobby for him, and to make it fun, he decided to compete against his wife.

“So, we do this as a hobby. My wife and I both retired. So, we travel, we travel the country,” he said. “There’s certain cook-offs we like to make every year. So, we, just a little hobby for us and we compete against each other. It makes it a little bit more fun.”

While some change up their chili recipes, others, like Michael Stewart, stick with the same one for years.

“I’ve been doing this since the mid-80s,” Stewart said. “I can go back probably 15 years and see exactly what I did.”

The cook-off filled the Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion, and hundreds of people got to enjoy all different types of chili.

“Just here on vacation, found that they were having a chili contest on the paper and decided, ‘hey, why not?'” Hilda Edger said. “Let’s go. Really good. A lot of it’s a stiff competition, I think.”

Competitors and spectators all said they’re counting down the days until next year for the nex chili festival.

Gracie is a multimedia journalist at News 13 and is from Cleveland, Ohio. Gracie joined the team in June 2023 after graduating from the University of Alabama in May 2023. Follow Gracie on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter & read more of her work here.