Exploring Inclusivity in Myrtle Beach: A New Show That Shines a Spotlight on Accessibility
MYRTLE BEACH — If you’re looking for a heartwarming series that showcases the beauty of inclusivity in travel, then you’re in for a treat! A brand-new series, Traveling the Spectrum, has just debuted on Peacock, and it takes us on a delightful journey through Myrtle Beach focused on families navigating autism.
Released on December 12, this six-part series follows three families—the Hills from Texas, the Gielinks from Ohio, and the Tilks from Michigan—as they explore the fun and excitement the Grand Strand has to offer. It’s all about showing the world that travel is for everyone, no matter what challenges they face!
Why This Series Matters
The beauty of Traveling the Spectrum lies in its mission to highlight accessibility. The show was created in collaboration with Visit Myrtle Beach and The WorkShop Content Studios, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. Becky Large, executive director of Champion Autism Network and the Autism Travel Club, has been advocating for this cause for years and is thrilled to see it come to life on screen.
“It’s so important for people to understand the significance of inclusivity and reducing judgment,” she shared with excitement. “The show amplifies the support that Myrtle Beach offers to the autistic community.”
Thanks to Visit Myrtle Beach, families traveling to the area can access an autism-friendly travel guide, filled with information about parks, playgrounds, and restaurants specifically accommodating for autistic visitors. “Businesses here train their employees to understand the unique needs of families with autism,” Large added. “This way, visitors can relax and enjoy their time without feeling judged.”
A Peek into the Show
During their adventures, the families visited some of Myrtle Beach’s most beloved spots, including Broadway at the Beach, the Sky Wheel, Savannah’s Playground, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball stadium, and Ripley’s Aquarium. Each location is designed to be sensory-friendly and welcoming to families with autistic members.
One episode that stands out for a lot of viewers features the Hill family at Ripley’s Aquarium. Stuart Butler, chief marketing officer of Visit Myrtle Beach, expressed how meaningful it was to capture moments that showcase how an autistic child can thrive in an environment set up to accommodate their needs. “There’s a touching moment where Mikko, a two-year-old, shows an incredible sign of independence,” he said. “She crawls into a penguin tunnel, completely captivated by the experience!”
Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment
Alex McMinn, the marketing coordinator at Ripley’s Aquarium, emphasized that they go the extra mile to ensure that they host sensory-friendly events. “It’s not just a one-time thing for the families in the show; we have these events every month, and they’re posted on our social media and website,” she explained. This allows families to plan their outings tailored to their needs!
Myrtle Beach’s commitment to inclusivity doesn’t stop with the aquarium. The highlight of this initiative is that it empowers families. “When viewers at home see the joy and fun these families have, it motivates them to get out there and enjoy as well,” McMinn noted.
A Call to Adventure
Butler believes that everyone deserves the chance to travel, citing it as an essential human experience. “Travel transforms lives; it’s a chance to escape the everyday struggles,” he said passionately. “And there’s truly no better place to do that than Myrtle Beach!”
As the sun sets and a chilly night sets in, Myrtle Beach continues to be a haven for families. With a forecast calling for a high of 69°F, and a cozy evening dropping to around 59°F with areas of fog, now is the perfect time to catch some holiday spirit and identify accessible adventures awaiting families here.
So pack your bags and grab your loved ones because Myrtle Beach isn’t just a place for fun in the sun; it’s a beacon of hope for inclusivity in travel! 🌊✈️
