Myrtle Beach: Where the Heart of the City Throbs in Every Direction!
Ah, Myrtle Beach! Known for its golden sandy beaches and the hustle and bustle of summer tourism, this charming city isn’t just defined by its coast. Over the past few years, city officials have been eagerly focusing their efforts on revitalizing what’s known as the Arts and Innovation District downtown, but guess what? Myrtle Beach is buzzing with activity in more than one spot that can lay claim to the title of “downtown”! Enter — the Market Common, a vibrant area that’s affectionately been dubbed “Myrtle Beach’s Uptown Downtown.”
Two Downtowns or Just One?
Now, you might be scratching your head wondering, “Which one should I refer to when talking about downtown?” Well, it turns out both downtown Myrtle Beach and The Market Common could fit the bill! In fact, they meet some interesting criteria defined by the International Downtown Association. Think of things like being centrally located and having a sizeable chunk of retail, food, and beverage sales, as well as plenty of job opportunities.
Navigating the Boundaries
But here’s the catch – pinpointing the exact boundaries of these downtown areas is like trying to find the end of a rainbow! There’s no clear, publicly available map that shows where one area ends, and another begins. The Sun News reached out to various local agencies to shine a light on this mystery. While we got some guidance, questions still linger like a summer’s evening breeze.
According to the definition from Merriam-Webster, “downtown” refers to the “main business district or central part of a city.” So it seems that your typical downtown could be lounging in the most unexpected spots. A report from the International Downtown Association also noted that vibrant downtowns in the U.S. usually contribute an impressive 35% of a city’s hotel rooms, 9% of retail and dining sales, and a whopping 24% of city jobs! That’s some serious economic clout!
The Heart of Downtown Myrtle Beach
When you look at a map provided by the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, downtown Myrtle Beach stretches from 21st Avenue North, all the way to 12th Avenue South along the sparkling coastline. However, the inland boundaries are not quite as clearly defined, meandering haphazardly through different streets, which can be a bit confusing for newcomers and locals alike.
Meredith Denari, the city’s public information director, confirmed the navy blue outline on the map as the area that constitutes downtown. But hold on – there’s more! Just outside of this is a lighter blue area, highlighting neighborhoods that are keen on joining the downtown conversation in the future. Denari mentioned that these neighborhoods are regularly engaged about potential redevelopment and revitalization opportunities.
A Peek at The Market Common
Switching gears to The Market Common, this area sprang up from what used to be a U.S. Air Force base, creating a charming yet lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors. Denari pointed out that while there isn’t a specific outline for The Market Common, it is often recognized from the highway entrance all the way to a nearby shopping center.
So, if you find yourself wandering in Myrtle Beach, just remember: whether you’re in the hustle and bustle of downtown or the cozy vibe of The Market Common, you’re surrounded by that lively downtown spirit, packed with shops, restaurants, and a vibrant community that embraces both work and play!
While each area has its charm, they both contribute to the essential fabric of Myrtle Beach. So the next time someone asks you about where to go downtown, you can confidently share the joys of exploring either downtown Myrtle Beach or The Market Common, and who knows, maybe you’ll uncover your own little piece of paradise in the process!
