Old and New: The black-and-white photos show just one of many Myrtle Beach Pavilions on the oceanfront, the last of which was razed in 2006.
Getting Underway: Crowds rolled in early each day of the four-day inaugural Carolina Country Music Festival in June, filling the empty lots at Ninth Avenue North and Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach.
The Pavilion Amusement Park used to occupy the grounds where the country music festival was held.
Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Bring on the Country: With the Atlantic Ocean as its backdrop, the inaugural four-day Carolina County Music Fest drew upwards of 16,000 paid concertgoers, infusing downtown Myrtle Beach with welcomed revenue.
Country music artist Ricky Young
Festival Central: The Oceanfront Merchants Association produces several large outdoor concert festivals each year, including a St. Patrick’s Day festival in March and Oktoberfest, drawing some 10,000 attendees downtown. OMA will expand its festival schedule by adding a Reggae Fest in October and a Mardi Gras festival in 2016.
New Dining Options: New restaurants open regularly in the downtown area, including Banditos and ART Burger Sushi Bar.
Growing Sport Venue: Local sports apparel company, Native Sons, sponsors The Salt Games each summer, drawing thousands to compete and watch a wide variety of athletic competitions and to enjoy concerts on the oceanfront.