Frequent flyers were given a false sense of security.
They head out on a vacation or business trip, forget to snag their spouse or children a keepsake of the trip, and then hit up the airport gift shop on their way back home. It’s not fooling anyone, no matter how hard you try to scratch the label off the tag.
That tee shirt or water bottle isn’t going to prevent the inevitable.
You’ll be branded as unthoughtful. Good luck living that down in the five years that follow. Trust us, it’s a mistake not worth making.
When you come to Myrtle Beach for your days on the links with the gals or guys, a little forward planning can keep you in everyone’s good graces – and possibly make the next excursion a little easier to plan. Check out these evergreen and local shops that won’t have you attempting to get a hermit crab in the overhead bin.
THE HAMMOCK SHOPS VILLAGE
The Hammock Shops envelop two pretty good restaurants – Bisquit and Local. So, if you’re on the south end and about to grab a bite, go spend an extra 30 or 60 minutes and hit up any of the locally owned shops on the Pawleys Island property. The Beach House can add a taste of the Grand Strand to your home decor. A bottle from Coastal Wine Boutique can add a taste to your palette. Or, hit up the Original Hammock Shop and bring home (or ship) a bit of relaxation.
THE LAZY GATOR
The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk is jammed with dining and entertainment options galore. They’ve been attracting golf groups for post-round meals for decades. A quick few steps away from the “other” boardwalk in the area lies The Lazy Gator, a true mom-and-pop gift shop complete with a row of rocking chairs and a pirate ship for the kiddos out front. But if you’re here without the fam, pop in and get one of the locally crafted wood carvings or the like for those back home.
GAY DOLPHIN GIFT COVE
If you’re going to hit up one of the numerous beach-themed gift shops, at least make it the icon of the bunch. The Gay Dolphin is one of the oldest family-owned businesses in Myrtle Beach, and the multi-level building (they’ve obviously grown since 1946) is a bit of a mind-blowing experience. It’s all nestled in the heart of the Boardwalk area, and with a little time, you’ll find that perfect combination of Myrtle Beach memorabilia.
CALLAHAN’S OF CALABASH
Place a ship in a bottle and some high-end taffy in your kid’s hands or monogrammed non-tip can holder in his, and your return home may get a little better. If you’re already playing just across the border in North Carolina, go the extra mile, grab a basket as you enter the 30,000-square-foot building and load up. It won’t break the bank, and the ability to bring your loved ones something home from two states could double up the enjoyment.
MONKEE’S
If you’ve been splurging on the golf, why not do the same for her? Monkee’s at Barefoot Landing can hook you up with a handbag, clothes, shoes, or jewelry that she’ll know came from Myrtle Beach without it saying so loudly across the item(s). Although it’s a franchised location, Monkee’s is locally owned. Because of that, their return policy is accommodating if you didn’t get the sizing just right.
DOUBLE-DIPPING
Even if your spouse doesn’t golf, gear from the clubhouse isn’t out of the equation. Many of the courses up and down the Strand have made a killing at selling merchandise that is only available through them. A high-end pullover or rain jacket (we’ve heard it sometimes rains on non-golfers, too) may get them more in the swing, or at least show them you were thinking of them when you were out of town. Just tread carefully and don’t go all in on the water bottle.
