You can have your Myrtle Beach. I’ll take my Murrell’s Inlet.

We rented an Airbnb a little bit away from the coastline. It was a safe bet to avoid traffic and gain a bit of solitude. But about an hour before our departure, we got the call that the water wasn't working in the house we were supposed to be staying at three and half hours away. It wasn't a huge surprise, being that Hurricane Idalia just went through, but it was very disheartening. Old, emotional, temperamental Megan would have responded, "Fine, we're not going. This trip is just not supposed to happen." And then I would have sulked all weekend long in a mood where no one would want to be around me.

But after hours of re-searching the apps, Chris finally booked us a place closer to the sea. It is cheekily coined the Love Shack. We arrived a little later than we had wanted, what with the delay, but we were delighted to be within walking distance of some of the best restaurants with the best views that Murrells Inlet had to offer. Russells, Provisions, and the Hot Fish Club were just a stroll away.

I’d say…

We decided on Russells first. The 20-minute wait seemed short when chatting over the bar's rustic decor of bowling balls and oyster shells. We were seated on the patio with a breeze to enjoy our chargrilled oysters and Cajun Mahi Mahi with Crawfish in a cream sauce over rice. Wow! If we were expecting Murrells Inlet to meet our foodie expectations, then the bar was set pretty high because that was one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten. We strolled back to the Love Shack, and the vast moon was hanging low, so much so that I had to stop and take a picture. I hate how phones never do the celestial landscapes any justice in photos.

We went for dessert, Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake, at the Dead Dog Saloon and yall, fair warning... it was loud! Loud like in my college days loud, I quickly realized how old I was. Haha. We ventured down the marshwalk to hear a 70's/80's R'n'B band playing. I learned even more about how old I was. Haha.

I love my cheesecake!

I was already feeling the happiness, the slow-down, the rest that was beginning to soften my tension-filled shoulders. The following day, naturally, I craved caffeine. We found Brown Fox Coffee, the only coffee shop open at the time, and it was a food truck, which I adore. The pup friendly drive was so conveniently located, like pretty much in the middle of the inlet. I ordered a cinnamon roll iced coffee that they were happy to make sugar-free for me. We got some joe and sat gazing over the inlet, where we noticed... goats on the islands. Yes, goats. We struck up a conversation with a lovely older gentleman. We shared stories of good food, college sports, and then he informed us through a shaky voice that he lost his wife two years ago. He talked about how the people of Murrells Inlet have taken him in his time of loss; he has a set of "regulars" he meets up with to have coffee overlooking the water.

I could tell he was proud of his children, loved his wife, and loved this area. I so wanted to explain to him how I felt that hurt and knew that bittersweetness of finding joy and happiness when parts of you seem to fall away, away from grasp and embrace. I felt my own tears gathering in the corners of my eyes and the lump growing in the back of my throat. I couldn't. I couldn't draw that parallel because I knew I would emotionally lose it if I spoke one word about my loss. And I didn't want that for him. I wanted him to have that moment. A cherished memory of his wife being washed onto the shore of his mind like a pleasant tide ebbing and flowing, naturally undisturbed. He suggested a popular breakfast spot, Spring House Family Restaurant, where a generous couple paid for our meal. The paying gentleman said, "I just liked your smile and how you looked at her." I would have been happy to pay for my delicious eggs benedict, but seeing such love spread around warmed my heart immensely.

Murrells Inlet has quickly become one of our absolute favorite spots. A place where people cherish people.

We continued the day with consignment shopping for our upcoming elopement celebration. I found many treasures, cookbooks, and many keepsakes from Murrells Inlet. We even got to go on a dolphin tour that takes you out on the ocean waves. We concluded the day by eating at the Hot Fish Club. We ordered Scallops and Risotto, a Sushi Roll, and the Lobster Pot Pie and Oh. My. Gracious. The scallops literally melted in our mouths. Chris and I are extreme sushi fans and this was the absolute best. We claimed it had to be that the fish and produce was so fresh from the catch. The lobster (and shrimp and scallops) pot pie might have been the best thing ever! Do I taste a hint of nutmeg??? There that bar went, just being raised higher and higher.

The next day, we ventured to the Brookgreens Gardens. It is an expansive landscape and a visual masterpiece for the eyes. Blooming flowers and 250-year-old oak trees are living amongst whimsical and marvelous sculptures. We walked the gardens and the low country zoo on our relatively mild summer day. Next, we excitedly ate at Rustic Table, a southern comfort food restaurant. Again, the service was phenomenal, and the food was exquisite. We indulged in alligator bites, and I ordered a Blackened Mahi Salad. I recommend this to anyone wanting southern cooking at the coast.

Lastly, we made our way to the Atalaya Castle. It was built by Arthur Huntington and his wife, Anna, the artist responsible for the sculptures in Brookgreen Gardens. The castle has some Spanish flair, as seen in the architecture and courtyard. Atalaya means "watchtower" in Spanish. The history of the castle is rich in war stories and art development. After getting a glimpse of the past, we proceeded to finish our present vacation on the beach's sandy shores. We dipped into the refreshing waves, let it wash our worries out to the breakers, spoke of our fabulous meals, pretended to be a wealthy king and queen of olden days, and marked Murrells Inlet as a top contender for favorite places.

The older gentleman, who lost his wife, said it took him two weeks to realize this was where he wanted to spend the rest of his days. I can see why. We fell in love with the wind that rolled off those waves in three short days.

If you enjoyed this travel tale, then check out when we spent a couple days in Henderson/Warrenton.

K bye

Megan

Doing life… the best I know how