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2013 in Myrtle Beach: A Year in Review

By Vacation Myrtle Beach Monday, January 6th, 2014

2013 was a great year for Myrtle Beach. Here are some of the biggest things that happened around town:

The first place many people see in Myrtle Beach, the airport, opened up a new wing in April of this year. The new terminal of the Myrtle Beach International Airport, a project that broke ground in 2010, opened on April 3. The new terminal has a more modern design, in addition to more departure and landing gates.

Something visitors to the airport may have also noticed is the construction around the intersection of Highway 707/ Farrow Parkway and U.S. Business 17, also known as the Back Gate. The area has long been a problem for traffic congestion and the long lights are infamous among locals and visitors alike. But the plan now is to reduce that congestion with an overpass that would allow traffic on both major roads to pass smoothly around each other, with no need for a long traffic light. This project saw some major work in 2013 and should be wrapping up by late summer 2014. Though this area is under construction, traffic is still flowing smoothly so don't be afraid to use those roads during your stay.

Another Myrtle Beach attraction and place that visitors often see, the Horry County Museum, reopened in 2013 in a new location. The Horry County Museum opened in November in the Historic Burroughs School building in downtown Conway. The new location offers more space and a more historic environment for the museum.

Another big event for the Myrtle Beach community was the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the incorporation of the city—it’s birthday! On March 12, the city held a big party with live music, vendors and more near the Boardwalk in downtown Myrtle Beach. And what would a birthday party be without cupcakes? The city broke the world record that day for the largest cupcake tower and all the attendees got free cupcakes to enjoy.

Vacation Myrtle Beach also had a big year. The resort group helped raise money and donations through the VMB Cares program for around 7 different area charities including the March of Dimes where VMB raised around $10,000, the American Cancer Society where VMB raised around $12,000 and Backpack Buddies where the resorts raise around $4,500 in addition to donations of school supplies, snacks and more.

There was also a new addition to the VMB family of resorts this year. Crown Reef joined the ranks of VMB Myrtle Beach resorts, bringing the total number of properties up to 14. There are lots of changes coming for Crown Reef and 2014 will be the biggest year ever for the resort.