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Shopping in Surfside Beach Will Work Up an Appetite

Allison Vile Allison Vile
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.
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With the chaos of everyday life, it's not unusual to forget to pack some essentials when heading off on your vacation. If you're traveling to Surfside Beach and realize you left behind a beach accessory or two, you don't have to fret. There are plenty of shops that sell beach bags, floats, blankets, towels, sunscreen and anything else you may need. Just drive down Highway 17 to find a Bargain Beachwear or Giants Beachwear to pick up those forgotten items.

Beach towns have some of the best finds when it comes to antiques and consignment shops. Head over to the Wooden Crate, Peggy's Antiques and Collectibles, Some Gave All Antiques, Craig's Corner or Fringe, A Vintage Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures, including cast iron cookware, fine china, furniture, glassware, home decor, lighting, clay pottery and more.

Have the rainy day blues? Bring your bargaining skills to Hudson’s Surfside Flea Market, the Grand Strand’s largest covered, open-air market located next to Wild Water & Wheels. From Tuesdays through Sundays, the market hosts more than 100 vendors, selling everything from handmade jewelry and delicious fudge treats to tools and local artwork.

Phew! Shopping can be quite the task and can consume a whole lot of energy. At Surfside Beach, you'll have plenty of options to refuel for your next big adventure.

If you missed breakfast to get an early start shopping, stop at Benjamin's Bakery & Cafe for a late breakfast or lunch. This family-run Surfside staple offers a variety of fresh-baked products like bagels and baked goods. But don't be surprised if the selection has been depleted by late morning due to the high demand. For lunch, enjoy a sandwich on a bagel, baguette or wrap served with a side of bagel chips, pasta salad, coleslaw, fruit or potato salad. If the aroma of fresh coffee doesn't entice you to order a cup of hot joe, try a vitamin-packed smoothie.

Another no-hassle lunch—or dinner—spot is River City Cafe. You might find peanut shells on the floor, but this laid-back restaurant offers a generous helping of hospitality along with eclectic collectibles covering the walls. Regulars rave about the juicy, flavorful burgers are the best on the beach. They're equally taken with the homemade french fries, crispy onion rings, salads and sandwiches. Find this hole-in-the-wall gem at seven different locations along the Grand Strand.

Grab a slice of New York-style pizza and some buffalo wings at Anthony's Pizza & Pan Pasta. The dough is fresh, the pizza sauce is homemade and there are a variety of toppings to create your own pizza special. Customers also love the pan pasta that's made by tossing fresh pasta in a pan with olive oil and garlic and topping it with homemade sauce. Every Tuesday night, Anthony's hosts a team trivia match that will test your knowledge and provide opportunities to win great prizes.

Find the best buns on the beach—burger buns that is—at Hamburger Joe's, where burgers are cooked on a flat-top grill. Top picks include the Piggyback Burger, golden sauced wings and drink specials.

Plan to spend a full day at Market Common, offering upscale dining, shopping, entertainment and history. Originally a U.S. Air Force base, Market Common still features some of the old base buildings and streets named after military heroes. Visitors will find historical markers around the grounds that tell the stories of the men and women who were stationed at the Myrtle Beach compound.

The venue hosts an array of outdoor events like free concerts, movies in the park, a Christmas tree lighting and festivals. If you’re in need of a date-night outfit, Market Common has plenty of stores where you can find the perfect ensemble—as well as restaurants for your night out. Your biggest predicament will be choosing between all the options, from Chinese, Italian and American cuisines to prime steaks and handcrafted beer.

Allison Vile
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.