History and Hide-A-Ways for Myrtle Beach Bike Week
Anyone that knows me, knows my love and passion for riding Harley's. It is essential to my happiness. There is nothing better to me than seeing my friends gather together first thing in the morning and listening to the engines rev as we pull out of our driveway to start our journey for the day. So, needless to say, MB Bike Week is my shining star. I love my hair do's being made by Harley and the bugs in my teeth (yes, that really does happen). But it is not just about the riding that brings me joy. It is about the coming together of people that share the same passion as you do. I have met so many great people in my travels that all it took was 2 wheels to become friends forever. I have and maintain friendships from Florida to Virginia, with many spots in between. We all share the same type of stories and that's why we are more like family than just passer-bys.
First, a little history lesson from Phil "Grumpy" Schoonover, the Owner of Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson since 1998. Phil's roots run deep in the Harley community. He purchased his first store in 1979 in Charleston, South Carolina; now called Low Country Harley Davidson. Since his purchase of Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson, he has added the North Myrtle Beach and Summerville locations; along with 2 retail stores in the Grand Strand area.
Myrtle Beach Harley Davidson Spring Bike Week is the longest continuous running Bike Week in America; even longer than Sturgis and Laconia. Established in 1940, yes, 1940; it started as a Hot Dog Roast on the beach in the North Myrtle Beach area with a few motorcycles. The passion caught on and the rally grew from a few hundred motorcycles to hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiast that visit Myrtle Beach yearly.
Next, the spring concept took hold and in 2000, Grumpy, along with other members of the Carolina Harley Dealers Association (formerly known as Piedmont Harley Dealers Association) started a Fall State H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Rally. Initially it was designed to bring in the Dealers and Riders from the North to Myrtle Beach for a week of riding, golfing, and relaxation. This was to be a stopping place for the masses before the huge celebration of Biketoberfest in Daytona, Florida in mid-October.
Without innovators and pioneers, like Grumpy and all of those before him - we would not have places to gather to meet like minded fanatics that eventually become part of our extended families. It is the love and passion that keeps us rolling. No truer words have ever been spoken - It's all about the Journey ~ Not the Destination!
Lastly, where to go and what to do. There are the same spots that everyone is familiar with like: Suck Bang Blow, Little Beaver Bar, Big Beaver Bar, etc. But let me tell you about some hidden gems. I have been coming to Bike Week for about 20 years and lived here for 4 years. We have found local friendly, great off the beaten path places. Each place has great food, outdoor areas and are definitely BIKER FRIENDLY!!
NORTH:
Harley's Roadhouse - 3180 Highway 9 E, Little River - GREAT BAR. Great Food, Cold Beer and ample parking spaces for parking whether on a Bike or in a Car.
Patio's Tiki Bar and Grill - 4495 Mineola Ave, Little River - Riverfront with huge patio, Relax to live music, live libations and the Casino boats docking,
The Pilot House - 4490 Mineola Ave, Little River - You will feel like you have been transported straight to Key West, FL.
CENTRAL:
The Waterway House Sports & Spirits - 9814 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach - Waterfront and a great place to stop and refuel.
Donny's Dog House - 1213 3rd Ave S, Myrtle Beach - Excellent Drinks and Awesome Bartenders.
On the Half Shell - 4500 US Highway 17 Bypass South, Murrells Inlet - Away from the craziness of Murrells Inlet with good seafood without the problems of parking.
SOUTH:
Pawleys Island Tavern (locals call it the PIT) - 10635 Ocean Hwy, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 - this is another place that will make you feel transported in time back to the Keys in Florida.
Buzz's Roost - 911 Front St, Georgetown - Riverfront in Downtown Georgetown with 2 patios outside and good cold beer. Oh yeah, the food is awesome too.
Shem Creek Bar & Grill - 508 Mill St, Mt Pleasant, SC (and since you are that far south - stop by Low Country Harley Davidson in Charleston, SC for a visit) - there is no describing this area. It abounds with bars and restaurants. You can see the shrimp boats coming in and you WILL spot a dolphin. If I did, then you will too (inside joke). A MUST for anyone visiting the area.
WEST:
Capt.Bucksport -135 Bucksport Road, Conway, SC - Huge outdoor area, live music, directly on the Intracoastal Waterway. They offer great food and drinks and a super place to relax.
Scott's BBQ - 2734 Hemingway Highway, Hemingway, SC - this is good day ride and well worth every mile. This is authentic, pit cooked BBQ and smoked chicken. This is truly an old convenient store converted into a BBQ joint. Be prepared to wait in line (any time of day), but this food will make your tongue smack your brain. After you leave here, make your way to Capt. Bucksport and make it great full days ride!!!
If you know of any other hide-a-ways, please share. I would love to get the word out for the smaller business in the area; and as always …. RIDE FREE and RIDE SAFE!