We knew Myrtle Beach would be hot this season but we never anticipated this. A dangerous coastal wildfire ripped through North Myrtle Beach early Thursday, destroying dozens of homes and forcing thousands to evacuate from this beach community.

The blaze jumped the busy six-lane Coastal Bays Parkway on Wednesday, stopping not far from the Intracoastal Waterway. Firefighters were expecting the waterway to act as a natural firebreak, protecting the larger city of Myrtle Beach.

A gray-white smoke had engulfed restaurant row between Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach on Wednesday evening. It looked like a winter fog, with car headlights and neon signs peeking through the haze.

Fortunately no one has been injured yet although the fires are predicted to get worse as the day goes on.

Also in danger are the area's numerous golf courses which are a heavy draw for tourists. And in a freaky "Final Destination" sort of twist, a group of six golfing buddies who were aboard the US Airways Flight 1549 plane when it crash-landed into the Hudson River in January were headed to Myrtle Beach this week for their annual trip. ]]> juliana 2009-04-23T11:19:40-05:00 http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/4/9/6577/37181

We've never totally understood exactly what makes Myrtle Beach so appealing. We’ve visited relatives there before, but never thought of making it our vacation destination as it always seemed a little cheesy, with a hint of spring break debauchery. And while we love the beach, we don’t need to spend time at the NASCAR Sports Grille—did they really need the extra “e” on the end considering the clientele? (Update: The Grille has closed.)

With so many other great (and classier) beach locations south of the Mason-Dixon line, like Hilton Head Island or the Outer Banks, is there something that Myrtle Beach has to offer that we’re missing? Apparently it's very popular. So we decided to take a look. After all, in this economy not everyone can afford to traipse around St. Barts. Here are five cool, not cheesy, things to do in Myrtle Beach.]]> kjb 2009-04-09T12:56:43-05:00 Search Jaunted string http://www.jaunted.com/search/