Guests who stay at The Strand have an appreciation for the finer things in life. So do folks who frequent Market Common, a thriving shopping, dining and entertainment district in Myrtle Beach. Just as people stay at The Strand to enjoy the boutique hotel experience, those who patronize Market Common do so for the upscale retail shops, fine-dining restaurants and plenty of options for fun.
Built on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, Market Common looks more like a scene from a major metropolitan city instead of the Sun Fun Capital of Myrtle Beach. The shopping district resembles an urban village with elegant stores and cafes, and the surrounding parks are home to several festivals and offer lots of recreational opportunities. Here's a look at some of the highlights you can find at Market Common.
Shopping: Rows of sidewalks and storefronts make Market Common a great place for window shopping, and you're sure to see items to entice you through the doors. Featuring more than 40 shops, including destinations for apparel, accessories, jewelry and art, Market Common provides blocks of stores for you to choose from. Popular national chains like Anthropologie, Barnes & Noble, Chico's and Tommy Bahama give patrons the chance to shop at some hard-to-find outlets, and local boutiques like Bijuju, Coastal Urge and Seacoast Artists Gallery allow shoppers to take home a piece of the Grand Strand.
Dining: All that walking and shopping can lead to a hearty appetite, and there's no better place to satisfy it than Market Common. Featuring everything from fine dining to ice cream parlors, Market Common has something for all taste buds. Choose from French (Crepe Creation Cafe), Asian (P.F. Chang's, Co Sushi), Italian (Travinia Italian Kitchen) and Mexican (Nacho Hippo) for some international flair, or enjoy traditional American fare (Divine Prime, King Street Grille, Tupelo Honey Cafe) with a twist. Beer lovers can grab some suds at Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant and the Brass Tap, and folks with a sweet tooth can check out Cold Stone Creamery and Murray's Savory Sweets for a real treat.
Entertainment: Shopping isn't for everyone, and Market Common offers plenty of alternatives so your party can split up and pick the things they want to do most. The Grand Cinema 14 offers all the latest box office hits in a high-tech theater setting, and Market Common even presents free shows outdoors as part of its “Movies Under the Stars” summer series on Friday nights. Other special events include the Myrtle Beach Military Appreciation Days Parade (May 28), Concert on the Green (June 16), Festa Italiana (June 25-26) and more. For a full schedule of events this summer, visit www.marketcommonmb.com.
Recreation: For all the man-made attractions Market Common has to offer, there's also a natural side waiting to be explored. Nearby Grand Park features playgrounds, picnic tables, hiking and biking trails, and a large lake where families can take a break from shopping. Visitors can walk or ride to get some exercise, or rent a Pedego Electric Bike or a Segway and take a tour of the neighborhood. Guests can also take carriage rides around the complex, and there's a large dog park where you can take your four-legged friend for a leash-free walk.
After a fun day and evening of shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation at Market Common, return to your relaxing home base at The Strand. Featuring recently renovated and modernly appointed rooms and first-class amenities like the Strand Bar and our state-of-the-art business center, The Strand, Myrtle Beach, is the perfect place to stay for folks with a taste for the good life.
