Thanksgiving is a welcome respite in the midst of winter, to reflect on our own gratitude and pause for a long weekend (usually, filled with food, football, and a little fun.)
It’s such an anticipated holiday – and in 2020, it’ll be especially so.
Travelers to Myrtle Beach might not know that this area is awesome for a fall jaunt, too. We all know how much fun The Grand Strand can be during peak tourist season. As an off-season getaway, there’s plenty to do here, too.
We’d like to not only tell you about a few things going on this Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach but also enlighten you on a few cool facts about this area, this time of year. Use the intel to impress friends, or, better yet – to plan your own escape to your favorite warm-weather destination. Remember to pack the hoodies and sunscreen.
Fun facts about Thanksgiving
- Back in 1621, 50 pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag native Americans convened for the first Thanksgiving. It was a three-day harvest festival.
- Rather than turkey, those first feasters likely ate lobster, seal, swan, and venison.
- Every Thanksgiving, the president pardons one turkey.
- President Abraham Lincoln declared it a national holiday on Oct. 3, 1863.
5 interesting facts about Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach
1. There’s a bluegrass festival in Myrtle Beach in its 51st year
This family-friendly event, the South Carolina Bluegrass Festival, will feature more than 20 acts this year. Come see performers such as Bass Mountain Boys, Carolina Blue, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lonesome River Band, The Marksmen, and more. It’s $40 per day for adult general admission, $20 per day for kids age 7-15. You can get reserved seating and other ticket packages, too. Parking is $5, and disabled parking is free.
Nov. 26-28 | Noon-10 p.m. each day
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
2. Two of Myrtle Beach’s major races happen on Thanksgiving
Register for the 10K ($45) or 5K ($40) individual divisions for the Turkey Trot, to begin and end at the Surfside Pier. The run weaves through Surfside’s beautiful streets and is open to runners, walkers, and strollers. Registration will close Nov. 25 at 5 p.m. You can pick up packets that day, 4-7 p.m., in the Surfside Pier parking lot. There is also a Turkey Trot Thanksgiving race that day that begins at Barefoot Landing.
Turkey Trot at Surfside Pier | Nov. 26, 8:30 a.m.
Turkey Trot at Barefoot Landing | Nov. 26, 8:30 a.m.
3. Little River hosts a Christmas Regatta this time of year
Yachts for Tots of North Myrtle Beach/Little River hosts this boating parade extravaganza with several spots for viewing along the waterway. Find your spot along the route, south on the Little River to Dock Holidays Marina. Attendees are encouraged to donate toys and make other donations in lieu of any charge to see the regatta. Check this site for choice viewing locations. Anywhere with a view of the water will do! This tradition is decades-long, each Saturday after Thanksgiving, in Myrtle Beach.
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta | Nov. 28, 5-7 p.m. | Little River, North Myrtle Beach
4. Hard Rock Cafe hosts a Thanksgiving meal
For $25.95 per person, you can reserve your place for a feast with all the trimmings. Hard Rock Cafe will serve up slow-roasted turkey breast, roasted fresh vegetables, home-style classic stuffing, creamy sweet potato hash, and cranberry sauce finished with traditional turkey gravy. Join the crew from this fabled American-fare restaurant for a special event that gets rave reviews in Myrtle Beach, and has become a renowned tradition. Check the Myrtle Beach Hard Rock Cafe website for other special events and live entertainment.
Hard Rock Cafe Thanksgiving meal | Nov. 26, noon-8 p.m.
5. There’s a great feast at Thoroughbreds Chophouse, too
In place of a true buffet, the Thoroughbreds Chophouse staff will graciously serve all the family-style food you’d like for this event, including refills. Call 843-497-2636 to save your table for a 90-minute slot. Cost: $45 for adults, $22.50 for kids age 6-10, and free for those 5 and younger. Enjoy traditional roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, and roasted sirloin as entrees. This special event has been a smash in the past, especially when most restaurants in the area close after lunch on Thanksgiving.
Thoroughbreds Chophouse & Seafood Grille Thanksgiving Dinner | Nov. 26, noon-7 p.m.
Plan to spend Thanksgiving in Myrtle Beach
Whether you decide to spend Thanksgiving on a run, soaking in great music, or watching the Christmas Regatta, you’re in for a treat in Myrtle Beach. The weather is still great, and you can enjoy a walk on the shore dinner on a patio while you’re here. There’s fun in the sun all year round on The Grand Strand.
