If you are a longtime visitor to the Grand Strand, you may remember the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, which served as a proud local landmark until its closing in 1993. The land the base once occupied has since been repurposed, and it now serves as one of the area’s top attractions – The Market Common. This shopping/dining/entertainment complex is a true treasure in Myrtle Beach, and it draws locals and visitors alike year-round.
In The Market Common, you will find a range of high-end retail shops, as well as a number of locally owned boutiques. There is also a movie theater, every type of restaurant you could imagine, a park, a lake, an award-winning children’s playground, and baseball and soccer fields. The complex hosts festivals, concerts and other fun events regularly – and topping it all off, parking is plentiful and free!
While the attraction is worth visiting in any season, the summer months at The Market Common are the best, as this is when the venue ramps up its entertainment schedule and has even more than usual to offer. Want to know what’s going on while you are visiting Paradise Resort this summer? We’ve got the inside scoop for you!
First, let’s talk about fresh foods and local crafts. If either of these are of interest to you and your vacationing crew, then you’ll want to head to Market Common thoroughfare Deville Street on any Saturday between May 6th and September 30th. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on these days, The Market Common Farmers Market brings the best and freshest produce from local farmers, as well as unique crafts, baked goods, plants and flowers, and sweet treats from other vendors. The atmosphere is laid-back, and you will feel like you’re right at home. If you like strawberries, be sure to pick some up, as they are oh so sweet and the best you will taste all summer.
If you’re able, make arrangements to come to The Market Common on a Tuesday night this summer so that you can shop, dine and enjoy a tour around the area in a horse-drawn carriage. Throughout the summer from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday nights, the carriage rides are complimentary, with pickup and drop-off offered in front of Dolce Lusso Salon. The free rides are set to end on August 29th, so make your plans to visit soon! This is such a fun and unique way to enjoy an evening on the Grand Strand.
Is your group into live music? How about live outdoor concerts? Well, we’ve got your ticket to free, live outdoor concerts at The Market Common this summer. On the third Thursday of each month throughout the summer, you will find live concerts in Valor Park. Feel free to bring your blankets and chairs, and children are always welcome. While outside drinks and coolers are not permitted, there are drinks available for sale at the concerts, including beer. The concerts begin at 7 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. For a complete schedule of bands, visit http://www.marketcommonmb.com/events.
As you can probably already tell, The Market Common is all about bringing friends and family together. Now, let’s talk about the big screen. This big screen isn’t in a theater, though – it’s outside. At Movies Under the Stars, which has become a well-loved tradition in the area, Market Common visitors can enjoy FREE movies in Valor Park on Friday nights from June 2nd though August 25th. The start time is stated as 9 p.m., but the movies begin at dusk, which of course varies. Come early and bring your chairs and blankets. Want a listing of all of the movies being shown this summer? Check them out at http://www.marketcommonmb.com/events.
The Market Common is a lively center of activity in Myrtle Beach, and when you visit you will certainly see why. Make sure to put some of these events on your vacation to-do list. They are all close to your home away from home at Paradise Resort, and they are all free to attend. And of course, if you would like suggestions on the best restaurants and shops to visit, please ask our friendly staff – we are always happy to help!
