It’s no secret that I love living in Columbia, South Carolina—I’d even say it’s one of my favorite places on earth. That said, Myrtle Beach is a close contender, and Mike Kelly Law Group (and Mike Kelly himself!) has been proud to call the Grand Strand its second home for years. This is true now more so than ever in light of exciting new projects underway in the area. In March, Myrtle Beach’s City Council adopted a Master Plan for the redevelopment and revitalization of the downtown area surrounding our Broadway Street office. And downtown isn’t the only area that’s getting a makeover; several of the Grand Strand’s beach-front resorts are expected to undergo multi-million dollar renovations in the very near future, and even Kingston Plantation—my home away from home—will be seeing some aesthetic upgrades in the coming years. Meanwhile, the city’s tourism industry is experiencing record growth rates. All in all, I’d say that Myrtle Beach is quite the hotspot!

It’s exciting to think of the prospects this new development will bring to a destination that already has so much to offer. Not only does the Grand Strand boast one of the country’s most beautiful beaches, but it is also a haven for recreation. Home to 100+ golf courses, an annual marathon averaging 6,000 participants, NASCAR-sanctioned stock car racing, a Cubs-affiliated baseball team, and a host of sports camps and competitions, Myrtle Beach is a top destination in U.S. sports tourism. Likewise, there are over 1,500 restaurants to choose from in the area, more than 600 fine arts events held there annually, and countless shops and entertainment venues. From the SkyWheel—one of the country’s tallest Ferris Wheels at 187’ high—to the nearby Brookgreen Gardens and its 2,000 acres of botanical beauty, there is truly something for everyone in Myrtle Beach. It’s really no wonder that over 18 million people visited the Grand Strand last year, and I certainly feel lucky to call it my second home!