Myrtle Beach off the Course: North Strand

If you don’t play 36 holes a day, the North Strand has a surplus of off-course activities. Here are a few worth checking out.

Charter Fishing – There isn’t much better than playing 18 in the morning and taking a half-day fishing excursion in the afternoon. If you are lucky, you can catch dinner. There are ample charter fishing boats in Little River, S.C., and Calabash, N.C. For many of the boat captains, including Chris Long at Longway Charters, fishing has been a way of life in the family for generations.

La Belle Amie Vineyard – Part of an old tobacco farm, the land has been owned by the Bellamy family since the 1800s. La Belle Amie opened to the public in 2000 and its tours, wine tastings and wine shops have continually grown in popularity.

Miniature Golf – It’s not quite the same as playing 18 at Tidewater, but North Myrtle Beach has played host to some of miniature golf’s biggest events. Hawaiian Village has hosted the Masters and the U.S. Open, while its sister course Hawaiian Rumble, was selected the No. 1 course in the world.

Kayaking – If you are feeling ambitious, kayak through the salt marshes of Sunset Beach, N.C.  Cooter Creek Paddlesports, for one, offers guided tours and a look at part of the environment few people get to see.

Barefoot Landing  – Home of the Alabama Theatre, House of Blues, Dick’s Last Resort and Alligator Adventure, among many other things, Barefoot Landing is never boring. Barefoot Landing is also home to more than 100 specialty and retail stores, making it easy to pick something up for the wife (if necessary).