There’s an Empty Town Trapped Within the North Myrtle Beach Shoreline
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 15 июл 2024
- For this video I’m in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I begin the video on the northern end of Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach, and I’ll stay on Ocean Boulevard for most of this video. Quite aways up ahead the road ends as we approach Atlantic Beach, which is a city that is surrounded on all sides by… North Myrtle Beach. The fact that Ocean Boulevard has this random gap where Atlantic Beach is on an otherwise continuous route through North Myrtle Beach had me curious... so despite the inconvenience of having to turn right, and then left onto the busy US-17, and then left again… and then repeating the process to get back onto Ocean Boulevard… I did it anyway, so once we get there, I’ll talk more about why none of the shoreline paralleling streets in Atlantic Beach connect to those of North Myrtle Beach.
0:00 - 15:50 North Myrtle Beach
15:50 - 25:42 Atlantic Beach
Chris's Livability Score: 25:42 - 29:34
Help me grow my 2nd channel! / @chrishardenarchives
====================================================================
EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD:
Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF
Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs
Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF
Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9
Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV
SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O
Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p
Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q
Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j
External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf
WHAT I USE AT HOME:
Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN
Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx
Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo
Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z
INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edi...
SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO:
Email: ChrisHardenYT@Gmail.com
On Twitter: / chris_harden55
On Instagram: c_harden7?...
On Facebook: / chrishardenyt
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!
See more of what North Myrtle Beach looks like... including the high school and the CDP of Little River, Here: ruclips.net/video/AZ6uneIH_-Q/видео.html
South Carolina Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLkAKbwTlGHeKyQvsUsld8fYvZbfxBFd28
Tourist Towns Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLkAKbwTlGHeIK0derEsREcoMSIav1JpxA
Atlantic Ocean Cities and Towns Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLkAKbwTlGHeLUtl0sMwsfdx6YbZ19RjGn
Myrtle Beach Area Playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLkAKbwTlGHeKXajdniYonGb7LJNxY-3aU
Help me grow my 2nd channel! RUclips.com/@chrishardenarchives
====================================================================
EVERYTHING THAT I USE IN THE FIELD:
Main Camera: amzn.to/3iS4vvF
Side Cameras: amzn.to/2WuCYIs
Media Mod for Camera: amzn.to/3j7CMGF
Lav Mic: amzn.to/3lsMkz9
Drone: amzn.to/3ITcKBV
SD Cards: amzn.to/3C2co9O
Camera Mounts: amzn.to/2UXVR6p
Cables Required for Longer Recordings: amzn.to/3BYnr3Q
Computer: amzn.to/3787b2j
External Hard Drive: amzn.to/3lb23Tf
WHAT I USE AT HOME:
Computer: amzn.to/3rKIdiN
Sound Mixer: amzn.to/3C15Ubx
Microphone: amzn.to/2VaCjvo
Microphone Accessories: amzn.to/3v7A35Z
INTERACTIVE MAP that shows you all of the places that I've made videos on: (Doesn't always work on mobile devices. Will always work on PC.) www.google.com/maps/d/u/2/edit?hl=en&mid=1Lhzf04ocimPu-ROkg4cfXEYEvKMNnlI5&ll=35.97440679944201%2C-91.53765609999999&z=5
SOCIAL MEDIA & CONTACT INFO:
Email: ChrisHardenYT@Gmail.com
On Twitter: twitter.com/Chris_Harden55
On Instagram: instagram.com/c_harden7
On Facebook: facebook.com/ChrisHardenYT
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you. As an Amazon Associate I do earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. As always, thank you for supporting my channel!
8:11 North Myrtle Beach is its own city. So it is it's own city proper.
My dad is almost 70 and if you could hear his stories as a young man growing up in Conway and hanging out on Atlantic beach on the weekends you’d be amazed at how much of a good time they had despite the times. Not to mention African Americans who lived in NMB/AB areas had to go to school all the way in Conway. There’s a host of that age group still around in the area. I’m always amazed at how many people my dad knows and that’s why…they all went to school together. Another area is Sandy Island… accessible only by boat; basically all Gullah heritage there up the road on 17 south. thanks for the video 👍🏽
Back in 60's and 70's I would go to Atlantic Beach with my parents when we came down from NYC to visit family. I wondered why we never went to Myrtle Beach and my parents explained to me that as Black-Americans we weren't allow there while they were growing up in South Carolina. Thus, we just went to AB. Not until I went on a college Spring-Break in 1984 did I go to MB. My parents did start going to MB in the mid-80's too. I guess for them the ghost of segregation had diminished some. I visited AB in the summer of 2023 to reminisce and also, my cousins are buying property there.
It goes back to segregation. Atlantic Beach was the 'black' beach. when NMB was forming, Atlantic Beach wanted to maintain it's unique identity. This is a great example of the importance of local government to an area's success.
Total bullshit. Way to whitewash the lack of governance and lack of responsibility.
❤ thanks Chris these videos are awesome. God bless.
What a surprise! I lived in SC so long and had been to the area multiple times but knew nothing about this. The drone work captures the reality here in a unique way. Because this video is so interesting and well done the time passes quickly. You have a really bright inquisitive mind Chris with a knack unequalled by anything I have seen for sharing that with us.
Another thing about Atlantic Beach is it is where what is known as black bike week got started. Yes I was there for the first 2 years I think it was. A few years back I rode thru there after the bike week and it looked like a war zone. It just blew my mine that this could happen to a place. There was also a black beach in Pawley's Island, with a club where all of the old time blues singers use to play at. I am still trying to remember the name of the beach. Yes I am white and grew up in the area. We should not be hiding history of anyone.
They wanted to do away with black bike week because they caused so much damage but where told they would have to cancel all bike week if they did. There’s a reason why nobody wants them in their neighborhood 😂. They don’t know to act in public.
@@Mike-tu7uw Well remember most of those visitors are from other states and not from the city. I grew up 45 mins from the beach, so I'm not an actual resident but I've visit enough to see the changes over the years, even worked there when I was in my early thirties. But I know that the misconception of what we though was actually debunked and reported on local channels about how much those events were increasing criminal activities. I was once there when someone got shot at a motel. I actually heard the gunshot. However, those guys were identify as a group of people from another state. So yes, outside influence is also a major issue when those events. Oh and the No Helmet Law which was popular and still kinda is after the changes were made to the law can attract bikers from all over the US.
Even black businesses close during black bike week and black residents HATE black bike week. But "racism". lol. Culture and shunning education are bad regardless of race. Voting blue no matter who doesn't help either.
Keep it up! Love the videos!
This is so interesting. Thank you for sharing .
When you do the crime stats for North Myrtle Beach, you need to break it down into what months crime is higher. Which is usually between April-October when more tourists and festivals are held which attracts thousands of out of town visitors.
I love that spot it's preserved peaceful
reallu interesting video, I learned a lot. I enjoyed my visit to N. Myrtle. Rough luck with the ice storm.
I enjoyed my trip there too. Sure it was cold but the sun was out and the lack of crowds gave me a better view of seeing everything.
Thank you for pronouncing Horry County properly 😁
🙃
I love how this neighborhood isn't developed like what surrounds it. Its almost a time warp, seeing what the entire beach areas may have looked like before it was commercialized. All the beautiful grounds, the trees, etc. I don't blame anyone for wanting to keep tourists out.
But I am also sad for the little town bc its a shame that nothing has been done to elevate it, even if it is just a few eateries or places to stay. Maybe share in its history and how it really shaped that part of the area.
This is just my opinion and doesn't mean I am wrong or right.
It just seems sad.
A great 👍 video!
Thank you!
Atlantic Beach looks to me like OPPORTUNITY! Ocean is Ocean!!! Thanks for sharing!
Don't hurt yourself.
Good luck with that. They absolutely do not want ‘investment’ or development.
Facts
Every few years a major developer has a go at it and gets shot down. Locals will not allow development.
I heard that most recently there was a developer attempting to put in High-rise condo building with above ground garage that would block the view of residents. I don't know if that particular project was approved but I would agree with the residents in that case, not to allow that development.🤨
Something not mentioned directly is that when Atlantic Beach was set up, development on the direct oceanfront wasn't allowed (unlike everywhere else!), and thus it remains. I'm not sure what the reasoning was for that, but I believe it's a huge factor in why Atlantic Beach never developed much.
I have owned a home in Windy Hill for over 14 years and I have driven through Atlantic Beach many times and its surreal.
I remember when most of the MB area shut down almost 6 months of the year.
Murrels Inlet is the best area in MB.
The intercoastal/intracoastal waterway is NOT a shipping channel. It's for small craft.
There will always be crime in seasonal and tourist cities.
A lot of these young people have remote jobs. Nice looking place. Theres a sh*t ton of fun things to do in Myrtle, Stevie. I even think you drove by Shane dog's old apartment.
Yes, please scare people off with 'high crime rate'
I live and work here and, haven't seen much crime at all, over 25yrs
But the growth is painfull
AB looks charming! I hope it stays like it is.
Hi Chris, been here since 1999 and love it in Myrtle Beach. I'm actually in Carolina Forest and you are correct the area is booming. In case you are interested you kind of missed a few things in your survey although I think your video is excellent and your voiceover is also vibrant and clear. Altlantic Beach is also known for Black Bike Week in May and also there is Myrtle Beach Harley Bike celebrations in May which is the top weather time of the year. You might want to consider doing a quick tour of my inland area of Carolina Forest since real estate is through the roof. People want to be near the beach but inland far enoough to dodge the worst of hurricanes.
Are you near Clear Pond? I heard it's being overrun by Buzzards?
Good video
Very interesting. I live just north of AB & once got lost driving around in circles here, trying to find an exit street. 😡`> ...?! This video explains why. And although the AB area is sparsely populated, it's only 2 minutes to Hwy 17, grocery, gasoline & other conveniences. One major catch to living here though is the cost of hurricane & flood insurance - totalling approx $3,500-$4,000 per year. Or more, depending on your home's age & value. Also, because of the many seasonal tourists, groceries & gasoline cost much more for residents, vs living inland.
Thank you.
I live in Windy Hill right next to Atlantic Beach and it is very nice.
Yep, my neck of the woods😀. In Georgetown right now.
My grandparents started going to Myrtle Beach in the mid 1930's staying at the Ocean Forest Hotel which was demolished in 1974. My parents owned multiple residences in both N. Myrtle (Ocean Creek) and Myrtle Beach proper beginning in 1974 (Arcadian II) and ultimately on Ocean Boulevard just south of the Dunes Club, which remains in the family. I have to take issue with your comments regarding North Myrtle having "nicer" homes than Myrtle Beach. The oceanfront homes built in the Dunes Club over the past decade are valued in the $3-4Million range. The stretch of homes on what is called the golden mile from 60th to 40th are valued anywhere from $2MM to $5MM. We can debate whether a selling price equates to a "nicer" part of one region or another but with a family connection to the area for almost a century and being very familiar with every borough from Cherry Grove in the north to Murrells Inlet in the south, the most upscale stretch of the Grand Strand (approximately 30 miles) is the golden mile. The folks that owned Myrtle Beach Farms, now called Burroughs and Chapin, live in that span of Ocean Boulevard. This video popped up on my suggested list and it is the first one I have seen of yours. Have you ever looked into the story of the huge undeveloped parcel immediately south of the Land's End tower? Incredible story. Mr. Burroughs daughter deeded a few hundred acres of oceanfront property to her Indian guru, the Baba, in the late '40's. He was the inspiration for the Who song Baba O'Reilly and Pete Townsend was a frequent visitor to the compound. The Baba's motto was "Don't worry, be Happy" and we all know how that ended up in pop culture.
I live across the state line in Holden Beach NC I rarely go to MB it’s been at least a year since I’ve been, I did go to Little River last Thursday.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks!
Thank you!
Heeeey!! I work there! Well, in Atlantic Beach. Lol
Atlantic beach is a Beautiful area.
I live up north, but have a place in Arcadian Shores. Whenever i have to go up to NMB for something, i sometimes take Ocean Blvd. back home, but forget that it's blocked off at that section in Atlantic Beach. I only stop in Atlantic Beach, if i'm getting dragged to the Dollhouse by friends 😉 or i'm stopping at that surf shop across the street to get some discount bike week tees
The Dollhouse. ;)
I live in nmb a majority of the "crime" is drunk driving. It's actually a great place to live just don't drive drunk there's cops everywhere. Very safe.
I grew up in the foothills of S.C. In 1970 my parents started taking us to North Myrtle Beach for vacation. In about 1977 they bought a vacation house in the Windy Hill section which was only a few streets from Atlantic Beach. In those days; the Holiday Inn North stood on the beach right at the border of Windy Hill and Atlantic Beach. In the late 1970’s it was the place to go for concerts; I could go and see the best beach music bands; Chairmen of the Board, Drifters, etc..
There was a fence running right down on the Atlantic Beach side of the Holiday Inn that went almost down to the water. There was only about 10 yds between the south side of the hotel and where Atlantic Beach started.
I always heard about a good club over in Atlantic Beach with good bands however I was forbidden to go there by my parents because; there were no police or fire or any municipal services over there.
My parents considered Atlantic Beach a lawless place. I and a buddy of mine would walk around the end of that fence whenever we went over to a show at the Holiday Inn North and felt like we were on a secret mission or something. Mostly the area was eerily dark and almost silent. Sometimes we heard party noises and music if we walked down the Atlantic beach a little ways.
We once saw a house fire right off the beach which burned to the ground. No fire trucks came becuase Atlantic beach had no functional fire dept. Back then I heard various such similar stories. When that guy who founded Atlantic Beach became too elderly to oversee what he created and then passed on; there apparently was no one who stepped up to carry on, unfortunately…
I lived in MBSC in the 70s and 80s... I used to drive through Atlantic Beach and envision 20 years in the future all the owners collecting megabucks from selling to developers and elegant resorts built up there.... I never imagined the present outcome...... heard of a lot of reasons why this never happened. I thought it was cool though when in the 1970s North MB and the state approached the Atlantic beach city government to claim that it was then more enlightened times and they wanted to run ocean blvd throu Atlantic Beach... Atlantic beach told them "like hell you are, we don't want that traffic coming through here" This roadway policy relic of Jim Crow had turned into an advantage.. (ocean blvd traffc can be awfull) but it looks like the owners wanted to hang onto the property instead of maximizing how much they could get for their property.. and it is a ghost beach now. weird.
Atlantic beach my grandma say was for black people . She said that was the only place they were allowed to go back in the day
It won't be so empty in the future,the land there is too valuable.
It will remain as it is so long as the Town can keep their charter. Anyone who tries to develop anything there will 100% be denied a permit. They will not allow it until the town just completely folds and they don’t control it any more. Which is 100% fine. But don’t get it twisted. They do not want you, me, or anyone else coming there to develop anything. It’s ‘empty’ by choice. Be careful on 17 through there because their lone policeman writes as many tickets as he can. They need money from somewhere. There is a strip joint in 17 in that area that is a fav spot for that cop to get you coming out.
I smoked crack in Atlantic beach for years
I visited Atlantic Beach on September with my daughter Shareca. I can still feel the vibe and energy of the Black Pearl. I would love to purchase some property here.
We're thinking about doing a mini family reunion in Atlantic Beach. Can I ask where you stayed while there?
@@stanleypatrick6498Search "The Red Pearl". It is a three level vacation rental that sleeps 24, has a pool, and is one block off the beach.
There’s a ghost that warns of hurricanes outside of myrtle beach
The Gray Man
I love this story and would love to see someone begin to develop Atlantic Beach, but I would opt for leaving it separate to prevent the overbuilding that has happened in the northern areas. They’re the creators of the Shag and could do something with that!!
If these people wanted development, it would be developed. They probably have local laws to prevent it.
I'll never forget one night a friend of a friend was hanging with us and he said he was moving to the beach. I blurted out, where? myrtle beach. He looked at me wide eyed, and said, yeah! how did you know? I started laughing cause it was just a lucky guess. Kinda freaked him out.
There is more to SC than Myrtle Beach. Hilton Head. Charleston. Greenville/Spartanburg.
It’s funny living here because downtown is what ppl tend to judge Myrtle Beach on. But there are other subdivisions like the one I live in. It’s really quiet and peaceful. I love it
What are some of the best quiet neighborhoods for a single person and a dog? Thanks!
@@IndigenousPaws-ir1ox wow thanks a good question. It’s funny here because it’s the “downtown area” then you have the neighborhoods. Down near the hotels I’d say no but back into the subdivisions yes.
Atlantic Beach - epicenter of Black Bike Week every summer.
Fun Fact: Cherry grove is man made from around 30th Ave N to the point. One of the original families I believe the Nixons built it.
My understanding is that the homes are by many family members and can't come to an agreement to sell
I know a guy who just made a deal with his partners to buy 5 empty lots in Atlantic Beach a few months ago .. Development will be coming soon I believe …
Very interesting, I doubt many folks, including myself, know the history of Atlantic Beach. Thank you for showing that. Even to this day, the shadow of segregation looms long in the Carolinas.
TBH, I remember Myrtle Beach proper back in the 70s, as a youngster, and it actually looked a lot like Atlantic Beach today... which is interesting, because a lot of us miss that vibe... before the ugly, highrise slabs full of moldy rooms, before the goofy HOAs, before the Tanger Outlets...
I can't blame folks living there liking it as it is, really.
Also, go to the sea captain's house .. Best local seafood
I think it’s better that ocean hwy is separated from other beaches that’s how you know what beach your at.
To my eyes Atlantic Beach is far better looking than all the high rise buildings in tacky colors in North Myrtle Beach. I can't help but think the key to Atlantic beach becoming really valuable would be to adopt strict zoning and design standards similar to those on Hilton Head Island, SC and Figure Eight Island, NC.
Locals still call cherry grove by name.
If these people wanted development and tourism, they'd have it. These people want to keep things just as they are no matter what's going on around them.
Atlantic Beach looks better than that in North Myrtle Beach crap where they're packed in like friction sardines that sucks dude what kind of fool would live in that crap environment
Dont tell anyone Edisto beach exists
Have you seen the crime rate in cities across the country? Up up and away. If you want the crime rate to drop, every needs to arm up! And.. Do not do drugs!
Myrtle Beach from 30th Ave. to 80th is far nicer than North Myrtle Beach, as is the Carolina Forrest district.
As a South Carolina Native… i HATE Myrtle beach… there is nothing culturally stimulating there, it has served its purpose of separating Yankees from their money.
The infrastructure already can't support the population. Throw in the high crime rate and I would recommend going elsewhere. Don't ask about corruption....
atlantic beach in the late 60s early 70s was a black beach only and had wall on both sides of the beach front road to keep people from driving through it. thats just a fact!! this is south carolina, great state, but the blacks wanted to control their on piece of the grand strand and you now see what the results are of that are. shame but a fact you stated here in this video.
I'm glad they purchased their own, so proud of them. They deserved to have some place to enjoy the beach as well. It's a nice quieter place to visit to get away from all the ratchetness of Myrtle.
I wud keep it private in n out....I understand why yrs ago they did it....I now yrs ago it was thriving.....I wud go n stay there to vacation...if allowed I'm white..so not sure..
They rent to anyone.
Keep that shit
The crime, "trashy" crowds and drug use you refer is NOT North Myrtle Beach, but MYRTLE Beach (Dirty Myrtle as you called it). Two VERY different entities.
Idk... In my short video on the place I've seen a lot of people comment and say that North Myrtle Beach is just as bad.
I have a home in NMB. It is not ANYTHING like MB. Not sure who you were taliking to...
@@ChrisHarden I live in NMB and agree with the other person - NOTHING like MB, especially down by the Sky Wheel, where I have been warned NOT to go, since it's way too dangerous because of the "thug" element.
@@user-si5tt5ou8q I'm not talking to anybody other than you really. Just saying that a lot of people have left comments on my videos saying otherwise.
That’s fine. Just letting you know the reality. It would be nice if you could edit your voiceover. I’m sure the people of NMB would appreciate it.😀
Atlantic beach ain’t coming back sadly local government doesn’t care since it’s the black beach and always has been grew up here and no one cares about it. Unless they can bring in some development like they always do it ain’t happening but I could use another rioz and Sakura there.
There is a huge resort that is supposed to be built in Atlantic Beach. However the residents of Atlantic Beach are fighting for it NOT to be built.
Atlantic Beach is going to make a resurgence. There are several upscale vacation rentals that have recently been built or that are being built. There is also more development coming.
A huge resort would be the worst thing for Atlantic Beach. It is the only real "beach" in North Myrtle Beach. No high rises makes it feel like a relaxing beach experience. That is Atlantic Beaches' appeal.
Atlantic Beach is the beach for blacks. Myrtle Beach proper is where the Yankees usually go. Southerners know the better beaches to go to.
Crime and gangster sh!t that happens on the strip from N to S. Nowhere is safe on Myrtle Beach.
There is another Atlantic Beach in NC and it’s actually nice. I always wondered why Atlantic Beach SC was such a dump.
Been many times through the years but it’s become generic all the mom and pop places are gone and it’s become a trashy place because of the crime. I’d choose another location to vacation.
Am I the only one who thinks this region (North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, and environs) is pretty much a dump?
Based on other comments I’ve got from my videos on the area… definitely not
Head south a few miles to Surfside Beach, Garden City and Murrells Inlet. The overall experience is much nicer than Myrtle. In the evenings the Garden City Pier has a band playing at each end. The Inlet Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet is always a great way to cap off a day.
Dirty Myrtle
Another thing, I grew up in Georgetown and Myrtle Beach was the place to go. But after the powers that be in Myrtle Beach tried to do away with Harley Davison bike week costing the business's a pile of money. I will not even buy a candy bar in Myrtle Beach since that happened. Even now there are bikers that still remember will not even drive thru Myrtle Beach during bike week.
It’s so bad here please don’t move from the north
MB sucks tho... why make it suck more?
My dad and I had a small business in Myrtle Beach and the one thing we learned is the Waccamaw land and timber company pretty much owns almost all the land in and around Myrtle Beach and they don't sell property they only lease it
tell the mayor of the city to fix the place up and stop letting people trash it once a year out of fear fo relation. they need to toss Irene Armstrong.
We all know what the problem is LOL
Funny how your stats don’t have any affect on those who want to live here. Second only to the Villages. You should have stopped there. I wonder why you left out the part about the thousands of black bikers who still flock to Atlantic Beach each year for Black Biker week.
Yeah; BBW is always a cool sight throughout the Grand Strand. I've never had a problem with anybody, or seen much bad stuff on the local news. It's funny how many businesses shut down that week for "restocking" or "seasonal repairs" on Route 17.
Not sure where you're going with that, he didn't really mention any specific events that take place, not even Spring Break.
Did you watch the whole video?
It sounds like the residents of Atlantic Beach need to overcome their own racism or continue to watch their town die. Build the connector road, market local resturants etc.
Oh, those is rich.
Atlantic Beach should merge with North Myrtle Beach as a neighborhood.
You mean one city?
No, they shouldn't.
Terrible place. Y’all don’t move anywhere near North Myrtle Beach the schools are horrible and only 60 percent of the seniors graduated Magna Cum Laude. We …ooops I mean the residents will ruin your life. So don’t move here…ooooops I mean don’t move there
Boring , repetitive video. Get to the point !
No
Boring
WE should've made a law to keep yankees from buying land along South Carolina's coast! MB's best times was from 1970-1980. Use to cruise OB in my 69 Mach One, along with other great cars. /It was a GREAT TIME! We grew up spending the spring and summers there from 45 minutes up the road. Ended up moving to a WORST PLACE called Hilton head and beaufort, due to yankees! Took our kids back in the early 90's to see what Mom and I used to do and you couldn't drive the Strip anymore. They had signs up on poles along OB that read "it is unlawful to pass this sign more than twice in an hour" I am paraphrasing as it was 3 decades ago! The only BAD parts of MB, and where we were NOT to go was of course atlantic beach as it was the black beach AND crime ridden. he 70's were the GREATEST TIMES.
The tables have definitely turned now as far as the crime is concerned huh.