Start of 875-word article

SOUTH CAROLINA'S MYRTLE BEACH HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

At 7 a.m. the walkers are striding along a beach that's freshly groomed and as firm as asphalt where the tide has receded. By eight, multi-coloured umbrellas are being planted in the sand at oil-soaked bodies are already stretched out for their daily toasting. In late afternoon the shopping malls and amusement arcades get busy; waterfront cafes and pubs emanate sounds of vacationers having a good time. So goes an average day at Myrtle Beach, centre of South Carolina's Grand Strand - more popular with tourists now than ever before.

What's the secret of its success? Well, first of all they have a great product. This so-called Grand Strand, stretching from the North Carolina border south to historic Georgetown, is blessed with 100 km of fine golden beaches. Second, there is something here for everyone. And, whether you decide on a $200 a day suite in a sparkling oceanfront tower or a $55 efficiency unit a block from the beach, you will find clean comfortable accommodation. There are no less than 1,200 restaurants along the Grand Strand. Some offer gracious dining by candlelight in courtyards shaded by century-old trees. Others invite you to picnic tables on a dock for the largest oysters imaginable, and nobody cares if you're wearing your wet bikini. Whatever your choice, it will be service with a smile.