The South Carolina coastal waters were especially productive for pirates, and the coves and inlets along the Grand Strand provided great hiding places for these marauders. Pirates who became local legends include: Edward Teach, called Blackbeard because of his coal-black beard, and Drunken Jack, who was left behind on an island with a huge stash of stolen rum (and died with a smile on his face.)

We love our ghosts - especially the good ones, which most of them are. The most enduring ghost stories are of Alice Flagg, ghost of the Hermitage, and the Gray Man. Alice roams beside the waters of Murrells Inlet, searching for a ring she received from a young man her family did not approve of. As she lay in bed ill with a fever, her brother discovered the ring on a ribbon around her neck, being enraged, and flung it into the inlet. The story of the Gray Man also involves a tragic love story, as a soldier returns home to marry his sweetheart. Riding on horseback, he has an accident and is killed. His spirit, however, lives on, and he is able to warm his lover of an approaching hurricane and save her life. Since that time, many people have reported seeing the Gray Man before a hurricane and heeded his ghostly warning to seek safety.

State Laws

Seat belts must be worn at all times in a moving vehicle.

Open containers of beer, win, or liquor are prohibited in vehicles or any public place including streets, sidewalks, and beach area.

Vehicle headlights must be on if operating windshield wipers due to rain or poor road conditions.

Motorcyclists are required to use headlights at all times.

Right turns may be made on red light throughout the state, except where a sign denotes "No Right on Red." Remember, stop before turning and give way to traffic already in the intersection.

Fireworks

Discharging of fireworks is illegal within the city limits of municipalities along the Grand Strand.

Cruising

Cruising is regulated by the Myrtle Beach Police Department between 3rd Ave. S. and 21st Ave. N. on Ocean Boulevard from 2 a.m.-6 a.m. March 1-Oct. 1.

Driving

It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle on the beach or in public marsh area.

SHEP

Established in 1996 by SCDOT (South Carolina Department of Transportation). SHEP (State Highway Emergency Program) now serves motorists traveling Interstates in the Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Rock Hill, and Greenville/Spartanburg urban areas. Prepared to handle a variety of situations, SHEP responders make minor repairs to disabled vehicles , assist with traffic control and incident management, and provide first aid until emergency medical services arrive. For assistance dial *HP on your cellular phone, ask for SHEP.

Myrtle Beach

Dogs in public must be on a leash at all times. No animals are allowed on the beach or Ocean Boulevard from 13th Ave. S. to 21st Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach during any time of the year. No dogs are allowed on the beach 9 a.m.-5 p.m., May 15-Sept. 15. Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from any public property, including beaches. Horses and riders are allowed on the beach within the city of Myrtle Beach from the third Saturday in November until the end of February, in groups of six or fewer. No "staging" is allowed within the city limits (access to the beach is through Myrtle Beach State Park), and riders must clean up droppings west of the high tide line.

Sea Oats

It is illegal to cut, break, or otherwise destroy sea oat plants, beach grass, or sand fencing. Sea Oats provide nature's first line of defense against shore erosion. They build up the dunes by trapping sand blown inland from the beaches. Please leave the beach as you found it.

Swimming

Swimming is not permitted beyond 50 yards from the beach or over shoulder depth, unless otherwise stated by the lifeguard. Jumping or diving from piers is prohibited. Swimming within 50 yards of a pier is prohibited. Only canvas rafts may be used in the ocean. Rafts must be equipped with safety ropes. It is illegal for anyone to wear a thong bathing suit.

Package Stores in SC are identified with large red circles. Hours are 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. daily, except Sundays and holidays. Legal drinking age is twenty-one.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about beach do's and don'ts:

• Only canvas rafts with ropes are allowed in the ocean.

• Littering is punishable by a $200 fine. Offenders may be required to assist officials in cleaning up litter.

• Sleeping on the beach is not premitted from 9:00 p.m. until sunrise.

• No solicitation is premitted on the beach.

• Boaters and wind surfers must refrain from operating in the swimming areas which extend fifty yards from the high tide line.

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