Myrtle Beach – Barefoot Landing

In years gone by a visit to Barefoot Landing was a true treat… both for shopping, eating, or simply enjoying the varied, unusual, and unique little shops and sidewalk vendors. Window shopping and going from store to store gave you a variety of treats both to please the eye and the ear. Quite the variety of things from kites & flags to clothes and all kinds of touristy things that made you smile and feel good… especially if you could resist the urge to actually purchase them… memories are priceless and cost much less to possess. All in all a very good experience that was enhanced by the excitement of the crowds enjoying the experience with you. Now 5 years later, and with the economic downturn over the last 7 months… what was once a great experience is now lacking in all most every aspect . Many stores have gone out of business and the empty remains and papered windows resemble the dead next to the dying. The stores that remain are all vying for the too few customers that do walk through the once great tourist area. Many all have special sales 15-20% off entire store and many more with 40-50% off special items. Even with the special reduced prices, the already too few people, don’t seem to be buying much at all… it does make you wonder how many more stores will perish… and if the once great tourist Mecca will ever regain it’s once greatness. It’s a sad thing to see. If you have visited in the past… perhaps you will be better off with your good memories vs... the hard reality of what is has become. The sad reality is … everything changes, and not always for the better. We have no desire to return any time soon… but wish it well. Rather sounds like a eulogy…. Amen.