To most people, Horry County is just the place were Myrtle Beach is. To others, it will always be home. For better or for worse, once you're here, it will always be a part of you.
1. No, it's not Whore-y
It's Horry. Like the word "or" and then add an "e." It's not that hard, people.
2. You never tell people your actual town's name
"I'm from right outside of Myrtle Beach." Yeah, an hour on a light traffic day. When 501 is crowded, it's more like four hours.
3. Cookout was a HUGE deal
When the Cookout went in by the hospital, the line was wrapped around the building for two days.
4. Any new food place NOT in Myrtle Beach is a huge deal
When Carolina Forest got an Olive Garden. When Aynor got a McDonalds. When Conway got a Dunkin Donuts. These were all basically city-wide holidays. And Carolina Forest is now getting a Krispy Kreme? We're moving up in the world, people.
5. When someone says Seaboard Street...
You know exactly where they're talking about and exactly what they went there for. You're also silently preparing to judge them based on their shop of choice.
6. You know what the loudest month of the year is
It's obviously May. Two solid weeks of engine noise.
7. Back roads are your best friend
When you can get to Myrtle Beach from home without ever touching 501, that's a great success, and a moment of pride.
8. You know the high school nicknames
Sure there's Conway, Aynor, Loris, North Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Socastee, Carolina Forest, St. James, and a few more, but you know no one really calls them by that name.
9. You claim Coastal as your own
For better or for worse, they're your home team. Whether that's being on the Top 10 Party Schools list or being National Champs, they're your team.
10. You've heard a tourist call it "The Bouly"
No, honey. It's the Boulevard. Go back to Canada.
11. You still miss the Pavilion
RIP the best part of Horry County.
12. You know all the "old" places
Myrtle isn't the same without the Hard Rock Pyramid, the big Globe, the Nascar cafe, the Palace Theater, and so many other places that have now left us.
13. The Riverwalk or the beach is the backdrop for your pictures
Any special event? Probably at the Riverwalk so you wouldn't mess up your hair with the ocean breeze. But spontaneous photoshoots with your friends? Beach.
14. You want to leave so badly
Please, just get me out of here.