These 5 things were popular in Myrtle Beach in the ’80s. How many do you remember doing?
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Myrtle Beach in the 1980s. Those who remember that time recall dancing at Mother Fletchers or Studebaker’s, wasting time at the Pavilion, buying that Panama Jack or Hawaiian Tropic T-shirt and spending college spring break on the beach or cruising the Boulevard.
While some of these places are long gone, there are still ways to re-capture that time.
Here are five ‘80s favorites and how you can relive those memories now.
Hermit crabs
It just wouldn’t be a vacation if you didn’t bring home some kind of souvenir to show you’ve been there. T-shirts are the top go-to, but during this time period it was hermit crabs.
Most of the beachwear shops that dotted the Myrtle Beach area carried the creatures, complete with little metal cages where they can live.
They are not as widespread now but are still available at some beachwear shops, especially in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Square Mall
The mall was undoubtedly the place to be during the ‘80s, and no vacation to Myrtle Beach was complete without a trip to the Myrtle Square Mall.
Located in the center of downtown, the mall opened in 1975 and closed in 2005. Now all that is left is a huge vacant lot that is often used for such events as Run to the Sun car show and Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam.
A most memorable feature was the huge lighted clock that was reported to be one of the world’s largest. There also was the Magic Cavern Arcade, a popular place for youth and teens.
Myrtle Beach visitors now can get their shopping fix at places like Broadway at the Beach, Market Common and Coastal Grand Mall.
Air-brushed T-shirts
A more popular souvenir was getting an air-brushed T-shirt with your name on it. Brightly colored options included artwork of your choice and whatever you wanted to say.
The novelty hasn’t worn off as there are several places in Myrtle Beach where you can get an air-brushed shirt, including along North Ocean Boulevard and at Broadway at the Beach.
2001 night club
If you were a teenager during this time, you may remember dancing at 2001 night club.
The club opened in 1980 and operated for years before it permanently closed in 2018. But the club reopened later as 3001 Nightlife, offering three clubs under one roof.
Sadly, there are no longer teen nights. Everyone must be 21 to enter.
Pavilion
What more can be said about the loss of downtown’s Pavilion.
Known as the “beating heart” of Myrtle Beach, it is one of the most talked about sites. People fondly recall Magic Attic, where teens would dance to the music of Sugarcreek, and ride the roller coaster at the amusement park.
When the amusement park was finally closed in 2006 and later torn down, it left a void for both residents and visitors.
Although the Pavilion is no more, people can still enjoy some of the rides, which were relocated to Pavilion Park at Broadway at the Beach.
