SWEET CAROLINAS
Many of us get a nostalgic warm and fuzzy feeling when we think of Myrtle Beach, S.C. – March break, the parents loading up the station wagon (woodpanelled, naturally) and heading down to the beach. It’s also a draw for golfers (90 courses, plus those of the miniputt variety), and those who want the drive, but may not have the time to drive farther south. The newly launched Arts & Gallery Trail, in collaboration with the Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum and The Arts Grand Strand, offers art lovers more than 100 studios, murals, sculptures and gardens. And, with 95 kilometres of beaches, and special programs and discounts for Canadians known as Can-Am days during winter, why not? (visitmyrtlebeach.com). But don’t stop there. On the drive back, take a Nights in Rodanthe-inspired detour via the Outer Banks Scenic Byway up the coast of North Carolina, where the 2008 Richard Gere-Diane Lane romance was filmed. At just over 220 kilometres, the 5 1/2hour trip along stretches of beaches of the state’s barrier islands, through wildlife nature reserves and up-close views of the Atlantic, also includes two ferry rides. Besides, studies show that we’re much happier when we’re close to water, so the journey may help soothe your post-holiday blues. visitnc.com