Sponsored| The Hidden Gem is a stunning four-bedroom, three-bathroom vacation rental that sleeps up to nine guests and sits in an exclusive residential neighborhood of North Myrtle Beach sits. With its private swimming pool, putting green, WiFi, full kitchen, and over eighty-five other amenities, this property is the perfect basecamp for exploring everything the area has to offer. No matter if you’re traveling with family or friends, The Hidden Gem provides the comfort and space to make your coastal getaway truly memorable.

Culinary Adventures

The area around the rental offers exceptional dining experiences that showcase the best flavors of the Lowcountry and beyond. Each restaurant brings its own unique charm and culinary expertise, making it easy to explore diverse cuisines throughout your stay. These are some of the most memorable and unique restaurants I tried during my visit:

Big Chill Island House

Located approximately two miles from the property at Barefoot Landing, Big Chill Island House delivers a tropical escape with every meal. The restaurant’s waterfront setting creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying fresh, vibrant cuisine. I started with the Boba buns. These soft, pillowy steamed buns were filled with rich sauce plus meat and were an unexpected delight that I’ll be thinking about long after my trip. Next I tried the tuna poke bowl which was exceptionally fresh, with tender, high-quality tuna balanced by bright citrus and crisp vegetables. Followed by the lobster roll which was buttery, light and simply delicious. For a dessert I went with the grilled pineapple, which arrived warm and caramelized, bringing out the fruit’s natural sweetness (this item is served as a side). All paired with tropical drinks I felt like I’d been transported to an island paradise.

If you only catch one summer sunset this season, it has to be here! The deck overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway + Barefoot Landing and here golden hour becomes pure magic. Tropical drinks. Perfect views. The kind of moment you’ll replay in your mind months later. Big Chill Island House is where every sunset feels like a celebration and real magic happens here on Monday nights when Barefoot Landing shoots their summer fireworks. This celebration creates the perfect backdrop for patio dining.

Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing

Located at Broadway at the Beach on Celebrity Circle, Ole Smoky Distillery & Yee-Haw Brewing combines two of my favorite things: craft spirits and craft beer, all under one roof. The outdoor patio is spacious and welcoming, and the live music creates an energetic, fun atmosphere that makes you want to linger. I started by exploring their moonshine flight, sampling several distinct expressions of this quintessential Southern spirit.

Following that, I enjoyed their selection of brews from Yee-Haw Brewing, each offering unique flavor profiles and character. For dinner, I dined on the patio and ordered the grouper, which was perfectly prepared and delicate, and a blackened ribeye steak that was cooked to perfection with a beautiful crust and tender, juicy interior. Every bite of food paired beautifully with the spirits and beers on offer. If you time your visit for a Tuesday, you’ll be treated to spectacular fireworks at 10 PM, adding another layer of entertainment to an already memorable evening.

I ❤️ National House of Pancakes

NHOP is a breakfast and brunch destination that takes its craft seriously. This spot is perfect for starting your day or enjoying a leisurely midday meal. I ordered the Nutella pancakes with strawberry and banana, which arrived as a decadent stack of fluffy pancakes covered in creamy Nutella and topped with fresh fruit. Followed by trying the red velvet waffle which came with vanilla drizzle, strawberry cream cheese, and fresh strawberries. The slight tanginess of the red velvet paired perfectly with the sweetness of the cream cheese and berries. For something more savory, I tried the crab cake eggs Benedict with grilled tomato, poached eggs, Hollandaise, and Cajun remoulade.

The crab cakes were packed with flavor and held together perfectly, while the Hollandaise was silky and rich. The shrimp and grits featured smoked sausage, bacon, roasted red bell peppers, and artisan bloody mary sauce, a Southern classic elevated with creative touches. Everything is over the top here including blueberries in the water and huge portions like my fruit “cup” which includes every variety of fruits you could want and over the top breakfast potatoes. The drinks are equally creative: I enjoyed a Screwdriver served in a glass purse complete with a floating rubber duck, and a mimosa served in a hollowed-out pineapple. Every detail here shows thoughtfulness and a commitment to making breakfast memorable.

Hard Rock Cafe

A classic stop for rock and roll nostalgia combined with solid food and drinks, the Hard Rock Cafe at Broadway at the Beach on Celebrity Circle was established back in July 1995 and remains an iconic venue worth visiting. The atmosphere is fun and energetic with memorabilia on every wall, and you can catch happy hour for great drink deals. I started my meal with the One Night in Bangkok spicy shrimp, a starter that demands respect. These crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy spicy sauce and served with coleslaw and green onions. The heat level is perfect and spicy enough to wake up your palate but not so intense that it overshadows the quality of the shrimp themselves. This is the the kind of appetizer you could make a whole meal of.

For my main course, I ordered the Messi Chicken Sandwich, a collaboration between Hard Rock Cafe and soccer legend Lionel Messi. Inspired by the Argentinean staple milanesa, this sandwich features a double stack of crispy, Milanese-style chicken breast topped with melted provolone cheese and a rich herb aioli. Fresh tomatoes and peppery arugula round out the sandwich, served on a toasted artisan bun. The combination is surprisingly sophisticated and the herb aioli keeps the chicken moist and flavorful, while the arugula adds an herbaceous bite that elevates it far beyond a typical chicken sandwich. The star of the evening though was my Tropical Margarita, which features Teremana Blanco Tequila, strawberries, Cointreau orange liqueur, guava pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice, served in a beautiful souvenir glass. The drink is art in a glass; bright, refreshing, fruity, and perfectly balanced.

Local Activities & Experiences

In addition to great spots to eat, the area around the rental also offers incredible activities that blend natural beauty with entertainment and unique experiences. For those seeking relaxation or adventure, there’s something for everyone. These are some of the activities and experiences I enjoyed during my stay:

The Beach

Located just approximately one mile from The Hidden Gem, the beach is obviously a gateway to sun, sand, and sea. You can easily spend a full day lounging under an umbrella, taking a refreshing swim, or simply walking along the shoreline at sunset, the proximity to the property makes it effortless to enjoy the coast whenever the mood strikes. The beaches in North Myrtle Beach are clean and safe even for a solo traveler. In addition to the beach there are also several piers you can visit around the area if you’re interested in fishing.

Golfing in North Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach is renowned as, “The Golf Capital of the World,” with championship courses dotting the Grand Strand. The best part about staying at The Hidden Gem? There’s a golf course literally at the end of the street. You can step right out and be on the greens in minutes, making it incredibly convenient for golf enthusiasts. And when you’re back at the house, the private putting green in the backyard is perfect for brushing up on your short game. No matter if you’re looking to play a quick round or spend the day perfecting your swing, you won’t find a more accessible location for your golf getaway. This house will be your 19th hole!

Duplin Winery

Situated in nearby Barefoot Landing, Duplin Winery specializes in sweet Muscadine wines that celebrate the flavors of the South. Wine tastings include eight wines, cheese dip, crackers, and 1 full glass of your favorite wine to enjoy. They also offer wine flights. My experience here was nothing short of delightful.

The day I visited live music helped create a warm, inviting atmosphere as I sampled their collection of Muscadine wines, each one telling a story of Southern tradition and craftsmanship. I finished my visit with their banana pudding cheesecake, which was rich, satisfying, and the perfect complement to the wines I’d tasted. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend an afternoon and leave with new favorite wines and happy memories.

Broadway at the Beach

This shopping and entertainment destination offers endless possibilities for browsing, shopping, and people-watching. The area is vibrant and lively, with something to catch every visitor’s eye. One of the must-do experiences here is the Broadway 360 Observation Wheel. This impressive 156-foot observation wheel features thirty-six gondolas, each accommodating up to six people, and is decorated with over one million multicolor lights synchronized to music.

Each ride lasts approximately eleven minutes and the views from the top are spectacular, offering a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire area and the coastline beyond. Riding the wheel at sunset or after dark when the lights are fully illuminated is an unforgettable experience that captures the magic of the Myrtle Beach area.

Black Flag Forge

For a truly unique and memorable activity, Black Flag Forge which offers hands-on blacksmithing experiences for guests ages six and up. I forged a custom knife during my visit, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my entire trip! This is something many people may have on their bucket list.

Working with the metal, learning the techniques, and creating something with my own hands gave me a souvenir that’s far more meaningful than anything I could buy. Beyond knives, you can also forge hair pins, coins, oyster knives and other items. Whatever you choose to create, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind piece and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar

The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar is a must visit stop! This destination has made a name for itself with outrageous, creative dessert creations that blur the line between drink and dessert. Their menu offers an impressive array of signature Crazy Mason shakes, Crazy Waffles (three-scoop sundaes served on warm sugar pearl waffles), Crazy Bombs (ice cream sandwiches made with homemade cookies), and other decadent creations that celebrate excess in the best possible way.

This trip I ordered the Crazy Colada, one of their signature creations, and it was an experience unto itself. This isn’t just a milkshake it’s a complete indulgence served in a keepsake mason jar. The drink features coconut ice cream blended with fresh pineapple chunks, rimmed with vanilla buttercream and Nilla Wafers. But what makes the Crazy Colada truly special is what’s on top: a generous slice of coconut cake perched right on the edge of the jar, along with whipped icing, fresh pineapple wedges, crushed graham crackers, and a festive cocktail umbrella.

Every component works together to create a symphony of tropical flavors with the creamy coconut ice cream, the bright pineapple, the tender coconut cake, and the subtle sweetness of the wafer rim. It’s the kind of over-the-top creation that makes you feel like you’re on a perpetual vacation, and it’s exactly what you come to The Crazy Mason to experience. The mason jar is yours to keep too, creating a permanent souvenir from your visit.

Planning Your Stay in North Myrtle Beach

The Hidden Gem welcomes guests year-round and you’ll find North Myrtle Beach is more than just a beach destination, it’s a place where world-class dining meets unforgettable experiences, all centered around a home that feels like your own. The Hidden Gem provides the perfect foundation for exploring everything the area has to offer, from gourmet meals and craft beverages to hands-on adventures and spectacular views. Enjoy a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or even a group celebration! This vacation rental and the surrounding area deliver memories that will last long after you return home!