If you enjoy dancing the Shag, there are few better places to pursue your pastime than in the Myrtle Beach area. Born on the Carolina coast back in the 1940s as the Carolina Shag, the dance is a descendant of the Carolina Jitterbug with a six-count, eight-step pattern that keeps partners moving to the beat of (typically) Carolina beach music. Decades later, the dance has become the official state dance of both North and South Carolina, and it is recognized as a dance category in competitions around the globe.
For lovers of the Shag, there’s no place on Earth where the dance is still more alive and well than on the Grand Strand. Next time you’ve got the urge to cut a rug during your Myrtle Beach getaway, grab your dance partner and head for one of these Shag clubs within easy reach of Dayton House Resort:
Fat Harold’s Beach Club — Located on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach and renowned as a beach music institution on the Grand Strand, Fat Harold’s offers two dance floors where patrons can Shag the night away. Beach music played by live bands or DJs is featured on most nights, and Shag lessons and socials are scheduled regularly. After you’ve danced up a hunger during your visit, be sure to try the world-famous Fat Harold’s Bologna Sandwich. For more information on upcoming events, visit fatharolds.com.
Duck’s Beach Club — Found just across the street and a few doors down from Fat Harold’s, this longtime North Myrtle Beach Shaggers’ favorite offers new live entertainment each week, including beach music bands, DJs and Shag-centered events. Live entertainment is featured at the club’s sidewalk cafe nearly every night (weather permitting). Check out the Duck’s calendar of events at ducksatoceandrive.com.
OD Arcade & Lounge — Known as “The Biggest Little Bar in Town,” this club on Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach hosts regular Shag events, as well as live bands, DJs and karaoke. Beyond the dance floor, attractions include billiards and other games. Check out the calendar of events at odarcade.com.
Pirate's Cove — This hangout on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach features regular Shag-focused events, as well as two stages for live music. The rooftop Bomba Shack Deck serves up live music nightly and is a great bonus when the weather is nice — which, of course, is most of the time on the Grand Strand. Visit piratescovelounge.com to learn more.
After you’ve danced the night away, head back to your comfortable accommodations at Dayton House Resort — where some of the top attractions in the Myrtle Beach area, including the Atlantic Ocean in the resort’s backyard, are within easy reach. Book your Grand Strand vacation today, and get ready to Shag all your troubles away in paradise.