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Wedding & Event Venue Near Myrtle Beach, SC.

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Your Magic Moment Awaits

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Myrtle Beach, SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Myrtle Beach native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Myrtle Beach, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Myrtle Beach, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Myrtle Beach, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Myrtle Beach, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Myrtle Beach, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Myrtle Beach, SC

Much More!

 Wedding Space Myrtle Beach, SC

The Top Wedding Venue in Myrtle Beach, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Myrtle Beach's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Myrtle Beach.

 Wedding Venue Myrtle Beach, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues in Myrtle Beach?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue in Myrtle Beach, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sied venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Corporate Conference Hall Myrtle Beach, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located in Myrtle Beach, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue in Myrtle Beach, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

 Reception Hall Myrtle Beach, SC
Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues in Myrtle Beach, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

Special Event Space Myrtle Beach, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue in Myrtle Beach, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

 Event Venue Myrtle Beach, SC

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Space Myrtle Beach, SC

Latest News in Myrtle Beach, SC

Things to do for Valentine's Day in the Myrtle Beach area

From boot camp to Brookgreen, the SkyWheel, the waterway and the vineyard, Myrtle Beach area romantics can go beyond the traditional flowers, chocolates and cards this year on Valentine’s Day.Want to relive that wonderful wedding day? You can renew your vows at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet on Feb. 14 and at LuLu’s in North Myrtle Beach on Feb. 17.The Brookgreen vows are in two sessions — 1-3 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. The Romance in the Garden package includes the ceremony in the arboretum, followed by ca...

From boot camp to Brookgreen, the SkyWheel, the waterway and the vineyard, Myrtle Beach area romantics can go beyond the traditional flowers, chocolates and cards this year on Valentine’s Day.

Want to relive that wonderful wedding day? You can renew your vows at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet on Feb. 14 and at LuLu’s in North Myrtle Beach on Feb. 17.

The Brookgreen vows are in two sessions — 1-3 p.m. and 3:30-5:30 p.m. The Romance in the Garden package includes the ceremony in the arboretum, followed by cake and dancing to the music of Paul Grimshaw at the Leonard Pavillion. The cost is $50 per couple for Brookgreen members and $55 per couple for non-members. Tickets are available at brookgreen.org.

The event at LuLu’s, at 4954 Highway 17 S., runs from 1-3 p.m., with the ceremony at 2 p.m. Participants receive complementary certificates of marriage renewal, a champagne toast, cake, flowers and photos. Prizes will be awarded to the couple married for the longest and shortest periods of time, and the couple dressed most festively. Register at lulusfunfoodmusic.com.

If you’re looking to propose marriage, not remarry, the SkyWheel ride at 1110 N. Ocean Blvd. in Myrtle Beach offers custom “proposal packages.” You can pop the question 187 feet in the air. If you’re just looking for a romantic SkyWheel ride, the Valentine’s Date Night gives you a ride for two with a framed photo of your visit.

For those still looking for a date, you might find that certain someone at the Single Mingle Party on Feb. 14 at the House of Blues at 4640 Highway 17 S. in North Myrtle Beach. It starts at 4 p.m. with happy hour, followed by free speed dating at 5:30 p.m. and no-cover live music at Crossroads at 9 p.m. You can register at houseofblues.com.

Art lovers looking for a unique Valentine’s Day date can team to create a piece of art — “Love Lake” — in the studio at Wine & Design at 1620 Farrow Parkway in Myrtle Beach. Each will paint half of a painting to piece together while enjoying a glass of wine and a catered dinner from Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Cost is $75 per person. Register at wineanddesign.com.

If you prefer water with your dinner there’s a Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise on the Intracoastal Waterway on the Barefoot Princess riverboat.

There's also a four-course meal at the Ripley’s Aquarium.

The aquarium’s Splash of Love runs from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and includes a drink ticket, a rose and aquarium admission. Cost is $150 per couple. Reservations are required at ticketsmb.ripleys.com

The Barefoot Princess riverboat in North Myrtle Beach is offering a candlelight dinner and entertainment on a leisurely two-hour cruise on the waterway for Valentine’s Day. Cruises sail from 2051 Bridge View Court at 6 p.m. on Feb. 13-15, and cost is $71.99 for adults. Trips must be booked at least a day in advance at barefootqueen.com.

A cheap date is available, compliments of Conway, on Feb. 14. A free outdoor movie — the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day — begins at 6 p.m. at The Terrace at 110 Laurel St.

If you can’t wait for Valentine’s Day to begin, you can celebrate early at a couple of venues.

Myrtle Beach State Park is promising a laugh with its adults-only Animal Swoon interpretive program from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 13. Participants will learn about "the wild and humorous ways animals find a date by singing, dancing, bellowing, leaving scented notes and more.” Cost is $3 per person, space is limited, and reservations are required by Feb. 12 at southcarolinaparks.com.

The La Belle Amie Vineyard in Little River will host the Love at the Vineyard Gala from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Admission is $10 — add $8 for a wine tasting — with live music from noon to 4:30 p.m. Four restaurants will have stands selling everything from barbecue ribs and brisket to lobster rolls, burgers, subs and wraps. Call 843-399-9463 for tickets, which cost $5 more at the gate.

Conway’s recreation department will give couples a chance to burn off a few calories at a Valentine’s Boot Camp and Brunch from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Feb. 10 at the Conway Sports and Fitness Center. A fitness instructor will lead the couples through a series of cardio and body weight exercises, with brunch to follow. Cost is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Register at conwayparksandrecreation.net.

Myrtle Beach Branch Campus

PIA’s Myrtle Beach, SC campus is located about 5 minutes from the shore, and the area is a hotspot for concerts, shopping and entertainment.Recipient of the ACCSC 2020 School of Distinction, PIA’s Myrtle Beach Campus is located at the International Technology and Aerospace Park, near South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach International Airport. PIA’s air...

PIA’s Myrtle Beach, SC campus is located about 5 minutes from the shore, and the area is a hotspot for concerts, shopping and entertainment.

Recipient of the ACCSC 2020 School of Distinction, PIA’s Myrtle Beach Campus is located at the International Technology and Aerospace Park, near South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach International Airport. PIA’s airport location provides an ideal atmosphere for aviation training as well as aircraft accessibility to the school’s facilities.

The 26,000 sq ft facility houses classrooms, a learning resource system with a mobile computer lab and publications library, and shop areas for aircraft propulsion systems, electricity, sheet metal, hydraulics, instruments & controls, composite materials, non-destructive testing, and painting.

Campus Quick Facts

Start Dates/Times

Start Dates:

May 6, 2024 September 16, 2024

Hours: 8:00am-3:30pm Monday-Thur/Fri

Student to Faculty

You can feel confident you will get the attention you deserve with an average class size of 15 students per 1 instructor.

Graduate Placement

Statistics based on students that graduated in August 2021 through April 2022 as reported to ACCSC.

Click here for more details

Campus Admissions

Dana Smith 843-238-2700 Ext. 2405 dsmith@pia.edu

Programs Available

The AMT program prepares students for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant Certification Exams.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition (FY 2024-2025)*
Total AMT Certificate Program (4 Terms), 1900 hours $28,440
Tuition Per Term $7,110
*Effective September 2024
Tuition (FY 2022-2023)*
Total AMT Certificate Program (4 Terms), 1900 hours $26,780
Tuition Per Term $6,695
*Effective September 2022 through August 2024
Books, Tools, & Supplies
The charges for books, tools and supplies are approximate charges and are subject to sales tax where applicable. Prices may change without notice.
Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program $2,069
Other Fees
Registration Fee $150
Uniform Fee $100
Technology Fee $120/term
Materials Fee $80/term
FAA Airframe & Powerplant Examination Fees $1,680
Makeup Charges for Excessive Absence $14.12/hr

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The PIA Financial Aid office establishes standard student budgets each year as a basis for awarding financial aid funds. These budgets are based on actual tuition charges, national average living allowances calculated by The College Board, and include direct and indirect costs for the academic year.

The following cost of attendance example is based on the following assumptions:

Myrtle Beach Aviation Maintenance 22-23 Cost of Attendance

Financial Aid

As you prepare for your education, it’s important to know you’re not alone in navigating your financial plan.

Most students depend on a financial plan that incorporates multiple resources. Together, we’ll explore your eligibility for various financial aid programs, loans, grants and scholarships to help you figure out what’s best for your unique situation.

Here at PIA, we believe that a high-quality education should be delivered with transparency, including understanding how your investment measures with your earning potential. A stable financial plan should have no surprises, and that’s exactly what you can expect when you meet with the PIA Financial Aid Office.

Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Campus Location

1038 Shine Avenue, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

View Map

TAKE A CAMPUS 360 VIRTUAL TOUR

Housing for Students

PIA provides a list of properties that have been used by PIA students in the past as well as several new listings. This list is not a recommendation or guarantee by PIA. In addition, the Internet can also be a powerful tool when searching on one’s own. All arrangements are between the student and the property manager or owner. PIA IS NOT INVOLVED IN THESE AGREEMENTS IN ANY MANNER.

Campus Director

“An education is something that no one can ever take away from you. What our students learn at PIA, whether in the classroom or in the shop, will prepare them for an exciting career in aviation.”

– Michael Basara

Approvals and Accreditation

Beach advocates flock to North Myrtle Beach to discuss land conservation, wildlife

Sea turtles, beach erosion, land conservation, wildlife and tidal creeks were discussed among leaders in North Myrtle Beach earlier this week.South Carolina Beach Advocates held its 10th annual meeting with a three-day conference late January, with a portion of the discussion revolving around Waties Island just north of North Myrtle Beach.Engineers, planners and scientists made presentations throughout the conference on topics relating to beach preservation, erosion, habitat change and more.South Carolina Gov. Henry McMa...

Sea turtles, beach erosion, land conservation, wildlife and tidal creeks were discussed among leaders in North Myrtle Beach earlier this week.

South Carolina Beach Advocates held its 10th annual meeting with a three-day conference late January, with a portion of the discussion revolving around Waties Island just north of North Myrtle Beach.

Engineers, planners and scientists made presentations throughout the conference on topics relating to beach preservation, erosion, habitat change and more.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster presented the keynote address on the last day of the conference and spoke about how precious the coast of Carolina and the natural lands of South Carolina are for tourism, business and recreation. McMaster used the analogy of the three legged stool, saying the strength of South Carolina relies on economic strength, educational excellence, and environmental and cultural heritage.

“That’s why this preservation effort, I believe and you believe, is vital to the future of our state,” McMaster said. “…I believe that the land, the trees, the water, the air, the birds, the bees, the animals, all of that have an enormous impact on all of us.”

McMaster also talked about the rapid growth of South Carolina during his keynote but warned of the potential consequences of coastal development after his address.

“We need to understand that you can’t build right on the ocean and not expect to get washed away,” McMaster told MyHorryNews after the conference.

A highlight of the conference was a trip to Waties Island, a coastal land conservation success story.

The island is a pristine area of undeveloped coastal land and a rare example of private owners and public agencies and foundations working together to prevent development. That goal became more set in stone in recent weeks when members of the Boyce family, who have owned much of the land for generations, sold 219 acres of Waties Island to the Open Space Institute for a total of about $12 million, according to Horry County Land Records and Open Space Institute.

“It is an honor and a gift to be part of the conservation of Waties Island,” said Olivia Boyce-Abel in a press release. “It was always my intention to preserve Waties Island and as much of the surrounding land as possible for all of South Carolina. My hope is by my saving my land it will inspire others to do the same.”

During his keynote address, McMaster called Waties Island “priceless” and thanked the Boyce family for trusting the land to OSI, who is working with the state’s office of resilience and the South Carolina Conservation Bank to protect the unique habitat from development.

Another speaker at the conference was Michelle Pate, coordinator of South Carolina Department of Natural Resource’s marine turtle conservation program.

Pate talked about how sea turtle nest frequency has increased in a seesaw pattern over the past decade and talked about the threats to nests including lights on beaches, coyotes and storms.

Melissa Chaplin with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spoke on how endangered species like the red knot and piping plover rely on an undisturbed coast to thrive.

The effects of climate change and development were heavily discussed at the conference. Alex Butler, resilience planning director of the South Carolina Office of Resilience, said the addition of impervious surfaces like concrete along the coast have an impact on flooding.

“We need to think about our land better,” Butler said. “As we come in and we develop, we need to think about how much impervious surfaces we’re adding. We’re adding a lot of impervious surface, and that could cause some more problems downstream and that could have some unintended consequences that we’ll have to deal with later.”

Butler said intense rainfall events are increasing.

“We had portions of the state that had three 1,000-year events in a five-year period,” Butler said. “Those are likely to become more and more frequent over time.”

The conference was well attended by several mayors and leaders of coastal towns, environmental advocacy group leaders and nature enthusiasts.

Next year’s conference will be held in Isle of Palms.

Myrtle Beach area great spot for finding sharks’ teeth. Shark tooth hunter offers his tips

On a cold Monday morning near the Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach, ocean waves are lapping onto Charles Shelton Jr.’s black, rubber boots as he dips his metal scoop into the sand and examines its contents in the water.After just a few scoops, he finds what he is looking for. There among the broken bits of shell and wet sand is a black, shiny triangular shark tooth. Shelton turns the tooth over in his hand and declares that it’s a tooth ...

On a cold Monday morning near the Springmaid Pier in Myrtle Beach, ocean waves are lapping onto Charles Shelton Jr.’s black, rubber boots as he dips his metal scoop into the sand and examines its contents in the water.

After just a few scoops, he finds what he is looking for. There among the broken bits of shell and wet sand is a black, shiny triangular shark tooth. Shelton turns the tooth over in his hand and declares that it’s a tooth from a Dusky shark.

A little later, he found teeth from a Sand Tiger and a Makko shark. And while these aren’t the big finds that he’s really looking for – Great White, Megalodon and Carolina Creams – they are the kind that can bring excitement to a novice hunter.

Shelton is an expert shark tooth hunter. He offers his knowledge and expertise on finding sharks’ teeth and fossils during tours and educational talks, including a most recent talk at the North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum where it was standing room only for those wanting to hear his tips and tricks. He also manages the Myrtle Beach Shark Teeth Facebook page, which currently has more than 41,000 members.

Hunting for sharks’ teeth is hugely popular along the Grand Strand. The shiny, triangular black teeth have a deep attraction for those who comb the beach hoping to find them.

A shark loses between 20,000 to 30,000 teeth, Shelton said. And with about 60 mouths of different shark species in the Myrtle Beach area, it provides a “wonderful opportunity” for anyone to find teeth, he said.

Some of the more common shark species are Dusky, Tiger, Spinner, Black Tip, Bull and Great White.

South Carolina and North Carolina are the better two states to find teeth on the East Coast, Shelton said. The No. 1 place is Venice Beach, Florida, which is known as the “shark tooth capital of the world.”

The Myrtle Beach area is a great place to find sharks’ teeth. Wilmington, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina, is considered a shark lagoon where many sharks can be found, Shelton said.

Shelton considers the wind, tides and rain when he goes to a beach. He also doesn’t spend a lot of time at one beach if it’s not producing. He may, at times, visit up to four beaches a day in his search, he said. For him, he goes early and is usually finished by 5 or 7 a.m.

Moving is the key to finding teeth, he said. He starts by looking at the beach and where the surf has been, finding the highest tide line and the thrash line. That’s where the greatest number of shells have been left. The more shells, the greater chance of finding shark’s teeth, Shelton said.

However, “just because you find a lot of shells, doesn’t mean you’ll find a lot of teeth,” Shelton said. “It’s really a gamble.”

Chances are, you are probably walking over the teeth because you may think it’s a rock or something not worth collecting, Shelton said.

“Don’t be afraid to pick up something you don’t think is a tooth,” he said.

Shelton said the area around Second Avenue Pier in Myrtle Beach has a lot of fossils, especially because of the rock bed that is there.

Here are some of Shelton’s tips for finding teeth:

And for the coveted megalodon teeth, they have been found on beaches. However, the tooth is usually found in the inlet of a river, Shelton said. In order to find those, “you have to go inland or diving,” he said.

Shelton knows that hunting can become competitive, which results in some people taking things too far. He wants people to know that the “beach is not ours. The beach is everybody’s.”

When it comes to finding shark teeth, Shelton’s biggest tip is to find your own way of searching.

“It’s what works best for you,” he said. “You just have to know where to look.”

The 40-year-old has been hunting for shark teeth and fossils for more than 35 years. He got started by competing with his mother on who could find the most as they came to Myrtle Beach for vacation every year. The West Virginia family finally made the permanent move to the Myrtle Beach area a little more than a year ago.

Shelton focuses on his education work and Facebook page full-time. He learned by reading books and talking with “old timers” about their tips and tricks. At the time he first got started, there wasn’t the internet to help with his finds, which now reach into the hundreds.

At his North Myrtle Beach talk, jars of teeth and different fossils and teeth enclosed in glass display cases lined the tables. One of those great finds is a giant megalodon tooth.

Since Shelton wasn’t born on the coast, he tried to get everything he could in the week that he was in Myrtle Beach.

Now, he has people turning to him for advice. He started the Facebook page about seven years ago. During the peak season of beach visitors and vacationers, he will see about 1,500 followers a week. He approves about that many posts every day.

“I never would’ve thought it would be this large,” Shelton said. “It’s wild. It’s really humbling.”

Follow more of our reporting on Stories shared from The Sun News’ Instagram account

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Weather live updates: Severe thunderstorm hits Myrtle Beach, SC area with high winds, rain

Updated 3:27 p.m.Myrtle Beach’s seen an uptick in tornadoes recently, but one expert says the area isn’t becoming more prone to them.While Myrtle Beach has seen two tornadoes in recent months, the Grand Strand has not seen a particular uptick in activity recently, National Weather Service Wilmington, N.C. meteorologist Steven Pfaff said.Pfaff added that there are a couple of times a year w...

Updated 3:27 p.m.

Myrtle Beach’s seen an uptick in tornadoes recently, but one expert says the area isn’t becoming more prone to them.

While Myrtle Beach has seen two tornadoes in recent months, the Grand Strand has not seen a particular uptick in activity recently, National Weather Service Wilmington, N.C. meteorologist Steven Pfaff said.

Pfaff added that there are a couple of times a year when there is peak tornado activity, particularly between March and May as well as September.

Updated 3 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for North Myrtle Beach and Little River until 3:45 p.m.

Updated 2:23 p.m.

A tornado warning has been issued Tuesday for the areas of Myrtle Beach, Socastee, Conway and around Garden City until 2:45 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.

Updated 1:07 p.m.

More than 700 people are without power in the Conway area, according to the Horry Electric Cooperative.

The utility company reported that 767 people lost power a little after noon Tuesday because of wind.

Updated 1 p.m.

Some flooding might be expected in Horry County, but the threat isn’t serious due to the speed of the storm, officials say.

A storm is moving toward the Myrtle Beach area, and flooding could accompany it with heavy weather starting around Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service’s Wilmington, N.C. office.

While flooding might impact areas with poor drainage and beach erosion is a concern, the flooding threat is “on the low end” and isn’t a serious threat because of the storm, said Steven Pfaff, warning coordination meteorologist for the NWS’ Wilmington site.

Updated 11:44 a.m.

A tornado watch has been issued for Horry County until 6 p.m., according to the Horry County Emergency Management.

Wind gusts in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach are at 38 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina.

Updated 10:22 a.m.

The City of Myrtle Beach shores have gone to a double red flag for the remainder of Tuesday, meaning that everyone should remain out of the ocean due to dangerous surf conditions, according to the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

Updated 10:18 A.M.

Tuesday’s storm is predicted to bring heavy rain, flooding and high winds with gusts up to 55 mph to the Myrtle Beach area, according to the National Weather Service.

That could mean some in Horry County will postpone plans or cancel events in preparation for the severe weather. Check the list of cancellations and closings here.

If you have a cancellation or closing, email online@thesunnews.com.

Updated 10:10 A.M.

HTC announced via an email that their retail locations and their Customer Contact Center were closing at 12:30 p.m. today. Customers can pay their bills online.

“HTC is taking necessary measures to prepare for these conditions by testing and fueling standby generators, inspecting network offices and equipment locations to prevent flooding, preparing fleet vehicles for deployment and other tasks associated with ensuring the safety of network equipment,” wrote the company officials in an email. “HTC will be watching the storm as it moves into our service area and managing our emergency operations center to monitor the network for any alarms.”

A severe thunderstorm is expected to hit the Myrtle Beach area Tuesday, bringing damaging winds, potential flooding and the threat of tornadoes. The National Weather Service said the worst of the storm is expected to hit in the afternoon and evening.

Residents could see bouts of heavy rainfall and wind speeds of more than 55 mph. A total of 1 to 2 inches of rain is predicted, which will bring low levels of flash flooding and a chance of minor coastal flooding.

Many Myrtle Beach area resorts and restaurants live stream their views.

For most of the year, these webcams show tranquil beach scenes for visitors longing for the ocean. When a storm hits, the cameras can turn into tools for locals and tourists alike to witness the effects in real time.

After you identify local emergency contacts and see if your area is likely to flood, check out these 23 beach cams to watch the storm.

As an early winter storm approaches the Myrtle Beach area, there’s a potential for power outages in Horry County.

The National Weather Service’s Wilmington office’s Jan. 8 storm briefing reported that winds could reach 55 mph for land areas and more than 58 mph in marine/coastal areas. The NWS’s report also said tornadoes could develop, putting the threat of wind between “elevated” and “significant.”

The NWS lists increasing threats from none, limited, elevated, significant and extreme.

This story was originally published January 9, 2024, 9:26 AM.

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