Art in the Park Offers Shopping in the Great Outdoors

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What to do on a sunny autumn day in Myrtle Beach? Soak up the sunshine in the great outdoors, or go for a full day of shopping at local art galleries and craft studios? Fortunately for vacationers who love sunshine and shopping, you can enjoy both activities at the same time and place at the 43rd Annual Art in the Park event.

Held at Chapin Park in downtown Myrtle Beach and Valor Park in Market Common, the two-day event is scheduled for three stops in the fall season – Oct. 10-11 and Nov. 7-8 at Chapin Park and Nov. 14-15 at Valor Park. Both locations offer the opportunity to spend an autumn day outdoors while also shopping for hard-to-find items.

Hosted by the Waccamaw Arts Guild, the Art in the Park draws some of the top artists, craftsmen and collectors in the Southeast. The longevity of the event, and the excellent location make this a popular stop on the arts and crafts show circuit as local, regional and national vendors bring their best works to the Grand Strand. Savvy shoppers and bargain hunters flock to this popular event to catch up on the latest trends in art.

Art in the Park is known for attracting renowned vendors to the Strand. Artists and craftsmen display their works and wares along the sidewalks of the spacious and scenic parks, and shoppers and collectors roam from booth to booth to check out a wide range of items, such as antiques, painting, wood carvings, pottery, folk art, glasswork, jewelry, photography and other one of a kind pieces you won't find at any local retail outlets.

Collectors love to go to Art in the Park for the rare opportunity to have a conversation and ask questions of the artists and craftsmen who created the items on display. Every piece of merchandise has a story, one you can hear directly from the maker, and one you can retell to impress future house guests or folks on your gift list. No need to worry about giving a duplicate present this holiday season when the items are one of a kind.

Perhaps the best part of Art in the Park, at least for patrons who have little ones, is the family-friendly environment. Rather than dragging a disinterested spouse and kids along with you through the shopping section, let the kids burn off some energy at the playgrounds that are nearby both venues. Chapin Park has a spacious play area for climbing, swinging, sliding and all kinds of fun, while Valor Park is surrounded by hiking and biking trails, playground equipment and a lake. Let the children have a blast while you shop till you drop, or visit the food vendors and take a lunch break with the whole family at one of the many picnic shelters.

For visitors looking to make a full day out of Art in the Park, there are several fun attractions surrounding both locations. The Downtown Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest is held the same weekend and just a few blocks away at the Oct. 10-11 event, and Chapin Park is also walking distance to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, Pier 14 and the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel. For the final festival, Market Common is a great place to continue your shopping trip with dozens of high-end outlets and boutiques.

Art in the Park is held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, October 10-11 and November 7-8 at Chapin Park and November 14-15 at Valor Park. Admission is free for all ages. For more information, visit www.artsyparksy.com.

 

(Posted: 9/8/15)