This March brings the return of a new Myrtle Beach tradition anticipated and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike – the Myrtle Beach Highland Games. For 2017, the games will be held March 24-25 at The Market Common, offering a perfect way to kick off the spring season with your family. And Paradise Resort provides the perfect place to spend your weekend enjoying the beach, the games and all the activities the Grand Strand has to offer.
If you are not familiar with the Highland games held in the spring and summer in Scotland, we can help you with our version here in Myrtle Beach. The festival incudes athletic competitions, a Celtic marketplace, Scottish whiskey tasting, a clan village, live music and entertainment, the Ripley’s Kids Glen and other activities suited for the whole family.
Let’s talk about Highland games history a bit to give you a little background so you can really enjoy the festival. It is said that centuries ago the king of Scotland would select the finest athletes from the original Highland games to become his personal guards. Scottish clans also used the games to showcase their grand strength without having to go to war. Many of the tools used in the games were created as an alternative to traditional weapons during a time when England forbade any Scotsman from bearing arms.
At the heart of the Myrtle Beach festival are the games themselves, which are inspired by Scottish tradition and heritage. Enjoy watching men and women compete in full Scottish kilt attire. The unique events include the caber toss, the sheaf toss, the Braemar stone put, the hammer throw and more. If you are unsure of the details of each of the games, visit myrtlebeachhighlandgames.com/games for a full list and details on each of them. In past years, records have been broken, so you may witness history at the Myrtle Beach Highland Games!
Spirits lovers in the family over age 21 you can enjoy the Whisky Tasting held at the Tupelo Honey Café in The Market Common. The tasting is held on Friday, March 24, and space is limited to 40 participants per tasting. Tickets for this event are ONLY available in advance, and they sell quickly. The whisky tastings are paired with fine foods that complement each of the whiskeys featured. Not only do participants thoroughly enjoy the tastings, but they are also guaranteed to leave with a greater knowledge of Scottish whiskies and enhanced appreciation for the art of making them. You don’t have to be a participant to enjoy the tasting, however – you can attend and enjoy watching the participants.
Sponsored by Ripley’s of Myrtle Beach, The Ripley’s Kids Glen is where your kiddos are going to really enjoy the day. Especially for kids ages 6-12 who are accompanied by an adult, the festival attraction offers face painting, fun activities and some of the same events the athletes in the main Highland games compete in – along with the chance to win some great prizes. The games for the kids include the caber toss, the 3-legged race, the one-on-one tug o’ war, archery and the hatchet throw. The smaller kiddos (those under the age of 6) can enjoy coloring and displaying their masterpieces. There is also a scavenger hunt, inflatables and wearable art featuring all kinds of Scottish designs for the kids to enjoy!
The Myrtle Beach Highland Games is a festival and event for the entire family – and its scheduling coincides with the perfect time of year to enjoy the thinner crowds and excellent weather here in Myrtle Beach and at Paradise Resort. Book your stay now to take in the activities of the games while still enjoying your sand and sea vacation!
