Spring fever isn't the only ailment that brings guests to Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort this time of year. March Madness also sweeps through the South Strand, and college basketball fans have plenty of options for watching the all the tournament action. Running from March 15 to the championship game on April 4, March Madness is at its maddest at these five local spots:
* Carolina Tavern: This isn't your typical sports bar. Perhaps because of its mellow Murrells Inlet location, this place is more laid back than fired up. But for fans who truly want to watch the games and just shout drunken cheers for your team, Carolina Tavern is a great place to enjoy the games without all the usual sports-bar distractions. In addition to strategically placed TVs, Carolina Tavern also boasts private booths in their own TVs so you can tune in to the game of your choice and control the volume and channels. The food menu features traditional sports bar fare such as wings, burgers and barbecue, as well as surf and turf specials.
* Island Bar & Grill: This Pawleys Island institution features an indoor sports bar and outdoor patio deck, making it the perfect for watching some hoops no matter the weather. Dip indoors and catch all the games on TVs behind the bar and throughout the dining area, or soak up some sun and bring your pet along on the outdoor deck. Located in the Village Shops retail center, sports fans can hang out here while the non-fans in your party hit the stores. Island Bar & Grill hosts a March Madness Party beginning at 11 a.m. each game day with drink and food specials, and you don't have to worry about missing those West Coast games since the Island stays open till 2 a.m.
* King Street Grille: This regional chain based out of Charleston offers a dose of the historic city's charm in a sports-bar setting. The vibe is casual and friendly, not loud and rowdy, and the restaurant features a menu that goes far beyond the traditional wing and nachos lineup. Guests can dine on a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, steaks and seafood while watching the game on a nearby screen, or hang out with fans in the sports bar, which serves a nice selection of craft beers. The outdoor patio deck is a great place to catch the early games on a sunny day.
* Murphy's South: This sister sports bar of a longtime Myrtle Beach hangout has developed its own crowd and vibe on the south side in Garden City. Featuring a laid-back environment and a fun-loving clientele, Murphy's South is a come-as-you-are casual sports bar where the games reign supreme. The walls are covered with flat-screen TVs that are almost always tuned to sports, and fans pack the house to root for their teams. The food menu offers all the sports-bar classics – wings, nachos, burgers and fries – and there's plenty of cold beer on tap.
* Pawleys Island Tavern: This popular hangout is more of a music venue and restaurant than a sports bar, but that will change in March as the music moves to the outdoor deck and college basketball takes center stage on the indoor TVs. Belly up to the bar and watch the action, or take a break and catch some of the top local and regional bands. Be sure to try the Shrimp and Grits and other house favorites from the kitchen, and enjoy drinks and TVs at both the indoor and outdoor bars.
Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort guests can also watch the games in the comfort of their own rooms, or gather around the bar at Webster's Lowcountry Grille to stay on top of all the action. All in all, it's a great place to recover from spring fever and March Madness
