Is Myrtle Beach Organic and Gluten-Free Friendly?

My husband and I recently returned from a week in Myrtle Beach, SC. My brother and sister-in-law asked us to babysit while they worked during the week for my brother’s job. We jumped at the opportunity since it had been over 15 years since either of us had been to Myrtle Beach! After the horrible winter we experienced this year in Michigan, we were both really looking forward to the warm sunshine.

The weather in Myrtle Beach didn’t disappoint! It was sunny in the 70’s and 80’s all week. We only had rain one day. I needed the natural Vitamin D so badly! I also made sure to walk barefoot through the sand a few times to do some “earthing“. I felt really good the entire week! Typically, my Multiple Chemical Sensitivity symptoms are a factor for us going out of town. I used to love to travel, but living with MCS makes it virtually impossible to do that anymore. However, my symptoms were really manageable this time. I’ve had some positive changes happen which is helping with MCS. (I’ll plan to write an update in a future post). Before booking our condo, I mentioned my MCS to the owner. He said the condo would be cleaned a few days before we arrived (not the day of), so that helped. Fortunately, the condo didn’t seem too bad to me. I brought my own sheets and rewashed their sheets and towels in my detergent. I also had to remove the dryer sheets that I saw on the laundry machine, but other than that, the condo worked well for me after airing it out some.

Gluten-Free Restaurants

My next challenge was meals. I brought a lot of our own food, but we also wanted to eat out a few times. Was Myrtle Beach friendly to my organic and gluten-free food needs? I did some research before going. I found 2 restaurants – Bay Naturals (which is also a store) and Green Grubbin. Bay Naturals serves nitrate & antibiotic-free chicken and organic salads, along with other items. Green Grubbin states “We use no products containing GMO’s or antibiotics. We serve real food.”

We visited other local restaurants too. When I asked for gluten-free options from their menu, unfortunately, I typically got a blank stare. That happened more then once. I was surprised as I thought gluten-free options were becoming pretty common. At least that’s the way it is in Michigan.

Organic Grocery Stores

I found a couple of grocery stores which sold organic and gluten-free food. Myrtle Beach had Kroger’s. I also found The Fresh Market. As I mentioned above, Bay Naturals also is a healthy market.

Sooo, is Myrtle Beach friendly to organic and gluten-free needs? If I was to give them a grade, I would have to give them a C-. If you search, you can find some things, but there aren’t a ton of options. Also, their restaurants need to be better educated when it comes to gluten-free options.

I enjoyed our trip and would definitely return; however, I would always make sure to bring my own food.

Living Natural Today Wants to Know:

• Do you know of other healthy markets or restaurants in Myrtle Beach?