Secret route to Myrtle Beach

None — JAMIE'S SECRET ROUTE TO MYRTLE BEACH (Confidential) -- There are dozens of different routes between Charlotte and Myrtle Beach, but almost every route includes Highway 74 through Monroe, a heavily-congested choke point.  Many routes also include Highway 501 in Conway, another choke point.  My secret route bypasses both of these areas.

• Take I-485 to Exit 44/Highway 218 in Mint Hill.
• Follow Highway 218 east through Union County into Anson County, continuing to Polkton (this bypasses the Monroe congestion).  In Polkton, turn left onto eastbound Highway 74 (toward Wadesboro).
• Follow the Highway 74 bypass around Rockingham and Hamlet.
• Exit onto Highway 38 and turn right, heading south toward Bennettsville (the cheapest gas is often in Bennettsville).
• In Bennettsville, Highway 38 will make several turns, so pay attention.  Each turn is clearly marked as you continue traveling south through town.
• After passing the I-95 interchange, Highway 38 will merge with Highway 501.  Continue traveling south.
• Just past Aynor, turn left onto SC 22 (Veterans Highway).
• SC 22/Veterans Highway ends at Highway 17 in Myrtle Beach.
• As an alternate to the congestion on Highway 17, use SC 31/Carolina Bays Parkway (this runs parallel to Highway 17 and provides access to the entire Myrtle Beach area).

WSOC