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Spring is in the air, and with it comes the sound of bats connecting with balls and hands pounding leather gloves along the Grand Strand.

The area has long been a location for Myrtle Beach sports tourism, but has recently taken even more steps to become a sports hub for teams looking for a spring break training location.

This year, teams from across the United States from places like Georgia, West Virginia, Tennessee and more will be descending upon the Myrtle Beach area. Many teams, like the Boyd County Lions from Cannonsburg, Ky., will be making their first trip to Myrtle Beach this year after spending the last several springs visiting Florida.

It’s this shift in plans for some east coast teams that has helped confirm our area is becoming a major player in the industry and that sports tourism in Myrtle Beach is booming.

Whether your team is coming to The Ripken Experience, The Market Common’s Grand Park Athletic Complex, the brand-new North Myrtle Beach Sports & Recreation Complex or one of the area’s other facilities, you’re sure to find plenty to do in between innings. After all, spring break can be fun even away from the diamond in the Myrtle Beach area.

Here’s a quick guide of things to do in Myrtle Beach for the players and those coming in to watch their youngsters play this spring:

Spring Training in Myrtle Beach

The Ripken Experience

Related contentPerhaps the biggest draw for teams coming to the beach this time of year is The Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach.

This one-of-a-kind baseball and softball complex is one of the top spots for youth, high school and college teams in the country, with nine state-of-the-art turf fields and a great overall facility. There’s even replicas of famous fields, including the famed Green Monster of Fenway Park.

Click here for more info on The Ripken Experience, or check out these great Myrtle Beach attractions and restaurants nearby:

Restaurants near The Ripken Experience

• Fiesta del Burro Loco specializes in TexMex food in a fun, relaxing atmosphere. The also have a hearty portion of barbecue ribs and one of the best Happy Hours on the beach. Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. More info…

• Capriz Italian Feast is a unique experience where the diner can sit at the table and be served traditional Italian dishes until the can’t hold anymore. More info…

• Tbonz Gill & Grill has a large selection of juicy steaks, chops, seafood and more, as well as craft beers aplenty. More info…

• Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant is a seafood buffet with a bounty of favorites like crab legs, scallops, oysters and more. They have a large dessert bar and American food bar as well. More info…

• Big D’s Barb-e-cue Barn is a buffet that features down home southern cooking. Ordering off the menu is also available. More info…

• Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville combines fun and good food at Broadway at the Beach. Get a juicy cheeseburger or scrumptious salad and more. More info…

Shopping near The Ripken Experience

• Broadway at the Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in South Carolina, with shopping, food, entertainment, amusements and more. More info…

• Coastal Grand Mall is the second largest mall in South Carolina, with stores like Dillards, Belk, Dick’s Sporting Goods and loads more. More info…

• Tanger Outlets U.S. 501 is one of two locations in the Myrtle Beach area, and is about 5 miles from the baseball and softball fields. More info…

Accommodations near the Ripken Experience

• Comfort Suites is less than 2 miles from the ball fields and near loads of shopping, restaurants and more.  More info…

• Courtyard Myrtle Beach Broadway is at the popular Braodway at the Beach, which features shopping, entertainment, nightlife, amusements, dinging and more. More info…

• Hampton Inn Broadway is also at Broadway at the Beach and has a state-of-the-art fitness room. More info…

• Holiday Inn Express is near Broadway at the Beach and Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse, a very popular restaurant with all you can eat steak, pork and more.  More info…

Grand Park Athletic Complex

Related contentLocated on the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base, just across from The Market Common, Grand Park’s athletic complex hosts a number of large youth tournaments and training programs throughout the year.

This multi-million dollar sports facility features seven large multipurpose fields that host everything from baseball and softball to soccer and lacrosse.

There’s also two youth fields, a six-tunnel batting cage, three towers for concessions, restrooms, a nearby playground, gym and more.

Click here for more info or check out these things to do nearby:

Restaurants near Grand Park

• Nacho Hippo is a funky Mexican fusion restaurant with great nachos, tacos, quesadillas and a fun place to grab a drink at the bar. More info…

• Gordon Biersch is a microbrewery and brewpub restaurant with plenty of great entrees and famous garlic fries that are a must-have. More info…

• Ultimate California Pizza is a family-friendly eatery with great pies piled high with some unique and interesting combinations of toppings. More info…

• King Street Grille has a great sports bar-like setting with an atmosphere that’s classier than your average corner pub. Great place to watch a game or grab a good sandwich or salad. More info…

• Toffino’s Bakery & Deli is a longtime local’s favorite and off-the-beaten path deli with great sandwiches, traditional Italian classics and sweet treats. More info…

Shopping near Grand Park

• The Market Common is the upscale shopping complex with more than 60 retailers and businesses including Wilson & Sonoma, Tommy Bahama, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Victoria’s Secret and much more. More info…

• Barnes & Noble is the best place around to get your book fix — or your Starbucks fix — and you can easily kill some serious time sitting reading magazines in a comfy chair. More info…

• CityMac is an Apple-certified retailer and gadget hub is the closest thing Myrtle Beach has to an Apple store filled with computers, phones, tablets, etc. More info…

• Bijuju is a funky accesory boutique filled with interesting jewelry, scarves, hats, sunglasses, bags and more. More info…

Attractions near Grand Park

• Warbird Park serves as a memorial to the former Myrtle Beach Air Force base. Take a stroll and check out the cool World War II area planes. More info…

• Midway Par 3 is one of the few short golf courses in Myrtle Beach. Perfect for a quick round to practice your pitching and putting while your family plays. More info…

• Burroughs-Chapin Art Museum is a great place if you’re looking for a little culture to balance out all that sporting action. See great works of art from local, regional and national artists here. More info…

• Shipwreck Island Adventure Golf is a long-running mini golf course and family fun spot where Ocean Boulevard meets Kings Highway. More info…

• Grand 14 Cinemas is one of the best movie theaters in town and a great place to catch up on the latest Hollywood blockbuster with the guys or grab a quick chick flick while the boys play. More info…

Spring Training in North Myrtle Beach

North Myrtle Beach Recreation & Sports Complex

Related contentThe area’s newest addition opened on March 1, located in North Myrtle Beach, just off of S.C. 31., and is already becoming a hotspot for tournaments and training.

Folks taking advantage of this brand-new sports facility will not only be wowed by its state-of-the-art baseball and softball fields, but should also enjoy the amenities including a huge playground for kids, a dog park, walking trail and more.

For more info on the complex click here or check out these things to do nearby:

Restaurants near NMB Sports & Rec Park

• Golden Griddle Pancake House is the best place to grab a hearty breakfast, located right along the main drag on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. More info…

• Hoskin’s Restaurant is an old-school, family-style restaurant serving downhome southern cookin’ for breakfast, lunch and dinner. More info…

• Duffy Street Seafood Shack is a great, no-frills seafood spot along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. Great fried shrimp and Po boy sandwiches. More info…

• Hot Diggity Diner is a 50s-style diner right along Ocean Boulevard that serves up old-school burgers, fries and shakes as well as breakfast food. More info…

• E Noodles & Co. is an unique Asian fusion restaurant that offers up great Thai noodle dishes for lunch and dinner. More info…

Shopping near NMB Sports & Rec Park

• Barefoot Landing is North Myrtle Beach’s largest shopping and entertainment complex with tons of unique specialty stores to choose from. More info…

• Tuesday Morning is a discount retailers with tons of great deals on household items and much more in the Surfwood Shopping Plaza. More info…

• Me & Mommy is a unique ladies and kids’ boutique with great apparel, accesories and clothing for every occasion. More info…

• Judy’s House of Oldies is one of a few unique shops located along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. It sells classic records, beach music and local paraphernalia. More info…

• Everything Under The Sun Flea Market is a discount shoppers haven with thousands of square feet filled with items of all kinds. More info… 

Attractions near NMB Sports & Rec Park

• La Belle Amie Vineyard is a winery and outdoor music venue just up the street from the baseball fields off of Robert Edge Parkway. Here you can sample wines, buy a bottle or tour the facility. More info…

• Possum Trot Golf Club is a course designed for the novice up to the scratch player and also has a driving range to hit some balls while the kids play. More info…

• North Myrtle Beach Historical Museum is a great place to learn about the area’s history, shag dancing, beach life and much more. More info…

• Mutiny Bay Mini Golf is a fun, pirate-theme putt putt place that the whole family will enjoy. More info…

• Azalea Sands Golf Club is a great, scenic Myrtle Beach golf course with a home-free layout that allows for a quick playthrough. More info…