Beyond the beach: kayaking, coastal wildlife and unexpected adventures in North Myrtle Beach

A couple of years ago, I visited ol' Dirty Myrtle to celebrate my little cousin's 21st birthday.Afterward, I didn't write a glowing review of the place in Nightcaps.

Actually, I think my exact words were "an endless sea of screaming kids, mini golf courses and the kind of restaurants where you exit through the gift shop."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICK OUTDOORSMaybe a little harsh, I admit.And, trust me, some of you South Carolinians really let me hear about it in my email inbox.An absolutely insane sunset as seen from the balcony of our condo.

(Amber Harding Snyder)So when the opportunity came along to give the Grand Strand another shot via a girls' trip with my good friend Kristin, I didn't hesitate.And I found a whole lot more beyond the fruity drinks in souvenir cups.I do love melting into a beach chair as much as the next person.

And there are certainly ample opportunities to do just that on North Myrtle Beach.But if you've read any of my travel blogs before, you know I like getting off the beaten path.THE ULTIMATE DOG-FRIENDLY ROAD TRIP ON MINNESOTA'S NORTH SHORE FROM DULUTH TO GRAND MARAISNow, I'm not going to pretend Kristin and I spent every waking moment exploring the great outdoors.

There was plenty of wine consumed on our oceanfront balcony, and I have absolutely no regrets about that.But we did manage to peel ourselves away from the view long enough to discover a few gems.Did you know there's a virtually untouched island just off Myrtle Beach? That means no hotels, beachfront condos, no restaurants or surf shops.

Just miles of pristine beaches, winding salt marshes, sand dunes and plenty of wildlife.And the only way to get there is by water.Because, well, it's an island.So Kristin and I signed up for a three-hour tour (cue the "Gilligan's Island" theme song) with Great Escapes Kayaking to check this place out.Forgive me if the photos aren't crystal clear.

I had to take them through one of those waterproof phone pouches.(Amber Harding Sn...