Scenes from The Market Common

It’s like that eight-year-old pair of Birkenstocks you’ll wear with just about anything in your closet. Doesn’t matter that they’re a little beat up, or that you might have a different pair or 10 on the shelf that would go better with those new khakis. Those shoes just feel right.

And that’s probably the best analogy I can use to describe my first up-close experience with The Market Common.

Except it’s not worn-out. It’s brand-spanking-new.

It’s already popular, as evidenced by the crowds that defied the rainy weather and flocked there the first few days after last week’s soft opening.

It’s unfamiliar, and unlike anything else you’ve seen along Ocean Boulevard or throughout Myrtle Beach.

But you know what? Like that pair of your most comfortable shoes, it just feels right.

To me, it doesn’t scream commercialism. It just says, “Hey, you can hang here any time … (more pics after the jump)

”Grab a bite.”

”Catch a movie.”

”Sip a cocktail on a curbside patio.”

”Let a boutique shop put a needless dent in your credit card.”

”Kick back in a sidewalk rocker and watch the kids on the playground.”

(… okay, forget the rockers for today …)

”Pretend you’re Bobby Fischer on the sidewalk chess set.”

”But whatever you do … just chill.”

Sure, these thoughts came to mind on an active but not overly crowded Tuesday evening in April. I suppose the weekend and summer crowds will add more bustle.

Right now, though, count me among the many who call The Market Common a welcome addition. It’s a nice fit.