Crunch Fitness coming to Myrtle Beach, The Funplex and Waccamaw Outfitters close

MYRTLE BEACH — A Crunch Fitness, the first in the Myrtle Beach area, is making its way to the Coastal Grand Mall.

A national fitness club that claims to have a “no judgments” philosophy, everyone from beginners to bodybuilders are welcome.

The gym will offer cardio and weightlifting equipment, trainer-led group fitness classes and an area called The Hiitzone where gym goers can take on 45-minute high intensity training sessions.

With its grand opening scheduled for the end of the year, Crunch Fitness is giving the first 500 people who sign up a $1 down deal with their first month at the gym free, along with free Crunch Fitness gear. The Myrtle Beach club will be open 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays.

A few closings

Myrtle Beach amusement park, The Funplex, announced it was closing the park after three years.

“We are incredibly proud of the community we have built together and the countless smiles we have shared,” The Funplex website read. “It is with a heavy heart that we are leaving Myrtle Beach.”

The Funplex has two other locations in New Jersey.

Waccamaw Outfitters in Conway announced in October they were closing as well. The store offered outdoor apparel, Waccamaw river tours and kayak rentals.

Owner Matt Varnadore, known as Captain Matt, wrote in a Facebook post he was now pursuing his yacht broker career on a full-time basis.

“Like the saying goes all good things must come to [an] end,” Varnadore wrote. “Our customers have been wonderful and most like family. We would like to thank each and everyone of you that have supported us through the years.”

All merchandise to be sold, along with the pontoon tour boat owned by the outfitter.

The marina store is owned by the city of Conway and officials are already taking steps to fill the space. The city is accepting requests for proposals for the 1,500-square-foot building until 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

The new operator would be responsible for managing gasoline sales and launch fees from the adjacent ramp. The new business may sell merchandise and food and beverages. It could also offer canoe or kayak rentals, though city officials said they would be willing to consider alternatives to the store’s traditional offerings.

“We’ve had a good deal of interest from a variety of sources,” City Administrator Adam Emrick said. “Hoping to get some great proposals.”

City staff will present proposals for the council’s consideration on Dec. 2. 

Taste of the sea

In North Myrtle Beach, Cape Fear Seafood Company opened its doors last month off U.S. Highway 17, making it the restaurant’s first South Carolina location.

Originally based in North Carolina, Cape Fear will bring its noted Southern hospitality and seafood specialties to the Myrtle Beach area.

Cape Fear offers dishes like lemon pepper sea scallops, lobster and shrimp risotto and a variety of seafood platters.

Up for a challenge

A new mini-golf course is open in Surfside Beach. Mulligan’s Lagoon offers a 36-hole course in its beach and surfer themed establishment.

Children 3 and under can play for free with a plastic putter, and everyone else 4 and up can play for $14 on the first round or $21 for both rounds.

The course, which has another location in Daytona, Florida, also has an arcade with almost 50 game machines.

Have a pet?

In Conway, a Pet Supplies Plus opened for all your animals’ needs. They offer grooming services for dogs, which includes a self-serve station, along with a plethora of food items, toys, medicine and smaller habitats for reptiles and fish.

During its grand opening celebration Nov. 23 and 24, Pet Supplies Plus will have in-store discounts, 50 percent off dog nail trimmings and free self-serve pet washings — along with some in-store games and prizes.