Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:16:19 +0000

BACK TO 1989 — Before We Were Grown ☀️ Nostalgic Vaporwave & Dreamwave Mix

This vintage photograph captures a beautiful slice of Americana from 1979 along Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The scene breathes the warm, sun-faded nostalgia of a classic coastal summer. It shows an era defined by bold roadside neon signs, towering wooden utility poles, and vintage pickup trucks cruising down an open road.

At the heart of the image stands the iconic billboard for the Myrtle Beach Grand Prix, a beloved local amusement park where generations of families and vacationers raced go-karts and made lifelong memories. Right alongside it is the sign for Nakato Japanese Steakhouse, a popular dining spot of the era, paired with a billboard for Sun Land Real Estate, reflecting the booming commercial growth of the late 1970s.

The Location Today: The original vintage billboards, including the classic Myrtle Beach Grand Prix sign and the old Nakato restaurant building, have long been taken down or replaced as the city modernized.

The simple, open-sky roadside has turned into a heavily developed commercial district. The area features updated multi-lane highway layouts, modern concrete utility poles, contemporary retail plazas, and updated shopping centers to support the massive influx of tourism.

While the physical landmarks of 1979 are gone, the location remains a bustling artery of the Grand Strand, holding a special place in the hearts of those who remember its retro charm.

Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5sZwn5mXRjtZ9PF98