Sea Captain's House: A Legacy of Resilience and Southern Hospitality

Nestled along the pristine shores of Myrtle Beach, Sea Captain’s House stands as a testament to history, resilience, and the enduring charm of Southern hospitality. This oceanfront seafood restaurant, beloved by locals and tourists alike, has a rich past that intertwines with the broader story of Myrtle Beach itself.

History

The story of Sea Captain’s House begins in 1930, when Henry Taylor from High Point, NC, built a beach cottage that would become a cherished family vacation spot. For over a decade, the Taylor family enjoyed the serene oceanfront location. In the 1940s, the cottage changed hands, purchased by Charles W. Angle, who relished the tranquil sound of the ocean’s tide.

In 1954, Mrs. Nellie G. Howard acquired the property and transformed it into Howard’s Manor. With its nine guestrooms and three daily home-cooked meals, this guesthouse became a pioneer in providing the warm, inviting atmosphere that Myrtle Beach is known for today. Advertised as a place “where friends meet each year with the beach at their front door,” Howard’s Manor was a precursor to the hospitable spirit that still permeates Sea Captain’s House.

Hurricane Hazel

Hurricane seasons came and went without much concern until the fateful year of 1954, when Hurricane Hazel, one of the most intense storms of the Atlantic hurricane season, made its mark. Striking the United States near the North and South Carolina border as a Category 4 hurricane, Hazel left a path of destruction. The storm was the deadliest of the season, with at least 469 fatalities in Haiti, 95 in the U.S., and 81 in Canada.

In Myrtle Beach, Hazel’s fierce winds and storm surge uprooted the supports of Howard’s Manor’s screened front porch. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and a commitment to her guests’ comfort, Mrs. Howard replaced the porch with a “Florida Room,” providing a sheltered yet scenic spot to enjoy the ocean’s beauty.

Evolution

By the early 1960s, vacationers’ preferences had shifted from traditional guesthouses to more modern accommodations. In 1962, the property was sold to the Brittain family with plans to replace it with a high-rise motel. However, due to financial constraints, these plans were delayed. In the interim, the new owners operated the building as a restaurant. What was intended as a temporary solution became a beloved institution serving guests for 60 years and counting.

Over the decades, Sea Captain’s House has welcomed countless visitors, allured by its superb dining, stunning ocean views, and warm southern hospitality. The restaurant’s charm lies not only in its delicious seafood but also its rich history and the sense of community it fosters.

Guests can enjoy a meal while gazing over the Atlantic, a view that generations have cherished. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, each prepared with a commitment to quality and tradition. Whether it’s the day’s fresh catch or a beloved southern classic, every dish celebrates the region’s culinary heritage.

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Sea Captain’s House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of Myrtle Beach history. It symbolizes the resilience of a community that has weathered storms, both literal and metaphorical. Each visit to this historic eatery is a reminder of the enduring spirit of hospitality that defines Myrtle Beach.

Sea Captain’s House continues to be where friends and families gather year after year, creating memories that span generations. Its legacy is one of resilience, adaptation, and an unwavering commitment to making every guest feel at home.

Brittain Resorts & Hotels (BRH) is a full-service hospitality management company providing multi-layered expertise in all disciplines of hotel and resort operations. Since 1943, BRH has been enriching the lives of its team members, guests, partners, and the communities they serve by providing exceptional guest experiences, a supportive work environment, and superior returns. With over 4,000 rooms, suites, and condos in the portfolio, the company currently operates 30 hotels and resorts and 40+ restaurants & bars within the United States.

Media Contact:
Patrick Norton
Chief Marketing Officer
Phone: (843) 282-7359
[email protected]