Criminal Defense Lawyer in Murrels Inlet, SC

Ryan Koehler started playing the upright bass in school orchestra when he was in the third grade.

But he initially wanted to try the saxophone.

"The orchestra teacher at the time – Mrs. Stote – in a thick German accent insisted I play the bass because she needed a bass player," Koehler said. "I ended up going to school for music and was classically trained on double bass."

Koehler moved to Myrtle Beach 10 years ago from the New York City area.

"Like a lot of people, you come to a point where you need some changes and I found my way down here," he said, adding that a couple of friends already moved to the area and he would come down to visit before making his move.

He moved away from music for a time, but found a path back to it – this time with the electric bass. Last September, he joined forces with a new band called Chasing Rachel.

According to Koehler, vocalist Rae Porter (Rachel) and guitarist Greg Hines met each other at a local jam session.

"They got to talking, and really wanted to start a project that was not the same repertoire that you come across just about every night in town at one place or another." he said. "We really try to do something a little different."

That material includes everything from Patsy Cline to Radiohead to Led Zeppelin and much more, including an interesting take on Credence Clearwater Revival.

"We try to do a little bit of a different twist – like Foo Fighters’ version of 'Born on the Bayou.' It’s a little bit more rock ‘n’ roll like they are – and we and we try to base our version on that," Koehler said.

Chasing Rachel hit the ground running, and has performed up and down the Grand Strand at spots like the Inlet Sports Bar, The Islander in Pawleys Island, Star Tavern in Little River and more – including a recent show in Holden Beach for the Days at the Docks Festival.

The band has discussed the possibility of original music.

"Right now, we’re really starting to get ourselves out gigging. Personally, I’d love to do original stuff, and I think our vocalist would as well," Koehler said.

For scheduling purposes, Koehler said the band is currently working with two drummers, Alan Addington and Bob DeFeo.

You can catch Chasing Rachel at Javelina Texas Bar & Grill in Murrells Inlet on May 16 at 8 p.m. Outside of Georgetown County, the band is set to perform at the Star Tavern in Little River on May 15 at 7 p.m.

CELEBRATE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER WEEK IN MURRELLS INLET

Attention beer lovers: May 12-18 is American Craft Beer Week – a celebration that honors small and independent craft breweries across the country.

On May 16, head out to Southern Hops Brewing Company in Murrells Inlet for a behind-the-scenes peek at the brewing process while learning all about the brewery’s craft beer offerings.

Of course, just learning about brewing is only half the fun. Paying $20 gets you not only the tour, but two flights and appetizers as well. According to its website, Southern Hops Brewing Company focuses on local products to brew their handcrafted beer as well as their culinary offerings – promoting local bands and providing a laid back and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.southernhops.com.

KAYAKING THE WACCAMAW

Bring your kayak (and paddle, lifejacket and whistle) to Peachtree Landing in Socastee on May 16 and join staff from North Inlet- Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for a morning of exploration along the Waccamaw River. Along the way, there will be discussions about native plants and animals and more from this valuable ecosystem.

The event runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. It’s free to attend, but registration is required and you must be 18 and older to participate. According to its website, "the reserve is one of 29 Estuarine Research Reserves around the coastal United States dedicated to conservation, research, education and stewardship in America’s estuaries." For more information, go to www.northinlet.sc.edu.

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

Now in its 86th year, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, also known as the Spring Rally, is a major event on the Grand Strand. Bikers near and far converge for 10 days of fellowship, camaraderie and a rip-roaring good time.

In Georgetown County, the epicenter for much of the revelry is the stalwart Suck Bang Blow, or SBB, in Murrells Inlet.

With an outdoor stage featuring an endless roster of acts like Jackyl, Saliva, Jasmine Cain, Julio & the Saltines, Cowboy Kid Rock, The Piedmont Boys and many more, this is only the tip of the iceberg. With 17 bars, a burnout pit, "cruise the loop" rides and vendors of all stripes – this year’s rally will not disappoint. Bike Week runs through May 18. For more info, visit www.suckbangblow.com.

Ryan Koehler started playing the upright bass in school orchestra when he was in the third grade.

But he said he initially wanted to play the saxophone.

“The orchestra teacher at the time – Mrs. Stote – in a thick German accent insisted I play the bass because she needed a bass player,” Koehler said. “I ended up going to school for music and was classically trained on double bass.”

Koehler moved to Myrtle Beach ten years ago from the New York City area.

“Like a lot of people, you come to a point where you need some changes, and I found my way down here,” he said, adding that a couple of friends already moved to the area and he would come down to visit before making his move.

He said he moved away from music for a time, but found his way back to it – this time with the electric bass. Last September, he joined forces with a new band called Chasing Rachel.

According to Koehler, vocalist Rae Porter (Rachel) and guitarist Greg Hines met each other at a local jam session.

“They got to talking, and really wanted to start a project that was not the same repertoire that you come across just about every night in town at one place or another. We really try to do something a little different,” he said.

That material includes everything from Patsy Cline to Radiohead to Led Zeppelin and much more, including an interesting take on Credence Clearwater Revival.

“We try to do a little bit of a different twist – like Foo Fighters’ version of “Born on the Bayou.” It’s a little bit more rock ‘n’ roll like they are – and we and we try to base our version on that,” Koehler said.

Chasing Rachel hit the ground running, and has performed up and down the Grand Strand at spots like the Inlet Sports Bar, The Islander in Pawleys Island, Star Tavern in Little River and more – including a recent show in Holden Beach for the Days at the Docks Festival.

The band has discussed the possibility of eventual original music.

“Right now, we’re really starting to get ourselves out gigging. Personally, I’d love to do original stuff, and I think our vocalist would as well,” Koehler said.

For scheduling purposes, Koehler said the band is currently working with two drummers, Alan Addington and Bob DeFeo.

You can catch Chasing Rachel at Javelina Texas Bar & Grill in Murrells Inlet on May 16 at 8 p.m. Outside of Georgetown County, the band is set to perform at the Star Tavern in Little River on May 15 at 7 p.m.

For complete details about the band, Google “Chasing Rachel Myrtle Beach.”

CELEBRATE AMERICAN CRAFT BEER WEEK IN MURRELLS INLET

Attention beer lovers: May 12 – May 18 is American Craft Beer Week – a celebration that honors small and independent craft breweries across the country.

On May 16, head out to Southern Hops Brewing Company in Murrells Inlett for a behind-the-scenes peek at the brewing process while learning all about the brewery’s craft beer offerings.

Of course, just learning about brewing is only half the fun. $20 gets you not only the tour, but two flights and appetizers as well. According to its website, Southern Hops Brewing Company focuses on local products to brew their handcrafted beer as well as their culinary offerings – promoting local bands and providing a laid back and friendly atmosphere. For more information, visit www.southernhops.com.

KAYAKING THE WACCAMAW

Bring your kayak (and paddle, lifejacket and whistle) to Peachtree Landing in Socastee on May 16 and join staff from North Inlet- Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve for a morning of exploration along the Waccamaw River. Along the way, there will be discussions about native plants and animals and more from this valuable ecosystem.

The event runs from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. It’s free to attend, but registration is required and you must be 18 and older to participate. According to its website, “the reserve is one of 29 Estuarine Research Reserves around the coastal United States dedicated to conservation, research, education and stewardship in America’s estuaries.” For more information, go to www.northinlet.sc.edu.

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING

Now in its 86th year, Myrtle Beach Bike Week, also known as the Spring Rally, is a major event on the Grand Strand. Bikers near and far converge for ten days of fellowship, camaraderie and a rip-roaring good time.

In Georgetown County, the epicenter for much of the revelry is the stalwart Suck Bang Blow, or SBB, in Murrells Inlet.

With an outdoor stage featuring an endless roster of acts like Jackyl, Saliva, Jasmine Cain, Julio & the Saltines, Cowboy Kid Rock, The Piedmont Boys and many more, this is only the tip of the iceberg. With 17 bars, a burnout pit, “cruise the loop” rides and vendors of all stripes – this year’s Spring Rally will not disappoint. Bike Week runs through May 18. For more info, visit www.suckbangblow.com.

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We asked our readers to vote for their favorite spots for fresh catch and local shrimp in the Palmetto State—here are their picks.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in South Carolina, find the nearest seafood dive and tuck into a platter of fried shrimp—preferably one served with an ice-cold beer and an unobstructed view of the water. While you can take to Google or a guidebook to determine where to go for steamed oysters or shrimp and grits in the Lowcountry, we decided to consult the folks who care about good Southern seafood as much as we do: our readers.

Lee's Inlet Kitchen

When you’ve been around for more than 75 years, you’re bound to be doing something right. At this beloved institution in the fishing village of Murrells Inlet, try not to load up on the hot hush puppies they bring to the table on arrival—though it's awfully tempting. There's still so much more to savor, like the hand-peeled, cold-boiled shrimp pulled from the waters of nearby McClellanville or the thin and crispy onion rings—Lee’s is as famous for those as it is for the seafood.

Order: The Shrimp Salad ($28.95), made with boiled fantail shrimp and Duke's mayo, is another house specialty.

4460 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576; leesinletkitchen.com

explore Murrells Inlet

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks

It doesn’t get much fresher than this Hilton Head Island mainstay, where 90% of the seafood served comes directly from the surrounding waters. Because of its enviable position on the edge of Port Royal Sound, guests can watch a local fishing fleet (one of only two on the island) unload the day’s loot, which could include anything from white shrimp to soft-shell crab.

Order: From September through April, opt for the steamed local cluster oysters in the shell ($12 for a half bucket); the restaurant farms and harvests them.

1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926; hudsonsonthedocks.com

Bowens Island Restaurant

Should you find yourself in the Holy City, make the worthwhile dirt-road detour to this family-owned restaurant that’s been a rambling fixture along Folly Creek since 1946. With its graffitied walls and worn-in wood floors, it doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t need to. Deemed an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2006, the Lowcountry seafood joint shovels fresh-steamed oysters onto trays September through the first half of May and dishes fried shrimp and hush puppies year-round. It’s all delicious—and it's made even more so if you snag a seat on the waterside deck.

Order: The shrimp (served boiled or fried) and fried fish platter is served with the seafood-dive-side-dish trifecta: french fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw.

1870 Bowens Island Road, Charleston, SC 29412; bowensisland.com

The Crab Shack

Situated on the main drag of the freewheeling beach town just 12 miles from buttoned-up Charleston, The Crab Shack is as family-friendly and flip-flop casual as its surrounds. Start with the the she-crab soup, but save room: The value seafood baskets—which you can order with flounder, shrimp, or scallops (or a combination of all three)—are generously portioned. Catch them at another location in Charleston as well.

Order: The marquee offering, The Charleston Steamed Seafood Bucket, includes two snow crab clusters, large domestic shrimp, and steamed oysters (market price).

26 Center Street, Folly Beach, SC 29439 and 8486 Dorchester Rd, Charleston, SC 29420; crabshacks.com

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Leon’s Fine Poultry & Oyster Shop

Housed in a reimagined garage on Upper King Street, the Brooks Reitz-helmed restaurant turned 10 in 2024, but it’s been a neighborhood favorite from the start, thanks to a menu of mouthwatering fried chicken, expectedly fresh oysters, and surprisingly craveable salads. Add to the clever mix soft-serve ice cream and buckets of Miller High Life ponies, and you’ve found yourself one of the best meals in this restaurant-proud town.

Order: Even the bivalve-averse crowd may develop a taste for oysters after sampling Leon's char-grilled take, which swim in a melty swirl of lemon and butter and are topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan. The "old-school" scalloped potatoes are also not to be missed.

698 King St, Charleston, SC 29403; leonsoystershop.com

The Sea Shack

Don’t let inevitable line out the door during summertime scare you off. This treasured counter-service spot with just 40 seats is an area favorite thanks to its wide array of offerings, from conch fritters to flounder sandwiches. It’s all made to order and to your liking—fried, grilled, or blackened. Wash it down with a glass of what they declare to be the best sweet tea on the island, and finish with a slice of strawberry Key Lime pie (when it’s seasonally available) or a cup of banana pudding.

Order: Hearty appetites should try the Shack Attack Combo ($17.95 for lunch, $19.95 for dinner), which combines a crab cake, fish, shrimp, scallops, and oysters on a giant paper platter. Homemade tartar sauce is the traditional accompaniment, but we think the brandy-infused gator sauce makes an even better platter slather.

6B Executive Park Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928; seashackhhi.com

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Sullivan’s Fish Camp

With its lofted ceilings, lacquered-wood booths, and commitment to retro branding, this Sullivan’s Island joint feels like it’s been there forever. In reality, it’s a newcomer—a spring 2022 top-to-bottom overhaul of a restaurant that had called the same spot home for 30 years. And while the nostalgically striped, umbrella-shaded patio is painfully charming, the takeaway window makes a strong case for a to-go lobster roll savored on the beach just a few blocks away.

Order: The shrimp fried rice ($24) puts a fresh coastal twist on a takeout mainstay. We also love the Key lime pie.

2019 Middle Street, Sullivan's Island, SC 29482; sullivansfishcamp.com

explore Sullivan's Island

The Wreck of the Richard and Charlene

So named for the trawler that was tossed ashore on the same spot during Hurricane Hugo in 1989, this dinner-only, no-reservations establishment on Shem Creek shrugs off formalities in favor of its dynamite views and deliciously simple seafood. The best seat in the house belongs to the wooden dockside bar, where sunset views and local craft beers are just an arm’s length away.

Order: Complete with red rice, coleslaw, a hush puppy, and a fried hominy square, the shrimp platter (from $17.95) is a true taste of the Lowcountry. The deviled crab is also worth a try.

106 Haddrell Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464; wreckrc.com

Shrimp Shack

This family-owned lunch spot has been an island institution since it first opened its doors in 1978, and its magic belongs to its simplicity. They're only open for lunch, and you order through a carry-out window—though you don't have to take your food home. Snag one of the picnic tables on the porch for an especially satisfying alfresco dining experience.

Order: Given the restaurant's name, it's obvious you can't go wrong with shrimp here, but the shrimp burger ($9.30), served on a bun with tartar sauce and mayo, is a true crowd favorite.

1929 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920; facebook.com/shrimpshacksc

Mr. Fish Restaurant

There’s something for everyone on the extensive menu at this landmark Grand Strand restaurant and seafood market owned by a fisherman father and his culinary school-trained daughter. Choose a South Carolina classic, like the Lowcountry boil, or make the most of the raw bar and order a sushi roll or two. Stretch mealtime into a full-fledged Mr. Fish experience by reserving a ride to and from dinner in the Mr. Fishmobile, a bright blue school bus that hits all the nostalgic high notes.

Order: The seafood tacos ($15) are made with your choice of mahi, tuna, or shrimp and are topped with chipotle-lime sauce.

6307 North Kings Highway, Suite B, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572; mrfish.com

Explore Myrtle Beach