Gay dolphin gift cove
Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
Description
About Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
Myrtle Beach’s oldest, largest, and most unique gift shop, the Gay Dolphin has been an anchor of the Myrtle Beach society since the 1940s. With its wide selection of sea shells, apparel ,home decor, collectibles, jewelry, sharksteeth, and seven photo opportunities ranging from a lifesize Yeti and Elvis to Egyptian guardians and pirates, the Gay Dolphin is more than a tribute shop – it is a shopping experience.
Located one block south of the SkyWheel on Ocean Boulevard and the Oceanfront Boardwalk.
From Highway 17 Business/Kings Route, turn onto Mr. Joe White towards the ocean. Go straight to Ocean Blvd. and turn right. The Gay Dolphin will be on the left.
In 1946, Justin Plyler had a vision for Myrtle Beach – he saw an affordable, family-friendly vacation destination that was so entertaining that families would return year after year.
What started as a compact gift shop with a large amusement park for children has grown into the largest gift shop in the area and one of the most visited attractions in the Grand Strand.
rIn the initial 1940s, Justin and Eloise Plyler purchased their first oceanfront lot. Over t
Tourism News
Attraction Spotlight: The Gay Dolphin Gift Cove
The Gay Dolphin was first opened in 1946 by Justin Whitaker Plyer and Eloise Simmons Plyler. The couple opened up shop on the oceanfront, and Justin Plyler chose them name Gay Dolphin,” as he wanted a whimsical name that was inspired by their coastal location.
Unfortunately, Hurricane Hazel destroyed the store in 1954, but that didn’t stop the Plylers from their imagine. They rebuilt the Homosexual Dolphin better than ever – starting with modern construction close to the beach, then branching out towards Ocean Boulevard, and ending in the section featuring the tall, glass tower that visitors view today.
At this time, Myrtle Beach was largely a resort town for mill workers who only made 25 cents per hour, so the Plyler’s aimed to keep their merchandise affordable in order to draw in customers. They started adding on more and more to the store, covering 35,000 square feet of space with more than 50 coves” that feature a variety of products ranging from Elvis-inspired memorabilia to seashell-centric wares.
In 1949, the Plylers welcomed their son, Justin A. Buz” Plyler, to the world, and posthaste introduced him to the gift shop.
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