Discover Loris, South Carolina: Authentic Southern Charm and Chicken Bog Fame Beyond Myrtle Beach
Long before Myrtle Beach became a premier vacation spot, inland towns like Loris drove activity in Horry County, South Carolina. Established as a railroad hub for the lumber industry in the late 1880s, Loris sits just a short drive inland from the northern Grand Strand, near the North Carolina border. It delivers an authentic Southern small-town experience full of charm and tradition.
Loris is renowned as the birthplace of chicken bog—a beloved regional dish featuring rice, chicken, sausage, onions, and spices. This culinary heritage shines at the town's annual festival dedicated to the comfort food classic, drawing food lovers from near and far.
Planning a day trip inland? Here are must-visit highlights in Loris:
- Stroll Main Street. Loris's revitalized downtown offers boutique shopping, dining, and a seasonal farmers' market with fresh produce and baked goods. Walking this historic railroad town's brick-lined streets, with thoughtful landscaping, feels like stepping back in time.
- Dine at Shorty’s Grill or The Grind. On Meeting Street, Shorty’s Grill serves breakfast from 5 a.m. to dinner specials until 10 p.m. This classic American diner evokes movie nostalgia with its counter stools and warm service. Try the signature chicken bog or their standout hamburger. Nearby, The Grind offers excellent coffee and fresh, locally sourced meals—a local favorite.
- Experience the Loris Bog-Off Festival. Held the third Saturday in October, this family-friendly event features local food, art, music, a kids' play area, car show, concert, and fireworks. Started in 1980 as a chicken bog cook-off, it now attracts over 35,000 visitors and 200 vendors. Chicken bog remains the undisputed star.
Learn more about Loris and other Grand Strand communities in our neighborhoods section here.
