More Than Just a Grocery Store: A Family Guide to the Boulineau’s Phenomenon
Imagine the scene: you’ve just spent eight hours navigating highway traffic. The kids are vibrating in the backseat with a chaotic mix of sheer exhaustion and beach-fueled adrenaline. "Are we there yet?" has officially morphed into "I’m starving!" and "Mom, I think I forgot my swim goggles!"
We have been there. Every parent has. Travel days with a multi-generational crew or a van full of kids are no joke. You step out of the car, smell that glorious salt air, but before you can even think about putting your toes in the sand, you have to feed the troops and replace those forgotten goggles.
Enter the Boulineau’s IGA phenomenon.
Located right at 212 Sea Mountain Hwy, you can’t miss it—just look for the giant, iconic lighthouse. For our family, and for generations of North Myrtle Beach visitors, Boulineau’s isn’t just a grocery store. It is the buzzing "Town Center" of Cherry Grove. Knowing how to navigate this local treasure is the ultimate parent hack for a stress-free vacation, offering incredible value and convenient solutions to almost every travel-day hiccup.
Here is how our family uses Boulineau’s to make our beach trips an absolute breeze:
1. The Hot Food Bar: Your Arrival-Day Sanity Saver
When you first roll into town, skip the crowded sit-down restaurants. Head straight to the Boulineau’s hot bar.
Why we love it: It is packed with Southern comfort food—think incredible fried chicken, mac and cheese, and fresh veggies.
The pro-tip: Grab a few family-sized containers to go. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your travel budget, and everyone gets exactly what they want without a single tantrum over a menu.
2. The Bakery: Morning Memories in the Making
You haven't truly experienced Cherry Grove until you've had a Boulineau’s donut.
Why we love it: Their bakery cases are legendary, filled with freshly baked breads, pastries, and sugar-glazed donuts that melt in your mouth.
The pro-tip: Send the early risers out for a morning walk to pick up a dozen. Bringing that iconic white box back to the family is a simple, sweet way to foster sibling bonding and start a memorable vacation day.
3. The Beach Supply Section: The Ultimate Safety Net
Remember those forgotten goggles? Boulineau’s has them. And chairs. And umbrellas. And that very specific brand of sunscreen your toddler needs.
Why we love it: The sheer scale of their beach section is staggering. It spans multiple aisles and even an upstairs floor.
The pro-tip: Don't stress about overpacking the car before you leave home. If a sand bucket breaks or you decide you need a boogie board for a sudden wave-riding adventure, this hidden gem of a superstore has you covered.
Navigating the Crowds Like a Local
Because Boulineau’s is so beloved, it does get busy—especially on Saturday afternoons during peak check-in times. Be prepared for a bustling parking lot. Our family’s workaround? Send one adult in for the absolute essentials (hot food, toilet paper, milk) on arrival day, and save the big grocery haul for a quieter Tuesday morning.
The Best Part? It's Right Down the Street
One of our absolute favorite things about hosting families at Oceans Edge is our location. Because our condo is just down the street from Boulineau's, you never have to worry about a massive commute for a gallon of milk.
After a long travel day, there is nothing quite like making that quick stop at the lighthouse, grabbing a hot meal, and bringing it back to our spacious kitchen. You can unpack, feed the kids at the island, and finally step out onto the balcony to hear the waves crash.
That first evening is always the sweetest. We can’t wait to welcome your family to North Myrtle Beach so you can experience it for yourselves.
Ready to plan your family's next great coastal escape?Click here to view our availability and book your stay at Oceans Edge! We'd be honored to host you!