By Betsy Finklea
South of the Border has some new additions that are worthy of a trip out to enjoy them.
Ryan Schafer of South of the Border said they have made many additions and improvements.
One of the most recent stores, Bargain Ben’s Big Bargain Outlet, which now occupies the space that was once the Silver Slipper, is 6,000 square feet of unbelievable deals.
In 2019, there were only 50 of these stores with this same concept across the country, and today, there are more than 2,000, explained Barrett Schafer, owner, who has multiple stores in the Pee Dee area.
Bargain Ben’s is a treasure trove of both outlet and bin items. The outlet part of the store contains the premium items and merchandise. It is filled with name brands such as Nautica, Laura Ashley, Tommy Bahama, and more. There are clothes, comforters, crockpots, toaster ovens, microwaves, children’s items, and so much more that it is impossible to describe. Everything is 50 percent off the retail price.
In the bin part of the store, there are tables lined with multiple bins that have everything from an Apple iPhone to a water hose or a plastic water gun. One never knows what he or she might find digging through those bins.
Everything in the bins is $5 on Thursdays, $3 on Fridays, $2 on Saturdays, $1 on Sundays, and .50 cents on Mondays.
Anyone who loves a bargain needs to head out to Bargain Ben’s. Bargain Ben’s is open Thursday through Monday from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
For those who enjoy an adult beverage, Polanco’s Bar, which opened in April, is a fully-stocked upscale bar to enjoy happy hour or if one just needs to unwind. They offer an array of handcrafted cocktails, various beers and wines, and appetizers. Polanco’s is open Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m.-until, Friday: 1 p.m.-until, and Saturday, 1 p.m.-12 a.m.
Pedro’s Ice Cream Fiesta has moved the lobby between the Sombrero Room and the Myrtle Beach Shop. It offers the same great flavors in a more convenient location. Pedro’s Ice Cream Fiesta is 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Sombrero Room has been completely revamped and offers some great food at reasonable prices. The Sombrero Room offers the best in Mexican and Southern cooking and many items straight from the grill. They have an array of appetizers, soups and salads, burgers and sandwiches as well as desserts. The Sombrero Room is open 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday, and 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
So go browse the Myrtle Beach Shop or get a delicious meal at the Sombrero Room and grab an ice cream cone on the way out.
Several of the suites in the current motel, South of the Border Motor Inn, have been remodeled and upgraded to a higher standard as part of the renovations that have been occurring. They offer everything from an economy room to a King suite. In addition to being non-smoking and pet-friendly, each room has its own private carport and refrigerator. There is an indoor, heated pool, sauna, and an outdoor pool, which was also recently renovated.
Camp Pedro, the campground and RV Park, was recently expanded recently with 24 large sites.
An old friend, the gorilla statue that used to be in front of the old t-shirt shop, has returned in a new location with a fresh new paint job. He is already a favorite among tourists who stop to have their picture taken with him.
Also, several hundred thousands of dollars has been spent on paving, roofs, the air conditioning units, and other renovations.
The EV fast charging stations for electric cars have also been added to accommodate their customers.
The public is welcome to come check out the new additions and renovations at South of the Border and spend some time supporting a local business that uses a great deal of their own resources supporting the community.

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