The buzz this week locally is a new shopping/dining complex called "The Market Common Myrtle Beach". Or is it "The Myrtle Beach Market Common"? Or what everyone actually calls it, "Market Commons"? I'm calling it Market Commons.

Everyone is so excited about the "upscale" shopping, "upscale" dining, "upscale" condos, and "upscale" nightlife. All with a "downtown, big city feel". Frankly, I'm not impressed. The only thing that interests me about the place so far is the innovative Piggly Wiggly (more on that later). I don't want to see any business fail in my area. I love it here. I want it to grow and I want to give people more reasons to visit. I think a lot of people that live here feel the same way. But that same love I share with my fellow beach bums is why I find their hype and enthusiasm about this place so aggravating. I also would be more than happy to be wrong. Maybe this place is just what the proverbial doctor ordered. I'm just not holding my breath while I wait to see.

To those unfamiliar with the area, you should know 2 important geographic facts. First, we have no shortage of retail shopping and dining. In particular, outdoor shopping. Within a 10 mile radius of Market Commons, is a staggering amount of ways to spend your money. Within a 2 mile radius is the relatively new Coastal Grand. Is it the coolest, most awesome mall ever? No. But it is steadily adding and improving to its offerings. Do we have a PF Changs? No. But every single time I speak with a local about the Market Commons, PF Changs is inevitably mentioned. Apparently they serve food that can cure cancer and stop the peak oil problem. Seriously, people are talking it up so much, I'm almost willing to put my cynicism and spite aside to try it out. Almost.

The second geographic thing you should know is the Market Commons is built on the old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. Anybody that has lived near a military base knows that the surrounding areas are often the most affordable places to live. This is all a very politically correct way of saying that this is not the best part of town. But this a minor problem since Market Commons is tucked away in isolation away from the riff-raff. But this isolation buffer comes at a price. There's only 2 ways to get in or out of the property. But really, a large majority of traffic will influx via what the locals call the "back gate" which was already a traffic nightmare at the wrong time of day. Based on my driving experience just today at 11am, it's only going to get worse. But maybe that road construction that hasn't started yet and will take years to complete will help. Dog park lovers: I'd start planning on early Sunday morning trips.

But let's talk about that Piggly Wiggly. I will never buy groceries there, and outside people that own a condo on the property, I don't know what other residents will. Remember, this is not the "upscale" part of town and there's a Super Wal-Mart 5 minutes away in both directions. But it is innovative and helps put us on the map. And here's why:

Big props to Piggly Wiggly corporate for putting a video on YouTube. I'm impressed.

I've lived in some major metropolitan areas. Small little quirky stores and restaurants. Art galleries and comedy clubs. Pricey and exclusive spots. All small Mom-n-Pop places that come and go. Sure, there was a Pottery Barn sprinkled in there. But there was enough character and culture that the corporate presence didn't dominate the landscape. The things that made these places fun and cool, in my opinion, are not at Market Commons. It's an outdoor shopping mall with city street-like features. It's going to be great for the handful of folks that are crazy enough to buy a townhome or condo there.

I've got yet another reason to avoid driving South for a while.