The Fitzgerald Motel

Charlie’s Place was more than just a nightclub—it was a cultural epicenter for Black entertainers and an audacious symbol of resistance in segregated South Carolina. 

Opened in 1937 by Charlie and Sarah Fitzgerald, the club hosted music legends like Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, Little Richard, and Ruth Brown.

 It was one of the few venues where Black and white patrons could gather, dance, and experience live music together—even as Jim Crow laws dictated otherwise.

Located on Carver Street in Myrtle Beach’s Booker T. Washington neighborhood, Charlie’s Place also included a motel and was the heart of the Fitzgeralds’ business empire. 

In 1950, it became the target of a violent attack by the Ku Klux Klan, a moment that left Charlie changed forever. 

At the time, Carver Street was a vital artery of Black life in Myrtle Beach. Though segregation confined many Black-owned businesses to specific areas, places like Charlie’s Place flourished through community pride and cultural resilience.

 Today, the club’s memory stands as both a cautionary tale and an enduring monument to joy, defiance, and unity. The legacy of Charlie’s Place lives on through the historic site, which has been thoughtfully restored and is now open to the public for guided tours. 

Visitors can explore the museum rooms, view exhibits about the music legends who once played there, and learn about the neighborhood's rich cultural history. The site also includes local business incubators and community spaces that continue to support the area’s growth. 

Charlie’s Place offers guided tours every Tuesday and Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Visitors can also call 843-918-1062 or email [email protected] to schedule additional appointments or inquire about special events.