Life After the Spotlight: Sam McKinney Comes Home to Myrtle Beach
MYRTLE BEACH — What a whirlwind of a year it’s been for Sam McKinney! This 27-year-old contractor from our very own Myrtle Beach just wrapped up his time on ABC’s “The Bachelorette,” and boy, do we have some juicy details to share!
A Thrilling Ride on Reality TV
Sam started off as a true frontrunner on the show, charming lead Jenn Tran right off the bat. On their first meeting, this “softie” didn’t waste any time and even handed her a shot (yes, a shot!) before they shared what she described as a “feral” kiss. So, it was no surprise when he snagged the sought-after First Impression Rose—talk about setting the bar high!
But, as we all know, reality TV isn’t without its drama. Sam had his moments of tension, notably with competitor Devin Strader. With an intense passion for Jenn, he had some *fiery* moments that left viewers on the edge of their seats, declaring he’d “step on the neck” of anyone who dared to come between him and his lady!
Back to Reality
Despite the unforgettable experience, Sam didn’t make it to the “Hometowns” episode, and after his split from Jenn, he took to social media to share his heartfelt reflections. “That love that I carry is visceral, it’s instinctive… It just didn’t work in that setting,” he shared in an emotional Instagram video. Isn’t that relatable?
Now that the cameras are off, Sam has returned to his cozy life in Murrells Inlet, getting back into the swing of his contractor work. “It’s interesting to try to jump back into everything after being away,” he told us, but he’s adjusting just fine. Embracing his community has been a comforting experience for him.
Finding Normalcy in the Aftermath
Adjusting to fame in a small town like ours can be tricky. Sam noted that he was surprised by how many people watch the show. “You get into an airport or a bar, and somebody stops you,” he laughed, sharing how it created a little bit of a snowball effect with fans wanting pictures. Thankfully, back home, he can enjoy a touch of anonymity. “Nobody really cares about ‘The Bachelorette’,” he humbly stated, “they just know me as me.” And that’s the heart of it, isn’t it?
Family Love and Community Spirit
His sister, Olivia Kirtley, couldn’t be prouder of him. After weeks of “Bachelorette” watch parties, she’s thrilled to have her brother home, where they can kick back and enjoy smoothies at her shop, Smooth Seas. The family bond is strong, with the whole community rallying around them during Sam’s time on the show.
Myrtle Beach Recommendations
When he’s not hanging out with family or catching up with friends like Thomas Nguyen (another show contestant), you’ll likely find him at some of Myrtle Beach’s favorite spots. “I’m kind of a family man, so I usually chill at Inlet Beer Garden or head over to Tuna Shak.”
Sam couldn’t resist sharing his top picks for dining in the area. For the best seafood around Murrells Inlet, he swears by the Hot Fish Club. “Super refreshing live music and you can sit outside by the water—just perfect!” And if you’re up for an adventure, Sam recommends bar hopping along the iconic MarshWalk, sampling the delicious appetizers and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
As he settles back into ordinary life, Sam reflects on his pride in being from Myrtle Beach, “You take a 30-minute walk outside and feel like you have 10 new friends just because of how approachable everybody is.” With a bright smile, he believes Murrells Inlet is the perfect place for anyone struggling to meet new people.
With Sam home, the Myrtle Beach area is definitely buzzing! Here’s to the adventures ahead for him and his community, and let’s show him some love and support as he navigates this exciting new chapter!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
