4 Unforgettable Day Trips You Can Take Near Conway and Myrtle Beach, SC

Conveniently located in the eastern corner of the state and just a few miles away from both the South Carolina coast and the North Carolina state line, the city of Conway, SC, offers plenty of options for those wanting to explore the region and discover new destinations. We have put together a list of the three most popular weekend getaways you can check out in your brand-new 2023 Ford Explorer Limited. 1. Savannah Known for its beautiful coastal landscapes, its vibrant history, and its well-preserved colonial architecture, the city of Savannah is a wonderful place to visit with your friends and family. Located approximately 215 miles southwest of Conway, this charming Georgian city can be reached in about three hours and 25 minutes by car via routes US-378 and I-95. more The first place you should check out if you want to get into the local vibe of Savannah and admire some of its most iconic historical buildings is the Savannah Historic District. This beautiful neighborhood features a plethora of lively squares, churches, and monuments that bring together locals and visitors every day of the week. Some of the main tourist attractions you should check out here include Forsyth Park, The Olde Pink House, and the American Prohibition Museum. 2. Charlotte Located in the heart of the Piedmont region, the city of Charlotte is the largest and most populous urban area in North Carolina, and another excellent destination for an urban weekend getaway. An important economic and cultural center in the region, Charlotte is home to popular tourist attractions, museums, galleries, cultural centers, and plenty of excellent restaurants, cafés, and local shops. Driving from Conway to downtown Charlotte takes approximately three hours via route US-501. Some of the main tourist attractions you should check out in this city include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, The Mint Museum, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. If you are searching for some local food, make sure to check out the 7th Street Public Market in the city center. 3. Francis Marion National Forest Covering nearly 260,000 acres and established in 1936, Francis Marion National Forest is the perfect destination for nature lovers. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service and located less than 80 miles southwest of Conway, this place can be reached in approximately one hour and a half via route US-701 and Highway 17. Some of the recreational opportunities available here include camping, boating, hiking, and mountain biking. No matter what type of vehicle you are searching for, if you want to find the best car dealership in Conway, you've come to the right place. Stop by Conway Ford and one of our agents will show you around our extensive inventory of new and pre-owned models.

Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse to spoil your loved ones. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner date night or a gorgeous outdoor scene to stroll in, the Conway, South Carolina, area has something for you. Don't get caught flat-footed on Feb. 14th — check out some of our favorite places to take someone special around Conway this Valentine's Day. more Aspen Grille Aspen Grille is well-known for serving up Southern-style dishes, not to mention Southern hospitality, made with delicious, fresh, and local ingredients. Their extensive wine and spirits list and dry-aged USDA prime beef steaks in a selection of cuts make this the perfect destination for a romantic dinner for two. The extra-special Valentine's Day fixed-price menu features surf and turf, a 14-ounce cold water lobster tail, Chilean sea bass, and so much more. Aspen Grille in Myrtle Beach takes reservations for Valentine's Day, so book your table now! La Belle Amie Vineyard A wine tasting in a beautiful vineyard setting has plenty of potential for romance, whether you're on a first date or you've been together for many Valentine's Days. Located in Little River, La Belle Amie Vineyard produces delicious Southern muscadine wines. Take a tour of the vineyard property and taste five samples on offer for $5 in the tasting room afterward. Live music and events, including the Parrot Head festival in February, make this a great place to spend some time connecting with your special someone. Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade A relatively new attraction in the downtown Myrtle Beach area, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade features a 1.2-mile wooden boardwalk along the beachfront, several open-air cafes and shops, and the 190-foot tall SkyWheel, which lights up the Myrtle Beach skyline and has become a popular place for marriage proposals. Come back to relive the romance of your Valentine's date, and visit the promenade over the summer when there are fireworks displays and free concerts. Brookgreen Gardens Found just south of Murrells Inlet, Brookgreen Gardens is a wildlife preserve and sculpture garden. With over 9,000 acres of delights, this is the perfect place to walk around and take in the gorgeous flowers and scenery. The Botanical Gardens feature the Live Oak Allee, with incredible 250-year-old oak trees, a butterfly garden, and the Palmetto Garden, named for South Carolina's state tree. Grab a bite for lunch at the Harvest Restaurant or the Old Kitchen. Brookgreen Gardens is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historic Downtown Conway Fortunately, you don't have to go far to find a fun and unique night out. With several fun restaurant options as well as the Theatre of the Republic, Historic Downtown Conway is the perfect place for dinner and a show. After dinner, you and your date can stroll around downtown and check out the small shops. Whether you're planning a romantic date or looking to treat your loved ones to a unique experience, there are plenty of options for Valentine's Day outings in and around Conway. Image via Canva.com

While Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is an excellent destination when you're in the mood to enjoy some surf and sand, sometimes you end up having your fill of the beach, and you want something else to do. Fortunately, this legendary beach town offers lots of other fun and interesting activities. Here are fun things to do in Myrtle Beach besides going to the beach. Backstage Escape Games At Backstage Escape Games, the entire family can work together to beat the 60-minute clock and escape a room filled with intense lighting and sound effects. Each of the Backstage's escape rooms features a different theme, complete with props and decorations that will make you feel like you've been transported to another world. In the Legend of Atlantis room, you'll have to find hidden doors that will lead you through secret passageways until you reach the Temple of Poseidon. The Dark Winter's Night room takes you to the town of Parkview Point. Here, you'll have to solve riddles and puzzles in order to save Christmas from the clutches of Krampus. If you're in the mood to go back in time, check out The Haunting of Hyde House. Here you'll explore an 1890s-era mansion and help a ghost reunite with her family. All of Backstage's escape rooms give you the chance to learn team-building skills and bond as a family. more Ripley's Aquarium While you may not be in the mood for another day at the beach, you'll definitely enjoy a trip to Ripley's Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with marine life without getting a sunburn or sand in your hair. In the Rio Amazon exhibit, you'll (safely) encounter freshwater stingrays, poisonous dart frogs, and piranhas. As you step inside the Planet Jellies exhibit, you'll be surrounded by thousands of jellyfish and backlit color-changing displays. To hold a horseshoe crab and participate in games and quizzes, pay a visit to the hands-on learning center. Ripley's Aquarium also offers unique experiences like a penguin encounter and overnight stays. Downtown Myrtle Beach If you enjoy shopping, consider adding a trip to downtown Myrtle Beach to your vacation schedule. At A Silver Shack, you'll find unique pieces of jewelry and the largest selection of silver in town. Blondie's offers the trendiest streetwear and resort wear. Coastal Sunglasses carries the latest designer sunglasses from brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Prada. If you're searching for the perfect home decor item, stop by the Man Cave Store or the Southern Living Store. Carolina Roadhouse While you're exploring Myrtle Beach, you're sure to work up an appetite. Stop by Carolina Roadhouse and feast on refined Southern dishes in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Start your meal with a plate of fried calamari, croissants topped with honey butter, or creamed spinach nachos. Popular entrees include the barbecue chicken breast, marinated sirloin, and ribs. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Carolina Flounder, the Atlantic oysters, or the oven-roasted salmon. Carolina Roadhouse serves up a delicious selection of burgers and sandwiches. Be sure to add a side of fries, garlic mashed potatoes, or creamy coleslaw. For dessert, there's Key lime pie, croissant bread pudding, or chocolate cake. As you can see, there's plenty to do in Myrtle Beach besides going to the beach. No matter what activity you choose, you're sure to have fun.   Image via Pixabay by elroytheaddict