When travelers picture the coastal Carolinas, they surely think of bright sunny days on the beach. Maybe they also think of Netflix’s dramatic series about a group of teenage treasure hunters, Outer Banks, which, while set in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, ironically is filmed in South Carolina.
The Outer Banks does offer pirate adventure activities, but none like the swashbuckling adventures of Captain Blackbeard, who ran his nefarious pirating operation here in the early 18th century. And alas, riveting adventures in the coastal Carolinas expand far beyond the destination’s famous beaches.
In Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Outer Banks and Wilmington, groups can explore legendary beaches as well as national parks, outdoor art museums and curated tours inspired by cinema.
Charleston
In Charleston, guests usually plan their meetings in the downtown Historic District, but they can explore oceanfront activities 45 minutes away at The Region’s five beaches. Indeed, the heart of Charleston is defined by six pillars: history, cuisine, arts and culture, shopping, outdoor recreation and family, explained Chris Campbell, vice president of strategy and external affairs at Explore Charleston. These pillars also pave the way for the destination’s group activities.
Cinema-Inspired Getaway
Last summer was the 20th anniversary of The Notebook, a film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling romance novel. But the film is celebrated all year long in Charleston as multiple scenes were filmed in the destination. Explore Charleston invites guests to channel their inner-romance and embark on this star-worthy, cinema-inspired getaway.
The curated itinerary for movie lovers explores six scenes from The Notebook, as well as scenes from The Patriot, The Legend of Bagger Vance and Dear John. Plus, above and beyond exploring six scenes from The Notebook, the itinerary takes you all over Charleston.
“It can take you all the way into the neighboring county and Cypress Gardens, where certain scenes were filmed amongst the cypress trees, and then you can come all the way downtown to the Historic District, where the theater that was in one of the scenes can be found,” Campbell said. “It really does allow you to traverse the area and see a lot of parts of the community that people may not recognize.”
Shopping
“Shopping has become an ever more popular attraction,” Campbell said.
From the iconic shopping corridor on King Street to Town Center in Mount Pleasant and Tanger Outlets, guests have ample opportunities to shop however they please.
“A lot of the groups our sales team works with, they continue to hear more and more that attendees want to have some time to enjoy the shopping,” he said.
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On King Street, attendees can make their own candles and visit a local jeweler. The unique blend of shopping experiences is what drives the desire to shop in Charleston.
“When someone walks out of a hotel or meeting venue, looking down King Street, you might see a brand you very much recognize, like a national brand, a Yeti or Tecovas,” Campbell said, “but then you turn the other way and you’re intrigued by a local boutique.”
Myrtle Beach
With 60 miles of beaches and more than 2,000 restaurants, there’s plenty in Myrtle Beach to keep attendees busy in between sessions. Here are some group attractions in Myrtle Beach.
Brookgreen Gardens
If groups want to spend most of a full day in one place, they will find plenty to keep them occupied and engaged at the 9,100-acre Brookgreen Gardens.
From art to nature and history, guests can immerse themselves in this outdoor museum that offers something for everyone. Get lost in thousands of acres at the different “exhibits,” including the history and wildlife preserve, zoo, botanical gardens and comprehensive collection of American figurative sculptures.
“Today it is the finest outdoor museum of its type in the world,” said Cynthia Mohr, senior sales manager at Visit Myrtle Beach. “It features over 2,000 works by 430 artists.”
“Of course, the Botanical Gardens are just breathtaking,” Mohr added. “You have the live oak alley, the butterfly garden, the Palmetto garden, the Brenda Rosen, Carolina Terrace Garden; groups could go there and spend literally all day.”
The Golf Capital of the World
When visiting Myrtle Beach, rest assured there’s not enough time to play its more than 1,620 holes, but there may be enough time for a match or two on its 90-plus championship golf courses.
Mohr said a lot of groups will visit the golf courses for teambuilding exercises. When she hears feedback from groups about their time spent in Myrtle Beach, golf is always mentioned as a favorite activity.
And if that isn’t your cup of tee, PopStroke is a different golf experience option located in Broadway at the Beach. The elevated mini-golf course incorporates synthetic turf, fairways and bunkers. Or if traditional mini-golf is your desired “activi-tee,” Myrtle Beach offers 50 such courses.
Outer Banks
County-wide from Duck to Hatteras Island, the Outer Banks (commonly referred to as OBX) and its islands span 100 miles of seashore. Each island has its own claim to fame, from kite-flying and horseback riding on the beach to historic sites like Cape Hatteras’ lighthouse. While activity options in OBX are endless. Here are two that come highly recommended for groups.
National Parks
The Outer Banks’ “national park story” really tells three different tales. Home to three national parks—Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial—the Seashore was the first national park in the county. It offers historic attractions, beach access and a lighthouse. Fort Raleigh on Roanoke Island is a focal point of American history, being the first site of attempted English settlement. Wright Brothers National Memorial is home to a museum and monument celebrating the location where Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful airplane flight.
In collaboration with Wright Brothers National Memorial and Kitty Hawk Kites—a business venture that originally sold hang gliders but is now a retail and outdoor recreation venture—groups can attend “hang gliding school,” a four-hour package that allows guests to fly the 1902 Wright Glider.
The 1902 Wright Glider Experience is a group activity like no other, during which attendees have the opportunity to fly a glider that predates the Wright brothers’ first flight on December 17, 1903.
“You can learn a lot, be inspired by their story, ingenuity, trial and error and pressing forward,” said Aaron Tuell, public relations manager at Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
“All the things corporate businesses want,” added Lorri Love, manager of tourism sales, events and industry relations at Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.
When reflecting on the destination, Love also recalled a quote from William Tate, an aviation pioneer who helped the Wright brothers assemble their first aircraft in the Outer Banks.
In 1900, Tate wrote the following about Kitty Hawk: “If you decide to try your machine here and come, I will take pleasure in doing all I can for your convenience and success and pleasure, and I assure you, you will find a hospitable people when you come among us.”
Water Sports and Activities
With 100 miles of beach, of course there’s plenty to do on the water. From surfing to kayaking, fishing and, quintessential to Kitty Hawk, kiteboarding.
Kayaking and surfing are available at different locations throughout the Outer Banks. Different locations vary in difficulty and protection—some notable protected areas include Kitty Hawk and Manteo. Party boat fishing is also available for groups of 30-45.
REAL Watersports in the Outer Banks teaches a three-day “zero to hero” kiteboarding course.
If your meeting is multiple days, it’s worth the effort to learn the water sport in its ideal location, as the coastal Carolina winds make the Outer Banks what many consider one of the top three places in the world to kiteboard.
The water sport’s popularity is growing in the Outer Banks. Tuell said though it takes a while to get good at, it’s fun when you get the hang of it.
Whether it’s for sporting activities or not, guests must get out on the water regardless.
“In the less-than-peak months of the fall and the spring and even winter, that’s when the Outer Banks shines,” he said. “Walking on the beach and being the only person out there except you and your people that are your closest friends or loved ones looking for seashells or seeing what the ocean spit back in the morning time is a lot of fun. And the stars, you can see the Milky Way and the planets.”
Wilmington
Nestled along the Cape Fear River, Wilmington sees an average daily high of nearly 60 degrees even in the winter months. Guests can explore Wilmington and its three island beaches through scenic sightseeing and tasting history tours.
Scenic Sightseeing
Wilmington offers endless opportunities for groups in a setting that combines historic charm and entertainment along the water.
The three island beaches—Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville—are located 20-30 minutes from downtown and are home to water cruises and scenic cruises.
One 15-passenger vessel that embarks on 90-minute cruises on Cape Fear River, BrewBoat Wilmington, is BYOB, and another cruise option on the river, Wilmington Water Tours, offers sunset cruises.
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Wrightsville Beach’s Soundside Adventures provides up to six guests with a private excursion on a 44-foot-long catamaran. Additionally, Epic Excursions has a variety of outings and charters, from oystering to island-hopping, stand-up paddleboarding tours and more.
“Here, an iconic city’s historic charm and rich past blends seamlessly with modern design and new attractions,” said Molly Johnson, vice president of sales and services for the Wilmington and Beaches CVB. “Groups can have urban and island experiences all in the span of a single event.”
Tasting History Tours
Typically, the best way to get around a destination is by foot, public transportation or rideshare. But the best way to navigate Wilmington’s Riverside City—the site of historic tours—is by horse-drawn carriage. This mode of transportation is a great way to visit historic homes and immerse guests in an authentic experience.
Historical experiences in Wilmington include the National Register Historic District, WWII heritage, historic home tours and a haunted tour—Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington. These tours take guests on eerie adventures and historical experiences dating back to 1861.
“The area offers numerous water- and land-based tours, including history, craft beer and theme walking tours, horse-drawn carriage tours, kayak/canoe excursions, biking and nature trails, narrated cruises, self-guided film tours and culinary adventures,” Johnson said.
Connections:
Explore Charleston
Outer Banks Visitors Bureau
Visit Myrtle Beach
Visit Wilmington and Beaches
