Southport, North Carolina
Officially founded in 1792, Southport has been home to both British and American fortifications. Today, this charming coastal town is laid-back but full of entertainment, and its location offers escape and tranquility.
“We’re not on a road to anywhere; we’re very tucked away,” said Cindy Brochure, director of tourism and economic development and film liaison of the city of Southport. “This is the place to come and find yourself — the Southport state of mind is almost hypnotic.”
Primary meeting facilities include the Southport Community Building, which is on a vista that overlooks the river. It includes 2,400 square feet of open space and can accommodate 150 to 200 people for events. There are six bed-and-breakfasts in town, as well as the Wingate Hotel for guest accommodations.
Most of the attractions, Brochure noted, are within a 12-block area, including about 15 restaurants that are all chef driven, gourmet and walkable. Cape Fear Restaurant, the Fishy Fishy Café and the Yacht Basin Eatery are favorites. A number of boutique shops can also be found there, including the Southport Taffy and Fudge Factory.
“Most people who own the shops also work the shops,” Brochure said, “which makes them very homey.”
Historic homes, art galleries and museums are other attractions visitors love.
“It’s a great place to have meetings,” Brochure said. “It’s more of an experience than a destination. Everyone that comes says they’re coming back or that they wish they lived here.”
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dynamic and ever-evolving Myrtle Beach is known as a fun, family-appropriate vacation destination, and within the last decade, it has increasingly become a meeting destination. With the centrally located Myrtle Beach International Airport only 10 minutes away from the convention center and several hotels, the location is both convenient and entertaining.
“We do have much more than just the family-friendly beach atmosphere,” said Danna Lilly, director of sales at the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’ve got the facilities and the ability to create a unique experience-based visit for meetings.”
Meeting facilities include the Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes, which has 16 meeting rooms and 45,000 square feet of meeting space. The Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Hotel has 25 meeting rooms and 250,000 square feet of meeting space and is connected to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. The Inlet Sports Lodge, located in a fishing village in Murrells Inlet, offers 1,200 feet of casual meeting space, as well as the ability to arrange fishing, golfing and other outdoor experiences.
Lilly noted that great attractions can be found in the Barefoot Landing and Broadway at the Beach areas.
“These are very distinct entertainment complexes that offer dining and shopping, and people can spend a day or just a couple of hours there,” Lilly said.
The House of Blues restaurant offers live music; regional and international cuisine such as jambalaya, ribs, seafood and slow-smoked pulled pork; and an eclectic collection of folk art. Flying Fish Public Market and Grill offers an assorted mix of local seafood, Low Country cuisine, a raw bar with steamed shellfish and sushi, and the option to dine on the water.
Another attraction is Brookgreen Gardens, a nature-based adventure that features gardens, a zoo, art, history and hands-on classes. The Myrtle Beach Sports Center, open in 2015, will be located next to the convention center and will be the first indoor sports facility in the area. In addition to housing a variety of courts and sports facilities, it will open up to the convention center to provide extra meeting and expo space.
