Kiawah Island
Golf is a favorite pastime in several South Carolina locations, and Kiawah Island Club’s championship course ranks as one of the most sought-after. The 20-year-old River Course, designed by Tom Fazio, recently reopened after a million-dollar renovation, including new bunkers and turf. Player “comfort stations” feature staffers serving sliders, cocktails, beer and wine. Ten sets of forward tees that reduce the overall length by 460 yards have been added for women and seniors. Highlights of the course remain its beautiful landscaping, which blends with the natural environment: Holes are designed along a river’s edge, overlooking marshes and ponds and bordering thick forests. Members and guests also have access to the swimming, spa and dining facilities.
Kiawah Island Club, 1 Kiawah Island Parkway, Kiawah Island, S.C. 843-768-6120, kiawahislandclub.com, @KiawahClub.
Rock Hill
Cyclists have two options in this York County town. Bicyclists can try their competition skills in the Giordana Velodrome, a 250-meter oval with banked turns. Sessions are offered to riders of all skill levels, and equipment and instruction are available. It’s also the site of competitions throughout the year. Fans of BMX bikes can practice their off-road moves at the Novant Health BMX Supercross Track, which opened last year as one of the few BMX training sites in the country. Ramps are designed for amateur and professional riders, but those who prefer to watch can attend one of the races or events booked into the facility during the year.
Giordana Velodrome, 1000 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-326-2453, giordanavelodrome.com, @GiordanaVelo.
BMX Supercross Track, 1307 Riverwalk Parkway, Rock Hill, S.C. 803-326-2441, novanthealthbmx.com, @NovantHealthBMX.
North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach, established in the late 1960s, is a bit more laid-back than its sister city 20 miles to the south. But you’ll still find miniature golf games, grown-up golf courses, deep sea and pier fishing and stretches of sand dunes for kicking back or climbing. The Jim Caudle Artificial Reef is a natural fish habitat and a prime spot for diving.
North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce, 1521 Highway 17 South, North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 843-281-2662, northmyrtlebeachchamber.com, @cityofNMB.
