Creating a Destination: How Conway, SC is Defining its Own Identity - Coasting Podcast EP#14

Have you BEEN to Conway, South Carolina lately? Because if you haven’t… you might not believe everything that’s happening there.   In this episode of Coasting, we sit down with Adam Emrick, City Administrator for the City of Conway, to uncover how this historic river town is transforming into a true destination — on purpose.   From turning downtown into “Halloween, SC” each October to reimagining holidays year-round and driving new energy into local businesses, Conway has created a vibrant identity that stands on its own.   We also explore what it takes to tell that story to the world, how the city earned recognition as an All-America City, and what’s ahead — including plans for a waterfront hotel and the redevelopment of the former Santee Cooper site into a new inland beach, marina, and outdoor destination.   Because what’s happening in Conway isn’t by accident…it’s being built with intention.   👉 Recorded live on the Tea Patio of the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC.     Chapters:   

00:00 - Episode Preview

00:18 - Intro

00:27 - On This Episode

01:06 - Welcome to Coasting

01:28 - What's a Chanticleer?

02:42 - Conway's Reputation

03:37 - Favorite Gems

07:37 - Lateral Hazard

08:41 - Conway Administrator

11:44 - How Big is Conway

12:55 - When the Shift Started

16:06 - Vacancy Rate

16:37 - Planning for Growth

17:37 - City of Halloween

20:48 - How Big is Halloween

22:41 - Conway Has It's Own Identity

23:31- Coastal Carolina

24:14 - Wall Murals

25:38 - Other Holidays

27:26 - Porchfest

28:34 - Always Something Going On

29:39 - Downtown Business Growth

31:03 - Advertising

33:00 - Conway Mayor

33:30 - Planning

35:57 - Growth of Conway

36:14 - What Was Conway Built On?

37:42 - Ferry Crossing

39:02 - Resident Buy-in

39:59 - Great Way to Make Friends

40:16 - Awards

41:30 - A Lasting Impression

42:16 - Future of Conway

43:40 - Phase 1

44:56 - Boutique Hotel

45:33 - Infrastructure

48:46 - Conway's Tricentennial

49:44 - Proud of Conway

54:12 - EP 15 Preview

54:30 - Closing Credits

 

Important Links:

Real Estate Website : ⁠http://www.bytheseashorerealty.com/ ⁠

Myrtle Beach Art Museum: ⁠http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/ ⁠

Theater of the Republic: www.theatreoftherepublic.com

Conway Glass: www.conwayglass.com

Cherry Grove Cookie Co: https://cherrygrovecookieco.com

Podcast Website : ⁠http://www.coastingpodcast.com