City: East Conway, SC

Category: Golf

Telephone: (843) 448-1300, (843) 347-2706

Address: 1900 Hwy. 544

Description: Just off the Strand, outside Myrtle Beach, the Witch serves up a spectacular 6,011-yard, 18-hole course that seems to rise from the earth like some kind of inexplicable magic; it’s nothing short of beautiful. Dan Maples molded this par 71 course—complete with nearly 4,000 feet of bridges—from woodlands and mystery-shrouded wetlands without disturbing the enchanted nature of the setting. Playing the Witch is like taking a nature walk through swamps, marshes, and forests, with pine, cypress, and live oak trees, as well as deer, fox, and osprey. The par 4 No. 15 requires an uphill drive followed by a placement shot to a landing area surrounded by wetlands. The ninth green is an island surrounded by wetlands.Deceptively beautiful, the hundreds of acres of wetlands are Mother Nature’s perfect hazards. Challenge lurks around every bend of this unforgettable course. Greens fees start at $50.50; walking is not permitted.

City: East Conway, SC

Category: Retirement

Telephone: (800) 227-0631, (843) 357-6638

Address: 506 Sand Ridge Rd.

Description: As motorists pass the Myrtle Trace sign on US 501, they don’t get a hint about the magnitude of what lies beyond that sign and the wooded area that buffers the community from traffic. But pull in and take a look around; you’ll be stunned to find about 500 homes in three unique communities. Myrtle Trace is about 20 years old and has a maturity that some newer developments lack. It is immaculately manicured and features lakes, golf course lots, a clubhouse, and a swimming pool.Most of the people who buy at Myrtle Trace move in while they’re still in their late 50s or early 60s, and they give new meaning to the term “active retirement.” Residents band together to plan activities that range from all kinds of card games to theatrical performances. There is a bowling league, and, of course, golf is king. Between 20 and 30 residents work several days a week at area golf courses as starters and rangers to earn a few dollars and, mostly, to secure golf privileges. About 50 of Myrtle Trace’s women work as volunteers at nearby Conway Hospital.Homes range from $160,000 to $195,000, depending on the location and floor plan selected. Myrtle Trace is within 1 mile of a shopping center off US 501, which offers a grocery store, pharmacy, shops, and restaurants.