Carolina Forest

by Emily Smith This August, our community is grateful to be able to look forward to a new, and this year, more familiar school year. As it stands now, Horry County schools will welcome their students back in person on August 17.  Although schools will resume face-to-face instruction five days a week for students, there will still be protocols in place to encourage safe and healthy environments. Horry County will enforce guidelines according to the CDC and SCDHEC.  As of July 6, masks are not required in buildings nor on buses. Over the summer, other measures have been decided upon to keep the spread of all contagious diseases as contained as possible during the school year. This includes but is not limited to some modifications of school facilities for extra space and improved ventilation systems. Schools will continue to either stagger or extend meal service times, and more water bottle filling-stations have been installed. To promote cleanliness and decrease the chance of germs spreading, faculty will be incorporating age-appropriate activities to teach students the importance of hygiene and foster healthy habits. Throughout school hours, staff will be disinfecting high-traffic areas, and after all students leave for the day, classrooms and additional common areas will be thoroughly cleaned.  On top of resuming typical classroom teaching and implementing the new safety protocols, Horry County’s school system is utilizing data from the past school year to assess students’ academic growth and identify the areas in which the education system can make improvements in curriculum as well as overall student support.  They are working on enhancing the resources available for students learning English as a second language as well as students with disabilities. Horry County schools are also placing a greater emphasis on mental, emotional, and physical health. Ultimately, their goal is to meet the needs of all students, and ensure they are receiving the best education and as much support as possible.   For the Carolina Forest area of Horry County, the start of the school year will test the efficacy of this neighborhood’s newly-widened boulevard. Despite delays, construction was completed at the end of July, although crews will still be finishing the multi-use path through September.  Remaining in the know is a vital part of helping the community grow and keeping everyone safe and healthy.  Visit www.horrycountyschools.net to read more about the new plans put in place by Horry County schools, as well as to stay up-to-date about potential changes and revisions. Bus routes and event calendars are also located on the webpage. 

Carolina Forest is set for some big changes in the future. One of which to include a brand new shopping center, the Marketplace at the Mill. Read more about what’s to come in the Featured Community section of our March edition.

Online Resources Courtesy of The Horry County Memorial Library by Emily Smith In the age of Covid-19, online resources have been providing parents and guardians nationwide the support they need to educate children and teens from home.  Now that businesses and non-profit organizations are reopening, and parents and guardians have more demands placed on their time, these online resources are even more important to helping everyone stay on track. The Horry County Memorial Library system in Carolina Forest, has been working tirelessly to provide classes and programs as usual, now in different formats. They offer things like virtual story time and weekly fun challenges. Now that August is here, their summer events will be winding down to be replaced with fall ones. Those with library cards will continue to have access to dozens of digital educational resources. If you visit the library’s website, hcml.org, you will find a link for resources on the left of their homepage. Click that, and the sub-menu provides additional links. There is a virtual goldmine of resources located under the “Find Articles (Databases)” header. That link will take you to a plethora of sources, including but not limited to classes for all ages, studies, reference materials, and even tutors. Students in any grade will find, Learn 360 or Britannica School Edition helpful, while young ones can get ahead of the curve with BrainPOP Jr. There are practical sources, such as auto repair, a DMV Permit practice test, career transition assistance, even a small business reference center. You can even try a digital book club or explore your ancestry. Just about everything available is free, for those who access it through the library website with their library account information.  The library is the perfect assistant to fill in any real-world and educational gaps for both your child and you.  For more information on how to utilize this virtual scholastic support tool, visit hcml.org or call your local Carolina Forest Library branch at 843-915-5282.

by Emily Smith So much of our economy, both local and state, is dependent on hospitality services. As we’re all learning to navigate the new normal with the presence of Covid-19, caution and cleanliness remain foremost in the minds of many.  Many public places, like our favorite restaurants and local stores, are still adhering to social distancing standards while continuing to do their utmost in disinfecting every surface as often as possible.  Although things may still feel sluggish, there are ways to get out, have fun, and support our local community businesses, all while staying safe and minimizing the potential risk to ourselves and others. Some guests have begun bringing their own utensils when dining out. And by now, it’s become second nature to keep sanitizer and wipes on hand. It’s important to keep in mind that the CDC encourages the use of sanitizer with an alcohol level of at least 60% to be effective. Continue to wipe off surfaces of items you’ll be touching, especially door handles, chairs, tables, carts, and baskets. We may not feel the need to wear gloves any more, but it’s still of paramount importance to avoid touching one’s face. Outdoor activities during this month have always been popular. Make sure when celebrating the Fourth and the summer season, that you make smart decisions.  Visiting parks and beaches now means, more than ever, to bring your own of everything and avoid public facilities as much as possible. Be mindful of what you’re taking in and try to take out your own trash as well. Avoiding crowds during the summer can be a challenge, although it is still a good way to stay safe, especially for those at high risk. Your beach days should remain in small groups of family or close friends, and instead of going to fireworks displays, having a small display of your own (where regulations allow) can be just as fun and exciting. Southern hospitality is difficult to accomplish when we’re constantly reminded to keep apart. Yet the friendliness and patience that makes up part of the hospitality we South Carolinians are known for is always easy to have and share, six feet apart or not!  That coupled with the aforementioned reminders will help us to work together and make the best of these changing times.

by Emily Smith The weather is heating up and now your exercise sessions can too with the newly opened Hotworx fitness studio. Local franchise owners Monte and Gail Porter began the process of opening the studio at the beginning of the year. The Hotworx company was started by Stephen P. Smith in 2014, and currently has over one hundred franchise locations throughout the nation. Located at 2030 Oakheart Road in the The Shoppes at Forest Square, and neighboring Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, it is the first of its kind in Horry County. Along with Planet Fitness around the corner, and Burn Boot Camp a few doors down, Hotworx is one in a number of new additions in the Carolina Forest area providing workout options for the community.  The concept behind Hotworx is the combination of yoga and low-impact exercise in an infrared sauna. Multiple small saunas make up the fitness studio, plus an added (and unheated) room for lifting weights. Inside the saunas are screens where a virtual instructor guides users through 30-minute sessions, or a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) course for 15 minutes.  Adding the infrared heat to a workout has many benefits, according to the Hotworx website (hotworx.net). The heat increases the temperature of the body, which speeds up a person’s metabolism and decreases the amount of time needed to warm up. Using isometric workouts such as yoga and pilates is also meant to accelerate the detoxification of muscle groups and increase circulation. Working out in these saunas is supposed to replace the need for longer sessions, but help people see the same or similar results. The heated rooms are smaller as well, typically fitting only three people at the same time, and each can be adjusted to find the best temperature for your workout.  Our local Hotworx location began accepting memberships a few months ago at about $60 per month. A membership here allows 24-hour access to the saunas, plus with virtual trainers and no set class times, a workout can be whenever you want it to be. Interested parties can call 844-446-8979 to get in contact with a representative and learn more about this steamy way to workout.  Open all the time for members, and staffed Monday through Thursday from 11am to 8pm; Friday from 9am to 6pm; and Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

by Emily Smith Social distancing as a result of COVID-19 may have separated us as a community physically for some time, but the community spirit of goodwill, generosity, and helping others carries on, now, when it’s needed most, across our county and state.  Nearly 300,000 South Carolina jobs (roughly 1 in 10) are in the hospitality and tourism industry; approximately 80,000 of those are in Horry County alone. To offset the financial impact COVID-19 is having, the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA) partnered with Scofflaw Brewing Co. at the beginning of April to create the South Carolina Hospitality Employee COVID-19 Relief Fund. The fund will reduce some of the financial losses that the employees in this industry are facing. As a show of support for the frontline health care professionals, a young South Carolina boy and his family have been working together to create wooden red crosses to sell. All proceeds from the project go directly to children’s hospitals throughout our state. Sales first began with neighbors, but have since extended to other states including Florida and New York. Ignite Church, with two locations in Myrtle Beach and Conway, has been working with Meals on Wheels every Saturday afternoon to provide food for anyone in need. While still providing spiritual “food” every Sunday virtually, many church members have been working hard to provide nourishment for the body as well. When Tidelands Health reached into their stockpile of masks, they found the elastic strands to be too corroded for use. When local resident Tara Grinna found out that thousands of masks would have to be thrown away, she stepped in with a creative way to eliminate them from the landfill, and give them a vital purpose to boot. As the owner of Tara Grinna Swimwear in Myrtle Beach, Tara opened her Conway factory and asked for volunteers to help. Using the sewing machines in her factory and elastic strands donated from a local textile company, the volunteers refurbished and redistributed the masks.  Across Horry County, vigils and prayer services have been held in keeping with CDC guidelines for social distancing, to show appreciation for our many hard workers in the healthcare industry. Friends and neighbors in Carolina Forest have been working together to help too: some make face masks for others in need, others volunteer to do shopping for those who are elderly, have pre-existing medical conditions, or are considered in a high-risk group. Physically, we’re remaining more apart, but mentally and emotionally, we support one another and stand together, both in Carolina Forest as well as across the state. The good that people continue to do uplifts and inspires us all to offer what we can to others.

by Emily Smith Carolina Forest pulses with an energy and growth all its own. Just drive into this area along the Grand Strand, and it’s no big surprise that there are changes abounding and communities growing throughout the entire area, from one end of the border to the other. Not too far down the street from the Carolina Forest Recreation Center, The Parks, a housing development, is expanding, and will continue to grow throughout the spring months. Some new houses have already become cozy homes while over fifty others are built and waiting for new owners to arrive. Ten ancient oak trees sit off to one side of the growing complex, while the amenities building is being finished up nearby. The building will house an indoor gym and pickle ball court. Outside of it, residents will have access to a swimming pool, fire pits, and a prep-kitchen and patio for outdoor dining. Once Huger Park is complete, there will be beautiful paths to walk along, as well as playgrounds for children. Both the recreation center and the Carolina Forest Library are just short bike rides away. D.R. Horton has dozens of floor plans from which potential future homeowners can create their perfect house. These plans range from single-story homes with one-car garages, to two-story homes with a three-car garage. In addition to developments like The Parks, apartment complexes like The Mosby offer rental choices for the area, while the growing, gated community at Indigo Bay provides larger and more luxurious homes. Because Carolina Forest is such a central area with convenient access to just about everything, its location is a constant draw for those looking to buy a home, relocate, or move to a more dynamic area. The influx of residents brings with it an increase in traffic. Consequently, the city has begun construction to widen Carolina Forest Boulevard— with the intention of alleviating some of the additional traffic the area is experiencing. The work is scheduled to be completed some time in the next year.

by Emily Smith February is the perfect time to show your significant other just how important they are to you. In our neck of the woods alone there are plenty of ways to do just that. Plus, being in such a central neighborhood of the Grand Strand means you can rely on the whole area to plan a great excursion.  Downtown Conway kicks the month off with their annual Chocolate Walk, inviting fans of the candy to explore downtown while enjoying the work of local chocolatiers— amateur and professional alike. Indulge your senses from 11am-3pm on Saturday, February 1.  On both ends of Carolina Forest, popular restaurants like The Grumpy Monk, King Kong Sushi, and The Sneaky Beagle offer delicious and casual options for date nights. Brunch is also a tasty alternative for a meal together, with places such as The Famous Toastery, even the aforementioned Sneaky Beagle, offering perfect ways to begin a romantic day. Outside of the Forest, elegant options await for a more intimate setting, from Pawleys Island to Little River. Nearby, The Library remains a popular romantic night out. Located on U.S. 17 Business in Myrtle Beach, this restaurant is fine dining complete with tableside service. Reservations at The Library are a necessity on Valentine’s Day.  In Pawleys Island, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback has both fancy and relaxed options to best suit your date. Perrone’s Restaurant or Caffe Piccolo provide some classic Mediterranean romance. On the southern end, a day in Brookgreen Gardens and an evening at any one of these restaurants will be a sure hit with your partner. In North Myrtle Beach, La Belle Amie Vineyard is a lovely idea for wine lovers but has something for everyone to enjoy. From there, it’s only a quick drive to numerous charming and elegant restaurants, including 21 Main or Seablue Restaurant and Wine Bar. A little further north into Little River, Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens is a beautiful park on the Intracoastal Waterway and is ideal for enjoying the beauty of nature, plus a great option for a free activity.  Just down the road, The Brentwood Restaurant and Wine Bistro offers a dive into French cuisine with regular events, making a Valentine’s date convenient even if it isn’t on the fourteenth. For plans specific to Valentine’s Day, it is important to call in advance and make reservations as needed. This will include any event held by the Carolina Forest Recreation Center.  No matter what kind of date you and yours prefer, there is something in the Grand Strand to make your time together memorable. 

by Emily Smith Though the New Year is a famously popular time to encourage new positive habits, becoming a happier, healthier person is a year-round commitment.  A few new additions to the Carolina Forest area, now and planned for the future, promise to encourage local residents each step of the way on their healthy regimens, no matter what time of year. Just over a month ago, Burn Boot Camp opened its first franchise in the Grand Strand. With a focus mainly on empowering women, this gym also provides workout camps for men, nutrition guidance, and complimentary child care programs, so parents can exercise without worry. To decide if their community is right for you, Burn Boot Camp offers a free, thirty-day new member trial period. To get in contact with Burn Boot Camp in Carolina Forest, call 919-324-4686 or visit them on their Facebook page @ Burn Boot Camp Myrtle Beach SC. The gym is located at 2000 Oakheart Road in the Forest Square center. Around the corner, the building where Gander Mountain once stood is being transformed into a Planet Fitness, the fourth and latest location along the Grand Strand. Although not expected to be finished until the second quarter of the year, the property owners are envisioning high traffic to the business, given its convenient location to Carolina Forest. Because the new gym only intends to occupy just over half the square footage of the building, we can expect another business or two alongside it. The new, soon-to-be Planet Fitness is situated at 1049 Glenforest Rd. If you want to get more in touch with nature, Carolina Forest Boulevard hopes to have a finished park with historical significance built later this year. Back in November, plans for Huger Park near the Carolina Forest Recreation Center began moving forward again after eight years of planning.  Surrounded by the growing residential development, aptly named The Parks, Huger Park will be within walking distance of the rec center. The land which connects the two will be the future spot of multi-purpose athletic fields. The main attraction of the park has always been the prolific, majestic oak trees, estimated to be upwards of 300 years old. Whether needing a structured training session, an individual workout, or some relaxing time to connect with nature, Carolina Forest continues to grow and accommodate the needs of its residents.  Change doesn’t happen overnight, but throughout this new year, expect to see these fabulous new additions to our community inspiring us stay active and healthy.

by Emily Smith No matter what’s being celebrated during the holiday season, twinkling lights are sure to inspire a magical feeling for all.  Light shows have grown in popularity over the past few years, with determined and creative individuals now able to transform their home into a dazzling wonderland. Below are some tips to help you get started creating your own display.  It can be helpful to plan your light installation vision with the aid of some pen and paper in advance, to avoid hanging lights that may be broken, too short, or too long.  Take measurements of your home and the area you want to cover. That will provide a starting point to figure out the type of lights you wish to use and how many will be needed. Each unit of lights is referred to as a “channel” and it’s been recommended for beginners to start with 16-32 channels.  Many light displays require a control system and the applicable computer software. Many brands offer basic controllers to start beginners off simply, and can even come pre-programmed, as well as offer different levels of user-engagement complexity.    For more personalized control, which also allows for greater customization, there are kits and individual pieces like digital I/O (input/output) boards. Be sure to keep in mind that both pre-made and custom-built systems require high voltage, so take all precautions with your adapters and power source.  Multiple programs exist to help create light shows, typically breaking down the chosen songs into seconds, making it easier to assign light patterns to the beat. Some companies sell the software along with the hardware needed in one convenient package. Last but certainly not least, some impressive speakers tie everything together. If your HOA does not have specific sound level limitations for your neighborhood, please keep in mind Horry County ordinances do, particularly between the hours of 11pm and 7am.  Many residents have discovered that creating their own neighborhood show takes months of planning, plus trial and error. This also makes post-season a good time to prepare for next year. Stringed Christmas lights are typically still available to buy after the holidays end, when seasonal products go on clearance. It’s the ideal time to stock up and purchase additional lights as needed, perhaps even a little extra. For those who would rather abstain from bedecking their own house, the Grand Strand has a number of lights shows open to the public throughout the month of December.  The beloved Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet begins Thursday, December 5.  Each weekend before Christmas, thousands of lights and candles shimmer in the night, while guests can enjoy holiday music and warm festive drinks.  In North Myrtle Beach, The Great Christmas Light Show runs throughout the entire month of December. Over a mile of lights to drive through, and Santa’s Village to play in, means this attraction is as fun as it is beautiful.  Beyond these two popular, festive events, there will be ceremonies and parades throughout the area. Whether you decide to create your own festival of lights, or prefer to admire the ingenuity of another, this season remains the most magical for a reason. 

by Emily Smith In Myrtle Beach alone, roughly 24% of the population rests under the poverty line according to data collected by the Census Bureau in 2017. Earlier this year, information from the Eastern Carolina Homelessness Organization, or ECHO, estimated that there are over 1,000 homeless people in Myrtle Beach.  Wanting to share your blessings is understandable, and there are plenty of ways to offer help and spread kindness in our neck of the woods, from monetary donations to preparing meals.  The Community Kitchen of Myrtle Beach has been a nonprofit organization providing meals to the underprivileged and hungry population for over twenty-seven years. Located at 1411 Mr. Joe White Avenue, the kitchen is open Monday through Friday, plus holidays, to provide breakfast and lunch to anyone who needs a meal.  Every month, the organization updates their current needs and is always looking for more volunteers.Traditional Thanksgiving meals will be provided on November 28, but assistance is always needed, no matter what time of year it is. To learn more about the program and how to help, visit www.communitykitchenmb.org or call 843-444-9383. In downtown Conway, The Shepherd’s Table has served an increasing amount of hungry guests in need throughout the years. Nestled at the corner of Powell St. and Gamecock Ave, this nonprofit got its start in 2007, and has since supplied lunch and dinner to tens of thousands.  Beyond simply distributing food, The Shepherd’s Table has programs to put together weekend bags and personal hygiene kits. This is especially important during hurricane season and winter, and the team is always accepting donations and volunteers. Call 843-488-3663 for more information, or visit them online at www.shepherdstable.com. Though their headquarters is in Charleston, the Lowcountry Food Bank runs programs and drives up and down the coast. The organization has made it easy for individuals and businesses to host drives and fundraisers. Volunteers are needed not just for prepping and coordinating, but also for educational purposes and administrative support. Their local office is situated at 4716 Northgate Blvd in Myrtle Beach, and can be reached at 843-488-0341. Their website, www.lowcountryfoodbank.com, offers more information about what this nonprofit does and needs. For over thirty years, Churches Assisting People in Conway has been working to make sure no family or person is overlooked in times of need, particularly emergencies. Made up of over two dozen churches in the Grand Strand area, the union is able to pool resources and spread their reach. Even if you aren’t a member of the churches listed on www.capconway.com, there are still ways to be involved to support struggling members of our community. Their office is at 307 Wright Blvd, and the CAP phone number is 843-488-2277. These are just a few of the local organizations in our immediate surroundings. Larger, nationwide programs also function here, including but not limited to Meals on Wheels, the Salvation Army, and American Red Cross.  Although giving and gratitude are at the forefront of everyone’s mind this month, members of our community struggle each day throughout the year.  Whether you are willing to offer your time, money, or necessities, there are an abundance of ways to share your blessings and allow someone else to have the opportunity to give thanks.

by Emily Smith October is a busy time for the Grand Strand. People gather to celebrate a variety of interests and hobbies— everything from art to shrimp.  Throughout October, festivals pop up in Pawleys Island, and stretch up to Loris, Little River, and inland to Conway. The beginning of the month starts off with the Bike Week Fall Rally. Held from Sept. 30 through Oct. 6, this is the less crowded counterpart to the spring event. Murrells Inlet is the headquarters of a sort, but expect to see bikes throughout the Grand Strand. The first weekend of October, Brookgreen Gardens hosts their annual Harvest Home Festival, a popular family event for celebrating autumn. There are hayrides, pumpkin patches, and scarecrow building. The gardens remain open to explore during the event.    On Saturday of that same weekend, Conway will hold their 11th annual Live Oak Art and Music Festival on the lawn of the historic Horry County Courthouse. Guests can enjoy live music while perusing the local art exhibits and mixing and mingling with the artists.  Oktoberfest at the Market Common will take place the following Friday and Saturday, on October 12th and 13th. There will be a variety of beer vendors from which to sample, but the festival remains fun for all ages with activities such as face painting, bouncy houses, and authentic German food. At the same time, in Little River, the Shrimp Festival will be making a splash on the waterfront. This is the 15th year the community is hosting the event. There are over 100 vendors that are a part of the festivities, with shrimp, of course, being a main star. St. John’s Greek Festival returns October 17 – 20, bringing back their popular displays of colorful traditional dances, delicious food, fun activities, and stalls to shop at. This “little piece of Greece” has been a beloved tradition in Myrtle Beach for almost thirty years. The same weekend, the downtown area of Conway turns spooky with their yearly Ghost Walk. Tour guides lead guests throughout the streets during the twilight hours regaling them with haunted history tales about the area. The Grand Strand only becomes more haunted in the final weekend of October. The North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex will set up for their Howl-o-Scream on the 26th, with thrills for adrenaline junkies and scare-free fun for younger children.  Many places will be hosting trick-or-treat events, including but not limited to Broadway at the Beach, Barefoot Landing, and the Market Common. Haunted houses and mazes will be popping up throughout the month as well, including Carolina Forest’s Haunted House in the Farm. No matter which festival you decide to visit, you’ll be in for a good time.

by Emily Smith As Carolina Forest grows, so to do the building projects established to support that growth.   Multiple new housing developments are being constructed, as is Huger Park— and Carolina Forest Boulevard is being expanded.  Hundreds of acres of cleared land are beginning now to sprout houses as neighborhood plans take shape and families build homes to their specific needs.  Between the Farm and Plantation Lakes subdivisions, another subdivision, The Parks of Carolina Forest, is currently evolving.  These some 500 acres are being developed by Forestar (USA) Realtor Group, which is a majority-owned subsidiary of D.R. Horton. The aforementioned is also the builder, with the potential to construct upwards of 1,000 homes.  The zoning of this land also allows for additional public areas, from sidewalks and an amenities building, to fire pits, a pool, and more. To increase the available options, more apartment complexes are also being built in our area, like Mosby Carolina Forest just off of International Drive.  Construction started only about a year ago, and the complex began accepting applications to lease in June 2019. Talks over rezoning The Wizard Golf Course have been brewing again, the second time the topic has popped up in the past thirteen years. This time, the owner of the course has an agreement to sell the property, the only contingent being if the rezoning allows housing to be built.  If it does, The Wizard will sell to an unspecified developer and the 168 acres could become another residential neighborhood. If Carolina Forest does lose one source of outdoor entertainment, it will still have a new one in the form of Huger Park. Named after a Revolutionary War general, this park will feature trails, picnic areas, and monuments which stand as tribute to its historic background. Completion is subject to funding and weather. In addition to all of the housing developments in the area, there are a multitude of new businesses spawning on either end of the boulevard.  On the International Drive end, a few restaurants are being added to the area’s inventory, including an already well-known name, J. Peters Grill. One company setting up shop for the first time in the Grand Strand will be Take 5 Oil Change, located in the Forest Square shopping center. Lapels Dry Cleaning will be opening a third location in a new building on the corner of Village Center Boulevard and River Oaks Drive. All the new residential and industrial growth means the roads will be busier, which is why everyone is eagerly awaiting the completion of the expansion of Carolina Forest Boulevard from a two-lane road into four-lanes.  The widening officially got its start in June, and the boulevard remains open during construction. Its estimated completion is spring of 2021.  With so much happening in our neck of the woods, keeping abreast of all the latest community news can be a challenge. Be sure to read our section next month for the latest updates on our growing and changing forest.

by Emily Smith Though it feels as if summer vacation has only just begun, already it’s time to start shifting gears into the 2019-2020 school year.  The first day of school for Horry County is August 19, and as there are nine schools in the Carolina Forest district alone, morning and afternoon traffic routes are going to become busier.  Last year, Horry County Schools reported over 44,000 students in the county, more than 9,000 of whom are part of the Carolina Forest district. Registration for new students is ongoing. Visit www.horrycountyschools.net to register your child, as well as stay up-to-date on a variety of information for parents via the Parent Portal. The website contains a hidden resource— interactive maps.  The district map, for instance, allows users to plug in their home address to see which school districts they fall into. There is also a bus stop map, on which guests can select specific schools to see the locations of bus stops in the morning and afternoon. These maps can be accessed from the main HCS webpage, in the “About Us” section, as well as under “Parent Resources.” On that same resources page, school supply lists are available to download for each elementary and middle school. High school supply lists will be sent to the students directly from the teachers. The Carolina Forest Recreation Center and Library will also have physical copies of the lists available. Currently, there is construction along Carolina Forest Boulevard and surrounding areas. That, coupled with the vibrant population of our area means that you’ll need to account for delays and plan your schedule accordingly.  Remember that on a two-lane road, traffic must halt completely both ways for a stopped school bus. For traffic on a four-lane highway, only cars behind the bus are required to stop, while traffic in the opposite lane is allowed to continue to move. In both cases, stopped vehicles can only drive again once the bus has started advancing and its red flashing lights are off. 

by Emily Smith Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your neighborhood to have an adventure. With school out and the heat on, not having to go far from home can be a blessing. This July, explore the ever-growing Carolina Forest community and see what fun outdoor activities it has to offer for family and friends. First and foremost, the best place to start is the Carolina Forest Recreation Center. This will be your headquarters for all things “fun in the forest.” Beyond having exercise classes throughout the week for all ages, this local rec center hosts countless athletic camps and events for kids.  Sharing the same parking lot is the Carolina Forest Library, which has its own unique happenings, not just books. A large grassy field stretches behind both buildings, which are often filled with playing children. To the side sits the rec center’s playground, a literal jungle gym of activity. Small picnics involving the use of personal grills are allowed in this area.     Families are encouraged to stop by and find out more about the many activities and classes offered at Carolina Forest. Baseball fans can come here to learn more about International Drive Fields, a popular sports venue used by both schools and amateur teams.  One of the most popular bike paths along the Grand Strand, The Horry County Bike and Run Park is the closest thing there is to mountain biking in our flat area, and has been affectionately nicknamed The Hulk. The dirt park filled with gentle to more experienced up-and-downs is located in your backyard of Carolina Forest, and is expanding all the time. The main loop is definitely for the more experienced riders, with dirt paths that can curve sharply after a quick decline. This whole park is large however, and a number of different paths wind through the trees. For those who prefer being on foot, there are jogging trails twisting around as well. These many tracks altogether add up to almost 10 kilometers of fun. The multiple paths and difficultly levels should be carefully noted on the map before beginning. So you can best plan your venture, keep in mind that the Bike and Run Park does not have outdoor lighting and is open only during daylight hours.  Down the road a little bit from the Recreation Center, the development of Huger Park continues. The new five acres of park will increase the amount of outdoor activities that Carolina Forest has to offer, though an opening date is still far in the future. It would be remiss not to mention another popular outdoor activity of the summer — fireworks. Regulations regarding fireworks vary depending on your location, so please be sure to research before lighting up the night sky. 

by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Forest is a twenty-five square-mile residential community located between the cities of historic Conway to the west, and fun-loving Myrtle Beach to the east.  With a mere fifteen minute drive to our famous white sandy beaches, and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and wild beauty of the Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge, the location, services, and economics of Carolina Forest makes it one of the area’s most desirable communities in which to live. Highways 31 and 501 offer easy connection points to the rest of the Grand Strand and surrounding environs.  Sporting its own award-winning public school system, which was designated best in the state; golf courses; medical, emergency and public services; entertainment; a myriad of shopping and dining opportunities; low taxes; booming economic growth; and a burgeoning job market; Carolina Forest is a vibrant, growing community with much to offer residents as well as those looking for investment opportunities. The Tanger Outlets, a comprehensive, upscale shopping complex, lies on the outskirts.  The Carolina Forest area has witnessed a steady and consistent growth; from 2000 to 2010, the population rose from 3,500 to 18,000 people. Today it soars above 35,000. The community is being developed according to a master plan, with new neighborhoods and amenities being added constantly to meet demand. More than half of the area’s hardwood forests and pine trees have been protected as conservation land, ensuring the fabric of this community remains preserved in nature.  The Farm, Spring Lake, The Bluffs on the Waterway, Waterford Plantation, Waterbridge, Summerlyn, and Southgate, are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.  Clean, safe, high-quality, new, and family friendly are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the feel of this area. Housing options include a wide range to appeal to a myriad of tastes: single family, apartment complexes, long term rentals, condos, townhomes and luxury estates. 

by Brad Jordan Carolina Forest is one of the fastest growing communities in Horry County. It has been a melting pot of cultures from around the country for years, as its popularity for being a great place to live and retire has grown. It has become unusual to meet someone that is actually from South Carolina, much less Horry County. People have moved to Carolina Forest for many reasons. One of them is escaping the cold weather, of course. The other most common one is that they are escaping high taxation in the Northeastern states. Our taxes are about a tenth of some of those neighboring states to the North. One of the reasons I joined the Carolina Forest Civic Association (CFCA) was to ensure that the reasons people moved here are also why they stay. The CFCA is bringing the concerns of the residents of Carolina Forest to the attention of the Horry County Council. It is also implementing activities such as the Carolina Forest Business Expo. This event focuses on Carolina Forest Businesses and provides a venue for the community to see those local businesses that want and need their support. This past year, the CFCA began the Joe DeFeo Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament, which will be giving out its first scholarship this year. Only senior students who plan to attend college from Carolina Forest High School may apply. This year we are planning on starting the Taste of the Forest event that will be much like the Taste of the Town event held every year in Myrtle Beach. It is our goal to try and keep Carolina Forest safe, clean and affordable. We encourage everyone to get involved and come out to our monthly meeting on March 20 from 6-7pm at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center. We will be discussing what we believe to be our priorities in representing Carolina Forest.  We are here to serve the people of Carolina Forest, and we would like your guidance as to what you think our priorities should be.

What’s Going On in the Forest by Greg Schwartz The Carolina Forest Civic Association (CFCA) meeting on March 20, 2019 will present updates on the “Future of the Forest” as well as strategies for supporting the growth and richness of Carolina Forest.  This monthly meeting of the CFCA starts at 6 pm at the HCPR Carolina Forest Recreation Center on Carolina Forest Blvd. Admission is free and open to the public. The Carolina Forest Civic Association will be hosting the 1st Annual Carolina Forest Business Expo on March 30, 2019 from 9am-3pm at the Carolina Forest Recreation Center. Originally scheduled for September 15, 2018, the event had to be postponed due to Hurricane Florence.  The Expo will feature over forty locally owned businesses from the Carolina Forest area. This is a family friendly event, admission is free, and there will be over $10,000 worth of door prizes given away. Come out to support your neighbors and learn about the locally owned and operated businesses and services available in our community. There is sure to be something for everyone with the mix of fantastic vendors we have lined up. Please feel free to contact Greg Schwartz at 843-251-1032 if you have any questions or would like to get involved in the event. Find out more about the CFCA by visiting our website www.cf-ca.org, or our Facebook Page @carolinaforestcivic. The CFCA meets on the third Wednesday of each month at our Carolina Forest Recreation Center. Please come join us and find out more about what is happening in Carolina Forest.

by Brad Jordan Carolina Forest is a fast growing community that is located adjacent to Myrtle Beach proper. Members of the community enjoy a close proximity to the beach and all that Myrtle Beach has to offer in entertainment and dining.  The area is very attractive to those who are looking to relocate to Myrtle Beach. From the census taken in 2000 to the one taken in 2010, Carolina Forest experienced a growth in population of 500%. After the next census is conducted in 2020, it is expected that the trend will continue. Carolina Forest’s location makes it a highly desirable area in which to live. With the growth in population, there has been a need for additional infrastructure and schools. Horry County has added a new elementary school on Carolina Forest Boulevard called Ten Oaks Elementary. It also has begun the widening of its main artery for travel on Carolina Forest Boulevard that connects with River Oaks. Also, International Drive has recently been completed, connecting Carolina Forest with Conway. Newly added to the area is a new CVS and several other commercial properties servicing the area. As a result of this growth, Carolina Forest has seen a great deal of boost in real estate sales transactions and new development. From 2012 to June 2018, the average sales price in the Carolina Forest area has increased by 34%. In 2012, the average sales price was $190,714 per home, while the sales price in 2018 was $290,882 per home.  The time it takes for a home listed on the market has been steadily trending downward. In 2018, the average number of days on the market were 142. It is a great time to sell your home if you are thinking of doing so; conversely as the interest rates start to climb, it is also a good time to buy before the rates go higher. 

by Melissa LaScaleia Carolina Forest is a twenty-five square-mile residential community located between the cities of historic Conway to the west, and fun-loving Myrtle Beach to the east.  With a mere fifteen minute drive to our famous white sandy beaches, and adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway and wild beauty of the Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge, the location, services, and economics of Carolina Forest makes it one of the area’s most desirable communities in which to live.  Highways 31 and 501 offer easy connection points to the rest of the Grand Strand and surrounding environs. Sporting its own award-winning public school system (which was designated best in the state); golf courses; medical, emergency and public services; entertainment; a myriad of shopping and dining opportunities; low taxes; booming economic growth; and burgeoning job market; Carolina Forest is a vibrant, growing community with much to offer residents as well as those looking for investment opportunities.  The Tanger Outlets, a comprehensive, upscale shopping complex, lies on the outskirts. The Carolina Forest area has witnessed a steady and consistent growth; from 2000 to 2010, the population rose from 3,500 to 18,000 people. Today it soars above 35,000.  The community is being developed according to a master plan, with new neighborhoods and amenities being added constantly to meet demand. More than half of the area’s hardwood forests and pine trees have been protected as conservation land, ensuring the fabric of this community remains preserved in nature. The Farm, Spring Lake, The Bluffs on the Waterway, Waterford Plantation, Waterbridge, Summerlyn, and Southgate, are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Carolina Forest.  Clean, safe, high-quality, new, and family friendly describes the feel of the area. Options for homes include a wide range to appeal to anyone’s taste: single family, apartment complexes, long term rentals, condos, townhomes and luxury estates.