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Wedding & Event Venue near Conway, SC

Your wedding day. Without a doubt, it's one of the most significant events you will ever experience - when you and the love of your life officially seal the deal and get married. On this day, your friends and family will gather to celebrate the next step in your life. Photographers will be running around snapping photos, catering plates delicious food for guests to enjoy, and the DJ sets the mood for a night of fun and libation. You've worked extra hard to make everything look perfect and run smoothly. You have examined every moving part down to the tiniest detail. At the center of all your effort is your wedding venue near Conway, SC.

Your event space can mean the difference between an unforgettable event and an average occasion. Capturing your uniqueness as a couple is paramount to a memorable wedding. But, without the right venue location and staff, your unforgettable event can turn into a painfully average occasion. Fortunately, at Abney Hall, you won't ever have to worry about dingy reception spaces and crummy chow halls.

Constructed in Greenwood SC, in 1962, Abney Hall is 15,000 square feet and sits on 500 acres of land, making it a large wedding venue unlike any other. Abney Hall was originally the home of Mrs. Josephine Abney, a Greenwood native who was a lifelong philanthropist. Mrs. Abney devoted much of her time and effort towards supporting charities, educational institutions, hospitals, and other noble efforts. Today, Abney Hall stands tall as a symbol of love, both in our community and for the couples who choose to get married here.

Abney Hall is an exclusive event experience unlike any other, surrounded by verdant forests and sparkling ponds. Our venue is a natural fit for several occasions, including:

Special Event Space Conway, SC

Weddings

 Event Venue Conway, SC

Bridal Showers

 Event Space Conway, SC

Bridal Portraits

 Rehearsal Dinner Venue Conway, SC

Rehearsal Dinners

 Bridal Shower Venue Conway, SC

Corporate Events

 Business Event Space Conway, SC

Much More!

The Top Wedding Venue near Conway, SC

The beginning of your life starts at Abney Hall. With our team by your side, we can create the fairy tale wedding you have dreamed about since childhood. Whether you have 100 guests or 1,000, our waterfront ceremony locations and French-inspired courtyard are perfect for your big day. Celebrate in luxurious style surrounded by shady magnolia trees, a private forest, large ponds, and the beauty of Mother Nature. While our venue location and aesthetic have been praised far and wide, so too have the practical aspects of Abney Hall. Looking for a relaxing, comfortable spot for your bridal party to get ready in? We offer an entire floor in the Abney Hall residence to get the bridal party ready. Want to make your groomsman feel extra-special too? We've got a private, plush house just feet from a sparkling pond that is a proper hangout spot for the guys in your group.

To make life easier on you, we also offer Abney Hall as your go-to spot for rehearsal dinners. Why book an expensive restaurant or travel to another location when unmatched beauty and convenience are right at your fingertips? Abney Hall is just the place for that very important dinner the night before your big day. We are also happy to host your bridal shower at Abney Hall. Our venue makes for one of Conway's most unique bridal shower settings, where your family and friends can gather to give gifts and be merry before you walk down the aisle.

With such a large, magnificent house and a vast property, Abney Hall also makes for an unforgettable location for your bridal portraits and other wedding-related photography needs. Don't take our word for it - book a tour and see for yourself why so many new brides and grooms choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue near Conway.

 Wedding Space Conway, SC

What Sets Abney Hall Apart from Other Wedding Venues near Conway?

You've already found the person you want to spend the rest of your life beside. The next step? Finding the perfect wedding venue for your ceremony, reception, and celebration of your lifelong commitment to one another. Remember, the backdrop for photos, dancing, eating, and all other activities will be at your wedding venue. That's why we work so hard to set Abney Hall apart from our competitors - so you and your guests can focus on love and living your new life while we work with your vendors and photographers to make your magic night a reality.

Here are just a few reasons why guests choose Abney Hall as their wedding venue near Conway, SC, along with some helpful tips from our experienced wedding venue staff:

Venue Size

Choosing the appropriate-sized venue for your desired guest count is a critical decision. A venue's capacity affects the number of people you need to consider having at your ceremony and reception. As you're first starting out, we recommend having a guest count in mind as you're searching for the right venue. Try to stick with that number. You may fall in love with a particular venue, but if its max capacity can't accommodate your guest count, it may be time to cross them off your list.

 Wedding Venue Conway, SC
Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this is your big day. You shouldn't feel obligated to invite the college roommate you shared a dorm with for one semester. At the end of the day, your wedding venue should be one that can accommodate those closest to you. Abney Hall is equipped for both small and large weddings, consisting of 500 acres of forest, ponds, and lush natural beauty. Whether you want an intimate wedding with only your best friends or a grand ceremony with hundreds of people, we have the right amount of room to make you comfortable.

Location and Nearby Lodging

On your big day, you're likely to have friends and family traveling in from other parts of the state or country. These folks will need a place to stay during and even after your wedding. Accessibility and ease are important factors when it comes to choosing your wedding venue for both you and your guests.

Located near Conway, SC, Abney Hall is situated in a memorable, natural setting, giving your wedding a private vibe in the midst of Mother Nature. While we pride ourselves on having a secluded wedding event space, our venue is within an easy driving distance of hotels and vacation rentals.

Abney Hall Pro Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

When you contact us for a tour, make sure to speak with our experienced venue manager about nearby hotels and shuttle service options. We understand that your guest's comfort and convenience are important, and we're happy to work with you to figure out the best way to get your guests to Abney Hall.

Venue Staff

At Abney Hall, our staff has earned its reputation as one of the industry's most friendly, accessible teams. We will provide you with a purpose-minded point of contact that can help answer questions relating to timelines, preferred vendors, and every aspect of your wedding. When you tour our wedding venue near Conway, SC, for the first time, we want you to feel like you have all the information you need to make an informed purchasing decision.

We would be happy to go over:
  • Venue Pricing
  • Ceremony Specifics
  • Reception Specifics
  • Catering Possibilities
  • Decorating Possibilities
  • Entertainment Options
  • Photography and Photo Opportunities
  • Venue Amenities
  • Bridal Party Needs
  • Groomsman Needs

At Abney Hall, our goal is to be your first resource when it comes to setting up and coordinating the details of your wedding day.

Decor

When it comes to your wedding's decor, you probably already have a few ideas in mind. We love it when our brides and grooms have a vision in mind because one of our greatest joys is turning that vision into a reality. At Abney Hall, our team is available to help you and your decorator fit, accent, and accommodate your fairy-tale wedding - whatever that may be.

Are you looking to dress up your wedding with decorations galore? Just want to add a few accents that tie into your preferred color palette? Abney Hall is versatile and ready to help however we are able.

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Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip:

If you're thinking about bringing in your own greenery, lighting, floral pieces, and more, we recommend discussing your vision with us on your initial tour of our event space. That way, we can get a head start on making your big day exactly how you envision it.

Photo Opportunities

10 years from now, when you and your spouse are celebrating your anniversary, you will pull out photographs from your wedding and will reminisce about the unforgettable time you spent at Abney Hall. Your wedding photos will be with you forever, and as such, we work closely with you and your photographer to suggest extra-special photo op spots that you can only find on Abney Hall grounds.

From the grand staircase and French-inspired courtyard to our manicured gardens and lovely pond, there is no shortage of photo-op locations for your photographer to choose from. As one of the most popular wedding venues near Conway, SC, we have worked with dozens of photographers over the years.

Our experience has allowed us to cultivate a list of preferred photographers - all of whom have the talent to take your pictures to the next level in a setting they're familiar with. We encourage you to check out our gallery to get a sense of the scope of our wedding venue and gain inspiration from other happy couples.

Abney-Hall-Pro-Tip

Abney Hall Pro Tip

The gallery on our website is extensive but be sure to check out our Facebook and Instagram pages as well. We keep our social pages updated with recent wedding photographs, giving you an incredible resource that you can use for your own photography purposes.

 Reception Hall Conway, SC

The Premier Corporate Event Venue near Conway, SC

Abney Hall is known across the United States for our stunning weddings, but we also play host to some of the largest corporate events in South Carolina. Why choose a bland, lifeless meeting space when you can enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature coupled with a professional atmosphere? If you have an important team-building event or corporate conference that you have to coordinate, look no further than Abney Hall.

The epitome of class and style, our corporate event space is large, lavish, and chock-full of onsite amenities for you and your co-workers to enjoy. If your team needs a morale boost, don't bring them to the local Olive Garden for a cheap lunch. Treat them to a refreshing experience in our main dining room, where we can work with you to incorporate your catering options with the goals of your event.

When the hard work is done, and your team needs a breather, what better way to relax than with a quick dip in our pool? To burn off a little steam, head over to our brand-new tennis court - the perfect place to get some exercise in an ultra-private setting while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Don't forget to bring your fishing poles for a couple of hours of fishing. There's even an opportunity to go hunting if you wish.

Special Event Space Conway, SC

What Our Clients Are Saying

Elegance at Its Finest - Only
a Phone Call Away

If you're ready to learn more about Abney Hall as your wedding venue, don't hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear more about your plans, your vision, and your needs. We know that planning a wedding isn't easy. It takes time, attention to detail, and a whole lot of patience. Our goal is to help provide you with all the info you need to learn more about our venue. Once you decide on a date, we'll work closely with you and your vendors to craft a wedding experience that you will treasure for the rest of your life.

Our available dates for your big day are going quick, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation
 Event Venue Conway, SC

Latest News near Conway, SC

Time to Shine: Annual prom held in Conway for residents with exceptional abilities

Tomorrow finally came for Alexis McDaniels on Friday, March 21.The 18-year-old Marion girl stood in line with her mother, Jessica Sawyer, dressed in a vivid and fuchsia gown, and giddy with excitement.She was about to walk the red carpet, and make a grand entry to the 2025 Shine Prom at The Rock Church at 1408 Mill Pond Road in Conway.“Ever since she got her dress three weeks ago, she’s been asking ‘When is the Shine Prom,’” Jessica Sawyer said. “I kept telling her, ’tomorrow, to...

Tomorrow finally came for Alexis McDaniels on Friday, March 21.

The 18-year-old Marion girl stood in line with her mother, Jessica Sawyer, dressed in a vivid and fuchsia gown, and giddy with excitement.

She was about to walk the red carpet, and make a grand entry to the 2025 Shine Prom at The Rock Church at 1408 Mill Pond Road in Conway.

“Ever since she got her dress three weeks ago, she’s been asking ‘When is the Shine Prom,’” Jessica Sawyer said. “I kept telling her, ’tomorrow, tomorrow;’ tomorrow finally came today."

Conway’s biggest red carpet event of the year is for residents with special needs and exceptional abilities. And it gets bigger every year.

Attendees walk the red carpet between cheering volunteers lined four deep. They parade past a line of beauty queens, mascots and super heroes. They squeal and hug their friends.

Each prom attendee is crowned a king or queen, and picks up a swag bag at the desk in the church, which is decorated with stars and balloons in abundance.

They’re dressed in prom attire — tuxes provided by The Rock; gowns compliments of the Ekklesia Christian Church. That’s augmented with bling like party glasses, necklaces and glow sticks.

Dinner is served cafeteria style, with heaping plates of party foods including fried chicken, chicken strips, chicken bog and mac and cheese, plus drinks and dessert.

There’s an activity room, a beauty salon, a crafts room. Carriage rides and photo stations. And a disc jockey playing party tunes as the attendees show off their exceptional abilities on the dance floor in the main auditorium.

The free 2025 event sponsored by HTC attracted a record 250 attendees, and 700 volunteers who helped make it happen, doing everything from directing traffic and serving food to shining shoes, applying makeup and handing out swag bags. A good time was had by all.

Don Hardeman, who attends church at The Rock’s South Strand Campus, signed up to be one of the shoeshine boys. “I got the list of jobs and said, ‘shoe shine; I can do that.'”

His wife Denise was working in the beauty parlor, where volunteers touch up attendees hair, apply make-up and do nails.

“It takes a lot of help to put on the prom, and it’s just a good thing to do. I’m having a great time,” said Hardeman, after shining Mark Bozzo’s cowboy boots.

Bozzo, 19, of Aynor, got his boots shined after taking a carriage ride in the parking lot with his prom buddies, Grace Richardson and Riley Cooper. He was heading to the dance floor, where he hoped to hear his favorite song, Beautiful Crazy by country artist Luke Combs.

Every king and queen is assigned a volunteer prom buddy, many of them local high school and college students, who help the guests navigate the event while sharing in the fun.

Attendee Justin Wilkes, 35, of Conway, was teamed with volunteer Paul Hartman, a freshman football player at Coastal Carolina University. The pair performed on the karaoke stage, belting out Celebration by Kool and the Gang.

When told that he rocked the room, Wilkes said: “You got that right, buddy.”

Asked if he sings better than his partner, Hartman cut in, admitting as much. “I think you do, man. Justin was getting down up there."

John Rukenbred of Conway came ready to party.

On the red carpet he raised his outstretched arms, palms up, telling the crowd to pump up the volume. He gave Coastal Carolina University Mascot Chauncey a high five. He put on his crown and struck a pose for a photographer.

“Dancing and food,” Rukenbred said, explaining what he likes best about the Shine Prom. “I come every year. I’ve been thinking about this for a while."

Junior CCU football players Myles Mooyoung and La'Damion Williams were his prom buddies.

“We picked John; he’s the king,” Williams said.

So is Matthew Elvis, 20, of Conway. “That’s E-L-V-I-S like Elvis Presley,” he told a reporter.

Elvis said he was attending his fifth or sixth prom. He likes the food and the dancing. “Cotton Eye Joe (line dance) is my favorite.”

New Conway drive-thru coffee shop launches its first location in Horry County

Scooter’s Coffee will soon debut the first franchise of its kind in Conway, offering a variety of sweet drinks and grab-and-go snacks.Scooter’s Coffee, a speedy drive-thru beverage franchise, is expanding from the midwest and will open its doors March 25 at its first location in Horry County.District Manager Taylor West said Scooter’s greatest priority is speed of service. Customers are typically served, from speaker to window within three minutes, and sent on their way with a smiley face sticker, the Scooter&...

Scooter’s Coffee will soon debut the first franchise of its kind in Conway, offering a variety of sweet drinks and grab-and-go snacks.

Scooter’s Coffee, a speedy drive-thru beverage franchise, is expanding from the midwest and will open its doors March 25 at its first location in Horry County.

District Manager Taylor West said Scooter’s greatest priority is speed of service. Customers are typically served, from speaker to window within three minutes, and sent on their way with a smiley face sticker, the Scooter’s badge of honor, on their beverage, West said.

Store manager Danielle Bergamotto said many people’s preferences for their morning coffee are changing, and Scooters sets out to adapt to those changes with flavorful, energy based beverages.

“It’s not just hot coffee and espresso drinks," she said. "It’s the difference that we have that no one else has. We have Redbull drinks, we have frozen [drinks], we have smoothies and drinks with ice cream bases. It gives more especially to the younger crowd. They want Redbull drinks and quenchers and smoothies."

More Scooter’s Coffee locations are in the works for S.C. 707 near Holmestown Road and S.C. 544 near Coastal Carolina University’s campus. There will be a walk-up window for the location near CCU to accommodate those on foot.

West said she is hopeful the Scooter’s on 707 will open later this year.

The kiosks, West said, are dog-friendly and Scooter’s offers a pup cup made of milk bone and whipped cream.

Some food choices consist of breakfast sandwiches and burritos with sausage and bacon options. West said her favorite are the breakfast burritos. Bergamotto added the cake bites are unlike any competitor’s — Scooter’s cake bites have fillings.

The variety of flavors and tools at their fingertips allow for endless customizations and options for anyone to enjoy. Bergamotto said there are customer-created Facebook pages where enthusiasts share their perfected beverage recipes for others to try.

The signature drink is the Caramelicious, consisting of Scooter’s “world-class espresso,” caramel sauce, steamed milk, and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. West said there is a limited-time promotional drink accompanying each season and this past winter featured a drink made of “The Winter Edition Redbull,” lemonade, vanilla flavored syrup and topped with cold foam.

“It sounds weird, because you’re like ‘Redbull and cold foam?’ but it was really good,” West said. She added any cold foam can be flavored with syrup and during her training “blue raspberry cold foam” was a frequent request. This spring season they offer a Lucky Charms themed cold foam.

For those less inclined to waver from their morning joe, the “Dollar Delights” keep things simple with a brewed coffee, iced or hot tea, and lemonade. They range in price according to size, a small being $1 and extra large being $4.

Scooter’s coffee beans are portioned before each shift and ground fresh with each pot of coffee. West said the company maintains a close, familial-type relationship with their coffee farmers to uphold the company’s values of love, humility, integrity and courage.

The stand-alone coffee kiosk is located at 1727 Church St., near Conway High School, and was built from the ground up over the past year. It will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

The Carolina Inn motel in Loris closed Jan. 2 to make way for a makeover.

When it reopens, under the new name Coastal Comfort Hotel, the decades-old motor lodge will be the new hotel that city business leaders have been hoping for.

“We need a nice hotel,” said Samantha Norris, executive director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce. And not necessarily to attract a share of the thousands of beach-bound tourists who stream by on the nearby Highway 9 bypass each summer.

Norris said the city has a “great” regional health-care facility in Loris McLeod Hospital, but nowhere to stay nearby when a loved one is hospitalized.

Sports tourism at the array of ballfields in the Loris Sports Complex is another reason a nice hotel is needed.

“We have softball and baseball tournaments nearly every weekend. They have nowhere to stay,” Norris said.

Same goes for persons visiting to attend family and class reunions, weddings and graduations, and events like the Loris Bog-Off Festival and the Small Town, Big Show Car Show, which will attract thousands of visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19.

And when Donald Gillard of Sweet Gillard’s Production brought a 50-member gospel choir and a trombone ensemble to Loris this winter for a local production of God’s Trombones, he lamented that his theater company was forced to stay in Conway instead of in Loris due to the lack of rooms.

Hotel owner Yak Patel is stepping up to solve that problem.

He said he purchased the 32-room, 16,000-square-foot inn on 1.2 acres of land in 2007. It was constructed in 2003.

Patel said he decided to upgrade the facilities after noting the growth in the Loris area. “There’s so many new houses going up,” he said.

He also commented on the growth of new businesses in downtown Loris.

“They’re bringing Main Street back to life," Patel said.

“It’s going to be more modern,” he said of the hotel, with short-term rentals — daily and weekly — only. He plans to hire four housekeepers, three front-desk staff and a maintenance employee, and offer continental breakfasts for guests in the lobby/dining room.

He said the hotel took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it became hard to keep the property maintained. “The property went downhill.”

Now they’re playing catch-up, and more.

Patel’s son Dillon, 25, a Loris High School graduate, is moving back to Loris and will manage the hotel. “I have a few years of business under my belt,” he said, noting he previously helped operate a family liquor store.

Yak Patel’s wife and another son will also assist with hotel operations, including working with booking sites to market the independent hotel.

“Dillon and my other son, they’re the computer-savvy ones,” the father said.

Dillon Patel said the two-story structure at the intersection of Highway 701 and Fox Bay Road is being renovated inside and out, with a goal of reopening in early May, or June at the latest.

There will be a new computer and reservation system, and new signage.

Guest rooms will have new paint, stucco, lighting, mirrors, flooring and furniture, Wi-Fi and cable, and microwave ovens and mini-fridges.

The outside will be repainted a “sandyish-yellow” color. The hotel will be non-smoking, but an outdoor smoking area will be provided at the rear of the property.

Extensive landscaping is also planned with bright, red mulch.

“We’re investing a lot of money in this effort,” Yak Patel said.

“I’m excited about it, helping out at the front desk, helping with housecleaning, lots of work,” Dillon Patel said. “I’m ready for it."

Reach Casey Jones at 843-488-7261 or casey.jones@myhorrynews.com.

Conway leaders delay vote on proposed workforce housing along Main Street

A North Carolina developer is proposing an 80-unit workforce housing community along Conway’s North Main Street corridor. But city council members need more time to discuss the proposal before voting.The developer, Taft Mills Group, is hoping to rezone nearly eight acres from Highway Commercial to R3 high-density residential at Chicora Boulevard and North Main Street.As Conway City Council was set to take its first vote Monday, March 17, leaders decided to defer the item to a workshop at the next council meeting to furthe...

A North Carolina developer is proposing an 80-unit workforce housing community along Conway’s North Main Street corridor. But city council members need more time to discuss the proposal before voting.

The developer, Taft Mills Group, is hoping to rezone nearly eight acres from Highway Commercial to R3 high-density residential at Chicora Boulevard and North Main Street.

As Conway City Council was set to take its first vote Monday, March 17, leaders decided to defer the item to a workshop at the next council meeting to further discuss the proposal.

Councilman William Goldfinch, who made the motion to postpone the first reading, said he believes Conway needs workforce housing for current residents, but has unanswered questions to ask before voting.

“I do not want to become the cheaper alternative to other coastal communities in South Carolina,” he said Tuesday. “I want to take care of the people we’ve got.”

The parcel, 7.8 acres owned by Piver Corp, is located beside a property that had been approved for a KJ’s grocery store.

Goldfinch said he’s unsure if housing on the North Main Street property would be the best use for that land, citing the city’s Comprehensive Plan that identifies the property as Highway Commercial. There are no other properties in the area zoned high-density residential, city records show.

“If there are commercial opportunities that want to come in, where do they go? They’ll have to go farther out of town,” Goldfinch said. “I recognize we need affordable housing. But it’s got to be done right, and it’s got to be done to address needs that we have that are existing.”

The rezoning request was reviewed by the planning commission, which gave it a thumbs down recommendation. (The planning commission gives recommendations to council ahead of council’s votes on rezonings and annexations.)

City staff also recommended the council not approve the multifamily rezoning.

The property borders the Chicora neighborhood. City records state neighbors have expressed opposition to the request and are concerned about traffic, crime and flooding.

The parcel is not in a flood zone, but an adjacent property is, city records state, adding nearby areas have been known to flood during major rain events.

Taft Mills Group is based in North Carolina, where it has completed similar projects, as well as in Maryland.

Nate Broman-Fulks, Taft Mills Group’s vice president of development, said there is a May 19 deadline for his group to apply for tax credits for the community, which it calls Chicora Springs Trace. He added a family of four with a $55,000 income would qualify to live in the community.

Broman-Fulks said the group conducted a thorough review of Conway properties that would be suitable and they "couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to build affordable workforce housing at this site."

"It is incredibly well positioned and the best available in Conway," he said, adding site is close to amenities for future residents, including grocery stores, parks, library, doctors, pharmacies and restaurants.

He said if the rezoning for this site is not approved, the "ability to build this attainable housing using the tax credit program in Conway will be lost for this year, and potentially for years to come."

"We will take staff's feedback into consideration in the future," he said, "however, we currently have a rare and incredible opportunity with our proposed site in this year’s tax credit application round. We hope that the Council will decide to support the rezoning and allow this housing to be available to the Conway residents who are most in need of safe, and attainable housing."

In a letter to city council, Broman-Fulks said there is a “critical need” for affordable workforce housing in Conway. He said rezoning would address existing stormwater concerns, the R3 zoning would reduce the impact of traffic compared to the Highway Commercial zone, and the R3 zone would provide a transition from commercial to residential in that area.

City leaders are expected to hold a workshop on the matter at the next council meeting April 7.

City council would have to give two favorable votes on the rezoning in order for the proposed development to move forward.

National retail stores could be coming to Conway’s Coastal Centre Mall

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - Storefronts at the Coastal Centre Mall have been vacant for years, but redevelopment plans for the building have taken a step forward potentially bringing in some big-name national retailers.“You know, you’ve got to plant the seed somewhere. We think this is it. This serves folks here in Conway in a huge way,” said William Goldfinch, Conway City Councilmember.What many remember as a K-Mart, Goody’s, and Winn-Dixie will soon become Marshalls, HomeGoods, PetSmart, Five Below, and Ulta...

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - Storefronts at the Coastal Centre Mall have been vacant for years, but redevelopment plans for the building have taken a step forward potentially bringing in some big-name national retailers.

“You know, you’ve got to plant the seed somewhere. We think this is it. This serves folks here in Conway in a huge way,” said William Goldfinch, Conway City Councilmember.

What many remember as a K-Mart, Goody’s, and Winn-Dixie will soon become Marshalls, HomeGoods, PetSmart, Five Below, and Ulta along Church Street.

Rise Partners, a development company out of North Carolina and Tennessee purchased the shopping mall in October 2024 with plans to bring new retail stores to Conway.

Many Conway residents expressed their excitement for the stores that could come because it will allow them to stay closer to home instead of driving 30 minutes into the Myrtle Beach area.

“I think a lot of people are excited just to have things that are actually things people want to use and go to,” said McClain Powell, Conway resident. “It’s nice because the closest ones around here are like 20-25 minutes away, down on Seaboard Street. It would be easier for me to go after work and pick up the stuff I need.”

Belk is the only stand-alone anchor store in the shopping mall, and Mirian Evans is a frequent shopper who is ready for more places to shop.

“It is open and a lot of people are moving here, and it’s growing,” said Evans. “It is great because we need more shopping around here. We have Belk, where I come all the time to shop, but we need HomeGoods and Marshalls, so everyone can come and enjoy. It is more affordable for people.”

Goldfinch expressed this development is something the city has needed for a while, and the process has been smooth.

“They recognize that Conway has a future, a bright future, and opportunity abounds here,” said Goldfinch. “I think that is why they wanted to be here. Not just to help us with additional retail stores, but they saw it as a viable, ongoing concern, and they took the initiative to come to Conway and make this happen.”

Many residents have made known that Conway needs a new grocery store, and Goldfinch said one is in the works, but nothing has been finalized.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.

Retired lawyers plan to offer free legal services to Conway community

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - A group of retired attorneys is hoping to bring free legal services to those in Conway who may not otherwise have access to them.“Having loved what I’ve done for 52 years. I decided I’ll keep doing it, but just do it for free,” said attorney Richard Lovelace.Lovelace told WMBF News although he’s recently retired, his passion for helping people through the legal system hasn’t gone away.One of the biggest problems he’s noticed-- inaccessible legal services....

CONWAY, S.C. (WMBF) - A group of retired attorneys is hoping to bring free legal services to those in Conway who may not otherwise have access to them.

“Having loved what I’ve done for 52 years. I decided I’ll keep doing it, but just do it for free,” said attorney Richard Lovelace.

Lovelace told WMBF News although he’s recently retired, his passion for helping people through the legal system hasn’t gone away.

One of the biggest problems he’s noticed-- inaccessible legal services.

“That’s leaving a hole in the community, leaving people with ignorance and unhappiness that doesn’t take a whole lot of time to solve. It just takes the people willing to do it,” said Lovelace.

So, Lovelace came up with his plan. He, along with four other retired attorneys, will start offering residents legal help for free.

“We’re not going to be able to be active advocates in any judicial forum for any of the people that we see, but I’ve found that 99% of people who have legal problems have them as a result of ignorance, misunderstanding, somebody told them the wrong thing, and more, they needed direction,” said Lovelace.

So, Lovelace took the idea to the city of Conway, whose officials say they’re on board.

“People have questions every day. Sometimes as simple as, ‘Do I need a lawyer to take care of this issue?’” said Conway Mayor Barbara Blain. “So, it’s a real valuable asset that we’ll have.”

And, Lovelace added the services will be wide-ranging, from landlord-tenant issues to applying for Medicaid.

“There’s a huge need across the entire realm of legal services, which can be delivered,” said Lovelace. “We’re gonna try to meet that need, or put a dent...put a dent in the vacuum.”

As of right now, it is unclear exactly when these services will start, but Lovelace said his group is ready to jump in, and hope to offer counseling five days a week.

He also said Conway is the first city to sponsor these types of services in the entire state of South Carolina.

Copyright 2025 WMBF. All rights reserved.

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