From the roar of engines at the Darlington Raceway to the lull of waves on Myrtle Beach, the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA) Region of South Carolina appeals to people of all ages and interests.

“It's a great place, close to the beach, close to the mountains and close enough to major cities that it's easy to take a mini-vacation,” says Jake Harris, director of public relations for Darlington Raceway.

The area attracts many visitors and residents with its temperate climate and mix of both rural retreats and big-city escapes.

Life's a Beach

Perhaps the best known and most visited of the area's attractions is Myrtle Beach, which draws more than 14 million tourists annually.

“We're more than just a beach,” says Kimberly Miles, public relations manager for the Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. “There are so many other reasons to visit. There's great shopping, world-class golf, live entertainment and Carolina coastal cuisine. You don't have to stay at the beach all day to have fun.”

Of course, no one denies the fun that the coastline, known as the Grand Strand, offers. With 60 miles of beaches, plenty of restaurants, shops and entertainment along its world-famous boardwalk, Myrtle Beach is known as one of the best family-friendly beaches in the country, and TripAdvisor recently named it the sixth best beach destination in the world.

The beach is comprised of 12 distinct areas, each offering something different.

“People can really choose what kind of vacation they want to have, depending on what area they like,” Miles says.

Myrtle Beach's newest attractions include the SkyWheel, the largest observation wheel in the Eastern U.S., and WonderWorks Science Center. Older attractions like Brookgreen Garden and Family Kingdom amusement park continue to draw big crowds as well. Myrtle Beach is also known for its world-class golf and fishing.

“We pride ourselves on our Southern hospitality,” Miles says. “We have a great attitude about life. It's a little more laid-back, less hustle and bustle. The culture is so unique, I can't really explain it. You just have to come see it.”

Start Your Engines

Inland attractions abound throughout the region as well. The Darlington Raceway, which held its first race in 1950, hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series one weekend each year, nearly doubling the population of the nearby town of Florence in the week leading up to the big race.

“The NASCAR race really puts the spotlight on the area, not just nationally but worldwide,” Harris says.

In addition to the big NASCAR weekend, Darlington hosts several smaller events throughout the year and houses the NMPA Stock Car Hall of Fame/Joe Weatherly Museum, which showcases a collection of race cars and driver memorabilia for avid NASCAR fans.

“The track really appeals to different types of people across all ages,” Harris says.

Affordability and Culture

Not only is the region appealing, it is also affordable. The cost of living is 6.1 percent lower than the national average, and the median home price is $116,715.

Cities throughout the region offer a wealth of cultural activities, including community theater, festivals, concert series and art shows. Florence is home to a full-time symphony orchestra and a state-of-the-art performing arts center and library. Conway and Georgetown draw visitors with their historic downtowns and riverfront shopping and dining.

Outdoor buffs can find plenty to do wherever they are in the region. State parks, including Myrtle Beach State Park, Huntington Beach State Park, Carolina Sandhills State Forest and Cheraw State Park, offer camping, fishing, bird watching, and biking and hiking trails. Williamsburg County is known as a sportsman's paradise for its hunting and wildlife preserves. In Florence County, Lynches River County Park provides canoe, kayak and cabin rentals along the Pee Dee River, wetland trails and an Environmental Discovery Center with a treetop canopy walk for kids.