Excursions   

Soar Into the World of Raptors and Discover Nature Up Close

This one-of-a-kind excursion begins with a live raptor flight demonstration, where hawks, falcons, owls, eagles, and other birds soar, glide, and dive just overhead. This dynamic experience offers a rare opportunity to observe these incredible birds performing natural behaviors while learning about their hunting techniques, adaptations, and role in the ecosystem.

Following the demonstration, participants will go behind the scenes for a guided tour of the avian medical clinic, where injured birds are treated and rehabilitated. This portion of the visit provides meaningful insight into conservation efforts and the care of hundreds of birds each year.

After the program, the group will travel to a local, family-owned restaurant in McClellanville, SC, where members will enjoy a Southern self -serve-style lunch—a relaxed and flavorful dining experience with no wait time for food preparation. This excursion offers a powerful blend of education, conservation, and community, making it a truly memorable OLLI experience.

Arrival Time: Please arrive by 8:15 a.m. The Coastal Carolina University van departs promptly at 8:30 a.m.

Meeting Location: Coastal Science Center, 301 Allied Drive, Conway, SC

Activity Level: Moderate

Please note that OLLI works with outside vendors to make excursions possible. As such, excursion registration is non-refundable. Should OLLI@Coastal cancel a planned trip due to lack of interest or unforeseen circumstances, registration fees will be refunded.

Where Tradition Comes Alive—And Every Drop Tells a Story

November, a remarkable transformation takes place at Freewoods Farm as sugar cane harvested from the fields is processed into rich, golden cane syrup using traditional methods that have been preserved for generations. This seasonal tradition offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness a living piece of African American agricultural history that has nearly disappeared from the American landscape.

Following overwhelming interest expressed by OLLI members after our initial visit to Freewoods Farm, we are excited to offer an exclusive return excursion during the annual sugar cane harvest. This special behind-the-scenes experience provides an intimate look at one of the farm's most anticipated events—where history is not simply remembered, but practiced.

Observe as freshly harvested sugar cane is fed through a traditional mule-powered cane mill, extracting the sweet juice that is then slowly cooked over an open wood fire in a massive cast-iron kettle. Learn how generations of farming families relied on knowledge, skill, patience, and teamwork to produce one of the South's most treasured staples.

Throughout the experience, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the agricultural traditions that sustained rural African American communities following the Civil War and continue to preserve an important chapter of Gullah Geechee heritage today.

This is more than a farm tour—it is an opportunity to witness history unfolding before your eyes.

Arrival Time: Please arrive by 8:45 a.m.

Meeting Location and Transportation: Meet on-site at Freewoods Farm, 9989 Freewoods Road, Myrtle Beach, SC 29588

Activity Level: Moderate – Walking and standing on uneven ground.

Please note that OLLI works with outside vendors to make excursions possible. As such, excursion registration is non-refundable. Should OLLI@Coastal cancel a planned trip due to lack of interest or unforeseen circumstances, registration fees will be refunded.:

“Behind every faucet is a fascinating process…”

The Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority (GSWSA) provides clean drinking water and wastewater services to thousands of residents and businesses across Horry County every single day.

Join OLLI@Coastal for this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with a guided tour of the Joe White Avenue facility in Myrtle Beach. Participants will gain a firsthand look at how water is treated, managed, and delivered throughout our region—an essential process that keeps our communities healthy and thriving.

This educational excursion offers a unique opportunity to see science and public service in action while learning about one of the area’s most vital infrastructure systems. This outdoor and indoor tour will resume rain or shine so please check the weather and dress accordingly.

Arrival Time: 8:45 am

Meeting Location: Grand Strand Water & Sewer Authority – 3220 Mr. Joe White Ave, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (Tour will start promptly at 9 am)

Activity Level: Active – The tour includes approximately 45–60 minutes of walking and some stair climbing. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Please note that OLLI works with outside vendors to make excursions possible. As such, excursion registration is non-refundable. Should OLLI@Coastal cancel a planned trip due to lack of interest or unforeseen circumstances, registration fees will be refunded. 

Beyond the Bin: The Hidden Journey of Your Recycling.

Did You Know? The Horry County landfill is currently the highest point of elevation in Horry County, and long-term planning is essential as the site moves toward future capacity needs. Join OLLI for an educational (and surprisingly fun) behind-the-scenes tour of the Horry County Solid Waste Authority’s recycling operations right here in Conway. This guided experience takes you inside the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) and the Recycling & Convenience Center, where you’ll see the real process behind “reduce, reuse, recycle”—including how materials are sorted, processed, and prepared for reuse.

As the Coordinator of the Recycling Program likes to say, once members load up in the "SWA" van, you can sit back and take in the journey of recycling—watching the systems, machines, and teamwork that keep our community cleaner and more sustainable. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what belongs in the bin, why recycling rules matter, and how modern landfill and recovery systems help protect local land and water.

Arrival Time: Please arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. (“SWA" Van boards at 9:55 a.m. and departs promptly at 10:00 a.m.)

Meeting Location: Horry County Solid Waste Authority, 1886 SC-90, Conway, SC 29526

Activity Level: Easy – Minimal walking; participants ride as a group with short, guided viewing stops

Please note that OLLI works with outside vendors to make excursions possible. As such, excursion registration is non-refundable. Should OLLI@Coastal cancel a planned trip due to lack of interest or unforeseen circumstances, registration fees will be refunded.

A Quiet Retreat for Reflection, Nature, and Spiritual Discovery

Discover the serene beauty of the Meher Spiritual Center, a peaceful retreat nestled along the Intracoastal Waterway in Myrtle Beach. Established in 1944, the center is dedicated to the teachings of spiritual leader Meher Baba and welcomes visitors from around the world seeking quiet reflection, inspiration, and connection. During this guided visit, participants will be introduced to the history and purpose of the center while exploring its tranquil grounds, including meditation spaces and shaded wooded paths.

Along the way, members will learn about Meher Baba’s message of love, compassion, and service, and experience the calming atmosphere that makes this location one of the Grand Strand’s most unique and meaningful destinations. This excursion offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily routines, slow down, and engage in a peaceful and reflective environment.

Time: Participants should arrive by 9:30 a.m. to meet; the tour will be begin promptly at 10 a.m. and conclude at 12 p.m.

Meeting Location  & Transportation Information: Participants will meet at: Myrtle Beach Mall 10177 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572. Due to limited parking at the Meher Spiritual Center, participants will consolidate into approximately four vehicles before departing for the Center, specific meetup and parking instructions will be provided prior to the trip.

Activity Level: Low to Moderate – The tour includes visiting three historic buildings and several scenic nature sites on the property. Participants will be getting in and out of vehicles at multiple stops and walking over uneven terrain, with some stairs involved. For comfort and safety, please bring water, bug spray, and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes. The tour will last approximately 2 hours.

Please note that OLLI works with outside vendors to make excursions possible. As such, excursion registration is non-refundable. Should OLLI@Coastal cancel a planned trip due to lack of interest or unforeseen circumstances, registration fees will be refunded.