Come visit the historic river town of Conway, South Carolina this vacation, where beauty, grace and old Southern charm are still found in abundance. Conway was established in the early 1700s, making it one of the oldest towns in America. It was considered to be part of what was then the colonial frontier of South Carolina. This area was home to the Waccamaw Indians, whose name is now depicted in the Waccamaw River and the region. Conway was originally named Kingston for King George I. While the Revolutionary War was being fought, the man known as “The Swamp Fox of the Revolution” frequented the area to wage his campaign for freedom from England. This man was the famous Brigadier Francis Marion. After the war, the town was renamed Conwayborough after war veteran Robert Conway and was later shortened to Conway. In the late 1800s, Conway flourished by exporting timber, turpentine, pitch and various other items to places all over the world. Once the railroad came, it was eventually stretched to the coastline which led to the beginning phases of establishing the area that is today known as Myrtle Beach. Today, Conway is the center of one of the biggest tobacco-producing areas and the United States.
Conway offers many fun and interesting activities to do, areas to see and things to enjoy for visitors and locals alike. Whether you are looking for entertainment, excellent local cuisine, great shopping or just wanting to enjoy a stroll around town past some of the famous live oak trees, there are a number of options sure to please any visitor.
Music & Cultural Activities
For those looking to experience culture, music and entertainment, head to the wonderfully restored Main Street Theatre. Home to the Theatre of the Republic, this organization offers great community performances of musicals, Broadway plays and movie adaptations. At the border of Conway is Coastal Carolina University which also offers dance, musical and theatrical performances throughout the year.
Visitors lucky enough to be in Conway in May can experience the rich melodies of blues and jazz from talented musicians at the annual Rivertown Music & Arts Festival.
If wanting to explore outside of Conway and experience the abundance of live entertainment options a little closer to the beach, find the Palace Theater, Medieval Times and The Bowery just a short drive down the road.
Conway Restaurants & Dining
There are many great restaurants that can satisfy almost any palate. The Rivertown Bistro in the Historic District offers a great variety of dishes such as bacon-wrapped scallops, shrimp and grits, sushi, beef with wild mushroom butter and much more. Don’t leave without trying a slice of their double chocolate whiskey pie with vanilla bean ice cream.
For great wings, fried pickle chips, sandwiches and more, head to the Crafty Rooster Bar and Grill. Try one of their delicious beers on tap or choose a bottled beer from a menu that has almost one hundred different varieties!
There are many other great dining places in Conway and don’t be afraid to ask a local…they know where the best places to eat are.
FOr the Conway History Buffs
For those looking for a little retail therapy, there are many incredible items to be found in Conway for the shopping enthusiast. Visitors can find antiques, collectibles and other treasures at Forgotten Times Antiques. For those who love to cook, Bodega offers wonderful kitchen and dining items and has the distinction of being the largest independently owned kitchen and dining store in South Carolina. If you want to really spoil yourself, head to Shirley’s Jewelers or Ann Booth Jewelers for a necklace, ring or something special to really help you remember your visit.
Conway has many other great shops to visit and also has a larger chain and department store options such as Belk and Peebles at the Coastal Centre.
If you are looking for some of the best shopping, dining, history and more, visit Conway today for your chance to experience some fun mixed with old world grace and charm.
