Image Provided by VisitMyrtleBeach.com
If you are looking for a calm and relaxing vacation in a picturesque seaside setting, travel to the barrier island known as Pawley’s Island, where generations of visitors have traveled to get those moments of peace and tranquility year after year. Located about twenty minutes south of Myrtle Beach and almost an hour north of Charleston, South Carolina, Pawley’s Island is well known as being one of the oldest summer vacations spots on the East Coast.
Families of rice planters first settled Pawley’s Island back in the early 1700s. They would travel from their plantations along the rivers inland to the refreshing seashore atmosphere on the island during the summer months, as the marshlands proved to be unhealthy from the heat and mosquitoes. There they would reside and would return to their main homes only after the first frost of the year in November.
Much of the face of Pawley’s Island has changed since then due to hurricanes and the Civil War, but the idyllic existence of those times continue to be visible even to this day. There are more than ten houses still remaining in the historic district that dates from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s. The historic district also gives visitors the opportunity to view a number of signs depicting a brief history of the antebellum houses. For all of its old world charm and soothing atmosphere, this island also provides vacationers a wide array of fun and relaxing activities to do.
Visitors can choose to stay at a variety of lodgings with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and chances to take a stroll on pristine, white sandy beaches. Pawley’s Island also offers many excellent dining establishments serving up delicious local seafood, juicy steaks, she-crab soup and more. The Mayor’s House and the Hanser House are two must-try dining locales while visiting the island, but you won’t go wrong with over twenty other restaurants to choose from.
Activities
Pawley’s Island is home to a wide variety of recreational activities that will be sure to interest all visitors. For those who prefer the outdoors, the historical Brookgreen Gardens will offer visitors a treasure trove of breathtaking scenery as you walk through exquisite gardens containing beautiful art sculptures and plants and wildlife local to the area. Captain Dick’s Marina will offer the fisherman in your family the chance to catch some of the many fish that are served in local restaurants as you set sail on this fishing excursion to the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Shoppers will be able to pick up a special vacation souvenir as they peruse many fine shops containing jewelry, antiques, postcards and more. Visitors must pay a visit to the Famous Pawley’s Island Hammock Shops where a myriad of gifts and trinkets await.
There is so much more to see and do in Pawley’s Island and visitors will leave with a feeling of stepping back in time to a simpler, yet fun way of life. Come visit today and let your cares drift away as you enjoy the scenic and historic Pawley’s Island.
