If you want to enjoy a little small town charm, you'll love visiting Conway's most impressive attractions. Conway is part of Horry County. The town is situated on the west banks of the picturesque Waccamaw River. Conway's been around since 1732, so it has heritage galore, as well as modern attractions that are so fun much to explore. When you spend time at these beloved attractions, you'll connect to the culture and history of Conway. You'll also get to meet some of the town's warm and friendly people. Stroll the Conway Riverwalk The Conway Riverwalk is a hub for townies and tourists alike. It's the perfect place to get some fresh air, people watch, and generally make the scene. The Riverwalk follows the scenic Waccamaw River. Its length is 1.5 miles. When you stroll this beautiful path, which features paved and wooded sections, you'll see so many wonderful sights, including lush plant life, majestic trees, serene marinas, and old-fashioned buildings. The Riverwalk is close to many great eateries and shops, so be sure to enjoy a delicious meal at the Rivertown Bistro or the Crafty Rooster. Indulge in a little retail therapy at Papa's General Store, which offers unique vintage items, and Citi Trends, which sells fashion with a little urban edge. Open to the public from sunrise to sundown, it's also a great place to check out Conway festivals and special events. One example is the annual Conway Riverfest, which is held in the summertime. This festival features fireworks, a kids' zone, and live entertainment. See a Show at the Theatre of the Republic Theatre of the Republic is Horry County's official theater. It's conveniently located right on Main Street. This non-profit organization puts on some amazing shows in a venue with plenty of vintage charm. Some productions are family-friendly, including the crowd-pleasing Disney classic, "Beauty and the Beast." Other highlights from the spring 2020 season include "Driving Miss Daisy" and "Icons - A Vocal Revue." This local theater celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. The theater is an integral part of the Conway community. Visit Horry County Museum This museum is also located on Main Street, so it's easy to get to. If you're interested in learning about the history of the county, as well as Southern culture in general, you'll enjoy your time at this popular Conway attraction. The museum has been open since 1979. It offers a range of exhibits that are entertaining and educational. When you visit, you'll see antique clothing, farm tools, and pictures. These historical items will help you understand the heritage of the region. There is also an exciting exhibit about bears, birds of prey, and alligators. The museum is free to visit and it's open Tuesday through Saturday. Small town charm is alive and well in beautiful Conway, South Carolina. Now that you know three of the best attractions to visit, you'll be ready to enjoy all that the town has to offer. A 15-mile drive from Myrtle Beach, Conway is a great place to call home, as well as an exceptional holiday destination.
You'll find plenty of exciting outdoor activities to enjoy around Conway, South Carolina, including plenty of spots that are ideal for kayaking. If you're looking for a way to spend a relaxing day on the water in the Conway area, grab some paddles and check out a few of these top kayaking destinations. Waccamaw River The Waccamaw River winds for 140 miles from southeastern North Carolina to eastern South Carolina. Part of that journey takes the river right past downtown Conway. If you'd like to take a tour to explore the Waccamaw River, Black River Outdoors has you covered. The company's two-hour Cypress Swamp Tour begins in Conway and paddles the calm waters of the Waccamaw River. On your tour, you'll learn plenty of interesting information about the river and the plants and animals that live around it. Great Pee Dee River The Great Pee Dee River is another river that flows from North Carolina to South Carolina. In South Carolina, a 70-mile segment of the large and wild river is designated as a State Scenic River. You can navigate the entire stretch of this scenic water by kayak, and you'll find several public boat landings along the river where you can launch your kayak. As you're paddling along, you'll see plenty of herons. If you're lucky, you might even spot alligators and bald eagles. Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling protected area located south of Conway that covers nearly 55,000 acres. In addition to excellent opportunities for hiking, hunting, and fishing, the refuge also has endless opportunities for kayaking. The refuge contains portions of both the Great Pee Dee River and the Waccamaw River. The two rivers converge in the heart of the refuge to create a flourishing estuary where you can spot all types of wildlife. You'll find numerous boat ramps on both rivers that make it easy to explore the waters. Waccamaw River Blue Trail The Waccamaw River Blue Trail is a 140-mile paddling trail that winds its way through the protected bottomland hardwood forests of the Waccamaw River Heritage Preserve and the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge. It also passes through several historic cities, including Georgetown and Conway. One thing that sets this trail apart from others in the region is its diverse range of habitats. Since you'll paddle through everything from tidal rice fields to forested floodplains, you'll have a chance to see an amazing variety of animals. Intracoastal Waterway If you're interested in a unique kayak excursion, take a trip approximately 13 miles southeast of Conway to the Intracoastal Waterway. Since the waterway is typically calm, it's a great place for every member of the family to explore. As you paddle the waterway, make sure you take some time to explore the inlets so you can immerse yourself in nature and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The next time you want to do some kayaking around Conway, you know you'll have an unforgettable time when you head out to these top paddling spots in the area. image via pixabay
Downtown Conway, South Carolina, has beautiful scenery, shopping, museums, and more. Many of the homes are more than 100 years old, and beautiful live oak trees line the streets and provide plenty of shade in summer. Keep reading to learn more about the attractions in the area. The L.W. Paul Living History Farm The L.W. Paul Living History Farm teaches people what farming was like in the area between 1900 and 1955. You and your kids can participate in several hands-on activities, including plowing with mules, grinding grits, making soap, curing meat, milking cows, blacksmithing, and preserving vegetables. You can also volunteer to help work on the farm, maintain the site, or help with children's programs. This place is part of the Horry County Museum, and it covers about 19 acres. The museum has a variety of exhibits about the history of the area, and it's in the renovated Burroughs School. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has a unique freshwater aquarium that focuses on local rivers and streams. Guided tours are available, and the farm is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Conway Riverwalk This scenic, serene wooden path takes visitors for a relaxing stroll along the banks of the Waccamaw River. You'll see rustic wooden buildings, bridges, marinas, an elegant inn, a playground, and several picnic tables. You can pause your walk to go fishing or check out some of the Riverwalk's many interesting shops and delicious restaurants. The path is 1.3 miles long, public restrooms are nearby, and dogs on leashes are welcome. Near the end of the trail, there's an arboretum with native trees and plants. The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge The Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 55,000 acres, including parts of the Waccamaw, Great Pee Dee, and Little Pee Dee rivers. It includes forests and wetlands, and you can see alligators, wood storks, ospreys, and many other animals. The visitor's center has a gift shop and exhibits about the ecology of the area, and you can go hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, boating, hunting, or fishing. It's a great place to take interesting photographs, and there are public restrooms and picnic tables. It's open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No matter what activity you choose, remember to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and use comfortable shoes. The Live Oak Tour Conway calls its live oaks their oldest citizens, and some of these beautiful trees witnessed historic events. Many of them have markers or plaques, and guided tours are available. The Confederate Oak memorializes Confederate soldiers, and the Wade Hampton Oak was part of a grove where General Wade Hampton made a speech in 1876. You'll also see many historic buildings. Downtown Conway and the surrounding area has beautiful scenery, and exploring it is a perfect activity for a summer day. You can get some exercise, spend time with your family, and learn more about the history and ecology of the region. image via pixabay
