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May 1, 2020

4 Things to Explore in Downtown Conway This SummerDowntown 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