To the tens of thousands of visitors taking Highway 501 to Myrtle Beach each year, Conway is the last town in their way before reaching Myrtle Beach, one of five top vacation destinations on the East Coast.
For those who stop, however briefly, it is actually an oasis of small-town Southern hospitality.

Conway’s historical spots and growing arts community make the more than 250-year-old Horry County seat worth a stop en route. (Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County).

Town residents say life here has a slower pace than the resort area just down the road offers. But it’s still had an interesting history, as the old nickname “The Independent Republic of Horry” suggests. The city, founded in 1734 as Kingston Township, has been the site of Revolutionary War battles, antebellum plantations and lively commerce.

Historical Heritage
Nowadays, Conway is becoming deeply involved in preserving and restoring that historical heritage. Civic leaders point with pride to the renovated Main Street Theatre, which hosts popular productions such as “My Fair Lady” and “Fiddler on the Roof” by the Theatre of the Republic. Art galleries abound, and the Horry County Museum (428 Main St.) has a variety of exhibits tracing the development of the county, many with an emphasis on the area’s natural history.

The Waccamaw River has always played an important part in Conway’s history and development, and its waters provide some entertainment options, from boating and jet-skiing to fresh-water
fishing. Six golf courses are located within the city limits.

Four-Year College Coastal Carolina University, the region’s largest four-year college, offers cultural events and a full range of NCAA Division I college sports. There’s a wide variety of shopping in the area, from the outlet malls between Conway and the beach to quaint shops in the downtown area.

Year-round special events make the city a worthwhile destination anytime. Try the Winter Wonderland and Historic Conway Holiday Tours in December, the Rivertown Jazz and Arts Festival and Bluegrass on the Waccamaw in May and the ’Round the Fourth celebration in July.

For more information about attractions and events in Conway, contact the Chamber of Commerce at (843) 248-2273. – Jayne Cannon.