Conway, SC

Often referred to as “The Gateway to the Beach,” Conway has long been more than just a rest stop for residents on their way to the Grand Strand. Conway is a thriving town, and one of South Carolina’s top inland retirement destinations.

But even with the steady rise in population the residents of Conway have worked hard not to lose the small town feel.

When Conway was settled in 1734 it was, on English maps at least, called Kingston. As with many things English, the name did not sit well with those who called the area home, and in 1801 they petitioned to change the name to Hugerborough, after one of the civic leaders. As much as the South Carolina state legislature agreed that the name should be changed, they did not care too much for the person the citizens sought to name their village after, and, as lawmakers, officially changed the name of the village to Conwayborough. Conway was himself in the state legislature and bitterly opposed Mr. Huger on most issues. The name was accepted, grudgingly, and by the time the town was incorporated in 1898 it had assumed the name of just Conway.

At the turn of the last century the town’s location on the Waccamaw River and the densely wooded areas around Conway brought the logging industry to the area, and as a result, Conway is a thriving community of almost 12,000 people. But even with the steady rise in population and the expansion that comes with it, the residents of Conway have worked hard not to lose the small town feel that has long been associated with the burg.

As with may Southern towns, historic preservation is a priority to the residents of Conway, with over 35 historic sites in the area, 17 of which are on the National Register of Historic Places. The town features a quaint, oldstyle tree-lined business district and several classically restored antebellum plantations.

Taking advantage of the year-round temperate climate, with over 215 days of sunshine a year, Conway offers a full calendar of community events including: Quilt Fest held each February; the Taste of Conway in April; the Rivertown Jazz Festival and Blue Grass of Waccamaw held each summer; the Conway Riverfest held in June, and Conway is home to the largest Christmas parade in the region.