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Pawleys Island, SC

Pawleys Island has always been a vacationers’ haven. Used by colonial planters as a retreat from the oppressive heat and malaria carrying misquotes, the island gained a reputation early on as a place for people to go to get away from the rest of the world. And today, residents of the island, located about halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston, have taken measures to make sure their island stays that way.

“Locals refer to their island as “arrogantly shabby,” though there is nothing shabby about the island."

The island got its curious name from Percival Pawley, a wealthy planter who bought the island in the early 1700s. Upon his death he willed all of his land, which included the island, to his three sons. In honor of their father, or themselves, no one is really quite sure, they named the island Pawleys Island and turned around and sold it.

In an attempt to keep the island from being overdeveloped, local planners have instituted a series of strict zoning codes, all but making it impossible to overbuild the island. Consisting mainly of classic-style beach homes, locals affectionately refer to their island as “arrogantly shabby,” though there is nothing shabby about the island.

Of the nearly 10,000 who own homes on the island, only a small portion of them live there year-round. That, however, is changing, as more retirement age people move to the area taking advantage of the beauty of the island, and the many recreational options available. The island is just a short drive from some of the best golf courses in the world, and of course there is all of the activities the Atlantic has to offer.

During the summer months, the island is abuzz with cultural activity. Each year the island hosts the Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art featuring some of the best known names in several different genera of music. Besides the established artists who contribute work for the festival, an exhibit featuring local artists is one of the most popular events of the festival.

The island is home to many locally owned shops and restaurants. And Georgetown, just ten miles away has all of national shopping and restaurant chains.