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A visit to the Horry County Museum offers a look at how local inhabitants, including the Indians, adapted to diverse environmental changes.

An exhibit featuring Low country animals is very popular, especially with children.

Tour at your own pace. You'll want to allow some time for shopping and dining along the way!

In 1670, the British settled Charles Town and this area (Horry, pronounced O-ree). In 1732, the site of Kingston (Conway) was laid out. In 1734 the town was completed and by 1735 the first settlers had arrived. Many area residents fought in the American Revolution. Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox, had an encampment near Kingston just across the river. Kingston's name was later changed to Conwayborough for General Robert Conway. The village of Conwayborough was slow to grow. In 1801, the town had a population of 100. Thomas Lockwood's geography of the state published in 1832 reported that the number of inhabitants was nearly 200.

In 1860, that number grew to nearly 500. The Waccamaw River was the town's main transportation link. Much of the land along the Waccamaw was owned by planters who developed plantations both large and small. The important industries in the area at the time were turpentine and lumber.

During the 1870's the lumber and navel store industries continued to expand. Riverboats transported passengers and goods along the Waccamaw River. The South Carolina General Assembly shortened the town's name to Conway in 1883. In 1887, the railroad reached the city and in 1898 Conway elected its first mayor.

Much of the present downtown area was built in the early 1900's. About this same time area residents were building summer retreats in the Myrtle Beach area and calling it "New Town". In recent years Conway has experienced rapid growth. The city's population is about 15,000.

In present-day Conway, you'll experience a slower, simpler side of the South. Conway is home to numerous treasures and historical events with the ancient oak trees and Waccamaw River providing the perfect backdrop for this South Carolina Historic Rivertown. Spend days uncovering local history at the Horry County Museum or along Conway's Historical Trail, sailing down the river, shopping at the unique boutiques or enjoy a delicious meal at one of it's trendy restaurants.

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Discover hidden treasures of the past along Conway's Historical Trail: City Hall, whose architect designed the Washington Monument… the distinctive home of a signer of the Ordinance of the Secession. the grave of Thomas West Daggert, credited with sinking the Harvest Moon, the only admiral's flagship sunk during the Civil War. Stand on the site where Confederate General Wade Hampton campaigned for governor in 1876…find the cannon later fired to celebrate his victory… and see the massive live oak named for him after Mary Beaty brandished a shotgun against railroad workers preparing to cut it down. Follow the slope of the land down to the riverbanks, and see the watercourse that shaped both the geography and the history of Conway. Start your visit by picking up a free copy of the Historical Trail Map at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, 203 Main Street. The map pinpoints 39 sites, 17 of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1734, a group of colonists set out to explore the uncharted Waccamaw River, looking for land and adventure. They found both! They encountered bears, wolves, and for a short time, the fear of starvation. Some got lost exploring the dense swampland and barely made it out alive.

Following their risky jaunt, they pronounced the Waccamaw… "The boldest river in South Carolina."

A day-trip to Conway offers modern-day adventurers a variety of ways to explore and learn more about this mysterious waterway, one of the world's few black water rivers.

Start your visit at the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce to pick up a copy of our guide to the river and historic warehouse district. The Chamber is located at the foot of the beautifully restored Memorial Bridge at 203 Main Street.

Just beyond the bridge, Conway's updated riverfront features a beautiful 850-foot boardwalk that invites a leisurely stroll along the tranquil waters of the five million-year-old river. Our waterfront restaurant, with its period costumed servers, ensures that no one will leave our bold river fearing starvation!

From the City Marina, just a short walk or drive from the Riverwalk, you can take a two-hour narrated riverboat tour, or rent a watercraft and chart your own tour of the river's scenic beauty and abundant wildlife.

An Adventurous day on the Waccamaw may include:

• A self-guided tour of the historic riverfront warehouse district along Conway's Riverwalk
• A narrated two-hour riverboat cruise
• Canoe, pontoon and fishing boat rentals
• Guided expeditions and sightseeing
• Dining out-of-doors along the river, or purchasing a box lunch from one of our popular deli-bakeries to enjoy as a waterfront picnic

Conway abounds with History, but this river city's treats include unique shops and eateries as well.

If it's shopping you crave, Conway is a pleasant mix of yesterday and today.

In Conway's perky revitalized downtown, beautiful buildings dating till the early 1900's are full of inviting shops.

Walk along picturesque streets shaded by trees and bright awnings, or sit on a comfortable bench, have an ice cream cone, and enjoy the view of "America".

On the outskirts of the historic downtown business district, convenient new shopping malls bustle with activity and yet maintain the traditions that make shopping in a small town so memorable - quality merchandise, friendly sales attendants, and reasonable prices.

And when it's time to dine, "it's a treat to eat in Conway." Experience the warmth of a bakery smell of fresh baked breads and tempting desserts take you back to your grandmother's kitchen… or feast from a variety of unique dishes such as Carolina crab cakes over fried eggplant or low country spring rolls stuffed with chicken, ham and spinach at a trendy bistro.

A number of chain restaurants, both fast-food and sit-down style, are represented in Conway and are easily accessible. Take the whole family out for good food fast, with a little character as well.

Shopping and dining in Conway is truly a delight… the choices are waiting to be discovered.

A day of shopping and dining in the Conway Area may include:

• One-of-a-kind specialty shops
• Antique and collectible shops
• Factory outlet malls
• Chain department stores and discount stores
• A wide variety of restaurant choices