Spending a fall afternoon in Conway, South Carolina
One bright, fall afternoon in October, a few months after moving to Myrtle Beach, I loaded the kids in the car in search of something to do. After a short drive, we found ourselves exploring downtown Conway. Or were we in Halloween Town? Read on to find out!
Visiting Conway, South Carolina
If you’re looking to experience something other than the beach for a day, head to Conway, South Carolina, where you’ll find a picture-perfect main street, a gorgeous riverwalk, and heaps of small town character!
Where is Conway, South Carolina?
The town of Conway, SC lies 14 miles northwest of Myrtle Beach. It’s a small college town with plenty of unique corners to explore. And speaking of unique, in the month of October, Conway renames their town “Halloween” as they prepare for their favorite holiday.
Map of Conway South Carolina
Below you’ll find a map of all the places I mention in this post, along Conway’s Main Street and in the downtown and Riverwalk area.
Things to do in Conway, South Carolina
Conway, South Carolina to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is a 20-30 minute drive, and you’ll be glad you made the trip. Spend the day exploring Main Street, strolling the Riverwalk, and have a good meal and maybe even a show!
Main Street in Conway
Conway has that quintessential small town Southern charm, which is at its highest display on Main Street. Boutique shops, restaurants, and a historic theatre line the main drag, and as you stroll, you get the feeling that everyone knows everyone else in this town.
Teal Alley
Just off Main Street, you’ll find Teal Alley. Conway is home to Coastal Carolina University, and the locals love to cheer on their Chanticleers!
Teal Alley is painted with CCU murals on both sides and is a popular hangout spot, especially on game days. You’ll find cornhole and other outdoor games for your entertainment, or you can kick back in an Adirondack chair and enjoy a cool drink.
We visited Teal Alley on a quieter day and got to enjoy the games to ourselves!
Theatre of the Republic
On this day, when we visited Conway for the first time, I was excited to see the historic Main Street theatre, Theatre of the Republic. I’ve been a theatre performer for almost 30 years, and it’s always fun to check out new spaces (or in this case, old spaces)!
Little did I know that a few months later I’d be starring in a play at that same theatre!
Since then, we’ve participated in summer camps and additional main stage shows and feel like part of the family at Theatre of the Republic. I can’t recommend their shows highly enough, so be sure to catch the current production if you visit Conway — you might even see us onstage!
Horry County Museum
For those who appreciate knowing the history of the area you’re visiting, a visit to the Horry County Museum is in store!
Housed in a restored historic building, the museum showcases artifacts from the county’s early settlers, natural history displays, and cultural heritage collections, preserving the rich heritage of the Grand Strand and surrounding communities. Plus, admission is free!
Conway Riverwalk
Around the corner from Main Street, you’ll find the Conway Riverwalk. This beautiful walking path takes you alongside the Waccamaw River and around the marina. There is plenty of parking and a waterfront restaurant, Bonfire Taqueria, if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
The views along the Riverwalk are pretty and peaceful, especially in the fall, and kids will enjoy the playground at Riverfront Park.
Restaurants in Conway South Carolina
Downtown Conway has a variety of restaurants, many of them locally-owned and operated. You’ll find plenty of chain restaurants in other areas of town, but we definitely recommend supporting local small businesses!
We’ve been to the Crooked Oak Tavern several times and always been impressed with their food, friendly service, and rustic-yet-classy atmosphere.
I already mentioned Bonfire Taqueria, which you’ll find along the Riverwalk, and which is the best place to go if you want to have a good meal while enjoying river views. We even saw a family of ducks swim by when we were there!
Two other places on my list to try soon are Hop N’ Wich and Crafty Rooster. I also want to try the “spaghetti ice cream” at I C Pasta!
Even in the fall, South Carolina can be warm, and the day we visited was no exception. So we capped off our day with some homemade jackfruit ice cream at Kainan Filipino Eatery on Main Street before heading home. We’ll have to visit again to try the food!
Conway becomes the town of Halloween in October
In October, dozens of jack o’ lanterns adorn the trees along Main Street, and many of the storefronts are decorated in a fun, spooky manner.
Even City Hall gets into the spirit.
And the City Hall annex building declares the town’s new name for the month.
Whether it’s Halloween or any other time of year, visit the Conway Downtown Alive website to view upcoming events in Conway!
Now that we are settled down in Myrtle Beach, we’re having a great time being visitors to all the nearby towns and discovering the local delights. Exploring Downtown Conway was a wonderful way to spend a weekend afternoon in fall, and we can’t wait to return again soon!
