Pawleys Island

I spent four days last week traveling to a new to me location, one that truly captured my heart.  I will definitely be returning as it is charming, unique, and a quiet little space on the South Carolina coast.

Pawleys Island is a small barrier island about 4 miles long and sometimes only one house wide.  It is 70 miles north of Charleston and 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach.  From Atlanta, I traveled through Augusta and Columbia and then to the coast on back roads. It was a beautiful drive, and since I was late leaving, I arrived at the beach just about sunset.  It was stunning, but I expected nothing less. I was introduced to the magic of Pawleys by my dear friend AnnaLouise, and I don't think I will ever be able to tell her how much her special place means to me.  The fact that she opened up something so special to their family to include is genuinely magical. This little slice of heaven is known as one of the oldest summer resorts on the East Coast.  You can imagine how smitten I was from the second we turned left onto the causeway. 

For me, the old homes, the giant oaks, the stunning contrast of the marsh and the water, and the small island filled with history set it apart.  I learned so much in the short time there and came home only to dive in further.  If you have never been, let me share what I have learned to entice you to book a trip. 

Pawleys is located in the Lowcountry and boasts all of the allure of this area of South Carolina. Known for its "arrogantly shabby" lifestyle, this island is home to a large amount of undeveloped marshland, rivers, and the Huntington Beach State Park. Its location as a barrier island allows for several outdoor activities like walking along the stunning beach, fishing and kayaking the intercoastal, biking the trail of Huntington, crabbing, golf, and more. Within five miles of the island, you can find several new courses to play many rounds of golf and even tennis. While sitting on the porch, I watched a father and son pull three good size flounders from the inlet in less than an hour. 

There is so much history on this tiny but charming land, parts of which have not changed much since the 1700s. A drive through the historic district will show you several homes owned by the same family for generations. Some of these 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation homes are available for summer rental.  I toured one house that has been modified to add a second and third floor and loved how they kept the wide pine floors and short ceilings in most of the original spaces.  I could feel the original play's history and charm as I walked from room to room. For more ideas on what to do and what is offered, check out this travel guide which I found so helpful and fun to read. And, if you love ghosts, read about the Gray Man and Alice Flagg, both of whose stories are told again and again to the next generation. 

I can not wait to share why I was there ... but it will be a bit before I can.  All I can share is this, the magic of the island and its lovely people was so very evident to me, and I will return sooner rather than later. 

Happy Tuesday!