Today’s hurried lifestyle induces many to prioritize vacation holidays in their annual list of important to-do’s,  however, vacation destinations can be a cause of stress too, leaving one feeling fatigued and weary from all the trappings of trendy vacations like mall hopping, marathon sight-seeing or extreme sports.  Many still long for the peace and quiet of pristine beaches, seashores and local hospitality.  Thankfully, there are still a few of these unpretentious vacation destinations, like Pawleys Island in Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Pawleys Island is among the oldest summer places along the East Coast of the United States.  It can be found on the southern part of the Grand Strand, the name given to the long line of beaches from North to South Carolina, near the famous Myrtle Beach.  The town got its name from George Pawley, one of its early European settlers.

The wide stretch of river and the adjacent lands were nurtured by rice planters and their families, who stayed by the river near their livelihood from November to April every year and made an annual trip to the seashore starting May, to spend a healthy summer there.  This tradition that began in the 1700s is alive today, as Pawleys beach became a sought-after summer resort for those who seek peace and quiet for their vacation.

Pawleys Island prides itself with the tag arrogantly shabby, which bespoke of the unpretentious townscape that features antebellum houses, like the 12 old homes in the town that were used during the 18th century.  As of 2000, the population of Pawleys Island was placed at 1,380 residents.

Pawleys Island is connected to the Georgetown County mainland by two bridges called the North Causeway and South Causeway.  Just crossing these causeways is already a pleasant experience in itself, with a relaxing view of the wide stretch of the beach below.