Pawleys Island

 

Pawleys Island is one of the East Coast’s oldest summer resorts, with local rice plantation owners first decamping here in the summer months in the early 1700s. Homes from this early development remain in Pawleys Island’s historic district, which consists of homes constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Pawleys Island is best-known for its luxury oceanfront property, which exudes a refined yet laidback character, in keeping with its enchanting yet unpretentious setting.

 

The Pawley Island lifestyle is best characterized by its “arrogantly shabby” Cypress cottages, which simultaneously exude a sense of opulence and relaxation. This is a Lowcountry community full of character, with rope hammocks swaying softly in the ocean breeze, residents fishing and crabbing in the gentle creeks, and a rich sense of history that includes legendary tales of ghosts and ghouls.

 

This pristine expanse of natural scenery is just a 30-minute drive away from Myrtle Beach, heading north along the Grand Strand.

 

Pawleys Island’s real estate mix ranges from attractive single-family homes to elegant historic properties to extravagant estates nestled within private gated communities. Custom-built dream homes are commonplace, with Pawleys Island’s magnificent natural setting serving as a canvas for some mesmerizing properties.

 

Pawleys Island’s communities have it all within their gates. The Reserve is a glittering example, with a private marina, biking trails, tennis courts, and a magnificent Greg Norman-designed golf course.

 

Along with its abundant open space and wonderful sense of untouched nature, Pawleys Island is also home to some fantastic restaurants.

 

Located within a renovated landmark historic supermarket, Frank’s Restaurant & Bar offers exquisite fine dining in a wonderfully-designed setting. The award-winning meals fuse Lowcountry and Pacific Rim fare, while an enormous hand-crafted mahogany bar daring back to the 1800s makes for an enchanting place to enjoy evening drinks. Service is unfussy but exceptional, with many of the staff having worked at Frank’s for many years.

 

Café Piccolo has been called one of the Grand Strand’s best-kept secrets, with passionate Italian chef Jimmy Pronesti crafting a wonderful menu of simple and authentic food utilizing the freshest locally-sourced ingredients. The resulting dishes truly capture the essence of authentic Italian food, being understated yet divine.

 

The Bagel Café is another Pawley Island institution, bringing the authentic flavors of a New York deli to the Lowcountry. Aside from its delicious food, the Bagel Café is known for its friendly atmosphere, with owners Debra and Guy Guglienti always on-hand to greet customers and get to know the locals.