Explore These Hidden Gems in Historic Downtown Conway
Small-town charm meets fresh new energy along the Waccamaw River
Conway is having a real moment. One of South Carolina’s oldest towns, this riverside charmer was recently named the Holiday Capital of South Carolina and a finalist for the national All-America City Award, and it’s easy to see why.
The historic downtown goes all out for every season, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas, and famously transforms into the self-proclaimed “City of Halloween, S.C.” each October, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.
The energy doesn’t stop with the holidays. Downtown recently added a splash pad on the Town Green for cooling off on hot afternoons, a big new outdoor LED screen for movie nights under the stars, and a “Gathering on the Green” Sunday Funday series packed with food trucks, live music, and family fun.
Pair all that with moss-draped oaks, a scenic Riverwalk along the Waccamaw, and a wave of buzzy new shops and eateries, and you have plenty of reasons to visit.
1129 3rd Ave, Conway
Downtown Conway’s little slice of Italy, Anto’s Pizza Romana is the only Roman-style pizzeria in the area, and it has already earned national buzz (the team even brought home an award from the Pizza World Cup in Italy). The pizza is the star, light, airy, and crispy-edged, served by the slice or whole, alongside sandwiches on house-made focaccia, fresh salads, and proper espresso. The attached Italian market lets you take home specialty goods, too. It’s a must-try for anyone who takes their pizza seriously.
902 3rd Ave, Conway
A dream for cheese lovers, Carolina Cheese & Provisions is a cozy downtown shop built around artisan cheeses and charcuterie. Build a custom board, grab gourmet provisions and specialty goods to take home, or settle in for a bite and a glass of wine. It’s a flavorful, welcoming stop for foodies and gift-hunters alike.
1016 3rd Ave, Conway
Coastal980 is a family-owned downtown shop specializing in all-natural home goods and skincare. Browse small-batch soaps, candles, and clean skincare made with simple, thoughtful ingredients and a relaxed coastal sensibility. Now settled into its own storefront on Third Avenue, it’s a lovely place to pick up a gift or a little something for yourself while you explore downtown.
1120 3rd Ave, Conway
After pouring more than 55,000 cups from its beloved mobile coffee van, A Coffee Movement finally put down roots with a permanent shop on Third Avenue. Expect carefully crafted espresso drinks, friendly baristas, and the community-minded spirit that earned it a devoted following on the road. It’s a warm, welcoming spot to fuel up before exploring downtown.
Downtown Conway, along the Waccamaw River
Conway’s scenic Riverwalk got even better in 2025. The newest phase added roughly 1,150 feet of boardwalk, extending the path to Fourth Avenue and finally connecting the riverfront to Main Street. Stroll the pine boardwalk beneath the moss-draped oaks, watch boats glide past from the floating docks, and soak up some of the prettiest views in town. It’s free, scenic, and the perfect way to experience downtown Conway on foot.
1029 & 1025 3rd Ave, Conway
These two neighboring downtown spots make an easy night-out one-two punch. Hop N’ Wich serves modern twists on casual American favorites, from charred oysters to Southern comfort plates, paired with a deep beer list and regular live music. A few doors down, Whitaker’s is a sleek modern neighborhood bar where the craft cocktails take center stage. Grab dinner at one and a nightcap at the other.
1118 3rd Ave, Conway
Quite possibly the most unique dessert in Conway, IC Pasta serves handcrafted “spaghetti” ice cream, a playful, made-to-order treat that looks just like a plate of pasta but is pure sweet, creamy fun. Made from scratch with premium, locally sourced ingredients, it’s as much an experience as a dessert. Bring the kids, bring your camera, and prepare to be delighted.
1028 3rd Ave, Conway
A downtown shopping favorite, Mustard Seed Boutique pairs on-trend women’s apparel, jewelry, and accessories with in-house custom embroidery, monogramming, and screen printing. Pick out a new outfit, track down a personalized gift, or have something monogrammed just for you. Friendly service and a well-curated selection make it a go-to stop on any Conway shopping stroll.
911 3rd Ave, Conway
A feast for the senses, The Olive Shoppe brings hand-stuffed olives, infused olive oils, and aged balsamic vinegars to downtown Conway. The real fun is the tasting bar, where you can sample your way through dozens of flavors and work with the staff to create custom pairings for your kitchen. It’s a gourmet gift shop and a delicious detour all in one.
909 4th Ave, Conway
Horry County’s first self-serve taproom, Palmetto Taps pours a rotating wall of 40-plus beers (plus craft cocktails) inside the historic Jerry Cox building in downtown Conway. It's a perfect spot to stop and cool off after strolling the Riverwalk and a great place to gather with friends. Grab a tap card, pour your own perfect amount, and sample your way across local brews and favorites at your own pace. It’s a fun, interactive twist on the neighborhood bar.
4 Elm Street (Conway Marina)
For a tour unlike any other, hop aboard the Pedal Pub, a 15-seat party bike that pedals its way through historic downtown Conway. Enjoy the 21+ Pedals and Pints tour with stops at local bars like Chanti's, Bonfire and Palmetto Taps, all while taking in the scenery and history along the way. It’s a memorable, only-in-Conway way to see the town.
1119 3rd Ave, Conway
A charming addition to downtown, Peony & Fig is a floral shop and boutique offering eclectic blooms, thoughtful gifts, and home goods under one pretty roof. Pick up a fresh bouquet, browse the curated shelves, or track down a one-of-a-kind gift. It’s exactly the kind of lovely little shop that makes a stroll through Conway worthwhile.
1101 4th Ave, Conway
A sweet downtown staple set inside a charmingly restored old gas station, Stella’s Homemade Ice Cream scoops small-batch flavors made right in the shop. The space is full of local personality, from Coastal Carolina University murals inside to a special teal “Chant Monster” cone dyed for the Chanticleers, plus a brand-new large mural alongside the outdoor seating area on Laurel Street. Whether you reach for a classic cone or something more adventurous, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy while wandering Conway’s historic streets or strolling the Riverwalk.
5940 Dongola Hwy., Conway
Just outside downtown Conway, Wild Woods Farm is a delightful surprise, home to more than 200 animals, from goats and llamas to sloths and lemurs. Wander themed exhibits that span global habitats from Africa to Australia and enjoy hands-on encounters that are a hit with families, school groups, and private events. Visits are by appointment, so plan ahead for an up-close animal adventure the whole family will love.