Traditions

It’s a new year and a new me! Just kidding- same corny, silly me; just a new year full of hope, adventure, and resolutions. New Years is a time of traditions, reminiscing, and the excitement of NEW! What are your traditions?

In my family, we always eat hoppin’ johns, collards, and cornbread for good luck, wealth, and prosperity on new years day. We also jump into the ocean at midnight. Polar plunge! I 10/10 do not recommend.

Many families have a tradition to come to Pawleys Island every single summer. The vacation originated with the grandparents bringing their children, and now has evolved to 3-4 generations coming each year! So many memories are made on Pawleys Island-where times seem to slow down and people are reminded of the good ole days. Cooking meals together, spending the days frolicking on the beach, and ending the day with porch sittin’. We tell time by the tides and the sun. Oh, the stories we would hear if these walls could talk. Some of my favorite memories are on Sundays’ sitting outside at the beach with my whole family after a big meal. Bob Marley was playing through the speaker, beer was flowing and the sun was shining.

As we navigate this strange time, many family traditions are hard to uphold. The tradition of family time is deeply rooted at Pawleys Island. We love to see your family return each year and enjoy hearing your stories during your vacation.

Work-cation, stay-cation, school-cation, or simply vacation, Pawleys Island is here to be whatever you want it to be.

It’s Fall on Pawleys Island!

It’s fall y’all!

Fall brings oyster roasts, football games, pumpkin spice everything and spooky ghost stories to Pawleys Island! The favorite Pawleys Island tales include legends of the ghost of Alice Flagg and the Gray Man.

Alice Flagg’s story is an old tale filled with heartbreak. Alice was born into a prominent family, but in an age old story, she fell in love with a lumberman in a lower social class. Her possessive brother, Dr. Allard Flagg, disapproved of the man and forbad Alice from seeing him. The couple kept their relationship a secret, eventually becoming engaged. Dr. Flagg discovered Alice’s secret engagement, ordered her to return the ring and sent her away to attend school in Charleston. She refused to return the ring and kept it tied around her neck on a ribbon in defiance. Unfortunately at school, Alice became very ill and was rushed back home. While being tended to by bedside, her brother found the engagement ring and ripped it off, disposing of it in the Low Country marsh. Alice was distraught, begging for the ring’s return no avail and soon died. A marble slab is placed in the graveyard at All Saints Church with the marking “ALICE”. It is said that Alice’s ghost is still searching the Low Country for her beloved ring. Some legends report if you are wearing a ring and you walk backward six times counterclockwise and six time clockwise, you will feel your ring twist on your finger. Other claims say you must circle the grave 13 times and place a coin on the stone before she visits or that she will only appear to true lovers who place a ring or flower on headstone. While there are several versions of the story, all agree that Alice has been seen wandering the area, heartbroken looking for her ring and mourning her lost love.

The Gray Man is a ghost with the reputation as protector of the homes on Pawleys Island and warning residents of an impending major storm or deadly hurricane. There are several versions of the legend; however, the most common one states the Gray Man is a ghost of a young man traveling from Charleston to see his fiancée. Excited to see her, he was racing through the marsh quickly, not paying attention and fell deep into quicksand and was consumed. His fiancée was heartbroken. Once day she was walking along the beach and spotted a shadowy figure approaching. He told her to leave quickly as she was in grave danger. She went home, informed her family and they quickly left the island. That night, a hurricane raged over Pawleys Island causing wrath and destruction. When the family returned to the island, they found most of the homes on the island destroyed. However, their home was left undamaged with their beach towels still hanging on the front porch!

Those who have seen him described a man wearing a long gray coat and a top hat. He will appear, signaling that you must leave the island and then he quickly disappears. If you heed his warning, your house will be spared during the storm. The lucky people who have encountered him have credited him with saving their homes and finding their belongings just as they were left. Whether superstitious or just interested, spotting the Gray Man is a sure sign it is time to head inland!

As the temperatures begin to drop, and summer becomes a sweet memory, enjoy every moment of the fall season. We’ll see you at the beach!

Fun Events this Summer!

Are you spending some time this summer on Pawleys Island?

While the obvious choice would be to spend time on the beach and enjoy the creek, there are events happening in the area that you don’t want to miss!

May 18^th is the annual Pawleys Pavilion Reunion from 6:00-11:00 pm at the Pawleys Island Nature Park, just off the North Causeway. Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Georgetown, this night is filled with memories, shagging and delicious food compliments of Moe’s BBQ. The original Pawleys Pavilion was a popular beach music spot that burned down in 1970. Once a year, beach music played live by local bands brings everyone together to shag under the stars and reminisce about the good ole days.

The Carolina Country Music Fest is back again for its fifth year! This event takes place in Myrtle Beach from June 6-9^th. Artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, and Dierks Bentley will all be performing! Just a quick drive up to listen to some great music.

If you enjoy being outside and exploring the natural beauty of Pawleys, I would recommend signing up for a tour with Surf the Earth. They offer a variety of paddle board and kayak tours through the Pawleys Island Creek. You may see a heron stalking along the banks and watch the fiddler crabs scurry through the pluff mud. You don’t want to miss this! Surf the Earth also offers a moonrise sunset tour that really showcases what Pawleys Island has to offer.

Fourth of July is a highly celebrated holiday on Pawleys. The day kicks off at 10am with the 53^rd Annual Parade that starts on the south causeway winding down to the birds nest section then back up to Atlantic Ave. Locals and summer residents alike participate with crazy and funny themed floats. Floats can be entered for $15 in advance or $20 on the day of. After the parade, everyone retreats to the beach in anticipation of the Salute from the Shore, now in its 10^th year! The annual flyover begins in Cherry Grove and heads south all the way Hilton Head. Crowds of onlookers line the shore and wave, cheer and celebrate the people who have served in our military while watching the planes soar over the coastline.

Calling all kayakers! The Annual Kayak Race will be held on Thursday, July 25^th from 12:00-4:00pm. The event encompasses single kayak, tandem kayak and paddle board races for all ages. Sign up day of the event in the Pavilion Park on the North Causeway. Contact Surf the Earth for information and rentals at 843-235-3500.

Many of our local restaurants and bars have live music on the weekends so make sure to check their website or social media for the updated list of artists featured each week!

Whether you take advantage of the fun events around Pawleys or decide just to relax in the hammock, I hope you enjoy your vacation to the fullest!

I’ll see you on the beach!

2019 PIR T-Shirts!

We are thrilled to present our 2019 Annual T-Shirts! These shirts can be purchased from the Pawleys Island Realty Office located at 88 Linwood Altman Causeway. They are available in sizes ranging from S-XL, in both men’s crew neck and women’s V-neck. If you need a bigger size, no worries. Just let us know, we will make it happen!

The PIR Shirts are specially designed with a large design on the back and a smaller design on the front left side. This year, the design on the back is an image of the newly renamed causeway- Linwood Altman Causeway with a pelican flying over the sign. The front displays a blue crab and marsh grass.

Each year we will have new t-shirts for sale with different artwork to commemorate the year with Pawleys Island Realty. Come to PIR and purchase yours during your vacation!

Fall in Love With Pawleys Island this Fall!

I am going to begin this post by being completely biased. I LOVE summer. I love the sun rays, the never ending days, boiled peanuts- all of it. Summer will forever be my favorite season. But fall on Pawleys Island is pretty great and has a special piece of my heart also.

If you vacation on the Island in the summer, I invite you to visit in the fall as well. Pawleys Island transforms through the passage of seasons. As many visitors have packed up and returned home, the Island converts into a quiet solitude of cool nights, starry skies and bonfires on the beach.

Check out my top 5 reasons to visit the beach in the fall:

No Traffic

While the summer traffic can cause minor delays which is frustrating at times, we all agree it is worth it once your toes are in the sand. However, that is one thing that i love about fall- no traffic! That means plenty of room to jog on the causeways, fish from the surf and peacefully stroll the beach.

2. Fall Memories

While the summer memories consist of splashin’ in the ocean and embracing warm sun on your skin, the fall vacation memories have a different feel. For the seafood lovers, it is Oyster Season! Grab a bushel at the local seafood market and enjoy a oyster roast. A favorite activity of mine is having a bonfire on the beach, s’mores and stargazing. Bonfire permits are given out at Town Hall. In my family, we play a nice, calm(yeah right) game of flag football on the beach; creating lasting memories, several bruises and in one unfortunate situation- a broken finger.

3. Save on Price, not Quality

The prices of these homes are at the lowest point in the fall. Enjoy a five star vacation rental for a fraction of the summer price. Saving money and visiting the most beautiful Island, win-win!

4. Activities in the Area

Pawleys Island has awesome fall activities! Brew at the Zoo is held at Brookgreen Gardens. Sip your way through the zoo and visit with all type of animals. Also, Annual Lip-Rippin’ Chilympics Chili Cookoff and Annual Surfriders Oyster Roast and Bloody Mary Contest are fun fall events to attend and participate!

5. Views

As the days grow shorter, the skies at both sunrise and sunset glow with the most spectacular display of colors. Vibrant pinks, fiery reds, passionate oranges and bold purples race across the sky. The light from the sun passes through much more atmosphere before reaching our sight so it comes into contact with many more molecules in the air. Our sunsets will leave you breathless.

Spend some time this fall on Pawleys Island, where memories are created no matter the season!

I’ll see you on the beach!

Here’s to Never Saying Goodbye to Summer

Labor Day came and went, along with the remnants of Summer 2018! The days are beginning to get dark earlier and school has gone back in session. But on Pawleys Island, we never say goodbye to Summer!

Come spend a week or long weekend on Pawleys this fall, where summer never ends. Splash in the cool water, lay under the smiling sun and enjoy the quiet, peaceful beach.

Pawleys Island is a special place where unforgettable moments are made year after year. Whether it be a summer vacation or a quick getaway weekend, the memories made on Pawleys will stay with you for a lifetime.

Let the grand memories created this summer carry you through the colder, less welcoming months. Summer carries a sense of fun, relaxation and a period of slow down. Where time moves slow and told by the tides. The biggest decision is what to cook for dinner.

So here is to Summer! The fun times and sunshine. The laughter and excitement. The longer days spent with family and friends. Here’s to Summer 2018 and here is to all the summers to come.

Every Summer Has a Story, Let Yours Start on Pawleys Island

It is summertime on Pawleys Island and we couldn’t be happier! The ocean is inviting and waving a warm welcome to all who visit our coast. All down the beach you’ll see colorful tents and umbrellas marking a shady solace from the suns unwavering rays. The early mornings on the island are quiet, filled with a peaceful solitude and footprints left close to the surf that will soon be washed away by the incoming tide. However, the silent tranquility doesn’t last long as porch doors are thrown open, sunscreen applied and bathing suits donned. Summer days on Pawleys are filled with sandcastle building with drip peaks that stretch high in the sky, shark tooth competitions, and swimming in the cool water. Find a good book and relax on the Pawleys Island hammock, being pushed gently by the breeze and lulled to sleep by the soothing sound of waves crashing on to the shore. For the homes that provide a creek access, you’ll notice little fiddler crabs scurrying around the mud, oysters spitting in the low tide and maybe even see mullet dance across the water top. The creek side is tranquil and provides endless activities. Paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing are all greatly enjoyed on our creek. Time is measured by the sun and the tides and the biggest question is to surf or fish. Relish living in times of the past without stress or obligation.

Pawleys Island Realty specializes in helping families create lasting memories. Every summer is associated with a story, let yours be on Pawleys Island. Time passes quickly but memories will last a lifetime. Call us today to book your reservation! We still have available homes for this summer at reduced rates and specials deals. Our goal is to help you create family memories year after year.

Keep Calm- Spring is Coming!

Winter didn’t forget about Pawleys Island this year, unfortunately. As you might have seen on the news, we had snow! Which is so unheard of on our little island. In fact, I discovered a few things about snow. It is pretty, it is wet and it is coldddd! Also, it has been determined that snow is best viewed from indoors, wrapped in our snuggly blankets, fuzzy socks and enjoying hot chocolate.

I came to the unsurprising realization that I am in fact, a beach bum and prefer to stick my toes in the sand instead of leaving footprints in the snow. Thankfully, spring is on the way. A beautiful array flowers will emerge, the friendly sun will beat down in warm welcoming rays, saying “oh, there you are. I’ve been looking for you”. Spring is a time when we run outside without shoes, sprawl in Adirondack chairs and forget the cold weather ever stopped by to visit.

There are many events in the Pawleys community during the spring time that are sure to strike your fancy. The Myrtle Beach Marathon, Easter activities, and Earth Day Festival are just a few events to be mentioned. And we can’t forget…. You say Spring, I’ll say Break! Spring- Break! Spring- Break!

We have a variety of nightly and weekly rentals for your spring break get away. Ranging in amenities, bedrooms, location and availability, just call our office to begin the search for your perfect get away. Spring Break availability is plentiful and we look forward to having you and your family spend school-free days lounging on the beach.

The Myrtle Beach Marathon comes to town (well, close to town) March 1^st-3^rd. This event includes a marathon, half marathon, 5K and family fun run. Good for everyone that enjoys running. Or exercising. Or drinking beer afterwards.

Easter is on Sunday, April 1^st this year, so get ready for the Easter Egg hunt at the Hammock Shops! Always a fun affair for the kids and parents alike. Parents can sneak over to BisQit and view the egg-citing egg hunt while enjoying a spiked shake, veggie frites, or a specialty cocktail. You won’t need to hunt for those special treats. I also recommend the Sunrise Service for the early risers. People gather on the south end of Pawleys Island at sunrise on Easter Morning to hear a special message as the sun rises over the ocean. While beautiful and inspirational, it also tends to be a tad bit chilly- bring your own chairs, beach towels or blankets. Then, go home and feast on a wonderful Easter Breakfast!

Earth Day is April 22nd and what better way to celebrate than a festival at Brookgreen Gardens on Saturday, April 21^st! Brookgreen has it all! The gardens host demonstrations, plant sales, nature stations, crafts for all, area tours and animals. Visit Brookgreen Gardens website directly here: http://www.brookgreen.org/events/earth-day-festival

Although there are many activities and events to find around our area this spring, don’t forget about the pleasure to be found walking out of your front door. If the water is too cold for your taste, have a sand castle competition! Search for Pawleys Shells! The one who finds the least sharks teeth has to jump in the ocean. We are thrilled to share our beautiful island with you during the spring time when the island is slowly waking up from a heavy winter slumber preparing to welcome our summer visitors!

Call our office with questions about booking- 843-237-2000. We look forward to seeing you and your family at the beach!

Hurricane Season Update

As you may know, we kicked off the 2017 Hurricane Season with a bang. While we were thankful to have missed the majority of Irma’s wrath, we send prayers to those who were in her direct path.

Pawleys Island experienced a high storm surge, heavy winds and lots of rain from Hurricane Irma. Unfortunately, erosion is prevalent in areas along the beach front. The Town has been very proactive in restoration efforts by hiring bulldozers to push the sand toward the dune line to recreate, stabilize and re-nourish the dunes. The bulldozers will work during low tide and begin at the South end working their way up to the pier. The South End parking lot of Pawleys Island will be closed until further notice. Please be aware that crews will be out on the beach until the beginning of November working to restore the dunes during low tides as permitted.

We are thankful for the town hall police force, staff, administrators, generous volunteers, wonderful homeowners and all others that have contributed to both the preparation for Hurricane Irma and the restoration efforts after.

Experience the Total Solar Eclipse at Pawleys!

The Eclipse: The Sight of a Lifetime at Pawleys Island!

On Monday, August 21st, a Total Solar Eclipse will darken the skies across the United States. From Oregon to South Carolina, the eclipse will stretch about 70 miles wide.

Pawleys Island is one of the top spots to view the eclipse. The island is expected to start a partial phase around 1:18pm and be in complete darkness at 2:00pm. Vacation rentals are going quickly- don’t hesitate to call and inquiry about available homes. We have reduced rates for this special week along with nightly availability. Please contact our office at 843-237-2000 or check our specials page here for more information!

Please note it is very dangerous to view the eclipse without proper eyewear.

Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the sight of a lifetime on Pawleys Island!