Going all out for the holidays is a Southern speciality. But while many small towns are known for their tree lightings or firework displays, one South Carolina community has hauled in the pumpkins to carve out its own niche. Just 30 minutes from Myrtle Beach, Conway has crowned itself the “City of Halloween,” and for good reason.
“We realized everyone does Christmas pretty well, so we decided to pivot to Halloween,” says city administrator Adam Emrick. “Our first year, we hung 350 plastic jack-o’-lanterns in the trees, and each year, we’ve tried to raise the bar.”
It helps that Conway looks the part. With its scenic 1.5-mile Riverwalk, well-preserved downtown district, and yes, even a road named Elm Street, the historic town has all the makings of a Hallmark movie. MoveBuddha recently named it the most popular place to move in 2025, and soon, it might be just as famous for being the South’s ultimate Halloween town. If you’re looking for a delightfully eerie getaway this October, here’s why Conway should be at the top of your list.
Visiting Conway In October
“There is never a more vibrant time in Conway than the month of October, and we’re a vibrant city to begin with,” says Emrick. While other Halloween towns like Salem, Massachusetts, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, lean on centuries of legends, Conway’s young legacy is powered almost entirely by community spirit. Since 2021, the town has spent the entire year preparing for October. By the time the month arrives, the calendar is buzzing with events ranging from professional wrestling at Scare In The Square to the enthusiastic Graveyard Grand Prix Coffin Races on Laurel Street…