Established | In the early 1700s, the area was settled by rice farmers who established plantations along the Waccamaw River and spent their summers close to the ocean and away from the mosquitoes that spread malaria. The town government was incorporated in 1986.

Origin of name | Colonial settler George Pawley apparently lent his name to the community.

What’s grand about it | This beachfront community is unlike any other along the Grand Strand. Business and industry are banned on the main island except for a few inns and high-rise condominiums. Instead, this unspoiled stretch of beach is home to about a dozen 18th-century, weathered cottages that have escaped the wrath of hurricanes. Where those were that didn’t survive Mother Nature’s wicked winds have risen residences that still reflect this community’s laid-back lifestyle. Whether it’s a view of the Atlantic or one of the adjacent creeks, Pawleys Island offers picturesque scenes, crabbing and fishing in the creeks and shelling along its white-sandy beach.

What’s new | The community is continuing to work on a development project that will place its remaining above-ground utilities underground. Improvements are continuing as well at Pawleys Park at the corner of Myrtle and the South Causeway. Grass has been planted. Flower beds are being outlined. And a small bridge will be erected that will connect the old park with the main.

Major events | A Fourth of July Parade, the annual Festival of Music and Art, an October tour of homes to benefit Georgetown Habitat for Humanity and an annual kayak race, also in July.

Property tax rate | Paid to Georgetown County, but the town itself operates on an accommodations tax.

Numbers to know

Town of Pawleys Island | 321 Myrtle Ave., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, 843-237-1698 or www.townofpawleysisland.com

Mayor | William “Bill” L. Otis Jr., 843-237-8005 or 843-237-2053

Mayor pro tem | Mike Adams, 843-237-0394

Councilmember | Glennie Tarbox, 843-237-8228

Councilmember | Mary McAllister, 843-237-2047

Councilmember | Sarah Zimmerman, 843-237-7774