It’s impossible to explore our neighboring Hammock Coast in just one day. The following tips will help with planning ahead for an unforgettable experience that might lead to an affinity with the area. If done right, a conversation with a local real estate agent about moving or purchasing a secondary home may ensue.
Georgetown
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A trip to Georgetown would not be complete without experiencing the local restaurants and cafes along Front Street. Start at Between the Antlers and enjoy a pimento and fried chicken sandwich paired with a bloody mary on the patio overlooking the Sampit River.
Then head over to Lowcountry Cantina where you can’t go wrong with any of the selections, especially the margarita with a salted rim. Pop by Winyah Brewery and ask brewmaster Chase Runyan to recommend his favorite fresh craft draft of the day.
While enjoying views of the waterway from the River Room, try the gumbo along with a glass of crisp white wine. Further, the best pizza outside of Italy or New York City is right here at SoCo Wood Fired Pizza. For feline lovers, the Purr & Pour Cat Cafe is a must. In exchange for a small donation, visitors can play with cats and enjoy a beverage. Adopt one of the fur babies to bring home as a souvenir.
If you’re seeking fancier fare, make an evening out of dining at The Independent, located in the lobby of the swanky George Hotel. The chef uses local and seasonal ingredients in his artful and delicious Lowcountry-inspired creations. Whether sipping in a booth or at the bar, the extensive wine list is an added bonus.
Additionally Roots, Frank’s on Front and the recently opened Alfresco Italian Bistro with live piano music are exceptional establishments offering tasteful cuisine and upscale ambiance.
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History lovers delight in Georgetown’s five Front Street museums, which include the Gullah, Kaminski House, Georgetown County, South Carolina Maritime and Rice museums. Their gift shops are fabulous.
Purchase tickets at Cap’n Rods for both of the boat tours that take guests throughout the five local waterways. One trip takes visitors through Plantersville to view old plantation houses and rice fields from the rivers, which once served as the roads and interstates. The other sails out into Winyah Bay, past a Civil War-era shipwreck and the historic Georgetown Lighthouse to storied North Island’s white sand beaches.
Take a drive out to the allegedly haunted ruins of Prince Frederick Church. Also known as Old Gunn Church, the site is located at 9796 Plantersville Road. Indeed, even the ride out to the countryside dotted with plantations and hunt clubs feels cloaked in an eerie past.
Explore the welcome center and grounds of Hobcaw Barony. With over 16,000 acres of forest and estuaries in preservation, the soulful property is home to two ancient Native American shell rings, nature, waterfowl, two mansions built in the early 20th century, stables and Friendfield Village, one of the oldest surviving intact slave villages.
Stop by the Georgetown Visitors Center and ask Susan or Jill about additional pro tips for exploring historic Georgetown. Additionally, shoppers enjoy the variety of Front Street boutiques, which offer everything from antiques and art to clothing, shoes, jewelry, furniture, home accessories and gifts.
Stay
Make life easy by booking a room at The George Hotel with a view of the Sampit River. Curl up with a book purchased earlier from one of the museums’ gift shops and admire the posh decor.
Pawleys Island & Litchfield Beach
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Sister restaurants Rustic Table and Bistro 217 offer an array of upscale comfort food served in generous portions with options for indoor or covered patio dining. Newly refurbished interiors at Bistro add a posh punch to an already glamorous experience.
A staple of Pawleys Island since 1988, Frank’s Outback offers a wide range of culinary options from seafood to steaks, along with a vast beverage selection. One can’t go wrong with any of the menu options but if you have difficulty choosing, ask Tony the bartender for guidance.
Chive Blossom is a high-end establishment and island favorite that blends Southern classics with Mediterranean, French and Asian influences. Eat like a local at the Pawleys Island Tavern, aka “The Pit.” The down-home joint offers pub grub and live music in a tchotchke-covered environment. Walk-ins only. At Local, enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner paired with 19 local beers on tap, a signature cocktail or mimosa.
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On the way to the beach, pick up sandwiches from Lowes Foods for picnicking. Then park at the newly paved area on the south end of Pawleys Island. Located just a few steps from the sand and sea, the lot is convenient for beachgoers.
Stroll through the Hammock Shops and peruse an array of jewelry, clothing, accessories, shoes and gift wares. Stop into the stylish Whiskey Moon Cafe & Coffee Room for a coffee to sip on while shopping Buffy’s extravagant selection of home goods, seasonal treasures and the perfect gift to bring back for the person who has everything.
Pawleys Island and Litchfield are paradises for golf enthusiasts. The links await at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, the Founders Club at Pawleys Island, True Blue Golf Club, Tradition Club, Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort, Heritage Golf Club, Willbrook Plantation, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club and River Club Golf.
Book lovers unite at Litchfield Books, an eccentric independent bookstore that hosts exclusive author events. Plan ahead and buy a ticket to one online at litchfieldbooks.com.
Coastal elegance abounds at the newly opened Perfectly Pawleys design studio. Owner Randy Orndorf said he is inspired by seaside interiors from California to the Mediterranean. His meticulously curated collection of home furnishings and accessories is as unique as it is exquisite.
Stay
Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club offers rooms, suites and villas and features amenities such as golf, a pool and a pub. Look into the Pelican and Sea View Inns as well, which are open seasonally and often sell out well in advance. For dog-friendly oceanfront and creekside rentals, visit pawleysislandrealty.com.
Murrells Inlet
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Located in the heart of the historic fishing village of Murrells Inlet, where hushpuppies were perfected and pirates such as Blackbeard stashed their loot, is the MarshWalk. The half-mile wooden boardwalk follows a natural saltwater estuary lined with restaurants offering BBQ, sushi, fresh catch and pizza.
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Since Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington established Brookgreen Gardens in 1931, the cultural center has been cherished by residents and visitors for its unique melding of art, nature and history. As one of America’s premier gardens, Brookgreen has also received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Additionally, the gardens have been designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Every day, Brookgreen offers a selection of tours, programs and exhibits for all ages.
Stay
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Brookwood Inn is located in the heart of Murrells Inlet.
Or book a luxury vacation rental with Rising Tides Properties LLC. Daily, weekly or monthly rentals include panoramic ocean views, easy access to nearby attractions and local activities, state-of-the-art amenities and interiors that invite ultimate relaxation: risingtidesproperties.com.
Discover for yourself the magic that is the Hammock Coast, a true gem that lies right in our own backyard.
By Sarah Rose
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