Journey 40-minutes south of Garden City and you’ll arrive in the quaint city of Georgetown, SC. As South Carolina’s third oldest city, Georgetown is an important window into the state’s past. Home to a number of museums and plantations that detail the area’s industrial origins and slave labor, Georgetown is an excellent destination for folks curious about low-country history.
Historic Tours
Schedule a tour at the Hopsewee Plantation, Hobcaw Barony, or Hampton Plantation to learn about 18th and 19th century life in the region. Rice was cultivated on the Hopsewee Plantation by the enslaved laborers who applied techniques practiced in their homeland of West Africa. Hopsewee was also the birthplace of Thomas Lynch, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence. Hampton Plantation is another colonial-era rice plantation. This estate is known for its architecture and nature trails. Hobcaw Barony is a non-profit nature and research preserve. In addition to rice fields, the Barony consists of over 8,000 acres of forests, slave settlements, and a Discovery Center. Tour the educational exhibits on Native American history, slavery, ecology, and colonial life. Hobcaw also operates an immersive learning classroom with live animals.
Venture into downtown Georgetown to continue your historical tour. Located in the Town Clock building, the Rice Museum offers indigo dyeing workshops, art exhibitions, and a deep dive into the trade of rice production. Georgetown’s location at the confluence of four rivers supported an optimal rice cultivation method utilizing the tidal-flow.
The Great Pee Dee, Black, Waccamaw, and Sampit rivers converge at Winyah Bay, marking Georgetown’s port. Along with rice, this port was the site of exchange for lumber, cotton, and indigo. America’s first African slaves arrived at this port as part of the colonists’ plans for settlement. Visit the Gullah Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Gullah Geechee people, descendents of enslaved Africans.
Dining, Shopping, Harborwalk
Mosey along the Harborwalk in Georgetown’s historic district to appreciate the city’s charm. Enjoy a view of the marina from the waterfront seating at Front street’s restaurants. The block is lined with apparel and gift boutiques, antique shops, and art galleries. Check out the town’s calendar of events for what to expect on your next visit. Each March, the South Carolina Maritime Museum hosts an annual “Burning of the Socks”. Join the Georgetown community in celebrating Spring’s arrival with a burning of winter socks. Bring a pair of fresh socks for a donation to Friendship Place, a local nonprofit.
Learn from resident experts by taking advantage of the guided tours available. Swamp Fox’s tram or Old Georgetown’s walking tours are excellent options for informative sight-seeing. Alternatively, you can spend a few hours on the water with Cap’n Rod’s Lowcountry Boat Tours. Choose between the Lighthouse Shell Island Tour, the Plantation River Tour, or the Sunset Eco Cruise to experience Georgetown’s marine beauty.
Tom Yawkey Wildlife Preserve
Located ten miles south of Georgetown is Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center. Mr. Yawkey, former owner of the Boston Red Sox, gifted the land to the SC Department of Natural Resources. The land functions as a wildlife preserve, research area, and waterfowl refuge. A variety of programs are available, including a Cat Island forest walk and a birding and wildlife photography trip.
Georgetown and its surrounding area are a breath of lowcountry magic. During your next visit to the South Strand, make your way along the Hammock Coast for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway. With countless opportunities to learn and to play, a trip to Georgetown is certainly worthwhile.
- Lauren Evanousky, Garden City Realty, Guest Services Vacation Specialist
