Places to visit in Georgetown, SC.
Georgetown is a small town with a big personality, located in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The historic district is filled with beautiful architecture, and there are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy the beach. You can also check out many restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area.
If you’re planning a visit to South Carolina, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Georgetown. From the Hobcaw Barony to the Rice Museum, there are several ways to get acquainted with the local history and culture. You’ll also discover the South Carolina Maritime Museum and the Hopsewee Plantation.
Georgetown Historic District
Georgetown is a historic town in South Carolina with an incredibly beautiful landscape. It is located halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston. Live oaks, stately historic homes, and scenic plantations characterize the city.
It is the third oldest city in South Carolina and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to the historic buildings and churches, it also has many unique shops.
Georgetown was a port of entry during the early days of colonial settlement. Tall-masted sailing ships from Europe docked here. Trade with indigo flourished in the mid-1700s. Indigo was a ready market for dye and quickly became an important crop. During the Revolutionary War, local planter Francis Marion led a ragged band of followers to defeat the British.
The Winyah Indigo Society, an independent society, established the area’s first free school in a rich red brick hall. Today the building still stands as a monument to Georgetown’s heritage.
Georgetown was home to the Atlantic Coast Lumber Company, which had a wood-related business. A large 5,000,000 board-foot dock was built for their vessels. There was also a DuPont wood alcohol and dynamite mill.
Before the Civil War, Georgetown was a busy seaport, and pirates preyed on ships traveling to Charleston. However, after the Revolution, the bounty of the Parliament of Great Britain ended. In later years, Georgetown traded in cotton and lumber.
Hobcaw Barony
Hobcaw Barony is a 16,000-acre nature preserve near Georgetown, South Carolina. The research center features forests, wildlife, marshes, and historic plantation homes. Visitors can take tours, visit the Discovery Center, or participate in educational programs.
Belle Baruch’s family was influential in the early twentieth century. She eventually owned the property, donating it to a foundation. The foundation expanded its mission to include humanities, arts, and science. Today, the foundation manages the wildlife refuge as an educational center.
Belle Baruch was an avid horsewoman and hunter. Her father owned Hobcaw Barony before she bought it. During the 1930s, she spent much time at the estate. She enjoyed swimming, shelling, and hunting.
She left her property to the foundation after she died. After that, the foundation began to develop an educational program.
Rice Museum
Georgetown Rice Museum is a prominent local museum. It is located in historic downtown Georgetown. You can visit it from Tuesday to Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm. Located in the Old Market Building, it includes a permanent collection of artifacts, dioramas, and maps.
In the mid-19th century, Georgetown County was one of the most productive rice-producing districts in the country. During this time, it produced almost half of the total rice crop in the United States.
The museum is home to a permanent collection of artifacts and dioramas that detail the region’s history and the rice industry. It also features seasonal exhibits. Some artifacts on display include the Browns Ferry Vessel, the oldest vessel in the United States.
South Carolina Maritime Museum
The South Carolina Maritime Museum in Georgetown, SC, is a museum that showcases the maritime history and culture of the area. This is a place for history buffs and neophytes to enjoy interactive displays, model ships, and artifacts that are sure to amaze.
Aside from its plethora of historical artifacts and exhibits, the museum also offers educational programs for all ages. For example, a special children’s program highlights the importance of sailing in the area. The museum also has a store where visitors can purchase nautical-themed gifts and t-shirts.
Located on Georgetown’s waterfront, the Maritime Museum of South Carolina has a unique location. It is situated in a building that used to be a five-and-dime store. However, the building was renovated into a 5,000-square-foot space.
Hopsewee Plantation
Hopsewee Plantation in Georgetown, South Carolina, is an 18th-century mansion in private hands. This unique property gives visitors a glimpse of planters’ life in the early 1700s. It is located on the Santee River.
Five families have owned the property since the mid-1730s. Today, Hopsewee Plantation is a National Historic Landmark. As a result, it is protected and maintained. Guests can take tours of the property.
A tour of the property includes a house tour, two original slave cabins, and beautiful grounds. Hopsewee also has a museum with exhibits about the Gullah Geechee culture.
Hopsewee Plantation is located in Georgetown, SC, a short drive from Myrtle Beach. It is a great day trip.