162 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com on the coast If staying home for lunch or dinner, local seafood shops such as Harrelson’s Seafood Market or Pawleys Island Seafood offer fresh oysters as an upgrade to a mundane repertoire. Throw the oysters into a pot on the oven, on the grill or over a piece of metal laid across crackling logs on a firepit. Let them roast for about eight minutes or until they swing open. Serve with a squeeze of lemon, cocktail or hot sauce and saltine crackers and accompany with a cold brew. Also easy to prepare is a Lowcountry boil, which is always a crowd-pleaser no matter what time of year. All that’s required is corn on the cob, andouille sausage, shrimp, potatoes and Old Bay seasoning. Pair with a crisp, white French table wine. On a chilly afternoon or evening, a firepit is fun for all ages. Invoking a no-cellphone policy for teenagers as well as parents creates the opportunity for meaningful conversations. Elevate the experience by incorporating music, a basket of blankets, a thermos of hot chocolate and a s’mores station with skewers, marshmallows, dark chocolate and graham crackers. As a distraction from the winter blues, take an afternoon stroll through Georgetown’s historic Front Street boutiques including Monkee’s of Georgetown, Revival, Wildflower & Whiskey Clothing Co., Sara & Beth Gifts and Home, Rice Birds, Bluebird Vintage and all the museum gift shops. After 4 p.m., pop into The Independent at The George Hotel for happy hour and refresh with a martini and oysters on the half shell, blackened shrimp tacos, a smash burger with truffle parmesan fries or sauteed mussels with etouffee sauce. Golf enthusiasts will be pleased to know that in the winter, courses such as the Founders Club, Tradition Club, Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club, Caledonia, Heritage, River Club, Willbrook Plantation, Pawleys Plantation, Litchfield Country Club and True Blue offer more flexible tee times. With plenty of parking, accessing the beach is convenient for taking an introspective or brisk walk, shelling and bird-watching. Although spring flowers aren’t yet in bloom, a visit to Brookgreen Gardens in January and February gives visitors the opportunity to amble under the old oak trees draped with Spanish moss and admire the sculptures and wildlife. Take a break for refreshments in the historic Old Kitchen and visit the gift shop to browse for a memento. Additionally open for year-round tours is Hobcaw Barony, Make life easy and pick up a prepared meal from Get Carried Away. Oysters on the half shell at The Independent.
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