Mount Pleasant Magazine March/April 2025

69 www.ReadMPM.com | www.MountPleasantMagazine.com | www.MountPleasantPodcast.com hammock coast www.HammockCoastAgents.com | www.HammockCoastCuisine.com | www.HammockCoastPodcast.com 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. PLAY 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 EAT 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. PLAY 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

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