The Hammock Coast beaches are perfect for taking away the cares of everyday life. Numerous national magazines have, in fact, noted that some of South Carolina’s best beaches are found on the Hammock Coast.

Those beach communities each have their own vibe and charm.

Murrells Inlet, for example, is home to Brookgreen Gardens, a world-renowned sculpture and botanical show case across 9,127 acres, and Huntington Beach State Park, a USA Today/10 Best nominee where visitors can relax in more than 180 campsites, and offers some of the best birding opportunities on the East Coast. At the 2,000-acre state park, you can even explore historic Atalaya Castle. Seriously, the Hammock Coast has a real castle at the beach!

Murrells Inlet is also known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina.” Originally a fishing village on a protected inlet, the community boasts some of the best sea food in the South! The Murrells Inlet Marsh Walk, a half-mile-long board walk, allows visitors to experience the salt-marsh ecosystem while restaurants, shops, parasailing, jetskiing and fishing excursions all beckon.

Pawleys Island is the oldest seaside resort in America and is still a great place to enjoy a quiet, laid-back vacation. As the birth place of the Pawleys Island handmade rope hammock, relaxation has a long history here. The historic island has no neon and no commercial development (no, not even a single store or gas station); however, there are two historic inns and myriad homes for rent. And just over the short causeway are first-class restaurants and boutique shops.

Families have been devoted to Litchfield Beach for generations. Little wonder, then, that Tripadvisor has named it one of the Top 10 beaches in America.

Award-winning golf, with 13 courses within a 15-minute drive, can be enjoyed on the Hammock Coast, too. Many are built on former rice plantations, giving a graciously Southern golf experience. Three of Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 You Can Play” are here.

For the history buff, Georgetown is South Carolina’s third oldest city, founded in 1729, and the beaches of DeBordieu Colony are just across the bridge. Five museums, including the South Carolina Maritime Museum, are all within the waterfront historic district. Self-guided walking tours offer insight into the town’s 66 National Historic Register properties. Historic American figures such as George Washington and Harriett Tubman are intertwined in our rich history.

Andrews, located 18 miles inland from Georgetown, offers the perfect place to experience the natural world. From sporting clays to kayaking along the winding Black River, Andrews is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.

Throughout the Hammock Coast, visitors discover tempting culinary delights. When the hardest part of vacation is deciding where to eat, you know you’re in the right spot! From fine dining to Southern-fried goodness, myriad eclectic, locally owned restaurants will whet your appetite.

On South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, rediscover life with no schedules. The only itinerary you may need is a tide chart.

For information, go to www.HammockCoastSC.com

The post Welcome to South Carolina’s Hammock Coast appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

Good news travels fast and, with each new year, the second season welcomes all back to the beach even after the swimsuits and board shorts have been packed away.

In the air, there’s a feeling of…Festivals. The new year along the Southern Delaware Coast kicks off with the 2023 Fire and Ice Festival: “Lights, Camera, Action!” taking place on January 27-29, 2023. Experience the beach like you never have before with some movie magic at this Hollywood themed event. Spend the weekend taking in 63,000 pounds of ice that have been transformed into masterfully crafted sculptures. Enjoy other winter festivities including bonfires, live music, outdoor movies, and more. Visitors and locals alike buzz over the local Tasting Tour, Drink Competitions, and warm up with the comfort of an old-fashioned Chili Cook-off. Local businesses and towns join to extend the joy of the holiday season with something for everyone. It all caps off with a firework show that rivals the fourth of July.

Before you know it, the morning light starts peeking in earlier and lingering later every day to see what it’s been missing. Spring puts on a show for those who love wildlife; and fishermen and foodies together all eagerly await the first catches of the season. For those who are ready to get back outside after staying cozy indoors over the winter months, the award-winning 34th Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour is our early kickoff for the season. Taking place on the last weekend in April, riders of all experience levels can participate in any of the cycling tours that cover over 180 miles of Sussex County’s beautiful beaches, bays, and beyond.

Come back and continue to explore, endless opportunities abound. Stay for “local’s summer” that begins the week after Labor Day with our 45th Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival featuring 100 juried artists. Wind along sandy trails through black pines. Kayak along the banks of the canals, bay, and shorelines or spend the day fishing, surfing, or finally fitting in that round of golf. If it is retail therapy you need, shop tax-free among many unique boutiques, galleries, and local specialty shops. There is something sweet about taking in the salty sea air while doing the things you love. And whether you prefer salty, sweet, or savory, there are hundreds of restaurants to choose from. The Culinary CoastTM is brimming with a variety of spectacular dining; boasting award-winning chefs, farm-to-table dishes, and mouth-watering seafood. The length of days might change from summer to winter, but the truth is that time doesn’t fly so fast when you realize the places you love to visit in the summer season are full of hidden gems year-round, with the beach as the backdrop.

Visit us at TheQuietResorts.com

The post Discover South Coastal Deleware appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.