Welcome to Georgetown, host city of the Bass Pro Shop Bassmaster Elite Series at Winyah Bay. The scenic coastal town is steeped in history, and offers not only fishing opportunities but great food, culture and ambiance. Tag along as Bassmaster photographer Andy Crawford takes a look at what the so-called “Little Charleston" has to offer.
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If you love old houses, Georgetown won’t disappoint. Every street is lined with old homes that speak to the rich history of the town. This is the John and Mary Perry Cleland House, one of the earliest homes in the town. It was built about 1737, and includes both Federal and Georgian styles.
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Every street is a postcard of Southern charm.
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The downtown district is full of small businesses, restaurants and shop that are housed in beautiful old buildings.
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Being a coastal town means water has played a major role in Georgetown’s development. And you can learn all about this history at the South Carolina Maritime Museum located in the downtown strip.
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You can even jump aboard a boat for some shelling and water touring behind the Maritime Museum.
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There is no shortage of boats, both commercial and recreational. You can hire a fishing charter or hop aboard a tour boat right on Georgetown’s Harborwalk that meanders along the Sampit River.
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The town’s Harborwalk fronts the Sampit River, offering not only easy access to fishing and tour boats but a beautiful place to hang out, walk and enjoy the view.
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The Harborwalk includes easy access to restaurants and shops.
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There are several small shops inside the old Fogel Wharf building that sits on the Harborwalk.
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Downtown Georgetown is a wonderful place to shop and stroll the streets.
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Georgetown is peppered with small, intimate parks. The Palmetto Park gives homage to the state tree.
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The cafes, restaurants and shops of Georgetown are housed in historic buildings, which are beautiful inside and out. The Coffee Break Cafe is a wonderful example of the interior of these beautiful buildings.
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Georgetown also is home to very old cemeteries, including the Beth Elohim Cemetery. It was established in 1772, and is the second-oldest Jewish cemetery in South Carolina.
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The town’s VFW Post 6444 hosts a cool memorial to veterans who served in every U.S. war since the Revolution.
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Prince George Episcopal Church was built in 1737-1750, and is just a gorgeous architectural gem. Its cemetery begins just steps away from the walls and is a must for anyone who loves old burial sites.
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Until the Civil War, Georgetown County produced the largest quantity of rice in the United States. The Rice Museum includes the old market and town hall, along with the Kaminski Building right next door. Both were built in 1842. The town council in 1865 surrendered Georgetown to the U.S. Navy in the market.
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Beautiful, sweeping live oaks everywhere in Georgetown, making it a perfect place for a stroll.
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Almost every street in the historic district runs through live oak canopies. It’s just a marvelous place to walk or drive.
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Foodies won’t be disappointed by the table fare available in Georgetown. Aunny’s Country Kitchen, for instance, offers just amazing southern eats. The fried chicken is unbelievable — and if you’re a liver and onions lover, you just have to try it. It’s as good as my mother’s, and that’s saying something.
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The menu at Aunny’s is chock full of Southern favorites.
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Aunny herself mans the kitchen. She left the kitchen to chat and take a couple of photos with me and Bassmaster writer Craig Lamb. Craig and I agreed that we’d each weigh 300 pounds if we lived close to the restaurant.
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The entire region is just filled with history. About 50 miles away near Monck’s Corner, for instance, are the remains of Biggins Church that burned in a forest fire in 1899.
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The walls of Biggins Church were erected in 1767. This corner is all that remains.
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As with most churches in the area, a cemetery surrounds the Biggins Church ruins.
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Georgetown sits at the confluence of the Sampit, Pee Dee and Waccamaw rivers, offering easy access for anglers and recreational boaters.
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An old bridge along the waterfront has been converted to a fishing pier, allowing anglers to while away the time soaking bait.
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Marinas are located all around the town, so it’s easy to find a fishing charter for either inshore or offshore trips.
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