Generations of South Carolinians have enjoyed a relaxing vacation on the coast, along with a fresh, sea-to-table meal that they helped gather. Now you can, too. The secret is that you don’t have to catch “everything” you eat. In fact, it’s a lot easier than you might imagine to live like a local with freshly caught seafood. Pawleys Island and nearby Litchfield Beach embody the laid-back charm of coastal SC living, making the area an ideal spot for your sea-to-table experience. And seeing how you’re going to be gathering your own seafood, you’ll want to stay as close to the water as you can.
Accommodations:
Rental homes at Pawleys Island or Litchfield Beach. There are many rental companies in the area that can help you find the perfect home for your family and budget. Additionally, Litchfield Inn and Pawleys Pier Village offer villas with complete kitchens, along with the advantages of being right on the beach.
Saturday
Explore the area by heading down to Georgetown, one of South Carolina's oldest towns and ports. Walk the main street and have lunch in one of the many little restaurants there. You can also tour the Rice Museum, which showcases the history of rice cultivation in the area. On the way back, stop by Independent Seafood for fresh off the boat shrimp. Although it's hidden away at the end of a small street, you'll know you're there when you the see the docks and shrimp boats.
Gather fresh produce for your seafood meal at The Fresh Market near Pawleys Island, or, if you're visiting from April through October, you can check out the Pawley's Island Farmers Market for produce fresh from the farm crates.
Back home, pull up your crab traps and begin preparing your fresh seafood dinner. A one-pot meal like Frogmore Stew is an easy seafood dish to make and can accommodate your fresh blue crabs. It's traditional to get everyone involved in the preparation, plus the memories will last a lifetime.
After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beach or creek and take in the sights, sounds and charms of South Carolina's unspoiled coastal living.
Sunday
Sundays on the coast are all about relaxing. So, head over to Huntington Beach State Park and spend the morning bird-watching and touring the grounds of Atalaya, a Moorish-style castle that was once home to philanthropists Archer and Anna Huntington. Anna was also a renowned sculptor. If you're up for it, you can view many of her sculptures just across Highway 17 at Brookgreen Gardens.
For lunch, stop by the Rustic Table for brunch and experience a truly creative take on traditional South Carolina cuisine. Leave the afternoon open for whatever you're in the mood for—paddleboarding on the creek, surf fishing (you'll need a saltwater license, of course) or just kicking back on the porch and reading a book—or better yet, pondering your next sea-to-table experience in the Palmetto State.
