A Cruise Up US 17, the Coastal Highway
Georgetown's culinary scene continues to grow.
Charleston’s vibrant food scene is having a rippling effect on quieter, smaller nearby towns. Heading north on U.S. 17 for about 60 miles to Winyah Bay, you will discover one such gem: Georgetown. South Carolina’s third-oldest city and second-largest seaport sits at the confluence of the Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, Sampit, and Black Rivers. Georgetown is poised to add “dining destination” to its list of titles.
Stop in Historic Georgetown, where Southern time meets maritime. Walk along streets lined with ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss and discover this charming town, founded in 1729. It’s South Carolina’s third oldest city, following Charleston and Beaufort.
Today, I’ll feature one of my top picks for dinner in this seaside town.
Between the Antlers is an exciting restaurant located between the steel mill and Front Street, on a bluff called Vinegar Hill on the Sampit River, in the heart of Georgetown, with a damn good view and some of the best food this side of the Mississippi.
James Dickey, “A Starry Place Between the Antlers”
James Dickey, an American poet and novelist, is perhaps best known for Deliverance, his novel about four suburban men struggling to survive a canoe trip gone awry. He is also well known for The Starry Place Between the Antlers: Why I Live in South Carolina.
George Washington drank rum here in 1791 when it was a federal wharf. You have to experience it to understand why this is one of the greatest places along the edge of Carolina. But, shhh, please don’t tell anyone.
What a great place for an ice-cold beer and a few Wild Santee Perlau Fritters. There’s so much more. Try their Unda Da’ Sea Fish Sandwich, Debordieu Shrimp Salad, and Illegal Hushpuppies.
Pictured below: Crispy Snowy Grouper Fish Tacos with lettuce, pico, and a black truffle sriracha aioli.
BLT Salad served with Blackened Shrimp and Creamy garlic dressing - oh my!
If you can get there during soft shell season, they serve an amazing breakfast
with a crispy soft shell and hollandaise sauce.
Why not just spend the day at the Antlers? Stick around for lunch and order this amazing Honey Lime Blackened Shrimp Salad with Roasted Corn, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, and goat cheese. Is anyone hungry yet? Pair it with a Bloody Mary and a cup of She Crab soup.
Is anyone interested in a Caramelized Onion, Shrimp, and Tomato Quiche?
Yes, please!
I’ve been told their hushpuppies are illegal. Let’s try ‘em anyway.
With all this great Lowcountry cuisine, you may want to hang around for a few days. There is plenty to do in this charming town. It has a welcoming walking lifestyle where Southern time meets maritime all in the center of the Hammock Coast.
Make time to have tea at Hopsewee Plantation, a historic 18th-century rice plantation nestled on the Santee River.
For a deep dive into history, visit Hobcaw Barony, a 16,000-acre tract on a peninsula called Waccamaw Neck between Winyah Bay and the Atlantic Ocean owned by the Belle W. Baruch Foundation.