A Coastal Retreat

Discover this charming town between Charleston and Myrtle Beach.|Mark G. Stith

Georgetown may be the South Carolina coast's best-kept secret. Don't be dismayed by all the commercial clutter you see along U.S. 17. There's a cute little town tucked in here if you look for it. Follow the signs pointing to the Historic District south of the highway, and you'll see what we mean. Park the car, and get ready to be charmed by the people and places you'll discover.

Finding Your Way on Friday
Don't just take our word for it. Let local Geraldine Jayroe inform as she takes you around the historic district on her open-air tram, the Swamp Fox Tours. Her tours take place hourly 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; look for the tram in front of the visitors center on Front Street. If you miss her, pick up a map inside the center and explore on your own. Must-sees: the sanctuaries at the Bethel AME Church and the Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church and its cemetery on Broad Street. Beautiful homes, some dating back to the early 1700s, spread out along Prince, Highmarket, Queen, and connecting streets. One of our favorites is the Mary Gilbert House on St. James Street.

We suggest The River Room for dinner tonight. Their picture windows yield a great view of the Harborwalk that runs parallel to Front Street between the Sampit River and the middle of town. You can't beat their creamy, rich shrimp-and-grits appetizer ($7.95) or their McClellanville lump crab cakes ($17.95).

Spend the night surrounded by sumptuous history at the Harbor House Bed and Breakfast. Owners Meg Tarbox and Cotton Williams converted this Revolutionary War-era, Georgian-style, riverfront home on Cannon Street into a spacious, relaxing bed-and-breakfast. Rooms are $135-$165 and include a full breakfast; call 1-877-511-0101. For a chain hotel, we suggest the Hampton Inn at the Georgetown Marina on U.S. 17. Rates start at $89; 1-800-426-7866.