Georgetown...Circa 1526

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Myrtle Beach, SC -
Myrtle Beach is well known for the Grand Strand and its vibrant beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, but when you're ready for a change of pace, a drive to Georgetown can take you back to the 1600's? That's right, Georgetown had its earliest beginnings in 1526 as the probable site of the first European settlement in North America!

The Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church, from the same period, is also of interest, as well as the Rice Museum and the Indigo Society Hall.

Few other areas in America contain more history or charm than Georgetown, South Carolina a vibrant and gracious city of 9,000, known for its warm, Southern hospitality. But that wasn't always so by 1729, Georgetown was a busy seaport, with cargo flowing down river on barges and flats...easy pickings for pirates, who darted out from the labyrinth of hidden bays in the barrier islands to plunder without respect for life. Some of the most famous pirates in history lurked offshore Blackbeard, Caesar, and Red Anny to name a few. Some say their "buried booty" is still around the area, waiting to be found!

Georgetown's next chapter was far more civilized...a grand plantation style of life that had its roots in the forbidding swamps and pineywood forests. Due to the unique network of tide-controlled fresh water rivers and rich, loamy, marshy areas, the planting of rice in the area was ideal. A long golden grain rice called, "Waccamaw Gold," would sustain the economy of Georgetown for over a century!

As the county prospered, gracious living became the status quo and elegant plantation mansions became the hallmarks of southern aristocracy. Many still stand proudly today.The Fyfe House, circa 1748, a two-and-1/2 story Georgian style house, and the Kaminski House, both filled with antiques collected by the families. The Prince George Winyah Episcopal Church, from the same period, is also of interest, as well as the Rice Museum and the Indigo Society Hall.

Georgetown has experienced something of a renaissance in recent years. Front Street was redeveloped, bringing in restaurants, galleries, antique and specialty shops. There's also a walking tour taking visitors down shaded streets past scores of ante-bellum buildings.

So, when the sun of the beach becomes too much, Georgetown is a good place to recover.and uncover the past!