Georgetown, South Carolina

     In 1526 the Spanish attempted to settle at the head of Winyah Bay where Georgetown now stands but were driven out by disease. The first permanent settlers arrived in the early 18th century; many of their buildings and houses still are in use. With a deep-water harbor that can accommodate oceangoing vessels, Georgetown has developed into an important shipping port.

     The Harborwalk is a charming waterfront boardwalk between two of Georgetown's most historically significant buildings, the Kaminski House (c. 1760) and the Rice Museum (originally the Old Market Building, c. 1842). Overlooking the Sampit River Harbor, the boardwalk is lined with restaurants, galleries, antique shops and specialty stores. 

     Shoppers have more than 30 specialty shops to browse. A potpourri of art galleries and quaint shops with Lowcountry names offer a treasure trove of books, clothes, fine art, jewelry, crafts, cards and antiques.