Our thanks to Charlie and Jackie Ridley for their report on Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! and Georgetown. Located on the Sampit River, Harborwalk Marina is only a boardwalk away from Georgetown’s Historic District, great food and shopping, as the Ridleys attest!
As usual Harborwalk very nice. Joe- dock hand- nice, knowledgeable and helpful. Wifi not great but ok [on an earlier visit – continue reading]. Ate at Alfresco Bistro- a little pricey but great! Shower very nice. One of our favorite places. Back here on 1-1-17. Wifi seemed better and cable tv very good. Joe here again and did his usual good job. Ate at a new place for Sun lunch and will definitely will be back!!!! Aunny’s– meat and three “soul” food. Fried chicken, ribs (Jackie said best ever had) mac & cheese , okra, butter beans, tomatoes, squash casserole , cornbread. Terrific- needed a to go box. Mamma Jane was truly the boss! Charlie and Jackie on TRAVELER
Jericho Creek exits the Waterway to the west, north of Georgetown at Statute Mile 395. There are 5 recommended anchorages in those waters. The fixed 20ft bridge John Winter describes is just north of the Pee Dee River/Waterway intersection at Georgetown Landing Marina. Thank you John!
The 20′ bridge on the Pee Dee just north of Georgetown, SC just off the ICW which is the route many boaters take to connect back to the ICW through Jericho Creek is being worked on. It has chain link fencing draped under it to catch falling debris. Clearance is maybe 16′. John Winter.
This area of shallow water is at the south end of the Estherville Minim Creek Canal which begins at the Waterway’s exit southward from Winyah Bay.
SOUTH CAROLINA – AICW – MYRTLE GROVE SOUND AND CAPE FEAR RIVER TO CASINO CREEK – WINYAH BAY – CHARLESTON HARBOR: Depth of Channel. The U.S. Coast Guard has found at low-tide depths of less than 5ft of water in the middle of the channel between Winyah Bay-Charleston Harbor Channel Light 4 (LLNR 34120 [33°11.7192N / 079°16.3300W, 33.195320 / -79.272167]) and Winyah Bay-Charleston Harbor Daybeacon 5 (LLNR 34125 [33°11.4410N / 079°16.5012W, 33.190683 / -79.275020]). Mariners are advised to use caution while transiting the area. Chart 11532, 11534 LNM 35/16
The County Chamber of Commerce for Georgetown County, South Carolina and Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net are delighted to share the rich history of this area’s earliest settlements in and around Winyah Bay and along the several rivers that converge near Georgetown. The preserved old southern rice and indigo plantations still provide glimpses into our country’s earliest commercial, agricultural and aqua-cultural endeavors. Providing easy access to this “stroll-worthy community” for the cruising community is the recently completely renovated Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS NET SPONSOR. Putting Georgetown, SC on your list of fun ports of call is a must.
Looking for a great place to take a brief respite from the ICW? Then take a turn at marker 40 and head up the Sampit River to Historic Downtown Georgetown.
Georgetown Harbor – Sampit River
Dockage is available at several marinas, and there are day docks on the City’s Harborwalk. The third oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown has been welcoming visitors to their harbor for almost 300 years.
Front Street Shopping
Once you arrive in Georgetown and find a dock or anchorage, it’s time to start exploring the area. Within easy walking distance (just a few blocks) there are more than 14 restaurants, five museums and an abundance of shops. The locals are friendly and always glad to welcome visitors.
Stewart Parker House – facing the river
Start your exploration at the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, next to Harborwalk Marina. There you will get free information including maps of the area, local attractions and history. Make time to visit all our museums – each highlights a different aspect of the rich history of the area.
Keith House B&B on Front Street
The Rice Museum highlights the history of rice production in the area. Did you know Georgetown County was the largest producer of rice in North American in the early 1800’s? You will also have the opportunity to see the remains of the oldest wooden vessel known to have been built in North America.
The South Carolina Maritime Museum on the Harborwalk celebrates the maritime history of the state and port of Georgetown. Exhibits include historic photographs, documents, artifacts, and interactive displays. The centerpiece of the museum is the 5th order Fresnel lens that was the heart of the North Island Lighthouse for over 100 years. The Museum is also the home of the annual Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, which has been named a Top 20 Event in the Southeast and won the Bundy award as one of the best events in the state.
Fresnel Lens from North Island Lighthouse
Kids at Maritime Museum
Georgetown County Museum features artifacts from all over the county, including a handwritten letter from General Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox. The Gullah Museum celebrates the Gullah culture of the western African people that were brought to our shores against their wills in the 1700 and 1800’s, and forged a shared culture that shaped the landscape, food and language of the Lowcountry.
Kaminsky House Museum
The Kaminski House Museum, dating from 1765, features an extraordinary collection of European and American antiques, along with a glimpse into the history of Georgetown.
Georgetown’s National Register Historic District along the harbor is home to over 63 structures over 200 years old. You can pick up a historic walking map for a do-it-yourself tour or jump on the Swamp Fox tour trolley and enjoy an hour long narrated excursion through the oak-lined streets. You’ll be regaled with almost 300 years of history and may even hear a ghost story or two. Love ghost stories? Ask at the Visitors Center about one of our local lantern-led evening ghost tours!
Make sure you plan to spend several days in our harbor. You will need that much time to experience all the sites and sample all the amazing restaurants within a few steps of the water. Many Thursday evenings you can also enjoy free concerts in Francis Marion Park, right on the Harborwalk. One thing we can guarantee, you’ll leave a visit to Georgetown having made new friends and planning your return trip.
As Claiborne would have said, news of good food is always welcome! So we thank Bob and Susan Crenshaw for these good words for a new Georgetown restaurant, especially as this lovely port is recovering from a devastating fire in 2013 that destroyed a number of waterfront cafes. Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront.
Cruising News Great new restaurant in Georgetown DiAngelo’s We just had a wonderful dining experience at DiAngelo’s on 929 Front street in Georgetown. We had opportunity to meet the owner, Pat DiAngelo and his wife Debbie. Also the chef, Tony came out and introduced himself. A.J. was our server. Wonderful home made Italian food that was fantastic. Chef Tony prepared us a sample of his yet unnamed dumpling gnocchi dish that was fantastic. Then to top off the nite he brought us some samples of Zeppoli, an Italian doughnut that melted in your mouth. These are wonderful people who need to be supported to make their business successful. The owner, Pat, was very gracious and appreciative of his customers. We cannot recommend a better dining experience than one we had. The kicker is that Chris, Dockmaster at Harbourwalk recommend we try them out. You will not be disappointed. Bob & Susan Crenshaw Carolina Girl
Good news about so little debris in the Waterway. Let’s hope it stays that way. Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront.
Harborwalk Marina Left Osprey and headed down the ICW, water was extremely high, up to 4 or 5 ft above normal high tide. Surprisingly we did not run into a lot of debris on way to Georgetown, just took it slow and watched for any objects on the water. No problems at all. Again Georgetown is a good place to stop. All the shops are within walking distance and all are interesting to visit, not to mention all the good food. The crew here at Harborwalk as always are great. Phil and Sandy Herl
Moving upstream from Winyah Bay, Hazzard Marine is the first facility cruisers will encounter on the downtown, Sampit River Georgetown waterfront. This facility was rebuilt several years ago and now, as Skippers Bill and Devon attest, is a far cry from the forgettable fishing craft dock that once it was.
Hazzard Marine is one of the best most friendly marinas my wife and I have ever stopped at! We were on our way from Carolina Beach NC to the Excuma islands in the Bahamas when we had some unexpected boat problems. Hazzard Marine was the closes marina with a travel lift so we limped on in not knowing anybody there or having reservations. WOW is all I can say!! the folks there we so helpful and friendly. The entire staff helped with all the repairs/rental cars/meal suggestions/shipping of repair parts,etc etc. After 5 days there we hated to leave and move on. The prices are reasonable and the marina is very well kept. GREAT PLACE FOR A LAYOVER/WEEKENDER/OR JUST TO MEET THESE WONDERFUL FOLKS. Bill and Devon `WIDEOPEN’
School is in session for all ages and all places, even islands! But this “school bus” is one you may not know about, so Watch Your Wake! Sandy Island is the name of a small unincorporated community in Georgetown County, South Carolina. This article by Erin MacPherson is from WPDE.com.
New Sandy Island School Bus Boat
New Sandy Island School Bus Boat
Sandy Island gets new school bus boat by Erin MacPherson Posted: 08.05.2015 at 6:11 PM For years, the Sandy Island community and Georgetown County School officials have wanted a new school boat to get students who live on the island to and from school. The boat they were using was from 1964. And now, they have a new one. “It transports students just like a bus from Sandy Island to the mainland and then we put them on a bus and take them to school,” said Dr. Randy Dozier, Georgetown County Superintendent. The New Prince Washington is the state’s only school boat. Dr. Dozier says the boat they used before this one was outdated. “It was fairly slow, not as accessible and harder to operate. We wanted to bring it up to speed and make it safer more modern. Now we have a boat specifically for that and it’s brand new,” said Dozier. Dozier says the school board understood how important this boat is for the students on Sandy Island. “I have ridden on the old boat; it’s not a satisfactory trip. It’s a safe trip but it’s just crowded and old. This new boat is so much better and I can’t wait to ride on it,” said Richard Kerr, a trustee with the Georgetown County School Board. But getting this new boat wasn’t an easy task. Dozier says it’s all thanks to State Superintendent Molly Spearman. “This is owned by the state department much like a school bus. They maintain it. We provide the pilot, they provide the base salary, and we supplement that,” said Dozier. Tuesday, the boat passed the Coast Guard’s inspection. It seats 12 people, has a place for the pilot and co-pilot, and it has tie downs for wheelchairs. Dozier says it can safely fit 16 people and has plenty of life jackets for all passengers. “It looks great and meets all specifications,” said Dozier. The New Prince Washington will have its first launch on the first day of school. There’s no word yet on what they’re going to do with the old school boat.
Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront. Check out their shiny new, first-rate, shower and laundry building! Skipper Herl’s report isn’t dated, but it seems to coincide with the current heatwave we are enduring in SC.
Harborwalk Marina Just a short run, 4 hr, north of Lelands [McClellanville] into Georgetown to Harborwalk Marina. Cris met us at the dock. Cris and my crew prevented me from crashing and burning at the dock. We arrived early so were able to take a walk down town, It is hot (100deg.) so the walk was short but very interesting. Visited the museum and some stores, they all had AC. The dock was nice, it was just too hot to do anything. Phil and Sandy Herl
We spent a month at this marina just after it was updated in 2009. The staff and the facilities were excellent. The location is perfect for strolling downtown or through the back streets with the lovely houses.
As a delivery captain with over 200 Florida to New York transits under my keel, when weather is more than marginal, I try to make Georgetown a stop. Cris, the new dockmaster, took over for my old friend Dave and the service has not suffered one bit.
I like Thomas Cafe for an early morning bite before I get underway and the River Room can hold it’s own with the finest of restaurants.
Swamp Players has live theater when in production.
When southbound, the Waterway turns southwest into Esterville Minim Creek Canal exiting Winyah Bay at Mile 410.5. The cable operated ferry crossing is now a floating swing bridge crossing at Mile 411.5. Folks who remember Sunset Beach floating bridge fondly (!) will look forward to seeing this apparatus first hand. Our thanks to Skipper Murdoch for these photos.
At St M 411 in place of the Esterville Ferry is new “Floating Swing Bridge” somewhat like the old Sunset Beach Bridge. Here are some pictures taken yesterday. Bill Murdoch
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Comments from Cruisers (2)
Dave Boxmeyer- June 6, 2015 - 10:35 am
Just what we need, a new swing bridge. I remember the Sunset Beach bridge very well. We all held our breath every time they had to open or close it. I had mixed emotions when it was replaced. The Sunset Beach was a piece of history that I thought was lost, now I see it has been reincarnated and the ferry has faded away.
Not to worry… this will never be like the old Sunset Beach pontoon bridge, which opened just once an hour (and took forever!). I talked to the Director at the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Refuge, who told me that they are the only ones who use it, and maybe just a couple times a day at the most. They actually use skiffs to get across most of the time and only use the new bridge if they need to get vehicles or equipment across. So…the bridge will stay pinned to the bank and open to marine traffic almost all of the time. He says they can get the bridge in place and vehicles across in just 4 or 5 minutes, so even if you need to stop, you’ll get to see the pontoon bridge in action without too much delay. A much bigger hazard is the boat ramp next to it…it can get really busy! Mike Ahart Editor, Waterway Guide
Many thanks to Skippers Lunsford for providing very recent reports from six shoaling areas between Myrtle Beach and Beaufort. Three of these areas have been designated SSECN Problem Stretches and their descriptions are listed below. For a recent report on McClellanville, see /?p=144354 For a 2013 ACOE survey of area north of Ben Sawyer Bridge, see /?p=125717 For a 12/2013 report on Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=129101 For an alternative to Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff, see /?p=134342
Hi there. We just came through this area in the last week, a bit ahead of the pack, so thought we’d pass on what we found at the traditional trouble spots to help those who come behind us (a copy of what we posted on a couple of Facebook groups). Thanx for all you do. Dan and Jaye Lunsford
SM 349-352 The Rockpile: This stretch has numerous rock ledges on the sides of the channel so its important to stay in the middle. Not quite as scary as it sounds, but its the first time on the journey that the ICW is anything but mud if you do make a mistake. The ledges are very easy to see at low tide, and there is plenty of water depth even at the lowest tide. On weekends it can be crowded with power boats who may want to pass you if you are a slower sailboat and there really isn’t a lot of room to move over.
SM 430-435 McClellanville: Time the tides here if at all possible. If you’re really motivated you can tiptoe your way through; we saw 6′ MLLW, but so much simpler to just give it a couple of hours.
SM 460 shoals before Ben Sawyer bridge: 4′ MLLW, so its really important to time the tides here. Favor the north side of the channel from before G117A to G119.
SM 471 Wappoo Creek Bridge: This operator is REALLY a stickler for time; bridge is closed during rush hour opens every 1/2 hour during the middle of the day (check the complex operating schedule) but if you aren’t waiting at the bridge before the opening, the operator will not hold even a moment but will make you wait for the next one.
SM 501-504 Watts Cut: Although not listed as a traditional trouble spot, there are numerous shoals to 6′ MLLW along this reach. In a slow sailboat it’s hard to time the tides to have water here, and also water at the next trouble spot.
SM 517 Ashepoo-Coosaw Cutoff: Stay at least a couple of boat lengths off G177 at the entry (“square the corner”) for 10′ MLLW. At the exit, R184 was reported destroyed; a new temporary drop aid (floating can) was placed there on Friday — we met the Coast Guard small boat that was doing the work on their way back. Slightly favor that NW side between R184 and G185, but time the tides if necessary, we saw 5′ MLLW here briefly.
Georgetown, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is fighting bravely to recover from a fire that destroyed the most active part of Georgetown’s waterfront tourist trade, taking restaurants, shops, bars and homes. Those of us who visit Georgetown regularly by boat or by car are pulling for these good folks to achieve a full recovery. Follow the story with this article by Claire Byun in the SunNews.com.
Georgetown businesses hanging on one year after fire that destroyed historic Front Street By Claire Byun September 25, 2014 Georgetown’s historic waterfront fire last September tore through seven buildings on Front Street, ripping apart nine businesses and the lives of those who lived above their shops. One year later, seven of those businesses have reopened.
Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2014/09/25/4498327/georgetown-businesses-hanging.html?sp=/99/134/#storylink=cpy
According to an article by Taylor Griffith in South Strand News, owners of abandoned vessels in the anchorage between the waterfront docks and Goat Island were notified June 30th to remove these boats. Unclaimed vessels will be forfeited to the city and sold at auction. Plans for an official mooring field in the popular anchorage have been in place since 2013, but installation has not begun. Development of Goat Island has also been in planning since 2013. See /?p=131025. For the full South Strand article, go to: http://www.southstrandnews.com/article/20140709/GTT06/140709873/-1/feed&source=RSS
Harborwalk Marina, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR! is the northwesternmost marina on the downtown Georgetown/Sampit River waterfront. Check out their shiny new, first-rate, shower and laundry building!
Stopped in on our way north after visiting Charleston. Had not visited in awhile but can say Georgetown has not let a fire slow them down. Great biking and walking along the tree lined streets. We remember this marina when they were a service station and boat lift. Now they have a new shower facility and great floating docks plus expansion plans. First Class all the way ‘“ town and marina. Friendly people. Doyle Evans
Ice cream is often the most sought after commodity whenever going ashore, regardless the time of day. When in Georgetown, enjoy the recommendations offered by Skipper Susan Landry, co-owner of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com)
I can not count how many times we have been into Harvest Moon ice cream in Georgetown, but there is a second shop, Sweeties, there as well. When nothing but a cold cone will do, either of these shops will fit the bill. Both shops are right on Front Street. The selections are plentiful and again, service with a smile. Who wouldn’t like working in an ice cream shop?? Susan Landry
As virtually all cruisers are aware by now, Georgetown experienced a horrendous fire on the harbor waterfront several weeks ago. We are once again greatly indebted to Captains Susan Landry and Chuck Baier, owners of Beach House Publications, publishers of “The Great Book of Anchorages,” (http://www.tgboa.com) for providing the superb, in-depth article and photographs on Georgetown’s recovery. THANKS CHUCK AND SUSAN!
Georgetown Harborwalk
Claiborne, we’re very happy to report that the downtown area of Georgetown, SC is recovering nicely from the devastating fire that destroyed a block of historic buildings. All of the affected businesses have relocated throughout the downtown area, and all of them are either open for business or will be opening very soon.
Georgetown is Recovering
Even though we arrived on a rainy and windy weekday with chilly temps, there was not a parking space to be had downtown. The shops and restaurants were busy and there were many visitors walking along the main street and on the Harborwalk.
The piles of debris still stand as a scar on the landscape and debris removal has been slowed due to finding asbestos in the ruins of the old buildings. This is not unusual for buildings of this age, but due to environmental regulations, the material can’t just be loaded on a truck and hauled away. The removal will continue as quickly as possible. The town is open for business and still welcoming to cruisers.
Georgetown Fire Aftermath/Debris
The marinas are all functional and doing their best to make us all feel at at home. The anchorage had about a half dozen cruising boats this evening, and there is space for more, even with the semi-permanently anchored boats that have been here for quite a while.
There are two new restaurants in town and the city has many holiday celebrations and events planned between now and Christmas. The town is raising funds for victims of the fire by selling t-shirts in some shops and taking donations.We encourage boaters to come to Georgetown and show our support to a great waterfront town. Chuck and Susan The Great Book Of Anchorages Navigation Notices Our Blogs Trawler Beach House Voyages of Sea Trek
Thanks Chuck and Susan’¦..Your kind words make every day better for all who are trying to recover from this devastating fire Geoff Groat
Georgetown Harborwalk Marina
Click Here To View the South Carolina Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Harborwalk Marina
Cruising Up the Sampit River To the Georgetown Waterfront
Make Georgetown, South Carolina A Port of Call During the Fall, 2013 Cruising Season A Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Editorial And Guide by Claiborne S. Young
By now, just about everyone has heard about the tragic fire which destroyed seven buildings in the “700 block” of downtown Georgetown, South Carolina on 9/25/13. The loss caused by the fire to this historic, waterside community is not inconsiderable, BUT there are still innumerable attractions unaffected by the conflagration, and cruisers WILL want to be sure to make Georgetown one of their ports of call during the fall, 2013 cruising season, and thereafter. This editorial’s purpose is to briefly outline some of the reasons that cruisers do NOT want to bypass Georgetown. And, over and above taking advantage of all the many attractions and services outlined below, let’s all spend some time here, and do our part to help this friendly community recover!
The Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net will publish a separate article concerning the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show in a few days, but for now, let’s do note that THIS EVENT WILL STILL TAKE PLACE, on Saturday, October 19, 2013 from 11 AM ‘“ 6 PM. Lots more information can be obtained concerning this truly fun festival at https://woodenboatshow.com/.
Georgetown Landing Marina, unlike the other Georgetown facilities, is located on the Pee Dee River side of Georgetown, right along Highway US 17. It is a bit of a hike into town, where the historic district and most of this community’s superb dining choices are to be found, but there is an adjacent Hampton Inn Motel if you want to get solid ground under your feet for a night or two.
Georgetown [Landing] Marina is good..we have stayed many times. Walk into the town. The water flow is super fast here..be on the lookout wheb getting fuel as the current throws you against the docks. Barbara and Ernie Roberts Bermudiana
On 4/30/13, as part of a South Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Statute Mile 403 ‘“ any dining and/or sightseeing recommendations in histroic, downtown Georgetown, SC will be much appreciated
Responses follow:
Rice Patty Restaurant in the old bank on main street is excellent. JackP
Nice shore facilities, very nice town, some good restaurants (try Limp’in Jane’s and Aunnies), good stores and shops. Grocery will send car but is only a nice walk anyway. Interesting history, take tour and see rice museum. Will stop here again in future. s/v Skye
We always stop at Thomas’ Cafe for breakfast and Kudzu Bakery for bread, cakes and muffins. Gregory Han
Be sure to tour the local museum and have dinner at the Rice Paddy Restaurant. We rate both the restaurant and the marina as among the best on the AICW from Norfolk to Florida. Jeanne and Terry Bieker CAVALIER
The River Room was excellent last year when Robin and I were there on a day trip by car. Emil and Robin Meyers
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To A “Navigation Alert” Position at Minim Creek Canal
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