Page 259 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

SOUTH C AROLINA  257

wooden boardwalk makes an dunes, dense maritime forests
attractive marsh-side promenade. of live oak draped with Spanish
The commercial district is moss and muscadine vines, and
reminiscent of a Southern numerous lagoons and marshes
small town in the early-to-mid- harbor a mix of wildlife such as
1900s, a quiet contrast to the sea turtles, seabirds, alligators,
Grand Strand or the bustle of ospreys, and dolphins.
Charleston. About 15 miles The area’s unique African-
(24 km) south of Georgetown, American history evolved
Hampton Plantation State Park around the common heritage
is an unfurnished 1750 Georgian of slaves, brought here from
house. Visitors are able to explore the rice-growing regions of
the mansion, which overlooks West Africa, to cultivate this Canoeing at the Hilton Head Island Resort,
the remains crop along the Coastal Islands
of the old tidal creeks.
rice fields. Isolated on sponsors storytelling programs
The well these islands, and an annual festival that
maintained the Lowcountry celebrates Gullah culture.
grounds include Africans were Beyond St. Helena, Hunting
enormous oak Hampton Plantation State able to perpet- Island State Park preserves
trees and beautiful Park, Georgetown uate their cultural a natural barrier island
camellia gardens. traditions over the environment. Its highlights
generations. Today, their “Gullah” include a pleasant, uncrowded
E Rice Museum heritage remains distinct in the beach, a coastside campground,
633 Front St. Tel (843) 546-7423. local language, music, cuisine, and a 19th-century lighthouse.
Open 10am–4:30pm Mon–Sat, and folkways. To the east of Hilton Head Island, named
11:30am–3:30pm Sun. Closed public Beaufort, two islands preserve after the English sea captain
hols. & 7 ∑ ricemuseum.org the natural and cultural history. William Hilton who explored the
O Hampton Plantation Both are accessible by car island in 1664, is South Carolina’s
State Park via Hwy 21, which offers a premier beach resort. It is domi-
1950 Rutledge Rd, McClellanville. panoramic view of the Port nated by several deluxe resort
Tel (843) 546-9361. Open 9am–5pm Royal Sound marsh landscape. complexes, including the Westin
daily (grounds). Closed Thanksgiving, On St. Helena Island, the Resort, Hyatt Regency, Crowne
Dec 25. & house (grounds free). renowned Penn Center is a Plaza, Disney, and, of course,
8 noon and 2pm Fri–Tue (house touchstone of Gullah culture. the Hilton, providing golf, tennis,
tours only). ∑ southcarolina A former school established and spa facilities. Among the
parks.com in 1862 by Pennsylvanian other recreational opportunities
abolitionists during the Civil are horseback riding, fishing,
War, the center has a distin- boating, sailing, and a variety
e Coastal Islands guished history from the of other water sports.
Civil Rights era. National leaders
n Lowcountry Visitors Center &
Museum, I95 exit 33 & US17, (843) such as Martin Luther King Jr. E Penn Center
16 Penn Center Circle W, St. Helena
717-3090. ∑ southcarolinalow and groups such as the Southern Island. Tel (843) 838-2432. Open
country.com Christian Leadership Conference
met here to advance the Civil 11am–4pm Mon–Sat. Closed public
Extending from Georgetown Rights Movement. A modest hols. & 7 ∑ penncenter.com
south to beyond Savannah in museum located in the old O Hunting Island State Park
Georgia, the remote islands of schoolhouse relates numerous 2555 Sea Island Pkwy, Hunting Island.
the Lowcountry are a semi- events from the center’s past Tel (843) 838-2011. Open Apr–Oct:
tropical region with a rich natural through photographs and 6am–9pm daily; Nov–Mar: 6am–6pm
and cultural history. Shifting sand other displays. The center also daily. & ∑ southcarolinaparks.com

Port Royal Sound marshland at dusk, Coastal Islands

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