5 Fall Activities Perfect for Spreading Out
A visit to the Hammock Coast in autumn means an array of activities perfect for the moderate temps. It is still warm enough to hit the water, while cool enough enjoy a cornucopia of outdoor recreation.
Biking
Our coastal communities have excellent biking paths and this is the perfect time of year to enjoy them. Topping the list is the Waccamaw Neck Bikeway, part of the East Coast Greenway stretching from Maine to Key West, Fla. There is a 12-mile stretch of flat, paved trails from Litchfield to south of Murrells Inlet. Take a ride through Huntington Beach State Park (admission required) for views of the salt marsh, freshwater lagoon and lots of birds. Bring your own bike or rent one when you arrive. Though the store is closed, Cyclopedia is still renting bicycles by appointment. Pawleys Island Beach Service also rents bicycles as well as other beach equipment. Offer deliveries or curbside pickup.
Fishing
Fall is also a great time of year for fishing, with plenty of fishing holes to wet a line. From the creeks to the inlets to the ocean, anglers cast for an array of fish. In Winyah Bay, for example, reel in bull redfish, black drum and speckled trout. Speckled trout and flounder are plentiful in the shallow waters in North Inlet, Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet. King Mackerel is a favorite to catch near shore, and anglers have also been known to reel in shark from time to time. Head to a pier at Great Pee Dee River in Georgetown or the Pier at Garden City to fish from shore. Or book a charter with one of the local charters, such as Barrier Island Guide Service, Pawleys Island Guide Service or Reel Fly Girlz Fishing Charters.
Golf
In many ways, golf is the perfect activity for social distancing. There is plenty of wide, open space. Golfers stick to foursomes on the course. There are limited surfaces to disinfect. Fortunately for Hammock Coast visitors, there are plenty of golf courses offering a range of play for all skill levels. Many of our properties are located on or near the True Blue Golf Club, with its vast fairways, undulating greens and impressive elevation changes. This is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is a beautiful course on a historic property, a former rice plantation. The scenery is spectacular and the layout is challenging. The well-rounded design at Litchfield Country Club makes it perfect for beginners, but challenging for skilled golfers. That is just for starters … there are more than a dozen premier courses along the Hammock Coast. Book a tee time and enjoy!
Beachin’
The before-mentioned Huntington Beach State Park is a relaxing beach with minimal crowds.There is lots of parking space a short walk to the shore. It is a family-oriented atmosphere, but be aware there is no lifeguard on duty. Enjoy lunch at one of the shaded picnic tables along this beautiful beach.
While at Huntington Beach State Park, step back in time with a visit to Atalaya Castle. The 30-room castle was built using Spanish and Moor architecture with courtyard and tall water tower. There is a separate admission charge.
Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens offers another attraction with plenty of space to stretch your legs. This National Historic Site contains the country's largest and most extensive sculpture collection of American Figurative Sculpture. The site also includes the Lowcountry Zoo, a gem with a beautiful layout that makes it easy to maintain social distancing. Some areas are closed due to the pandemic, including The Gardener's Cottage, Butterfly Exhibit, Garden Shuttle, Children's Discovery Room and children’s play areas.
Two autumn events are still slated to take place: Gullah Geechee Junkanoo on Sept. 19, a Masquerade and Cultural Celebration with music, children’s crafts and cultural demonstrations; and Harvest Home Weekend on Oct. 3-4, with family favorites like a pumpkin patch and scarecrow building will be back this year with social distancing protocols in place.
What’s on your agenda for autumn? Why not add a Hammock Coast getaway to the itinerary