Great Reasons to Spend Thanksgiving on the Hammock Coast

Thanksgiving may just be the most perfect of American holidays. There's not all the stress of Christmas-prep. The family gathers for a big spread with everyone’s favorite foods. It's not cold enough for big coats and mittens, but it’s cool enough for sweaters and scarfs. And there’s oyster dressing, pecan pie, pumpkin spice lattes and football.

 

What’s not to love? And while sitting around Grandma’s big dinner table may be a time-honored tradition for your bunch, it may be time to start a new custom. Like a trip to the Hammock Coast.

 

Start your Thanksgiving Day with a run that includes a view of the Atlantic Ocean. The 9th Annual Surfside Rotary Turkey Trot starts and finishes at the Surfside Beach Pier on Nov. 28.  The course is fast and flat and highlights the natural beauty of the Hammock Coast. Multiple races include 5K, 10K, 1 Mile and a free Tot Trot. Whether you’re a walker or runner, or even if you’re pushing a stroller, join more than 1,300 runners for this fun event. Races start at 8:30 a.m.

 

After you work up an appetite, enjoy a big breakfast at Coastal Dish Lowcountry Dining at the Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort on Pawleys Island. They serve a full array of hot items, including made-to-order eggs and omelets, bacon, sausage, grits, oatmeal, fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt and cereal. 

 

After breakfast relax with a walk on the beach, bike, play a round of golf or paddle one of our waterways. The 60-degree days make it pleasant for outdoor activity. You can even bring a surfboard and hit the waves.

 

Hammock Coast Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving

When it comes time for Thanksgiving dinner, you have options. Several Pawleys Island restaurants are open or stock up the day before at the local market and cook your own feast. Our vacation rentals include well-appointed kitchens with everything you need to prepare a bountiful holiday meal. 

 

Applewood House of Pancakes: Located on Pawleys Island, a meal of turkey, ham, roast beef, fried chicken, shrimp creole, dressing, rice, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collards, butter beans, corn, green beans, sweet potato casserole, salad, rolls and desserts will be served with seating times beginning at 11 a.m. The cost is $18.99 for adults, $9.99 for kids ages 6-12 and $5.95 for kids ages 3-5. Call 843-979-1022 for reservations.

 

Brookgreen Gardens: Feast on a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with seatings beginning at 11 a.m. in Murrells Inlet. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $13.95 for children ages 4-12 and kids under 3 are free. Reservations are required. Call 843-235-6052.

 

Hanser House: Located in Litchfield, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Southern Comforts: In Pawleys Island, a Thanksgiving buffet with more than 80 items and a carving station will be offered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $28 for adults and kids under 12 are $14. Kids 3 and under eat free. 

 

If you're into Black Friday shopping, head to Hammock Shops Village and Litchfield Books in Pawleys Island, The Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet or the quaint shops and specialty boutiques in Historic Georgetown. You’re sure to find just the right gifts for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.

 

It's worth the hour or so drive to Little River to watch the Intracoastal Christmas Regatta on Nov. 30. Each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this festive maritime parade starts at Little River Inlet at 5 p.m. and travels south, arriving at Dock Holidays Marina at 7 p.m. There are several locations along the waterway to view the regatta and local restaurants along the parade route plan special menus as part of the celebration.

Kick back on the Hammock Coast this year to start a new family Thanksgiving tradition.