Historic Downtown Georgetown was recently renovated and has many unique stores and boutiques. It is situated on the water just minutes from Belle Isle. Georgetown has many walking paths and a lovely boardwalk along their marina. Pawley’s Island, 12 miles north, also offers many specialty shops and stores. There are many shopping malls and factory outlets in Myrtle Beach and Charleston, each less than one-hour from Belle Isle.

Local Interest
Georgetown was a busy seaport in the early 1700’s; it is the 3rd oldest city in South Carolina. The maritime atmosphere can still be felt while walking the Harbor Walk behind the business district; the shrimp trawlers and fishing boats can still be seen unloading their catch. The Rice Museum and Kaminski House are two local museums offering a look back at the past events and people of the area. And we can’t forget Battery White, the Confederate fortifications that protected Georgetown, which are located on the grounds of Belle Isle itself!  Just to the south is Francis Marion National Forest and The Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge.

Hobcaw Barony
A 7, 500 acre research reserve, Hobcaw Barony is one of the few undeveloped tracts on the Waccamaw Neck. The Native Americans called it "hobcaw," meaning between the waters. In 1718, the land became a colonial land grant,a barony. Sold and subdivided into plantations extending from the river to the sea, Hobcaw Barony was part of the great rice empire until the turn of the 20th century. The Belle W. Baruch Foundation is a non-profit organization and owner of the 17,500-acre wildlife refuge, Hobcaw Barony. Made as a royal land grant in 1718, it was eventually subdivided into 14 individual plantations. It became the winter residence of Wall Street millionaire and presidential adviser Bernard Baruch. Mr. Baruch's daughter, Belle, purchased all of the barony over a period of several years and at her death a foundation was created to use the land for the "purposes of teaching and/or research in forestry, marine biology, and the care and propagation of wildlife, flora and fauna in connection with colleges and/or universities in the state of South Carolina." More information can be found at www.hobcawbarony.org.

Huntington Beach State Park

Huntington Beach offers its visitors the best preserved beach on the Grand Strand. The park’s freshwater lagoon, saltmarsh, maritime forest and beach are outstanding examples of the state’s natural coastal environment. These also provide such prime habitat for birds that the park is widely recognized as one of the best birding sites along the East Coast. Huntington Beach is also the site of the historic “Atalaya” castle. The former winter home and studio of noted American sculptor, Anna Hyatt Huntington, and her husband, Archer Milton Huntington, Atalaya is also listed as a National Historic Landmark. The prestigious juried "Atalaya Arts and Crafts festival" is held at the castle and attracts thousands of visitors to the park each September. Click here for more information.