Georgetown

Founded on Winyah Bay in 1729, Georgetown was once the center of America's colonial rice empire. It had a prosperous plantation culture (built on the backs of enslaved people) developed on a scale comparable to Charleston's, and the historic district is among the prettiest in the state. Today, oceangoing vessels still come to Georgetown's busy port, and the Harborwalk, the restored waterfront, hums with activity. Many of the restaurants along the river side of Front Street have back decks overlooking the water that come alive in the early evening for happy hour.