What mementos will you take home from your vacation by the beach? With everything from hammocks to holograms for sale, the choices won't be easy. Here are some of the best places to treasure-hunt:
At Tanger Outlet Center, shoppers pay less than retail at brands that include Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, and Izod.
For authentic Lowcountry crafts, head 20 miles south to Pawleys Island, one of the state's oldest summer resorts. The Hammock Shops complex -- where rope hammocks are still made using generations-old weaving techniques -- houses restaurants and shops selling unique arts, crafts, and other collectibles.
TRAVELING SOUTH
It's worth traveling even further south to the tidelands of Georgetown, 30 miles from Myrtle Beach. Throughout its history, the area has been home to pirates, plantation owners, and presidents. Today in this coastal county popular activities include boat and walking tours and strolls on uncongested beaches. Learn about plantation life at the Rice Museum and in magnificent old homes, and feast on freshly caught seafood.
AtHuntington Beach State Park, families can tour a Moorish-style mansion, then follow trails along the freshwater lagoon and salt marsh boardwalk at one of the East Coast's best birding sites. Brookgreen Gardens, the world's largest sculpture garden, contains more than 500 examples of American sculpture and holds a wildlife park, reflecting pools, aviary, museum shop, and education center.
CRUISING SOUTH CAROLINA
Along the same rivers that Waccamaw Indians once explored and steam side-wheelers later chugged, ancient cypress still stand and alligators, turtles, and other creatures continue to make their home. In the 18th century pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd sailed these waters. Today, you can.
The tall ship Jolly Rovertakes passengers on voyages that leave from Georgetown's Harborwalk, sail past an uninhabited island, and travel through plantation tidelands. Keep the camera cocked; at any time a bald eagle, sea bird, or great blue heron may come into focus.
Great American Cruises' riverboat rides aboard the BarefootPrincess and Southern Starfeature live entertainment and reasonably priced dining. Departing from Waccatee Zoo, the Zoo Cruiseoffers a brief cruise as well as a dinner voyage.
Sea Screamer, the world's largest speedboat, combines a two-hour narrated cruise of the Intracoastal waterway with an exhilarating ride.
Aboard the Osprey, passengers can learn about 500 years of local history, mystery, and romance as they glide through the swampy wonderland surrounding Pawleys Island.
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