Why This South Carolina Town Deserves More Attention
Every so often, while traveling, you stumble upon a town that feels like home. McClellanville, South Carolina is one of these rare places, where time moves slower, rivers remain untouched, and the townfolk greet you as their own at their local festivals and farmers markets. The seafood in McClellanville will leave you reminiscing, home to a thriving seafood industry that catches shrimp, crab, and other local delicacies. Meanwhile, a trip to the wild, remote islands of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, such as Bulls Island, an uninhabited barrier island, will give you the much-needed chance to unwind and recharge. If you are looking for a relaxing escape this year that focuses on life’s simple pleasures and good Southern cooking, you will love what McClellanville has to offer.
Bulls Island
McClellanville is the perfect place to explore South Carolina’s majestic Lowcountry, which is home to swamps, islands, and countless wildlife species. Bulls Island, part of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, is a wonderful example of this region’s ecosystems. Travelers can reach this island via a 30-minute ferry with Coastal Expeditions. During the trip, a knowledgeable team will share information about the area’s history and diversity of wildlife. Concluding the ferry ride, travelers will arrive at the island, which is the largest of the wildlife refuge, spanning 6.5 miles and completely uninhabited. There are 5,000 acres of maritime forest, sections of fresh and brackish water, seven miles of pristine beaches, and 16 miles of trails to explore. If you are a birdwatcher, you will be in paradise! There are more than 275 species of bird in the area, along with other animal species like sea turtles and dolphins.
Other Outdoor Adventures
If you prefer to explore the marshy ecosystems of McClellanville at your own pace, consider spending a day on the Wambaw Creek Wilderness Canoe Trail. This canoe trail, lined by cypress-tupelo stands, flows along a blackwater creek, offering canoers a peaceful float down the river. There is also plenty of wildlife to keep your eye out for, including river otters, prothonotary warblers, and swallow-tailed kites.
Meanwhile, in the heart of town, travelers will find the ancient and cherished Deerhead Oak. This oak is one of the largest in the region, boasting a circumference of 30.6 feet and a height of roughly 67 feet. It is also one of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi River, with some scientists estimating it to be approximately 1,500 years old. Because of its age and longevity in town, it is considered by many to be an important symbol for McClellanville, so make sure to stop by and see it for yourself.
Seafood & Culinary Scene
If fresh Atlantic seafood sounds tempting, be sure to arrive in McClellanville with an appetite. Each spring, the town hosts the annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival, which has been a McClellanville tradition since 1977. During the event, attendees can enjoy all sorts of seafood ranging from fried shrimp plates and shrimp kabobs to Frogmore stew. There will also be local vendors selling artisan-made products like paintings, handmade soaps, and home decor.
Travelers who visit McClellanville on the weekend should make sure to stop by the McClellanville Growers Market. This market, which takes place in the heart of McClellanville, is filled with local vendors selling an assortment of fresh goods. Some of the highlights in recent weeks have included the savory pies of Sur-pies Treats & Catering, fresh flowers from Heaven Scent, and local jams from Honey Hill Homestead.
Year-round, there are plenty of other places to grab some freshly caught seafood. T W Graham & Co, for example, is a highly rated seafood restaurant that serves southern-style seafood like fried crab, fried shrimp, and sea scallops. Travelers looking to pick up some fresh seafood to take home with them have several options as well, such as Livingston's Bulls Bay Seafood, which specializes in locally caught and raised clams, shrimp, oysters, and soft-shelled crabs depending on the season.
McClellanville Arts Council
Despite being home to just roughly 700 residents, McClellanville has a lively arts scene that travelers can experience through the McClellanville Arts Council. This council has works from several local artists in its shop, including Kristy Bishop, who specializes in hand-sewn and dyed fiber jewelry; Ron & Natalie Daise, children's book authors and illustrators; and Stacey Green, a glass artist working with stained, torch, mosaic, and blown glass. The art council is also an important pillar of the community, offering periodic art events and workshops. Some of the upcoming events that visitors could attend include a watercolor hummingbird painting class, a jazz concert, a Harry Potter summer camp, and an art camp for young children.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself craving the chance to disconnect, South Carolina’s Lowcountry makes the perfect destination. Particularly, the small community of McClellanville is a great choice for those seeking classic Southern hospitality, complete with seafood festivals, local farmers markets, and kind art councils. So don’t be afraid to step away from the state’s more popular destinations and discover what the small community of McClellanville has awaiting!
