Awendaw/ McClellanville/Huger

Off the beaten path, just north of Mount Pleasant, you will find the small towns of Awendaw, McClellanville and Huger.  These charming towns are picturesque areas that are growing to accommodate those looking for a little more land while still providing a comfortable proximity to all of the conveniences and attractions of suburban Mount Pleasant and the beaches of Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island.

Awendaw

Heading North on Highway 17 is the rural fishing town of Awendaw.  Tucked into the Francis Marion National Forest along the marshy expanse of Bulls Bay, the town traces its origins to the Native American Sewee Tribe who also provided its name. Home to the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, Awendaw offers nature-lovers and active outdoor folks some of the best opportunities to experience the Lowcountry’s natural beauty.

Outdoor activities abound in Awendaw. Fishing, boating and crabbing are popular along the area’s many tidal creeks and the Intracoastal Waterway. In fact, crabbing is such a part of the local economy and culture that the town hosts the annual Blue Crab Festival showcasing some of the best local Southern treats, music and works of local artists. Those seeking opportunities for hiking and bird-watching can enjoy a variety of venues within the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. Comprised of over 66,000 acres and uninhabited barrier islands, the refuge is accessible only by boat or public ferry and offers unspoiled beaches and habitats for shorebirds, loggerhead turtles and other coastal species right in your own back yard. Bull Island boasts 16 miles of footpaths and trails for hiking and nature-loving enthusiasts, as well as renowned Boneyard Beach. Buck Hall Public Boat Landing is a popular local launch also offering camp grounds and picnic areas with views of the Intracoastal Waterway. The private, 18-hole Bulls Bay Golf Club and development offers members a prestigious lifestyle experience at one of the most beautiful, state-of-the-art courses in the Charleston area. Vast expanses of open land and quiet rural roads also make this area a favorite of cyclists and equestrians. Hikers can traverse the Awendaw Passage, a 7.1 mile stretch of coastal trails that include a scenic salt-marsh overlook and boardwalk along with canoe launch. End each day with a sunset more stunning than the one before it along the many marshes and creeks in the area.

For entertainment and outdoor pursuits, locals love the laid-back atmosphere of this town. Awendaw Green is a favorite venue for original music by Lowcountry musicians. Locals enjoy concerts with a friendly atmosphere of bonfires, food and a unique old barn setting with state-of the art sound equipment. It’s a perfect place to gather family, friends and community for a laid-back evening outdoors.

Of course, a coastal town has to have its share of great seafood restaurants and one in particular is the Sewee Restaurant which serves up fresh seafood and she-crab soup in a charming country store-style setting.  For a modern-day general store experience, Sewee Outpost is a one-stop shop serving the community with fuel, bait, and hunting, fishing, marine and camping supplies. A kitchen serving homemade southern food is a great place to stop for breakfast and lunch, plus their refrigerators and shelves are stocked with snacks, dry goods and Southern goodies to take away.

Because Awendaw homes typically rest on larger parcels of land, this area is a great place to find wooded, water-front and marsh-front homes or lots. Residents enjoy a peacefulness of country living within 15- 25 minutes of Mount Pleasant!

McClellanville

Just up the road from Awendaw and about half-way between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is the historic fishing village of McCellanville. Situated within the Santee River delta region and surrounded by the Francis Marion National Forest, McClellanville traces its history back to the arrival of European settlers in 1685. Present-day McClellanville is known for fresh seafood, diverse citizenry and of course, the beauty of the Lowcountry coast.

As with most coastal towns, McClellanville places strong emphasis on activities centered around the water.  McClellanville is the home of the annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival, celebrating one of the town’s most important economic resources with music, art, food and the Blessing of the Fleet.  Jeremy Creek runs through the center of town and the IntraCoastal Waterway borders the southern edge, allowing access for fishing, boating and kayaking.  History buffs can venture outside of the historic district to a variety of historic sites including Hopesewee Plantation along the North Santee River and Hampton Plantation along Hampton Creek.

Residents of McClellanville enjoy a true small-town feel with less commercial and big-box presence than other towns. Graced with wide, live oak-lined streets, the McClellanville historic district contains over 100 architecturally significant homes, churches, educational and commercial buildings dating from 1860- 1935.  Outside of the historic district, you’ll find a wider variety of home options offering different ways to enjoy this uniquely beautiful area. Just like Georgetown, homes in McClellanville tend to occupy larger lots and vary in style from classic farmhouse to brick ranch to coastal cottage and more. If you are looking to build your dream home, you will typically find a good variety of wooded and water/marsh-front lots available.

Huger

Northwest of Mount Pleasant, skirting the Francis Marion Forest, you’ll find the up and coming town of Huger.  What started as a tiny country town is beginning to experience growth in the form of several new construction communities. Those looking for an out-of-the way setting with the advantages of planned neighborhoods will find increasing options in this area.