This Here Town is McClellanville, SC
Are you visiting McClellanville, SC? Are you looking for the best things to do in McClellanville? Learn all about this sweet South Carolina fishing town!
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T.W. Graham & Co. Seafood is an institution in McClellanville, SC by Reese Moore Photography
Just up the coast from Charleston and down the road from Georgetown lies a peaceful slice of historic South Carolina that you don't want to miss:
McClellanville, South Carolina, is a charming, authentic fishing village that dates back to the 1800s.
McClellanville boasts a population of around 500 people, nearly all of whom are full-time residents. The blink-and-you'll-miss-it downtown is home to a lovely array of local businesses, nestled between the stately old homes. As you stand in conversation outside T. W. Graham & Co., you'll notice everyone waves at each car that passes by.
It's the sort of town where you don't have to tell people that you're not from there - they already know.
Beautiful homes and ancient live oak trees abound in McClellanville, SC.
The Vibe:
Time slows down when you make the turn off of Highway 17 toward McClellanville. It would be a mistake, however, to call McClellanville "sleepy." The pace of life may be slower and more intentional, but there is a richness to the history, businesses, and art in this soulful seaside town.
The people who live here are friendly, curious, and proud of their hometown. Don't be surprised if strangers ask what you're doing here before giving you a very extensive and insightful lay of their land.
Colorful signage in McClellanville, South Carolina.
The Charm Factor:
Ancient live oaks tower over the streets and historic homes, their thick branches draped with Spanish moss. It's ok to slow your car and gawk at the pre-Civil War era homes; there's likely nobody behind you. Roll the windows down and soak up the roar of the cicadas, y'all; this here small town is all about the simple things.
Shrimping is a way of life in McClellanville, South Carolina.
The History:
There is a lot of history in McClellanville and the surrounding areas, dating back to the mid-1700s. Thomas Lynch, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was born minutes away from McClellanville at Hopsewee Plantation and later became lost at sea in 1779.
The actual town of McClellanville began in the late 1850s when local plantation owners A.J. McClellan and R.T. Morrison sold off lots in the vicinity of Jeremy Creek to planters of the Santee Delta. The first store opened soon after the Civil War, and the village became an economic hub for the area. McClellanville is still known for its excellent seafood, especially the shrimp hauled in by all the local shrimpers. (Take note of the "Bless our shrimpers" and "Eat local shrimp" signs throughout the area.)
Hopsewee Plantation in McClellanville, South Carolina.
Life by the sea does not come without its share of hardship and tragedy, however. McClellanville was devastated by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, and the survivors' stories of shrimp boats in yards, houses ripped from their foundations, and families busting through the ceilings of their homes to escape into attics as a last resort are harrowing and heartbreaking.
It's worth a Google image search of McClellanville in the wake of Hurricane Hugo as a reminder that this beautiful village is anchored in resilience and grit.
Note: Many of the local businesses are only open Thursday through Sunday, so plan your trip accordingly.
Local shrimp is a must in McClellanville, SC.
Best Things to Do in McClellanville:
Buy some local seafood.
Fishing and shrimping are a way of life in McClellanville, and they pride themselves on the quality and freshness of their catch. Carolina Seafood is located directly across from the boats on the corner of Oak and Morrison streets. Livingston's Bulls Bay Seafood is a 3rd-generation, family-owned seafood purveyor located directly on the water that exclusively sells local seafood. They're known for shrimp, soft-shelled crabs, clams, and oysters, and the availability depends on the season.
Visit the McClellanville Arts Council/Pickney Street Gallery.
The McClellanville Arts Council and Pickney Street Gallery feature a really high-quality and thoughtfully curated selection of works from local artists. I was deeply impressed by the level of artistry exhibited in both the shop and the adjacent gallery. You'll love the intricate ocean-inspired glasswork, nature photography, jewelry, and pressed and matted local flora. Check their calendar for information on exhibit openings and closings and upcoming workshop opportunities.
The McClellanville Arts Council offers a thoughtfully curated selection of work from local artists.
Kayak a blackwater swamp.
Grab a paddle and hit the Wambaw Creek Wilderness Area Kayak and Canoe Trail to take in the beauty of McClellanville’s blackwater swamps and protected forests. Nature Adventure Outfitters is more than happy to be your guide!
Peruse the shops.
McClellanville might be a no-stop-light town, but they do have several adorable shops that you should make a point to check out. O+C (Oscar and Cornelius) offers adorable farmhouse chic decor. Drop in the Yellow House across the street as well!
The Deerhead Oak in McClellanville, SC is more than 1,000 years old.
Climb the Deerhead Oak.
The Deerhead Oak’s towering branches stretch more than 67 feet toward the sky, and its longest limb measures 70 feet. This striking live oak tree is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old, and the people of McClellanville have repurposed some of the massive storm-felled branches into benches beneath the canopy. Bring a book or picnic, take a turn on the tire swing, and enjoy the shade of this iconic tree.
Attend the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival.
The Lowcountry Shrimp Festival has been a 44+ year tradition in McClellanville. Be sure to come hungry: they serve up crispy fried shrimp plates, Frogmore stew, chicken and shrimp kebobs, bbq sandwiches, and more. Eat and drink (responsibly) while listening to several local bands and shopping for handcrafted and artisan products from selected vendors. The Lowcountry Shrimp Festival takes place in May each year.
Join the Blessing of the Fleet.
The Blessing of the Fleet is a special event that takes place during the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival. McClellanville residents and visitors bless the village’s shrimping fleet and captains in preparation for the upcoming shrimp season. The colorfully decorated trawlers slowly parade down Jeremy Creek to the prayers of local clergy, and a floral wreath is laid on the waters in memorial of those lost at sea.
Visit the St. James Santee Brick Church outside of McClellanville, South Carolina.
Drive out to the St. James Santee Brick Church.
Down a long, quiet, almost abandoned stretch of dirt road lies a true historic treasure: the St. James Santee Brick Church. The St. James Santee Brick Church was built in 1786 and has long been associated with the French Huguenot settlers. "The body of the church was built of brick imported from England, but the columns of the portico were constructed of local wedge-shaped bricks. The pews were made of hand-pegged cypress, the flagstone floor has withstood the ravages of two wars and the vaulted ceiling still retains the original plasterwork," states the official church website.
The desolate grounds on Old King's Highway maintain an almost-eerie reverence. Step through the rounded brick columns and slide the heavy bolt to enter this historic church, once known as "a mighty refuge."
Note: While passable, the dirt road to the St. James Brick Church is not frequently traveled. I made the trek in my small SUV during arid conditions, and I did lose a bit of traction on the loose sand. The local restaurant owner who strongly advised me to go see this stunning little church also cautioned against taking the road after long periods of rain.
Buy tickets for the Gullah Tour at Hopsewee Plantation.
Do the Gullah Tour at Hopsewee Plantation.
Hopsewee Plantation was constructed circa 1740, 40 years before the American Revolutionary War. It is the birthplace of Thomas Lynch Jr., one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The expansive rice plantation is one of 12 remaining birthplaces for the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and it's been called a "preservation" rather than a "recreation."
The property remains privately owned, but Hopsewee is open to the public and offers several informative tours and events. The Gullah tour offers important cultural and historical insights into the 178 enslaved people who once lived and worked the land. They also offer sweetgrass basketweaving workshops, house tours, and ghost tours.
Explore Cape Romain.
Sign up for an exclusive tour of the Cape Romain Lighthouses with Coastal Expeditions. Constructed in 1827 and 1857 respectively, the lighthouses stand 6 miles offshore. You'll maneuver your way through the estuary to the island with the help of a naturalist guide, who will point out wildlife along the way.
The Saint James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church was built in 1768.
Drop by the Saint James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church.
The Saint James-Santee Parish Episcopal Church is absolutely adorable. Dating back to 1768, this sweet church features striking and sophisticated Georgian architecture, intricate stained glass, and towering oak trees. The church is open to the public.
Visit the Village Museum
Brush up on local history at the Village Museum. The exhibits cover the timeline of the town, starting with the Sewee Indians before the arrival of the French Huguenots, all the way through the growth of the modern seafood industry.
Pay your respects at the Lowcountry Seaman's Memorial.
Take a moment of silence at the Lowcountry Seaman’s Memorial. The memorial pays tribute to all those who lost their lives in the coastal waters, and the beautiful memorial overlooks the water.
Hampton Plantation rests on 300 acres of land along the banks of Hampton Creek.
Check Out Hampton Plantation.
The original core of the Hampton Plantation house dates to 1735, and today the property encompasses 300 acres of what was once a colonial-era rice plantation. As part of the South Carolina State Parks, “The plantation now serves as an interpretive site for the system of slavery and rice cultivation in the region from the colonial period through the end of the Civil War. The property also tells the story of the freed people who made their homes in the Santee Delta region for generations after emancipation.” Learn more about Hampton Plantation here.
Make the drive to the Bull's Island Ferry.
Sixteen miles of trails, seven miles of sandy shoreline, and a “boneyard beach” await you on Bull’s Island after your 30-minute eco-tour/ferry ride. The remote barrier island boasts 5,000 acres of pristine habitat, and you’re sure to encounter animals like sea birds, dolphins, sea turtles, alligators, and bald eagles during your adventure.
Walk the C Thomson Labyrinth.
Take a meditative moment at the Thomson Labyrinth. The brick maze is tucked into the grass on private property, but a sign with informative flyers welcomes guests and invites them to explore the labyrinth. My husband and I stumbled on this peaceful place, and it was the loveliest experience.
T. W. Graham & Co. in McClellanville, SC.
Restaurants in McClellanville, SC:
T.W. Graham & Co.: tasty seafood, fun vibe, friendly owners
McClellanville Diner: pleasant, no-frills spot for locals and visitors
Bent Rod
Tea Room at Hopsewee Plantation
Support South Carolina-Made Products:
The Unpainted South was photographed by McClellanville Resident Buck Hill.
Bull’s Bay Sea Salt is harvested in Bull’s Bay, right outside McClellanville. Try the smoked flake!
Toadfish made coastal kitchen tools and gear for the avid outdoorsman. They also replenish South Carolina’s coastal waters by replanting oyster beds.
Red Clay Hot Sauce is a must in our house. It literally goes with anything.
Ranky Tanky is a Grammy Award-winning Charleston-based band that explores Gullah culture through music.
Jack Rudy Cocktail Syrups are perfect for summer porch-sitting, especially the Sweet Tea Syrup.
The McClellanville Seafood Cookbook will guide you through all that fresh seafood you take home.
Candlefish nautical tin candle, because you can never have too many candles.
Have you been to McClellanville? What are your favorite spots, sights, or memories? Drop 'em in the comments below.
