TRIPS ON A TANKFUL: Brookgreen Gardens' Lowcountry Zoo, Old Georgetown

ONLINE EXTRA
Brookgreen Gardens New Otter Exhibit – River Basin Retreat

The River Basin Retreat is approximately 1,200 square feet in size and features an 8,000 gallon above-ground pool made from clear acrylic panels. Inside the pool, replicas of river banks provide the otters with places to rest above the water and serve as “diving boards” when the otters jump into the pool. This unique exhibit gives visitors the opportunity to see these lively little creatures at play and up close underwater. Click here to experience the River Basin Retreat.

IF YOU’RE GOING

Brookgreen Gardens Lowcountry Zoo

WHERE: Murrells Inlet, south of Myrtle Beach
HOW TO GET THERE: From Myrtle Beach, drive 18 miles south on Highway 17 located directly across from Huntington Beach State Park. From Florence, head east on Palmetto Street/US 76 towards Marion, then jump on 501 South towards Myrtle Beach; after you pass through Conway, take S.C. 544 towards Surfside Beach, then head south on 17 Bypass for about 14 miles.
WHAT YOU CAN DO THERE: In addition to the zoo, tour more than 300 acres of gardens and see amazing sculptures by American artists in an outdoor setting. Take excursions to parts of Brookgreen’s more than 6,000 acres that are not generally open to the public. Enjoy the special events and festivals, like Cool Summer Evenings, Wednesday through Fridays through August 15.
COSTS: Adults $12, children 6-12 $5, children 5 and under are free, seniors 65 and over $10
CONTACT INFO: (843) 235-6000 or 800-849-1931, and on the Web at www.brookgreen.org.

Georgetown Ghost Tour

WHERE: Downtown Georgetown, 907 Front Street.
HOW TO GET THERE: From Brookgreen Gardens, continue south for 18 miles on Highway 17.
WHAT YOU CAN DO THERE: Trolley tours of Georgetown’s haunted homes; tours of the historic district, featuring the Kaminski House Museum, Rice Museum, and old churches; fine dining and shopping along the Harbourwalk.
COSTS: After dark: Adults $15, children $10; Daytime tours: Adults $10, children $5
CONTACT INFO: (843) 833-2939, e-mail: RemberWhenTours@yahoo.com

The high price of gas has dashed the dreams of many wanting to take an affordable vacation this year. So why not hop in the car and take a day trip? There are great spots to visit off the beaten path without breaking the bank.

Brookgreen Gardens’ Lowcountry Zoo

Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington established Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet in 1931 as a nonprofit garden museum. Brookgreen is a National Historic Landmark with the only zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums on the coast of the Carolinas. It’s called the Lowcountry Zoo.

The Lowcountry Zoo features native animals that are either bred and raised in captivity or obtained from a wildlife rehabilitation center. You’ll see alligators, bald eagles, grey foxes, and owls. You’ll also see otters enjoying their new River Basin Retreat.

The zoo also features domestic animals, like the Marsh Tacky Horses, considered "rare breeds" and similar to animals of the 1800s.

Old Georgetown

Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina. Its rich history, hospitality, and Southern charm make it a wonderful Palmetto State travel destination.  

Near the Harbourwalk in the historic district of Georgetown you can take a Ghost Tour, with Remember When Tours. From one historic home to another, Remember When Tours shows and tells you the tales of haunted houses and ghosts. The ghost tour is one of many. For example,e you can tour wealthy Rice Planters’ homes and gardens, old churches, and the Rice Museum.

And finally, when you're ready for a tasty treat, stop by the Kudzu Bakery and Market at 120 King Street. Customers have enjoyed the delicious baked treats since the late 1980s when Joey and Stacie Rabon opened the bakery. Kudzu has been featured in numerous magazines, like Southern Living, and cuisine television shows on the Food Network.  

Few other areas in America contain more history or charm than Georgetown County.