An artist’s work leaves a lasting impression at this garden destination in the culture-rich Lowcountry of South Carolina.
When renowned sculptor Anna Vaughn Hyatt met art enthusiast Archer Milton Huntington in New York in 1921, love quickly blossomed. The couple chose Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, as the location for their winter home and purchased four former rice plantations to combine into one estate. Anna’s sculptures were displayed in the gardens, creating an alfresco gallery, and in the early 1930s, the Huntingtons opened Brookgreen Gardens to the public. It’s now considered a premier attraction by garden lovers, tourists, and locals alike.
A short drive from Myrtle Beach, guided tours or solo strolls are encouraged on Brookgreen’s 9,000-plus acres. Nearly 1,500 works of art by Anna and other American sculptors are on display, interspersed with creative plantings. Anna’s appreciation of animals is reflected in her work with the chisel, and that same kind of esteem is also evident in the gardens’ wildlife preserve.
Guests can hike trails or take a guided boat tour of the rice fields to learn about the history of the area and the influence of Gullah culture. Beyond the gardens, Murrells Inlet offers kayaking, boating, fishing, and paddleboarding. The half-mile-long MarshWalk offers excellent views of the water that so enchanted Anna and Archer decades ago.
LOCAL FLAVOR
In a region known as the “Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” restaurants in Murrells Inlet and nearby Pawleys Island serve up sensational fresh-catch dishes. Gulfstream Cafe (below) provides picturesque views with Southern favorites like shrimp and grits. Burgers and biscuits are the order of the day at BisQit (above, left), while Wicked Tuna (above, right) offers both familiar seafood specialties and creative sushi rolls.
SHOP AROUND
Seaside style abounds in this corner of the world. Shop for sun hats, nautical décor, and gifts at the boutiques of The Hammock Shops Village, such as The Beach House (below, left). Don’t miss the Lowcountry treats at Carolina Gourmet; pop over to Litchfield Books to peruse volumes with local connections. For decorating delights, try The Shops at Tweaked (above), and discover distinctive wares and artwork at MISC – Everything Murrells Inlet.
Photography by John O’Hagan
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