Wedding & Event Venue near Georgetown, SC

GEORGETOWN — For seven years, Tonya Moore fed the employees of International Paper.

She opened her café, The Front Porch, at 6 a.m. each morning and watched the workers drift in for breakfast.

Moore knew their names and orders by heart. They shared small talk, laughter and the news of births, marriages, illnesses and deaths. To her, they were more than customers.

”Working over at the paper mill, it just felt like family," she said. "It was like, we’re home."

At lunchtime, business at The Front Porch was booming. Moore and the other café workers flew into action — cooking, taking orders (sometimes for whole departments) and promptly serving the employees so they could fuel up before returning to work.

”You've got to get them fed and in and out,” Moore explained.

On Dec. 19, the flurry of activity, the friendly exchanges and the smell of food wafting through the mill’s spacious cafeteria stopped.

By then, the mill’s workforce had dwindled to about 60 people, and Moore understood it was time to move on.

She knew the day was coming. On Oct. 31, IP announced it would be shuttering its 87-year-old mill, leaving nearly 700 employees and about 200 contractors without jobs.

That included Moore and the other workers at The Front Porch.

The mill closed at the end of 2024 and is expected to be decommissioned by this summer, according to local officials.

"You don’t ever think that would happen," Moore said. "Not there."

Moore’s uncles, brothers and father all worked at or retired from the mill. Its closure was a devastating blow to her family and to many others.

But Moore plans to carry on part of its legacy.

A second home

Sitting in one of her new restaurant's green, cushioned booths, Moore gazed out the window at the paper mill, which is visible from The Front Porch's new location on Highmarket Street.

"Served a lot of food out of that café," she said. "A lot of food."

Around her, bangs and clatters rang through the space as people worked to prepare the restaurant for opening day.

The Front Porch will be reopening in the former George’s Restaurant location. Moore is hopeful it can start welcoming customers in April.

She said she'd like to maintain the spirit of the mill location — the sense of camaraderie and familiarity. The mill employees were loyal customers, and she hopes the new location will garner similar support.

The menu will be a little different, but the daily specials will likely stay the same, Moore said. Many of the mill workers were creatures of habit.

"Those men had it memorized," she said. "You know, they knew what day was what."

One former mill worker, Chris Mercer, fondly remembers his usual Thursday order.

“Every Thursday: get a fried pork chop and grilled pork chop, macaroni, cornbread, and, depending on the vegetable, it could be sausage and cabbage or collard greens or turnips," he said.

Sometimes, he’d also get a piece of cake.

The Front Porch is rooted in Southern comfort food but also offers sandwiches, burgers, salads, wraps and bakery items.

Moore handles the appetizers, salads and baked goods, while her mother is in charge of the Southern-style cooking. She started working at The Front Porch after her husband, Moore's father, died. Being around his former friends and coworkers made her feel close to him.

Her mother was well-liked by the paper mill employees, according to Ritchie Powell, who worked at the mill for 13 years and ate at the Front Porch almost every day.

“Everybody called her MeeMaw,” he said. “I don’t even know what her real name is.”

Mercer and Powell said they plan to continue eating at the Front Porch at its new location and said it's nice to see a part of the mill survive.

Life without IP has been a big adjustment, Mercer said. He now has to wake up at 3 a.m. and travel over an hour to his new job at Century Aluminum near Goose Creek.

He's losing sleep and doesn’t get to spend as much time with his daughter, he said. He'd like to get another job closer to home, even if it means taking a pay cut.

Amid all the change, he said it will be good to see familiar faces from the mill at The Front Porch.

"We spent more time there than at home. Everybody knew each other and knew what's going on in each other's lives and stuff," he said. "So, it'd be nice at least to have that part of it and catch up."

Moore suspects operating a traditional restaurant will take some getting used to. She won’t be able to count on a steady flow of customers like she was accustomed to serving at the mill. And it could take a little longer to get to know her regulars.

But ultimately, she wants The Front Porch to be a small-town diner where she can meet new customers, expand the menu and create an atmosphere that feels like sitting down at a grandmother’s kitchen table.

"We like to feed people," she said. "It's what we like to do. And if we can make a living doing it, that’s a plus."

The beach, forest, and city are all within a short drive from Georgetown, South Carolina.

By

Caroline Eubanks

In This Article

Located between the Lowcountry city of Charleston and the Grand Strand stretch of beaches (including Myrtle Beach) are several quiet and charming South Carolina communities. Among them is Georgetown, the state's third-oldest city, set on the river. But don’t call it a smaller version of the Holy City.

I became familiar with the city decades ago while attending college in Charleston. Despite it being less than a two-hour drive, passing the produce stands set up along US-17, I’d stop for much-needed caffeine at one of the cafes on Front Street after a weekend at the beach.

These days, Georgetown makes for a great weekend getaway, as I recently discovered upon revisit, because you’re close to it all. Beaches, forest, and the city are all within a short drive. Best of all, there’s a calmer pace here than the surrounding cities. Plan your visit around annual events like the Georgetown Wooden Boat Show, held every fall to showcase the finest maritime craftsmanship.

Most travelers will fly into either Charleston International Airport (CHS) or Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) and rent a car. Once you’re in town, most locations are accessible on foot or by golf cart, but you may want to drive to nearby towns.

Best Things to Do

Georgetown was founded in 1792 and came to prominence through the production of indigo and rice, at one time for half of the nation’s rice production. But it came at the cost of enslaved individuals, who are part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community.

The Gullah Museum celebrates the contributions of the African people that settled in the area after the Civil War, showcasing their art, language, and traditions. Don’t skip the downstairs gallery and gift shop, with pieces from Gullah artists.

Hit the open water with one of the several boat tour operators, spotting dolphins and birds along the way. You can also charter a trip to Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, a remote paradise only accessible by boat from neighboring McClellanville.

Wealthy New Yorker Bernard Baruch came to Hobcaw Barony for duck hunting in 1904 before purchasing the 16,000-acre property as a hunting preserve and retreat for his family. Over the years, Baruch welcomed Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jack London, and Winston Churchill. After the death of his daughter, Belle, a foundation was created in her honor, which still manages the site as a research center. Guided tours are offered throughout the week, including stops at the multiple homes on the property, including Belle’s house, Bellefield, and the surrounding salt marsh.

Georgetown is also an easy launching point for the gems along the coast. Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion eluded British troops in the waterways around the county during the Revolutionary War and was honored with his namesake national forest. Filled with imposing bald cypress trees, it spans more than 250,000 acres and is popular for birding and kayaking.

Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet started as the residence of sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington and her husband, industrialist Archer Milton Huntington. It’s now one of the nation’s top sculpture gardens, hosting annual events like the Nights of a Thousand Candles during the holiday season. It also houses a botanical garden and zoo.

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Where to Eat and Drink

Start the day at Thomas Cafe, a local favorite for the past 75 years for hearty Southern breakfasts like shrimp and grits, shrimp and crab-stuffed omelets, and all the coffee you can drink.

Taking its name from the city’s former seafood market, The Independent opened inside The George Hotel with, of course, a seafood-heavy menu and raw bar serving craft cocktails. Don’t miss the crab cakes or blackened red drum, but save room for hummingbird cake.

On the casual end of the spectrum is Buzz’s Roost, a waterfront sports bar with favorites like crab dip, fried shrimp, and abundant tropical drinks. Between the Antlers is another local favorite, set on the far end of the Harborwalk. Root is known for its hearty entrees like meatballs and grits and prime steaks.

Georgetown’s only craft brewery, Winyah Bay Brewing Co., creates beers inspired by the surroundings, including the Wooden Boat Beer and Research Monkeys on the Loose, dedicated to the primates that escaped from a Yemassee research facility.

Where to Shop

Every town needs a good bookstore and Waterfront Books is Georgetown’s. You’ll find titles from Lowcountry authors like the late Pat Conroy plus new releases and artwork.

Sip coffee from Urban Brew while browsing Bluebird Vintage, which has several booths of retro furniture and decor. Even better, the furniture in the coffee shop is also for sale.

The specialty grocery Indigo Mercantile is the best spot to pick up wine and ingredients like spice mixes.

Where to Stay

Opened in spring 2024, The George Hotel has 56 rooms and suites covered in coastal artwork with waterfront views. Enjoy complimentary tea and coffee every morning in the light-filled lobby. Eliza’s, the outdoor bar, is the perfect place for a seasonal sundowner, and you can even access the marina (BYOB—boat, that is).

Baxter's Brewhouse Inn was inspired by the inns of Europe, swapping out the traditional bed-and-breakfast experience for another: bed and beer. Guests of the three-bedroom space enjoy a daily continental breakfast and beer brewed by one of the owners, a 20-year home-brewing veteran.

For something a bit more traditional, 620 Prince is a luxury B&B in a restored 1800s home. With four guest rooms plus a separate cottage, perks include an outdoor pool, a European-style breakfast, and weekend wine receptions.

GEORGETOWN — A developer intends to purchase the idled Liberty Steel mill as part of a plan to redevelop Georgetown’s waterfront, state and local officials said.

State Rep. Lee Hewitt, R-Murrells Inlet, and Georgetown Mayor Carol Jayroe recently met with the developer to discuss plans for a mixed-use project on the land. The developer, who hasn't been identified, specializes in revitalizing former industrial sites, Hewitt said.

Affordable housing, parks, entertainment spaces and waterfront access have been mentioned as potential uses. Jayroe and Hewitt said they expect the sale to be finalized soon.

"The vision that he has laid out is, to me, transformational for Georgetown," Hewitt said.

Georgetown Steel, as the mill was once called, helped diversify the city's industrial base in the 1960s, but it cycled through various owners and industry changes that reduced its workforce before Liberty acquired it in 2017.

For years, the plant made wire rod that was used in various products, from tires to bridge cables.

Liberty cut 50 jobs at the site last year. Four months later, the mill was idled. The company also sold some of its equipment to a North Carolina company that makes wire-reinforcing products.

After being idled, the mill stopped receiving power from Santee Cooper because its electric furnace and rolling mill were not in use, a company spokesperson previously said.

Santee Cooper is now seeking more than $7 million from the company’s owner after the mill missed payments in November and December, leaving it with past due balances of more than $334,000, court records show. The lapses prompted Santee Cooper to terminate a five-year agreement with the company and to ask the court to enforce a section of its contract that requires Liberty to pay the utility the total of the minimum monthly bills that would have been collected during that period.

For some leaders, the city's redevelopment is long overdue.

"You're talking about a change of the skyline that I think people have wanted for years," Hewitt said. "We hate to lose those jobs from the steel mill, but you know, having an old abandoned plant sitting there certainly isn't good for the city either."

Liberty Steel declined to comment on the potential sale of the property or the status of its Georgetown mill.

Redeveloping the mill property could be the beginning of a larger effort to move the area away from heavy industry.

After International Paper closed its 87-year-old Georgetown paper mill late last year, state and local leaders began exploring potential options for the site and surrounding properties.

Many, including state Sen. Stephen Goldfinch, R-Murrells Inlet, said they would like to see the paper mill, steel mill and Georgetown port redeveloped as a cohesive package that would highlight the city's scenic waterfront.

Hewitt said the developer pursuing the steel mill property has also expressed interest in buying IP land.

"Having one person to have a vision for the whole area is certainly beneficial for Georgetown," he said.

Georgetown's mayor said she's thrilled that the steel mill site could be redeveloped. Jayroe hopes that housing, light industry, retail shops and restaurants will be built on the property.

Basically, she'd like to see everything except a Ferris wheel, she said.

"It's a great opportunity for Georgetown," she said. "We need it. We're due that. I'm excited."

Others, like James Sanderson, president of Liberty's steelworkers union, say they would rather see another steel company purchase the property. Sanderson is concerned about the lack of high-paying manufacturing jobs, which he said could be detrimental. He warned against area leaders placing too much emphasis on tourism.

Jayroe said the potential property developer plans to hire only local companies and contractors, which would create jobs. But Sanderson insists the city needs another permanent, high-paying employer.

"Without decent, good-paying jobs ... I don't know what it's going to be like," he said.

A porch-sipping, beach-cruising, shag-dancing type of trip.

"Carolina beach music…the holiest in the world," wrote Pat Conroy in his 1995 novel, aptly titled Beach Music. Sure, we all know the Shag started its jig somewhere on the shores of South Carolina—many say Myrtle, to be exact—but that's not the only thing about South Carolina beaches Southerners love to claim. Between the salt marshes, palmetto trees, broad beaches, seafood dives, and preserved wildlife, the coast has plenty going for it. Whether you're a fan of the lush Lowcountry scenery or the gorgeous Grand Strand sands, there's a South Carolina beach waiting to whisk away your worries. It's time for a porch-sipping, beach-cruising, shag-dancing type of getaway. Here are the 15 best South Carolina beaches to visit now.

Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head feels like a grown-up beach town, which isn't to say it doesn't still embrace what made it so beloved in the first place: tranquil beaches, real-deal seafood joints, excellent golfing, and Carolina marshes. You might even recognize it as having been awarded the honor of South's Best Beach Town more than once, which touted many of Hilton Head's best attributes, like how HHI has "matured into a collection of gated neighborhoods surrounded by live oaks, magnolias, and palmettos; linked by neon-free boulevards bordered by bike paths; and boasting clusters of markets, bars, boutiques, and more than 250 restaurants." Doesn't sound half-bad, huh?

Fripp Island

Only three and a half miles long and about a half-mile wide, Fripp Island is a sanctuary worth seeing. Located just 25 minutes from Beaufort, South Carolina (another favorite South's Best Small Town), here you'll find the perfect place to put your towel down on laidback beaches, only leaving to visit a handful of restaurants or do something sporty like tennis, golf, or boating. You'll also find a popular trail maintained by the Audubon Club that not only gives great views of land and water wildlife, but of more than 175 bird species.

Edisto Beach, South Carolina

Edisto Beach sits on a pristine shoreline on Edisto Island, one of South Carolina's biggest barrier islands. While there's not much in terms of hotels (it's purposefully been left only gently developed), there are beach houses available for rent where you can cozy up and watch the sunset. Then, head to Ella & Ollie's for phenomenal Lowcountry seafood dishes.

Murrells Inlet

This historic fishing village caters to those coming to the Grand Strand coastline with its waterfront Murrels Inlet MarshWalk, which boasts an impressive selection of restaurants and plenty of live music to keep everyone full and happy. Here's a tip: At Huntington Beach State Park, you'll find more than three miles of milk-white sands that make up the best-preserved stretch of the 60-mile Grand Strand.

Pawleys Island

This South Carolina coastal town is known for its hand-woven hammocks, upon which we'd like to hang a while, but it makes sure to keep you interested with pristine beaches, surf-worthy waves, great seafood, Lowcountry marshland, and an easygoing attitude (hence, its affinity for hammocks). The lack of commercialism is something that draws people to the quiet town, especially considering it can be found between bustling neighbors, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Enjoy an old-school island experience at the oceanfront Sea View Inn, established in 1937.

Kiawah Island

Located only 21 miles from downtown Charleston, Kiawah Island is just far enough (and just quiet enough) to feel like it's worlds away from the bustling Southern city. Here, you'll want to indulge in the most relaxing of pursuits, such as renting a beach chair at Beachwalker Park, booking a room or spa day at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, or setting yourself up with an oyster roast at Mingo Point.

DeBordieu

One of the best-kept secrets along the South Carolina coast, DeBordieu is a tucked-away community that teases visitors with the ultimate natural escape, which can only be attributed to its committed preservation of South Carolina's stunning scenery and wildlife. It's also located just 10 miles from Georgetown, which has a historic district worth visiting on days when respite from the sandy shore is needed.

Daufuskie Island

Accessible only by boat, Daufuskie is place where time just moves a little bit slower. You'll find this unassuming little island close to popular Southern towns Hilton Head Island and Savannah; but its history makes it one of the most interesting plots of land in the sea. On the remote island, you won't find any high-rise condos or big-box stores. Pass the time by frolicking on the deserted shores of Daufuskie's quiet beaches or learning about the island's history and Gullah ancestry on a tour with local historian Sallie Ann Robinson.

Sullivan's Island

At the mouth of famed Charleston Harbor, this tiny, primarily residential community sits along 3.3 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Sullivan's Island is a quiet, Lowcountry jewel with stunning beach houses in gracious lines along protected beaches. This hidden gem is a thoughtful mix of preserved nature and modern-day adventure. If you go, be sure to stop by Poe's Tavern on Middle Street for a killer burger before you head back toward town. Flip-flops and salty hair are always welcome on the restaurant's generous front porch.

explore sullivan's island

Surfside Beach

Another Myrtle Beach neighbor, Surfside Beach is known for being one of the most family friendly spots on the entire Grand Strand. In addition to be named as an Autism-friendly vacation town by Champion Autism Network, Surfside is also home to 36 access points across two miles of pristine coastline that are cleaned daily and monitored by lifeguards. Several of the access points are wheelchair friendly so everyone can enjoy the wonders of sand and surf all the same.

Isle of Palms

With the deep blue Atlantic on one side and marshy creeks of the Intracoastal Waterway on the other, Isle of Palms offers the best of the Lowcountry and the beach in one stunning setting that's begging to be added to your vacation calendar. The South Carolina barrier island that's just 15 minutes down the road from Charleston packs a lot of relaxation and big fun into a vacation destination that's just seven miles long and one mile wide.

Folly Beach

Known to locals as the Edge of America, Folly is everything a beach town should be. Surf shops line the main drag; cover-ups count as appropriate lunch attire; and nobody takes themselves too seriously. The island's six miles of beachfront are its main attraction, and it'd be easy to while away a week with no plans beyond putting your toes in the sand. Spend a day shelling, sunning, surfing, or searching for shark teeth. When you're ready to refuel, head to Chico Feo for colorful and creative bites.

St. Phillips Island

Situated in a cluster of sea islands off the coast of South Carolina, St. Phillips Island is a natural wonderland. The 4-mile-long, nearly 4,682-acre barrier island is undeveloped, home to an incredibly diverse array of ecosystems with abundant wildlife. Covered in salt marshes, sand dune ridges, and winding tidal creeks, the wild habitat is home to all kinds of native plants and animals. Coastal Expeditions Beaufort hosts a regular ferry service to the St. Phillips that includes an ecotour along the Story River, 3.5-mile tram tour on the island, and plenty of time to explore.

Myrtle Beach

We couldn't leave out this family-favorite spot. Anchoring a 60-mile stretch of Grand Strand waterfront communities, Myrtle Beach is for those who want something extra. With new resorts and hotels popping up, the iconic boardwalk getting bigger, and plenty of attractions, such as the beloved SkyWheel, that will cure even the rainiest day, it'll have you too worn out to shag dance. But, sorry, you still have to, for old time's sake.

Hunting Island State Park

Not to be confused with Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, Hunting Island is a barrier island off the coast of Beaufort and right next to Fripp Island. As the state's most visited state park, Hunting Island draws in thousands of visitors each year. If you go, be sure to set aside time to see the famous Hunting Island lighthouse, which was built in 1859 but destroyed during the American Civil War and rebuilt in 1875. At this state park, you're never far from the shore. Even when you're biking along the Lagoon Trail, you can still feel the salty ocean breeze and catch glimpses of the beach peaking in just beyond the palmetto-lined forest path.

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GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. —

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division arrested two Georgetown County men for operating a dogfighting business.

SLED charged 48-year-old Edward Lee Moultrie Jr. with six counts of animal fighting, three counts of ill treatment of animals, and two counts of conspiracy on Wednesday.

SLED also charged 78-year-old Edward Lee Moultrie Sr. with conspiracy in connection with the operation of a dogfighting kennel.

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Through investigation, SLED found an online account believed to be Moultrie Jr. The account published a pedigree record, detailing the campion bloodline lineage of a dog, which Moultrie claimed to be part of his illegal dogfighting business, 123 Kennels.

Arrest warrants said the dog was a one-time fight winner, having won a fight lasting 24 minutes.

The warrant further alleges that Moultrie Jr. created multiple posts on social media, showcasing his illegal kennel business.

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On Tuesday, SLED agents searched the property and found three dogs in the rear area of the property with scarring consistent with dogfighting.

SLED

It was determined that Moultrie Jr. owned a total of 30 pit bull-type dogs that were kept in poor conditions. SLED said many of the animals were found to be tethered by heavy logging chains, and some with untreated medical conditions.

SLED

According to SLED, Moultrie Sr. and Moultrie Jr. both take responsibility for taking care of the animals.

Both men were booked into the Georgetown County Detention Center.

SLED later said that three dogs were found in another location and seven puppies were relinquished, making a total of 40 dogs.

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SLED partnered with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SC PPP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to investigate.

The case will be prosecuted by the Fifteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office.