Marsh Tackies, Atalaya Castle, and the Sea View Inn
Explore South Carolina's Lowcountry, Murrell’s Inlet, Walterboro, and Pawley’s Island
This week we’re journeying from Oaklawn Plantation in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, to the coastal towns of Murrells Inlet and Pawley’s Island. Read about the steadfast Carolina marsh tacky, a Moorish-inspired winter castle, a cycling festival with a one-size-fits-all mentality, and a historic seafront inn.
A Horse for All Seasons
The steadfast Carolina marsh tacky holds a unique place in South Carolina’s heritage
Feature story by
It’s a cold, blustery December morning. Three horsemen lean into a biting wind at renowned Oaklawn Plantation. With hollowed horns used to signal the other members of the hunting party strapped across their backs, they ride through widely-spaced stands of fire-blackened longleaf pine, the horses beneath them near invisible in the thick underbrush and tall grass that has sprung up since the last time these woods burned.
Their quest? Heritage and deer. Trailing a pack of eager dogs, the trio periodically drops out of the view of the standers placed strategically along the edges of the block of woods, only to emerge further downrange. Quietly weaving in and out of the thick underbrush, their movements take on an almost dreamlike quality.
Then suddenly, a whitetail breaks from cover. Whoops, hollers, and cracking whips shatter the morning’s calm. A cinematic blur of movement swirls through the trees. The horsemen rally the dogs to drive the deer toward standers and soon a salvo of shots reaps a deer.
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Atalaya Castle
Murrells Inlet, South Carolina
Philanthropist Archer Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, built Atalaya Castle in Murrells Inlet during the 1930s. Located in Huntington Beach State Park, this Moorish-inspired winter home is a National Historic Landmark encompassing 30 rooms, a central courtyard, and Anna’s ironwork. It hosts tours, weddings, and an annual arts and crafts festival blending history, art, and coastal beauty into one unforgettable experience.
Unusual Features: Atalaya Castle encompasses a forty-foot water tower, animal enclosures, and art studios. It also offers a historic backdrop for wedding celebrations.
FestiVELO
November 5-9, 2025
Walterboro, South Carolina