What’s not to love about a fall getaway in Murrells Inlet? After all, it’s a charming fishing village, with lots of succulent seafood, and fall offers pleasant temperatures. Surrounded by water, this outdoor lover’s paradise has something for everyone. It was even once the lair of the pirate Blackbeard.
Enjoy a Fall Festival
Celebrate fall during the Harvest Home Festival on Oct. 5-6 at Brookgreen Gardens. Harvest Home Weekend is from 9:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. with pumpkins, scarecrows, animals and plenty of family-friendly activities. Of course, a visit to Brookgreen Gardens is always a worthwhile outing with its gorgeous botanical gardens, large American sculpture collection, Lowcountry zoo and other attractions.
Visit a Haunted Castle
Head to Huntington Beach State Park for Atalaya Fall Festival and Haunted Castle on Oct. 25-26 from 6-9 p.m. Enjoy frightfully-fun family entertainment with the Haunted Castle for the brave at heart and a not-so-scary maze of creepy rooms for those easily frightened. There will also be carnival games, children’s crafts, spooky cartoons on the big screen, roasted marshmallows, ghost stories, a bonfire and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children 6-15. Children 5 and under are free.
Eat, Drink and Be Scary!
Captain Marvel, the Mad Hatter, ghosts, goblins and more will be out for Halloween on the MarshWalk on Oct. 31. All ages are welcome as festivities start at 5 p.m. with trick-or-treating for the kids. A Children’s Costume Contest is at 6 p.m. in front of Drunken Jack’s. Prizes will be awarded for the Most Creative, Best Group, Funniest and Scariest for kids ages three and up. An Adults Costume Contest starts at 7 p.m. with more than $4,000 in cash and prizes awarded.
Have a Brew at the Zoo
Enjoy tasting more than 30 regional and national craft beers Brew at the Zoo from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Lowcountry Zoo in Brookgreen Gardens. Enjoy live entertainment and try your hand at friendly competition in giant Jenga and cornhole. A variety of food choices will be available from food trucks.
Walk the Dog
With our pet-friendly accommodations, you’re welcome to bring the dog on your getaway. Our AVF 53-202 unit sleeps a family of eight (not counting Spot), so there's plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the stay.
Speaking of Blackbeard …
Take your kids on a search for treasure with a Pirate Adventure cruise aboard the Sea Gypsy. Park in the gravel lot directly across from the Dead Dog Saloon, then head to the Ship Store inside the restaurant. Passengers use a map to search for sunken treasure, searching for clues along the way.
There’s also plenty of recreation like kayaking, fishing and biking to keep you busy during your stay, and plates full of mouth-watering cuisine to help you re-fuel afterward.