Fun Ways to While Away the Winter on the Grand Strand

Planning a winter escape to the Hammock Coast? We can’t think of a better place to get away from grey skies and dreary days that often accompany wintertime. On the Hammock Coast, we don’t experience the winter blues, oth-er than the blue of the sky and ocean. 

And, with mild weather, there’s still plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. After all, average daytime temps are in the high 50s in January; and low 60s in February.

Do Brunch

Nothing like a hearty breakfast to start out a winter day. Fortunately, there are plenty of choices in Pawleys Island. Fill up on a breakfast sandwich or a three-egg, build-your-own omelet at the Village Deli and Creamery, 

a local favorite. Or, head to the Applewood House of Pancakes Breakfast with its wide variety of pancakes, includ-ing Monkey Banana, Hawaiian and Californian. If you prefer crepes or frittatas, they serve those as well. How do sweet potato praline pancakes sound on a cool morning? They’re on the menu at Eggs Up Grill, along with bananas foster waffles, home-fries bowls, eggs benedicts and a whole lot more. For a homey, old-fashioned diner breakfast, head to Litchfield Restaurant for great standard breakfast fare.

Wing It

Winter is prime time for viewing a variety of birds. Head to Huntington Beach State Park, one of the best birding sites in the Southeast with more than 300 species spotted at various sites throughout the park. As you enter the park, you pass over a causeway. Park at the end and walk along the sidewalk for a close look at waterfowl, particu-larly ducks - blue-winged and green-winged teal, wigeon, canvasback, ruddy and ring-necked ducks. They feed on wigeon grass that grows abundantly on the bottom of the marsh on the causeway. Tidal waters on the saltwater side of the causeway host hooded and red-breasted mergansers and buffleheads. Bald eagles can be spotted as they feed on fish over Mullet Pond. Winter is breeding time in the middle of winter, so they’ll be feeding their ea-glets.

Tee Off

Winter golf is one way to spend the day Lots of our properties are located on resorts with golf courses, so you’re bound to be in close proximity to 18 holes. Pawleys Plantation offers a “beautiful, challenging and well-maintained course,” according to a recent review. For a little more of a challenge, tee off at the Founders Club Pawleys Island. The Wachesaw Plantation Club in Murrells Inlet offers something for players of every skill level, with unexpected rolling fairways that weave through giant oaks. Then there’s TPC Myrtle Beach and Indigo Creek Golf Club, both also in Murrells Inlet. Let’s just say you’ve got plenty to choose from.

Relax with a Latte

A hot cup of coffee makes everything better, especially when it’s a little chilly outside. The Blended Coffee Compa-ny is a favorite stop for locals and visitors alike. A Lavender Latte will hit the spot. Or a huge cup of Kona. Their handcrafted coffee drinks can even get spiced up with Rum Chata or Kahlua. Talk about a wonderful way to warm up! In Georgetown, head to Coffee Break Cafe or Beanz.

However you want to spend your days, we make your Grand Strand vacation memorable and worry free. Choose a luxurious property like Island House in Northern DeBordieu Colony or Our Happy Place in Litchfield Country Club with three and a golf course view.