Just Say No To Imported Shrimp

April 30th, 2007 Buyers No Comments

If ask about peoples opinions on the war, they would probably tell you why we should or shouldnt be in Iraq, but there is another war going on, one within our very borders; The War on Imported Shrimp. In recent years foreign, farm-raised shrimp have been dumped onto the American marketplace at such a low price that local shrimpers are having a hard time surviving. Most of us dont put much thought into where our steamed shrimp in the restaurant are coming from, unless of course you are from McClellanville, and then you might find yourself walking out of a restaurant that has chosen to save a few bucks by buying these imported beasts. McClellanville has long been dependant on the sea for its vast riches, but the tireless efforts of the shrimpers have been burdened once again buy the importation of low cost, farm-raised shrimp.
The May issue of South Carolina Wildlife Magazine published by South Carolina Department of Natural Recourses features a great article titled “Living for Shrimping, Shrimping for a Living“. The article features McClellanville locals Gardner McClellan, Georgia Tisdale, and David Donnelly talking about the trials and tribulations of shrimping as a life-long career. Author Billy Baldwin also offers his experience from his times spent running a shrimp boat. The article discusses the impact of imported shrimp on the marketplace as well as the diminishing dockage space needed for the boats as waterfront property values rise.
For more information on the what you can do to support local shrimpers and maintain their way of life and your tasty seafood delight, visit The South Carolina Shrimpers Association.

P.S. – Don’t forget that Shrimp Festival is May 5th!

McClellanville Rocks, But Don’t Take My Word for It

April 24th, 2007 Buyers 2 Comments

McClellanville is a great town, but with a population of 500, you won’t find it winning any awards, because most people don’t even know it exists. In fact, the attention of a national award like “Best Retirement Town” or “Top Ten Vacation Spots” would bring about massive change to our quiet little town and negatively impact our way of life. Despite my best efforts, my opinion of McClellanville is admittedly biased because I grew up here and am a real estate agent. I have included the following links to articles written about McClellanville in an effort to give you a second opinion of McClellanville. As you can see, these are local and national sources and reading each you will learn that most people have come to the same conclusion that I have…McClellanville is heaven on earth.

Southern Living (South Carolina Readers Insert) – A Village Victorious – July ‘07

Hot Retirement Towns Magazine – McClellanville, SC – January ‘07

Charleston Magazine – Village Life – November ‘06

Coastal Living – So You Want to Live in…McClellanville, SC – October ‘06

Coastal Living – Inside McClellanville – October ‘06

If you would like to share your opinion of McClellanville (locals and visitors) please enter your comments in the box below.

McClellanville – Small Town, Big Charm

April 19th, 2007 Uncategorized 14 Comments

McClellanville is a small fishing village located on the coast of South Carolina between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. Founded by rice planters in 1850’s, McClellanville served as a refuge from the swampy, mosquito-filled rice fields of their plantations. From these summer homes, “the village” as it is known by it’s residents, grew on the quiet shores of Jeremy Creek. With a population under 500, McClellanville remains a peaceful community, free of many of the big city problems like traffic and a high crime rate. Lots averaging over an acre in size allow for greater tranquility and privacy. McClellanville’s main industry now relies on the sale of fresh shrimp, fish, crabs, oysters and clams to local marketplaces and restaurants.

Much of McClellanvilles beauty is drawn from its natural surroundings; the creeks and marsh, the ocean and sunsets, the palmettos and live oaks draped with Spanish moss. This natural beauty does not just stop at the town limits though. Stretching out to the north, south, and west of McClellanville lies the massive Francis Marion National Forest and the creeks and barrier islands to the east make up Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. These protected lands provide a natural boundary between McClellanville and the rest of the world.

Jeremy Creek, the life line of McClellanville, provides access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the barrier islands and creeks beyond it. The town’s fleet of shrimp boats supply the local businesses and the rest of the world with fresh caught seafood. The town celebrates the opening of the shrimping season with a blessing of the shrimping fleet during The Lowcountry Shrimp Festival. This event is put on and benefits the local private school of Archibald Rutledge Academy.

On the northern side of Jeremy Creek lies the towns Historic District, the public boat landing, and downtown business district consisting of a few restaurants and shops. The communities of Silver Hill and Skippers Point, on the southern side of Jeremy Creek, present a more rural option for home owners. Also inside the town limits is the Highway Commercial District on Highway 17 where you will find more restaurants and businesses.

One constant throughout all of McClellanville is the feeling of a true community. A step beyond simple Southern hospitality, your neighbors become your extended family. When Hurricane Hugo ripped its way through the town in 1989, the residents were brought even closer together. The town’s people pulled together and rebuilt the homes and businesses which were destroyed and gained a deeper appreciation for the things they had and each other. McClellanville is brimming with small town charm. Residents of McClellanville enjoy it for its quiet, peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Tourist return year after year for a relaxing get-away from city life. McClellanville still remains as the Carolina’s best kept secret. Of course, you dont have to take my word for it, see what others are saying about McClellanville.

31st Annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival

April 14th, 2007 Buyers 2 Comments

Seafood lovers are going to want to mark their calendars, because May 5th, 2007 marks the 31st Annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival in McClellanville. The festival which is held to bless McClellanville’s fleet of shrimpboats for a bountiful season is also a major fund-raiser for Archibald Rutledge Academy, McClellanville’s small local private school.

22 Mouzon’s Bluff – Affordable Waterfront Property on Tidal Creek

April 14th, 2007 Uncategorized No Comments

22 Mouzons Bluff – $345,000
Just Reduced! $275,000

This 3/4 acre lot on Otter Creek is on Skipper’s Point in McClellanville and offers privacy and tranquility at an affordable price. As if this wasn’t enough, you will also enjoy access (within walking distance) to the planned Community Dock on the Intracoastal Waterway and natural, creek side park.

Otter Creek, which flows into Jeremy Creek near it’s mouth to the Intracoastal Waterway, is about 30 to 40 feet wide and is navigable by smaller boats (20′ and under) at half-tide and higher. At low tide the creek does run dry and it is not suitable for a dock, but it would be great for launching kayaks and canoes and nature watching in your own backyard wilderness.

This beautiful lot was recently cleared of underbrush and has many mature Palmettos and Oaks. DHEC septic approval has been granted for the environmentally-friendly Orinco Septic System. A Home Owners Association is in place to maintain the private roads and facilities. Covenants and Restrictions are also in place to preserve the value and enjoyment of property owners. There is no time limit to build, making it great for investors and people thinking about their future retirement.