Georgetown, S.C., gets a little lost between its more popular neighbors, Myrtle Beach to the north and Charleston, the capital, to the south. For travelers who like authentic (and historic) small towns (population 9,000), that’s a good thing. Buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries line Front Street, a block from the Sampit River. Twenty years ago this forward-thinking town built a lovely boardwalk along the river. Shops and restaurants can be entered from the water side or the street side. In the mid-1700s Georgetown was the port of entry for international rice-growing operations. With the development of tidal flooding, rice and indigo production became huge. Tens of thousands of slaves were brought in to do the work. For a fascinating overview of the area, visit both the Rice Museum and Brookgreen Gardens, one of the country’s largest sculpture gardens. For low-cost lodging try the Shaw House Bed & Breakfast. Only a few blocks from downtown, this Colonial house overlooks marshlands and rice fields.

Shaw House Bed & Breakfast, 613 Cypress Court, 843-546-9663, bbonline.com/sc/shawhouse. Rooms $85-$95 with bath and full breakfast.