As the third-oldest town and the area of the very first settlement in South Carolina, Georgetown is loaded with history. In 1791, President George Washington paid a visit to Georgetown as he was beginning his second term. His visit was part of a tour of cities and towns in the former southern colonies to see how the fledgling government was working. It was a critical time in America’s history. And you can enjoy a meal at the same historic spot in South Carolina where George Washington is said to have drank rum.

Between the Antlers is an indigenous South Carolina restaurant tucked away down a dead-end gravel lane beyond Front Street’s famed restaurant row. Its name was inspired by the published work of the late poet James Dickey, “The Starry Place Between the Antlers: Why I Live in South Carolina,” which originally appeared in April 1981 in Esquire magazine.

The restaurant sits between the steel mill and Front street on a bluff called Vinegar Hill on the Sampit River. This spot is said to have been a federal wharf long ago.

The outdoor dining space allows you to take in breathtaking water views while you eat, views that have gained local awards.

There's also seating indoors if you prefer.

You'll see heavy historical and local influence throughout the menu, beginning even with the bar menu!

For example, you can have Martha Washington's Punch (not necessarily what is pictured here) right in this spot where George Washington drank rum! Just a sampling of the other drinks you could order are the Winyah Bae, The Georgetown Double Down, or the Muddy Bay Chocolate Martini.

For an appetizer, you could try Miss Kim's Charcuterie Board, Bulls Bay Loaded Brisket Fries, Wild Santee Perlau Fritters, and more.

Moving on to the other menus, there's Vinegar Hill Coleslaw, George's 1791 Cornbread Salad, and McClellanville Shrimp & Grits.

Did you know George Washington also loved oysters? It's true. Columnist George Will wrote of General Washington's 1783 return home to Virginia at Christmas,

“Washington’s journey to Mount Vernon, which he reached after dark, December 24, was a moveable feast of florid rhetoric and baked oysters.”

If you're not a fan of oysters, there are plenty of other seafood options, such as mac 'n cheese with lump crab, fresh shrimp and scallops, served with fresh asparagus and veggies and Kern bread.

Here you have a fried grouper sammy with hand-cut fries.

This sampling from the menu just scratches the surface!

Visit the Between the Antlers website and Between the Antlers Facebook page for more information, including the complete menu and updates. While you’re in Georgetown, check out its three must-visit landmarks.

What’s your favorite historic spot in South Carolina? Let us know in the comments section below!