At one time it was determined that the residents of St. George consumed more grits per capita than anywhere else in the world. No wonder, then, that this small town south of Charleston bills itself as the “Grits Capital of the World.” In fact, each April, the town hosts the “World Grits Festival.”
It’s no minor event. Over 50,000 people attend the festivities, participating in the corn-shucking contest, square dancing, a grits eat-off, and a softball tournament. Local bands entertain, and festival goers can buy arts and crafts, and plenty of grits-oriented foods. And of course, they come to see which lucky St. Georgian will be crowned Queen of the Festival, a.k.a. “Miss Grits.”
But beyond the grits, St. George offers its residents a fine array of natural wonders. Located adjacent to Lake Marion, Lake Moultrie, and Four Hole Swamp, the town of 2000+ people has some of the very best fishing and hunting in all of the Lowcountry. The Francis Beidler Forest and Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail both provide unique venues for an afternoon or weekend excursion. Dozens of restaurants and over 16 different golf courses do business within 30 miles of the town’s center and within this same radius, 8 major hospitals provide convenient medical care.
Perhaps St. George’s greatest asset is its citizens. Calling itself the “Town of Friendly People,” and with almost 20% of the population over the age of 65, retirees should have no problem making friends and fitting into St. George’s active community life.
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