Looking for a quiet Southern town steeped in history and charm? Visit Yemassee! Located between Charleston and Savannah, Yemassee offers peaceful Lowcountry scenery, cultural heritage, and access to nearby plantations, nature preserves, and coastal day trips. It's a relaxing stop full of authentic Southern hospitality.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Yemassee is from spring through fall (March through October). Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make it ideal for outdoor exploration and Lowcountry sightseeing. Summers are warm and humid but great for visiting rivers, marshes, and gardens.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Yemassee is located off I-95 and US-17A, about 1 hour from Savannah, Georgia, and 1.5 hours from Charleston, South Carolina.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Silver Meteor and Palmetto lines stop at Yemassee Station, making it one of the oldest continually operating rail stops in the South.
- By Air: The nearest major airports are Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (about 1 hour away) and Charleston International Airport (1.5 hours away).
Where to Stay
- Motte & Sons Bootlegging Company Inn – A locally owned inn with rustic charm and welcoming service near historic sites.
- Nearby Hotels in Walterboro or Beaufort – More lodging options just 20–30 minutes away for those seeking additional amenities.
- Vacation Rentals – Enjoy quiet countryside stays or marsh-view cottages perfect for a relaxing Lowcountry experience.
Top Attractions
⮕ Sip Small-Batch Spirits with Southern Charm at Lucky Duck Distillery
Lucky Duck Distillery is a micro moonshine and bourbon distillery in Yemassee, South Carolina, operating from a nicely renovated shed, once a plumbing business.
Lucky Duck specializes in a moonshine that is not too strong and can be tasted from the rustic tasting room attached to the production facility separated by a glass window.
Guests can watch the process of distilling while enjoying free samples of their favorite product.
The owner, Chase Flower, is passionate about his craft and is happy to talk about the long and hard process of fulfilling his dream of making moonshine he learned about as a kid, now that it is legal to do it.
17 Yemassee Hwy, Yemassee, SC 29945, Phone: 843-589-5440
⮕ Wander Through the Atmospheric Remains of Old Sheldon Church Ruins
The Old Sheldon Church Ruins is a historic site of the former Sheldon Church located in Yemassee, northern Beaufort County, South Carolina, approximately 17 miles from Beaufort.
The building was originally known as Prince William's Parish Church, built between 1745 and 1753 in the English Georgian style. The traditional belief is that the church was burned in 1779 by the British during the Revolutionary War and was rebuilt in 1826. It was burned again in 1865 by the Federal Army during the Civil War.
According to another theory, the church was not burned at all but was destroyed when the interior materials were used to build homes burnt by Sherman army.
The ruins are surrounded by majestic oaks and several scattered graves. The remains of Colonel William Bull lie inside the ruins of the church. He was credited with assisting in establishing the physical layout of Savannah, Georgia.
The ruins are today a popular site in the Lowcountry for photographers and wedding ceremonies.
Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, Phone: 843-522-1712
Romantic Activities and Attractions:
⮕ Step Into History at the Frampton Plantation House and Visitor Center
Frampton Plantation property was part of a King’s Grant to the Frampton family in the 1700s.
General Sherman’s troops burned the plantation house and all the farm buildings in 1865.
John Frampton built on the same site the present charming Lowcountry farmhouse in 1868, and continued to farm the land. The old house was completely renovated in the 1930, adding indoor plumbing and electrical wiring.
In 1993 the Columbia developer Wymann Boozer donated the Frampton House to the Lowcountry Tourism Commission for the Lowcountry Visitor’s Center and Museum, ensuring that the old farmhouse would be restored.
The magnificent old oaks that frame the building and the Civil War earthworks in the backyard were also protected.
Today, the Frampton House hosts The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Commission upstairs while downstairs now serves as the Lowcountry Visitor’s Center and Museum.
1 Low Country Ln, Yemassee, SC 29945, Phone: 843-717-3090
⮕ Dine Where the Locals Go at the Quirky Harold’s Country Club in Yemassee
Harold's Country Club was originally built in the 1930s as a Chevrolet dealership in Yemassee, South Carolina.
After that it had been converted to a gas station and auto parts store.
Harold Peeples bought it in the late 1970s and started hosting Thursday night covered dinners. Harold was doing all the cooking. Soon, he was cooking more than only on Thursdays and started charging a small fee to cover his expenses and Harold’s Country Club was born.
The place is today enormously popular. It is decorated with keepsakes from the past lives of the property.
The seating is the communal style so that the guests have a chance to get to know people they are sharing a table with. The menu at Harold's is unique as well.
There is only one item per night, and you better call in advance to find out what it is and to reserve it.
For example, Harold’s steaks are grilled to perfection, but only on Saturday nights.
97 HWY. 17A & 21, Yemassee, SC 29945, Phone: 843-589-4360
⮕ Taste Homemade Southern Treats at the Carolina Cider Company
For four generations the Carolina Cider Company has been producing some of the finest all-natural ciders in South Carolina.
This family-run business has put an incredible amount of effort, time, and skill into crafting its ciders, and is known across the nation for producing impeccable ciders of varying flavors.
Known to keep their ciders free from sugar or any other type of preservative, Carolina Cider Company utilizes fresh fruit, and a lot of it, to make their brews.
A visit to the Carolina Cider Company tasting room offers the best means to sample many of the company’s flavors, with variations like peach, blackberry, muscadine, and strawberry cider.
81 Charleston Highway, Yemassee, South Carolina 29945, Phone: 843-846-1899
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Yemassee Historic Train Depot – One of the oldest Amtrak stops in the U.S., still in operation and full of small-town charm.
- Pocotaligo River – Ideal for birdwatching, kayaking, and appreciating the quiet beauty of Lowcountry marshlands.
Where to Eat
- Harold’s Country Club – A quirky and beloved local spot offering BBQ, burgers, karaoke nights, and real Southern character.
- Lowcountry Seafood – Small, down-home eatery serving fresh fish, shrimp, and seasonal favorites near town.
- Local diners and cafés – Enjoy hearty breakfasts and Southern staples at simple roadside stops around town.
If you are interested in local events:
- Yemassee Shrimp Festival (October) – Celebrate local seafood with music, vendors, rides, and family fun downtown.
- Auldbrass Tours (Every 2–3 years) – Special ticketed tours of Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece (check dates in advance).
- Holiday Tree Lighting & Community Events (December) – Small-town holiday cheer with local crafts and seasonal celebrations.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Yemassee, South Carolina:
- Beaufort (25–30 min) – Stroll the historic waterfront, tour antebellum homes, and enjoy charming shops and cafés.
- Hunting Island State Park (30 min) – Hike nature trails, climb the lighthouse, or relax on a pristine Atlantic beach.
- Walterboro (25 min) – Explore the South Carolina Artisans Center, antique shops, and scenic boardwalks.
- Port Royal (30 min) – Visit the Cypress Wetlands or enjoy laid-back dining with waterfront views.
- Ridgeland (20 min) – Stop by the Blue Heron Nature Center or explore Lowcountry wildlife habitats.
FAQ:
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Where is Yemassee located?
- Yemassee is a small Lowcountry town situated in Beaufort and Hampton counties in South Carolina.
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Are there historic estates near Yemassee?
- There are several historic estates around the town, featuring interesting plantation houses that showcase the region’s rich history.
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What are the Old Sheldon Church ruins?
- The Old Sheldon Church ruins are fascinating remnants of a former church, surrounded by ancient oaks, offering a glimpse into the past.
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What is special about Stoney Creek Presbyterian Church?
- Stoney Creek Presbyterian Church was a shooting site for the Forrest Gump movie and is the only church in the area that was not burned during Sherman’s march in the Civil War.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming azaleas.
Point South KOA – A unique stay offering cabins and camping options.
Visit Old Sheldon Church Ruins – Explore the historic and picturesque remains of a pre-Revolutionary War church.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, great for river and coastal activities.
Hampton Inn Yemassee – A comfortable and centrally located option.
Kayak on the Combahee River – Paddle through scenic Lowcountry waterways with abundant wildlife.
Fall (September-November) – Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
Ridgeland Inn – A budget-friendly stay near Yemassee’s attractions.
Explore the Ace Basin National Wildlife Refuge – A must-visit for birdwatching and serene nature trails.
Winter (December-February) – Cool and peaceful, ideal for a quiet retreat.
Hotel Carolina – A simple and cozy option for winter travelers.
Take a Day Trip to Beaufort – Enjoy historic architecture, waterfront views, and Lowcountry cuisine.
Yemassee is 1 hr 20 min (60.7 miles via Hwy 17 S) from Charleston.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Sip Small-Batch Spirits with Southern Charm at Lucky Duck Distillery
- 2. Wander Through the Atmospheric Remains of Old Sheldon Church Ruins
- 3. Step Into History at the Frampton Plantation House and Visitor Center
- 4. Dine Where the Locals Go at the Quirky Harold’s Country Club in Yemassee
- 5. Taste Homemade Southern Treats at the Carolina Cider Company