The 43rd Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival—September 28-30, 2018

It’s back!  The much anticipated Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival which is held annually at Huntington Beach State Park and the Atalaya Castle.  Despite the threat of flooding due the aftermath of Hurricane Florence, it will go on as planned on September 28 – 30, 2018.

Atalaya is the former home of Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, the New York philanthropists, that donated their home and property to citizens of South Carolina upon their death.  It is over 9,000 acres of southeastern flora and fauna, wildlife preserves, nature trails, a petting zoo and spectacular sculptures, many of which they had accumulated and displayed over their lifetime.

This property is what we know today as Atalaya and Brookgreen Gardens which were designated as a National Historical Landmark in 1992.  As a noted premier sculptress of her time, many of the sculptures in Brookgreen Gardens were created by Anna Hyatt Huntington, herself, including the spectacular Fighting Stallions that are showcased at the entrance to Brookgreen Gardens.

Atalaya Castle is on the beach side of Highway 17 across from Brookgreen Gardens at Huntington Beach State Park and is also a spectacular sight to see.  The Moorish-style winter home and sculpture studio are rectangular in shape and stands on three miles of undeveloped, ocean-front property.  There are over 50 rooms which include the residence, studios and stables.  Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington named their winter home Atalaya, which is Spanish for Watchtower and was built in 1931.

The festival will be held both inside and outside of Atalaya located at 16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.  So, for the admission price to the Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, you will not only be admitted to the festival throughout the weekend with your festival ticket, you will also be admitted to what many call one of the jewels of the Grand Strand and a National Historic Landmark, Atalaya Castle.

The 43^rd Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival will feature 100 of the finest artisans.  There will be fine art, quality crafts and live music by local musicians on a stage in the courtyard.  There will also be a food court with seafood, barbecue and other culinary delights for you to enjoy.  Below are the festival schedule and additional information:

DAILY FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

• Friday, Sept. 28 – Noon – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 29 – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 30 – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

• Daily festival admission is $10 for adults.  Once you pay admission, you may return throughout the weekend with your festival ticket.
• Visitors 15 years old and younger are admitted free.
• Admission to the park during the festival is also free for all visitors.
• Free festival admission to Park Passport Plus holders (brown passport), and three guests.
• Stroller and wheelchair access can be difficult due to uneven surfaces, stairs, crowds and narrow hallways.
• Please no dogs or other pets at the festival.

The three-day festival will spotlight Huntington State Park’s natural beauty which is available to visitors to the Grand Strand year-round.  It is one of the most pristine beaches on the Grand Strand, and the 2,500-acre park’s freshwater lagoon, salt marsh and maritime forest also are outstanding examples of the state’s natural coastal environment. The park is widely regarded as one of the best birding sites along the East Coast. Its natural history is highlighted in the park’s environmental education center.

The 43^rd Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival sounds like the place to be the weekend of September 28-30, 2018.  You will not only get to enjoy the food, music, and arts and crafts, but you will get to experience a little piece of history as well as the beautiful Huntington Beach State Park.  See you there!

For more information call 803-734-0767  or Huntington Beach State Park 843-237-4440 .