The site for this late September festival is Atalaya, a castle in the sand that was once the winter home of Archibald Huntington and acclaimed sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington. In honor of Ms. Huntington's contribution to the art world, the Spanish-style castle has been transformed into a showcase of fine arts and crafts for three days every year. More than 100 artisans from all over the country exhibit an inspiring diversity of creations, ranging from rustic baskets to delicate glasswork. For the 1996 festival, organizers received 250 applications from artists who wanted to attend but could only accommodate 110. Reports estimate that 5,000 to 10,000 people attend each year.
Live entertainment enhances the atmosphere, and food and drink are available.
Lowcountry Days Brookgreen Gardens, U.S. Hwy. Mid-September 1995 brought a new fall celebration to town when Brookgreen Gardens decided to welcome in the season with Lowcountry Days, a new nature program for visitors. For the first time, the tidal freshwater creeks and rice fields of Brookgreen were opened to the public. The Sandy Island and Rice Plantation Excursion is a two-hour trip out to the Waccamaw River, through Thoroughfare Creek to the Pee Dee River, past Sandy Island and charming old 18th and 19th century plantation homes. Springfield Creek Kayaking is another feature of Lowcountry Days, where kayakers encounter unique plant and animal life as they glide along the creeks behind Springfield Plantation.