12 Feb 2 MarshWalk events will whet your appetite for Murrells Inlet cuisine Get your taste buds ready for two family-friendly culinary events coming soon to the iconic MarshWalk in Murrells Inlet. The Taste of the MarshWalk will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, and Sunday, Feb. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the 6th annual Restaurant Week will be held from Monday, March 2, until Friday, March 6, from 4 to 9 p.m. daily. An employee from The Claw House prepares a dish during a previous Taste of the MarshWalk. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Sanderson) Jamie Sanderson, known as The Culinary Encourager, formerly of Georgetown Foodland, will be the special guest for the event. He said he has been part of these two events since they started six years ago, and he’s excited about the 2026 events and welcoming visitors back to enjoy some of the best seafood in South Carolina. “There’s a lot of anticipation about what is going to be served,” he said. “You could say that’s special about every year, but from what I’ve heard, these restaurants are wanting to wow the mouths this year.” MarshWalk Culinary Events Offer Fun Time Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, said both MarshWalk events are a great way to discover the delicious cuisine created by chefs in Murrells Inlet. “Murrells Inlet is known as the Seafood Capital of South Carolina,” he said. “These events attract locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of the inlet and cuisine from some of the Hammock Coast’s premier restaurants.” Taste of the MarshWalk During the Taste of the MarshWalk, people can sample chef favorites from each of the eight award-winning restaurants, priced at $5-$8 per sample, while enjoying a lively weekend along the inlet. Local artisans and crafters, live music, and kids’ activities will line the area both days, creating a fun-filled experience for the entire family. Some of the dishes that were created for a previous Taste of the MarshWalk. Equally tempting food will be offered during the 2026 event in Murrells Inlet. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Sanderson) Sanderson said this event, which has no admission fee, is the official kickoff for Murrells Inlet’s culinary tourism season. “What better way to embrace where you live than by walking the beautiful MarshWalk, stopping at booths to try delicious cuisine at an affordable price?” he asked. Sanderson’s advice is to “come hungry and enjoy the true taste of Murrells Inlet along South Carolina’s stunning Hammock Coast.” The full menu will be available on the MarshWalk website soon. Restaurant Week The 6th annual Restaurant Week will be held from March 2-6. For five delicious days only, the eight member restaurants – Bovine’s, Creek Ratz, Dead Dog Saloon, Drunken Jack’s, Inlet Shipwreck, The Claw House, Wicked Tuna and Wahoo’s Fish House – will offer exceptional three-course menus for just $40 each. The full 2026 Restaurant Week menu will be released soon on the website. From incredible sushi and the savoriest steaks to the freshest local seafood, this limited-time culinary experience showcases the very best from the chefs. “This is a Hammock Coast dining event you won’t want to miss,” Stevens said. Jamie Sanderson, known far and wide as “The Culinary Encourager,” will serve as the host for both the Taste of the event and the Restaurant Week in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Jamie Sanderson) Sanderson, who will once again be the host of the event, said the $40 three-course meal for MarshWalk Restaurant Week is too good of a deal to miss. “Where else are you going to enjoy the freshest seafood-focused cuisine for that price and get enormous portions to boot? Such great flavors without breaking the bank,” he said. “Plus, you don’t get the same menu offering as the year before.” He explained that he is not a food critic or reviewer, but an encourager for chefs and other restaurant staff. “The chefs work tirelessly to prepare for this week. I should know. I have been in the kitchen with them as they chef it up for the reveal,” Sanderson said. “True to their spirit, they let their talents shine. And for these special events, friends, is when they shine the brightest.” Extend MarshWalk Events Into a Fun Vacation Stevens encouraged visitors to make a long weekend — or more — during the MarshWalk’s special events. “Part of vacation is the great food you get to enjoy with friends and family,” he said. “And during the MarshWalk’s two signature culinary events, you can enjoy the mild weather, walks on the beach, visits to our historic sites and, best of all, enjoy dinner after dinner on the MarshWalk and really great prices. “It’s a win-win — a vacation on the Hammock Coast with the best food you’ll find anywhere. In close proximity, we have Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce members Brookwood Inn, Willow Lodge, and the Hampton Inn in Murrells Inlet for local accommodations, as well as a host of vacation rentals in southern Garden City and Murrells on down to Litchfield Beach and Pawleys Island.” By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for South Carolina’s Hammock Coast® 0 Hammock-All
