One of my favorite festivals is returning for it’s 36th year this weekend. The Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival runs Sept. 23-25 at Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet.

This juried arts festival hosts more than 100 artists and craftspeople. Everyone from jewelry-makers to painters, sculptors, basket makers, photographers, woodworkers, printmakers and more will be on hand displaying their finest work.

There also will be a full entertainment schedule with performances by bluegrass band Northern Border, the beach music duo Latitude, The Out-of-Towners Band with its Motown sound, and classic rock band Vocal Point.

Every year, the arts and crafts at Atalaya are truly exceptional, and the beautiful setting on the Atalaya castle grounds makes the event even more special. The natural beauty of the place is complimented by the Moorish inspired stone structure that was once the home of Archer and Anna Huntington.

You can find out more about the history of Atalaya and the festival here.

Admission to the festival is $6; a multi-day pass is available for $10. Visitors 15 and younger are admitted free.

For more information – and a coupon for $1 off admission - visit the festival website.