May River Excursions stakes claim on land in Old Town Bluffton

May River Excursions, an Old Town Bluffton boating and tour company, now has a place to call home at the corner of Bridge and Calhoun streets.

The six-year old excursion company, with a fleet of five boats, has opened a retail shop and general store in a white building with Charleston green shutters and a giant shrimp above the door — which might lead one to assume that shrimping is its biggest business. But according to Molly McDonald, a May River Excursions employee, crabbing is actually its most popular venture.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said, “especially when you get a competition going.”

Owner and Bluffton-native Christopher Shoemaker offers crabbing, fishing, shrimping, dolphin sightings, tours and an oyster farm visit to tourists and locals.

Despite a three-week delay in opening due to issues with the parking lot, Shoemaker said he’s excited to get into the retail side of the business and establish a year-round store in Old Town.

“It’s a place where people that visit can enjoy (and) see the river,” he said.

Shoemaker said the shop will sell shirts, souvenirs, sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, drinks, snacks and ice cream.

Though the store is already open, Shoemaker is waiting to hold a grand opening celebration until July or August when he has the time.

The store is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 3:00 PM with the headline "May River Excursions stakes claim on land in Old Town Bluffton."