Charter a Course: Palmetto Bluffs

DIGITAL RELEASE 2020

GOOdspeed THE TRADEWIND MAGAZINE

I N S I DE

CHARTER A COURSE PALMETTO BLUFF:

The Luxuries of the Low Country

CHARTER a COURSE Palmetto Bluff: The Luxuries of the Low Country

nestled between those alluring southern hubs of Charleston and Savannah, Palmetto Bluff is not only beautiful and serene; it’s also ideally situated for an easy weekend jaunt—just note, you may return a homeowner. Steeped in cultural heritage, Palmetto Bluff’s 20,000 acres make it the largest remaining waterfront property on the East Coast, which includes conservation land, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a variety of nature trails and 32 miles of river and marsh front. The gleaming white- pillared and brick-building village center is humming with activity from its bustling café, multitude of high-end retail options, historic church, playground area and residents and guests ambling along. Bicycles are a popular form of transportation at the Bluff and easily rented right behind the historic building. There’s something so cinematically southern about biking to your morning coffee, pedaling along one of the routes that wind underneath the century-old moss-draped live oaks and past one screened porch after the other, one can’t help but conjure Nicholas Sparks.

IN THE HEART OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S LOW COUNTRY,

W H E R E T O S TAY

Given the sprawling 20,000 acre-size, it’s no surprise there are a variety options for accommodation. Though the Montage is the only hotel in town, depending on your group size, you can rent everything from a five-bedroom Wilson Village home to a balcony room at the inn to our personal favorite, a river-view cottage. Given the popularity of the area, PAGE ii | GOODSPEED MAGAZINE

home development is constant and now widely spread among three different neighborhoods—Wilson Village, River Road and Moreland. The Builder Guild Home Collection, the in-house design-build team at Palmetto Bluff, has various model home designs and a few constructed homes from which to sample and eventually purchase, should you be so enticed. We dare you to not daydream as you fall in love with at least a few of the homes while meandering through the property.

W H AT T O D O

As a guest, you are treated to a host of alluring activities—from tennis and golf clinics to dolphin- and bird-watching kayak tours to a choice of four pools, two treehouses, one bowling alley, four fitness facilities, two croquet lawns, two bocce courts and eight dining experiences, plus Palmetto Bluff Shooting Club, which features 13 sporting clays stations. It’s practically a sin to sit still. We do recommend you get on the May River, though, at least once while visiting. And if it’s only once, then we suggest it’s for the sunset cocktail cruise aboard Grace, Palmetto Bluff’s 1913 60-foot antique motor yacht (one of the last remaining pre-World War I gas-powered yachts). She’s a particular beauty, as is spying the property from the water as the sky changes from blue to gold to pink.

Another must-do is a tour with Conservancy Director Jay Walea, who offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and the land,

C H A R T E R A C O U R S E : PA L M E T T O B L U F F

which is ultimately what makes Palmetto Bluff so special. Jay is a genuine charmer—making even the detailed explanation of the forest’s prescribed annual burns exciting, as well as the Conservancy’s current study on bats.

Spending an hour or so with him, touring a few of his spots and getting a glimpse into what he manages, is truly extraordinary. The Conservancy is, as they say, the keeper of the natural and historical world of Palmetto Bluff, and they take it upon themselves to educate everyone else to the history and specialness of the land with educational courses for owners and guests and adults and children alike. Programs like lunch lectures on native animals or artifact hunts and nature walks are all on constant offer and provide a real connection to the environment.

And last, if you’re a fan of fire pits, you will be in heaven at Palmetto Bluff. It seems you can’t travel more than 50 yards without arriving at another nook decorated with rocking chairs, a bench and/or a fire pit. S’moring is a popular term and occurs nightly around the fire pits, while porching with a sweet tea—or something a bit stronger—is widely encouraged.

COVID DISCLAIMER

Every person and property has been affected by Covid-19 and Palmetto Bluff is no exception. Currently (at time of print) the rules stipulate that face masks must be worn in all public spaces, capacity is limited in each dining area and temperature is taken prior to entry to the Spa. There are options for

contactless in-room dining and the sauna, steam and indoor pools are currently closed.

The Montage Hotel is also currently closed to the public (non-guests).

H O L I D AY S E A S O N

The Bluff is ready to welcome guests with special programming for both Thanksgiving and the Christmas and New Year holidays with special programming additions. November highlights include a Pop-Up Sushi Bar at River House, the Gobble, Gobble Shoot Out via paint ball sling shot, plus the annual Turkey Trot 5K. And then, as the calendar inches closer to Christmas, children can Take a Ride on the Santa Tram, watch the annual Holiday Boat Parade on the 19th and enjoy Reindeer Games on the lawn. For New Year’s there’s the Go with the Glow Family Party as well as the Toast at the Inn New Year’s 2020 complete with Bourbon Bar and Shimmer Band.

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