Lowcountry Visitors

w w w.ch a r leston.net/ lowcountry visitors februa ry – a pril 2009

a house along the battery

Š Alexander Fox | Dreamstime.com

westashley historic plantations and gardens

charles towne Landing State Historic Site On Highway 171 between I-26 and Highway 17. Park is on the site of the first permanent European colony in the Carolinas and features a full-scale replica trading ship, protective palisades, a garden of period crops from the 1670s, a natural habitat zoo and ongoing archaeological activity. Admission is $5 (adults), $3.25 (S.C. seniors, 65+), $3 students (ages 6-15), children under 6 free. Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. daily. (843) 852-4200.

Drayton Hall

3380 Ashley River Road (Highway 61).

Only pre-Revolutionary plantation house remaining on the Ashley River. Features picnic area, reflecting pond, and 250-yearold live oak trees. House tours offered each hour. Admission is $14 (adults), $8 (ages 1218), $6 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free.

Grounds only entry, $8. Military/AAA discounts available. Open 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m. daily (closes at 5 p.m. starting March 1).

(843) 769-2600.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road (Highway 61).

Major gardens, including Barbados tropical garden, waterfowl refuge, horticultural maze, plantation house tours, and petting zoo.

Admission is $15 (adults), $14 (seniors), $10 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. House and nature tours cost an additional $7; Swamp Garden tour: $7 (adults and ages 6-12). Open 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily (hours may vary in February). (843) 571-1266.

Middleton place 4300 Ashley River Road (Highway 61). An 18th-century rice plantation and America’s oldest landscaped gardens. Features craftsmen demonstrating plantation life, plantation house tours, rice mill and springhouse.

Admission for gardens and stable yards is $25 (adults), $5 (ages 7-15), children under 7 free. House tours cost an additional $10 and carriage tours are an additional $15. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 556-6020 or (800) 782-3608.

parks and forts Audubon Swamp Gardens 3550 Ashley River Road (Highway 61, at the entrance to Magnolia Plantation and Gardens).

A 60-acre blackwater cypress and tupelo swamp, traversed by boardwalks and bridges; natural wildlife refuge. Admission is $7 (adults), $6 (seniors and children ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Open 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily. (843) 571-1266.

Angel Oak Park 3688 Angel Oak Road, Johns Island, off Bohicket Road just past intersection with Maybank Highway. Park features the magnificent Angel Oak, believed to be more than 1,400 years old. Picnic tables, restrooms, gift shop. Free admission. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday.

(843) 559-3496.

Caw Caw Interpretive Center 5200 Savannah Highway (Highway 17 South). This 643-acre park highlights Charleston’s natural, historical and cultural heritage, including the significance of successful rice cultivation technology brought to America by Africans. Features eight miles of nature trails and boardwalks. Dogs and bicycles are not admitted. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. (843) 889-8898 or (843) 795-4386.

James Island County Park 871 Riverland Drive. Picnic areas, trails, dog park, pedal boat, canoe, kayak, hydro-bikes and bike rentals, fishing docks, and cottages.

Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (closes at sunset starting March 1). (843) 795-7275. | Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009

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parks, forts and gardens Cypress Gardens

northarea

for parties of 10 or more. For information on tours, call (843) 761-8509.

Old Santee Canal Park

Francis Marion National Forest

Wannamaker County Park

Accessible off Highway 52 North or Highway 41 in Berkeley County. A 260,000-acre forest with fishing, picnicking and camping plus hiking and horse trails. Daily use fee applies for access to recreation areas. Open sunrise to sunset. (843) 336-3248.

8888 University Blvd. (Highway 78), North Charleston. A nature-oriented park designed for family and group use offering more than 1,015 acres of beautiful woodlands and wetlands, two playgrounds, a 20-foot play hill, two miles of paved trails, 7.7 acres of grassy open meadow, and a park center with snack bar, screened porch, restrooms and large patio. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (closes at sunset starting March 1). (843) 572-7275.

Mepkin Abbey 1098 Mepkin Abbey Road, off Highway 402, Moncks Corner. Trappist order monastery offering a rare look at the lives of monks. The Mepkin Abbey store features the work of local, regional, national and international monastics and artisans, including books, art, specialty monastery food items, CDs, videos and more.

Visiting and store hours are Saturday 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday 1–4:30 p.m.; and Tuesday–Friday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Reservations are suggested

February – April 2009

Off Highway 52 bypass, 900 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner. 250 acres of walking trails, boardwalks and swamp life. Stony Landing House, interpretive center, canoe rentals, guided tours, and picnic areas. Admission is $3 (adults), $2 (seniors), children under 7 free.

Group rates available with advance registration.

Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. The interpretive center closes at 4:30 p.m. (843) 899-5200.

1250 Supply St., North Charleston. In 1864, the Hunley was the world’s first submarine to sink an enemy vessel. On Aug. 8, 2000, it was raised out of the water four miles off the coast and is now housed at the Warren Lasch Conservation Lab at the former Charleston Naval Base Complex. Admission purchased in advance is $12 per person plus a service charge, children under 5 free. Walk-up tickets sold on a firstcome, first-served basis. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday for public tours, leaving every 20 minutes. (877) 448-6539 or visit www.hunley.org.

Photo by Joanne Schaaf

3030 Cypress Gardens Road, off Highway 52 between Goose Creek and Moncks Corner.

Cypress Gardens, a former rice plantation on the Cooper River, has swamp gardens, spring-bloom foot paths, butterfly house, and guided flat-bottom boat tours. Admission is $10 (adults), $9 (seniors), $5 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Prices include all attractions. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily; no tickets sold after 4 p.m.

(843) 553-0515.

The H.L. Hunley

museums The Berkeley Museum 950 Stony Landing Road, Moncks Corner (in Old Santee Canal Park). Exhibits interpreting centuries of Berkeley County and Lowcountry history, living history workshops and special events throughout the year. Admission included in park fees: $3 (adults), $2 (seniors), children under 7 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday– Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. (843) 899-5101.

cypress gardens

Courtesy of the Charleston Area CVB

Editor

Cathleen Barrie gr aphic designer

Melissa Kelley Advertising gr aphic designer

Shannon McCarty To advertise in Lowcountry Visitors, call your

Post and Courier sales representative or our advertising department at (843) 937-5468. w w w.charleston.net/ lowcountr y visitors

Lowcountry Visitors is a quarterly guide produced by The Post and Courier , 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C. 29403-4800. Copyright 2009 by The Post

and Courier. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without express written permission from The Post and Courier .

MEPKIN ABBEY

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Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009 |

Courtesy of M iddleton Place

downtown visitor center

Charleston VISITOR Center 375 Meeting St. Staff provides assistance with selection of accommodations and dining; distributes brochures, maps and schedules; sells tickets for area tours, attractions, events and performances. Located across the street from the Charleston Museum originally, built in 1856.

Open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 853-8000.

tours of historic homes aiken-rhett house 48 Elizabeth St. Admission is $10 or visit both the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site. Open 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 2–5 p.m. Sunday. Last tour at 4:15 p.m.

(843) 723-1159.

Calhoun Mansion 16 Meeting St. Tickets are $15 for regular house tour, $50 for Grand Tour by reservation only. Open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. (843) 722-8205.

Edmondston-Alston House 21 East Battery. Admission is $10 per person.

Student discount available. Children under 7 free. Open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday and 1:30–4:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday. (843) 722-7171.

Heyward-Washington House 87 Church St. Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m.

Sunday. Tours begin on the hour and half hour.

Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. Multiple site discounts available. (843) 722-0354.

Joseph Manigault House 350 Meeting St. Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m.

Sunday. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. Multiple site discounts available. (843) 723-2926.

a view from the pia z z a of the edmonston – alston house

site discounts available. (843) 722-2996. Closed Easter Sunday.

The Gibbes Museum of Art 135 Meeting St. The oldest museum building in the Southeast. Since its inaugural exhibition in 1905, the Gibbes has hosted more than 1,300 public showings. Admission is $9 (adults), $7 (seniors, students and military), $5 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays and national holidays. (843) 722-2706.

other points of interest Old Exchange Building and Provost Dungeon 122 East Bay St. Offers guided and self-guided tours of city’s original customs house, built 1767 to 1771. The dungeon was used to confine prisoners during the Revolutionary War.

Admission is $7 (adults), $3.50 (students and ages 7-12), children under 7 free. Discounts are available. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

(843) 727-2165.

Magnolia Cemetery 70 Cunnington Ave. Oldest public cemetery in Charleston, founded in 1849. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Accessible from Meeting Street and Morrison Drive. Free admission. Gates open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.

Office open to the public 9 a.m.–noon and 1-4 p.m. Monday–Friday. (843) 722-8638.

South Carolina Aquarium 100 Aquarium Wharf. Go deep into an amazing world and learn about the diversity of life in this special and fragile environment. Admission is $17 (adults), $16 (seniors), $10 (ages 2-11), children under 2 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Saturday and noon–5 p.m. Sunday (closes at 6 p.m. starting April 1).

Nathaniel Russell House 51 Meeting St. Admission is $10 or visit both the Nathaniel Russell House and the Aiken-Rhett House for $16. Tickets may be purchased at either site. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 2–5 p.m. Sunday. Last tour begins at 4:30 p.m. daily. (843) 724-8481.

museums The Charleston Museum 360 Meeting St. America’s first museum showcases cultural and natural history artifacts that tell the story of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Admission is $10 (adults), $5 (ages 3-12), children under 3 free. Museum and historic home combination tickets are available. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Multiple | Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009

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events&map discount ticket packages Charleston Heritage Passport Enjoy nine of Charleston’s premier historic and cultural landmarks and save nearly 40 percent by purchasing a Passport ticket for Drayton Hall, Middleton Place, Aiken-Rhett House, Edmondston-Alston House, Gibbes Museum of Art, Heyward-Washington House, Joseph Manigault House, Nathaniel Russell House and the Charleston Museum.

A Two-Day Passport is $44.95, valid for two consecutive days; Passports valid for an entire year are $64.95. Both Passports include one entry per landmark. Not available for groups. Must be purchased at the Charleston Visitor Center, located at 375 Meeting St. (843) 853-8000.

Aquarium Wharf Charleston’s one-stop entertainment complex is home to the South Carolina Aquarium and Fort Sumter Tours. Save with combination ticket packages available at each location. Also available: harbor cruises, casual waterfront dining, specialty shops and the Military Museum. 100 Aquarium Wharf.

(843) 720-1990.

(Oprah Winfrey and Bill Murray have both been spotted). Spectating is just as fun for those who don’t want to run the 6.2-mile course, which crosses the Cooper River Bridge before heading into scenic downtown Charleston. Music, drinks, food, and revelry continue long after the race is over.

GET INFO: www.bridgerun.com

family circle cup tennis tournament

Southeastern Wildlife Exposition Feb. 13–15 • Downtown Charleston More than 500 artists and exhibitors from around the globe present their offerings to more than 35,000 attendees during this three-day celebration of nature which hosts the world’s foremost experts in wildlife and nature art, as well as conservation research and environmental education. Daily tickets are $20 (Friday or Saturday) and $10 (Sunday), or $40 for a three-day pass (free for children 10 and under). Free shuttle service between venues provided for ticket and badge holders.

GET INFO: (843) 723-1748 www.sewe.com

house and garden tours/charleston international antiques show March 19–April 18 • Downtown Charleston Held during the peak of the city’s blooming season,

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the Historic Charleston Foundation’s 62nd Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens offers guests the rare opportunity to see inside the private residential interiors and gardens of America’s most distinctive historic houses in 12 colonial and antebellum neighborhoods. The antiques show will host more than 30 nationally renowned dealers featuring a diverse range of antiques from the late 17th to the early 20th century.

GET INFO: (843) 722-3405 www.historiccharleston.org

Cooper River Bridge Run April 4 • Mount Pleasant to Downtown A local tradition, this 10K race draws more than 30,000 participants every year. From lean, elite runners to weight-watching weekend warriors to those who just run once a year, this race attracts a diverse crowd from across the state and beyond

April 11–19 • Daniel Island One of the longest-running tournaments in the history of professional tennis, the Family Circle Cup attracts more than 90,000 fans who converge on Daniel Island to watch some of the most exciting tennis on the Women’s Tennis Association tour.

Day and evening matches are scheduled, and a wide variety of ticket pricing and packages are available.

GET INFO: (843) 856-7900 www.familycirclecup.com

AnnuaL Blessing of the Fleet April 26 • Mount Pleasant This unique festival gives visitors insight into the local shrimping industry. Held each year at Alhambra Hall, the event includes more than 10 local seafood restaurants offering a variety of local seafood dishes as well as music by local favorite The East Coast Party Band. Marine, wildlife and maritime history exhibitors will be featured, and the Mt. Pleasant Artists Guild will present its annual show of more than 50 pieces.

The annual arts and crafts show and children’s entertainment will presented in the park across from the water. Free admission.

GET INFO: (843) 849-2061 www.townofmountpleasant.com

Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009 |

Courtesy of the National Park Ser vice

eastcooper

Admission is $5 (families), $3 (adults), $1 (seniors), children under 16 free. Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. daily. (843) 883-3123.

Fort Sumter Boat tours to Fort Sumter National Monument depart daily from two locations: Liberty Square adjacent to the South Carolina Aquarium and Patriots Point Naval Museum in Mount Pleasant. Tour boat departure times vary by season and departure site. Visit www.spiritlinecruises. com for detailed schedules. Admission is $15 (adults), $13.50 (seniors), $9 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free. (843) 881-7337.

Palmetto Islands County ParK On Long Point Road off Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Picnic areas, nature and walking trails, pedal boats, observation tower, playground, bike rentals, dog park and fishing docks. Admission is $1 per person, children under 3 free. Open daily 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (closes at sunset starting March 1). (843) 884-0832. fort sumter

visitor center Mount Pleasant and Isle of Palms Visitors Center 311 Johnnie Dodds Blvd., Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Open 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. daily.

(843) 849-9172.

parks, forts and gardens Boone Hall Plantation Off Highway 17 North, Mount Pleasant. Boone Hall, a 738-acre former cotton plantation, has avenues of moss-draped live oaks planted in 1743, slave cabins and a gin house. Admission is $17.50 (adults), $15 (seniors and AAA members), $7.50 (ages 6-12), children under 6 free. Through March 31, open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Monday–Saturday and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. Sunday.

Starting April 1, open 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m.

Monday–Saturday and 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

(843) 884-4371.

Charles Pinckney National Historic Site 1254 Long Point Road, Snee Farm, Mount Pleasant. This 28-acre historic site is a remnant of the 715-acre plantation which belonged to Charles Pinckney, an early statesman who contributed to the Constitution. Free admission.

Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. daily. (843) 881-5516.

Fort Moultrie 1214 Middle St., Sullivan’s Island. Col. William Moultrie repelled an attack by the British fleet on June 28, 1776, at Fort Moultrie in a decisive early victory for the colonists in the American Revolution. The interior has been restored to reflect history of American coastal defenses.

museums Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant.

Home to World War II aircraft carrier Yorktown and other ships. Also includes Congressional Medal of Honor Museum. Admission is $16 (adults), $8 (ages 6-11), children under 6 free. $3 discount for seniors and military (free for active duty military in uniform). Open 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. daily; purchase tickets before 5 p.m. (843) 884-2727.

wildlife Barrier Island Eco-Tours Eco-tours by boat to Capers Island Heritage Preserve, led by naturalists. Trips include: 3.5hour Capers Island wildlife exploration, 2.5hour dolphin sunset cruise, and 3-hour remote kayaking and customized excursions. Trips depart from the Isle of Palms Marina.

Schedule and admission prices vary. Visit www.nature-tours.com for more information.

(843) 886-5000.

Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge Off Highway 17 North. Take the Bulls Island Ferry from Garris Landing to Bulls Island, a 6-mile long undeveloped barrier island. Wind through salt marsh creeks of 64,000-acre Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. In February, ferries depart Saturday only at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. Starting March 1, ferries depart Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and return at noon and 4 p.m. Arrive 30 minutes prior to departure. No reservations required. Admission is $30 (adults) and $15 (ages 12 and under). Families of five or more get one free child’s admission. Cash and check only. (843) 881-4582. | Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009

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visitor center Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce 402 North Main St. Find information about Summerville restaurants, shops and lodging, along with events and activities. Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday, and 1–4 p.m. Sunday. (843) 873-2931.

Closed federal holidays.

museums and gardens Azalea Park Main Street at West 5th South St., Summerville. Beautiful Azalea Park is a 12-acre oasis in the heart of Summerville. Peaceful paths, statuary, ponds, fountains and tennis courts are just a stroll away. Site of the annual YMCA Flowertown Festival and Sculpture in the South events. Free admission. Open 5 a.m.–10 p.m. daily. (843) 871-6000.

Colonial Dorchester State Historic Site 300 State Park Road, Summerville. Dorchester was settled in 1696 by a small group of Congregationalists on a high bluff on the east branch of the Ashley River. Today, Colonial Dorchester is a nationally significant

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summerville

archaeological site on the Ashley River containing the remains of a colonial era village, the ruins of Fort Dorchester and Old St. George’s Church. Offers interpretive kiosk, scheduled tours and excavations for viewing.

Admission is $2 (adults), $1.25 (S.C. seniors), children under 16 free. Open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. daily. (843) 873-1740.

The Henry Timrod Library 217 Central Ave., Summerville. Housed in a charming 1915 building in the historic district, the library has more than 40,000 volumes and audio/video tapes. Visitors are welcome to browse. A small fee is charged for membership. Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday and 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Saturday. (843) 871-4600.

Closed on legal holidays.

Summerville-Dorchester Museum 100 East Doty Ave., Summerville. This museum features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Summerville and Dorchester County.

Suggested admission donation: $2 (adults), $1 (ages 5-10). Open 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday– Saturday. (843) 875-9666.

Walking Trail of Summerville’s Homes and Gardens Free self-guided walking tour brochure lists many of the beautiful and historic buildings

and gardens in the town of Summerville.

Available at the Summerville Visitor Center, 402 N. Main St., during regular hours. This is a self-guided, exterior-only tour, and the brochure gives historic information about each structure or garden.

parks and open spaces Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest 336 Sanctuary Road, Harleyville. One of the Lowcountry’s premier natural experiences.

Tour the 1.75-mile boardwalk trail through an ancient virgin cypress swamp forest with trees that are more than 1,000 years old. Native wildlife abounds. Nature Center and gift shop.

Admission included with park fees. Open 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday. (843) 462-2150.

Francis Beidler ForesT Take Exit 187 off I-26 and follow signs.

The Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler Forest in Dorchester County has a 1.5-mile boardwalk through Four Holes Swamp, the world’s largest virgin bald cypress-tupelo gum swamp forest.

Admission is $7 (adults), $6 (Audubon members), $3.50 (ages 6-18), children under 6 free. Open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday yearround. (843) 462-2150.

Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009 |

© Brian Patterson | Dreamstime.com

thebeaches

folly beach

charleston area beaches Folly Beach County Park Only 12 miles from downtown Charleston, Folly Beach is often referred to as one of South Carolina’s best beaches. Admission to Folly Beach County Park is $7 per vehicle and includes parking, restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and picnic tables. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally in designated swimming areas. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. starting March 1).

Visit www.ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for directions and more information.

when is my dog allowed on the beach?

Regulations regarding dogs on the beach vary in the Charleston area. Following are the rules for popular area destinations: Sullivan’s Island April 1 through Oct. 31: • Dogs are allowed to run at large on the beach area from 5 to 10 a.m. (dogs must be leashed on walkways and access paths).

• No dogs allowed on the beach area, adjacent waters, beach paths or access points from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Nov. 1 through March 31: • Dogs are allowed to run at large on the beach from 5 a.m. to noon (dogs must be leashed on walkways and access paths).

• Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach from noon to 5 a.m.

Folly Beach Dogs are not permitted on the public beach at any time between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from May 1 through Sept. 30.

Leashed dogs are allowed at all other times.

Isle of Palms Dogs are welcome year-round and leash laws are in effect daily except 5–8 a.m.

| Lowcountr y Visitors, February–April 2009

Edisto Beach State Park This popular retreat is about 40 miles from downtown Charleston, but it is well worth the drive south. The park provides magnificent views of creeks and tidal marshes and offers all of the amenities that make a day at the beach worry-free. Admission is $4 for adults and $1.50 for children ages 6-15.

The entry fee includes access to restrooms, picnic tables and shelters, a playground, and hiking trails. The trails at Edisto Beach State Park form the state’s longest system of handicapped-friendly hiking and biking trails. Hunt for nature’s treasures in the sand and hike to the famous shell mound that was used more than 4,000 years ago by Native Americans.

The park also offers two camping areas and several vacation cabins also available. Park hours are 8 a.m.–6 p.m. (6 a.m.–10 p.m. during daylight savings time). For more information visit www.southcarolinaparks.com or call (843) 224-9339.

Isle of Palms County Park Isle of Palms County Park is located 15 miles from downtown Charleston. Park your car and gain access to restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and vending machines for $7. There are also picnic tables, a sand volleyball court and a playground. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally in the designated swimming area. Hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (closes at 6 p.m. starting March 1). Visit www.ccprc. com or call (843) 795-4386 for directions and more information.

Beachwalker County Park Located 21 miles south of historic Charleston, Beachwalker County Park provides access to the beach on Kiawah Island. Admission is $7 per vehicle and includes parking and access to restrooms, outdoor showers, dressing rooms and a picnic area with grills. Lifeguards are on duty seasonally in the designated swimming area. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent during the summer months for $10 each. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends only in March and April. Closed in February. Visit www.ccprc.com or call (843) 795-4386 for directions and more information. w w w.charleston.net/lowcountr y visitors