SOUTH CAROLINA
LOWCOUNTRY VISITORS GUIDE
southcarolinalowcountry.com
PRSRT STD US Postage PAID Yemassee, SC 29945 Permit #22
P.O. Box 615 Yemassee, SC 29945 U.S.A. www.SouthCarolinaLowcountry.com
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Section Welcome
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 1
Section Letter from the Chairman
W
e hope our Lowcountry Visitors Guidebook will assist you in planning your vacation to the Palmetto State’s beautiful Lowcountry region. The
Lowcountry offers a wide variety of activities and culinary delights, as well as a taste of the rich history and culture of the South. Four counties make up our Lowcountry region including Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper. We invite you to explore our cultural heritage and Sea Island lifestyle. Warmed by Southern breezes and shaded by live oaks and stately palms, this area offers miles of pristine, white-sand beaches, championship golf and hundreds of shops and restaurants. Activities include eco-tours featuring dolphin watching, canoeing and kayaking, freshwater and saltwater fishing, as well as theaters, museums and art galleries, African-American Gullah, garden tours, bird-watching in pristine habitats and many custom-designed programs. The Lowcountry region offers first-class hotels and resorts, smaller inns and hotels, vacation rental homes and condos, fully equipped villas and camp grounds. Wherever you choose to stay, you are sure to receive a level of service and amenities that will ensure an enjoyable stay for your vacation experience. Come, experience all we have to offer and you will soon see why we call the South Carolina Lowcountry home!
Sincerely,
Jack Reed
Chairman of the Board SC Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Commission
2 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Table of Contents Section Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lowcountry Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Travel and Weather. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Arts & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 More about …Gullah Origins. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Hilton Head Island/Bluffton
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Arts & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Colleton County
Maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Arts & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Hampton County
Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Arts & Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Jasper County
Map. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Dining. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Activities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Accommodations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 More about …Frampton Plantation. . . . . . . 111
Chambers of Commerce. . . . . . . . 112
A Publication of
Lowcountry & Resort Islands Tourism Commission P.O. Box 615 Yemassee, South Carolina 29945 (843) 717-3090 • 1-800-528-6870 www.SouthCarolinaLowcountry.com
©2017, by SC Biz Custom Media While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, corrections are welcomed. Sights, shopping and dining are not inclusive, but rather are representative of the area’s offering. Materials in this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the Lowcountry Tourism Commission and SC Biz News. Published By SC Biz News • (843) 849-3143 • Charleston, SC
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 3
Section Welcome
The
Lowcountry W
elcome to the South Carolina Lowcountry, a region rich in history, with plenty of exciting experiences just waiting to be discovered. Here you’ll find the perfect balance - from world-class attractions and resorts, championship golf courses, and family oriented Sea Island fun, to the quieter side where history comes to life, nature surrounds you, and a quaint small-town feel provides the perfect opportunity to relax. We celebrate all of our culinary blessings through area festivals like Rice, Tomatoes, Shrimp, Soft Shell Crabs, Catfish, Watermelon, Boiled Peanuts, BarBQ, Oysters…even Mullet! We know that once you come and experience everything the Lowcountry has to offer, you’ll be drawn back time and time again, because there’s something special here, something that can’t be described with words. It’s something that has to be discovered, and once you find it, you’ll never want to leave. So we invite you to come and discover each 4 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
of our beautiful four counties, and explore the beauty, culture, and atmosphere that defines Southern Hospitality here in the Lowcountry. We beckon you to explore our cultural heritage and sea island lifestyle. Warmed by Southern breezes and shaded by live oaks and stately palms, this area offers miles of pristine white-sand beaches, championship golf and hundreds of shops and restaurants. Activities include eco-tours featuring dolphin watching, canoeing and kayaking, fresh and saltwater fishing, as well as theaters, museums and art galleries, African-American Gullah, and garden tours, bird watching in pristine habitats and many custom-designed programs. Year-round festivals and special events celebrate music, the arts, local cuisine, wine, antique automobiles, shrimp, watermelons, rice, African-American cultural heritage, championship golf, plantation tours, and antiques – fun for everyone. You will find our communities internationally famous, featuring Hilton Head Island, a
A view of the Harbor River.
true world-class destination, and Beaufort with its glimpses of the Lowcountry life and history. Cities like Walterboro, home to the South Carolina Artisans Center, Port Royal and Parris Island Marine Recruit Depot offer intriguing sites to visit. Edisto Beach, a family oriented beach town, and Daufuskie Island, a surprising sea island, offer new places to explore, while the inland communities like Hampton, Varnville and Estill draw visitors with their Southern charm and historic resources. You will also find Bluffton to be quaint and historic – with an eclectic twist. Venture off Interstate 95 and you will find many more surprises in Yemassee, Point South, Ridgeland and Hardeeville. Our area features several beautiful state parks: Hunting Island and Edisto Beach for beach lovers, Colleton State Park on the beautiful Edisto River and Lake Warren for freshwater fun. The state of South Carolina set aside some of the best examples of its natural, cultural and recreational resourc-
es, and presents them to you as state parks. Forty-seven of these properties, found from the edges of the Blue Ridge to the shores of the Atlantic, protect and preserve the rich heritage of the Palmetto State and invite you to sample its unique offerings. The South Carolina State Park Service takes stewardship of the resources and service to you, the visitor, seriously, and invites you to visit the following state parks in this region. The Lowcountry region offers first-class hotels and resorts, smaller inns and hotels, and fully equipped villas and campgrounds. Wherever you choose to stay, you’re sure to receive a level of service and amenities that will ensure an enjoyable stay for your vacation experience. Come experience all we have to offer and you will soon see why we call the South Carolina Lowcountry home! Please take time to visit the Frampton Plantation (our Visitors Center and Museum) located at Exit 33, just off South Carolina’s Interstate 95 – a gateway to the Lowcountry. LVG www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 5
Section The Lowcountry
Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, & Jasper Counties
6 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Section
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 7
Section Here Getting Airports Beaufort County Airport
39 Airport Circle, Lady’s Island, off U.S. Highway 21, 843-255-2972. www.bcgov.net
Charleston International Airport
The Point Limousine & Shuttle Service
907 Calhoun St. 843-379-9450. Airport shuttle available, Charter bus service and tours available. Call for appointments and rates.
Bluffton
North Charleston, off I-526, approximately 75 miles north of Beaufort. 843-767-7000. www.chs-airport.com
Bluffton Taxi
Hilton Head Airport
4494 Bluffton Park Crescent, C-101. 843-842-7777. 888-620-7677. www.hiltonheadlimo.com
120 Beach City Road, off U.S. Highway 278, Hilton Head Island. 843-255-2950. www.hiltonheadairport.com
Lowcountry Regional Airport
142 Bluffton Road. 843-757-9999.
Camelot Limousine
Happy Taxi Cab Company
843-575-5000. www.happycabco.com
537 Aviation Way, off U.S. Highway 17-A, Walterboro Approximately 8 miles off I-95 from exits 53 and 57 843-549-2549. www.lowcountryregionalairport.com
Palmetto Breeze
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport/Chatham Area Transit Authority
Palmetto Transportation
Outside Savannah, GA, off I-95, Exit 104, approximately 45 miles south of Beaufort. 912-964-0514. www.savannahairport.com
Railroad Amtrak
800-872-7245. Seaboard Railway Line from New York to Florida via Washington D.C. Stops in Yemassee twice daily each direction. www.amtrak.com
Taxis, Limousine & Shuttle Service
25 Benton Field Rd. 843-757-5782. www.palmettobreezetransit.com 25 Stonehedge Way 843-683-4279. www.ridewithpt.com
Hilton Head Island Beeline Taxi
5 Kids Way. 843-683-1139.
Carolina Transit, Inc.
262 Spanish Wells Rd 843-681-3970. 877-698-8848. www.carolinatransit.com
Coastline Travel, Inc.
Beaufort
6 Office Park Rd. 843-842-9525.
AC Limo & Shuttle Service
Hilton Head Taxi
1501 Walsh Dr. W. 843-812-5466. Airport & train shuttles www.aclimoservice.com
ADR Taxi Cab
18 Bell Road. 843-522-1008
Happy Taxi Cab Co.
843-575-5000. www.happycabco.com
8 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
843-384-6408.
Happy Taxi Cab Company
843-575-5000. www.happycabco.com
Yellow Cab
374 Spanish Wells Rd 843-686-6666
Budget Car
Bus Services
120 Beach City Rd. 843-689-3737. 800-527-0700. www.budget.com www.budgettruck.com
Beaufort Greyhound Bus Lines
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
3659 Trask Parkway, 843-524-4646. 800-231-2222. www.greyhound.com
140-A Beach City Road. 843-689-9910. 800-261-7331. www.enterprise.com
Car Rentals
Hertz Car Rental
120 Beach City Road 843-681-7604. 877-826-8782. www.hertz.com
Beaufort Enterprise Rent-A-Car
National Rent-A-Car
239 Robert Smalls Parkway. 843-524-0494. 800-261-7331. www.enterprise.com
120 Beach City Rd. 843-681-7368. 888-501-9010. www.nationalcar.com
Bluffton
Thrifty Rent-A-Car
120 Beach City Rd. 843-689-9990. 800-367-2277. www.thrifty.com
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
22 Plantation Pk Dr. 843-706-2660. 800-261-7331. www.enterprise.com
Walterboro
Hilton Head Island
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
608 Bells Hwy. 843-549-6514. 800-261-7331. www.enterprise.com
Avis Rent-A-Car
36 Hunter Road. 843-689-6880. www.avis.com
Weather MONTH
Ave. Temp. (f/c)
January 48°/9°
The Lowcountry enjoys over 200 sunny days every year, with April being the sunniest month.
Ave. Max. Temp (f/c) 55°/13°
Ave. Ocean Temp. (f/c) 50°/10°
February 50°/10° 62°/17° 51°/11° March 58°/14° 68°/20° 58°/14° April 64°/18° 76°/24° 66°/19° May 72°/22° 82°/28° 73°/23° June 78°/26° 85°/29° 80°/27° July 81°/27° 90°/32° 84°/29° August 80°/27° 88°/31° 84°/29° September 76°/24° 84°/29° 81°/27° October 66°/19° 66°/19° 71°/22° November 58°/14° 70°/21° 64°/18° Decemeber 51°/11° 62°/17° 54°/12° www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 9
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Map
Beaufort
& Port Royal VISITOR CENTER
10 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
in Port Royal
Beaufort County
Natural Wonders
Cypress Wetlands
Introduction Loop Trail
Cutline here.
N
orthern Beaufort County features extensive waterways, historic downtown areas and plenty of vacation fun for your trip to the Lowcountry. The city of Beaufort provides a variety of opportunities for waterfront fun, from a day at the marina and waterfront park to unique shopping and dining in the historic downtown. Beaufort and Port Royal have quiet neighborhood streets, overhung by giant live oaks and Spanish moss - perfect for walking tours or a narrated, horse-drawn carriage ride. The Beaufort region also has a strong military presence with a Marine Corps Air Station and world-famous Parris Island, the Marine Corps recruit training depot.
History abounds in Beaufort with many historic sites to take in, including rows of antebellum homes along live oak-covered alleys in the Old Point, to the Old Sheldon Church ruins, a picturesque site where visitors can visualize the grandeur of the pre-Revolutionary War church. The outer Sea Islands around Beaufort, including Fripp, Harbor and Hunting Islands, offer family friendly activities. Hunting Island State Park is South Carolina’s most popular state park, attracting more than a million visitors each year. Five miles of pristine beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater lagoon and ocean inlet are all part of the park’s natural allure. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 11
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Downtown shopping in Beaufort
Of all the once-functioning lighthouses in South Carolina, the Hunting Island Lighthouse is the only one in the state that is publicly accessible. From the top of one of the most distinctive lighthouses in South Carolina, guests can stand 130 feet above the ground to take in the breathtaking, panoramic view of the Atlantic coast and surrounding maritime forest Tucked in the heart of the South Carolina Sea Islands and nestled beneath the silvery moss-draped limbs of massive live oaks, you will find the Penn Center—the site of one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves and one of the most significant African American historical and cultural institutions in existence today. Located on St. Helena Island, the historical campus of the Penn School was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974 and is distinct not only as the heart of Gullah culture but also a place of refuge for Martin Luther King Jr. where he could spend 12 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
time quietly writing about dreams. Traces of the area’s first inhabitants, the archaic Indians, date back 4,000 years. On this time scale, Europeans are relative newcomers, making their first appearance with Spanish galleons around 1521. Over the next two centuries, Spanish, French, English and Scotish forces sporadically feuded over the coastal plain, while Yemassee Indians fought to protect their claims. Of course, pirates joined the fray, too. Beaufort entered its golden era around 1800 when Sea Island cotton debuted and many of Beaufort’s loveliest mansions were built by the wealthy owners of cotton, indigo and rice plantations. This rich history peacefully coexists with first-rate entertainment — from shopping and theater to charter fishing and golf – that add zest to travel plans. Retailers selling a wide range of items from antiques to handmade
fort and the Port Royal Sound Foundation in Okatie. They are two of our newest points of interest with wonderful educational programs. Be warned, however; many visitors fall in love with our friendly towns and mild temperatures and find it hard to leave. In fact, many return to make Beaufort, Port Royal and surrounding communities their new home. LVG
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
chocolates are found in the quaint shopping districts of the area, along with waterfront dining and bed and breakfast inns in restored historic homes. Nature lovers can take kayak tours, walk the long, marshfront boardwalk and climb the tower overlooking the waterfront in Port Royal, or visit the Spanish Moss Trail running through the city. Also, be sure to visit the Santa Elena History Center in Beau-
Beaufort waterfront
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 13
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Dining Emily’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar.
Brusters Real Ice Cream 304 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-982-6277. www.brusters.com China Dragon 14 Savannah Hwy., 843-322-6688. China Express 330 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-525-6041. Chinatown 2301 Boundary St., 843-522-3655. City Java & News 301 Carteret St., 843-379-5282. Common Ground Coffee House & Market Cafe 102 West Street Ext., 843-524-2326. Crave Cup Cake Boutique 1103 Boundary St., 843-379-1234.
Due to space limitations, not all national and fast food establishments are listed.
Beaufort Agave Mexican Grill 1430 Ribault Rd., 843-379-0232. Albergotti Grill Holiday Inn & Suites, 2225 Boundary St. 843-379-3100. Athenian Gardens 950 Ribaut Rd., 843-379-9222. Berto’s Grill Tex Mex 9 Market St., 843-644-1925. www.bertostexmex.com
Crosta Pizzeria 1216 Boundary St., 843-379-8256. Dukes BBQ 1509 Salem Rd., 843-379-4PIG(4744). Emily’s 906 Port Republic St., 843-522-1866. www.emilysrestaurantandtapasbar.com Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar 2601 Boundary St., 843-379-2244. www.gilligans.net Griffin Market 403 Carteret St., 843-524-0240. www.griffinmarket.com Hemingway’s Courtyard Bistro & Pub 920 Bay St., 843-521-4480. www.hemingways.org
Blackstone’s Deli & Cafe 205 Scott St., 843-524-4330. www.blackstonescafe.com
Herban Marketplace 1211 Newcastle St., Unit E. 843-379-5550. www.herbanmarketplace.com
Boundary Street Cafe 1209 Boundary St., 843-379-1811.
House of Tang 1211 Ribaut Rd., 843-524-2898.
Breakwater Restaurant & Bar 203 Carteret St., 843-379-0052. www.breakwatersc.com
House of Tokyo 330 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-521-9011.
Bricks on Boundary 1420 Boundary St., 843-379-5232. 14 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
International House of Pancakes 266 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-379-1300 www.ihop.com
Dining Piace’s Pizza at Habersham 5 Market St., 843-379-3287.
La Hacienda 330 Robert Smalls Pkwy., #22, 843-982-0009.
Plum’s 904-1/2 Bay St., 843-525-1946. www.plumsrestaurant.com
La Nopalera 1220 Ribaut Rd,. 843-521-4882. Lowcountry Produce 1919 Trask Pkwy., 843-846-9438. 800-935-2792. www.lowcountryproduce.com
Q on Bay 822 Bay St., 843-524-7771. www.qonbay.com Red Rooster Cafe 2045 Boundary St., 843-379-2253
Lowcountry Produce & Cafe 302 Carteret St., 843-322-1900. www.lowcountryproduce.com
Rosie O’Grady’s Irish Pub 2127 Boundary St., 843-379-7676.
Luther’s Rare & Well Done 910 Bay St., 843-521-1888.
Ryan’s Famous Pizza & Subs 14 Savannah Hwy., 843-379-3479.
Maggie’s Pub at Habersham 17 Market St., 843-379-1719. www.maggiespub.net
Sake House 274 Robert Smalls Pkwy., #200. 843-379-5888.
Magnolia Bakery Café & Garden Gift Gallery 703 Congress St., 843-524-1961. www.thefoodscoop.com./mbc.html
Saltus River Grill 802 Bay St., Suite C. 843-379-FISH(3474). www.saltusrivergrill.com
Marilyn’s Lunch at Southern Sweets 917-F Bay St., 843-379-0798.
Sea Eagle Market & Good Eats 2149 Boundary St., 843-521-5091. www.seaeaglemarket.com
Marketplace News 917 Bay St., 843-470-0188. Maryland Fried Chicken 111 Ribaut Rd., 843-524-8766. Nautilus Seafood & Grill 2045 Boundary St., 843-379-2253 New Jade Island Grill 3669 Trask Pkwy., 843-379-9465 Old Bull Tavern 205 West St., 843-379-2855. Outback Steakhouse 2113 Boundary St., 843-379-6283. www.outback.com The Palm & Moon Bagel Co 221 Scott St., 843-379-9300. Panini’s Café 926 Bay St., 843-379-0300. www.paniniscafe.net Papaya Thai Cuisine & Sushi Bar 1001 Boundary St., 843-379-9099.
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Jason’s Seafood and Wings 7 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-379-8257.
Sgt White’s 1908 Boundary St., 843-522-2029. Sisters of the New South 2121 Boundary St., 843-379-3223. Smokin Oaks Barbeque 911 Boundary St., 843-470-0244. So Hot Mongolian Grill 2121 Boundary St., #103, 843-379-5559. www.sohotmongoliangrill.com Southern Sweets Ice Cream Parlor 917-F Bay St., 843-379-0798. Sub Station II 7 Robert Smalls Pkwy., #2. 843-525-9224. www.substationii.com Wined It Up 705 Bay St., 843-379-5585. www.wineditup.net Wing Stop - The Wing Experts 272 Robert Smalls Pkwy., 843-379-3535. www.wingstop.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 15
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Dining
Common Ground Coffee House & Market Cafe in Beaufort.
Wren Bistro, Bar & Wine Gourmet Market 210 Carteret St., 843-524-9463. www.wrenbistroandbar.com
The Original Steamer Oyster & Steakhouse 168 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-522-0210. www.theoriginalsteameroysterandsteakhouse.com
Yes, Thai Indeed 2127 Boundary St., 843-986-1185.
Peking Gourmet 10 Sam’s Point Rd. 843-986-0166.
YoYo’s Frozen Yogurt 722 Bay St., 843-525-0578. www.beaufortfrozenyogurt.com
Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant 41 Robert Smalls Pkwy. 843-322-9909.
Lady’s Island
The Upper Crust Hamilton Village, 97 Sea Island Pkwy. #201, 843-521-1999. www.theuppercrustli.com
Cat Island Grill & Pub 8 Waveland Ave on Cat Island, 843-524-4653. www.sanctuarygolfcatisland.com
Port Royal
The Dog House 381 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-770-0013. Fuji - Teppanyaki Restaurant Hamilton Village, 97 Sea Island Pkwy. #202. 843-524-2662. www.fujibeaufort.com Lady’s Island Country Club 139 Francis Marion Cir, 843-522-9700. www.ladysislandcc.com Lady’s Island Dockside II 71 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-379-3288. www.11thstreetdockside.com La Hacienda 136 Sea Island Pkwy. #4, 843-524-0405.
Agave 1430 Ribaut Rd. 843-379-0232. Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop 1415 Ribaut Rd. 843-524-8222. Back Porch Grill Port Royal Landing Marina, 1 Landing Dr. 843-525-9824. www.portroyallandingmarina.com Big Joe’s Bar-B-Q 780-D Parris Island Gtwy, 843-770-0711. bigjoesbbq.net The Carolina Tavern 1714 Ribaut Rd. 843-379-5959. www.carolinatavern.com China Dragon Shell Point Plaza, 14 Savannah Hwy, 843-322-6688.
16 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Dining Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Gullah Grub restaurant in St. Helena Island
Fat Patties 831 Parris Island Gateway, 843-379-1500. www.fat-patties.com
Boondocks 1760 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-0821. www.theboondocksrestaurant.com
Fumiko Sushi 14 Savannah Hwy, 843-524-0918.
Blue Dog Café The Lowcountry Store 736 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-4646. www.lowcountrystore.com
Mikki’s All American 1638 Paris Ave. 843-379-4322. Moondoggies Cafe & Gifts 925 10th St. 843-522-1222. www.moondoggiescafe.net
The Foolish Frog 846 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-9300. www.thefoolishfrog.com
Old School Pizzeria 1635 A Paris Ave. 843-524-1995.
Gullah Grub 877 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-3841. www.gullagrubs.com
Panda Chinese 860-C5 Parris Island Gtwy, 843-322-0696.
Island Grill 7 MLK Dr. 843-838-2330.
Red Rooster Café 1210 Ribaut Rd. 84-379-2253.
Johnson Creek Tavern and Restaurant 2141 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-4166. www.johnsoncreektavern.com
Smokin’ Planks 914 Paris Ave. 843-522-0322. Sushi Sakana 860 Parris Island Gtwy, 843-379-5300.
St. Helena Island Bella Luna Café 859 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-3188. www.bellalunacafesc.com
Marsh Tacky Market Cafe 2137 Sea Island Pkwy, Harbor Island 843-838-2041. MJ’s Soul Food 1634 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-2009. The Shrimp Shack 1925 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-2962. Sweetgrass Restaurant and Bar 100 Marina Dr. 843-838-2151. www.sweetgrassdataw.com. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 17
Activities Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
The grounds at St Helena’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort.
Points
of Interest
Beaufort Beaufort National Cemetery - 1601 Boundary St. 843-524-3925. Established in 1863, the landscape plan of this cemetery is very distinguished: laid out in a half wheel. It is enclosed in a brick wall, constructed in 1876. The cemetery is home to 117 Confederate soldiers and 2,800 Union soldiers. John Mark Verdier House Museum - 801 Bay St. 843-379-6335. Built in 1804 the Federal-style home was visited by the Marquis de Lafayette in 1825. It also served as Union headquarters during the Civil War. The house is now a museum open for tours Monday through Saturday. Santa Elena History Center – 1501 Bay St. 843-3791550. www.santa-elena.org The story of Santa Elena, founded in 1566 on Parris Island, is one of religion, geopolitics, cultural clashes, war and struggles to survive. It also is little known — even in South Carolina — as the place where colonial European powers France and Spain established beachheads in the New World. St. Helena’s Episcopal Church - 505 Church St. 843-522-1712. www.sthelenas1712.org. Built in 1724 of brick that was carried over in the ballasts of ships. During the Civil War the church was stripped of its furniture and used as a hospital. Many tombstones from the church cemetery were taken inside and used as operating tables. 18 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Tabernacle Baptist Church - 911 Craven St. 843-524-0376. Built by the African Americans after Federal occupation of Beaufort in 1861. The churchyard cemetery is the final resting place of Robert Smalls, a slave who rose to greatness during the Civil War. Beaufort Visitors Center at the Arsenal - 713 Craven St. 843-525-7077. Built in 1798, the Arsenal was home to the Beaufort Volunteer Artillery, who served in the American Revolutionary War. They were the fifth oldest military unit in the United States. The property now serves as the Beaufort Visitor’s Center and Museum. The arsenal houses relics of nature, war and early industry. Spanish Moss Trail - www.spanishmosstrail. com. This is an emerging rails-to-trail greenway project located in Beaufort County with a 9-mile, 12-foot wide, paved pedestrian trail open to bikers, runners, walkers, fishers and nature enthusiasts. Parking trailheads are located at Depot Road, Broome Lane and Westvine Drive.
Port Royal Parris Island Museum - 283 Blvd. De France, Parris Island. 843-228-2111. www.parrisislandmuseum.com. The Parris Island Museum is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the traditions of the Marine Corps. The museum is open to everyone daily from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and from 8 a.m. 4:30 p.m. on graduation days.
Activities
St. Helena Island Penn Center - 16 Penn Center Circle W., 843-8382432. www.penncenter.com. The Penn Center is the site of one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves. The annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration is held here the second weekend of November. Chapel of Ease - Land’s End Road. This structure was constructed of tabby walls between 1742 and 1747 and served as a house of worship. Destroyed by fire in 1886, it remains as a peaceful and tranquil reminder of Sea Island life. Fort Fremont- 1126 Lands End Road. www.fortfremont.org. Constructed in 1899, this fort defended Port Royal Sound. Earthen bulwarks are in place to protect the harbor side of the fort, which accommodated disappearing guns and a rapid fire battery.
Beaches & State Parks Fripp Island - 877-871-5051. www.frippislandresort. com. This barrier island is the most seaward of the Sea Islands and forms a de facto cape. Located halfway between Charleston, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., along the coast, it is locally positioned between Hunting Island State Park to the north and Pritchards Island to the southwest. A wide marsh and estuarine system separates these islands from the larger St. Helena’s Island to the northwest. The upland acreage of the island is approximately 3,000 acres. Fripp has approximately three miles of beachfront along the Atlantic, though some parts of beach are fully submerged at high tide. Fripp Island is located approximately 20 miles from Beaufort and is connected with the city via U.S.Highway 21. Savannah is approximately a 75-minute drive by car while Charleston is approximately 1 hour, 45 minutes away. Harbor Island - Harbor Island, a private, 1400-acre barrier island on the Atlantic seacoast, is located outside the city of Beaufort. The natural beauty of
the island lies in its graceful sand dunes covered with sea oats and coastal grasses and in its tidal waters and saltwater marshes. Three miles of pure, untamed sandy beach is waiting for your exploration, relaxation and play. Walk among the terns, pelicans, egrets, herons and horseshoe crabs or sit in the sands and bask in the sun while watching the dolphins play. Sunrises, flowing waters, gentle breezes, sunsets and spacious views make your vacation retreat an experience worth repeating. A peaceful, gated community exists with nature on Harbor Island. Harbor Island Rentals, the epitome of vacation property management exclusively on Harbor Island for 20 years, has the largest selection of villas and homes on the island.
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Port Royal Sound Foundation Maritime Center 310 Okatie Hwy. Okatie, 843-645-7774. The Port Royal Sound Maritime Center feature exhibits, classrooms, hands-on learning spaces and other areas where everyone can learn and celebrate the uniqueness of the Sound and have diverse and fun opportunities to experience and connect with the Port Royal Sound Area. Free. Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m
Hunting Island - 843-838-2011. www.huntingisland. com. Hunting Island State Park is the most popular state park beach in South Carolina. It is a 5,000-acre park with three miles of natural beach. White sands and warm waters grace this State Park preserved for visitors and locals to “get back to nature.” Hunting Island State Park is located just 16 miles east of Historic Beaufort on U.S. Highway 21. Hunting Island has a 200-site campground with showers and dressing rooms on the beach. There are also cabins, a boardwalk, nature trails, lagoon, fishing pier and boat landing. In the center of the park stands a historic lighthouse which provides a magnificent view of the shoreline from the top. Hunting Island Lighthouse is open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with an admission fee. Hunting Island is also a popular nesting ground for loggerhead turtles. There is a visitor center located within the park with a pond that is home to turtles and an alligator. Port Royal Sands - www.portroyal.org.
Wildlife Preserves & Nature Trails Beaufort ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge - Research information: 843-844-8822. Tours 843-521-3099. www.acebasin.net. More than 140,000 acres of winding tidal creeks, salt marshes, barrier and marsh islands. Home to many endangered or threatened species such as loggerhead sea turtles and Southern bald eagles. Hunting Island State Park - 17 miles from Beaufort. 843-838-2011. 5,000 acres, cabins, handicapped access, picnic shelters, lagoon and www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 19
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Activities pier fishing, ocean swimming, boat ramp, nature programs, park store, gift shop and tackle shop. Park admission fee. Marsh Boardwalks at Hunting Island State Park – 843-838-2011. www.southcarolinaparks.com. Stroll through 200 yards of salt marsh environment and overlook Johnson Creek. Spanish Moss Trail - www.SpanishMossTrail.com The Spanish Moss Trail is an emerging rails-to-trail greenway project owned by Beaufort County and is located in the heart of northern Beaufort County. Today, the Spanish Moss Trail is a nine-mile, 12-foot wide, paved pedestrian Trail open for the enjoyment of bikers, runners, walkers, fishers and nature enthusiasts of all stages of life.
Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Trail - 843-986-2211. www.portroyal.org/pdf/cypress_wetlands.pdf. A halfmile walking trail with secluded wetlands providing a refuge for birds and other wildlife. Five boardwalks offer great views of the flora and fauna of the wetlands. Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Walking Trail 843-986-2211. www.portroyal.org. Paris Avenue. Cypress wetland is viewed along boardwalks surrounding nesting grounds for shore birds. It is an awesome sanctuary and a leisurely walk.
Kayak &
boat rentals
St. Helena Island Barefoot Bubba’s - 722 Bay St. Beaufort, 843-838-9222. 2135 Sea Island Pkwy. St Helena, 843-838-9222. www.barefootbubbasurfshop.com.
narrated natural and cultural history kayak tours on the waters of historic Beaufort County. Beaufort Tours - 843-838-2746. www.beauforttoursllc.com. Want to see where Forrest Gump crossed into Mississippi? Where Forrest and Bubba fought in Vietnam? Travel on the funeral procession route of The Big Chill. View the beautiful scenery from The Prince of Tides. Visit the spots where Julia Roberts filmed Something to Talk About. See where G.I. Jane was tortured. Capt. Dick’s River Tours - Downtown Beaufort Marina, 1006 Bay St. 843-812-2804. www.beaufortrivertours.com. Dolphin watch and ecology tours that are fully narrated and leave from the Downtown Marina. Janet’s Walking Tours - 1006 Bay St. Downtown Marina. 843-226-4412. www.janetswalkinghistory.com. Guided, fully narrated, 2-mile walking history tour of Beaufort. Sea Island Carriage - 930 Bay St. 843-575-1821 Narrated carriage tour of the Old Point neighborhood and Historic District of Beaufort. Southurn Rose Buggy Tours - 1002 Bay St. Beaufort, 843-524-2900. www.southurnrose.com. Narrated buggy tours of historic Beaufort by professionally trained guides. Buggies depart from the Waterfront Marina. The Spirit of Old Beaufort 1501 Bay St. Beaufort, 843-525-0459. 800-638-3525. www.thespiritofoldbeaufort.com. Walking tour of East side focuses on the historic homes. West side tour emphasis on churches and historic homes along the bay. Reservations required.
Beaufort
A Taste of the Lowcountry - 843-441-7923. Taste the Southern flavor of Beaufort on our 2.5-hour guided walking tours of the city’s culinary delights in historic downtown Beaufort.
Barefoot Bubba’s - 722 Bay St. 843-838-9222.
St. Helena
Bay Street Outfitters, 815 Bay St. 843-524-5250, www.baystreetoutfitters.com. Beaufort means Redfish! Guides fish the Backcountry with fly or spin and lessons are available. Other tours available upon request.
Barefoot Bubba’s - 2135 Sea Island Pkwy. St. Helena. 843-838-9222. www.barefootbubbasurfshop.com.
Tours & Transportation
Beaufort Kayak Tours - 843-525-0810. www.beaufortkayaktours.com. Outfitter providing 20 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Camelot Farms, LLC 101 Tom & Mike Lane. St. Helena Island. 843-838-3938. www.camelotfarmshorses.com. Experience the South Carolina Lowcountry on
Activities It’s always a good day for a paddle in the Lowcountry.
Discover Tours 843-726-9217. 888-842-9217. www.discover-tours. com. Receptive Tour Operator offering tour packages for group tours. Step on guide service available. Member of NTA and ABA.
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
horseback. Spectacular scenery on our Coast Line Ride, beautiful moss draped oaks on our Plantation Ride, and much more! Located between Beaufort and Fripp Islands.
Gullah-n-Geechie Mahn Tours 97 Perry Road. 843-838-7516. www.gullahngeechietours.net. This historical tour of St. Helena and the surrounding Sea Islands brings to life stories and contributions of enslaved Africans and how it significantly influenced the growth and development of American culture. Lands End Tours - 1152 Sea Island Pkwy. 615-243-4684. Lowcountry Wildlife Photo Safaris - 843-524-3037. www.horanphoto.com. Explore the SC Lowcountry with Eric Horan, professional wildlife photographer. Eric offers information tours open to photographers of all skill levels through scenic waterways and along pristine beaches of the barrier islands. Penn Center Museum and Historic Site - 16 Penn Center Circle. 843-838-2474. www.penncenter.com. Pick Pocket Plantation 93 Trask Farm Road. 843-812-6921. 843-525-0459. www.pickpocketplantation.com. Reservations required.
Parris Island Parris Island Tour - 111 Panama St. Parris Island. 843228-2951. www.parrisislandmuseum.com.Self-guided tours available at the Parris Island Museum.
Fishing Charters Beaufort Abco Fishing Charters 294 Coosaw River Drive, 843-525-0243. Aqua Sports, Inc. /Sea Wolf Charters 1 Landing Drive, 843-525-1174. 843-521-3372. www.seawolfcharter.com
Port Royal
Bay Street Outfitters 815 Historic Bay St., 843-524-5250. www.baystreetoutfitters.com
Port Royal Tours - 1010 11th St. Port Royal. 843-575-1824. 1 1/2-hour walking and golf cart tours of historic Port Royal.
Beaufort Coastal Adventures 3013 Shell Point Road, 843-812-1246. www.beaufortfishingcharter.com
Rev’s Gullah Island Tour - 11 Daycare Lane. 843-838-3185. kids30144@embarqmail.com. Showcases historic sites and the Gullah culture as it is today. By appointment only.
Fly Fish Beaufort 740 Ribault Road, 843-812-5406.
River Safari - Port Royal Landing Marina. 843-575-1748. This is a one-to-six passenger, 1 1/2-hour nature tour.
Mattson Charter Service 843-694-7422. mattsoncharterservice.com Oldfield Club - 10 Oldfield Way, Okatie, 843-645-4600. www.oldfield1732.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 21
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Activities Fishing off the pier at Hunting Island State Park.
Fripp Island Fripp Island Marina - 875 Bonito Drive, Fripp Island, 843-838-1517. www.frippislandresort.com
Lady’s Island Lady’s Island Marina, Inc. 73 Sea Island Pkwy. Lady’s Island. 843-522-0430. Marsh Harbor Boat Yard 45 Colony Gardens Road. Lady’s Island. 843-521-1500
Public Boat Ramps Beaufort Combahee River Boat Ramp (Steel Bridge) Combahee River, US 17 North. Approx. 6 miles from Gardens Corner. Freedom Mall, City Marina Boat Ramp 1010 Bay St. Sea So Shallow - 17 Meridan Road, 843-252-3882. www.seassoshallow.com
Grays Hill Boat Ramp Whale Branch River, US 21 to Route 17 South.
Port Royal
Paige Point Boat Landing Paige Point Rd. off County Rd. 59.
Aqua Sports - Seawolf Charters - Port Royal Landing Marina. 843-525-1174. www.seawolfcharter.com Cast Away Charters - Port Royal Marina. 843-322-1043.www.beaufortcastawaycharter.com
Marinas Beaufort Dataw Island Marina - 100 Marina Drive, 843-838-8410. www.datawmarina.com Downtown Marina - 1006 Bay St. 843-524-4422. www.downtownmarinabeaufort.com
Pigeon Point Boat Landing Pigeon Point Rd. off Boundary St. Wallace Creek Boat Landing Sam Doyle Dr. off Lands End Rd. Wimbee Creek Boat Ramp Wimbee Landing Rd. off Hwy 21.
Lady’s Island Brickyard Boat Ramp Brickyard Creek US 21 to Route 802 East to Route 750 West to Route 72 East.
Port Royal
Sam’s Point Boat Ramp Lucy Point Creek, US 21 to Route 802 East.
Port Royal Landing Marina – 1 Landing Drive, 843-525-6664. 800-326-7678. www.portroyallanding.com
White Hall (Lady’s Island) Boat Ramp Factory Creek, off Hwy 21.
22 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Activities Huspa Equestrian Park - 21 Huspa Plantation Road. Sheldon. 843-816-1404.
Fort Frederick, USN Hospital Boat Ramp Beaufort River. US 21.
St. Helena Island
Parris Island/Battery Creek Boat Ramp Battery Creek. Route 281.
Camelot Farms - 101 Tom & Mike Lane, 843-838-3938. www.camelotfarmshorses.com
Port Royal “Sands” Boat Ramp Port Royal, 6th Street off Paris Ave.
Bike Rentals
St. Helena Island
Beaufort
Butches Island Boat Ramp Harbour River, Butches Rd. off Hwy 21.
Barefoot Bubbas Beach 722 Bay St. 843-838-9222. www.barefootbubbasurfshop.com
Russ Point Boat Landing Russ Point Landing Rd. off Hwy 21. Station Creek Boat Ramp Station Creek Dr. off Seaside Rd. Broad River Boat Ramp Broad River, Route 170. Chechessee (Edgar Glenn) Boat Landing Echotango Rd. off Hwy 170. Camp St. Mary’s Dock and Pier Camp St. Mary’s Rd. off Hwy 170. H E Trask (Victoria’s Bluff) Boat Landing Sawmill Creek Rd. of Hwy 278.
Lowcountry Bicycles - 102 Sea Island Parkway www.lowcountrybicycles.com 843-524-9585.
Shopping Beaufort Antiques & Such - 808 Bay St. 843-322-0880. Barefoot Bubba’s - 722 Bay St. 843-838-9222. 2135 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-9222. www.barefootbubbasurfshop.com Bay Street Jewelers - 902 Bay St. 843-524-4165. www.baystreetjewelers.com
Bluffton Public Dock Wharf Street off May River Road.
Bay Street Outfitters - 815 Bay St. 843-524-5250. www.baystreetoutfitters.com
Alljoy Boat Ramp May River near Bluffton. US 278 to Route 46 West.
Beaufort Bookstore - 2127 Boundary St. #15. 843-525-1066. www.beaufortbookssc.com
Pinckney Island
Beaufort Clothing Company - 723 Bay St. 843-524-7118. www.beaufortclothing.com
C.C. Haigh Boat Ramp Mackay Creek, US 278, Pinckney Island.
Beaufort Liquidations 5 Parker Drive. 843-466-0359.
Horseback Riding & Stables
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Port Royal
Belk - 332 Robert Smalls Parkway 843-522-9599. www.belk.com
Beaufort
Bellavista Antiques & Interiors 872-A Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-3355.
Deep Sigh Horse Farm & Riding Academy 163 Keans Neck Road. Seabrook. 843-846-2276. www.dshorsefarm.com
Best of Everything – Her Favorite Store 206 Carteret St. 843-770-0400.
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 23
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Activities Bitty’s Flower Shop - 1202 Boundary St. 843-524-4547. 800-809-6999.
Der Teufelhund - 13-B Marina Blvd. 843-521-9017.
Bubba’s Lowcountry Collectibles - 463 Parris Island Gateway. 843-525-1130.
Downtown Marina Of Beaufort - Ship’s Store 1006 Bay St. 843-524-4422. www.downtownmarinabeaufort.com
Carolina Stamper - 203 Carteret St. 843-522-9966.
Finders Keepers - 920 Bay St. 843-525-9200
Carolina Wiggle Wear 928 Bay St. 843-470-0090.
Finishing Touches Etc. - 917 Bay St. 843-522-1716.
The Chocolate Tree - 507 Carteret St. 843-524-7980. www.thechocolatetree.us Coastal Knitting - 900 Port Republic St. 843-470-0148. www.coastalknitting.com Collectors Antique Mall 102-C Sea Island Parkway, 843-524-2769.
Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery 745 Robert Smalls Parkway, 843-524-8695. www.fwdgonline.com The Gay Fish Co. Inc. - 1948 Sea Island Parkway, 843-838-2763. Grace and Glory Uptown - 1029-A Boundary St. 843-521-4050.
The Corps Store - 860 Parris Island Gateway, 843-379-8350. www.thecorpsstore.com
Grayco Building Centers & Hardware 20 Sams Point Rd. 843-522-9994. 136 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-521-8060. www.graycoinc.com
Deals - 724 Bay St. 843-524-4993.
Her Favorite Store - 206-A Carteret St. 843-770-0400. Herban Marketplace - 1211 Newcastle St. Unit C, 843-379-5550. www.herbanmarketplace.com Higher Ground - 2121 Boundary St. #101. 843-379-GEAR(4327). www.highergroundofthelowcountry.com In High Cotton - 903 Bay St. 843-522-1405. Islands Meat Market - 136 Sea Island Parkway, 843-525-6162. Island Wellness Shoppe - 47 Tidewatch Circle, 843-470-9001. www.islandwellnessshoppe.com The Jeweler’s Bench - 603 Carteret St. 843-522-0003. JC Penney - 328 Robert Smalls Parkway, 843-524-5799. www.jcpenney.com Joli Home Accents - 707 Bay St. 843-379-9191. www.jolihomeaccents.com Laura Tucker Designs - 918 Craven St. 843-524-2544. 866-953-9599. www.lauratuckerdesigns.com Let’s Embroider It 12 Marsh Lane, 843-982-0900.
24 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Activities
Lowcountry Bicycles - 102 Sea Island Parkway, 843-524-9585. www.lowcountrybicycles.com Lowcountry Outlet - 53 Sams Point Road. 843-470-9000.
Rossignol’s - 817 Bay St. 843-524-2175. Sea Eagle Market and Good Eats 2149 Boundary St., 843-521-5090. Smart Girls Consignment Store 208 Carteret St. 843-522-0100.
Lowcountry Produce - 1919 Trask Parkway, 843-846-9438. www.lowcountryproduce.com
Spirit of Old Beaufort Gift Shop 1001 Bay St. 843-525-0459. www.thespiritofoldbeaufort.com
Lowcountry Store/Lowcountry Chair Company 736 Sea Island Parkway, 843-838-4646. www.lowcountrychairs.com
Sugar Belle - Sweet Southern Style 1440 Ribaut Rd., 843-379-4141.
Lowe’s Home Improvements - 207 Robert Smalls Parkway, 843-522-3144. www.lowes.com Lulu Burgess - 917 E. Bay St. 843-524-5858. www.luluburgess.com M Home & Garden - 813 Bay St. 843-524-7465. www.mhomeandgarden.com Magnolia Bakery Cafe & Garden Gift Gallery 703 Congress St. 843-524-1961. Main Street Beaufort, USA - 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com McIntosh Book Shoppe - 917 Bay St. 843-524-1119. Modern Jewelers - 807 Bay St. 843-524-3526. www.mjinc.biz Nuances - 918 8th St. 843-470-1110. Octopuses - 872-B Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-0005. Oyster Cay Collection, LLC - 917-I Bay St. 843-525-0485 Pearls Before Noon Antiques 18 Market St. Habersham. 843-608-3150. www.pearlsbeforenoon.com Red Piano Too - 870 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-2241. 866-408-5665. www.redpianotoo.com Rhett Gallery - 901 Bay St. 843-524-3339. www.rhettgallery.com
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
The Lollypop Shop - 103 West St. Ext. 843-379-7677.
Sweet Bay - 812 Bay St., 843-379-5125. Sweetgrass Ladies Apparel 700 Bay St. 843-379-3307. TJ Maxx 320 Robert Smalls Pkwy. 843-379-4344. Talbot’s - 1029-B Boundary St. 843-322-8040. www.talbots.com What’s In Store 853 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-7473. Where’d You Get That? - 9 Marshellen Dr., Belle-view Business Park. 843-379-4900. White Shrimp Co. 1441 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-3259.
St. Helena Penn Center Museum, Gift and Book Shop 16 Penn Center Circle West, Martin Luther King Dr. 843-838-2474. www.penncenter.com
Golf Courses Parris Island The Legends Golf Course - 843-228-2240. www.mccssc.com
Fripp Island Fripp Island Golf - 01 Tarpon Road, Ocean Point, 843-838-1521. Ocean Creek, 843-838-1576. 800-845-4100. www.frippislandresort.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 25
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Activities Lady’s Island Lady’s Island Country Club - 139 Francis Marion Circle, 843-524-3635. www.ladysislandcc.com Sanctuary Golf Club on Cat Island 8 Waveland Ave. 843-524-0300. www.scnational.com
Tennis & Fitness Centers Beaufort Beaufort County Tennis Courts - 1105 Bladen St., 381 Broad Creek Road, 1405 Battery Creek Road, 843-255-6680. www.bcpals.com EarthFIT - 20-A Market St., Habersham. 800-718-7FIT (7348). www.beaufortpersonaltraining.com
St. Helena Beaufort County Tennis Courts 242 Scott Hill Road, St Helena. 179 Ball Park Road, St. Helena. 843-255-6680.
26 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
www.bcgov.net/departments/community-services/ pals/beaufort-county-athletics/Tennis-Courts.php
Lady’s Island Omni Health & Fitness Center 2127-18B Boundary St. 843-379-2424. www.omniofbeaufort.com
Parks & Leisure Services Beaufort Beaufort County PALS 1 Middleton Recreation Dr. 843-255-6680. www.bcpals.com
Port Royal Wardle Family YMCA 1801 Richmond Ave. 843-522-9622. www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com
Beaufort,County Port Royal, Sea Islands Beaufort McIntosh Book Shoppe
www.southcarolinalowcountry.comin |Beaufort. 27
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Arts & Culture Beaufort Music at St. Helena’s Concert Series 843-522-1712. www.sthelenas1712.org The concert series offers organ concerts approximately four times each fall and again each spring. Concert organists from all over the world are invited to play our magnificent Taylor & Boody Organ Opus II, 1985. The Parish also sponsors other events including the Fall Bazaar, the Spring Tour of Homes and services at Old Sheldon Church. Beaufort Art Association 843-379-7716. www.beaufortartassociation.com The Beaufort Art Association is a non-profit, tax-exempt, membership organization chartered in 1957 to promote community interest and education in the visual arts. The BAA hosts many exhibits, shows, and events throughout the year. Beaufort Orchestra 800-595-4849. www.beaufortorchestra.org The Beaufort Orchestra made its debut in 1986 with a 14-member group. From that small group of local musicians, it has grown to a full orchestra. The annual concert season currently includes an Autumn Classical concert, a Holiday concert, a Spring Classical concert and a Spring Pops concert. Historic Beaufort Foundation 843-379-3331. www.historicbeaufort.org A Local Partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservations, the Historic Beaufort Foundation was chartered in 1965, with the mission of supporting the preservation, protection and presentation of sites and artifacts of historic, architectural and cultural interest throughout Beaufort County, South Carolina. Beaufort County Arts Council 843-379-2787. www.beaufortcountyarts.com The Beaufort County Arts Council is a non-profit organization founded in 1991, whose mission is to promote and nurture the arts of Beaufort County, South Carolina, and to position and maintain Beaufort County as a vibrant arts community and destination through active marketing, service to artists and arts organizations, and advocacy for the arts. USCB Lunch with Authors Series 843-521-4145. www.uscbcenterforthearts.com The Lunch with Authors Series is sponsored by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Continuing Education, providing a forum for authors to connect intimately with their readers. 28 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Art Galleries Beaufort ARTworks Community Arts Center/ Beaufort County Arts Council 2127 Boundary St. 843-379-2787. www.beaufortcountyarts.com Atelier on Bay Studio & Gallery 203 West St. 843-470-0266. www.atelieronbay.com Bay Street Gallery 719 Bay St. 843-522-9210. www.baystgallery.com Beaufort Art Association Gallery 1001 Bay St. 843-521-4444. www.beaufortartassociation.com Cassandra Gillens Studios 1766 Gillens Ln. 843-592-0944. www.cassandragillens.com Charles Street Gallery & Frame Shop 914 Charles St. 843-521-9054. www.thecharlesstreetgallery.com Coastal Art Supply/Pat Wilcox Studio 812 Port Republic St. 843-524-2787. www.coastalartsupply.com Gloria Dalvini Watercolors 1311 North St. 843-521-9776. www.gloriadalvini.com Guild of Beaufort Galleries www.guildofbeaufortgalleries.com The Guild of Beaufort Galleries is a group of Art Galleries which provides a unique opportunity to browse these exceptional galleries, all within walking distance of each other, in Historic Beaufort, South Carolina. Enjoy the works of over 500 artists during our many shows. Indigo Gallery 809 Bay St. 843-524-1036. I. Pinckney Simons Gallery 711 Bay St. 843-379-4774. www.ipinckneysimonsgallery.com Longo Gallery 103 Charles St. 843-522-8933. www.longogallery.com
Arts & Culture Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Aunt Pearlie Sue and the Gullah Kinfolk.
Lybenson’s Gallery & Studio 211 Charles St. 843-525-9006. Rhett Gallery 901 Bay St. 843-524-3339. www.rhettgallery.com Thibault Gallery 815 Bay St. 843-379-4278. www.thibaultgallery.com
Port Royal Sandra Baggette’s Garden Studio Gallery 1908 Lenora Dr. 843-522-8911. www.sandrabaggette.com Susan Graber Studio 805 London Ave. 843-524-4353. (Call for an appt) www.susangraber.com
St. Helena Island Red Piano Too Art Gallery 870 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-2241. www.redpianotoo.com
Performing Arts Beaufort Beaufort County Arts Council 2127 Boundary St. #18A, 843-379-2787. www.beaufortcountyarts.com Beaufort Symphony Orchestra 800-595-4849. 912-232-7250. P.O. Box 504. www.beaufortorchestra.org Beaufort Performing Arts University of SC Center for the Arts 801 Carteret St. 843-521-4145. www.uscbcenterforthearts.com
Movie Theaters Beaufort Highway 21 Drive-In Hwy 21. 843-846-4500. www.hwy21drivein.com Plaza Stadium Theatre 41 Robert Smalls Pkwy. 843-986-5806. www.beaufortmovie.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 29
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Events Beaufort USCB Lunch with Authors Series 843-521-4145. www.uscbcenterforthearts.com The Lunch with Authors Series is sponsored by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Continuing Education, providing a forum for authors to connect intimately with their readers.
January Pelican Plunge Hunting Island State Park. 843-838-2011. www.friendsofhuntingisland.com
Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Lafayette Soiree 843-379-3331. historicbeaufort.org Celebrate the anniversary of Lafayette’s visit to Beaufort in 1825. Silent Auctions, open bar and heavy hor d’oeuvres from participating restaurants & dancing. St Peter’s Annual Oyster Roast & Micro Brew Festival Live Oak Park. 843-522-2163. www.stpetersoysterroast.com Contact St Peter’s Catholic School for tickets.
Hunting Island
Historic Beaufort Foundation Annual Oyster Roast 843-379-3331. www.historicbeaufort.org The event features a traditional oyster roast accompanied by chicken gumbo, beverages, dessert and live music.
Hunting Island Adventure Biathlon 843-379-4327. www.seaislandrotary.org/adventure-biathlon.com
Beaufort Bridge 12K Run Downtown Beaufort. 843-441-1269.
Beaufort
February Historic Beaufort Foundation Annual Oyster Roast 843-379-3331. www.historic-beaufort.org Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Valentine’s Ball 877-532-6472. www.bmhsc.org/foundation_events.htm Beaufort International Film Festival 843-986-5400, ext 26. www.beaufortsc.org www.beaufortfilmfestival.com St. Helena Anglican Church Oyster Roast 843-522-1712.www.sthelena1712.org
March Beaufort Annual Beaufort Arts Association Spring Show, Sale and Exhibit 843-521-4444. www.beaufortartassociation.com 30 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
April
Annual Spring Home Tour 843-524-0363. www.sthelenas1712.org Parish Church of St. Helena’s Annual Spring Tour of Homes includes houses, Lowcountry plantations, gardens, and historic churches. MCAS Beaufort Airshow 843-228-7839. MCAS Beaufort. www.beaufortairshow.com
Port Royal Soft Shell Crab Festival Paris Ave. www.oldvillageportroyal.com
May Beaufort A Taste of Beaufort & 5K Run/Walk Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com Music, Arts, and Seafood Festival produced by Main Street Beaufort USA in downtown Beaufort. The Gullah Festival 843-525-0628. theoriginalgullahfestival.org
Events
Beaufort High on the Hog BBQ Festival 843-522-3500. www.highonthehogbeaufort.com LowCountry Habitat for Humanity. Annual South Carolina Barbeque Association-sanctioned event, featuring BBQ cookers from around the South in fierce competition.
July
Port Royal OktoPRfest www.oldvillageportroyal.com Paris Ave. The Old Village Association of Port Royal presents OktoPRfest - “Party Port Royal Style. A party you won’t want to miss! This is an adult only festival.
November Beaufort
Beaufort
Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration 843-838-2432. www.pennncenter.com
Beaufort Water Festival Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park. 800-638-3525. 843-986-5400. www.bftwaterfestival.com
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry Oyster Roast www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfThe LowcountryBeaufort.org
Independence Day Celebration Parris Island, USMC Recruit Depot. www.mccssc.com
Paddlefest Hunting Island State Park Lagoon. www.paddlefestsc.org
Port Royal Independence Day Celebration Paris Avenue and at The Sands. 843-986-5400.
September Beaufort Labor Day Celebration Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. St. Helena Island, 843-838-2432. www.penncenter.com
October
December Beaufort Night on the Town 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com Light Up The Night Boat Parade Historic Downtown Beaufort. 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com Traditional Christmas Parade Downtown Beaufort. 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com
Beaufort
Port Royal
Beaufort Shrimp Festival & 5K Run/Walk/ Popcorn Shrimp Run - Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park. 843-525-6644. www.downtownbeaufort.com
Watch Night Services Port Royal Island Churches Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. 843-838-2432. An annual Gullah tradition held in local churches to “bring in” the New Year through songs, testimony and prayer. The ceremony also includes the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation, which was read on January 1, 1863 at Port Royal Island Churches. www.penncenter.com
The Guild of Beaufort Art Galleries Art Walk - www.beaufortartassociation.com Several participating galleries. Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens 843-379-3331. www.historic-beaufort.org
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
June
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Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Accommodations
32 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Accommodations and
Breakfasts & Inns
Beaufort Anchorage 1770 1103 Bay St. 843-525-1770. www.anchorage1770.com
St. Helena Island Tuck in De Wood Campground 22 Tuc In De Wood Lane 843-838-2267. www.tuckinthewood.com
Hotels & Motels
Beaufort Inn 809 Port Republic St. 843-379-4667. 888-522-0250. www.beaufortinn.com
Beaufort
Beaulieu House at Cat Island 3 Sheffield Ct. 843-770-0303. 866-814-7833. www.beaulieuhouse.com
America’s Best Inns & Suites 2448 Boundary St., 843-524-3322. 800-237-8446. www.redlion.com/beaufort
The Cuthbert House Inn 1203 Bay St. 843-521-1315. 800-327-9275. www.cuthberthouseinn.com Magnolia Court Guest Suites 1204-1206 Pigeon Point Rd. 843-521-0633. 843-812-5175. www.magnoliacourtsuites.com
Best Western Plus Sea Island Inn 1015 Bay St. 843-522-2090. 800-528-1234. www.sea-island-inn.com City Loft Hotel 301 Carteret St. 843-379-5638. www.citylofthotel.com
North Street Inn 1411 North St. 843-986-1126. www.northstreetinn.com
Comfort Suites Hotel 131 Big John Road, 843-379-9400. www.comfortsuites.com
The Rhett House Inn 1009 Craven St. 843-524-9030. 888-480-9530. www.rhetthouseinn.com
Country Inn & Suites 2450 Boundary St. 843-379-4000. www.countryinns.com
Two Suns Inn Bed & Breakfast 1705 Bay St. 843-522-1122. 800-532-4244. www.twosunsinn.com
Days Inn 1660 S. Ribaut Road, 843-524-1551. www.daysinn.com
Camping Beaufort
Econo Lodge 2227 Boundary St., 843-525-9366. www.econolodge.com
Hunting Island State Park 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. 843-838-2011. 866-345-PARK. www.southcarolinaparks.com/huntingisland
Hampton Inn 2342 Boundary St. 843-986-0600. 800-HAMPTON. www.hamptoninn.com
Parris Island
Hilton Garden Inn 1500 Queen St., 843-379-9800. www.beaufort.hgi.com
Parris Island RV Park Bldg. 1018. St. Mihiel Rd. MCRD Parris Island 843-228-7472. www.mccs-sc.com/services/rvcamp.asp
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Bed
Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites 2225 Boundary St., 843-379-3100. 888-HOLIDAY www.holidayinn.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 33
Accommodations
Beaufort County
Anchorage 1770 in Beaufort.
Howard Johnson Express Inn 3651 Trask Pkwy. 843-524-6020. 800-446-4656. www.hojo.com MCAS deTreville House Bldg. 1108, Delalio Avenue 832-522-1663. www.mccs-sc.com Quality Inn at Town Center 2001 Boundary St., 843-524-2144. www.qualityinn.com Sleep Inn 2523 Boundary St., 843-522-3361. 877-520-3361. Port Royal. www.choicehotels.com Super 8 Motel 1360 S. Ribaut Road, 843-524-9333. 800-454-3213. www.super8.com
St. Helena Island Quality Inn 863 Sea Island Pkwy., 843-838-5022. www.choicehotels.com
Vacations & Property Rentals Beaufort Cottage at the Arsenal 404 Scott St., 843-441-0817. 34 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Magnolia Court 1204-1206 Pigeon Point Road (PO Box 1614). 843-812-5175. www.magnoliacourtsuites.com Sleep in History 843-321-8957.
Port Royal Oldfield Club 10 Oldfield Way. 843-645-4619. www.oldfield1732.com The Preserve at Port Royal 1 Preserve Ave. W. 866-582-8155. www.liveatpreserve.com Red Door Rentals 1022 11th St. 843-252-1414. www.thereddoorrentals.com Weichert Realtors – Apex Realty 1503 Paris Ave. 843-321-9204. www.apexrealty.com
St. Helena Seaside Getaways by Natural Retreats 1551 Sea Island Parkway 877-805-7794 With Seaside Getaways by Natural Retreats, you will find a variety of beach homes, cottages and condos throughout the local area, including Beaufort, Port Royal, Fripp, Harbor and St. Helena
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Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
Accommodations Islands. Our vacation homes can be found located along miles of beach and also nestled within the boundaries of each island. Whether you are getting away for your family’s summer vacation, celebrating a Parris Island graduation or snowbirding for the winter, Seaside Getaways has the perfect Lowcountry retreat for you. seasidegetaways.com
Fripp Vacation 201 Tarpon Blvd. 877-374-7772. www.frippvacation.com
Fripp Island
Harbor Island Rentals 2123 Sea Island Pkwy. 800-553-0251. 843-838-4800. www.harborisland-sc.com
Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort 201 Tarpon Blvd. 843-838-1558. 800-741-8974. We cordially invite you to experience our unique South Carolina seaside charm and consider the unusual combination of relaxation and recreation that the Fripp Island Resort has to offer. The Resort is a hidden treasure on South Carolina’s coast, nestled among beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you want to relax and unwind or fill your vacation with adventure, Fripp Island Resort has what you are looking for - it truly is an island of possibilities. www.frippislandresort.com
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Harbor Island
Harbor Island Vacations 828-779-1055. www.harborislandvacations.com
Beaufort, Port Royal, Sea Islands
…Gullah Origins
More about…
Far left: Gullah dancers at the Heritage Days Festival on the Penn Center campus. Above: Aunt Pearlie Sue entertains a group. Left: A local Praise House where Gullah people worship.
G
ullah is the name of a people, language and lifestyle woven inextricably into the history of America like sweetgrass baskets or hand-knotted cast nets. It is the story of slavery and freedom, Carolina Gold Rice and Sea Island Cotton, Civil War and Reconstruction, Civil Rights and self-sustaining communities, isolation and the will to survive. It is the taste of red rice, okra, gumbo, fried fish, shrimp and grits, Hoppin’ John, roasted oysters and deviled crab. It is the sound of a lilting, rapid-fire, English-based Creole language filled with African words and syntax heard in the folktales of Brer Rabbit, Pat Conroy’s novel, “The Water is Wide,” plantation melodies, ring shouts, spirituals sung in praise houses, gospel choirs, the recent translation of De Nyew Testament, blues, juke joints and the soulful music of American Idol winner Candice Glover. It is the color of indigo and captured in the vivid paintings of Jonathan Green, bottle trees, Haint Blue window sills and porch ceilings. It a landbased culture once filled with family compounds, farmlands, marsh tackies, hunting grounds, bateaus and a sense of community. Today, the National Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor extends from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida. Centrally located within the corridor, the South Carolina Lowcountry and surrounding Sea Islands are still home to many direct descendants of West Africans
brought in bondage in the mid-1800s to work on Lowcountry rice and cotton plantations. Immensely wealthy local planters strongly supported secession, and the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. A few months later, Federal troops took control of Beaufort, Port Royal and the other Sea Islands between Savannah and Charleston after the Battle of Port Royal on Nov. 7. Following “De Big Gun Shoot,” hundreds of abandoned and escaped slaves made their way to Hilton Head Island in search of freedom. As part of the Port Royal Experiment, Union General Ormsby Mitchel housed these “contrabands of war” in the nation’s first freedman’s community of Mitchelville. On St. Helena Island, Northern missionaries founded the Penn School in 1862 as one of the country’s first schools for freed slaves. Martin Luther King Jr. took refuge at the Penn Center during the Civil Rights era, and the 50-acre campus was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1972. These isolated Gullah communities along the Southeastern coast managed to maintain more African traditions than any other group in the United States. As the push to develop coastal communities continues, numerous civic and community groups have stepped up efforts to preserve and celebrate this unique Sea Island culture with festivals, tours and museums. To learn more about Gullah culture, call the Penn Center (843) 838-2432 or visit www. PennCenter.com. LVG www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 37
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Maps
Hilton Head
Island
BROAD CREEK
38 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Bluffton
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 39
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Introduction
The
Good Life
H
ilton Head Island is famous for its long stretch of glistening sands. However, a visit here is much more than a day at the beach. There’s golf — perhaps more quality courses and programs than anywhere else on earth, including, of course, the RBC Heritage Golf Tournament, one of the top events on the PGA Tour. And don’t forget tennis. Then, too, there’s fishing, biking, boating, outlet shopping, kayaking, paddling, fine dining, horseback riding, nature watching and a wealth of cultural and artistic activities to explore, and that relaxing beach to enjoy. History and nature are inextricably mixed on Hilton Head Island. The first islanders were Indians who lived here as early as 4000 B.C., supported by the rich bounty of earth and sea. In 1663, the fertile land of the New World drew English sea captain William
40 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hilton to explore the island on behalf of a syndicate of Barbadian planters. His report was enthusiastic, and in honor of his pioneering explorations, the island was christened Hilton’s Head — a reference to the headlands that marked the way into Port Royal Sound. However, it was not until the threat of the Spaniards to the south and the Indians to the west was quelled in the closing years of the 17th century that English colonists would settle permanently in the area. As the 18th century dawned, the island prospered with large indigo and, later, rice plantations. But it was Sea Island cotton — first successfully cultivated in the 1780s — that made the planters wealthy beyond their dreams. By the mid-1800s, at the height of the plantation era, more than a dozen large land-owning families divided the island’s
riches among themselves. The onset of the Civil War brought an abrupt end to the cotton dynasties. The fine homes and fertile fields of the planters were destroyed by occupying Union troops after what would prove to be the largest naval engagement of the entire war: the Battle of Port Royal. A freedman’s village, Mitchelville, sprang up briefly, but its life was short, and when the Union troops left, the island returned to a long period of bucolic quiet, with those who remained making a modest living farming, fishing and oystering. Highly developed, yet in harmony with nature, today’s Hilton Head has no billboards, neon signs, rollercoasters or skyscrapers. In fact, no building can be higher than the trees. Signage ordinances keep signs low-key and unobtrusive. With lots of wildlife such as deer,
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Hilton Head Island
osprey, pelicans, alligators, herons and nearshore dolphins, it’s a wonderful place to visit and perfect to establish more permanent roots.
Bluffton The town of Bluffton is situated on a high bluff overlooking the pristine May River, source of world-famous Bluffton oysters. The historic riverfront community still welcomes visitors with as much charm and vibrancy as it did in its antebellum heyday. Its location was prized by Lowcountry planters and their families as a refuge from the harsh plantation environment of mosquitoes and heat. The high bluffs welcomed strong southerly breezes that kept possible yellow fever infection at bay and dispelled sultry summer doldrums. Bluffton’s reputation as a summer resort village helped it grow into a commercial center, www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 41
Hilton Head/Bluffton Hilton Head/Bluffton
Haig Point Lighthouse on Daufuskie Island
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Hilton Head/Bluffton
Sunset on Hilton Head Island
welcoming packet ship trade between Beaufort, Hilton Head Island and Savannah. It was the first town in Southern Beaufort County. The Heyward House, an outstanding 1840s example of early Carolina farmhouse style, is the town’s official Welcome Center. It is open Monday–Saturday and is a great place to start your docent or self-guided tour of the House or National Register Historic District and the thriving, vibrant arts community. Then you can discover the many wonderful retail shops and restaurants around town. Come and discover the Bluffton “State of Mind.”
Daufuskie Island Daufuskie is only 30 minutes from Hilton Head by boat, and an hour from Savannah, but it feels like you’re going back 100 years in time. It is only accessible by boat and ferry and its sandy dirt roads reveal an island that is rich in history and nature with one of the most beautiful and fragile beaches on the East Coast. You can rent a golf cart once you land or bring a bike over on the ferry to explore the island. There are waterfront restaurants, museums and a small shopping area Native Americans lived there 10,000 years
ago leaving many artifacts that tell of their presence. Indians remained on the island until the 1800s. Then, the Spanish came to the island in the 1500s when Daufuskie was part of Florida, bringing with them a building technique called “tabby” construction using oyster shells as a base. The Spaniards left a herd of sturdy small horses called “marsh tackys.” Plantations were started in the late 1600s and early 1700s when England ruled South Carolina. For the most part, Daufuskie land grants were given to wealthy English families by the King of England. The early planters grew indigo, and later, long-staple Sea Island cotton. At the start of the Civil War, there were seven working plantations on the island, working many slaves. Union forces captured Daufuskie in 1861. Thousands of troops were camped there during the Civil War until 1865. At the end of the war, the island was inhabited primarily by freed slaves. These residents, because of the isolation of the island, kept a culture alive that would have disappeared decades earlier. The culture is called “Gullah” and remains to this day. The word “Gullah” may come from Angola, the African nation origin of many slaves. LVG www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 43
Activities Hilton Head/Bluffton
Church of the Cross in Bluffton.
Points
of Interest
Bluffton Heyward House Historic Center - 70 Boundary St. 843-757-6293. www.heywardhouse.org - Built in 1840 as a summer home, this is one of eight antebellum homes in the Bluffton Historic District. A slave cabin and the summer kitchen also remain on the property. Guided tours of the house and grounds are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Church of the Cross - 110 Calhoun St. 843-757-2661. www.thechurchofthecross.net. This Gothic structure was built in 1857. Inside visitors will find soft pink plaster walls and exposed pine timbers, along with a walnut altar. In 1863 Federal troops burned much of the area, but left the Church of the Cross untouched. Rose Hill Plantation House - 199 Rose Hill Way. 843-757-6046. www.rosehillmansion.com. Rose Hill is a Gothic Revival mansion built in the late 1850s. Its highly sophisticated interior was showcased in Vogue magazine in 1955. Tours Mon-Fri 2 p.m. Reservations are required. 44 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Bear Foot Sports – 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com. Bear Foot Sports is the Southeast’s premier source for Adult Soccer Six Tournaments and Road Races. They also publish Coastal Sports and Wellness, and provide consultant services for soccer, running and festival event planners, with many events throughout the year. James M. Waddell, Jr. Mariculture Research and Development Center - 211 Sawmill Creek Rd. off Hwy. 278. 843-837-3795. www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/ mrri/waddell/index. One of the largest facilities in the world for fish and shrimp farming and agriculture potential. By appointment only.
Hilton Head Island Coastal Discovery Museum – 70 Honey Horn Drive. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org. Lowcountry culture and heritage can be seen here. Housed on historic Honey Horn Plantation, the museum is located in the only remaining original plantation house on the island. Walking trails lead along the river. Open Mon through Sat 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., and Sun 11 a.m.–3 p.m. The Coastal Discovery Museum hosts a full schedule of events for the whole family, and is a terrific way to enjoy the island and learn about Lowcountry history at the same time.
Downtown Bluffton is an area to be enjoyed by all.
Activities
Hilton Island/Bluffton HiltonHead Head/Bluffton www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 45
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Activities Beaches & State Parks Daufuskie Island www.hiltonheadisland.org/daufuskie-island. Daufuskie Island is South Carolina’s southernmost barrier island. It lies roughly one mile south of Hilton Head Island, three miles north of Tybee Island and 12 miles north of Savannah. The island is about five miles long and 2.7 miles wide and is only accessible by water. Transport can be arranged at www.daufuskiefreeport.com/schedules-and-rates. Typical travel time by ferry is about 45 minutes. There are approximately 3.5 miles of beachfront on Daufuskie Island. The island has a rich history, and is the site of Pat Conroy’s teaching experiences that were the basis of his first novel, “The Water is Wide” and the motion picture “Conrack.” Island slaves once grew indigo and Sea Island cotton in the area. After fleeing during the Civil War, the Gullah people returned to the island. Many historic buildings remain.
Hilton Head Island Alder Lane Beach www.hiltonheadisland.org/see-and-do/beaches. This is a wide beach and is relatively uncrowded. Amenities include restrooms and a drink vending machine. It is great for bike riding. There is parking across South Forest Beach Road at the meters. This beach is also equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible. Burke’s Beach Burke’s Beach is located off William Hilton Parkway at Burke’s Beach Road. Parking is limited. Coligny Beach This beach is located at Coligny Circle at Pope Avenue and South Forest Beach Drive. It’s the island’s busiest beach. There are restrooms, changing rooms, water fountains, sand showers, pay telephones and other amenities. The town has recently added mats designed to make the beach wheelchair accessible at this location. Dreissen Beach Park Dreissen Beach is also off William Hilton Parkway. at Bradley Beach Road. It has plenty of parking, rest rooms, sand showers and vending machines. It has a playground and a few picnic tables. There is a boardwalk to the beach. This beach is equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible.
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Folly Field Beach Located on Starfish Road, a right turn off Folly Field Road. Parking is somewhat limited, but restrooms, sand showers and water fountains are available. This beach also is equipped with mats that make it wheelchair accessible. It is a favored beach for surfers.
Wildlife Preserves & Nature Trails Bluffton Victoria Bluff Wildlife Management Area Hwy 278 and the Colleton River, 803-734-3886, www.dnr.sc.gov. Controlled hiking, bird watching, picnicking and camping. By appointment only. Regulated hunting.
Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Audubon Newhall Preserve Palmetto Bay Rd. 843-842-9246. This property is covered with trails that allow up-close views of local flora and fauna. A self-guided tour map guides visitors. Free and open seven days a week from dawn until dusk. Sea Pines Forest Preserve - Sea Pines Resort. 843-842-1979. Over two miles of walking trails on this self-guided tour of Lowcountry nature. Home to a 4,000-year-old Indian shell ring, freshwater fishing ponds and abundant bird habitat. Free and open from dawn until dusk. Coastal Discovery Museum of Hilton Head Island 70 Honey Horn Drive. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org. Variety of land-based and water-based tours to educate about the habitat and ecosystem of the area. Beach walks, water and marsh tours, cruises of ACE Basin. Jarvis Creek Park - East of intersection of US Hwy. 278 and the Cross Island Pkwy./Gum Tree Rd. www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov. Freshwater pond fishing, floating dock, playground, meadow, picnic facilities, grills, swings, paved pathways, mulched trails, restrooms. Palmetto Dunes Resort - 843-785-1138. 866-832-3799. www.palmettodunes.com/ south-carolina-canoes-kayaks. Explore Hilton Head Island’s only 11-mile saltwater lagoon system in a kayak or canoe for a one-of-a-kind Lowcountry nature tour.
Activities
Tours Bluffton Heyward House Historic Center - 70 Boundary St. 843-757-6293. www.heywardhouse.org. Guided tours Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Island Travel - 14-C Johnston Way. 843-757-5888. www.islandtvl.com May River Excursions - 81 Calhoun St. 843-304-2878. Offering a variety of boating experiences ranging from cruises to fishing and shrimping excursions. Outside Palmetto Bluff - 37 Boat House St. 843-706-2478. www.outsidehiltonhead.com Rose Hill Plantation Mansion - 199 Rose Hill Way. 843-757-6046. www.rosehillmansion.com
Daufuskie Island Seasonal Hours - Please call ahead Calibogue Cruises - 18 Simmons Rd. 843-342-8687. www.daufuskiefreeport.com. Accessible only by boat, this tour takes visitors to the Island’s winery, church, plantation and lighthouse. Golf carts available for self-guided tour. Daufuskie Discoveries 17 Captain Monroe Ln. 843-384-4354. Freeport Marina - 1 Carvin Rd. 843-342-8687, 843-785-8242. www.daufuskiefreeport.com. The marina offers several types of tours ranging from narrated historic bus tours, self-guided golf cart tours to nature and dinner boat tours. Tour Daufuskie - 114 Cooper Rd. 843-842-9449. www.tourdaufuskie.com.
Hilton Head Island Advanced Sail Inc. - Palmetto Bay Marina. 843-686-2582. www.hiltonheadislandsailing.com. Daily dolphin watch trips, nature and wildlife excursions offered aboard the Pau Hana & Flying Circus catamaran sailboats. Both vessels sail daily.
Adventure Cruises - Shelter Cove Marina, Dock C, 843-785-4558. www.cruisehiltonhead.com. Dolphin watch cruises and crabbing. Call for reservations and rates. Coastal Discovery Museum - 70 Honey Horn Dr. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org. Several wonderful tours available.
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge Off Hwy 278 past Graves Bridge. 843-784-9911. www.fws.gov/pinckneyisland. 4,052 acres that preserve the salt marsh and maritime habitat.
Commander Zodiac, Inc. - 232 S. Sea Pines Dr. 843-671-3344. www.commanderzodiac.com. Dolphin and nature-watch excursion; explore tidal marshes and beach comb on secluded outer islands. Crabber J. II, Inc. - Shelter Cove Harbour, Dock C. 843-422-5110. 843-785-4298. www.hiltonheadisland. com/adventure. Venture out with the crew in search of Atlantic blue crabs. Discover Tours - 843-726-9217. 888-842-9217. www.discover-tours.com. Receptive Tour Operator offering tour packages for group tours. Step-on guide service available. Member of NTA and ABA. Dolphin & Nature Cruise/Sonny C Charters 18 Simmons Rd. 843-681-2522. www.hiltonheadtours. com. Dolphin cruise. Board the Island Queen SS Pelican for a tour of the island’s natural habitat. Drifter Excursions - 232 S Sea Pines Dr. 843-363-2900. www.hiltonheadboattours.com. Drifter Excursions offers a wide variety of fishing, dolphin watching, nature and educational children’s cruises. Gullah Heritage Trail Tours - 70 Honey Horn Dr. 843-681-7066. www.gullaheritage.com. This twohour tour explores the Sea Island Gullah Heritage. H2O Sports - 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-671-4386. www.h2osportsonline.com Hilton Head Outfitters at Palmetto Dunes Resort 80 Queens Folly Rd. 844-207-9310. www.hiltonheadoutfitters.com Island Ace Adventure Tours - Cross Island Boat Landing. 68 Helmsman Way. 843-422-2930. www.hiltonheadislandtours.com Island Explorer - 101 Marshland Rd. 843-785-2100. www.dolphintourshiltonhead.com. Dolphin and nature tours. Island Water Sports - 232 S. Sea Pines Drive. 843-671-7007. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 47
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Activities Kayak Hilton Head Dolphin & Nature Tours 11 Simmons Rd. 843-684-1910. www.kayakhiltonhead.com
Bulldog Fishing Charters 19 Myrtle St. 843-422-0887. www.bulldogfishingcharters.com
Live Oac Outdoor Adventure - 43 Jenkins Rd. 843-384-1414. www.liveoac.com
Capt. Hook Party Fishing Boat 1 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-785-1700. 843-683-9166. www.hiltonheadisland.com/captainhook
Nature Center & Eco Tours Sea Pines Resort 32 Greenwood Drive. 843-842-1979. www.seapines.com/resort_activities/ecotours.asp Outside Hilton Head - 50 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com Sea Monkey Watersports - 43 Jenkins Island Road. 843-842-4754. www.seamonkeyshhi.com Sky Pirate Parasailing - 18 Simmons Road. 843-842-2566. www.skypirateparasail.com Spirit of Harbour Town/Vagabond Cruises 149 Lighthouse Road. Harbour Town Marina. 843-363-9026, 843-363-9023, 843-785-2662. www.vagabondcruise.com Water-Dog Outfitter - 101 Marshland Road. Broad Creek Marina. 843-686-3554. www.waterdogoutfitter.com Zipline Hilton Head - 33 Broad Creek Marina Way. 843-682-6000. www.ziplinehiltonhead.com. Two-hour canopy through the trees on eight interconnected ziplines, including a dual-cable racing zipline finale. Located at Broad Creek Marina Adventures. Additional activities on property include parasailing, kayaking, dolphin tours and Up the Creek Pub & Grill overlooking the water and boats. Reservations preferred.
Charters Bluffton Fishin’ Coach Charters, Inc. - 16 Rainbow Road. 843-368-2126 (cell). www.fishincoach.com. Trailer boat to Hilton Head.
Hilton Head Island Bayrunner Sport Fishing - Shelter Cove Marina. 843-290-6955. www.bayrunnerfishinghiltonhead.com Blue Water Bait & Tackle - 232 S. Sea Pines Drive. 843-671-3060. www.bluewaterhhi.com 48 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Custom Experience Charters 843-540-4130. www.customexperiencecharters.com Drifter Excursions 32 S. Sea Pines Drive. 843-363-2900. www.hiltonheadboattours.com Harbour Town Yacht Basin 149 Lighthouse Road. 843-671-2704. www.seapines.com Integrity Charters Harbour Town Yacht Basin. 843-422-1221. www.integritycharterfishing.com Megabite Fishing Charters Broad Creek Marina. 843-298-0448. www.megabitefishinghiltonhead.com Miss Carolina Sportfishing South Beach Marina. 843-298-2628. www.misscarolinafishing.com Outside Hilton Head - 32 Shelter Cove Lane. Suite H. 843-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com Palmetto Bay Marina Charters - 86 Helmsman Way. 843-785-7131. www.palmettobaymarinahhi.com Papa Bear Charters - 2 Hudson Road. 843-816-FISH(3474). www.papabearcharters.com Runaway Fishing Charters - 2 Hudson Road. 843-384-6511. www.runawayfishingcharter.com Shelter Cove Marina - Palmetto Dunes Resort 1 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-842-7001. 866-400-7894. www.palmettodunes.com Sonrise Fishing Charters - 67 Lowcountry Drive. 843-247-2210. www.sonrisecharters.com Southern Drawl Outfitters 1533 Fording Island Road., Suite 316. 843-705-6010. www.southerndrawloutfitters.com Stray Cat Charters Squire Pope Road Docks at Chart House. 843-683-5427. www.straycatcharter.com
Activities
Adventure Cruises - Shelter Cove Harbor, Dock C. 843-785-4558. www.hiltonheadisland.com/adventure
Island Water Sports – Skiing. 210 S Sea Pines Dr. 843-671-7007. www.sbinn.com
H2O Sports - Harbour Town Marina. 877-290-4FUN (4386). www.h2osports.com
Outside Hilton Head Skiing. Shelter Cove Plaza, Suite H. 843-686-6996. 800-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com
Outside Hilton Head - 843-686-6996, 800-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com Palmetto Dunes Ocean Front Resort 4 Queens Folly Road. 843-842-7001. 866-400-7894. www.palmettodunes.com
Kayaking & Paddling Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Outfitters at Shelter Cove Marina 80 Queens Folly Rd. 843-593-9110, 844-207-9310. www.hiltonheadoutfitters.com Kayak Hilton Head - 11 Simmons Road. 843-684-1910. www.kayakhiltonhead.com Marshgrass Productions Bluffton and Hilton Head Island, 843-684-3296. www.marshgrassadventures.com
Shelter Cove Marina - Palmetto Dunes Resort. Shelter Cove Harbour. 843-842-7001. 844-207-9312. www.palmettodunes.com
Marinas Bluffton Palmetto Bluff - Wilson’s Landing Marina. 19 Village Park Square. 843-706-2751. www.palmettobluff.com
Daufuskie Island Seasonal Hours-please call for more information Freeport Marina - ICW 36, 1 Cooper River Landing Road. 843-342-8687. www.daufuskiefreeport.com
Hilton Head Island
Outside Hilton Head The Plaza at Shelter Cove, Suite H, 843-686-6996, 800-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com
Broad Creek Marina - 18 Simmons Road. 843-681-3625. www.broadcreekmarinahh.com
Palmetto Bay Watersports - 86 Helmsman Way. 843-785-2345. www.palmettobaywatersports.com
Harbour Town Yacht Basin 160 Lighthouse Road. 843-363-3625. www.harbourtownyachtbasin.com
Shelter Cove Marina - 1 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-842-7001, 844-207-9312. www.palmettodunes.com Water Dog Outfitters Broad Creek Marina. 843-686-3554. www.waterdogoutfitter.com
Waterski/Wave Runners Hilton Head Island Broad Creek Marina 18 Simmons Road. 843-681-3625. www.broadcreekmarinahh.com
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Hilton Head Island
H2O Sports 149 Whitehouse Road. Harbour Town Marina. 843-671-4386. 877-290-4386. www.h2osportsonline.com
Boat Rentals
Hilton Head Boathouse 405 Squire Pope Road. 843-681-2628. www.hhboathouse.net Palmetto Bay Marina 86 Helmsman Way. 843-785-3910. www.palmettobaymarinahhi.com Shelter Cove Marina 1 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-842-7001. www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com Skull Creek Marina 1 Waterway Lane. 843-681-8436. www.theskullcreekmarina.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 49
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Activities South Beach Marina 232 S Sea Pines Road. 843-671-6699. 843-671-3060. www.sbinn.com
Hilton Head Bicycle Company 112 Arrow Road. 843-686-6888. 800-995-4319. www.hiltonheadbicycle.com
South Carolina Yacht Club 10 Yacht Club Drive. 843-681-4844. www.scyachtclub.com
Hilton Head Outfitters - 80 Queens Folly Road. 843-593-9110. www.hiltonheadoutfitters.com
Windmill Harbour - 161 Harbour Passage. 843-681-9235. www.windmillharbour.org
Boat Ramps Bluffton Buckingham Boat Ramp Mackay Creek, US 278 just past Bluffton. Jenkins Island Dock Blue Heron Point Road, off Hwy 278.
Hilton Head Island Cross Island Boat Landing Cross Island Parkway, off Hwy 278. Marshland Boat Landing - Marshland Road, off Leg O Mutton Road and Indigo Run Drive.
Daufuskie Island Daufuskie Island Boat Landing - Accessible only by water at coordinates 32.103515 by 80.894178.
Bike Rentals
Island Cruisers Bike Rentals 13 Executive Park Road. 843-785-4321. www.islandcruisersbikerentals.com LowSea Bike, Beach & Baby Rentals 106 Arrow Road. Sea Pines. 843-384-9322. www.hiltonheadbikerental.com Mike’s Bikes 136 Beach City Rd., 843-671-6453. Patriot Bike Rentals 13 Executive Park Rd. 843-842-3464. www.patriotbikerentals.com Pedals Bike Rental 71-A Pope Ave. 843-842-5522, 888-699-1039. www.pedalsbicycles.com Peddling Pelican Bike Rental - Sea Pines Center. 843-588-5851. 800-424-8048. www.pelicancruiser.com Road Fish Bike Shop - 435 Wm. Hilton Parkway, #14. 843-686-2981. www.roadfishbikeshop.com Vacation Comfort Bike Rentals 3 Enterprise Lane. 843-342-6673. 800-655-9315. www.comfyrentals.com
Horseback Riding & Stables
Bluffton
Daufuskie Island
Bluffton Bicycle Shop - 4 Oliver Court. #104. 843-682-4111. www.blufftonbicycleshop.com
Daufuskie Island Stables - 843-341-2894.
Hilton Head Island AAA Riding Tigers Bike Rentals Palmetto Bike Barn. 24 Palmetto Bay Road. 843-686-5833. www.aaaridingtigers.com Bicycle Billy’s Bike Rentals 81 Pope Ave., No. 6. 843-785-7851. bicyclebilly.com
Hilton Head Island Lawton Stables - 190 Greenwood Dr. 843-671-2586. www.lawtonstableshhi.com
Golf Courses Bluffton Crescent Pointe Golf Club 1 Crescent Pointe Drive. 843-706-2600. 866-446-2319. www.crescentpointegolf.com
50 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Activities
Hampton Hall Golf Course - 170 Hampton Hall Blvd. 843-815-8720. www.hamptonhallsc.com Hilton Head National 60 Hilton Head National Drive. 843-842-5900. www.golfhiltonheadnational.com Island West Golf Course 40 Island West Drive. 843-689-6660. www.islandwestgolf.net May River Golf Club at Palmetto Bluff - 476 Mount Pelia Road. 843-706-6580. www.palmettobluff.com Old Carolina Golf Club - 89 Old Carolina Drive. 843-757-8311. www.oldcarolinagc.com Old South Golf Links - 50 Buckingham Plantation Drive. 843-785-5353. 800-257-8997. www.oldsouthgolf.com
Golden Bear Golf Club at Indigo Run 100 Indigo Run Drive. Front Guard Gate. 843-689-2200. www.goldenbear-indigorun.com The Island Golf School 843-686-3355. www.islandgolfschools.com
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club 1 Eagle’s Pointe Drive. 843-757-5900. 888-325-1833. www.eaglespointegolf.com
Oyster Reef Golf Club 155 High Bluff Road. 843-681-7717. www.oysterreefgolfclub.com Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort Arthur Hills Course - George Fazio Course Robert Trent Jones Course Palmetto Dunes Resort. 843-785-1138. 866-380-1778. www.palmettodunes.com Palmetto Hall Plantation Arthur Hills Course - Robert Cupp Course 108 Fort Howell Dr. 843-342-2582. www.palmettohallgolf.com
Rose Hill Golf Club - 4 Clubhouse Drive. 843-757-9030. www.golfrosehill.com Sun City Courses - Hidden Cypress, 672 Cypress Hills Drive. 843-705-4999. Okatie Creek - 60 SunCity Lane. 843-705-4653. Argent Lakes - 1291 Sergeant Wm. Jasper Blvd. N., Hardeeville, 843-645-0507. www.golfinsuncity.com
Daufuskie Island Bloody Point Golf Club and Resort 843-341-3030. www.bloodypointresort.com
Hilton Head Island Country Club Of Hilton Head Hilton HeadPlantation 70 Skull Creek Drive. 843-681-2582. 866-835-0093. www.hiltonheadclub.com Dolphin Head Golf Club 56 High Bluff Road. 843-681-5550. www.dolphinheadgc.com Golf Academy at Sea Pines Resort 843-785-4540. 800-925-0467. www.golfacademy.net www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 51
Activities
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Hilton Head Island offers world-renowned golf.
52 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Activities
Sea Pines Resort Harbour Town Golf Ocean Course - Heron Point Golf - 3200 Greenwood Dr. 800-732-7463. www.seapines.com Shipyard Resort Brigantine Course - Clipper Course - Galleon Course - 45 Shipyard Dr. 843-686-8802. 800-2-FIND-18. www.shipyardgolfclub.com
Miniature Golf Adventure Cove 18 Folly Field Road. 843-842-9990. www.adventurecove.com Legendary Golf - North 900 Wm. Hilton Pkwy. 843-342-7662. Legendary Golf - South 80 Pope Ave. 843-785-9214. Pirate’s Island Adventure Golf 8 Marina Side Drive. 843-686-4001. www.piratesislandgolf.com
Tennis & Fitness
Lava 24 Fitness 811 Wm Hilton Pkwy. 843-842-3225. Palmetto Dunes Tennis Center - 6 Trent Jones Lane. 843-785-8388, 800-845-6138. www.palmettodunes.com Sea Pines Racquet Club 5 Lighthouse Lane. 843-363-4495. www.seapines.com Smith Stearns Tennis Academy 1 Lighthouse Lane. 843-363-4789. www.smithstearns.com South Beach Racquet Club 230 S. Sea Pines Drive. 843-671-2215. www.south-beach-racquet-club.com Tennis Association of Hilton Head Island www.tahhi.org Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort 116 Shipyard Drive. 843-785-8388. 800-845-6138. www.vandermeertennis.com Van Der Meer Tennis 19 Deallyon Ave. 8 43-785-8388, 800-845-6138. www.vandermeertennis.com
Hilton Head Island
Bluffton
Beach City Health and Fitness 39 Hospital Center Common. 843-681-6161.
Belfair: Fitness & Sports Center 1 Union Court. 843-757-0732. www.belfair1811.com
Breakthrough Fitness Center 130 Arrow Road. 843-341-2166. www.breakthroughfitnesshhi.com Esmerelda’s Massage Therapy & Fitness Studios 14 New Orleans Road. 843-785-9588. Hilton Head Island Beach & Tennis Resort 40 Folly Field Road. 800-475-2631. www.hhibeachandtennis.com
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Port Royal Golf Course Barony Course - Planter’s Row Course Robber’s Row Course - 10 Clubhouse Dr. 843-681-1700. www.portroyalgolfclub.com
Lava 24 Fitness Moss Creek Village. 843-842-3225. www.lava24.com Powerhouse Gym Family Fitness 1530 Fording Island Road. 843-706-9700. www.powerhousegym.com
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 53
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Arts & Culture
Maye River Gallery in Bluffton.
Hilton Head Island Art League of Hilton Head - 843-681-5060. www.hhal.org. The Art League of Hilton Head promotes and supports the visual arts through education, exhibitions and partnerships for the cultural enrichment of Hilton Head and its visitors. Enjoy a variety of classes at the Art Academy — from oils and watercolors to photography and sculpture. Classes are open to members and nonmembers and all ages and skill levels. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina - 843-842-2787, www.artshhi.com. Located in the heart of Hilton Head Island, the award-winning regional Arts Center of Coastal Carolina is a remarkable showcase for professional performing and visual arts, as well as cultural festivals and educational outreach. Chamber Music Hilton Head - 773-907-0665, www.cmhh.org. Chamber Music Hilton Head is a classically trained repertory ensemble whose members collaborate to present concerts of sonatas, trios, quartets and similar works for small ensemble. Programs are performed in Bluffton on Sunday afternoons and on Hilton Head Island on Monday evenings. Hilton Head Choral Society - 843-341-3818. www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org. The choirs of The 54 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hilton Head Choral Society present a wide variety of choral music: Classical Masterworks, Pops Concerts and lighter fare, patriotic and Americana, gospel and musical theatre, along with an exciting Youth Choir repertoire. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra Program 843-842-2055. www.hhso.org. The Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra has 70 musicians under contract and world renowned soloists appearing at many concerts. Today the orchestra is said to be “a vision that stays ahead of the curve,” and is satisfying its diverse audience with Classical Music as well as Pops and Jazz. They also sponsor many educational outreach programs. Main Street Youth Theatre - 843-689-6246. www.msyt.org. The Main Street Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing a true theatrical experience to amateur young talent, through participation in high-quality productions and educational outreach programs.
Bluffton May River Theatre of Bluffton - 843-815-5581. www.mayrivertheatre.com. The May River Theatre of Bluffton presents a full season of fun, wonderful productions, from both on and off Broadway for the Bluffton community. Productions are held in the Ulmer Auditorium of Bluffton’s Town Hall.
Arts & Culture
Bluffton Al-Harry Furniture Design - 20 Calhoun St. 843-757-5999. www.al-harryfurnituredesign.com Bears Comics - 14 Promenade, Suite 302. 843-757-6893. Fantozzi’s Wrought Iron - 41 Calhoun St. 843-301-9855. The Filling Station Art Gallery - 69 Calhoun St. 843-263-4796. Fishbone Gallery - 45 Calhoun St. 843-757-5020. Four Corners Gallery & Framing 1263-B May River Road. 843-757-8185. www.fourcornersgallerybluffton.com Jacob Preston Studio - 10 Church St. 843-757-3084. www.jacobprestonpottery.com The LaRoche Collection - 51 Pine View Drive. 843-757-5826. (appt. only) www.larochecollections.com Maye River Gallery - 37 Calhoun St. 843-757-2633. www.mayerivergallery.com Pluff Mudd Art - 27 Calhoun St. 843-757-5590. www.pluffmudart.com Society of Bluffton Artists - 6 Church St. 843-757-6586. www.sobagallery.com
Daufuskie Island Iron Fish Art - 168 Benjies Point Road. 843-842-9448. www.ironfishart.com Silver Dew Pottery - 18 Green Cove Drive. 843-842-6419.
Hilton Head Island Allaben Fine art Gallery - 24 Palmetto Bay Road. 843-686-6068. www.allabenfineart.com Art League of Hilton Head Academy 106 Cordillo Parkway. 843-842-5738. www.hhal.org/pages/academy
The Art Café, Paint Your Own Pottery 5 Lagoon Road. 843-785-5525. www.colignyplaza.com/theartcafe The Art League Gallery of Hilton Head 14 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-681-5060. www.hhal.org
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Art Galleries
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Walter Greer Gallery - 14 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-842-ARTS(2787). www.artshhi.com Bailey’s Limited - 147-D Lighthouse Road. 843-671-4715. Camellia Art & Gallery - 1 Office Way. 843-785-3535. www.camelliaart.com Endangered Arts, Ltd - 841-B William Hilton Parkway. 843-785-5075. www.endangeredarts.com Hartough Gallery - 5 Hunter Road, Suite A-4. 843-682-3711. www.hartough.com Karis Art Gallery - 1000 Wm. Hilton Parkway, The Village at Wexford. 843-785-5100. www.karisartgallery.com LaBelle Image - 9-E Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove Harbour. 843-785-3112. www.labelleimage.org Morris & Whiteside Galleries & Sculpture Garden 220 Cordillo Parkway. 843-842-4433. www.morris-whiteside.com Muse Gallery Hilton Head 65 Arrow Road, Unit B. 843-715-4330 Nash Gallery 13 Harbourside Lane, Shelter Cove Harbour. 843-785-6424. www.nashgallery.com Neptune’s Niche 9 Harbourside Lane. 843-686-2001. Pink House Gallery of Fine Art & Framing 1503 Main St. 843-681-5169. Picture This 78-D Arrow Road, #5. 843-842-5299. www.picturethishiltonhead.com Smith Galleries 1000 Wm Hilton Parkway, Suite J11. 843-842-2280. www.smithgalleries.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 55
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Arts & Culture Bluffton Outside Art.
Performing Arts
Movie Theaters
Bluffton
Bluffton
May River Theatre - 20 Bridge St. Ulmer Auditorium. 843-815-5581. www.mayrivertheatre.com
Cinemark Bluffton 12 Cinemas 106 Buckwalter Parkway. 843-757-2859. www.cinemark.com
Hilton Head Island The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina 14 Shelter Cove Lane. 843-842-2787. 888-860-2787. www.artshhi.com Hilton Head Choral Society www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org Hilton Head Dance Theatre 24 Palmetto Business Park. 843-785-5477. Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra 2 Park Lane, Suite 300. 843-842-2055. www.hhso.org Main Street Youth Theater 3000 Main St. 843-689-6246. www.msyt.org 56 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hilton Head Island Coligny Theatre 1 N. Forest Beach Drive, Building I-5. 843-686-3500. www.colignytheatre.com Northridge Cinema 10 435 William Hilton Parkway. 843-342-3800. www.southeastcinemas.com Park Plaza Cinemas 33 Office Park Road. 843-785-5001. www.parkplazahhimovies.com
Events Hilton Head/Bluffton
Gullah culture on display at the Gullah Arts and Crafts Festival in February.
January
Hilton Head Half Marathon & 10K 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com
Bluffton
The Heart Ball - 843-681-2355.
New Year’s Day 5K & Polar Bear Plunge Bear Foot Sports. Cinemark Bluffton 12. 843-379-3440. www.bearfootsports.com
Gullah Arts and Crafts Festival - 843-689-9314. www.gullahcelebration.com
Bluffton Rotary Oyster Roast - Rotary Community Center/Oscar Frazier Park. www.blufftonrotary.org Palmetto Bluff Half Marathon - palmettobluff.com
February
PTR International Tennis Symposium 843-785-7244. www.ptrtennis.org Cooks and Books - Hilton Head Marriott Resort and Spa. 843-815-6616.
March
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Carnival www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com
Hilton Head International Piano Competition First Presbyterian Church. 540 Wm. Hilton Parkway. 843-842-2055. www.hhso.org
Hilton Head Snow Day - Shelter Cove Community Park. 843-681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org American Cancer Society’s Annual Winter Ball 843-842-5188. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration 843-689-9314. www.gullahcelebration.com Hilton Head Youth Orchestra-Winter Concert First Presbyterian Church. 540 Wm. Hilton Parkway. 843-842-2055. www.hhso.org Hilton Head/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Week - Various locations. 843-785-3673. www.hiltonheadisland.org
HHI Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org Special Olympics - Please call for more information. 843-785-7244. www.ptrtennis.org Hilton Head Island Wine + Food Festival The Sea Pines Resort. 843-686-4944. www.hiltonheadwineandfood Hilton Head Shamrock 5K Run - Pope Avenue. 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com Palmetto Quilt Guild Quilt Festival - Hilton Head Beach and Tennis Resort. 843-363-2115. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 57
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Events Wingfest - Shelter Cove Community Park. 843-681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
The Burning of Bluffton - 843-757-62936. www.HeywardHouse.org
Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lowcountry Spring Gala - 843-689-3646.
Daufuskie Island
April
Daufuskie Day Daufuskie Island Foundation. 843-384-9941.
Bluffton
Hilton Head Island
Taste of Bluffton - Bluffton Town Village. 843-757-1010. www.tasteofbluffton.com
Banana Open Tennis Tournament Palmetto Dunes. 843-785-1152.
Hilton Head Island
Harbourfest - 843-785-1106. www.palmettodunes.com/sheltercove
RBC Heritage Golf Tournament 843-671-2448. www.rbcheritage.com DMC Seafood Festival Shelter Cove Community Park. 843-681-7273. The Art Market at Historic Honey Horn Plantation - 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org Hilton Head Choral Society Youth Choir Spring Concert - Christ Lutheran Church. 843-341-3818. www.hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
May Bluffton Bluffton Village Festival - Calhoun Street. 843-815-2277. www.blufftonvillagefestival.com Bluffton Sunset Party - 843-757-8520. www.blufftonsunsetparty.com
Hilton Head Island Banana Open Junior Tennis Challenge Palmetto Dunes. 843-785-1152. Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head’s Rib Burnoff Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation.www.hiltonheadkiwanis.org
June Bluffton Bluffton Sunset Party - 843-757-6293. www.blufftonsunsetparty.com 58 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
July Bluffton Bluffton Sunset Party 843-757-6293. www.blufftonsunsetparty.com Mullett Day Festival The Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. 843-757-1010. www.blufftonchamberofcommerce.com The Players Amateur Berkeley Hall. 843-671-2448. www.playersam.com
Hilton Head Island July 4th Shelter Cove Marina. Harbour Town and Skull Creek Marina. 843-785-3673. Fitness Pro Firecracker 5000 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com Summer Kayak Fest - 843-686-6996. www.outsidehiltonhead.com
August Bluffton Bluffton Sunset Party - 843-757-6293. www.blufftonsunsetparty.com
Hilton Head Island Brendan Maloney Memorial Golf Jubilee 843-681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
Events
Bluffton Boiled Peanut Festival - 843-757-1010. www.blufftonboilers.com Bluffton Sunset Party 843-757-6293. www.BlufftonSunsetParty.com.
Hilton Head Island RE/MAX Children’s Miracle Network Doubles Tournament - 843-785-3673. Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament 843-842-7711. www.hhcelebritygolf.com Wheelchair Tennis Championships - Van der Meer Tennis Center. 843-785-7244. www.ptrtennis.org Seafood Jazz & Brew Shelter Cove Community Park. 843-686-4944. www.hiltonheadhospitalityassociation.com
October Bluffton Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival 843-757-2583. www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com
Hilton Head Islnd Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head’s Chili Cook-Off Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation. 843-342-2076. www.hiltonheadkiwanis.org Community Festival - Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn Plantation. 843-689-6767. www.coastaldiscovery.org
November Bluffton Lowcountry Boil & BBQ - 843-757-1010. www.blufftonchamberofcommerce.org Bluffton Beer Fest www.BlufftonBeer Fest.com
Music to Your Mouth Festival www.PalmettoBluff.com Lowcountry Soup Challenge Tanger Outlet Stores. 843-837-5410.
Hilton Head/Bluffton
September
Daufuskie Island Autumn Festival 843-842-7792. www.daufuskie360.net
Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival 843-785-7469. www.hhiconcours.com Hilton Head Oyster Festival The Island Recreation Center. 843-681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org New River Auto Mall Hilton Head Bridge Run 10K Run and 5K Health Walk. 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com Taste of the Season 843-785-3673. www.hiltonheadisland.org The Piggly-Wiggly Turkey Trot The Island Recreation Center. 843-681-7273. www.islandreccenter.org
December Bluffton Christmas Parade www.townofbluffton.com
Hilton Head Island Christmas Tour of Homes Hilton Head Choral Society. 843-341-3818. Holiday Lights Tour 843-681-7273. Dove Street Festival of Lights 40 Shelter Cove Ln. www.sheltercovetownecentre.com Hilton Head Medical Center Jingle Jingle 5K 843-757-8520. www.bearfootsports.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 59
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Accommodations
Westin Resort Spa Courtesy of the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Bed
and
Breakfasts & Inns
Bluffton Inn at Palmetto Bluff. A Montage Resort 477 Mount Pelia Road. 843-706-6500. 866-706-6565. www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff Rose Hill Mansion Guest Cottage - 199 Rose Hill Way. 843-757-6046. www.rosehillmansion.com
Camping Bluffton Stoney Crest Plantation Campground 419 May River Rd. Bluffton. 843-757-3249. 60 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Harbor RV Resort - 43A Jenkins Island Roadd. I-95, Exit 8. 843-681-3256. 800-845-9560. www.hiltonheadharbor.com Hilton Head Island Motorcoach Resort 133 Arrow Roadd. 843-785-7699. 800-722-2365. www.hiltonheadmotorcoachresort.com
Hotels & Motels Bluffton Candlewood Suites - 5 Young Clyde Court. 843-705-9600. 877-226-3539. www.candlewoodsuites.com Comfort Suites - 23 Towne Drive. 843-815-1700. 866-893-2377. www.hiltonheadcs.com
Accommodations Red Roof Inn - 5 Regency Parkway. 843-686-6808. 800-Red-Roof. www.redroof.com
Hampton Inn & Suites - 29 Wm. Pope Drive. 843-705-9000. www.bluffton.hamptoninn.com
Sea Pines Resort - 32 Greenwood Drive. 843-785-3333. 866-561-8802. www.seapines.com
Hilton Garden Inn - 1575 Fording Island Road. 843-837-8111. www.hiltongardeninn.com
Sonesta Resort Hilton Head - 130 Shipyard Drive. 843-842-2400. www.sonesta.com./hiltonhead
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites - 35 Bluffton Road. 843-757-2002. 888-465-4329. www.hiexpress. com/blufftonsc
South Beach Marina Inn & Vacation Rentals 232 S Sea Pines Drive. 843-671-6498. 800-367-3909. www.sbinn.com
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel - 1376 Fording Island Road. 843-837-9494. 877-424-6423. www.suburbanhotels.com
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 2 Grasslawn Ave. 843-681-4000. 800-937-8461. www.westinhiltonheadisland.com
Hilton Head Island The Beach House - 1 S Forest Beach Drive. 843-785-5126. www.beachhousehhi.com Days Inn Hilton Head - 9 Marina Side Drive. 843-842-4800. 800-329-7466. www.daysinn.com Hampton Inn - 1 Dillon Rd. 843-681-7900. 800-HAMPTON. www.hiltonhead.hamptoninn.com Unwind in one of 121 newly redesigned, spacious guest rooms and suites with flat-screen tv, minifridge and microwave in each. Enjoy a range of free amenities including WiFi, a gym and outdoor pool, and Hampton’s free hot breakfast. Beach less than 1 mile away, minutes to everything Hilton Head offers with the Hamptonality you expect. Hilton Head Marriott at Palmetto Dunes 1 Hotel Circle. 843-686-8400. www.marriott.com/hhhgr. The Inn and Club at Harbour Town - 7 Lighthouse Lane. 843-363-8100. 866-561-8802 www.seapines.com Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort - 23 Ocean Lane. 843-842-8000. www.omnihotels.com/hiltonhead Park Lane Hotel & Suites - 12 Park Lane. 843-686-5700. 877-765-0921. www.hiltonheadparklanehotel.com
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - 105 Okatie Center Blvd. N. 843-705-2300.
Vacations & Property Rentals Bluffton Weichert Realtors Apex Realty - Parrots Creek. Hwy 802. 843-770-5115. www.apexrealty.com
Hilton Head Island Beach Properties of Hilton Head 64 Arrow Road. 800-671-5155. 843-671-5155. www.beach-property.com Beachside Getaway - 61 Arrow Road. 843-686-6044. 866-443-5922. www.beachsidegetaway.com Beverly Serral Properties - 5 Office Way. 843-341-3600. www.beverlyserral.com Destination Vacation - 7 Executive Park Road. 843-785-7774. 877-874-7244. www.destinationvacationhh.com Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort - 22 Harbourside Lane. 843-341-4150. www.dvc.disney.go.com Fore ‘N Shore Golf Packages 6 Office Way, Suite 905. 843-842-3475. www.forenshore.com
Players Club Resort - 35 Deallyon Ave. 843-842-6640. www.pcoahiltonhead.com
Forest Beach Rentals 1 Mallard St. 843-247-0227. www.forestbeachrentals.com
Ramada Hilton Head - 200 Museum St. 843-681-3655. www.ramada.com
Gainer Vacation Villas - 85 Folly Field Road, #4501. 239-395-3184. www.philgainer.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 61
Hilton Head/Bluffton
Accommodations Goode Vacation Rentals - 42 New Orleans Road, #103. 843-681-9325. 800-673-9385 www.goodevacationrentals.com
Hilton Head Resort 4 Seasons Centre 663 Wm. Hilton Parkway. 843-842-3169. www.hiltonheadresortvillas.com
Harbour Town Yacht Club - 149 Lighthouse Road. 843-671-1400. www.htyc.com
Hilton Head Vacation Rentals - 32 Palmetto Bay Road. 843-689-3010. 800-232-2463. www.800beachme.com
Harbourside III - 9 Harborside Lane. 843-785-4000. 800-542-5535. www.harboursideIII.com
Island Getaway Rentals - P.O. Box 5429. 843-842-4664. 800-476-4885. www.islandgetaway.com
Hilton Head Accommodations 20 Executive Park Road. 843-686-6662. 888-433-4762. www.hiltonheadusa.com
Marriott Vacation Club 51 S. Forest Beach Drive. 843-342-1400. www.vacationclub.com
Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort 40 Folly Field Road. 843-842-4402. 800-475-2631. www.hhibeachandtennis.com
Palmera Vacation Club - 33 Office Park Road. 888-887-2563. wwwpalmeravacationclub.com.
Hilton Head Hideaways 843-868-1330. www.hiltonheadhideaways.com Hilton Head Rentals & Golf - 578 Wm. Hilton Parkway. 843-785-8687. 800-445-8664. www.hiltonheadvacation.com
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Palmetto Dunes Ocean Front Resort - 4 Queens Folly Road. 843-785-1138. www.palmettodunes.com Palmetto Sands Vacation Rentals 22 New Orleans Road. 843-689-5900. 877-597-2637. www.palmettosands.com
Accommodations Hilton Head/Bluffton
Hilton Head Marriott Resort Spa Courtesy of the Hilton Head Island Visitor & Convention Bureau.
Resort Rentals of Hilton Head Island 32 Palmetto Bay Road, #1B. 843-686-6008. 800-845-7017. www.hhivacations.com Seabreeze Vacation Rentals 78-B Arrow Road. 843-842-6069. 800-231-6622. www.maximumvacations.com Sea Cloisters - 50 Star Fish Drive. 843-842-5334. 800-845-5334. www.seacloisters.com
Sunset Rentals - 21-D New Orleans Rd. 843-785-6767. 800-276-8991. www.sunsetrentals.com Trident Villa Rentals at Palmetto Dunes 1-B Shelter Cove Lane. 843-785-3447. 800-237-8306. www.tridentvillarentals.com The Vacation Company 42 New Orelans Road., 855-845-7018. 843-686-6100. www.vacationcompany.com
Sea Pines Resort - 32 Greenwood Drive. 843-785-3333. 866-561-8802. www.seapines.com
Vacation Time of Hilton Head 3 Lemoyne Ave. 843-785-5151. 800-845-9500. www.advinn.com. www.vthhi.com
Seashore Vacations. Inc. 11 Executive Park Road. 843-785-2191. 800-845-0077. www.seashorehhi.com
Wyndham Vacation Rentals 21 Executive Park Road. 843-842-3006. 800-875-9205. www.wvrhiltonhead.com
Sea Turtle Getaways - 161 Arrow Road, Suite B. 843-842-6000. 866-386-6644. www.seaturtlegetaways.com South Beach Inn & Vacation Rentals 232 S Sea Pines Drive. 843-671-6498. 800-367-3909. www.sbinn.com Spinnaker Resorts - 35 Deallyon Ave. 843-785-3355. 800-504-8823.
Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 2 Grasslawn Ave. 843-681-4000. www.westinhiltonheadisland.com
Daufuskie Island Daufuskie Island Accommodations - 13 Bow Circle. 843-785-8021. www.daufuskieislandrentals.com Melrose Resort - 53 Avenue of Oaks. 843-341-2922. www.melroseresort.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 63
Colleton County
Maps
Colleton County
64 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Maps Colleton County
Edisto
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 65
Colleton County
Introduction
Lush and Luxurious
d. e Beach Roa Eddingsvill
C
olleton County has many exciting and beautiful places to explore and discover. From its lush forests and marshes teeming with wildlife to its pristine beaches, historic Colleton County has much to offer. It was named for a Lord Proprietor, Sir John Colleton, who was bestowed a land grant from King Charles II in 1663. During the 18th century, plantations with oak-lined drives and rich fields of rice dotted the countryside, making this area one of the leading producers of rice in America.
EDISTO BEACH - Experience the beach and capture that island spirit Edisto is one of South Carolina’s largest 66 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Family boating fun.
barrier islands, located approximately 45 miles south of Charleston and east of Walterboro. Historic Scenic Byway S.C. Highway 174 stretches across the island through moss-hung ancient oaks, unspoiled marshes and rich agricultural land. On your way to the beach, don’t miss Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area just off the highway. Edisto, pronounced “EH-dis-tow”, is one of the most serene beaches found on the South Carolina coast. By water, the ACE Basin offers abundant wildlife, including majestic wood storks, egrets, herons and an American bald eagle or two, if you are so lucky. The sea creatures that you may encounter can include dolphins, sea otters, alligators and a variety of fish to delight any angler.
Relaxing at Edisto Introduction Beach State Park.
Colleton ColletonCounty County www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 67
Colleton County There’s nothing like putting a line in the water.
The beach itself is “gently” developed with low-level beach houses situated along 4.5 miles of uncrowded, pristine oceanfront, beside the many tidal creeks and rivers and throughout the interior. There are no hotels on Edisto Beach, but there are many rental opportunities of every type and size available in which you can experience all that makes Edisto the unique destination it is. It’s the kind of place you can bring your family, your extended family, your friends or just you and your significant other to take a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and work to unplug from the stresses of the 21st century. Sure, there are plenty of 68 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
towers and conveniences of today’s technology, but you will probably find that leaving the laptop off will allow you to experience life the “Edi-slow” way. If you like to fish, there are numerous options. Surf fishing requires minimal equipment. A pole, some bait and a bucket to haul off your catch are the basics. Anything you didn’t bring with you can be bought or rented at several places on the beach. There are several fishing charter guides that provide trips inshore and offshore. Edisto has several seafood markets that offer up local freshly caught seafood options you can purchase to take back to the house and cook up yourself.
Section Colleton County
Oleander and palmetto.
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Colleton County Hunting for sharks’ teeth is a favorite local pasttime.
And if you would rather have someone else do it for you, there are great restaurants at the beach and a few other options a little further out on the island. There’s also Edisto Beach State Park, which opened nearly 60 years ago and put Edisto on the map of summer attractions. The park has expanded many times over the years. It now includes beach and marsh-side camping, cabins, a boat ramp and dock, and a nature interpretative center.
Welcome to Walterboro The City of Walterboro offers the beauty of abundant natural resources mixed with 70 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
the cultural heritage and friendliness of an historic small town. During the summer of 1784, owners of large rice plantations in what is now Colleton County began searching for a better location for their summer homes. They chose the most ideal spot in the area and named it Hickory Valley. This small summer retreat grew and eventually took the name of two of its original settlers, Paul and Jacob Walters. In 1817, the City of Walterboro became the county seat and was officially incorporated in 1826. Much of the grace and charm of the lifestyle of these early settlers can still be found in Walterboro today. The city abounds with fine examples of their architec-
Colleton County
ture, including structures that are noted on the National Register of Historic Places. Passing along the quiet, tree-lined streets of Walterboro’s residential neighborhoods, one almost expects to catch glimpses of its earliest residents relaxing on the broad porches or strolling among the gardens. Ancient, mossdraped live oak trees shade streets lined with quaint houses and churches. Our quality of life is enhanced by the availability of golf, tennis, and specialty and antique shops located in the central business district. Don’t miss the official South Carolina Artisans Center with fine folk art and crafts. The SC Artisans Center is a retail outlet for juried South Carolina artists
only. There’s also the Colleton County Museum and Farmer’s Market and the Colleton Center hosting community theatre. For nature enthusiasts, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary can be found just off I-95 along U.S. Highway 15. The Sanctuary consists of hardwood flats defined by a series of streams that braided their way through the area. Wildlife is abundant with native populations of wild turkey, deer, raccoons, beaver, otter, opossum, squirrels, fox and wildcats. There is a large, year-round population of song birds, as well as wading birds, ducks and predator birds. The area serves as a stopover for transient and migrating birds. LVG www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 71
Colleton County
Dining
Due to space limitations, not all national and fast food establishments are listed.
The Happie Truck 3101 Myrtle St. 803-984-4231.
Edisto Island
Island Video & Ice Cream 114 Jungle Road, Suite D. 843-869-3134.
Capt. Jimmy Bell’s Seafood Joint 4398 S.C. Highway 174. 843-889-0044
LaRetta’s Pizzeria 114-A Jungle Road. 843-869-9178. www.larettaspizzeria.com
The Coffee Shop at Edisto Beach 3731 Docksite Road. 404-368-3802. www.thecoffeeshopedistobeach.com Dockside Bar and Grill 3730 Docksite Road. 843-869-2695. Ella & Ollie’s 21 Fairway Dr. 843-869-4968. www.ellaandollies.com Finn’s Island Grill 102 Palmetto Blvd. 843-869-4474. Flowers Seafood to Go 1914 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-0033. 72 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
McConkey’s Jungle Shack 108 Jungle Road. 843-869-0097. www.mcconkeysjungleshack.com Old Post Office Restaurant 1442 Hwy. 174. 843-869-2339. www.theoldpostofficerestaurant.com Pressley’s at the Marina 3702 Docksite Road. 843-869-9226. www.pressleysatthemarina.com Sea Cow Eatery 145-A Jungle Road. 843-869-3222. www.theseacoweatery.com
Dining Dimitrio’s House of Pizza 656 Bells Highway. 843-549-5597.
Sugartime 114 Jungle Road. 843-869-4007.
Dukes Barbeque 949 Robertson Blvd. 843-549-1446.
The Waterfront Restaurant & Bar 136 Jungle Road. 843-869-1400. www.waterfrontrestaurantedisto.com
El Pueblo 103 Eddie Chasteen Drive. 843-549-9530.
Whaley’s 2801 Myrtle St. 843-869-2161. www.whaleyseb.com
Walterboro Bells Plus Seafood Market 900 S. Jefferies Blvd. 843-782-3990. Buck’s Pizza Pick Up or Delivery 444 Bells Highway. 843-549-1995. www.buckspizza.com
Colleton County
Sgt. Pepper’s 2801 Myrtle St. 843-869-3388.
Fat Jack’s Grillin n Chillin 2122 Bells Highway. 843-549-5096. Forks Food Court 1541 Cottageville Highway. 843-538-4800. Fuji Express 339 N. Jeffries Blvd. 843-549-8599. Hiott’s Pharmacy 373 E. Washington St. 843-549-7222. Main Street Grille 256 E. Washington St. 843- 782-4774.
Castillo’s Pizza 334 Washington St. 843-782-7777.
Old Bank Christmas & Gift Shop Bakery 229 E. Washington St. 843-549-6555.
Carmines Trattoria 242 E Washington St. 843-782-3248.
Olde House Cafe 1274 Bells Highway. 843-538-2614 .
China Buffet 2056 Bells Hwy. I-95, Exit 57. 843-539-1381.
The Restaurant at Dogwood Hills Dogwood Hills Golf Course 1 Dogwood Lane. 843-539-2999.
China Dragon 350 N. Jefferies Blvd. 843-549-5215. China Express 418 S. Jefferies Blvd. 843-549-2598. China Wok 327 Bells Hwy. 843-549-9557. Cliff ’s Hot Dog Station 617 Wichman St. 843-782-3647. Cracker Barrel 59 Cane Branch Road. 843-538-7800. www.crackerbarrel.com Dairyland 438 S. Jeffries Blvd. 843-549-7431. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 73
Colleton County
Activities Bedon Lucas House in Walterboro (left). A Cotton Gin at Edisto Museum (below).
Points Of Interest Edisto Edisto Serpentarium -1374 Highway 174 Edisto Island 843-869-1171. www.edistoserpentarium.com. Dedicated to recognizing, preserving and studying reptiles. Near the Old Post Office Restaurant. Features 1,000 snakes, alligator pits, turtles, lizards. Interpretations. The serpenterium is open to the public from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Edisto Museum - 8123 Chisholm Plantation Road 843-869-1954. www.edistomuseum.org. Houses rich history and artifacts that are unique to Edisto Island. The museum hosts several special exhibits and events throughout the year including its popular annual fall tour, “Edisto and Beyond.” 843869-1954, www.edistomuseum.org. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Open 1-4 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in January and February. Botany Bay Plantation - Botany Bay Road. Edisto Island. 843-869-2713. Along with the natural beauty visitors will also find the ruins of an 1800s plantation house, slave quarters and several intact outbuildings from the 1840s. Two miles of beach form the eastern border of the plantation as well. This wildlife management area is open to the public during daylight hours all days except Tuesdays and special hunt days.
Walterboro Bedon Lucas House - 205 Church St. Historic Walterboro. Built in the 1820s, this is one of the key historic properties in the Walterboro Historic District. The well-preserved interior features original heart pine floors and an excellent display of antique furnishings. Free tours – groups welcome. 74 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Colleton Museum & Farmers Market - 506 East Washington St. Walterboro. Located in the heart of historic downtown Walterboro, you can explore and discover art, history and nature. The museum explores the history of Colleton County and showcases wildlife of the Lowcountry. Free open to the public. Tues from 12 -6 p.m., Wed- Fri 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sat 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary - Detreville St. Walterboro. Walterboro’s nature-based sanctuary offers visitors a Lowcountry experience combining history, culture, recreation and education in a southern lowlands setting. A network of boardwalks, hiking, biking and nature trails provide perfect views of the diverse plants and wildlife inhabiting the black-water bottomland. Free and open from dawn dusk. Free tours – Groups welcome. Tuskegee Airmen Monument - 537 Aviation Way, Walterboro. This monument commemorates the heroism of America’s first black military airmen, who enlisted during World War II. They learned to fly three types of aircraft that were used to escort larger planes into battle. During the war, 1,000 Tuskegee Airmen flew 1,578 missions.
Beaches & State Parks Edisto Colleton State Park - Hwy 15, 10 miles north of Walterboro, near Canady’s. 843-538-8206. www.southcarolinaparks.com/colleton. Edisto River Resource Center and Ranger Station - 35 acres, picnic shelters, nature trails, canoing, camping, river
Activities
Edisto Beach State Park - 843-869-4430. www.southcarolinaparks.com/edistobeach. Rich in wildlife and history, trails are in abundance for hiking and biking. Spacious beach. The park is open from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. The Learning Center is open Tues -Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Edisto Island, 843869-2156, 843-869-2756. 1,255 acres, cabins, picnic shelters, playground, swimming, nature/hiking trails, ocean fishing, beach combing, boat ramp, camping, nature center, gift shop. Admission fee. Edisto Beach - Located about 45 miles south of Charleston and is accessed via U.S. Highway 17, the coastal highway and state route 174. www.townofedistobeach.com. Edisto Beach is one of the few remaining family oriented, gently developed beaches on the eastern coastline of South Carolina. It’s located in Colleton County, where the Edisto River, one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers in North America, completes its 206-mile journey to the Atlantic Ocean. Today, low-lying houses are situated along 4.5 miles of this uncrowded, pristine beach. With a laid-back lifestyle and a quiet, breathtaking, natural setting, this sea island destination offers everyone a chance to enjoy the slower pace of days gone by. For generations, families have escaped to Edisto Beach, just 45 minutes from historic Charleston, where easy access to the area’s rivers and the shell-rich beach gives the Edisto Beach explorer a wealth of opportunities for boating, fishing, crabbing, shrimping, kayaking, bird-watching or just lounging by the surf. Though best known for its natural beauty and quiet pace, Edisto Beach visitors and residents also enjoy play on the newly refurbished and acclaimed golf course and dining in local restaurants. Whether you tap into the wide array of activities and recreational outings that abound, or just take the time to soak in the area’s unrivaled sunsets, Edisto Beach is revered by individuals and families, beach and nature lovers, and golfers and boaters alike who seek to escape the hustle of everyday life.
barrier and marsh islands. Home to many endangered or threatened species such as loggerhead sea turtles and Southern bald eagles.
Colleton County
fishing along the longest free-flowing blackwater in North America.
Bear Island Wildlife Management Area TiTi Road. Green Pond 843-844-8957, www.dnr.sc.gov This area is considered to be one of the best birding areas in the state. Bird watchers will find threatened and endangered species such as wood storks and bald eagles. Two observation platforms and miles of dikes provide optimum wildlife viewing opportunities. The area is free and open to the general public from dawn to dusk.
Colleton County Bear Island Wildlife Management Area Located between the Ashepoo and South Edisto Rivers, off US Hwy 17 and approx. 2 miles east of Green Pond. 843-844-2952. www.dnr.sc.gov. Mon.Sat., Jan. 21-Oct. 31. Sunrise to sunset. 11,055 acres includes 4,419 acres of impounded marshland managed for waterfowl. Regulated hunting.
Wildlife Preserves, Trails & Sights Edisto ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve System - Research information 843-844-8822. Tours 843-521-3099. www.acebasin.net. More than 140,000 acres of winding tidal creeks, salt marshes, www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 75
Colleton County
Activities Donnelley Wildlife Management Area Hwy 17, Green Pond 843-844-8957. www.dnr.sc.gov. An 8,048-acre diversity of wetland and upland habitats, including rice fields, forested wetland, tidal marsh and upland forest types. This important bird area encompasses a unique diversity of managed rice fields, forested wetlands, tidal marsh, and agricultural land. It includes two designated nature trails and miles of dirt roads for hikers and bicyclists to explore. Alligators are also in abundance here. A driving tour of the area is an option for those who are mobility-impaired. Open to the public dawn to dusk. Westvaco Nature Trail 843-871-5000. Jacksonboro, SC. www.sctrails.net. This trail features fauna, flora and historical landmarks such as the Old King’s Highway (dating from 1700), old rice field banks and an old phosphate plant site. Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area 843-869-2713. www.botanybayplantation.com. The 4,360.5-acre Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located adjacent to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast corner of Edisto Island. The area’s location near the North Edisto river places it within the boundary of the ACE Basin Focus Area, one of the largest remaining relatively undeveloped wetland ecosystems along the Atlantic Coast.
Walterboro Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary Walterboro, Detreville St. 843-538-4353. www.walterborosc.org. Comprosed of over 800 acres of braided creek and hardwood flats. The sanctuary offers boardwalks, bridges, bike and walking trails for viewing natural Lowcountry wildlife and beauty. Spanish Moss drips from Cypress trees and wildflowers abound as you pass a beaver pond, duck pond and butterfly garden.
Kayaking & Paddling Colleton County Carolina Heritage Outfitters 1 Livery Lane. Off U.S. Highway 15, Canadys 843-563-5051. www.canoesc.com Edisto River Canoe & Kayak Trail Walterboro, 843-549-5445. www.edistoriver.org 76 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
56 miles of meandering “black water” Edisto River. Five easy-access public boat landings.
Edisto Edisto Essentials 436-A S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-0951. www.edistoessentials.com Edisto Watersports & Tackle 3731 Docksite Road. 843-869-0663. www.edistowatersports.biz
Tours & Transportation Edisto Botany Bay Ecotours 3702 Docksite Road. 843-869-2998. www.botanybayplantation.com Charleston Fossil Adventures 828-545-3436 www.chsfossiladventures.com Edisto Saltwater Tours 843-412-7886 www.edistosaltwatertours.com Edisto Watersports & Tackle 3731 Docksite Road. 843-869-0663. www.edistowatersports.biz Island Bikes and Outfitters 140 Jungle Road. 843-869-4444. 843-869-1321. www.islandbikesandoutfitters.com Pink Van Tours Edisto Island. 843-603-0967. Rudder Craft Outfitters 3761 Docksite Road. 843-631-0149. www.ruddercraftoutfitters.com Singleshot Guide Service 3610 Big Bay Drive. 843-557-0726. Tours of Edisto 843-869-1984. Historical Tours www.toursofedisto.com Wilkinson’s Landing Kayak & Canoe 1199 Frampton Inlet Road. 843-609-7102. www.wilkinsonslanding.com
Activities
Bonnie Doone Plantation Tour S.C. Highway 64 or U.S. Highway 17. 843-893-3396. 888-317-6799. www.bonniedoone.org Tour our gardens & plantation house. Call ahead. Walterboro City Walking Tour 1273 Sniders Hwy. 843-538-4353. www.walterborosc.org Walterboro Welcome Center Exit 53 off I-95. 1273 Sniders Hwy. 843-538-4353. www.walterborosc.org
Fishing Charters Edisto Edisto Shrimp Boat Charters 8032 Little Britton Road. 843-729-2687. Edisto Watersports & Tackle 3731 Docksite Road. 843-869-0663. www.edistowatersports.biz Fontaine Charters 3729 Docksite Road. 843-869-3446. www.fontainecharters.com Rudder Craft Outfitters 3761 Docksite Road. 843-631-0149. www.ruddercraftoutfitters.com Singleshot Guide Service 3610 Big Bay Dr. 843-869-3022. www.singleshotguideservices.com Ugly Duckling Charters 3072 Brick House Road. 843-869-1580 www.edistofishingcharters.com
Marinas Edisto Edisto Watersports & Tackle 3731 Docksite Road. 843-869-0663 www.edistowatersports.biz The Marina at Edisto Beach 3702 Docksite Road. 843-631-5055 www.themarinaeb.com
Boat Ramps Edisto
Colleton County
Walterboro
Good Hope Boat Ramp Edisto River, U.S. Highway 17A, approximately 2 miles from Cottageville off Route 91, north 3 miles. Long Creek Boat Ramp Edisto River, U.S. Highway 17A, approximately 2 miles from Cottageville off Route 91. Sullivan’s Ferry Boat Ramp Edisto River, U.S. Highway 17A, approximately 2 miles from Cottageville off Route 91. Cuckhold’s Creek Boat Ramp Cuckhold’s Creek, U.S. Highway 17, 3 miles south of Green Pond to Route 119 North to Route 66 West. Chessie Boat Ramp Chessie Creek, from Walterboro, S.C. Highway 64 East to Route 317 South, to Route 458 South. Mars Oldfield Boat Landing Edisto River off S.C. Highway 61, west of Givhans Ferry State Park. Lowndes Boat Landing Edisto River, Lowndes Landing Road. SE of Cottageville. Steamboat Landing Edisto River, approximately 6 miles from beach on Steamboat Landing Road off of S.C. Highway 174 (ramp on Steamboat Creek off North Edisto River) Price Bridge Boat Ramp Horseshoe Creek, from Walterboro. S.C. Highway 64 East to Route 199 South, approximately 2 miles. Bennett’s Point Boat Ramp Ashepoo River, U.S. Highway 17 to Green Pond. Route 26 South through Bear Island Wildlife Management Area. Brickyard Boat Ramp Ashepoo River, U.S. Highway 17 to Green Pond. Route 26 South to bridge over river. West Bank Boat Ramp Edisto River. U.S. Highway 17 from Jacksonboro Route 30 South approx. 3 miles.
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Colleton County
Getting out on the water is made easy in Colleton Section County with many locations for boat access.
Live Oak Landing 2 miles off S.C. Highway 174, Big Bay Creek Palmetto Road. Edisto Island. Old Chehaw Boat Landing Chehaw River, off U.S. Highway 17 at the end of County Road 161. Fields Point Boat Landing Combahee River, County Rod 161 off Hwy 17.
Bike Rentals Edisto Edisto Bike Rentals 3731 Docksite Road. 843-217-8027.
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Edisto Essentials PO Box 716. 843-869-0951. www.edistoessentials.com rentals by pickup & delivery Island Bikes & Outfitters 140 Jungle Road. 843-869-4444. www.islandbikesandoutfitters.com Magpie & Co. 114 Jungle Road, Suite J. 404-368-3802
Shopping Edisto Crafts By the Sea 8548 Racoon Island Road. 843-869-0075. 866-836-0075. www.craftsbythesea.com
Activities Choice Collectibles 329 E. Washington St. 843-549-2617.
Edisto Bookstore 547 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-1885. www.edistobookstore.com
Colleton County Museum Gift Shop & Farmers Market 506 E. Washington St. 843-549-2303.
Edisto Island Museum & Gift Shop 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road. 843-869-1954. www.edistomuseum.org
Consignment Envy 813 Bells Hwy. 843-782-5000.
Edisto Resort Wear 114-C Jungle Road. 843-869-1200. Edisto Surf Shop 145 Jungle Road. 843-869-9283. Edisto True Value 438 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-4420. Edistonian Gift Shop & Gallery/Surf & Turf Beachwear 406 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-4466. King’s Market 2559 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-3600.
East Main Boutique 210 E. Washington St. 843-782-4151. The Frame Shop at Bachelor Hill 251 E. Washington St. 843-599-1366. The Golden Daffodil 356 E. Washington St. 843-782-3455. Hayes Jewelers. Inc 219 E. Washington St. 843-549-7212. Hickory Valley Antiques 129 E. Washington St. 843-549-7392. Hiott’s Pharmacy 373 E. Washington St. 843-549-7222.
Plantation Course Pro Shop Edisto Beach 19 Fairway Dr. 843-869-1111. www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com.
Infinger’s Jewelry 212 E. Washington St. 843-549-5616.
Shore Thing Gift Shop 136 Jungle Road. 843-869-1550.
It’s Retail Therapy 248 E. Washington St. 843-782-3334.
Tranquil Landing Studio 8557 Palmetto Road. 843-869-5182.
Jus’ Sports 1017 Bells Hwy. 843-549-1656.
With These Hands Gallery 1444 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-3509. www.withthesehandsgallery.com
Olde Bank Christmas. Gift & Bakery 229 E. Washington St. 843-549-6555.
Walterboro
South Carolina Artisan’s Center 318 Wichman St. 843-549-0011. www.scartisanscenter.com
Antiques & Collectibles of Walterboro 220 E. Washington St. 843-549-7219.
The Southern Lady 523 S. Jefferies Blvd. 843-782-3955.
Bachelor Hill Antiques & Appraisals 255 E. Washington St. 843-549-1300.
Sweet Dreams & Jelly Beans 228 E. Washington St. 843-549-6480.
Belk 389 Bells Hwy. 843-782-8000. www.belk.com Carolina Closet Boutique 225 E. Washington St. 843-782-4399. www.facebook.com/CarolinaClosetBoutique
Colleton County
Edisto Beach Pavilion Gift Shop 101 Palmetto Blvd. 843-869-3069.
Treasure Chest Gold Co 619 Bells Hwy. 843-549-2203. Trinkets and Treasures 340 E. Washington St. 843-782-3727. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 79
Colleton County
Activities Wal-Mart Super Center 2110 Bells Hwy. 843-539-1560. www.walmart.com Washington Street Antiques 324 E. Washington St. 843-549-5527. Watercolours Interiors & Antiques 267 E. Washington St. 570-850-7648. William’s Seafood 100 Frances St. 843-549-5847.
Golf Courses Edisto The Plantation Course at Edisto 19 Fairway Dr. 843-869-1111. www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com Golf Package The Plantation Course at Edisto 19 Fairway Dr. 843-869-1111. www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com
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Walterboro Dogwood Hills Golf Course 1 Dogwood Ln. 843-538-8316.
Tennis & Fitness Walterboro Colleton County Parks and Recreation 280 Recreation Ln. 843-538-3031 ext103. Forest Hills Tennis Courts 790 Ireland Hills Dr. Fit 4 302 Medical Park Dr. 843-549-0750.
The historic Botany Section Bay Icehouse.
Colleton County www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 81
Colleton County
Arts & Culture Doug Grier Art & Frame Co. 8905 Marsh Aire Ln. 843-869-0491. www.douggrier.com Edisto Art Guild 843-869-3576. www.edistoartguild.com Susan Roberts Photos 843-869-4346. 877-285-3877. www.susanrobertsphotos.com Wendie Smith Photography 843-869-7582. www.wendiesmithphotography.com
Colleton County Colleton County Arts Council 843-549-8360. www.thecolletoncenter.org Promotes a cultural, social, economic, and educational climate in Colleton County in which the artistic heritage and creativity of all of the area’s people may find a voice. Thousands of local children and adults and scores of professional artists from throughout the region take part in visual and performing arts classes, educational performances, and visiting productions ranging from ballet to comedy improvisation.
With These Hands Gallery 1444 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-3509. www.withthesehandsgallery.com
Walterboro South Carolina Artisans Center 318 Wichman St. 843-549-0011. www.scartisancenter.com
Performing Arts
Walterboro
Walterboro
S. C. Artisan’s Center 843-549-0011. www.scartisanscenter.com The South Carolina Artisans Center’s mission is to interpret, market, preserve and perpetuate the folk art and fine craftsmanship of South Carolina Artisans while creating a better understanding of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. The Artisan’s Center holds several Artist’s Demonstration at various times during the year.
The Colleton Center 494 Hampton St. 843-549-8360. www.thecolletoncenter.org
Art Galleries Edisto Island Colorful Things Photography 3105 Myrtle St. 843-869-1615. www.colorfulthingsphotography.com 82 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Colleton County Arts Council 334 Wichman St. 843-549-1922. www.colletoncountyarts.com
Movie Theaters Walterboro Ireland Creek Cinemas 320 Ivanhoe Drive. 843-782-4999.
Events
February Edisto
Edisto Pride-Great American Clean-up Edisto Island Open Land Trust. 843-869-9004. www.edisto.org
Edisto Eats Food Festival – Preliminaries www.EdistoEats.com
A play by the Edisto Art Guild Players Edisto Beach Civic Center. Dinner Theater on Opening Night. 843-869-3192
Edisto Grits Contest and Oyster Roast Pressley’s at the Marina. 843-869-9226
Walterboro
Edisto Beach Ducks Unlimited Annual banquest www.ducks.org
Colleton Open Public Paddle Edisto River Canoe and Kayak Trail. Colleton State Park. www.edistoriver.org
March Edisto Art Guild Show and Sale Held the weekend before Easter in either late March or early April. The Edistonian General Store. 888-333-2781. 843-869-3867. www.edistochamber.com Edisto Eats Festival & Chef Competition Various locations. www.EdistoEats.org Edisto Road Race- 5K, 1 Mile, Walk & Fun Run Held in conjunction with the Edisto Eats Festival www.EdistoChamber.com
Colleton County
Edisto Pier.
Smoke in the ’Boro – S.C. Barbecue Association Colleton Center. 843-538-4353
April Edisto Art Guild Show and Sale Held the weekend before Easter in either late March or early April. The Edistonian General Store. 888-333-2781. 843-869-3867. www.edistochamber.com Arts & Crafts Market - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 83
Colleton County
Events Easter Sunrise Service - Pavilion Parking Lot. 888-333-2781. 843-869-3867. www.edistochamber.com Edisto Day Bazaar - Arts and Crafts Festival Lions Club, Myrtle St.
Walterboro
Edisto Arts & Crafts Market - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park.
June
Criterium Bicycle Race Downtown Walterboro. 843-538-4353. www.walterborobikerace.org
Edisto Bingo The Edisto Beach Lions Club hosts fun for the whole family Bingo Tuesdays & Thursdays. June through August. Lion’s Club, Myrtle Street 843-869-0585. www.edistochamber.com
Wings and Wheels Lowcountry Regional Airport. 843-549-2549. www.walterborowingsandwheels.com
Edisto Island Open Land Trust Cocktail Party Live & Silent Auction, Edisto Beach Civic Center www.edisto.org
Taste of Walterboro Downtown Walterboro. 843-549-1079. www.scfestival-rice.com
Shark Tournament Edisto Watersports. 843-869-0663.
Colleton County Rice Festival Downtown Walterboro. 843-549-1079. www.scfestival-rice.com
Tomato Open Golf Tournament Plantation Golf Course at Edisto 843-869-1111. www.theplantationcourseatedisto.com
5K Rice Run Downtown Walterboro. 843-549-1079. www.scfestival-rice.com
May Edisto Arts & Crafts Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. Back To Nature Outings - Edisto Island Open Land Trust. 843-869-9004. www.edisto.org Edisto Beach Dolphin Slam Edisto Marina. www.themarinaeb.com Edisto Day Bazaar - Arts and Crafts Festival Lions Club, Myrtle St.
Walterboro Friends of the Edisto Stewardship Day (FRED) Colleton State Park. www.edistoriver.org Walterboro Rodeo 843-893-3894. www.doubledarena.com 84 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
July Edisto Arts & Crafts Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. Governor’s Cup Billfishing Tournament Edisto Marina. 843-869-3504. www.govcup.dnr.sc.gov
August Edisto Arts & Crafts Market - 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. Estuaries Day - Edisto Interpretive Center. 843-869-4430.
September Edisto Arts & Crafts Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. Edisto Beach Music
Events Jacksonboro
Edisto Belles Beachwalk 603 Palmetto Blvd. 843-603-0073.
Annual Service at Pon Pon and Fall Plantation Tour. 843-549-9633. www.colletonhistoryandpreservation.com
Edisto Pride Beach/River Sweep Edisto Island Open Land Trust. 843-869-9004. www.edisto.org The Wahoo/ King Mackerel Tournament The Marina at Edisto Beach. www.themarinaeb.com
Jacksonboro Battle of Parker’s Ferry 843-549-9633. www.colletonhistoryandpreservation.com
October Edisto Arts & Crafts Market 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays Bay Creek Park. Art Guild Show & Sale The Edistonian. 843-869-3867. www.edistoguild.com “Edisto and Beyond” Edisto Island Museum. 843-869-1954. www.edistomuseum.org
November Edisto Oyster Roast & Annual Meeting Edisto Island Open Land Trust. 843-869-9004. www.edisto.org
Walterboro Polo for the Point Benefit for the Colleton Center. www.colletoncenter.org
December Edisto Edisto Christmas Parades (Street Parade & Boat Parade) 843-869-3867. www.edistochamber.com Edisto Community Chorus Christmas Concert Edisto Beach Baptist Church. 888-333-2781. 843-869-3867.
Walterboro
Edisto Fall Festival Jungle Shores Road. 843-869-3867. www.edistochamber.com
Walterboro Christmas Parade 843-538-4353. www.walterborosc.org
Edisto Watersports Redfish Tournament Edisto Watersports. 843-631-0802.
Rock in the Holidays www.walterborosc.org The Front Porch of the Lowcountry. Five events in one weekend: • Holiday Tour of Homes. Colleton County Historic and Preservation Society • Holiday Open House. S.C. Artisans Society • Festival of Trees. Colleton Museum and Farmers Market • Tree Lighting Ceremony. Walterboro City Hall • Evening Christmas Parade
Inshore Slam Fishing Tournament The Marina at Edisto Beach. 843-631-5055. Trick or Treat at the Creek Bay Creek Park. www.TownofEdistoBeach.com
Colleton County
& Shag Festival Bay Creek Park. www.EdistoChamber.com
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Colleton County
Accommodations
Shell hunting on the Edisto beach.
Camping Edisto Beach Edisto Island State Park 8377 State Cabin Road. 843-869-2156. 866-345-PARK. www.southcarolinaparks.com
Walterboro Colleton State Park 147 Wayside Lane. Canadys. 843-538-8206. 866-345-PARK. www.southcarolinaparks.com New Green Acres RV Park 396 Campground Road. I-95 Exit 53. 843-538-3450. 800-474-3450. www.newgreenacres.com
Hotels & Motels Walterboro Best Western 1428 Sniders Highway. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-3600. 800-WESTERN. www.bestwesternsouthcarolina.com Comfort Inn & Suites 97 Downs Ln. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-5911. 877-424-6423. www.choicehotels.com Days Inn 1787 Sniders Hwy. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-2933. 800-225-3297. www.daysinn.com 86 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hampton Inn 129 Cane Branch Road 843-538-2300. 800-HAMPTON. www.hamptoninn.com Holiday Inn Express & Suites 1834 Sniders Hwy. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-2700. 800-439-4745. www.ihg.com Hotel Hammock 214 S Jeffries Blvd. 843-782-7625. www.hotelhammock.com Microtel Inn & Suites 130 Cane Branch Rd. I-95, Exit 53. 843-539-5656. 800-337-0050. www.microtelinn.com Quality Inn & Suites 1286 Sniders Hwy. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-5473. 877-424-6423. www.choicehotels.com Ramada Inn - 1245 Sniders Highway. I-95, Exit 53. 843-538-5403. 800-854-9517. www.choicehotels.com Red Roof Inn - 1288 Sniders Highway. 843-538-6266. Sleep Inn 3043 Hiers Corner Rd. I-95, Exit 57. 843-539-1199. 877-424-6423. www.sleepinn.com Super 8 1972 Bells Hwy. I-95, Exit 57. 843-538-5383. 800-454-3213. www.super8.com
Accommodations Colleton County
Hampton Street inWalterboro
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Colleton County
Accommodations Vacations & Property Rentals Edisto Island Atwood Vacations 495 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-2151. 866-7135214. www.atwoodvacations.com Edisto Sales & Rentals Realty Edisto Rentals and Sales are our specialty. Unparalleled family vacations in homes & villas on uncommercialized Edisto Beach. Invest in your future with property on Edisto. Edisto Beach ... Where dreams come true and families come to play. 1405 Palmetto Blvd. Edisto Beach. SC 29438. 843-869-2527. 866-856-6538. www.edistorealty.com Egret’s Pointe Townhouses 547 S.C. Highway 174. 843-869-0100. www.egretspointe.com Wyndham Ocean Ridge Resort 1 King Cotton Road. 843-869-2561. 877-296-6335. www.wyndhamoceanridge.com Carolina One, Kapp-Lyons Realty 440 S.C. Highway 174. Edisto Island. SC 29438. 843-869-2516. 800-945-9667. www.kapplyons.com Tom Kapp. 843-708-0008. tkapp@kapplyons.com Van Leer Rowe. 843-607-7082. vlrowe@bellsouth.net Matt Van Bakergem. 843-708-9991. matt@vanbakergem.com Walton Salley. 843-631-0222. salleyw@bellsouth.net
Walterboro The Hampton House Bed & Breakfast 500 Hampton St. 843-542-9498. www.hamptonhousebandb.com Nine O’ Seven Bed & Breakfast 907 Hampton St. 843-542-2943. www.nineoseven.com Old Academy Bed & Breakfast 904 Hampton St. 843-549-3232. www.oldacademybandb.com 88 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Accommodations Colleton County
Looking out on St. Helena Sound.
www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 89
Hampton County
Map
90 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Hampton
County
Introduction Hampton County
Watermelon Capital
The Watermelon Festival Parade in Hampton.
O
nce mapped as “Indian Lands”, Hampton County, a place of deep forests, swamps, and ponds, is today famous to many sportsmen, hunters and fishermen for its exceptional hunting grounds and excellent river and creek fishing. Not only does the Lowcountry offer one of the longest hunting seasons in the country, it also contains the largest white-tailed deer populations in the state. Evidence of this area’s first residents, the native Indians can still be seen through such fascinating river names as the Salkehatchie, the Combahee and the Coosawhatchie. Hunting for Indian artifacts is a popular pastime, especially over a freshly plowed field after a good rain where many an arrowhead or pottery shard can be discovered.
The town of Hampton is the county seat, named after General Wade Hampton, an important Civil War military leader and former state governor. Hampton, along with its sister town of Varnville, are the hosts of the annual Hampton County Watermelon Festival, South Carolina’s oldest continuing festival dating back to 1939. Hampton County is a major producer of watermelons in the state and each June over 60,000 visitors come to help celebrate and enjoy this delicious summertime crop. Hampton’s historic downtown offers a number of retail stores to explore, and the Hampton County Museum features eight rooms for you to experience with no admission fee. The surrounding small towns of www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 91
Hampton County Sweets for the sweet.
Varnville, Estill and Brunson offer delightful pastoral settings and surprises around each corner. Unique sights include the Webb Wildlife Center, Hampton’s town and county museums (both in historic buildings), and the town of Varnville, which was the setting for 1930s scenes from the movie “Forrest Gump.” The Hampton Museum & Visitors Center is on the National Register of Historic Places. Recreation abounds at Lake Warren State Park, a 440-acre fishing, boating and picnic area. Nature lovers can view alligators and water birds from the pier or along the lake’s edge. It is truly a nature experience you won’t soon forget and THE best sunsets to be found. Located just off Exit 38 on I-95 is the small town of Yemassee, home of several privately 92 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
owned plantations, and a recently renovated Train Depot. Another local favorite is Harold’s Country Club, an old gas station that was transformed into a restaurant and known for its unique interior collectibles, genuine auto parts decor and down-home Southern cooking. Saturday Night Steak Night is a favorite of local residents. For lunch, try the restaurant nestled in Flecther’s Finds, a unique antiques shop. Located right beside it, there’s Lucky Duck Distillery for a taste of hometown hooch. Other attractions through this county of friendly rural towns are farms and numerous antebellum plantation homes, like Richfield Plantation, a popular wedding venue, and majestic historical churches and cemeteries. Hampton County is full of fun discoveries during your stay in the Lowcountry! LVG
Section Hampton HamptonCounty County Hampton County produces some of the area’s finest | 93 www.southcarolinalowcountry.com watermelons.
Hampton County
Dining
South Carolina – The birthplace of barbecue.
Due to space limitations, not all national and fast food establishments are listed.
Kevin’s Carolina Steakhouse 606 W. Elm St. 803-914-0504
Estill
New Hong Kong 1001 W. Elm St. 803-943-9951.
China Town at Estill Restaurant 82 Third St. W. 803-625-3030.
Rigdon’s Fried Chicken 801 W. Magnolia St. 803-943-4383.
Elizabeth’s Ice Cream & Deli 205 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 803-625-9900.
Varnville
El Zarape 73 W. Railroad Ave. 803-625-2855.
Anthony’s Sports Bar and Grill 965 E. Elm St. 803-914-0017.
Lester Deloach Pit Bar-B-Que 8500 Hwy 601 (Savannah Hwy). 803-625-2305. Se & Ke Carryout 221 W. Railroad Ave. 803-625-2157.
Hampton County Coconuts - 120 First St. W. 803-943-3399. El Ranchito - 830 E. Elm St. 803-943-3453.
Lowcountry Seafood 204 E. Carolina Ave. 803-943-0170.
Yemassee Chinatown 10 Yemassee Hwy. 843-589-2100. Fletcher’s Finest Deli 17 Yemassee Hwy. 843-589-8300.
Hampton Restaurant 704 W. Elm St. 803-943-3002.
Genesis Cafe 180 U.S. Highway 17-A 843-589-4800
Julienne’s Espresso Café 301 Lee Ave. 803-943-0056.
Harold’s Country Club 97 U.S. Highway 17A at U.S. Highway 21 843-589-4360. www.haroldscountryclub.com
94 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Harold’s Country
Activities Club in Yemassee Hampton County www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 95
Hampton County
Activities Lake Warren State Park Gazebo.
Points
of Interest
State Parks
Yemassee
Hampton County
Frampton Plantation & Lowcountry Visitors Center - 1 Lowcountry Lane. 843-717-3090. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com. The original plantation house was built by John Frampton in the 1700s as part of a King’s Grant to the Frampton family. The 4,000 acre plantation produced Sea Island cotton and rice. Frampton served as a delegate in the 1860 SC Convention, and signed the Ordinance of Secession. General Lee commissioned an earthwork gun emplacement that can still be seen behind the house today. The house has been refurbished and is in use today as the Lowcountry Visitor Center and Museum. Located right off I-95 at exit 33, the house is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Lake Warren State Park - 803-943-5051. www.southcarolinaparks.com. Open seven days a week 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 400 acres, picnic shelters, lake fishing, boat rentals, boat ramp, playground, primitive camping, nature trails. Free admission.
Old Sheldon Church Ruins - Sheldon Church Rd. - These ruins stand beautifully under majestic live oak trees off of Hwy 17. Built in the 1750’s, the church was burned by British Troops during the Revolutionary War, then again during Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” The ruins serve as a reminder of the Lowcountry past. 96 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Wildlife Preserves & Nature Trails Hampton County Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area 843-726-6775. 4605 acres northwest of Grays between Highways 3 and 278. Deer, wild turkey and small game. Regulated hunting. Webb Wildlife Management Area - Off Hwy. 321. 803-625-3569. www.dnr.sc.gov. Bordering the historical Savannah River, the 25,000+ acres provide excellent viewing of deer, wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, gray squirrel and many types of birds. Several nature trails. Ponds available for fishing. Regulated hunting.
Activities
Estill Lawton O’Cain Tours - 118 Third St. 803-625-3240. This driving tour retraces Gen. Sherman’s initial entry into SC from Robertville to Lawtonville. By reservation only.
Hampton County Hampton Museum & Visitors’ Center 15 First St. E. 803-943-5318. www.hamptonsc.net. Self-guided walking tours of Hampton’s historic district. Private guided tours by reservations. Hampton County Museum - 702 First St. W. 803-943-5484. www.hamptoncountysc.org
Boat Landings Hampton County Hwy 601 Boat Ramp. Salkehatchie River. Hwy 601 approximately13 miles north of Hampton. Lake Warren Boat Ramps (3) - Approx. 3 miles west of Hampton between Hwys 363 & 601. Stokes Bluff Boat Ramp - Savannah River, US 321 South approximately 7 miles to Scotia. Route 25 West to Route 19 South, approximately 8 miles.
Yemassee Yemassee Boat Landing - Combahee River, from Yemassee, US 21 North approximately 2 miles.
Hunting Estill Bostick Plantation - 9560 Augusta Stagecoach Rd. 803-625-4512. 800-542-6913. www.bostick-plantation.com. Choose from rustic farmhouse or plantation house lodgings. Accommodations for up to 23. Deer, quail, wild turkey or Russian boar. Buck Run Hunting Lodge - 580 Ben’s Rd. 803-625-3791. Lodging, meals, guide service.
Gohagan Guide Service - 3145 Scotia Furman Hwy. 803-625-2987, 877-625-2987. www.gohagansguideservice.com
Hampton County
Tours & Transportation
Hampton County Broxton Bridge Plantation - 1685 Broxton Bridge Plantation, Erhardt, 12 miles north of Hampton, Hwy. 601. 800-437-HUNT or 803-267-3882. www.broxtonbridge.com. Deer & wild turkey hunting plus sporting clays courses. Accommodations in 100-year-old restored plantation houses. Meals, licenses, shells & stamps available. Pine Hill Plantation - 2024 Beech Branch Church Rd, Luray. 803-625-3008. Lodging, meals.
Shopping Estill Southern Home and Hardware 147 N. Railroad Ave. 803-625-3581. Southerners 128 Catherine St. N. 803-625-3310. Wiggins and Son Hardware 140 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. N. 803-625-2288.
Hampton County Aaron’s Embroidery 214 Lee Ave. 803-943-2213. Brunson Building Supply/ Ace Hardware 616 W. Railroad Ave. 803-943-2619. The Frock Shop 130 Lee Ave. 803-943-2271. It’s Retail Therapy 303 Lee Ave. 803-914-0018. Nix Florist 104 Elm St. 803-943-3371.
Varnville Fred’s - 181 W. Carolina Ave. 803-914-0045. www.fredsinc.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 97
Hampton County
Activities
Fletcher’s Finds Antiques in Yemassee.
Goody’s - 233 W. Carolina Ave. 803-943-3077.
Tennis & Fitness
Freeman’s Awards & Gifts 50 Main St. 803-943-2819.
Hampton County
Market Square 95 W. Carolina Ave. 803-914-0134.
Public Courts Kinard Lane 803-943-2951. www.hamptonsc.net
T Shirt Man 23 E. Palmetto Ave. 803-943-0577.
Yemassee Fletcher’s Finds Antiques 17 Yemassee Highway 843-589-8300. Le Creuset - 30 Lane St., I-95 Exit 38. 843-589-6650. www.lecreuset.com Lucky Duck Distillery 17-B Yemassee Highway 843-589-5440. 98 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Olympic Gym 1115 W. Elm St. 803-943-5170.
Varnville Public Courts Pine Street 803-943-2979. www.varnville.org
Arts & Culture Hampton County
Frampton Plantation & Lowcountry Visitors Center.
Arts & Culture Performing Arts Hampton County Hampton County Arts Council 109 Lee Ave. 803-943-3309. The mission of the Hampton County Arts Council is to encourage and assist artistic and creative endeavors in Hampton County through cooperative efforts with schools, social, civic and religious organizations and cooperate with organizations having similar aims. The Arts Council hosts several shows, events, and concerts during the year. The Yemassee Shrimp Festival Parade.
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Hampton County
Events January Hampton County First Day Hike Lake Warren State Park. 803-943-5051.
April Hampton County Little Buddies Fishing Program Free event at Lake Warren State Park for children 15 and under (must be accompanied by an adult) to promote the fun of fishing. 803-943-5051.
May Furman
September Hampton County Estill Fall Festival - The annual Estill Fall Festival. 803-625-3243.
Yemassee Yemassee Shrimp Festival - Event highlights are lighted boat parade, mud run, talent show, beauty pageant, arts and crafts, entertainment and much more. Shrimp cooked to perfection in abundance. 843-589-2565. www.townofyemassee.org
October Estill Estill Fall Festival - 803-625-3243.
May Fest This festival highlights the plaiting of the maypole. Events include a parade, vendors, softball tournament, street dance and good old southern food. 803-625-3680.
Hampton County
Hampton County
Hampton County Choral Society Holiday Concert – 803-943-3309.
Hampton County Choral Society Spring Concert - 803-943-3309.
Hometown Christmas – Youth parade, music, visit with Santa Claus along Lee Avenue. 803-914-2143.
December
June Hampton County Hampton County Watermelon Festival Join the fun at South Carolina’s oldest continuing festival. Events include Youth Parade, Children’s Day, Taste of Hampton, Pet Show, 5K Run, Watermelon Eating Contest, Watermelon Judging Contest, Arts and Crafts, Street Dance, Parade and much more. www.hcmelonfest.org Gifford June Fest This festival recognizes the day when residents first learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. Events include a Softball Tournament, Gospel Concert, Parade, Arts and Crafts and lots of food. 803-625-2712. 100 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Accomodations Hotels & Motels Hampton County/Estill Carolina Lodge - Hampton 500 First St W. 803-943-5660. carolinalodgehampton.com Days Inn - Hampton 1235 W Elm St. 803-943-0411. 800-225-3297. www.daysinn.com Palmetto Inn – Estill 145 Scythia Ln. 803-625-4322.
Events Hampton HamptonCounty County Slices at the ready for the Watermelon Eating Contest at the annual Hampton County | 101 www.southcarolinalowcountry.com Watermelon Festival.
Jasper County
Map
Jasper
County
102 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Introduction
A dancer at the Hardeeville Pow Wow.
I
n the heat of battle during a Revolutionary War skirmish in South Carolina, a young American soldier performed a brave act. Seeing that the South Carolina flag had fallen to the ground, he leaped over the wall of the fort, secured the flag and then safely returned to his post to fight gallantly with his company. This simple, brave action brought notoriety to Sergeant William Jasper. Named after this young man, Jasper County is close to Savannah, Hilton Head and Beaufort. It still maintains the simple, original flavor of the Lowcountry. Important moments in history are permanently etched into historic sites still visible in the area. Valuable archeological digs date the history of the area back to ancient Indian tribes, while the site of an early Swiss settlement stands as a reminder of pre-colonial days. Thomas Heyward Jr., a Revolutionary War statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence, lived and died in Jasper
County, and Civil War heroes fought here for their respective causes. The Civil War Living History held each year at the Frampton Plantation provides visitors with a window to the past. Reenactors tell of the Battle of Pocotaligo, which took place on Oct. 22, 1862, and was the largest action of a three-day expedition during the Civil War intended to disrupt the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. It’s a great way to experience history and visit the beautiful welcome center in Point South. Hardeeville has a number of attractions to discover, including Sergeant Jasper Park, which provides stunning nature views as well as an exciting disc golf course through the woods. Hardeeville is also home to Argent Engine No. 7, a 1910 model train on display. Ridgeland offers a number of green spaces in a quaint and historic downtown setting. It is also home to the Blue Heron Nature www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 103
Jasper County
History at Hand
Jasper County
Troops lined up for inspection at the Frampton Plantation Living History event.
Center, a 10-acre green space that boasts a Nature Trail with a quarter-mile of boardwalk through forested wetlands, a butterfly garden, picnic area, outdoor classroom, observation decks and a 4,200-square-foot Learning Center. You can also visit the gravesite of Heyward. Festivals are a big part of Jasper County and a great opportunity to soak up the local ambience. Each year, Hardeeville holds its Catfish Festival, SC-GA Barbeque Cook-Off and Native American Pow Wow. In Ridgeland, you can partake in the Gopher Hill Festival, where authentic Lowcountry cooking, handmade crafts and other events make for fun for the whole family. The Jasper Jamboree is another unique event held in February. 104 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Known as a sportsman’s paradise, Jasper County’s 662 square miles contain a number of hunting clubs and plantation grounds where wildlife flourishes. Along one border stretches the Savannah River. All types of wetland waterfowl, along with numerous alligators, call the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge home along the border with neighboring Georgia. Jasper County’s many freshwater lakes, streams and saltwater rivers make ideal fishing territory, while hunters come from a number of other states each year for the excellent deer, quail and boar hunting. Interstate 95 runs through the heart of Jasper County and its seven exits offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants and service businesses for travelers. LVG
Dining Jasper County
Due to space limitations, not all national and fast food establishments are listed.
Point South
Hardeeville
KOA Campground Pizza Service Exit 33 off I-95. 843-726-5733. www.pointsouthkoa.com
Chickin Lickin’ Hickory House 16161 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-5141. Dunkin’ Donuts 524- Independence Blvd. 843-784-5557. www.dunkindonuts.com Gwen & Franny’s Fried Chicken 22141 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-6080. La Botana Mexican Restaurant Hwy 17, 22733 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-7757. Los Angeles Mexican Restaurant 18736 Whyte Hardee Blvd - 843-784-2074. www.losangelosmexicanhardeeville.com Mi Tierrita 15578 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-5011. New China 19533 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-6888. The Pink Pig BBQ 3508 S. Okatie Hwy. 843-784-3635.
The Swimming Mermaid Coffee House and Wine Bar Point South KOA, Exit 33 off I-95. 843-726-5733. www.pointsouthkoa.com
Ridgeland BBQ Grill 8084-D E. Main St. 843-645-4414. Duke’s Barbeque 690 Jacob Smart Blvd. 843-726-6244. El Ranchito 11382 Jacob Smart Blvd. 843-717-2420. Fiddlers Seafood Restaurant 126 W. Main St. - 843-726-6691 Little Boy’s BBQ 231 Hazzard Creek Village. 843-645-2233. New Hong Kong Restaurant 8176 E. Main St. 843-726-8897. Pizza Bella 8196 E. Main St. 843-717-3111. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 105
Jasper County
Activities Points
of Interest
Ridgeland Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 2718 Bees Creek Road. 843-726-3743. Originally built as a chapel of ease in 1835, the current structure was built in 1858. The beautiful live oak trees that frame the church were planted by the ladies of the congregation in the 19th century. The church-yard contains three graves that predate the Civil War. Euhaw Baptist Church 2576 Bees Creek Road. 843-726-3343. Built in 1860, it was burned in Sherman’s “March to the Sea.” It fell victim to fire again in 1904. A new church was built in 1906. This late-Victorian structure proudly displays a three-stepped bell tower and arched windows. Thomas Heyward Jr. Tomb Jct of Hwys 462 & 336. Thomas Heyward Jr., signer of the Declaration of Independence, was born and laid to rest here. This spot is a quiet and restful spot to picnic.
Hardeeville Sgt Jasper Park 1458 Red Dam Road. 843-784-5130. This park features walking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, and a disc golf course. The activity center is open daily from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. The park is open during daylight hours. Purrysburg Monument Intersection of Hwys 34 & 203. This stone monument was erected in the 1940’s by the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. The oldest tomb is dated 1781. In 1731 a group of 600 Swiss colonists migrated to this spot along the Savannah River. Argent Steam Engine “Old Number 7” 205 Main Street. This rare train was built around 1910 by the H.K. Porter Company. “Number 7” was used to haul timber. It is a wonderful relic for the logging and lumbering industry. The train engine is on display at City Hall and can be viewed during daylight hours.
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The historic Purrysburg Momument.
Wildlife Preserves & Nature Trails Ridgeland Blue Heron Nature Trail Exit 21, 843-726-7611. www.dnr.sc.gov/conservation/ districtsdnr/jasper/blueheron. Walking tour of Lowcountry Wetlands and wildlife viewing. Cypress Creek Wildlife Management Area Between Highways 3 and 278. 843-726-6775. More than 4,600 acres northwest of Grays. Deer, wild turkey and small game. Regulated hunting.
Activities
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge Located on Hwy 17, north of the Georgia border. 843-726-8126. www.fws.gov/savannah. A 3-mile drive through old rice field dikes. Over 7,000 acres of wetlands flora, fauna. Tillman Sand Ridge Wildlife Management Area 5 miles west of Tillman on Hwy S-17-119. 803-625-3569. www.dnr.sc.gov. This 952-acre tract protects the endangered Gopher Tortoise. By appointment only.
Tours & Transportation
New River Boat Ramp New River, from Hardeeville, Hwy 46 East to Route 170 North. Tuten’s Boat Landing Boyd’s Creek and West Branch Creek, County Road 249 off SC 462. Bolan Hall Boat Landing Euhaw Creek, County Road 3 off Hwy 278.
Horseback Riding & Stables Ridgeland
Ridgeland
All American Petting Zoo 398 Tickton Hall Ln. 843-717-2356. www.allamericanpettingzoo.webs.com
Palm Key 330 Coosaw Way. 843-726-6468. www.palmkey.com. Guided kayak tours of Lowcountry blackwater and saltwater rivers.
Lazy Oak Horse Ranch 7724 Bees Creek Road 843-368-1558.
Hardeeville Swamp Girls Kayak Tours 843-784-2249. 843-415-1225. www.swampgirls.com
Boat
ramps
Jasper Corner Lake Boat Ramp Coosawhatchie River U.S. 278 West from Ridgeland to Route 87 North to Route 207 East. Dawsons Boat Ramp Coosawhatchie River Hwy 462 East from I-95 Exit 28 to Route 206 East. B&C Landing Boat Ramp From Tillman, approximately 4 miles west on Route 119 to Route 201. Tillman Sand Ridge Wildlife Management Area. Millstone Boat Ramp I-95 Exit 5 in Hardeeville to U.S. 17 North to Route 31 West to Purrysburgh.
Shopping Hardeeville Aleida’s Antiques & World of Wood 9 Main St. 843-784-6122. Wal-Mart Super Center 4400 Hwy 278, 843-208-3021. www.walmart.com
Point South Carolina Cider Company 1398 Kings Hwy, 843-726-4477. 81 Charleston Hwy. 843-846-1899. www.carolinaciderco.com Frampton Plantation: South Carolina Lowcountry Visitor’s Center, Museum & Gift Shop Civil War replicas, books, local arts, crafts, unique gifts, local wines and more. 1 Lowcountry Lane. I-95 Exit 33, 843-717-3090. 800-528-6870. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com Sabatier Cutlery Outlet - I-95, Exit 33. 842-726-6444, 800-525-6399. www.sabatieroutlet.com. Factory outlet featuring quality cutlery. Visit us or call now for a free catalog. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 107
Jasper County
Hardeeville
Argent Engine No. 7.
Jasper JasperCounty County
Activities
Ridgeland Another Man’s Treasure Antiques 7775 W. Main St. 843-384-3554. Josie’s Creative Designs 7769 W. Main St. 843-645-2121. The Outpost 10535 S. Jacob Smart Blvd. 843-726-9555.
Golf Courses Ridgeland Sergeant Jasper Country Club 50 Country Club Dr./ Glover Rd. HWY 174. 843-726-8977. www.golflink.com
Tennis & Fitness
Pearls & Plunder 7772 W. Main St.
Ridgeland
Shine Town 857 James Taylor Road 843-645-0657. www.shinetown.com
Public Tennis Courts & Skateboard Park at Turpin Park Corner of Smith and Logan Streets. 843-726-7500.
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Events
February
September
Jasper
Hardeeville
Jasper Jamboree PKC Coon Hunt 843-726-8126. www.jaspersc.org. Presented by the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce.
Catfish Festival - Highway 46. 843-784-2231.
March Hardeeville SC/GA Barbecue Festival Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce. 843-784-3606. Bass Fishing Tournament Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce. 843-784-3606. Lowcountry Pow Wow and Cultural Festival Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce. 843-784-3606.
April Hardeeville Latin Food Festival Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce. 843-784-3606.
May Ridgeland Hog Jog Trail Run, 5K Trail Run and 5K Health Walk - Bear Foot Sports. 843-379-8520. www.bearfootsports.comA
August Point South/Yemassee Point South/Pocotaligo Festival 843-376-3818
October Ridgeland Gopher Hill Festival - Main Street. 843-726-8126. www.gopherfestival.org Baker Golf Tournament - 843-726-8126. Team Tradd Memorial Bike Ride September Oaks Vineyards, 893 Grays Hwy.
November Ridgeland Clemson/Carolina Oyster Roast Held annually the Saturday before the Clemson/ Carolina football game. 843-726-8126.
December Hardeeville Hardeeville Christmas Parade www.hardeevillechamberofcommerce.com
Point South/Yemassee Fill Santa’s Sack/Toys for Tots Frampton Plantation Home. 843-717-3090
Ridgeland Holiday Festival of Music & Lights Blue Heron Nature Trail, I-95 Exit 21. 843-726-8126 for Blue Heron Nature Center; 843-726-7500 for Town of Ridgeland. www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 109
Jasper County
Time for a Lowcountry oyster roast.
Jasper County
Accommodations Camping Hardeeville Camp Lake Jasper - 44 Camp Lake Drive 843-784-5200.www.camplakejasper.com
Point South The Oaks Campground 1292 Campground Road I-95, Exit 33 at U.S. Highway 17. 843-726-5728. www.thousandtrails.com Point South KOA Kampground and Lodging I-95, Exit 33 at U.S. Highway 17 843-726-5733. 800-562-2948. www.pointsouthkoa.com
Hotels & Motels Hardeeville Days Inn - 16633 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-2281. www.daysinn.com Deluxe Inn - 19725 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-3155. Economy Inn - 518 Frontage Road 843-784-2201. Holiday Inn Express - 145 Independence Blvd. 843-784-2800, 888-465-4329. www.hiexpress.com Knights Inn - 19527 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-2196. 800-477-0629. www.knightsinn.com Motel 6 - 120 Independence Blvd. 843-784-3192. 800-466-8356. www.motel6.com Quality Inn & Suites - 19000 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-7060. www.qualityinn.com Red Roof Inn - 1122 Hummingbird Lane 800-733-7663. www.redroofinn.com Sleep Inn - 16553 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 877-424-6423. www.sleepinn.com Super 8 - 19289 Whyte Hardee Blvd. 843-784-2151, 800-454-3213. www.super8.com 110 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Point South Best Western Point South 3536 Point South Drive I-95 Exit 33. 843-726-8101. 800-780-7234. www.bestwesternsouthcarolina.com Knight’s Inn 420 Campground Road 800-477-0629. 843-726-8925. www.knightsinn.com Red Roof Inn 138 Frampton Drive 843-726-9400 www.redroofinn.com Point South Hotel 139 Frampton Drive 843-726-9222
Ridgeland Carolina Lodge I-95 Exit 21, Hwy 336. 843-726-6050. Econo Lodge 511 James Taylor Road 843-726-6213. 877-424-6423. Quality Inn 221 James Taylor Road 843-726-2121. 877-424-6423. www.choicehotels.com Travelodge 8216 E Main St, I-95 Exit 21. 843-726-5553. 800-525-4055. www.travelodge.com
Vacations & Property Rentals Ridgeland Palm Key 330 Coosaw Way, Knowles Island. 843-726-6524. 866-PALMKEY. www.palmkey.com
More about Section … Jasper County
…Frampton Plantation
Frampton Plantation
T
he “Frampton House” got its name from its original owner and builder, John Frampton, who, along with his brothers, shared thousands of acres in what is now Beaufort and Jasper counties in South Carolina. Originally a King’s Grant to the Frampton family in the early 1700s, the land was divided into working plantations. This site was known as “The Hill” plantation because it is the highest elevation for several miles around. John Frampton, with the aid of about 130 slaves, grew cotton and some rice nearby. Frampton was one of the signers of South Carolina’s Declaration of Secession from the Union, which started the Civil War. In 1865, General Sherman’s Union troops burned the original plantation home and various buildings. Frampton, who had evacuated prior to the Civil War overtaking his home, returned with enough resources to rebuild the house in 1868. The front façade rises two stories with posts that originally supported a second-story porch and French doors. These features were removed by the Campbell family who occupied the house in the 1950s, for fear of children playing on the upper porch. Windows are two over two (2/2) lights with exterior blinds. A half-round bay window adorns the front parlor room. The house was heated by seven fireplaces. The original roof was split, wooden, shake shingles. The present roof is an authentic turne-metal roof of that period. Built as lathe and plaster walls, the interior was refurbished after the turn of the 20th century with more modern plaster board over heart pine studs and beams. Various owners and families resided here over the years, and the old house fell into serious disrepair. In 1993, the Lowcountry Tourism Commission acquired the property and saved it from certain destruction. (Plans were being discussed
that would have seen the house bulldozed, along with the wonderful 250-to-300-year-old live oaks, to make way for another interstate truck stop.) Thanks to various grants, community support, donations (and hard work), the Frampton House has been reborn and opened to the public as the Lowcountry Visitors Center & Museum. Several visitors to the “Frampton House” have mentioned sensing an otherworldly “presence” in the old house. Some have asked about the old woman in the parlor, or the little girl and the calico cat on the stairs. (All of these entities remain aloof from the present staff.) Two important periods of South Carolina and United States history are represented just behind the house. During the War Between the States, General Lee’s Confederate troops built an earthwork gun emplacement in 1861 to help protect the Charleston to Savannah railroad – an important supply line for the Southern troops throughout the war. The mounds under the trees in the back yard are the remains of this earthen fortification. Another addition marks yet an older conflict. The gazebo behind the house is the trailhead for the Lowcountry Revolutionary War Trail. The trail is a four-county driving and biking tour of sites of historical interest from the Colonial conflict. Few people realize that more skirmishes and decisive battles of the American Revolution occurred in South Carolina than in any other colony. The Lowcountry Visitors Center & Museum (the old Frampton House) is located at Interstate 95, Exit 33 in South Carolina. The Center offers clean restrooms, a unique gift shop, historical displays and is open to the public seven days per week. LVG www.southcarolinalowcountry.com | 111
Chambers of Commerce
Cypress Wetlands Loop Trail in Port Royal
Lowcountry Tourism Commission P.O. Box 615, Yemassee, SC 29945 843-717-3090 or 800-528-6870. Email: Info@southcarolinalowcountry.com www.southcarolinalowcountry.com
Beaufort County Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 754, Beaufort, SC 29901 843-986-1102. Fax: 843-379-8027. Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s & Convention Bureau 701 Craven St., P.O. Box 910, Beaufort, SC 29901 843-986-5400 or 800-638-3525. Fax: 843-986-5405. www.beaufortsc.org
Bluffton Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 7 State Road S-7-241, Bluffton, SC 29910 843-757-1010. Fax: 843-785-7110.
Hilton Head Island Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 1 Chamber Drive P.O. Box 5647, Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 843-785-3673. Fax: 843-785-7110. 112 | Lowcountry Visitor Guide
Colleton County Edisto Chamber of Commerce 430 Hwy 174. P.O. Box 206, Edisto Beach, SC 29438 843-869-3867. Fax: 843-869-0510. www.edistochambercom Walterboro/Colleton Chamber of Commerce 109 Benson St., P.O. Box 426, Walterboro, SC 29488 843-549-9595. Fax: 843-549-5775. www.walterboro.org
Jasper County Greater Hardeeville Chamber of Commerce and Vistors & Convention Bureau 36 Main St., P.O. Box 307, Hardeeville, SC 29927 843-784-3606. Fax: 843-784-3606. www.hardeevillechamberofcommerce.com Jasper County Chamber of Commerce 403 Russell St., P.O. Box 1267, Ridgeland, SC 29936 843-726-8126. Fax: 843-726-6290. www.jaspersc.org
Hampton County Hampton County Chamber of Commerce 200 Jackson Ave. E., P.O. Box 122, Hampton, SC 29924 803-914-2143. Fax: 803-943-7538. www.hamptoncountychamber.org