Looking for a place to practice social distancing while enjoying the natural wonder of the South Carolina Lowcountry? The grounds of Coastal Discovery Museum are just what you’re looking for!
Photo by Louli Kourkounakis.
The Coastal Discovery Museum is located on Hilton Head Island. The museum displays permanent and travelling exhibits that focus on the Lowcountry’s natural history and cultural heritage. The museum and its grounds are a part of the Honey Horn property. Interpretive trails wind through the woods and along the marsh and Jarvis Creek. This is a great place to spend the day while social distancing.
Images by DE Void, Vic Noel, Charles Walker, Elizabeth Keener, Presnell, Rory dela Paz Brent.
The Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery House is located along the main road into Honey Horn. Stop in the museum first to view the exhibits. Admission is free. This building dates back to 1859. It holds both temporary and permanent exhibits that focus on the Lowcountry’s natural history and cultural heritage. There’s also a Kid’s Zone to keep the little ones entertained.
Images by Pete Welch, Tarak Vasavada, Thomas Bratten, Melissa Keenan, Jacob, Chris N, Chris N, Brian Gomez, Susan Chastain.
The vistas seen from the trail boardwalks stretch across the marsh and tidal creek. While walking, be on the lookout for interpretive panels that explain the natural beauty of Lowcountry estuaries and marine habitat.
Photos found on Coastal Discovery Museum website, Vic Noel, and Coastal discovery Museum Facebook page.
The property is home to several live oak trees that were planted in the early 1800s. You can also find a former state champion Southern Red Cedar tree on the property. This is one of the largest of its kind in the state. The germination date has been estimated at 1595. Bald cypress, Dogwood, Gingko, Southern Magnolia and Pecan trees can also be seen here.
Native American replica shell ring image found on Coastal Discovery Museum Facebook page.
While walking the grounds, be sure to stop at the replica shell ring. Native Americans built similar rings as far back as 4,000 years ago. The exact purpose of these rings is unknown. The Coastal Discovery replica shell ring was built with real Native American oyster, whelk and clam shells, animal bones and other historic materials.
Butterfly images by Dave Lamb, Laura Dowling and Thomas Bratten.
No trip to the Coastal Discovery Museum is complete without touring the Karen Wertheimer Butterfly Habitat. This enclosed greenhouse garden is home to a number of native butterflies from May to October. Nectar plants feed the butterflies while host plants are covered in eggs and feeding caterpillars. Informative panels are placed throughout the garden to educate visitors on the life cycle of the butterfly.
Camellia Garden images by Ruth Young, Coastal Discovery Facebook and Rebecca Yoho.
There are many gardens spread across the property. The Carnivorous Plants Bog Garden is home to the Venus fly trap, pitcher plants and sundews. These are all native to South Carolina. These plants expertly trap insects with their unique adaptations. The Heritage Garden features more than 30 plant species that are historically significant to the Lowcountry. Some of these varieties were used by Native Americans, while others were grown by Gullah islanders. Many of these plants are responsible for survival on the barrier islands after the Civil War. The Camelia Garden contains 131 different types of camellias. Some of the varieties were even developed in the Lowcountry.
Marsh Tacky images found on the Coastal Discovery Facebook page.
Don’t forget to wander over to the barns before you leave. The pole barn was built in the 1950s to store farming and timbering equipment. Look for the 400-pound cowling of an Atlas V rocket that washed up on the beach at Hilton Head in 2010. The horse barn was added in the 1930s. It was renovated by the museum in 2008 and is now home to two Marsh Tacky horses: Comet and Hawk. The Marsh Tacky is the South Carolina State Heritage Horse.
Bring Fido along for your next dog-friendly adventure to the South Carolina Lowcountry!
Photo by Amy Lane.
Dogs are considered family members and are treated as such in the Lowcountry. Accommodations, restaurants, tours, beaches, and charters can be found that welcome the addition of dogs to the party. Here’s a selection of activities in the South Carolina Lowcountry that are dog-friendly.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Parks and Outdoor Areas that are dog-friendly:
Hunting Island State Park allows dogs on a leash in the park. They are not allowed in cabin areas or inside the lighthouse complex. They are also not allowed on the northern tip of the island to protest critical shorebird habitat. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Take advantage of the many walking trails located throughout the park.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Lake Warren State Parkallows dogs inmost outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. The trails at the park make excellent walking paths for dogs.
Edisto Beach State Parkallows dogs in most outdoor areas including the trails provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or the cabin areas.
Colleton State Parkallows dogs in most outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet. Pets are not allowed in or around lodging facilities.
Image provided by Lanie Woods.
Dogs are permitted onHilton Head beachesbefore 10 am and after 5 pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Dogs must be on a leash or under positive voice control at all other times.
Fikki enjoys the Lowcountry outdoors. Photo by Peach Morrison.
Hilton Head Island’s Chaplin Community Park off-leash dog park is located off William Hilton Parkway between Burkes Beach Road and Singleton Beach Road. This is a great place to bring the dogs to play with others.
Hilton Head Sea Pines Forest Preserve and Audubon Newhall Preserve allow dogs on a leash.
Photo by Amy Lane.
Hilton Head Fishing charters and river cruises that allow dogs include Captain Mark’s Dolphin Cruise, Vagabond Cruise, Calibogue Cruises, Runaway Fishing Charters, and Over Yonder Charters. For websites and more information visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/charters/.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Hardeeville’sSgt Jasper Park has many walking trails that are perfect for short hikes with your dog. Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail is also a good place for dog walking. Both parks are conveniently located just off I-95.
Hardeeville Dog Park image by James Buquet.
Hardeevillealso has an off-leash dog park located in the Richard Gray Sports Complex behind City Hall, 205 Main Street. The park is divided into areas for small and large dogs. There’s also a designated area for senior dogs as well. The park has shaded benches and doggie water fountains. The park is conveniently located just off I-95, making it a great place to let the pups run off energy.
Yemassee’s Frampton Plantation Visitors Center enjoys visiting with dogs. They are allowed inside and out! Plan a picnic on the grounds and take the dog for a walk through the woods. Come inside and visit with the friendly staff that love visits from leashed dogs. The center is located on I-95 at Exit 33.
Beaufort Bricks on Boundary Common Ground Coffeehouse and Market Café Hemingways Bistro Luther’s Rare & Well Done Panini’s on the Waterfront Plums After a downtown meal, be sure to go for a walk at the Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park.
St Helena Island Johnson Creek Tavern Marsh Tacky Market Café After a St. Helena meal, walk through the Chapel of Ease and Ft. Fremont.
HHI Skull Creek Boathouse Captain Woody’s Old Oyster Factory Crazy Crab Up the Creek Pub & Grill Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks Fishcamp on Broad Creek Go for a walk through Audubon Newhall Preserve or Sea Pines Forest Preserve.
Bluffton The Cottage Old Town Dispensary Katie O’Donalds Okatie Ale House Fat Patties Guiseppi’s Pizza Captain Buddy’s Charters Go for a walk through the many parks in the Old Town area of Bluffton, or Victoria Bluff Heritage Preserve.
Walterboro Fat Jacks Sonic Drive-in After dinner, stroll through the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary.
Edisto Island Seacow Eatery Flowers Seafood Pressley’s at the Marina La Retta’s Pizzeria McConkey’s Jungle Shack After dinner, walk through Bay Creek Park or Edisto Beach State Park.
Ridgeland Alchile Mexican Grill Eats & Sweets Bakery Fiddlers Seafood PJ’s Coffee House Go for a walk through Blue Heron Nature Center’s trail after dinner.
Doggie life jackets are a good idea if you plan to add boating to your agenda. Photo by Charlotte Pinckney.
Dog friendly accommodations are easy to find in the Lowcountry. Many rental homes, hotels and bed & breakfast locations are happy to accept your furry friends.
The historic Anchorage 1770 is dog friendly.
Certain rooms at the Anchorage 1770 are also dog friendly. Just let the staff know you plan to bring your furry friend, and you will be booked accordingly. The Beaufort Inn also allows dogs.
While visiting Lowcountry parks and wildlife management areas, dog owners are required to remove and properly dispose of the animal’s excrement. Please keep in mind, it is illegal to allow pets to chase or harass wildlife.
When going on outings with your dog be sure to bring food, trail treats, water and water bowl, plastic bags, leash, and collar. Make sure your current contact information is on your dog’s collar. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Limited mobility is not a problem in the SC Lowcountry.
Sgt. Jasper Park photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
The South Carolina Lowcountry is the perfect destination for people with limited mobility. The consistency of our flat ground makes reaching many attractions easily attainable. Come tour the natural beauty of our unspoiled landscape. Bask in the sunshine at one of our beaches, view the carefully preserved architecture and experience a fishing expedition. There’s something here for everyone!
For beautiful sunsets that are unmatched in beauty, head over to Port Royal’s Sands Boardwalk. Make sure to stop by the Cypress Wetlands Rookery on the way. Roll through the paved trail loop and look for egrets, herons, eagles and migratory birds.
Image by Friends of Crystal Lake.
Interested in fishing while in Beaufort? Head over to the Crystal Lake Park. The 25-acre park has a boardwalk that surrounds the lake and has docks that are perfect for catch and release fishing.
Hwy 21 Drive-in image by Dan Reger.
Looking for nighttime fun? Beaufort is one of the few cities where you can step back in time and go to a drive-in movie. The Highway 21 Drive-in has been updated with a digital format and concession stand snacks can be ordered online. They have two screens which show double features Thursday – Sunday nights. Grab your blankets and pillows and have fun the old-fashioned way!
This image, taken from the top of the lighthouse, shows wheelchair friendly sidewalks that can be used to tour the lighthouse grounds. Photo by Bobby Weiner.
Like to go camping on the beach? The Hunting IslandState Park Campground has an all-terrain wheelchair and Handicapped-equipped restrooms and mobi-mats that allow for smooth access to the beach. There’s also another wheelchair located near the lighthouse. Call 843-838-2011 for more information. Visit the nature center and the marsh boardwalk. Both are accessible by wheelchair. Tour the grounds of the lighthouse and see the footprint of the former facilities.
Spanish Moss Trail image by Carmen Pinckney.
Beaufort’s Spanish Moss Trailis a 12-ft wide trail that follows the path to Parris Island that was used by the railroad to bring recruits to the marine training facility. No longer in use, the rails were removed, and a trail was constructed to lead visitors and locals along a path that winds through wooded areas and across the waterways of Beaufort County. Fishing can be done from several bridges along the way.
Bluffton
The Garvin-Garvey House and adjacent Oyster Factory Park have sidewalks for easy wheelchair access. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Old Town Bluffton is located along the shores of the May River. Stroll along the paths of the Oyster Factory Park or Wright Family Park. Oyster shell-paved sidewalks lead right to the door of theGarvin-Garvey House for a tour of Bluffton’s restored freedmen cottage. If Spending a Day in Old Town Bluffton be sure to visit the Church of the Cross, and stroll through the grounds of the Heyward House Museum.
The Bluffton Shell Art Trail leads throughout Old Town Bluffton. Image by Carmen Pinckney.
The Bluffton Shell Art Trail is another fun outdoor activity that is accessible. Download the map and set out to discover all 21 shells that are placed throughout the historic district.
Hilton Head
Image from Coastal Discovery Museum website.
Hilton Head is home to the Coastal Discovery Museum. This facility also has nature trails and a butterfly pavilion. The museum also conducts tours on site and around the island.
If getting out on the water is on the agenda, spend an afternoonSailing the Coastal Waters. Tours range from dolphin searching to dinner cruises.
Hilton Head Beaches are handicapped accessible. Image from HiltonHead.com.
The town of Hilton Head offers matting for regular wheelchairs near beach accesses at Alder Lane, Coligny Beach Park, Driessen Beach Park, Fish Haul Beach Park, Folly Field Beach Park, and Islanders Beach Park. The town does not offer modified wheelchairs. Call 843-341-4600 for more information.
Daufuskie Island is best seen by golf cart. Image from SC Living Magazine.
Daufuskie Island is an adventure that is not to be missed. The island is situated between Savannah and Hilton Head. It is only accessible by boat. Ferry services are available. Rent a golf cart and explore the Robert Kennedy Trail and learn the History of this Gullah Paradise where Pat Conroy used to teach in a two-room schoolhouse. Explore the island to your heart’s content with so much to see. Experience the secluded beaches, Daufuskie Island Rum Company, Bloody Point Lighthouse, Historic Gullah Homes, Mary Field School, The Iron Fish Studio, historic churches, Silver Dew Winery, and so much more.
Hampton
Lake Warren fishing pier is the perfect place to park a wheelchair and throw out a fishing line. Image by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Hampton County is home to the Lake Warren State Park. Enjoy fishing in the lake for largemouth bass, brim, redbreast, and other freshwater fish. There are docks to fish from shore or you can rent a boat and troll the 200-acre lake.
Hardeeville
Look for alligators while driving through the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. Image by David Moran.
Hardeeville is home to the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge. This vast natural wonder has a driving tour through former rice fields that are teaming with an abundance of waterfowl. Look for alligators and migratory birds as you make the slow drive through the refuge.
Sgt. Jasper Park image by Carmen Pinckney.
Sgt. Jasper Park is another great place to view nature in Hardeeville. Several of the trails are designed for people with mobility impairment. You can also fish at the park.
Ridgeland
Blue Heron Park image from Facebook.
Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail winds around a pond and its surrounding wetlands. It’s conveniently located just off the interstate. It’s a great place to get out of the car and take in fresh air and relaxation.
Frampton Plantation House, c. 1868 – Lowcountry & Resort Islands Visitors Center and Museum has a ramp for easy access into the house. Photo by SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Another Jasper County gem that’s located on I-95 is the Frampton Plantation House Visitors Center and Museum. It has sidewalks, a picnic area and ramp for guests with disabilities. Come inside and see the 153 year-old house that was saved from demolition by the Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Walterboro
Photo from Walterboro Wildlife Center Facebook.
The newly opened Walterboro Wildlife Center features native wildlife of the state’s largest city park, the Walterboro Wildlife Sanctuary. Come to the center to view the interpretive exhibit hall showcasing plant and animal life. ClickHERE to see the newest addition to the collection. After a visit to the center, drive over to tour the sanctuary and experience nature firsthand.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Bear Island Wildlife Management AreaandDonnelley Wildlife Management Area are other great places for bird watching. Both are easily driven, and nature can be seen up close and personal from the seats of your car. Look for Wood Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, and other native species.
Edisto Island
A drive down this avenue of oaks takes you to Botany Bay. Image by Carmen Pinckney.
Edisto Island is steeped in history and natural beauty. Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is a beautiful spot to tour from your car. The entrance to the former plantation property is lined with an iconic alley of live oaks dripping in Spanish moss. Upon check-in, guests receive a driving tour map that includes information on the history of the property.
Henry Hutchinson House image by Grayce Gonzalez.
The Henry Hutchinson House is another Edisto Island treasure. The house was built by a freedman during Reconstruction. It is the oldest house of its kind on the island. It has recently been restored and the exterior is on display to celebrate this important time in American history.
Photo from the Town of Edisto Beach Facebook.
Edisto Beach has rolled out the carpet for beach goers with disabilities – literally! New mats have been installed for visitors with mobility impairment. Beach wheelchairs are also available at the fire station. Simply call 843-869-2505, ext. 217 to make a reservation.
Winter is Oyster Season in the SC Lowcountry. Come to the Beaufort Oyster Festival – Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands every January
The shores of the South Carolina Lowcountry are known for their oyster harvests. What would our winters be without a good, old-fashioned oyster roast? Typically, in our neck of the woods, if the month ends in “R”, we’re eating our fill of this delicious shellfish. The Beaufort Area Hospitality Association is delighted to host the Beaufort Oyster Festival. This multi-day festival will celebrate all aspects of the Lowcountry and the Carolina Sea Islands oystering culture.
The festival will be held alongside the yearly Tides to Tables event. This is Beaufort’s celebration held in conjunction with South Carolina Restaurant Week. The events will culminate in a weekend of mini-festival events held throughout Beaufort County.
Photo courtesy of the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
The festival kicks off with the Oyster Festival 5K. The festival is held downtown Beaufort at the waterfront park.
Come share in this family-friendly event that is held every January. Educate yourself on the life cycle of an oyster. Taste oyster dishes and beverages from local food trucks and enjoy the entertainment. Admission to this event is free, but you must buy tickets to purchase food and other goodies.
Photo courtesy of the SC Lowcountry Tourism Commission.
Lady’s Island Oyster Companywill be on hand to serve single lady oysters. Grab your friends, enjoy the oysters, grab a drink and enjoy the live music. Order Lady’s Island oysters for your next oyster roast. 35 Hutson Drive, Seabrook, (843)473-5018
Photo by Kelly Yandell.
Magionni Oyster Company will celebrate the tradition of oyster roasts the way the locals do it. This talented family will set up a good old fashioned oyster roast in the waterfront park. When in season, oysters can be purchased at the Port Royal Farmers Market every Saturday, or visit 440 Eddings Point Road, Saint Helena Island, (912)844-1031.
Photo by SCETV.
Lady’s Island Oyster Inc will also be serving oyster dishes. Their oysters are harvested from their very own hatchery in the Lowcountry. Oysters can be ordered from Lady’s Island Oyster Inc by calling 843-473-5018.
Beaufort is steeped in tradition and prides itself in its celebrations. Folks from far and wide anticipate the start of the holiday season, celebrating with the Gullah Kinfolk.
The annual Sea Island Christmas Celebration that is a much-loved and anticipated musical and historical event that happens every Christmas.
Master storyteller, Aunt Pearlie Sue and her renown, Gullah Kinfolk take you back in time to the 1860’s Pre- Civil War and Reconstruction Era on a southern plantation on the Sea Islands of Beaufort SC.
The performance includes reminiscings about Mother Africa, the Middle Passage Voyage, the auction block, the last Christmas before the Civil War, December of 1860 to freedom. You get to experience it all.
Abraham Lincoln has just been elected president on November 6th…South Carolina becomes the first state to secede from the Union on December 20th…Masters in the Big House talkin’ War…Servants in the Quarters talkin’ Freedom comin’.
Through soul stirring music, historic re-enactments, and mesmerizing narrations, you are drawn into that Yuletide season of emotions…sorrow, excitement, hope and joy of a brighter future…Gullah Kinfolk Christmas wish…Freedom!
“Christmas Dis’ Ain’t Christmas, Wit’out Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk. Cum and ‘joy yo’self”
The South Carolina Lowcountry is a great place to film a movie. The landscape is filled with oak lined alleys, lazy waterways, and charming small towns. Our sub-tropical sea islands are also another well-used place to set a jungle scene. Let’s not forget the beautiful beaches and classically southern architecture. Our chameleon-like environment and mild weather can transport production crews from the South to the Midwest, tropical islands, and even Europe. Let’s take a chronological look at the movies that have been filmed in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton and Hampton counties.
The Great Santini is a Pat Conroy classic that was filmed in Beaufort. The Meechum family home scenes were shot in the house is known locally as Tidalholm. Many of the military scenes were shot at the Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station. All of the other scenes were filmed in and around Beaufort. Robert Duvall, Blythe Danner and Michael O’Keefe star in this 1979 coming of age drama classic.
Beaufort’s Tidalholm Mansion was also prominently featured in the film The Big Chill. It is a private home located in downtown Beaufort. The 1983 film includes the talents of Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly, Tom Berenger and Jo Beth Williams. Kevin Costner was also cast for the film, but unfortunately the only scenes that made the final cut involved his funeral. Filming sites also included Bay Street and streets along the Point. Tidalholm also serves as a main backdrop in The Great Santini, filmed just a few years earlier in 1979.
Full Metal Jacket was filmed on Parris Island in 1987. The island is home to the training facility of the US Marine Corps. Footage of an actual marine graduation was used in the film. The movie stars Matthew Modine, Adam Baldwin and Vincent D’Onofrio.
Pat Conroy’s Prince of Tides was filmed on Fripp Island. Just an island hop-skip-and-a-jump from Beaufort, the beautiful, unspoiled beach made the perfect backdrop for the film. Conroy wrote the book in 1986, while living in Beaufort. The movie was filmed on Fripp in 1991, then in 1992, Conroy moved onto the island. Nick Nolte drives across the Beaufort River in the opening scene of the movie. The private home at 601 Bay Street was used as well. Nick Nolte, Barbara Streisand and Blythe Danner star in this Conroy classic.
Forrest Gump may have been set in Greenbow, Alabama, but it was mainly filmed in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Fripp Island, Beaufort, Hunting Island, Varnville, Walterboro, and Yemassee were all sights used in this iconic 1994 movie. Stars Tom Hanks, Robin Right, Sally Field and Gary Sinise travelled between Beaufort, Fripp Island, Varnville, Yemassee and Walterboro to create this American classic film that has left us with enough quotes to last a lifetime.
Disney’s Jungle Book was filmed in the South Carolina Lowcountry. The lush India jungle scenes were shot on Fripp Island, nearly 8,000 miles away from the story’s fictional setting. Locations for the war scenes were destroyed then later developed into a golf course. An abundance of exotic animals were brought onto the island foe filming, including monkeys, elephants and tigers. The 1994 movie carried a star-studded cast including Jason Scott Lee, Cary Elwes, Lena Heady, Sam Neill and John Cleese.
The War was filmed in Beaufort in 1994. The movie Stars Kevin Costner, Mare Wittingham and Elijah Wood. The movie follows the family of a Vietnam soldier as he tries to acclimate into his former life after the war. While his children build a treehouse in their small hometown of Juliette, Mississippi, they were actually filming in a Beaufort, SC live oak tree. Fun fact – this is Kevin Costner’s second time to film in the Lowcountry. He was in the cast of the Big Chill. Unfortunately all his scenes, with the exception of his funeral, were cut from the movie. Little did they know that he would become the Hollywood powerhouse that he is today.
King Farm scenes from Something to Talk About were filmed at Davant Plantation, just north of Ridgeland. Downtown Beaufort was also used for filming the college scenes. The restaurant at 822 Bay Street was used for a scene and many locals were cast as diners. The Beaufort County Library on Scott Street was used extensively during the production. Mobile dressing rooms were parked in the lot and the meeting room was used as well. The intersection of Craven and Scott Streets was a popular spot to try to catch a glimpse of Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid, Robert Duval, Gena Rowlands, Kyra Sedgewick and the rest of the cast. The film was released in 1995.
Even Jim Carrey and Courtney Cox found their way to the Lowcountry when Ace Ventura was filmed in 1995. Edisto Island’s Botany Bay and Yemassee’s Cherokee Plantation were locations used for the comedy film. Botany Bay was the perfect backdrop to film the tropical jungle and African village scenes. The Georgian mansion of Cherokee Plantation and its manicured gardens served as the setting for the British consulate in Bonai. Fun fact – the president of General Motors, Robert Beverly Evans, once owned Cherokee Plantation and named the Jeep Cherokee after his Lowcountry estate.
Hollywood came to the Lowcountry was once again when the all-star cast, featuring Sharon Stone, Peter Gallagher, Randy Quaid and Rob Morrow visited Beaufort and Ridgeland to film Last Dance. The 1996 film captured images of the Castle (411 Craven Street), Hunting Island and the newly constructed state prison in Ridgeland.
Parts of the movie White Squall were filmed in Beaufort. The 1996 film stars Jeff Bridges and Caroline Goodall. The production crew transformed 510 Carteret Street, Beaufort, into the movie’s bus terminal. The churchyard of the Parish Church of St. Helena, 501 Church Street, was also used in the movie. The church, built in 1724, is a Beaufort landmark. Other Beaufort film sites included: Murr’s Graphic and Printing, 1012 Boundary Street, the Chocolate Tree, 507 Carteret Street, and areas of Washington Street.
Demi Moore and Viggo Mortensen made their way to the jungles of the Lowcountry in 1997 to film GI Jane. The movie dealt with the extreme physical and mental challenges of training for the elite Navy Seals. Survival camp scenes for this movie were filmed on Harbor and Hunting Islands.
Edisto Island’s Botany Bay was the setting for the beach slave camp in the movie The Patriot. The movie was shot in entirely in South Carolina in 101 days from September of 1999 to January of 2000. Benjamin Martin’s (Mel Gibson) character is loosely based on the legend of South Carolina’s famed “Swamp Fox,” Francis Marion. The movie also stars Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs and Joely Richardson.
Forces of Nature made its way along the east coast and filmed in the Lowcountry in 1999. Ben Affleck, Sandra Bullock, Maura Tierney and Blythe Danner shot scenes at the Beaufort home at 411 Craven Street. The mansion, commonly known as the Castle served as the Cahill’s house. The stars were guests at the Rhett House Inn during their stay in Beaufort. It’s fun to note that this is the third time that Blythe Tanner was cast as the mother in a movie filmed in Beaufort (Great Santini, Prince of Tides, Forces of Nature).
Rules of Engagement is another movie that was filmed on the South Carolina Lowcountry. Vietnam War scenes from this 2000 film were shot on Hunting Island. The island’s lush, semi-tropical landscape is reminiscent of the Vietnam jungle. The military film stars Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson.
Edisto Island’s Brookland Plantation served as the home of Matt Damon’s character in the 2000 movie Baggar Vance. Actors Will Smith and Charlize Theron join the cast with Damon. The movie was also directed by Robert Redford. Golfing scenes were filmed at the Pete Dye course in Bluffton’s Colleton River Plantation.
Inspired by a heart-warming true story, Radio was filmed in and around Walterboro. Many of the 2003 movie scenes were shot at Hampton Street Elementary, which was also a location used in Forrest Gump. Filming also took place at Colleton County High School. Many scenes were shot along Washington Street. The coach’s house is located on just outside Walterboro on Mt. Carmen Road. Radio stars Cuba Gooding, Jr., Ed Harris and Debra Winger.
Cassina Point Plantation on Edisto Island was a scene from the movie Dear John. This was the site of Savannah’s (Amanda Seyfried) family home. Seyfried and Channing Tatum were filmed there for several scenes in the 2010 motion picture. Both stars shared their thoughts in a www.sciway.net post: “I love South Carolina,” says Channing Tatum. “I’m from the South, so I have an addiction with it. The food, the people, the lifestyle. It’s just so charming.” “The South is a whole different thing altogether. It’s romantic. It’s just so beautiful. It brings something to a film you can’t get anywhere else in the world.” – Amanda Seyfried
More recently Beaufort has been used in the production of the 2019 Netflix hit Outer Banks. While the story line takes place in North Carolina, filming is done in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. While a majority of the scenes were filmed in the Charleston area, Hunting Island plays a prominent roll in the series. The island was the spot for the nighttime beach scenes. And the boneyard beach area was the location for several party scenes. The Hunting Island Lighthouse also makes an appearance while the characters search for clues to a hidden treasure.
Stars Fell on Alabama was filmed in Beaufort and Bluffton in 2019. The romantic comedy was filmed throughout Beaufort, including Bay Street, The Beaufort Inn and Blackstone’s Cafe. Other locations included Port Royal, Beaufort Academy on Lady’s Island, and the Old Town Dispensary in Bluffton. The film is scheduled to premiere in film festivals in the fall of 2020.
Watch movies on the big screen at this Lowcountry landmark.
Every spot is a good one at the Highway 21 Drive-in. Photo by Andrew Dishman.
Fall is the perfect season to load the kids and head over to the Beaufort Highway 21 Drive-In. There’s nothing more nostalgic than watching an outdoor movie on one of their two big screens. This Beaufort landmark has been around since 1978. The following decades brought much success for the theater. Beaufort has seen two indoor movie theaters come and go, but the drive-in is still going strong!
Four movies play every weekend. Photo by Brand New Day.
During the 1950’s, there were more than 70 drive-ins located in the state. Presently, there are only three in the state – The Plaza 21 Drive-in Theatre, the Auto Drive-in, and The Monetta Drive-in Theatre. The drive-in was updated to a digital format in 2012. No longer do you need to attach speakers to your open windows. Sound it transmitted by simply tuning into a radio station. FM Radio is used to broadcast the sound for the movies.
Don’t forget the blankets so you can get comfy. Photo by Joe Pigston.
The Highway 21 Drive-In has a 500-car capacity, so don’t worry about finding a place to park. Come early for the best spot. Two, 80-foot screens show double features. During the winter and fall, the Highway 21 Drive-in is generally open Thursday thru Sunday nights. They expand to 7 nights a week during peak spring and summer months. The concession stand menu is rather extensive, offering goodies like hamburger baskets, pulled pork, funnel cakes, root beer floats and, of course – popcorn. If you don’t want to miss too much of the movie, you can place your order online and they will let you know when your goodies are ready for pickup. This is very convenient on busy or cold nights. You can even order your tickets online.
You can order concessions in person or place your order digitally for faster service. Photo by Dan Reger.
Tips:
Don’t forget to pack blankets, sleeping bags, chairs, and pillows to get comfortable. Sitting outside under the Lowcountry stars is one of the main attractions of the drive-in. If you plan to sit outside your car, it might be a good idea to bring a radio to listen to the sound.
Drive-in movies are meant to be seen with camp chairs, pillows and blankets. Photo by Scott Parrish.
Another good tip is to know how your lights work and how to turn them off before you get to the drive-in. Most new cars have lights that stay on for certain periods of time after the vehicle is stopped. Others have interior lights that remain on while there is a door or hatch that is open. Make sure to read your vehicle’s manual and know how to turn all of these off once the movie starts.
Truck beds provide optimal accommodations for drive-in movie viewing. Photo by Seth Hansen.
Make sure to bring everything you need for an evening outside. Don’t forget the bug repellant. It’s also a good idea to bring along a sweatshirt in case the weather cools off after sunset. One of the greatest aspects of coming to the drive-in is that you can spend the whole movie socializing with your friends, so pack the car and come on over!
There’s plenty of room to social distance at the Highway 21 Drive-in. Photo by Nathan Evans.
Dress comfortably and take a little idea from my parents (once upon a time, long, long ago) Dress the kiddos in their pajamas, because they’re comfy and, chances are, they’ll be asleep before you get home.
The website contains an endearing message to the patrons of the Hwy 21 Drive-In that’s worth sharing: “A big thanks goes out to each and every one of you who have supported the Hwy 21 Drive-In Movie Theater during these tough times (Covid-19). We are pleased to say that because of you, we have been able to keep our doors open and movies playing. Although many upcoming movie releases have been delayed, we will be featuring a variety of old movies, recent movies, and concerts for you all to enjoy on the big screens!”
Make sure to bring your favorite cozy blanket. Photo by Courtney Brockbrader.
Going to the drive-in is it should be a relaxing, fun experience for the entire family. So – get there early, bring plenty of friends, load up on goodies from the concession stand, and enjoy a night under the stars. Check out their Facebook page for more information and notifications regarding upcoming new releases and concerts. Visit the Highway 21 Drive-In Website to see what’s playing, order your tickets and concessions. 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, SC 29906, (843) 846-4500.
Get there early to grab your favorite viewing spot. Photo by Dan Reger.
This Halloween, guests can search for the “Blue Lady of Palmetto Dunes” at the recently restored Hilton Head Rear-Range Lighthouse.
Image from Hilton Head Island Rear Range Lighthouse Facebook page. It highlights the recent renovation.
Interest in the Hilton Head Rear-Range Lighthouse has peaked since its renovation in May. Overlooking the Arthur Hills Golf Course in the Leamington community of Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, the lighthouse is featured on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Inventory of Historic Light Stations.
Images before restoration found on hiltonheadlighthouse.com.
One of only a handful of surviving lighthouses in South Carolina, the Hilton Head Rear-Range Lighthouse is the island’s only historic lighthouse. Since its recent renovation, the lighthouse has garnered local, regional, national and industry-wide media coverage.
Camp McDougal image found on hiltonheadlighthouse.com.
The lighthouse, which originally included a wooden exterior, was deactivated in 1932. During World War II, however, the structure served as an important lookout tower for enemy ships and anchored Camp McDougal, a network of U.S. Marine temporary barracks and ammunition sheds. Gun emplacements and searchlights were established on the nearby beach. Marines were taught to use naval guns, called “Big Betsy,” as well as .30 and .50 caliber machine guns, and practiced firing these weapons into the Atlantic.
Images from https://www.hiltonheadlighthouse.com/.
This Halloween weekend might be the perfect time to visit the Hilton Head Rear-Range Lighthouse, as a number of interesting ghost stories and legends surround the historic structure.
Caroline Fripp grave image found on https://www.mypalmettodunes.com/post/the-blue-lady-of-palmetto-dunes.
In 1898, a major hurricane lashed the South Carolina coast. Determined to keep the light burning, lighthouse keeper Adam Fripp died of a heart attack during the storm. At Fripp’s urging, his 21-year-old daughter, Caroline, kept the navigational light burning. But she passed away a few weeks later from exhaustion and the loss of her father, inspiring haunted sightings of a female ghost in a long blue dress on dark, rainy nights.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAdRNC2bbMk
Palmetto Dunes recently produced a video documenting the lighthouse’s spooky past.
Guests who wish to visit the lighthouse should enter Palmetto Dunes and proceed to the resort’s South Gate, where they can request a guest pass. Proceed to the Leamington Gate and turn left onto Leamington Lane to the lighthouse, then park along the roadside. The lighthouse is not open for visitors to view inside or to climb to the top.
Part 2 – The Haunting of Bluffton, Hilton Head and Daufuskie
Photo by Patricia Given.
Lowcountry Ghost Stories Part 1 discussed the spooky stories of Beaufort and the Sea Islands. This installment will focus on southern Beaufort County, particularly Bluffton, Hilton Head and Daufuskie.
Squire Pope Carriage House pen and ink drawing by Doug Corkern.
Bluffton also has its share of spooky stories. Much of the town was burned in 1863 during the Civil War, including the Bluffton summer home of Squire William Pope of Coggins Point Plantation. This wealthy Hilton Head family spent the summers on the bluff of the May River across from Cross Episcopal Church.
The Squire Pope Carriage House is currently being restored by the City of Bluffton. Photo by Bluffton Today.
Following the war, Mrs. Pope and her daughter returned to Bluffton in a state of destitution. They came back to find their home burned, but the carriage house and a smaller outbuilding had survived. They spent the remainder of their days in this structure. It has been said that on a full moon, candles can be seen burning inside the abandoned summer home. The Town of Bluffton is currently working to restore this house.
Sarah Hooks House watercolor by Doug Corkern.
Old Town Bluffton’s Sarah Riley Hooks House is another dwelling that has a haunted past. Sarah was a retired public health nurse and daughter of a prominent Blufftonian. Her son Tony became a famous musician as the lead guitarist for Sly and the Family Stone and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee.
The Sarah Hooks House as it stands today. Photo by jiaxingexpress.
Tony answered knocks on the door one early morning in 1988, He was shot in the chest with a shotgun. Rumor has it, he was killed in a lover’s quarrel. The shooter was caught and arrested in Savannah, but the motive and gun were never discovered. The accused was a Hilton Head real estate agent and trumpet player. He was charged but found innocent by reason of insanity at his trail. The community was in a state of shock over this senseless murder. More than 600 mourners packed the auditorium of the school named after his grandfather for the 32-year-old musician’s funeral. The house has been neglected and is inhabitable, looking very much like a haunted house. In fact, locals report when the tide is high, and the moon is full – you can hear the sounds of Tony playing his guitar from the house ruins. Feeling brave, head over to Old Town Bluffton’s Bridge Street on the next full moon and listen carefully for the faint sounds of Tony’s guitar riffs.
Baynard Tomb image by Savannah Now.
The ghost of William Baynard can be seen and heard at Zion Cemetery on Hilton Head Island. Baynard was a successful planter from Edisto Island. During a lively card game, he won the 1,000-acre Braddock’s Point Plantation in a hand of poker in 1845. He took up residence on the island and lived a prosperous life. He and his wife Catherine enjoyed plantation life. It was not common for plantation owners and their families to live on Hilton Head due to diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Baynard and his wife were an exception to that rule. They enjoyed living and entertaining at their Hilton Head plantation. Unfortunately, Catherine began having health issues and died. She was buried in the Zion Cemetery. Baynard was heartbroken and inconsolable after her death. In his guilt-ridden state, he visited her grave every day until his death 15 years later. Why did he commission such an elaborate mausoleum? Many believed he intended to bury his most cherished possessions in the tomb to carry into the afterlife. Union soldiers heard of the possible treasure during the Civil War. They broke into the tomb and emptied it of all contents. The ghost of Mr. Baynard can be seen on dark and stormy nights as he comes to visit his wife’s grave. Perhaps he’s looking for his stolen treasure as well. The graveyard where Baynard roams is located on William Hilton Parkway near the intersection of Mathews Drive. The Baynard Mausoleum is believed to be the oldest surviving intact structure on Hilton Head.
Stoney-Baynard Ruins photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The ghost of William Baynard can also be seen roaming the grounds of his former plantation. Perhaps he is looking for the spirit of his beloved wife here also. The ruins of their once-lavish home are located within the confines of Sea Pines Plantation. For a small fee, visitors can pass through the gates of Sea Pines and visit the site. The spookiest time to visit the ruins is at dusk. A small hike through a haunting forest will lead you to the skeletal remains of the once prosperous plantation house. This plantation and the surrounding trails have been labeled as the most haunted spots on the island. Visit if you dare! Baynard Plantation is located at 88 Plantation Drive.
Haig Point Lighthouse sits beautifully on the bluff of Daufuskie Island. Photo by Savannah Now.
Visitors to Daufuskie Island are greeted with the beautiful sight of the Haig Point Lighthouse. This two-story simple Victorian was designed to house the lighthouse and its keeper. It is here that we meet the ghost of Maggie…or do we?
Haig Point Lighthouse image by House Beautiful Magazine.
The story is told that Patrick Comer and his wife Bridget were the first light keepers, coming to the island in 1873. Eventually they were blessed with a daughter they called Maggie. They lived a happy idyllic life on the island, until 1886. Tragedy struck when a Charleston area 7.0 magnitude earthquake nearly destroyed the light station. The quake and subsequent aftershocks caused severe flooding on the island which lead to an explosion in the mosquito population. Maggie soon became ill and died of malaria. Patrick morns the loss so severely that he takes to his bed and dies five years later. Rumor has it that on moonlit nights visitors to the lighthouse catch the faint scent of honeysuckle, and one of the porch rocking chairs will mysteriously begin to rock on its own.
Haig Point Lighthouse porch image by Carmen Pinckney.
According to Carolyn Males of locallifesc.com, https://www.locallifesc.com/the-ghost-that-wasnt/ Maggie actually had an older sister Mary Ellen that wed in 1879 and moved to Savannah, where she had five children with her husband, Captain Walter John Thompson. Mary Ellen would later die in 1895, and by 1899, Maggie married the same Captain Thompson and raise her sister’s three surviving children. She died in 1930 at the age of 65 and is buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery. Perhaps the ghost of Maggie returns to rock on her favorite porch in the form of her younger self, to remember her happiest memories. Who knows???
Did you notice the two ghostly figures that found their way into the pictures for this post? If not, look again! They have been added for your Halloween pleasure! Stay tuned for the third installment of the Lowcountry Ghost stories. Up next, Colleton County!
From Beaufort to Walterboro, Hampton and Ridgeland, the Lowcountry has an abundance of haunted history and spooky legends. Here are some of our favorite haunted tales. Keep reading… if you dare…We will begin this 5-part series with Beaufort and its Sea Islands…
The South Carolina Lowcountry is full of fascinating history. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes is bad and sometimes it’s downright spooky! From pre-Revolutionary days to the battles of the Civil War, haints, spooks and specters have been seen roaming amongst the Spanish moss draped oaks and backroads between Charleston and Savannah.
Lands End Light photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Beaufort County has many ghostly stories to share. Traveling around the county during the day is filled with magical scenes of ancient oaks, beautiful homes, and scents of salty breezes. Navigating after dark on these haunting streets is another story. Let’s begin with St. Helena Island’s Chapel of Ease and Lands End Light legends. Travel Highway 21 through Beaufort and onto St Helena Island. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr Drive, then right onto Lands End Road. The Chapel of Ease will be on the left.
St. Helena Island Chapel of Ease image by Carmen Pinckney.
This tabby construction church was built around 1740 to serve the plantation population of the island. Sunday services were interrupted on November 4th, 1861 when a messenger brought news to Captain William Oliver Perry Fripp of the impending invasion by Union troops. The locals quickly evacuated the area and left the church abandoned.
Fripp Mausoleum image by Carmen Pinckney.
Edgar Fripp and his wife Eliza has been buried in a mausoleum in the chapel’s graveyard in 1852. The elaborate structure was designed and built by Charleston stone cutter WT White. The ornate vault proved too much of a temptation as Union soldiers broke into it in search of treasure. The door was ruined during the raid, then the entrance was sealed with bricks. When the workers returned the following day, the bricks were removed and neatly stacked beside the mausoleum. The workers, then, resealed the vault only to suffer the same fate the following day. Convinced that spooky, supernatural forces had been afoot, the job remained unfinished. Today the vault remains empty and the door is only half sealed with bricks.
Fripp Mausoleum interior image by Carmen Pinckney.
Visitors to the chapel have witnessed several ghostly occurrences on the property. Some feel strange sensations while walking through the graveyard. Others have reported seeing apparitions of 18th century people. A lady dressed in white and carrying a child has also been spotted on more than one occasion in the graveyard. When the wind is right, whispered prayers and singing have been known to come from the interior of the chapel. Check out this video made in 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqg4ktcyoIQ
Synthetic Lands End Light image by Barry Gooch.
If you dare – continue down Lands End Road and park between the chapel and Ft Fremont. Look for a straight stretch of highway. Park near the “hanging tree” and cut off your headlights. If you can manage to keep your eyes open, you may be visited by the ghostly Lands End Light floating slowly towards you. If you see a light approaching, wait patiently and don’t panic. The light will get bigger and dimmer as it approaches.
The Lands End Light is one of the scariest ghostly experiences in the Lowcountry. What exactly is this light??? Some locals claim it is the ghost of a Confederate soldier who was decapitated by a Union soldier in 1861. Others claim it is the ghost of a slave who was sold away from his family. Still, others believe it is the ghost of Private Frank Quigley, who was stationed at Ft Fremont. He was killed in 1910 during a brawl with locals. Whichever story you chose to believe, the light has been spotted over the years travelling up and down the road with a lantern, searching for something. If you’re lucky enough to be visited by the light, it will resemble a single headlight coming towards you.
The Lands End Light was caught on camera by author Nancy Roberts.
Author Nancy Roberts came to St. Helena’s to investigate the light for herself. She captured an image and published it in one of her South Carolina ghost story books. The story of this light draws people from all over, trying to get a glimpse of the ghostly specter. Around thirty years ago, sheriff’s deputies would patrol the street and count as many as 100 cars parked along the edge of Lands End Road looking for the light.
Many locals claim to have seen the light. Teens consider the trip to see the light as a rite of passage. Dave Hendricks of the Beaufort Gazette refers to it as “South Carolina’s own Sleepy Hollow”. Beaufort native Tripp Ballard commented on the Lands End Facebook page, “I remember my teenage years parking under the huge live oak tree. Many, many summer nights never saw a thing, but then one night about midnight…there was a distant light very bright. It could have been brights on a car coming about 1/2 mile away. As it got closer it was definitely only a single light. Well, it filled the whole two-lane road and into the ditches. We were all flipping out and it got about 100 yards away and went out just like a light switch turned it off.”
If you get lucky, you will be visited by the Lands End Light. Here’s a short video that was captured in 2010.
Historic Beaufort has more than its share of ghost stories. One of the favorites is about a little fella named Guenache and the legendary haunting of “the Castle”. The Italian Renaissance mansion sits proudly at 411 Craven Street. This is the sight of the oldest documented ghost in American history. Guenache was a dwarf court jester that accompanied Jean Ribaut when he explored the new world in the 1562. Guenache remained in Beaufort when Ribaut returned to France. It is unclear how the mischievous jester died. Some think he may have been the victim of disease. Other accounts state he was killed in a brawl or hanged. For some reason, his spirit seems to have attached itself to the Castle.
The Castle waterfront view image from Library of Congress.
The Castle was built by Dr. Joseph Johnson in the 1850s with bricks that were made on his Lady’s Island Plantation on Brickyard Point. The home was still under construction when the Civil War found its way to Beaufort. The unfinished structure was used as a military hospital and an outbuilding on the property became a make-shift morgue. It is also rumored that the grounds surrounding the house became a graveyard. These facts alone are enough to cause more than one ghost to wander the property.
Local legend says Dr. Johnson buried his wealth below the floors of this outbuilding before the family evacuated before Union occupation. After the war, the family returned, paid their taxes, assumed ownership, and completed construction of their home. Shortly after the family moved in, gardeners started reporting strange occurrences.
The Castle image by Carmen Pinckney.
Shortly after the home was complete, the gardeners reported many strange happenings. Dr. Johnson spoke of dwarf sightings outside his home. He was even spotted inside the house. Dr. Johnson’s daughter Lily saw the ghost of Guenache many times as a child. He would join her for tea parties dressed in a jester costume complete with pointy shoes and hat with bells.
During the 1920s the family held seances where Guenache would communicate in 16th Century French. He was quite vulgar and swore profusely. Visitors have reported seeing a poltergeist that would rearrange furniture or open and close doors. They would also hear the tinkling of bells.
This brief video was captured by Shoshi Parks during the 2019 Historic Beaufort Festival of Homes & Gardens.
Another favorite Beaufort story is not of a ghost, but of a doctor who was in fear of being buried alive. Dr. Perry was from a wealthy planter family who lived on St Helena Island and downtown Beaufort. During the mid-1800s, Dr. Perry spent a great deal of time treating patients during the yellow fever epidemic. Victims of this raging fever would often slip into a coma with shallow breathing that resembled death. Dr. Perry lived in extreme fear of contracting the fever and being buried alive. He instructed his relatives with these words, “If I pass away, bury me with a jug of wine, a loaf of bread and a pickax. Should I wake up and find myself inside, I shall drink the wine, eat the bread and dig myself out. “Incidentally, this is where the term “wake” comes from. After a person died, the family would hold a vigil with the body to watch or guard in case the deceased should wake from a coma.
Dr. Perry grave image by Carmen Pinckney. This view shows the bricks that were added after t=his family determined that Dr. Perry had indeed moved on to the afterlife.
Upon his death in 1845, he was placed in an above ground brick vault. The wine, bread and a pickax were buried along with the doctor. A wooden door was placed on the vault. In the instance that he awoke from a coma he would drink the wine, eat the bread, and chop his way out of his resting place. After waiting a decent amount of time and seeing no activity from the vault, his mausoleum door was sealed in brick. Dr. Perry’s mausoleum can be found in St. Helena’s Episcopal Church graveyard, directly behind the church.
Stay tuned for additional installments to this tale! Up next, Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Daufuskie!
PS – The ghostly sights you may have noticed were fabricated for your enjoyment, with the exception of the image captured by Nancy Roberts and the video by Shoshi Parks. If you didn’t notice anything spooky, look back at the images a little more closely! Three of them contain something special just for you! Boo!
See what our visitors love about the
SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY
Use the #hashtag #sclowcountry to get your image featured!
The Lowcountry & Resort Islands Region of South Carolina includes the four, southern-most counties in the state, Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and Colleton, which are bordered on the east by the Atlantic Ocean and on the west by the Savannah River and the state of Georgia.
So happy that “Clouds Gather” has found its forever home. 💖 I hope this painting brings joy and memories of happy times to the new owners. #partagergallerygiftsandhome #acrylicpainting #SCLowcountry #southcarolina
This painting conveys a moment I captured of our son during one of our family beach walks, as we looked for nature’s treasures at low tide. He had broken his arm at the beginning of summer and wasn’t able to participate in his favorite summer activities such as sports and jumping waves in the ocean. As a parent, it was difficult watching him miss out, but I was constantly amazed at his positivity and resilience. Watching him in this moment made me think about how we are always searching and the many places our life’s journey takes us.
Discover at your own leisure at the coastaldiscoverymuseum 🌳 From century-old buildings with storied pasts, to wooden boardwalks that stretch into the Jarvis Creek salt marsh, there`s always something to explore!
Details ✨ • I love the perspective of this first shot. I know the angle isn’t a normal view, if you had this hung in your house, but I just think it’s so badass and cool and it’s my account so I can post it and y’all will just have to deal 😆😜. But really, thanks for all the love you’ve shown me on this piece so far. I’m really proud of it and can’t wait to make more versions of this design. 💙🌾 • Fiber sources tagged 🌊
Spanish moss drapes the live oak trees that are ubiquitous to the Edisto Island area. Did you know that Edisto gets its name from the native Edistow people? The Edistow Native Americans were a sub tribe of the Cusabo indians, a group of Native Americans who lived along the Atlantic coast in South Carolina.
⏰ Best time of the day to visit: Stop by mid-morning. That way you can explore the island, grab lunch, and stay for the amazing sunset if you choose.
🏖️ Things to do while there: Edisto Environmental Learning Center, Boneyard Beach, Scott Creek Inlet, Big Bay Creek, SeaCow Eatery.
☀️ Things to visit in the area: Jungle Road Park, Bay Creek Park, Otter Islands, Spanish Mount Point.
📆 Best time of the year to visit: For warmer weather come anywhere from March-August.
🏨 Where to stay: Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort (frippislandrsrt), Seabrook Island Club (seabrook_sc), The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (kiawahresort), Charleston Kiawah Island/Andell Inn (andellinn).
A visitor takes a leisurely stroke under a canopy of live oaks draped with Spanish moss in the Palmetto Bluff (palmettobluff) neighborhood of Bluffton, South Carolina. Palmetto Bluff is a picturesque community that sits in the heart of Lowcountry. Nestled along the May River, it’s abundant with beautiful walking trails, historic sites, and stunning views.
⏰ Best time of the day to visit: There is no wrong time to visit Palmetto Bluff. However, we highly recommend sticking around for one of their spectacular sunsets.
🛶 Things to do while there: Stop by Cole’s for some regionally inspired Southern fare, paddle board, kayak, or canoe along the May River, go saltwater fishing, take a tour at Bluffton Jack`s Old Town Tours.
🌊 Things to visit in the area: Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, Old Town Bluffton, Bluffton Oyster Factory Park, May River Sandbar, Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center (heywardhouse).
📆 Best time of the year to visit: For the best weather, we recommend visiting between March and May or from September to November.
🏨 Where to stay: The Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort (montagepalmettobluff) is the only resort in Palmetto Bluff. However, there are plenty of places to stay in the surrounding areas including: Old Town Bluffton Inn (oldtownblufftoninn), The Inn & Club at Harbour Town (theinnandclubatharbourtown), Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island (sonestahhi).
Isn`t this live oak tree tunnel beautiful? Live oak, draped in Spanish moss, is emblematic of South Carolina and many of the Southern states. We love these iconic trees, not only for their beauty, but their history as well. The average lifespan of a live oak is 300 years!
The shore gently recedes beneath the stunning Pawleys Island Pier. The unique island town, located about 25 miles south of Myrtle Beach and 70 miles north of Charleston, exudes laid-back, beachy vibes. Locals have definitely adopted an island state of mind and encourage visitors to as well. When you go, make sure to relax on the beach, explore the famous sand dunes, or fish in one of the many adjacent creeks.
⏰ Best time of the day to visit: We guarantee that you’re going to want to spend a whole day here. We recommend getting to the beach at around 10am.
🗓️ Best time of the year: Pawleys Island has the best weather during the spring and early summer months.
🏖️ Things to do while there: Pawleys Island Nature Park, Pawleys Island Chapel, Hopsewee Plantation.
🐠 Things to visit in the area: Brookgreen Gardens (brookgreen_gardens), take a walking ghost tour, Myrtle Beach (mymyrtlebeach), Harborwalk Marina, South Carolina Maritime Museum (southcarolinamaritimemuseum).
🏨 Where to stay: The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn (oceanfrontlitchfieldinn), Litchfield Beach and Golf Resort (litchfieldbeachandgolf), Sea View Inn (seaviewinn), 620 Prince (620prince).
Pregnancy sleep = 😫. Silver lining, a sunrise walk with Sullie and Zoey. _ Anyone else deal with terrible sleep in the third trimester? It`s been brutal. Combo of overall anxiety/mind racing, digestion discomfort and having to pee all the time! 😐 _ #sunrise #follybeach #sclowcountry #scbeaches #goldenretrievers #goldensofinstagram #charleston #29weekspregnant #thirdtrimester #pregnancylife #pregnancyproblems #beach #beachsunrise
Angel Oak, Johns Island, South Carolina. ⠀ ⠀ The Angel Oak Tree is a Southern live oak (Quercus virginiana) located in Angel Oak Park on Johns Island near Charleston, South Carolina. The Angel Oak Tree is estimated to be at least 400 and possibly up to 1400 years old It stands 66.5 ft (20 m) tall, measures 28 ft (8.5 m) in circumference, and produces shade that covers 17,200 square feet (1,600 m2). Its longest branch distance is 187 ft. in length. ⠀ ⠀ #angeloak #angeloaktree #southcarolina #johnsisland #charleston #DiscoverSC #lowcountry #SCLowcountry #lowcountrylife #igerssouthcarolina #blackandwhite #b&w #oaktree #legacyoak #blackandwhite #blackandwhitephotography #totravelistolive #travel_captures #travellove #travelpics #travelpic #travelbug #travelandlife #lifeisajourney #adventuroussoul
The South Carolina Lowcountry Guidebook is filled with many things to see and do in the beautiful Lowcountry of South Carolina. Please fill out the information and we will send you a FREE GUIDE BOOK.
