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Charter Fishing in the Lowcountry

12 September 2019

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Categories: Beaufort County, Blog, Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, Outdoor Activities

Spending a day on the water with Captain Fuzzy Davis

South Carolina Redfish — Redfish are plentiful in the waters of the South Carolina Lowcountry.

Spending the day on the water in the South Carolina Lowcountry is always a good idea. Booking a charter fishing trip with Hilton Head’s nationally acclaimed Silva Dolla Fishing Charters with Fuzzy Davis is brilliant! Davis has been fishing the waters around Hilton Head for over 40 years.

He has been featured in magazines and television shows. Not to brag, but he has held the SC State Tarpon Record since 1986, and Saltwater Sportsman Magazine ranked him in the “Top 50 Boat Captains in the US”.

Davis’ skill on the water and great personality make him a favorite for locals and tourists alike. He’s the boat captain my family calls on for a day of fishing.

The day begins bright and early at the Boathouse dock. Davis is ready and waiting. His boat is loaded with ice, bait, tackle, fishing license, bottled water and all the fishing trivia you can handle.

After loading up, you will head off in pursuit of fish in the saltwater creeks, rivers, sounds or offshore. Inshore excursions focus on redfish and sea trout. Nearshore trips target Tarpon, shark, redfish, trout, and cobia.

sc lowcountry bonnethead shark — The first catch was a bonnethead shark.

The first catch of the day is always exciting. Per dad’s request, the group started fishing for sharks. It didn’t take long to start pulling in some beauties. This bonnethead shark put up quite the fight before being hauled on board. Bonnetheads live in subtropical waters from North Carolina to the Caribbean. They typically grow between two and five feet long.

sc lowcountry charter fishing — Dad gets in on the action.

sc lowcountry bonnethead — The proud catch.

The last catch of the day brought out the competition in the girls. They came out even though because one redfish weighs more while the other is longer.

After four hours of reeling in sharks, stingrays, and redfish, the fishing party was amply satisfied and exhausted. Great memories were made, and bonds were strengthened. The next morning plans were made for the next fishing excursion with Fuzzy.

For more information on charter fishing in the South Carolina Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/charters/ .

Bluffton’s Shell Art Trail

5 August 2019

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Beaufort County, Blog, Bluffton, Destinations, Outdoor Activities

Giant oyster shells have popped up like daisies throughout historic Bluffton. The Shell Art Trail is a fun public art trail that both entertains and educates. The cultural exhibit has 21 giant oyster shells placed throughout Bluffton. The shells have been uniquely painted by local artists. While hunting for shells, you will learn interesting oyster facts along the way.

The Shell Art Trail

First things first – download and print your Shell Art Trail Passbook. Review the map and plan your route. The passbook includes a map and questions that can be answered by reading the fact plaques located at each sculpture.

Spend a day roaming around downtown Bluffton in search of these beautiful sculptures, all of which contain interesting facts about oysters. Questions can be found on the back of the shell art passbook. Each can be answered by reading the plaque attached to each shell.

Be sure to take plenty of pictures along the way.
Tag @LowcountryOysterTrail, and use #LowCountryOysterTrail #HEARTofBluffton #SeeShellsinBluffton while completing the trail!

After the shell hunt, head into one of the wonderful restaurants for lunch. The Sugaree makes the best chicken salad BLT and bagel chips.

After lunch be sure to head into some of the unique shopping opportunities downtown Bluffton has to offer.

For more information on Bluffton attractions visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/bluffton-area/ , or day trip information https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/bluffton-day-trips/

Photo credits: Carmen Pinckney and Lowcountry Oyster Trail Facebook page.

Old Town Bluffton

7 May 2019

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Beaufort County, Blog, Bluffton, Destinations

A drive to Old Town Bluffton is always a good idea. The historic architecture and river views are spectacular. There is also a hidden gem worked into the landscape. Today’s outing started at the Heyward House, located at 70 Boundary St. This property has been in Bluffton since 1841. The house serves as Bluffton’s official Welcome Center and museum. The house is decorated in period furnishings and is complete with artifacts that tell the story of Bluffton, and the people that once lived there. There are also outbuildings located behind the house that represent a cook house and slave quarters.

For more information on the Heyward House https://www.heywardhouse.org/ .

Cross Episcopal Church — Church of the Cross photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Another historic treasure is located just a few streets away at 110 Calhoun Street. The Church of the Cross has stood on the bluff of the May River since 1854. This Gothic structure celebrated its 150^th anniversary in 2004.

Additional history on the church can be found here http://www.thechurchofthecross.net/history

Campbell AME Church photo by Carmen Pinckney.

The oldest church in Old Town Bluffton dates to 1853. The Bluffton Methodist Church building was purchased by nine former slaves in 1874. Campbell Chapel AME Church was formed by these visionary founding fathers. While the structure has been altered and renovated over the years, the original structure still stands strong and proud.

The Bluffton Oyster Company has been a part of Old Town Bluffton since 1899. It sits on is reclaimed land at the end of Warf Street. This land built up by more than a hundred years’ worth of discarded shells. Situated directly adjacent is the Oyster Factory Park. The park has a nature trail which is unique for the Old Town area. There is also a firepit area, a playground and plenty of picnic spots. Restrooms are conveniently located here also.

For more information http://blufftonoyster.com/

Garvin-Garvey House photo by Carmen Pinckney.

The Garvin-Garvey Freeman’s Cottage is located inside the park. This historically significant house has recently undergone extensive renovations. It is believed that former slave Cyrus Garvin built the house on the property of his former owner.

Views of the May River are spectacular from the front porch. Tours are available through the Heyward House.

Prichard Pocket Garden — Pritchard Pocket Garden photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Another fun stop in Old Town is the Pritchard Pocket Garden. Located where the street meets the river, this little hidden gem was worth the trouble of finding it. Parking is along the road. Entrance is through a small gate and down a short path. Benches are set up on the bluff that overlooks the May River. It is a calm and relaxing spot to breathe in the SC Lowcountry at its finest, and a great way to end the day exploring Old Town Bluffton.

May River View — Pritchard Pocket Garden view photo by Carmen Pinckney.

There are many other fun and interesting attractions in Old Town Bluffton. For more information visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/bluffton-day-trips/.

Tour Pinckney Island

7 May 2019

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Beaufort County, Blog, Bluffton, Destinations, Hilton Head Island, Outdoor Activities

Pinckney Island Wildlife Management Area

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge marsh view — The view at high tide. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

This 4,053-acre national refuge consists of salt marsh and tidal creeks, forests, grasslands, and freshwater ponds. In combination, these habitats support a diversity of wildlife species.

All trips begin and end at the parking area half a mile from the refuge entrance. Touring this beautiful island is fun on foot or by bicycle. There are over 14 miles of trails to enjoy. Coastal Discovery Museum offers walking tours of Pinckney Island, enlisting the expertise of an experienced bird watcher.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge with wildlife biologist Charles Pinckney — Wildlife biologist and Pinckney descendant Charles Pinckney. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

For this this trip I took bicycles and my wildlife biologist husband, who happens to be a descendant of the Pinckney family. With his extensive knowledge of the area flora and fauna, we never know what we’re going to find.

Pinckney Island is named for Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, a South Carolina founding father and previous owner of the island. The island, a once prosperous sea island cotton plantation, was donated to the United States in 1975 to be used as a wildlife refuge and a nature and forest preserve.

Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge trails — The main gravel roads are very bicycle friendly.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Pinckney Island is a great place to view, study, and photograph wildlife. The views are breath-taking. Bring lunch and picnic on the shores. Maps are available in the parking lot. I highly recommend taking one on your hike so you can judge distances and where paths connect and intersect.

The main gravel roads are very bicycle friendly. The grassy trails are a little more challenging, but well worth it.

There are many ponds and marshy areas along the way to stop and look for wildlife. Look for egrets and alligators to make an appearance. There is also a butterfly garden for your enjoyment.

Keep in mind, while hiking or biking there are no bathroom facilities. Also, visitors must also bring their own drinking water. Furry friends are not allowed on the island. Antique and artifact hunting is not allowed.

Pinckney Island is located on Hwy 278, between Bluffton & Hilton Head Island

Guided tours are available through the Coastal Discovery Museum
(843)689-6767, ext. 223.

TRAILMAP
Bluffton Day Trips
Hilton Head Day Trips