A black metal fence protects the Old Sheldon Church Ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
One of the lowcountry’s most photographed sites gained several feet of protection. In an effort to preserve and protect the Old Sheldon Church, a locked fence has been placed around the ruins. Visitors can still visit the site but cannot pass through the iconic columns and brick arches.
A locked gate secures the ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The church is owned by the Parish Church of St. Helena. They have been researching ways to preserve the ruins from rapid decay. The historic structure has fallen victim to vandalism by way of desecrating tombstones, graffiti, brick removal and destruction.
The Parish Church of St. Helena has plans to bring in docents on site to lead tours through the beautiful ruins. Restoration work will shortly begin first. Walking paths will be placed within the interior portion of the ruins. Walking through the brick archways will only be possible with professional supervision to ensure damage is not done to the structure.
The new fence is simulated to resemble iron. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
This early example of Greek Revival stands as a testament to master craftsmanship and has had a very interesting life. The South Carolina Picture Project wrote a great article about its storied past. A tablet located on the grounds reads: “Church of Prince William’s Parish, known as Sheldon, built between 1745-1755. Burned by the British Army 1779. Rebuilt 1826. Burned by the Federal Army 1865. Another sign states: “Old Sheldon is not a recreational area or playground.”
As visitors to this site we must respect this sacred and historically significant lowcountry gem. We must also understand, and not be offended by the fence. Protecting this structure for future generations is critical. The efforts of St. Helena should be applauded and appreciated.
History abounds from start to finish. Take a day trip to visit the historic sites on this scenic island road.
Tabby walls of St. Helena Chapel of Ease Ruins. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
St. Helena is home to many beautiful roads. A turn onto Lands End Road puts you right in the heart of the Penn Center. This historically significant landmark is the site of the former Penn School, one of the first educational sites for formally enslaved individuals. Their website says it best, “Opened in 1862 the Penn School tutored freedmen out of slavery and into freedom. After the school closed in 1948, Penn became the first African American site in the state whose primary purpose was to safeguard the heritage of the Gullah Geechie community.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Later, in the 1960’s, Penn Center took up the mantle of social justice by ushering in the Civil Rights Movement and serving as the only location in South Carolina where interracial groups, such as Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the Peace Corps could have safe sanctuary in an era of mandated segregation.
Penn Center continues to thrive as a national monument promoting historic preservation, as well as a catalyst for economic sustainability throughout the Sea Islands. Its far-reaching impact on local, national and international communities has been the greatest legacy of the Penn Center’s history.”
Brick Church – Photo Credit: Bill Fitzpatrick
The oldest building on the site is the Brick Church. Built in 1855, Brick Church was an early location of the first school.
When visiting the Penn Center your first stop should be the Courtney P. Siceloff Welcome Center and Gift Shop in the York W. Bailey Museum. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Helena Chapel of Ease. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
As you travel further down Lands End Road you will find the St. Helena Parish Chapel of Ease Ruins. This tabby house of worship was built in the mid-1700s for the plantation families that lived on the sea island. Because the island was occupied by Union troops during the Civil War, the plantation families abandoned their homes and the church was used by the abandoned slaves of the island. It was used by Northerners who came south to educate and train freemen. It was also used as a sanctuary by Methodist freemen as early as 1868. A forest fire destroyed the structure in 1886 and it was left in disrepair.
Fripp Tomb at St. Helena Chapel of Ease. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The church ruins are surrounded by ancient oaks, dripping in Spanish moss. It also has a cemetery, containing a tomb containing Fripp family members. This is a great spot to take pictures and reflect on the splendor of this historic site. The SC Picture Project has a great article about the chapel of ease ruins with many beautiful pictures.
Fort Fremont Historical Preserve photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Standing sentry at the end of Lands End Road is the Fort Fremont Historical Park. Built in 1898, this fort was one of six fortifications designed to protect the coast during the Spanish American War. Long abandoned, the site now sits in beautiful ruins. Surrounded by live oaks, the fort looks out over Port Royal Sound with 900 feet of beach access.
One of the spots where a breech-loaded disappearing cannon was positioned. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Visible now are the recessed spots where disappearing cannons were positioned. Fort Fremont was officially deactivated in 1912 when the Port Royal Naval Station moved from Parris Island to Charleston. The property went into private hands for several years. While the hospital was transformed into a hunting and fishing lodge, the fort fell into disrepair. They were both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004 the fort and 15 acres were purchased transform the ruins into a public park.
The ancient walls of Fort Fremont. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Visitors can roam through the preserve and view the fort from all angles. According to the Fort Fremont Historical Preserve, “Ft. Fremont serves as a historical remnant of military defense technology at the dawn of the 20th century as the U.S. became a major world power.”
Staircase leading to the top of the fort. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Fort Fremont is open for touring during daylight hours. You can also access and walk along the beach through the fort property. The full history of Fort Fremont can be found on their website.
Lake Warren State Park is located just outside Hampton. The
park provides many opportunities for outdoor recreation. A wide variety of
wildlife can be found in the floodplain forest, wetlands and woodlands of the
park. While walking in the park look for deer, armadillo, turtles, raccoons,
squirrels… Be on the lookout for alligators, snakes and birds along the shores
of the lake.
Lake Warren fishing pier. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The 200-acre lake is
perfect for freshwater fishing and boating. The park also has a 2-acre fishing
pond. There are two boat ramps that provide access to the lake. Motors are
limited to 10-horsepower. Jon boats are also available for rent.
Photo Credit: South Carolina Parks Website.
If you enjoy hiking, the park has three nature trails. Trail locations can be found on the park MAP. The Nature Trail is a 1.25-mile loop that travels through the woods and ends at the fishing pond. Interpretive signs are placed along this trail to increase your knowledge of local wildlife. The Fit Trail has 10 exercise stations. This .0-mile loop is located among the wildlife in a mixed pine forest. The Yemassee Trail skirts along the bank of Lake Warren. Watch for birds and other wildlife including snakes and alligators.
There are many spots to fish or view wildlife. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Pets are welcome at the park. The trails are a great place
to walk your dog. Dogs must always be kept under physical restraint or on a
leash.
Photo credit: South Carolina Parks Website
The park also has picnic shelters and a playground. It’s a great place to spend a sunny day. If you’re looking to fish, hike, play or relax, Lake Warren State Park is the perfect destination for you.
If you are looking for a dog-friendly beach adventure that aims to please, look to Fripp Island. This easternmost barrier island in South Carolina is located at the end of Highway 21 in Beaufort County. Just a stone’s throw from Hunting Island State Park, Fripp provides private island vacationing (and living) at its finest. Amenities abound and nature delights. If your furry friend is a part of your vacation plans, this is the destination for you.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Vacation rentals range from tennis villas and golf cottages to beachfront homes. My party included two and a dog, so the tennis villas were perfect for us. Positioned between the canal and the courts, with the Beach Club across the street, everything we needed was in sight.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The best way to move around Fripp is by golf cart. Check when picking a rental to see if you have a golf cart and amenities cards included. If not, you can rent one at Island Excursions (located at the marina). Bikes and scooters are also available. Most beach access points have golf cart parking. You simply load your beach supplies and cooler onto your cart and head out for a day on the ocean.
Unpack, pick up your golf cart and head to the beach. If taking your dog, you might want to start off at a more isolated beach. Follow Tarpon Blvd (the main road) to the end to find the perfect spot to introduce your furry friend to the ocean. This beach overlooks Pritchard’s Island which is only accessible by boat. Kayak trips across are a fun way to explore this island. Keep in mind, the sand gets very hot, so limit dog access to the beach to morning and evening excursions.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Another thing to consider is introducing your dog to the presence of deer. They are everywhere! They roam the island freely and have grown accustomed to visitors. Keep in mind, they are wild animals and should not be fed or bothered. To round out the end of the day, have a drink and enjoy the music at the Sandbar (located at the Beach Club).
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
If your trip includes amenities cards, you can enjoy the restaurants and pools at the Marina, Beach Club and Cabana Club. The restaurant at the Cabana Club offers great fish tacos and pina coladas. The Bonito Boathouse is a great choice for dinner. The staff is pleasant, the views are breath-taking, and the food is very tasty.
Resort amenities offer an unmatched variety of sports and leisure activities on Fripp. Amenities include: activity center and programs, pools, racquet club, dining & restaurants, shopping, island excursions, marina and Camp Fripp. For the golfers, you have two spectacular courses to chose from. There are also fun things to do in the Beaufort area. Visit Fripp Island Golf and Beach Resort’s Ultimate List of Things to Do for more ideas.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Fripp features 3.5 miles of spectacular, uncrowded white sandy beaches flanked by towering Palmetto trees, just waiting for you to enjoy. Check out the FRIPP ISLAND MAP to find great access points to the beautiful beach. All beach access points are numbered, so if you plan on an evening stroll on the beach, pay attention to your access point number so you can find your way back at the end of the walk.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The island is covered in miles of walking trails along the roadways and through the forest and marsh. Designated as a wildlife sanctuary, Fripp hosts many species of birds, along with wildlife including deer, turtles, alligators and raccoons. There is an Audubon Trail located on Porpoise Drive. The trail goes through the maritime forest and ends at the marsh of the Fripp Inlet. Educational signs and benches are placed along the trail.
For a relaxing and fun beach week, consider planning a trip to Fripp Island. For more information click on the following websites: FRIPPISLANDRESORT.COM or FRIPPISLANDLIVING.COM.
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.
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 150th anniversary in 2004.
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.
Bluffton Oyster Company photo by Carmen Pinckney.
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.
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.
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.
Pritchard Pocket Garden view photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Donnelley is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. It is located on Hwy 17 in Green Pond (between Yemassee and Jacksonboro) in the heart of the ACE Basin. Open from dawn to dusk, this is a great place to glimpse Lowcountry nature at its finest. The property features a historic rice field system, which is now managed to attract waterfowl and migratory birds. The drive is pleasantly lined with beautiful old live oaks.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Donnelley has walking trails and a driving tour. Navigating is best done using a map. Pick one up at the office or download one HERE. This map gives great details of all aspects of the property. The map also shows the locations of restrooms.
Wood Stork. Photo Credit: Ira Runyan
The first trail
takes you to a dike across an old rice field reserve. This is a great spot to
see endangered Wood Storks. Driving further in, you cross an ancient rice field
dike that was constructed in the 18th century. The Boynton Nature
Trail is next. This 2.2-mile walking trail circles another part of the old rice
field complex. All types of waterfowl can be viewed here and throughout the
property.
Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Driving further onto the property brings you to the historic rice trunk, which features floodgates that can be raised or lowered to control water levels in the rice fields.
Look for alligators. They can be found sunning on the banks or floating lazily by in the water.
Further onto the property brings you to fields and meadows, where several types of birds and mammals can be found.
An alligators basks in the sun. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The driving tour covers about 11 miles and should take from an hour to half a day, depending on how many stops you make. The marked stops on the map serve simply as suggestions; feel free to stop anywhere along the way (although please park on the shoulder) and walk off the road at any point to get a closer look at wildlife or native plants. Take extra precautions when viewing alligators, especially during the spring mating season.
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.
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.
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.
Nature is at its finest on Pinckney Island. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
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.
The entrance to Botany Bay is through a beautiful canopy of live oaks. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The wildlife management area of Botany Bay Plantation is one of the most unique destinations on Edisto Island. The 4.000+ acre property boasts historical buildings, maritime forest, beach and fresh water ponds. Historically it was two plantations (Bleak Hall and Sea Cloud), that grew sea island cotton and timber. The property is covered in pine, palm and live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss. Don’t be surprised to see deer, alligators, shore birds, crabs, raccoons and many other maritime forest creatures.
There are two sites listed on the register of historic places. A set of three surviving 1840s outbuildings and the prehistoric Fig Island Shell Ring can be seen on the property.
Explore the plantation house ruins, walk the forest trails, or stroll the beach on this South Carolina controlled wildlife management area
Botany Bay’s beach is often referred to as “Boneyard Beach”. Sun bleached standing and fallen trees line the beach.
Botany Bay does not allow pets, so you’ll have to leave the furry friends behind. Shell removal is also prohibited.
Ancient live oaks can be seen throughout the property. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Botany Bay is open from sunrise to sunset. It is closed Tuesdays and for scheduled hunts.
The plantation is located on Botany Bay Road on Edisto Island. This road is home to the most photographed oak tree canopy in the area. Once in the park, visitors must check in at the information kiosk. A map is available with very informative descriptions of every aspect of the plantation.
Bring your horses for a fun day at Botany Bay. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
When you continue the driving tour you will see a house, pasture and barn on the right. Horse trailers can park and check in here for trail riding. This was the winter home of the last owner of the property. It is currently the DNR property manager’s home.
Just ahead, at the bend in the road, take a right and park to access the beach and Indian Point. A path leads to Hammock Island, a barrier island that is covered in shells. Remember, no shells can be removed. Beach combers get creative with their shell finds and hang them in the palms and oaks along the beach.
Time your walk on the beach with low tide. The beach disappears when the tide rolls in.
Finding shells is enjoyable, but they can not be removed from the beach. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
After leaving the beach visitors enter what was once the grounds of Bleak Hall Planation. Remaining are two out buildings and a well. The larger white building had multiple purposes, including an ice house, carriage house and general storage. The smaller building was a gardener’s shed. This building is made from tabby, which is made from oyster shells.
Another tabby building sits just past the Bleak Hall home site. It was used as a barn and equipment shed. After proceeding past the barn, visitors can look for wildlife in the agricultural fields. More wildlife viewing can be found past live oak trees that border Ocella Creek.
Botany Bay’s ice house. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
A cottage chimney that dates to 1893 still stands near Ocella Creek. Picnic Pond is located on the left after the cottage ruins. This pond was dug to build dikes on the property. This is a great spot to view wood ducks and the occasional alligator. Next you cross the dike. On the left isJason’s Lake, and the Ocella Creek is on the right. The road continues left, but you can follow the signs to Sea Cloud Landing on Ocella Creek. Kayaks and canoes can be launched here. Boats must be brought in on car tops. No trailers allowed. Ospreys and eagles hunt here regularly. Pelicans also spend time here.
A brown pelican stands watch near the water’s edge. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
Sea Cloud Plantation sits on the other side of the dike. Agricultural fields are planted and maintained for wildlife. Just past the fields sits the ruins of the Sea Cloud Plantation house. The brick foundation is all that remains of what was once an elegant home with a ballroom that graced the entire third floor. As the driving tour continues to the other side of Jason’s Lake, the ruins of a bee hive well (that was built around 1825) can be seen.
Visitors get to enjoy the canopy one last time as they exit Botany Bay. Photo by Carmen Pinckney.
The road continues through a pine-hardwood forest. When the road ends, a left turn takes you back toward the beach, a right takes you out of the plantation.
Botany Bay Wildlife Management Area is a great place to spend a day. Bring a picnic, beach chairs and kayaks. Explore the wonders of the South Carolina Lowcountry plantation style!
Sgt. Jasper Park is conveniently located off I-95, at Exit 8. After exiting the interstate, point toward Hilton Head and turn left at the first traffic light. Follow the road around until you bump into the park entrance. Trails are located on both sides of the road. Some trails are wheelchair accessible. This is a great place to get off the interstate and stretch your legs. Dogs are welcome here, on a leash. A trail map is available in the park office.
The trails alternate between gravel, boardwalk and natural footing. The views around the lake are pretty, and the trails are relaxing.
There are other opportunities at the part as well. There are canoes, kayaks and a disk golf course. Information can be found in the park office. There’s a playground for the kids and plenty of picnic spots. There is also a covered picnic shelter. Grills can be found at the park as well. The disk golf course is located on the left side of the road. The park also has fishing opportunities.
1458 Red Dam Rd. Hardeeville, SC 29927 Call 843-784-5130 PARKMAP PARKBROCHURE
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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.
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The trails alternate between gravel, boardwalk and natural footing. The views around the lake are pretty, and the trails are relaxing. 
