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Let’s Get Pickin’ – Local produce can be found across the Lowcountry

15 April 2021

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Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Edisto Beach, Food & Drink, Hampton, Hampton County, Hilton Head Island, Jasper County, Ridgeland, Walterboro

Farm Fresh Produce in the SC Lowcountry

Local Strawberries - Farmers Market — *Strawberries are plentiful at Breland Hill Farms. Photo found on their Facebook page. Lettuce image taken at Dempsey Farms by Jackie Miller.*

Butter Lettuce - Farmers Market — *Strawberries are plentiful at Breland Hill Farms. Photo found on their Facebook page. Lettuce image taken at Dempsey Farms by Jackie Miller.*

Farm fresh local produce can be found during the spring and summer months throughout the SC Lowcountry. From u-pick farms, to produce stands and farmers markets, seasonal produce is abundant in our neck of the woods!

Oakatee Produce - Farmers Market — *Images found on Dempsey Farms and Okatee River Brand Produce Facebook pages.*

U-Pick

Beaufort County

You can find Dempsey Farms on the way to Hunting Island State Park, Harbor and Fripp Islands. The farm has various produce throughout the seasons, starting with strawberries in April. They are a working family farm growing produce for the last sixty years. For a farm fresh experience stop by and pick with us. Follow their Facebook page to see what is available.

1576 Sea Island Pkwy.
St Helena Island, SC 29920
843-838-3656

Bluffton’s Okatee River Farms has a great selection of local fruit and produce. This small family farm is located 1/2 mile from 278 in Bluffton, SC. They grow tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, okra, peppers and strawberries. April and May is the perfect time to stop by for u-pick strawberries. Follow their Facebook page to see what’s available.

1921 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie SC
843-206-5023

Colleton County

Breland Hill Farm is a multigenerational family farm raising fruits, vegetables, and much more! A market is located in Ruffin. Housed in a repurposed tobacco barn, they grow, process, and sell all of their farm products here. U-pick strawberry fields are also located here. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season.

849 Spence Dr.
Ruffin, SC 29475
843-866-7560 Call for hours of operation.

Shop at the Farm

Local Farmers Market — *Pictures found on Morning Glory Homestead and Whippoorwill Farms Facebook pages.*

Locally Made Eggs - Farmers Market — *Pictures found on Morning Glory Homestead and Whippoorwill Farms Facebook pages.*

Beaufort County

Morning Glory Homestead is a family farm on St. Helena Island, which uses sustainable agriculture methods to feed the community. This small family farm began as a homestead for a family of seven. Visitors to the farm can buy seasonal produce, bakery items, eggs and honey. You can also call to schedule a farm tour. The tour includes the rich history of the Gullah community.

For more information visit their blog.

Mon – Fri: By Appointment
42 Robert & Clara Trail
St. Helena Island, SC
843-812-0344

Bluffton’s Okatee River Farms has a great selection of local fruit and produce. They currently have u-pick strawberries. They are also currently planting sunflowers for harvest. They also have seasonal fruit and veggies throughout the year. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season.

1921 Okatie Hwy.
Okatie SC
843-206-5023

Colleton

Kindlewood Farms was born from the interest in the age old techniques of grafting and a passion to create quality, sustainable produce. We are dedicated to producing high quality heirloom tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, okra, corn, squash, cucumbers, watermelon, and cantaloupe. We also grow grafted heirloom tomato plants and grafted cucurbits. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in season and where to find them.

kindlewood.farms@gmail.com
(843)302-2312

Jasper County

If you are in Jasper County and looking for fresh eggs, look no farther than Earleah Plantation. Call for more information or to order and pick up fresh eggs.
843-540-2200, earleahvintageglass@gmail.com

Whipporwhill Farms is a40-acre small family farm offering fresh chicken, rabbit and pork as well as fresh eggs and seasonal veggies. Come to the farm Monday, Wednesday or Sunday to shop on site, or find them at the Hilton Head Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum on Tuesdays. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s in stock.

870 Tillman Road
Ridgeland, SC
843-473-5231

Hampton County

Murdaugh Farms is a family-owned and operated farm offering a large variety of produce throughout the year. Some of the produce offered include the well-known Hampton County watermelons, squash (several varieties), cucumbers, zucchini, corn, red potatoes and other varieties of potatoes, okra, carrots, collard greens and many other types of produce. As produce becomes available, it will be posted on the Facebook page. We sell our produce both to the wholesale and retail markets as well as to individual buyers looking for just enough for a meal or two.

22603 Pocotaligo Road
Early Branch, SC
803-942-3814

Drawdy Farms is a family-owned business, selling fresh locally grown fruits and veggies. Their produce stand is open year around, with whatever is in season at the time. We proudly serve the low country and support local farmers. Join their Facebook page for weekly updates!

2598 Hopewell Rd
Brunson, SC

Homegrown Produce - Farmers Market — *The Bluffton Farmers Market is open on Thursdays. Image by Donna Carretta. The Hilton Head Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays. Image found on Beach Properties of Hilton Head.*

Local Homegrown Fruit - Farmers Market — *The Bluffton Farmers Market is open on Thursdays. Image by Donna Carretta. The Hilton Head Farmers Market is open on Tuesdays. Image found on Beach Properties of Hilton Head.*

The Port Royal Farmer’s Market is open Saturdays, from 9 am-noon, rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese. If you have a green thumb, look for plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. Check out the fabulous prepared food vendors serving BBQ, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Find them at the Port Royal Naval Heritage Park at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Pinckney Blvd.

The Bluffton Farmers Market is open Thursdays, from 12-5 pm. Come find fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs at the Farmers Market of Bluffton. Gather with locals and tourists at this weekly community event to buy excellent produce, enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. Located in historic downtown Bluffton along Calhoun and Lawrence Streets and through Carson Cottages, this family friendly market showcases local growers, local food vendors, local entertainment, local community causes and local information about the Bluffton area. Find them at 71 Green Street in historic Bluffton.

Come to the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market at Coastal Discovery Museum and take home fresh produce, chicken, rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, beef, meals to cook, cookies, breads, she crab soup and much more! The market is open every Tuesday from 10-3 in the spring, summer and fall. Hours shorten to 9 am-1 pm in the winter. Shopping at the Hilton Head Farmers Market is about more than getting great food, it is about meeting friends, strengthening the community, and rebuilding the local food economy. Find the Hilton Head Farmers Market on the grounds of Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, on Hilton Head Island.

The Ridgeland Farmers Market hosts a variety of vendors, including produce, baked goods, prepared meals, arts, crafts and estate sales. The market is located on Main Street in downtown Ridgeland. They are open Fridays, from 1-6 pm.

Hampton Farmers Market – 803-943-2586 Highway 278, Hampton

Lowcountry Produce Farmers Market — *Images from Lowcountry Produce and Breland Hills Facebook pages.*

Roadside Markets

Beaufort County

Barefoot Farms – 939 Sea Island Parkway St. Helena, SC, (843) 838-7421

Dempsey Farms – 1576 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena, SC, (843) 838-3656

Four Seasons Produce and Nursery – 1611 Trask Pkwy, Seabrook, SC, (843) 846-2777

Lowcountry Produce – 1919 Trask Pkwy, Seabrook, SC, (843) 846-9438

Pasture Shed Farm – 1083 Sea Island Parkway St. Helena Island, SC, (843) 812-8366

Colleton County

Keegan-Filion Farm – 1475 Keegan Drive, Walterboro, SC, (843) 538-2565

Rizer’s Pork and Produce – 2357 Confederate Hwy., Lodge, SC, (843) 866-2645

Breland Hill Farm 1002 Bells Hwy, Walterboro, SC, (843)5497560

Jasper

Whippoorwhill Farms – 870 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC, (843)473-5231

Hampton

Drawdy Farms 2598 Hopewell Rd, Brunson

Whippoorwill - Farmers Market — *Images from Whippoorwill and Kindlewood Farms Facebook pages.*

Kindlewood Farms - Farmers Market — *Images from Whippoorwill and Kindlewood Farms Facebook pages.*

Community Supported Agriculture

Beaufort County (Bluffton) – Three Sisters Farm

Colleton – Kindlewood Farms

Fresh Seafood - Farmers Market — *Images from Lowcountry Tourism Commission.*

Local Shrimp - Farmers Market — *Images from Lowcountry Tourism Commission.*

Fresh Meat & Seafood

Beaufort

Sea Eagle Market is a family owned and operated retail and wholesale market and catering company located at 2149 Boundary St. in Beaufort. Stop by and pick up soft shell crabs, shrimp and more! Open Monday thru Saturday, from 9 am – 6 pm. For daily information visit their Facebook page. (843)521-5090

Maggioni Oyster Company is South Carolina’s largest provider of premium quality wild-harvested bushels and single oysters. They harvest oysters at low tide, wash off the briny mud, and deliver them directly to their customers. Maggioni Oyster Company first opened on Daufuskie Island in 1883 and later built a cannery in Beaufort. They have been family owned and operated for five generations. Find them at 440 Eddings Point Rd, on St. Helena Island. (912)844-1031

Lady’s Island Oysters specializes in single lady oysters, grown in the clean, crisp waters of the SC Lowcountry. The estuaries that nurture their oysters are filled with pure salt water flowing directly from the Atlantic Ocean. Great pride is taken to nurture oysters from hatchery to harvest. Find them at 35 Hutson Drive, in Seabrook. (843)473-5018

Bluffton

Bluffton Oyster Company has been a family run operation since 1899. The Bluffton Oyster Company actually sits on reclaimed land, built up by more than a hundred years of discarded shells from previous shucking operations. The oyster business thrived in early Bluffton and throughout the 1920’s, with five different oyster operations in the area. Now the Bluffton Oyster Company remains the last hand-shucking house in the state of South Carolina. They specialize in fresh local seafood; oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, fish filets, soft shell crabs and live blue crabs. Hours of operation are 9 am – 5:30 pm, Monday thru Saturday. You can also purchase fried shrimp, oysters and soft shell crab at the Bluffton Farmers Market on Thursdays. Find them at 63 Wharf St. (843)757-4010

Edisto Island

Flowers Seafood has been commercially fishing and serving fresh, local seafood on Edisto Island for four generations. Come into their family owned seafood market and browse the selection of fresh, wild caught seafood. They have a large selection of fish, shrimp, crabs, and other seafood that comes “fresh off the boat” daily. If you’re interested in cooked food try their “To-Go” restaurant located right behind Flowers Seafood Company. The same fresh seafood is made ready to order. Stop by on your way to Edisto Beach. The market is open Monday-Saturday, from 9 am-6 pm, and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. The Flowers Seafood To-Go Food Truck is open Thursday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm. They are located just six miles from the beach at 1914 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC (843)869-0033 (Market), (843)869-3303 (kitchen/to-go orders)

Ridgeland

Fiddler’s Seafood Market and Restaurant is a historical and beloved destination where fresh seafood is enjoyed and homemade goods are shared. Fiddlers gives customers an authentic taste of local, old-fashioned southern comfort. Their seafood is either caught by Fiddler’s owner, Billy Rowell on his very own boat or purchased from local fishermen. Within walking distance of their restaurant is the seafood market, where customers can bring home southern hospitality in its finest form. Fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and local crafts are all created by our own staff, or by the artisans of the Ridgeland, SC community. Visit their Facebook page to see what’s going on in the restaurant and market, or visit for yours self. The restaurant is located at 7738 West Main Street, (843)726-6681. The seafood market is just around the corner at 572 South Green Street, (843)726-6691.

Hampton

Tuten’s Fresh Market Meat and Seafood is Hampton’s finest local butcher shop. This family owned business has been around for over 30 years. Ran by an expert butcher and grill master, Tuten’s is dedicated to delivering the very best meat and freshest seafood, with farm fresh produce and some staple grocery items as well! Come by and see them sometime. They’ll be glad to help you find anything you are looking for as well as give you some great tips for seasoning, marinating, and grilling your meals to perfection. Located at 604 Elm St. in Hampton, (803)943-4670. Visit their Facebook page for daily updates.

The PGA Palmetto Championship

5 April 2021

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Blog, Destinations, Events, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Ridgeland, Tourism Industry News

The Congaree Golf Club is the home of this 2021 PGA Tour event!

The Palmetto Championship, a PGA Tour event, will be held June 7-13 in Ridgeland at the Congaree Golf Club. This one-time event will fill the spot left open when the 2021 RBC Canadian Open was cancelled. This official FedEx Cup event will field 156 golfers.

Conagree Golf Club - PGA Palmetto Championship — *Photos by Russell Kirk.*

Conagree Golf Course Greens - PGA Palmetto Championship — *Photos by Russell Kirk.*

Governor Henry McMaster recently announced the event and said, “South Carolina is open for business and we are proud to have the opportunity to take advantage of this unique opportunity. This nationally televised, elite tournament will give people from around the world a chance to see all that South Carolina has to offer and will jumpstart our tremendous tourism industry. We are grateful to the PGA Tour and Congaree’s owner, Dan Friedkin, for this opportunity to highlight our great state.”

Conagree Golf Club Plantation House - PGA Palmetto Championship — Congaree Golf Club Plantation House

Conagree Golf Club Schoolhouse - PGA Palmetto Championship — Congaree Golf Club Plantation House

The Congaree Golf Club was built on Davant Plantation. The original Greek Revival home on this historic property was burned in 1865 by Sherman’s troops. The circa 1820 that we see today was dismantled and transferred piece-by-piece to this site from a neighboring property that was also owned by the Davant family. This property was also the principal backdrop for scenes in the 1995 movie Something to Talk About. The club launched the Global Golf Initiative to target underprivileged high school students who are passionate about golf and show academic promise. They even built a schoolhouse on the property to prepare students for college admissions. Congaree’s Palmetto Championship joins the list of other 2021 significant tournaments in the state including the RBC Heritage in Hilton Head Island, the PGA Championship on Kiawah Island and Greenville’s annual BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation.

Conagree Golf Club Putting Greens - PGA Palmetto Championship — Congaree Golf Club.

Conagree Golf Course Aerial View - PGA Palmetto Championship — Congaree Golf Club.

The 2021 Palmetto Championship at Congaree will be broadcast on CBS, Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE, and internationally on GOLFTV powered by the PGA TOUR.

Please visit https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/2021/palmetto-championship-at-congaree/R2021538 for details about tickets, sponsorships, volunteering and more.

New Civil War Exhibit

8 March 2021

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Blog, Jasper County, Ridgeland

Morris Center Expands Battle of Honey Hill Exhibition

The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is pleased to announce the reopening of its Battle of Honey Hill exhibition. This event is significant because the battle, fought near Ridgeland, S.C., was the first one of the Civil War to involve a large number of African Americans in combat.

With the existing diorama as the focal point, the exhibit includes new panels that tell a more detailed story of how the battle unfolded, newly unearthed artifacts from the site including tools and ammunition, a tribute to four Medal of Honor recipients, and a section entitled “Voices of Honey Hill” which shares first-hand accounts from some of the soldiers involved.

“Generous support from our sponsors made it possible to expand the exhibit which has been on display here since we opened in 2015,” says Morris Center Executive Director Tamara Herring. “We enlisted the help of Civil War scholars and strived to give it more historical context as well as explain the battle’s significance in terms of the intersection of people who were engaged in it.”

South Carolina Humanities, Town of Ridgeland, and Jasper County provided funds to support the project.

The Morris Center is open to the public Tuesday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.morrisheritagecenter.org.

The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is located in the heart of downtown Ridgeland on US 17. This facility is a learning and exhibition center dedicated to preserving and cultivating the history, culture and spirit of Ridgeland and its surrounding counties. Housed in a collection of vintage buildings, with the architecturally distinctive Sinclair Service Station as its focal point, the center features ever-changing exhibitions, interactive and dynamic learning opportunities, cultural offerings, storytelling, and other forms of art.

Read our BLOG POST for more information on the Morris Center or visit our RIDGELAND ATTRACTIONS PAGE.

10782 Jacob Smart Blvd.
Ridgeland, SC 29936
843-284-9227

We Are Dog-Friendly

14 January 2021

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Daufuskie Island, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hampton County, Hardeeville, Hilton Head Island, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland, Uncategorized, Walterboro

Bring Fido along for your next dog-friendly adventure to the South Carolina Lowcountry!

dog-friendly south carolina — 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.

dog-friendly beach south carolina — 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.

dog-friendly south carolina beaches — Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

Lake Warren State Park allows 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 Park allows 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 Park allows 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.

dog-friendly parks south carolina — Image provided by Lanie Woods.

Dogs are permitted on Hilton Head beaches before 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.

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/.

Hardeeville’s Sgt 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.*

Hardeeville also 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.

ACE Basin National Wildlife Management Area allows dogs on a leash. Roam the grounds, hike the trails and picnic on the lawn of the Grove Plantation House.

Fripp Island beaches, most accommodations and activities are dog friendly.

Pippa enjoys a windy day at the Sands Beach. Photo by Julieann.

Port Royal’s Sands Boardwalk and Beach and the Cypress Wetlands Trail are fun places to walk in the late afternoon. The sunset from the Sands Boardwalk is outstanding.

dog-friendly trails south carolina — Photo by Carmen Pinckney.

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.

Edisto’s Botany Bay Ecotours also allows dogs.

Several restaurants with outdoor seating allow dogs. Here is a sample of restaurants by city. For restaurant websites visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/restaurants/.

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!

Cooking with the Master!

12 January 2021

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Blog, Food & Drink, Ridgeland

The Lowcountry’s Favorite Comfort Food Cooked by Daufuskie Island’s Favorite Chef

Sallie Ann Robinson
Daufuskie Island
Shrimp and grits — Shrimp gravy simmers while Sallie Ann tells stories of Daufuskie.
Image by Carmen Pinckney.

Daufuskie Island’s own chef Sallie Ann Robinson tours the Lowcountry teaching Gullah cooking. The sixth-generation island native has authored several cookbooks and conducts cooking demonstrations both locally and nationally. She came to the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage and taught participants how to cook shrimp and grits and share stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island.

Sallie Ann Robinson
Daufuskie Island — Old and new friends gather around their favorite Lowcountry chef.
Photo submitted by Carmen Pinckney.

The evening started off with glasses of wine and conversation. After we were properly acquainted, Sallie Ann started a demonstration that was intermingled with cooking and stories of her beloved Daufuskie Island. She shared stories of a very influential sixth grade year spent with her teacher (and later famous author) Pat Conroy. He wrote a book about his experiences on the island entitled The Water is Wide. Conroy would later write the forward to Sallie Ann’s first cookbook entitled Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way.

As Sallie Ann weaved a tale of island stories, she fried bacon and stirred a pot of grits. She sprinkled shrimp with spices and tossed them in flour. Then she cooked the shrimp until they reached the perfect shade of pink.

She next sautéed the vegetables until they were tender and added the shrimp back to the pan. The flavors simmered together until the gravy thickened and turned a beautiful brown.

When we felt like we couldn’t stand it any longer, the shrimp and gravy was ladled over the slow-cooked grits and presented to us! Believe me when I tell you, it was worth the wait! I have never tasted anything so delicious and comforting. I’m glad it was a cold night, because the meal warmed me from the inside out!

As the evening came to an end, I waited in line with everyone else to have Sallie Ann sign my cookbook. It was a pleasure to spend the evening with the sixth-generation Daufuskie native who is both an entertainer and a master chef. She is most definitely a Lowcountry treasure. After her demonstration I gathered ingredients and made my family’s Shrimp and Grits recipe.

Sallie Ann’s recipe for Cooper River Smuttered Shrimp can be found in her cookbook Gullah Home Cooking the Daufuskie Way. To experience a tour on Daufuskie with Sallie Ann Robinson, visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/daufuskie-island-tours.

We’re Accessible

6 January 2021

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Daufuskie Island, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hardeeville, Hilton Head Island, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland, Walterboro

Limited mobility is not a problem in the SC Lowcountry.

mobility impaired destination — *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!

Beaufort

The sidewalks and streets of downtown Beaufort make touring the city quite easy. Take a walking tour of Beaufort’s Historic Churches, or tour along Bay Street’s Waterfront Homes. Venture across Boundary Street to view the Homes of the Point . The Historic Churches of Beaufort can be viewed, either driving or walking.

Looking for an indoor adventure? Visit the Beaufort Arsenal Museum , or the Penn Center.

*Sands Boardwalk image by Miles Sanders.*

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.

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.

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 Island State 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 Trail is 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 the Garvin-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 afternoon Sailing 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

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.

Just up the street you’ll find the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage. This museum has fun travelling exhibits and permanent displays.

*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

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. Click HERE 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 Area and Donnelley 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.

Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail

19 November 2020

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Blog, Destinations, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Parks, Ridgeland

Interstate weary? This conveniently located nature trail is just what the doctor ordered!

The 10-acre Blue Heron Nature Trail and Learning Center offers relief for the road-weary, and it’s as easy to get to as any rest area. The nature trail is conveniently located at Ridgeland’s I-95, Exit 21.

This in-town green space boasts a nature trail that travels around a three-acre pond and through forested wetlands filled with ferns and native plants. The property also includes a butterfly garden, picnic area, outdoor classroom, observation decks, and a Nature Center. Permanent trailside displays help visitors learn more about the native flora and fauna of Jasper County and the Lowcountry.

Along the trail you will find benches, swings, and an attractive butterfly garden. Be on the look-out for wildlife that frequently stop along the shores of the pond.

In addition to the herons, you may see egrets, ducks, turtles, fish, alligators, and other wildlife. The forest boardwalks take visitors in two different directions so make sure you travel both ways.

The nature trail is open daily dawn to dusk. The Nature Center is open Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Here you’ll find many displays of animals and other interesting facts about the South Carolina Lowcountry.

There is a parking lot that has plenty of room for a camper. The nature trail is also dog-friendly but be sure to pick up what your furry friend puts down.

Get out of the traffic and spend some quality time wandering around this natural gem located at 321 Bailey Lane in Ridgeland.

All images found on Blue Heron Nature Center Facebook page.

For more information on places to go and things to do in the SC Lowcountry visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/

Hollywood Loves the Lowcountry

11 November 2020

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Bluffton, Colleton County, Destinations, Edisto Beach, Hampton, Hampton County, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Ridgeland

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.

Something to Talk About Filming Location

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.

To take a movie tour of the Lowcountry visit southcarolinalowcountry.com/beaufort-port-royal-st-helena-tours.

Photo credit for movie scenes: IMDb.

Lowcountry Ghost Stories ~ Part 5

20 October 2020

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Arts/Culture/History, Blog, Destinations, Hardeeville, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Ridgeland

Part 5 – Jasper County

Jasper County has seen its share of battles over the years. First the Revolutionary War, then the Civil War took its toll on the county. The story of Purrysburg predates both historic events. The settlement of Purrysburg was established on the banks of the Savannah River by Swiss Protestants in 1734. By 1736, the town had 100 houses and 450 settlers. The town soon began to suffer from disease and unhealthy conditions. Those that survived moved on to other surrounding towns in the state and Savannah.

The town would once again see activity in 1779, when it was the site of the Battle of Purrysburg during the Revolutionary War. A 2015 excavation unearthed more than 100 musket balls, several canister shots, and many explosive shells. The battle was a British victory, but the American Patriots fought them off for one year in several skirmishes across the Lowcountry, including Bees Creek and Coosawhatchie. British troops returned to Purrysburg to rest before heading to Charleston. The Patriots were not captured. In fact, they were able to get word to other troops of the British advancement. Today, Purrysburg is the site of a boat landing. The only thing that reminds of the settlement of long ago is a historic monument. Just how many settlers and soldiers died on this spot is unknown. Do any ghostly specters haunt these grounds? If one believes in such things, one will have to admit the possibility.

The city of Hardeeville began to develop and flourish just as the Civil War came to town. During Sherman’s March to the Sea, his army blazed a trail through the town, leaving only one church and a few homes. The Hardeeville Methodist Church was spared because it served as a make-shift hospital for injured soldiers. How many soldiers died in this church? That is unknown. Do any souls haunt the grounds? That is unclear as well. You be the judge of that.

Ridgeland also experienced a visit from Sherman’s men. The Battle of Honey Hill was fought in 1864, and Union soldiers spent time in the Grahamville community. Officers stayed in a home on Bees Creek Road and used the Holy Trinity Church as headquarters. The Union army expedition failed to cut off the railroad between Charleston and Savannah. The battle saw 89 Union and eight Confederate casualties. Although the battle was a Confederate victory, it only delayed the capture of Savannah by a week. The battle was also significant because it was the first large scale combat engagement by a majority African American force. It was launched by the US African American Troops, including the 54^th Massachusetts. After the war, these troops were stationed in Port Royal during Reconstruction.

Just outside Yemassee, Frampton House is nestled under ancient live oaks, dripping in Spanish moss. It is also the home of a few ghostly residents. It is said that the Frampton House has a few residents who have not moved on from this physical world into the afterlife. The house and surrounding land have witnessed a great deal of history and some of those souls may not be ready to leave just yet.

The Frampton name dates back to the 1700s, when thousands of acres were given as a King’s Land Grant to the Frampton family. It was divided into working plantations. During the Civil War, Robert E Lee commissioned earthworks built directly behind the house. This is a spot that was used to successfully (for a time) defend the railroad. In 1865 Union troops burned the original plantation home and the surrounding buildings. Frampton returned in 1868 and built the structure that still stands today. After seeing many owners and falling into disrepair, the house was acquired by the Lowcountry Tourism Commission in 1993.

Today visitors to the house report feeling a ghostly presence. Some have encountered an old woman in the front parlor. Others say they have seen a small girl on the stairs. Stop by and see for yourself so you can draw your own conclusions. The house is open daily, from 8:30 am – 5 pm. Stop by and wander the house and grounds. Have an open mind and see if you can discover one of the spirits that roam the property.

Ghost stories are a part of the Lowcountry folklore. They are woven into our history and have been passed down through generations by elders sitting on the front porch, rocking, and enjoying sweet tea. They are the stories that children love to hear repeatedly. They are best told after dark, especially during the Halloween season. Are they true? Who knows? Can they be debunked? Who cares? Are we going to keep telling them? Of course. Are we going to enjoy the telling? Absolutely!

Three ghostly images were altered for your enjoyment! Did you find them? Happy Halloween!

Why is a spottail bass called a red fish? Because it’s a fish of many names!

28 September 2020

Keelie Robinson

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Categories: Beaufort County, Beaufort/Port Royal/Sea Islands, Blog, Destinations, Jasper County, Outdoor Activities, Ridgeland

Fall is finally here and it’s the season for catching redfish in the South Carolina Lowcountry! These fish are available year-round but tend to move from shallow water to deeper inshore waters during the fall.

Photo by Neal Kendrick of Carolina Tails Charters.

The redfish, or spottail bass is the Lowcountry inshore fisherman’s most popular gamefish. This highly sought-after saltwater fish has many names, depending on the geographic location. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources refers to it as a red drum. Along with redfish and spottail and red drum, this fish is also known as a channel bass and puppy drum. Why did it get the name redfish? Some say it’s because of the copper color of its scales.

Traditionally in the Lowcountry it was known as a spottail for the distinctive black spot on its tail. Sometimes the fish will have more than one spot. On rare occasions it will have no spot at all. What is the purpose of the spot? The spot resembles an eye. This trick of nature fools predators into attacking the fish from the tail, allowing it a chance to swim away from danger.

This popular gamefish is prized by inshore fishermen in the Lowcountry because it is a great fighter, and it can grow to incredible size. The South Carolina record was caught in 1965, weighing 75-pounds. Fish that size are required by law to be released. It’s the smaller fish that is the most delectable.

Even Georgia residents enjoy fishing for redfish in the South Carolina Lowcountry.

How did this fish get so many names? That is a great question. This fish has been a popular catch for anglers throughout our history. It even had more names in the 1930s than it does today. Prior to the 1930s, most Lowcountry anglers called it a channel bass. For some reason, the species was, and still is, known by one name in one locality and an entirely different one just a few miles away.

When in Edisto, get in touch with Edisto Watersports to show you the best spots to find redfish.

According to the “Woods and Waters” column from Charleston’s News and Courier, “Along much of its coastal range the fish, which we know as channel bass, is the redfish,” explained one column written in 1938. “This is the name by which it goes along the southwest coast of Florida all along the Gulf and the Texas coasts … The outstanding characteristic of this fish is the black spot, just about at the base of the caudal fin, or tail … Seen in shallow water, the tail of this fish assumes a beautiful shade of blue. In body color, the reddish cast of the scales is plainly apparent.”

Anglers can catch redfish from Lowcountry riverbanks. Photo by John Holloway.

“Drum is another name, and it is known as the branded and beardless drum. The name ‘branded’ comes from the appearance of the black spot near the tail, which is always an infallible ‘field mark’ of the fish. The real drum is a different fish, and, as some of the natural histories put it, is possessed of ‘a much larger and more resonant musical organ.’ It is known that the drum can emit sounds which are heard at a considerable distance.”

Daily redfish excursions can turn into friendly competitions. This one is a tie because one is longer and the other weighs more! Photo by Charles Pinckney.

Angler Robert S. Barnwell, Jr. offered even more colloquial names for the spot-tail in 1933. “In Virginia the bass is called red drum; in Florida red fish; in South Carolina simply bass. We divide them into three classes according to size – school-bass, stag-bass and channel-bass … we fish for school-bass in the creeks, for stag-bass in the surf, and channel-bass in the rips of harbor banks. As a rule, the school bass are below 16 inches, stag or surf bass range from 20-22 inches, and the channel bass above 36.”

This one is a beauty. Photo by C1 Films.

It doesn’t matter what you call this fish, there is no doubt about its popularity in the SC Lowcountry, where today it is widely known as the redfish. It has become so popular that a strict catch limit was put in place to keep the species at healthy numbers. In 2018 a limit of two fish per day (per angler) and six fish per boat are allowed. A keeper can only be between 15 and 23 inches long. Most anglers, however, prefer to catch and release. Redfish are a designated state gamefish, therefor if caught in South Carolina waters, redfish cannot be sold. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Update to Red Drum (Redfish) Regulations (effective July 1, 2018) they may only be taken by rod & reel and gig. Restrictions on both sport and commercial fishermen allowed the species to rebuild.

Neal Kendrick of Carolina Tails Charters holds a redfish with multiple spots.

According to WRDG Chief Meteorologist and avid fisherman Riley Hale, “Redfish reach maturity around 4 years of age and once that happens, they are able to spawn. Slot redfish between 15-23 inches are less than 4 years of age and are usually the ones caught in tidal creeks and rivers. The slot limit is capped at 23 inches to protect the mature fish that spawn. During the fall, redfish spawn and can usually be found off South Carolina beaches, which makes them a prime target for anglers.” Hale also has good tips for protecting redfish during catch and release. https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/Catch-limit-on-redfish-in-South-Carolina-changes-July-1-486850941.html

Kayaking is another way to catch redfish. Photo found on meateater.com.

Redfish like to feed on crustaceans and other animals that live in the seagrass of the shallow waters. When they do this, their tails have a tendency to extend above the water in a behavior called “tailing”. When they do this, their distinctive spot can be seen on the base of its caudal fin. This is just as exciting as watching a dolphin break the surface. To see an amazing video on fishing for redfish and the tailing behavior filmed by Salt Creek Outfitters visit www.youtube.com.

Taylor Horton of Salt Creek Outfitters enjoys catching redfish.

Redfish also go by the name drum, due to the low, croaking sounds made by the male to attract females during spawning. They make these noises by contracting the muscles attached to its “swim bladder”. Redfish spawn in August and September, then the female will lay around 1.5 million eggs at a time.

A day on the water is always a good idea when catching redfish like this one! Photo by Neal Kendrick.

Redfish can be found in the SC Lowcountry year-round. For the first three years of their lives they thrive in our marshes, bays, and inlets, feeding on shrimp, fiddler crabs and small bait fish. In the fall of their fourth year they migrate offshore with spawning populations. These fish are immensely powerful and fun to catch. Anglers like to look for them tailing around grassy marsh areas during flood tides when large schools begin to form in the fall.

According to Wikipedia chef Paul Prudhomme made a popular dish of Cajun-style Blackened redfish. The seasoning was then sold commercially. The dish became so popular that redfish were overfished to the point of near extinction in the 1980s. Then, in a 2009 episode of Iron Chef America, redfish was the secret ingredient for competitors, who used the fish to prepare several dishes.

Photo by Charles Pinckney

Tony Royal and Tuck Scott from Beaufort’s Bay Street Outfitters had interesting ideas regarding the difference in terminology of our local fish. According to Tony, “The origin of ‘redfish’ most likely came out of the UK, in the 1500’s where they have had a history of referring to things in nature that are red as “Red”. Red Bird, etc. Red Hair as Redhead. Some salmon in Pacific are also referred to as redfish. There is a lake in Idaho called Redfish Lake due to migration of salmon there. The origin of spottail (or spot tail) bass appears to more local, used along the SC coast in particular. It is not a bass but a red drum. There are also black drum. Smaller pinfish are also called spots. They are along our shoreline in warm months.”

Anglers of all ages enjoy catching redfish. Photo by Neal Kendrick.

Here’s Tuck’s interpretation: “The term Redfish came from Louisiana just like the term Spot tail bass came from here locally, but it is Paul Prudhomme who made it popular enough for places to use “Redfish” over other names and the proper name of Red drum. As a member of the Drum family. Red drum are the only drum that only the male drums.”

Special thanks to Suzannah Smith Miles and Riley Hale for their wonderful articles that educated me on redfish and its many names. Thanks also to Tony Royal and Tuck Scott for their insightful thoughts and Erin Weeks – Media & Communication Coordinator for the SC Department of Natural Resources – Marine Resources Division.

…..not at all confusing…..right?

Interest in planning a fishing trip to the South Carolina Lowcountry? Visit https://southcarolinalowcountry.com/fishing-and-hunting/.

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Ridgeland

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Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail

Hollywood Loves the Lowcountry

Lowcountry Ghost Stories ~ Part 5

Why is a spottail bass called a red fish? Because it’s a fish of many names!

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Let’s Get Pickin’ – Local produce can be found across the Lowcountry

U-Pick

Shop at the Farm

Roadside Markets

Community Supported Agriculture

Fresh Meat & Seafood

The PGA Palmetto Championship

New Civil War Exhibit

We Are Dog-Friendly

Parks and Outdoor Areas that are dog-friendly:

Cooking with the Master!

We’re Accessible

Beaufort

Bluffton

Hilton Head

Hampton

Hardeeville

Ridgeland

Walterboro

Edisto Island

Ridgeland’s Blue Heron Nature Trail

Hollywood Loves the Lowcountry

Lowcountry Ghost Stories ~ Part 5

Why is a spottail bass called a red fish? Because it’s a fish of many names!

See what our visitors love about the SOUTH CAROLINA LOWCOUNTRY

Use the #hashtag #sclowcountry to get your image featured!

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