Edisto Island is blessed with amazing physical beauty and a wonderful, tranquil way of life that harkens back to another era and has been virtually lost in many of the other sea islands. Life here is very much like it was 50 years ago. And, as the “locals” and regular visitors to Edisto South Carolina know, one of the greatest attributes of our island is its rich history that still comes alive today.
While you’re here, be sure to set time aside to visit the Edisto Island Museum, which is owned and operated by the Edisto Island Historic Preservation Society. Those who came to this island generations ago left a part of themselves behind, things that have a story to tell about the history of Edisto. Our museum preserves this history through photographs and artifacts, which will give you a true “sense of place” that is unique to Edisto. There are still numerous historic structures on Edisto, many of which are not open to the public except once a year when they are on our annual plantation tour. By visiting the Museum, our visitors are able to learn more about the way of life behind those private gates and doors.
One of our most precious assets that is open to the public is the magnificent Botany Bay Plantation Wildlife Management Area. This property consists of nearly 5,000 acres and about three miles of pristine beach, and is the combination of two large plantations, Bleak Hall and Sea Cloud. While neither home is still intact, several historic outbuildings and structures dating from the 1800s remain.
To truly appreciate the historic significance of Botany Bay Plantation, a visit to the Museum is a must. In addition to photographs of Bleak Hall and Sea Cloud, we also have numerous pieces of furniture, china, silver and other artifacts that give our visitors a better understanding of what life was like on these vast plantations. Your Museum visit will help put everything into perspective when you go out to Botany Bay.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the Museum is just for adults. We have a wonderful nature room so children can see – and hear – examples of animals native to Edisto Island and the Lowcountry, including snakes, birds, foxes, raccoons and bobcats. Our Museum gift shop carries items for all ages, including educational toys and books.
The Edisto Museum is located at 8123 Chisolm Plantation Road, just off of Highway 174, at the entrance to Middleton Plantation. Our hours are from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, visit our website at www.edistomuseum.org.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Escape the Wrath of Winter on Edisto Island
One of the best of the many great things about Edisto Island is its mild, pleasant climate and lack of extreme weather, with rare exceptions. As a barrier island on the southern coast of South Carolina, Edisto Island is one of the largest in the chain of “Sea Islands” that form the coastline from north of Charleston to the northeast tip of Florida. The ocean exerts a considerable moderating effect on our coastal weather, tempering both the extreme daytime heat of summer and the colder nights in winter, compared to locations in the interior.
Edisto’s climate is “humid subtropical”. Summers are long and “warm” and winters are mild. Rainfall is generally abundant throughout the year. There are occasional droughts, though not usually severe this close to the coast. In spite of some recent wet weather in April, we are still in a prolonged period of below normal rainfall that has persisted for several years. Rainfall is normally more concentrated in the summer months, mainly due to frequent afternoon or evening thundershowers. The long-term average yearly rainfall on the island is close to 50 inches, but about half of that typically falls in a four-month period from late May to late September.
Spending much of my early life growing up on the southeast coast, my weather career finally brought my family back to the region in 1994 when we relocated to the Charleston area. Living in Summerville, we spent the first couple of summers looking for the best beaches in the area, from the Isle of Palms to Edisto. All were roughly the same distance from where we lived, and not surprisingly, Edisto stood out.
I can remember many days we would leave Edisto Beach in the late afternoon, under a still-sunny sky with a brisk sea breeze blowing. As we headed back toward Summerville, the thunderheads further inland became more noticeable - and closer - as we drove away from the beach. Often we would have to go through a “frog-strangler” somewhere between Ravenel and Summerville. Not only does the sea breeze normally keep our summertime afternoon temperatures lower than those further inland (though it raises the humidity) -- the cooler and more stable air blowing off the ocean also keeps much of the heavier summertime thunderstorm activity away from the coast. As a result, rainfall in the summer averages less on the islands than 10 to 30 miles inland.
Many newcomers to the southeast coast worry about the threat of hurricanes, with media coverage of the topic often overstating the danger. Tropical systems are a normal and expected part of life in this part of the country. In reality, a direct hit by a major hurricane is a rare event for any particular location on this part of the Carolina coast. The last “direct hit” on Edisto by a significant hurricane was in September 1959, when the eye of Gracie (a category 3 hurricane) crossed the coast just south of Edisto. Tropical storms are “out there” every summer, and bear watching, but most never come close. When they do, there is plenty of warning, especially if it’s a big one. The few tropical systems that do affect the area usually bring beneficial rain and little damage.
Edisto’s climate is “humid subtropical”. Summers are long and “warm” and winters are mild. Rainfall is generally abundant throughout the year. There are occasional droughts, though not usually severe this close to the coast. In spite of some recent wet weather in April, we are still in a prolonged period of below normal rainfall that has persisted for several years. Rainfall is normally more concentrated in the summer months, mainly due to frequent afternoon or evening thundershowers. The long-term average yearly rainfall on the island is close to 50 inches, but about half of that typically falls in a four-month period from late May to late September.
Spending much of my early life growing up on the southeast coast, my weather career finally brought my family back to the region in 1994 when we relocated to the Charleston area. Living in Summerville, we spent the first couple of summers looking for the best beaches in the area, from the Isle of Palms to Edisto. All were roughly the same distance from where we lived, and not surprisingly, Edisto stood out.
I can remember many days we would leave Edisto Beach in the late afternoon, under a still-sunny sky with a brisk sea breeze blowing. As we headed back toward Summerville, the thunderheads further inland became more noticeable - and closer - as we drove away from the beach. Often we would have to go through a “frog-strangler” somewhere between Ravenel and Summerville. Not only does the sea breeze normally keep our summertime afternoon temperatures lower than those further inland (though it raises the humidity) -- the cooler and more stable air blowing off the ocean also keeps much of the heavier summertime thunderstorm activity away from the coast. As a result, rainfall in the summer averages less on the islands than 10 to 30 miles inland.
Many newcomers to the southeast coast worry about the threat of hurricanes, with media coverage of the topic often overstating the danger. Tropical systems are a normal and expected part of life in this part of the country. In reality, a direct hit by a major hurricane is a rare event for any particular location on this part of the Carolina coast. The last “direct hit” on Edisto by a significant hurricane was in September 1959, when the eye of Gracie (a category 3 hurricane) crossed the coast just south of Edisto. Tropical storms are “out there” every summer, and bear watching, but most never come close. When they do, there is plenty of warning, especially if it’s a big one. The few tropical systems that do affect the area usually bring beneficial rain and little damage.
Monday, November 9, 2009
The Edisto Beach Family Experience
Our beach at Edisto has always enjoyed a wonderful reputation as an unexcelled family experience. The Township of Edisto Beach has worked hard to maintain this reputation by providing accessible parking and a safe and clean atmosphere.
Our visitors are pleased with the lack of stop lights, noisy bars, and these attributes have brought generations back to enjoy themselves.
But note this: Edisto Beach is not only a beachy place, but shares its reputation with a super accessible estuary full of creeks, both narrow and wide, that provide some of the finest fishing and seafood gathering in our state. Don’t forget to bring along your boats, kayaks, and canoes. The State Park has upgraded its boat launching site and welcomes your arrival.
Please do remember to update your fishing licenses at our marina.
By: Jim Rooney
Our visitors are pleased with the lack of stop lights, noisy bars, and these attributes have brought generations back to enjoy themselves.
But note this: Edisto Beach is not only a beachy place, but shares its reputation with a super accessible estuary full of creeks, both narrow and wide, that provide some of the finest fishing and seafood gathering in our state. Don’t forget to bring along your boats, kayaks, and canoes. The State Park has upgraded its boat launching site and welcomes your arrival.
Please do remember to update your fishing licenses at our marina.
By: Jim Rooney
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Thank You Prudential Kapp/Lyons...
I know I have already said "thank you" to Christy in person and via the evaluation form, but I want to make sure I cover all bases. Your staff deserves it. We have only rented through your agency a couple of times, but I am so impressed. Everyone I have spoken with has been exceptionally nice and helpful. They go beyond good customer service to sincere caring about the customer and meeting their needs.
I spoke with Danette on several occasions after doing some research on the net to find the best house to suit our needs. She patiently took the time to discuss the houses I mentioned and after learning exactly what we were looking for, offered a couple other suggestions that I had not considered.
She gave her honest opinion about each one as I asked her to do. She gave the pros and cons of each. With her guidance, we made our selection and upon arriving on the 11th, were happy with it. Danette had a world of patience as I asked a thousand questions.
Christy assisted us upon our arrival and she was incredible. As with Danette, we could not have received better service. Christy is just so cheerful and upbeat it gives you a lift just by talking to her. She also worked it out so we could go inside a couple of the houses we wanted to consider for next year after they were vacated on the 18th. We found that Danette had done her job well and it was not a hard decision to stick with the one we rented this year. The other houses were fine, but Danette's advice was perfect and we have no desire to switch.
If you feel I am going overboard with the praise, I assure you, I am not.
These two employees and also those whose names I did not get are doing an outstanding job. I appreciate them for making not only our visit pleasant, but the preparations enjoyable.
Our thanks to Prudential Kapp/Lyons employees for making our 2009 summer vacation special. We will recommend you anytime we get a chance.
Have a great summer.
I spoke with Danette on several occasions after doing some research on the net to find the best house to suit our needs. She patiently took the time to discuss the houses I mentioned and after learning exactly what we were looking for, offered a couple other suggestions that I had not considered.
She gave her honest opinion about each one as I asked her to do. She gave the pros and cons of each. With her guidance, we made our selection and upon arriving on the 11th, were happy with it. Danette had a world of patience as I asked a thousand questions.
Christy assisted us upon our arrival and she was incredible. As with Danette, we could not have received better service. Christy is just so cheerful and upbeat it gives you a lift just by talking to her. She also worked it out so we could go inside a couple of the houses we wanted to consider for next year after they were vacated on the 18th. We found that Danette had done her job well and it was not a hard decision to stick with the one we rented this year. The other houses were fine, but Danette's advice was perfect and we have no desire to switch.
If you feel I am going overboard with the praise, I assure you, I am not.
These two employees and also those whose names I did not get are doing an outstanding job. I appreciate them for making not only our visit pleasant, but the preparations enjoyable.
Our thanks to Prudential Kapp/Lyons employees for making our 2009 summer vacation special. We will recommend you anytime we get a chance.
Have a great summer.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Casual Dining in Edisto, South Carolina
The Sea Cow Eatery
An item you'll probably want to get at The Sea Cow Eatery , will be one of the cute hats or t-shirts. The cow logo -- a surfing, flipper wearing, goggled up cow -- is cute, and -- after years of the restaurant being a part of Edisto -- iconic. But don't forget to order the food -- it's good dining and a good price.
The must-haves: For lunch, the Oyster Po' Boy and Shrimp Po' Boy, are both want-to-come-back delicious. Order them up with some beer battered fries and lemonade. For dinner, not much beats the Sea Cow Super Platter, with fresh flounder, shrimp, oysters and scallops. If you aren't in the mood for seafood, the Curry Chicken Salad Platter is yummy.
Of note. The "Moo La La" French Toast is a perfect -- and perfectly filling -- island breakfast.
Screened-porch seating and inside seating are available, as is al fresco dining under the giant red umbrellas, but do come earlier than your stomach needs -- as this place gets packed, fast.
Of note. The homemade desserts give you no other option but to
over-order. Don't feel guilty. Indulge.
The Sea Cow Eatery
Address: At the Edisto Village Shops
145 Jungle Road
Edisto Beach, SC., 29438
Phone: 843-869-3222
Website: theseacoweatery.com
An item you'll probably want to get at The Sea Cow Eatery , will be one of the cute hats or t-shirts. The cow logo -- a surfing, flipper wearing, goggled up cow -- is cute, and -- after years of the restaurant being a part of Edisto -- iconic. But don't forget to order the food -- it's good dining and a good price.
The must-haves: For lunch, the Oyster Po' Boy and Shrimp Po' Boy, are both want-to-come-back delicious. Order them up with some beer battered fries and lemonade. For dinner, not much beats the Sea Cow Super Platter, with fresh flounder, shrimp, oysters and scallops. If you aren't in the mood for seafood, the Curry Chicken Salad Platter is yummy.
Of note. The "Moo La La" French Toast is a perfect -- and perfectly filling -- island breakfast.
Screened-porch seating and inside seating are available, as is al fresco dining under the giant red umbrellas, but do come earlier than your stomach needs -- as this place gets packed, fast.
Of note. The homemade desserts give you no other option but to
over-order. Don't feel guilty. Indulge.
The Sea Cow Eatery
Address: At the Edisto Village Shops
145 Jungle Road
Edisto Beach, SC., 29438
Phone: 843-869-3222
Website: theseacoweatery.com
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Paint Your Own Pottery
Shirley Hrvol owns and runs Crafts By The Sea, an Edisto tradition going on 14 years now. The shop used to be at Palmetto Plaza, but in 2008 Shirley moved out to Raccoon Island Road. It's a bit of a drive, but well-worth the trip. This is where Edisto memories are created -- physically!
Paint Your Own Pottery
Paint your own pottery here and take it home. Paint family reunion platters, complete with foot and hand prints of the teeniest members. For good cheer, paint up some Edisto wine glasses. Make an Edisto clock (because no time is as good as Edisto time). Paint a bird house, a teapot, a piggy bank or tons of different figurines. (Kids will want to paint the alligators and sea tutles after visiting the Serpentarium!).
Of note - Come at the beginning of your visit to the beach to give Shirley a few days to glaze and fire your ceramics for you (it takes two to four days). If you miss the firing date, she can ship your ceramics across the country for you.
Tons of colors are available, but don't forget to ask for the Neon and Speckled paint, as well as the Paint-in-the-Tube, that acts like Puff paint -- works the same and it's less expensive for her customers.
Of note - If you have a particular item you want to paint, call ahead and Shirley can let you know if it's in, or she can order it if given a two week's notice.
What makes Crafts By The Sea more special than any other Paint-Your-Own-Pottery place is, hands down, Shirley! You won't find yourself staring at a blank ceramic piece for long. She will ask you all kinds of questions and bring out your muse. Before you know it, the colors and design will come right out of your fingertips as if you're Van Gogh.
Scrapbooking
Come use Shirley's tools in the Edisto scrapbooking lab. Die cut machines, multi-punches, circle cutters, round cutters, paper crimpers, etc. Or just come buy things already made for you own collection: stickers, kits, embellishments, accents, albums and mini-albums, Rainbow of Memories and a ton more. If you've never scrapbooked before, Shirley is the perfect teacher to get you started.
What's new this year?
An Explosion Box -- a kiit exclusive to Edisto Island. It's a mini-album that bursts open with photos and fun. Very nice! And her exclusively designed Edisto and Charleston designer papers. Also check out her FastTrac Page Designs -- one size fits all, and these new transparencies are faster and easier then ever. Last but not least, the Edisto pre-designed pages... made from scratch by Shirley. Forget Edisto T-Shirts... This is the place to find a huge variety of Edisto logos. As Shirley says, "We are the Headquarters for anything Edisto."
Shop For Gifts
- Pre-designed Edisto Mini-Photo Albums -- each page has an Edisto-themed background -- just put your photos in!
- The Melted Bottles - USC and Clemson logos, Georgia Bulldogs, South Carolina flag logos, some are used as windchimes, spoon rests, coin holders, and as cheese platters that come with a knife and an exclusive Cheesy Beach Ball recipe.
- Edisto Beach front property in a bag
- Stickers for kids!
- Edisto Shadow Boxes with real Edisto sand, seaweed and shells.
- Already painted or custom painted ceramics -- we love the painted pineapples and Life's A Beach plaque
- Watermelon Flip-Flop clocks
- Anything for weddings, anniversaries and family reunions!
- and a whole lot more.
P.S. Check out the garden outside -- raccoons, deer, bobcats and all sorts of lovely wildlife abound. This is a peaceful and creative place to spend some quality time with your family.
Crafts By The Sea
Address:
8548 Raccoon Island Road
Edisto Island, 29438
Phone:
843-869-0075
Toll-Free:
866-836-0075
Website: craftsbythesea.com
Friday, July 3, 2009
Buck's Pizza - More Than Just Great Pizza On Edisto Beach
You might think the only pizza on Edisto wouldn't have to try to be the best, but Buck's Pizza pulls out all the stops to be a good pizza and a fun place to go. Okay, it isn't New York pizza, but if you like standard American pizza (think Pizza Hut, Dominoes, Papa John's, etc.), this is as good, if not better. And the prices are comparable.You can build your own pizza -- at any size (from a 9” small all the way to a Bellybuster 1' x 2'), using over 20 different toppings (all the usuals, along with others, such as: feta cheese, artichokes, chicken, steak, pineapples, fresh spinach, jalapenos, etc.). Or order one of their specialty pizzas: the loaded up Pepperoni Classic or Sausage Classic, the Old World -- almost a large BLT, yum! -- the Vegi-Delite -- a piled up vegetarian pizza -- the Hawaiian, a Margherita pizza, a Greek pizza, a Spinach Alfredo pizza and more.
Not in the mood for pizza? No problem. Buck's Pizza also has oven-baked hoagies, stroboli, spaghetti and meatballs, fettuccine alfredo, salads (garden, chef, caesar, chicken caesar, greek, spinach and even a chicken tender salad!), french fries, fried pickle spears, chips and salsa, spinach artichoke dip and chips, cinnamon sticks, cannoli and more!
And they have Buck's Pizza has wings! Lots of wings: chicken wings, boneless wings and chicken tender wings -- all with over 10 different sauces to be used, including honey BBQ, Jamaican Jerk, Thai, teriyaki, etc.
They also proclaim to have the coldest beer in town -- enough to entice even the laziest family member to say, "I'll go pick up the pizza". And if you're on Palmetto Boulevard, they even deliver. (Sorry beer drinkers!)
During high season, Buck's also has Live Music on the deck. Fun!
Buck's Pizza
Address:
114 Jungle Road
Edisto Beach, 29438
Phone: 843-869-5000
Website for Buck's Pizza on Edisto Beach
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