South Carolinians who long for a weekend off are in a great state to access beach areas that are some of the most haunting and beautiful in the country. If you live in Charleston, you’re really in luck because most of these places briefly reviewed here take two hours or less to get to.
Savannah is pretty close to Charleston (107 miles) and is about a half tank’s drive away or less. This type of trip would really be more for history enthusiasts over other types because of Savannah’s exquisite layout and the beautiful antebellum homes. Laid out by James Olgethorpe in 1733, Savannah was one of the first planned cities in the world. All the original city streets were laid out around parks and circular garden areas, so a walk around downtown Savannah is a walk through history and a botanical wonderland.
Kiawah Island is just one of the several barrier islands that group across from the Charleston Harbor. Kiawah is the closest of my suggestions for a quick vacation. This island has two world-class golf courses, one of which was the filming site of “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” This course is noted as one of the most demanding and breathtaking rounds of golf in the state. Wildlife is a huge attraction here. Osprey, loggerheads, deer, blue heron and pelicans make their homes here and nature lovers come sometimes simply to enjoy the protected wildlife that floods this island and its 10-miles of beach and marsh. The island is also noted by Tennis Magazine as one of the top tennis resorts in the country. In addition, there are over 30 miles of bike paths that “criss-cross the island.” So for Charlestonians visition for a weekend there is much to do for any sports enthusiast wanting to hone his or her skills in their chosen sport. It is only 30 miles from downtown Charleston, so bikers might just want to pack up their dirt bikes and run over there for a day of riding in some of the most beautiful islands in the area. Then stop off at Jasamine’s for some delicious lowcountry Charleston grits and shrimp. Vacation Packages, Kiawah Island, Lodging, Vacation Rentals, Condos, and Accommodations, ResortQuest. There are incredible vacation packages available but I really loved the equestrian, with its three-night stay, horses supplied, and much more for around $1000 and under. Of course, you can look around the site and choose one that suits you. http://recreation.kiawahresort.com/
Tybee Island, one of the barrier islands out from Savannah, is a small island, not more than 2 miles wide at some spots.http://www.tybeevisit.com/ If you need a visit to the beach area, Tybee is the place. It has an old fashioned charm with dunes and sea oats, the oldest and tallest lighthouse in the state, and forts in and around the island itself. Boat cruises, bike-riding and bird-watching are some of the activities available. But Tybee is really a mecca for fresh seafood devotees since there are over 30 “eclectic” restaurants located here and they specialize in serving up seafood fresh from the Atlantic daily. The accommodations range from hotels, bed and breakfasts, to charming seaside cottages you can rent. The size of the island makes an ideal weekend vacation spot because most anything is close and easy to get to by either foot or car.
The Tybee municipality really values its natural state and has strict ordinances to protect the dunes and sea grasses. Motorized watercraft is not allowed on the waters, so you can expect pristine serenity on your visit.
Beaufort is one of my favorite places on earth. It has been hailed as “queen of the Carolina Sea Islands,” and I think justly so. Beaufort is where “The Big Chill” was filmed and it has been named as “one of the 100 best small art towns in the U.S.” “The Great Santini,” was also filmed here. Small wonder moviemakers love this place with its seaviews, large, graceful homes, and the interlacing of brackish marsh throughout the town.
As the second oldest town in SC, Beaufort was founded in 1514 and chartered by the British in 1711. It is filled with historic atmosphere, with the tabby (a concrete-like concoction with shells) houses, 8 forts and nearby plantations. The historic district is one of only three in SC that has been awarded the designation of National Historical Landmark Districts, if you can believe that! A real “should do” is a visit to the Beaufort Museum and the Heyward House Historic Center. Even if you consider museum visits as rather boring and dry, these will appeal to most anyone, because they’re truly fascinating
