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Sometimes, small cities go away a long-lasting mark greater and higher than the world’s most sought-after locations.
Greeted with “how ya doin‘?” as a substitute of “keep it movin” the place you are feeling like simply one other face within the crowd, the South is teeming with hidden gems and quaint getaways that may have you ever coming again repeatedly.
For instance, after I go to Texas now and again, I usually discover myself in search of out the small cities of Grapevine, Gruene, and Socorro, relying on the place I’m within the state, however definitely not Dallas or Austin.
Same goes for any state, however on this case, you might wish to skip out on the vacationer crowds of ever-so-trendy Charleston in favor of an idyllic, pint-sized island simply 20 minutes away.
Sullivan’s Island: South Carolina’s Best Kept Secret
Practically a stone’s throw from one of many South’s hottest cities to bask in wealthy historical past, epic eats, and timeless appeal is Sullivan’s Island, providing most of the similar delights with out hordes of tourists and overpriced menus.
This 3.5-mile-long barrier island is nestled alongside the Atlantic between quite a few neighboring islands and, sure, Charleston.
Typically, you may hear of most vacationers making their technique to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s famend coastal trip spot lined with beachside resorts and a buzzing boardwalk, however Sullivan’s Island has gotta be the state’s best-kept secret.
Those in search of a tranquil seaside getaway ought to look no additional than Sullivan’s Island, boasting a really walkable rustic downtown straightforward to peruse native outlets, galleries, and bar-hop in case you please.
While you might not see eating places run by acclaimed cooks featured by the Food Network, amongst others, as you’ll in Charleston, you’ll uncover homey southern consolation meals intermixed with “catch of the days” straight from the supply.
Better but, you will not must spend a fraction of your paycheck on a cup of espresso since there is no Starbucks, a small instance portraying the island’s far much less touristy vibes with out the eyesores of chain eating places ruining the townscape’s character.
Historic Sites & Epic Eats: Plenty To Do, See, And Indulge
Originally named O’Sullivan Island after early settler Captain Florence O’Sullivan, the “O” has since been dropped, however many historic websites stay.
Having performed a major issue by means of a number of wars, together with floor zero for the Battle of Sullivan’s Island in 1776, vacationers can go to preserved constructions like Fort Moultrie, holding intriguing displays and sweeping views of the encircling surroundings.
Fort Moultrie additionally overlooks Fort Sumter, one other vital website, however you may have to detour again to Charleston to have the ability to attain the ladder through ferry.
While it might be tempting to seize a chew to eat in one of many nation’s hottest foodie cities, Sullivan’s Island’s meals scene is nothing to sleep on, with distinctive seafood and mouthwatering barbecue that may have you ever asking for further napkins.
Southern Living puffed up a number of completely different spots, relying in your palate. If you are as much as slurping down oysters, try The Longboard’s ‘Happy Hour’.
If you are the kind to nibble each final little bit of ribs, then Home Team BBQ is only for you. But, if it have been me, I’d be feasting on a burger at Poe’s Tavern, an institution devoted to famed poet Edgar Allan Poe, who was stationed on Sullivan’s Island as a non-public within the Army within the 1800s.
Who woulda thunk it?
Tranquil Beaches & Cozy Cottages With Free Wine
As pleasant as Sullivan’s Island’s primary strip and as fascinating and photo-worthy because the quite a few historic websites could also be, at its core, this island is a year-round seaside vacation spot.
Sullivan’s Island Beach holds a formidable 4.7 Google Rating, largely partially resulting from a lot open house, in contrast to, say, Myrtle Beach.
Station 18 Beach can be a tranquil spot, boasting white sand and calm waves, similar to Sullivan’s Island Beach.
One of essentially the most underrated points, as soon as you permit Charleston correct, is the flexibility to island-hop the area.
Next to Sullivan’s Island, simply previous a small canal inlet, is Isle Palms Beach, nicely value a day journey to see what it is all about with equally scenic seashores.
But the place do you have to keep? You will not discover name-brand motels right here. Sullivan’s Island is all about cozy leases.
Lining the shores from Sullivan’s Island by means of next-door Isle of Palms are rows of beachside cottages.
You can guide in quite a lot of methods, similar to Airbnb, Booking.com, or by looking out native businesses.
There’s nonetheless loads of occupancy to cap off winter with a calming getaway. I scoured the interwebs for the right seaside cottage, and this one is my favourite.
Costing solely $410 for a weeklong keep, it is positioned instantly subsequent to the aforementioned Fort Moultrie and with rapid seaside entry and walkable to Sullivan’s Island’s Nature Trail.
Plus, who would say no to free wine at check-in?!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the put up.
