Exploring Isle of Palms, Sullivan Island, and James Island on New Years Eve

We lingered for as long as possible at Buck Hall before our departure to Charleston.  This campground is a gem and we hope to return soon.  



Low tide



Spanish Moss



Our camping neighbors asked us if we would like to go out for lunch to a place that would have fresh shrimp right off the boats today.  Sign me up!  John is not a fan of seafood but was willing to compromise under the circumstances.  On our way to the restaurant Bliss and Cheryl started to tell us stories about growing up on the Isle of Palms.  It is a small island only seven miles long and one mile wide.  They never realized how small the island was until they were much older.  They described a magical time of swimming in the ocean twice a day, fishing, and enjoying the salt marshes.  It sounded so fascinating and before long we were heading over the bridge to see the island.  Bliss and Cheryl said they "kidnapped" us but we were very willing victims.

View Isle of Palms, Sullivan Island, and Mt. Pleasant in a larger map

Since hurricane Hugo the island has changed dramatically from the rebuild and is a lot more commerical. The houses are lovely and very expensive home throughout the island.   It would be a great place to revisit and spend time at the beaches or even go for a bike ride. 

Afterwords we took another bridge over to Sullivan Island. This island had a more residential feel and seemed less commercial.  However, it is even more expensive to live here.  At the end of the island is Fort Moultrie which was the site of the first American victory against the British during the Revolutionary War.  The American army was far out numbered by the British . However, the fort was built with palmetto logs which deflected and absorbed the cannon fire due to their spongy nature.  There is a spectacular view of Charleston and Fort Sumter which can be seen from the fort. 

Edgar Allen Poe wrote "The Gold Bug" while stationed at the fort.  One of my favorite authors, Pat Conroy wrote "Beach Music" and Bliss recommended reading Dorothea Benton Frank's "Sullivan Island".  She said it depicted much the same life she shared with her sister on this island. 



We then drove over another bridge to Mount Pleasant, a peninsula attached to South Carolina.  There were many vendors displaying sweet grass baskets.  This tradition of basket making was started over 300 years ago and was brought over by the slaves of West Africa and passed down from generation to generation.  They are very expensive but interesting to see.  

There was much discussion on where to eat.  This area is known for its seafood and there are many restaurants to choose from.  R.B's Seafood Restaurant was our choice and it was fantastic. Some of our entrees included She Crab Soup, Fried Shrimp and Oysters, and Salmon.  We had a nice view of the Shem Creek where two dolphins were seen at play.  You can even arrive at this restaurant by boat. 

R.B.Restaurant

We had such enjoyable time together.  It was like we had been friends for a long time.  We were so grateful to have a private tour of the area and hear such amazing stories of growing up on an island.

Sullivan Island

 

Afterwords, we drove out to the Navy Base, our home for the next few days.  We quickly checked in with the camphost and will enjoy having full hook ups again. 

It was New Years eve and it did not seem right to just watch TV in such a wonderful city. We heard that the James Island County Park had a Holiday Festival of Lights with fireworks at 9pm. So off we went to another island.  By the way there are 35 islands surrounding Charleston (not all are inhabited).  It was only $10 per car load to drive through over three miles of Christmas and holiday displays.  It was amazing and we especially enjoyed the creative animated display.  My pictures really did not do it justice nor does the website. 

After driving through we parked and walked around looking at more displays and watched the children enjoying the train ride and carousel.  Each one is sponsored by a corporation's with Piggly Wiggly the main sponsor (a local grocery store).  The firework display was well done and a real crowd pleaser. There is also a campground that receives good reviews and may be worth checking out in the future   

It was a magical New Years eve that we will long remember.  We wish you all the best for the New Year! Thanks for following along with our travels.